Chapter 57: Accommodation Arrangement

Chapter 57: Accommodation Arrangement

"Xiao Jing is short-sighted!" Yan Zhining scoffed, her lips curling. "Not only do I want Qin Jian to join our academy, but I also want him on the Tianshui team."

"Join the Tianshui team?!" Xuewu's jaw dropped, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Teacher, the team roster is already set!"

The surrounding students, overhearing the declaration, were equally stunned.

"A man on our Tianshui team? Other academies will mock us!" Xuewu protested, her brows furrowing.

Unfazed, Yan Zhining grabbed Qin Jian's hand and marched forward. "Qin Jian won't just join the team—he'll be the captain!"

The crowd fell silent, dumbfounded by the audacity of her words.

"Teacher Zhining, are you serious?" Xuewu's face darkened. "Bing'er is our captain! How can you replace her?!"

Qin Jian observed Xuewu's reaction with quiet intrigue. She's awfully protective of Shui Bing'er... Is there something more to their bond?

"Xuewu, be honest," Yan Zhining said, turning to face her. "Do you truly believe Bing'er's leadership can lead the Tianshui team to victory?"

Xuewu's lips parted, but no defense came. She hesitated, then admitted, "Even if we lose under Bing'er, we're fine with it. She's our captain."

Yan Zhining's tone grew stern. "The Tianshui team represents the academy's honor, not your personal preferences. It's not your call to make."

Xuewu clenched her fists, shooting Qin Jian a glare. "I don't see how a man as captain would improve things. It might even make it worse!"

Yan Zhining's lips curved into a cryptic smile. "You'll see. For Bing'er, at least, this will be a game-changer. I'm eager to see the results."

Qin Jian's curiosity piqued. Does Zhining know about Shui Bing'er's feelings for me? Is this about more than just the team's success?

"Teacher Zhining, Xiao Jing's coming!" Xuewu tugged at Yan Zhining's free hand, her voice laced with nerves.

"What's there to fear? I stand by my decisions!" Yan Zhining replied, undaunted.

Qin Jian looked up to see an ice-blue figure speeding toward them along the tree-lined avenue. "Yan Zhining!" the woman roared, her voice silencing the nearby students. "I told you, Tianshui Academy is for female students only! This boy cannot be admitted!"

The crowd's eyes shifted to Qin Jian, buzzing with speculation. Is this boy about to spark a feud among the faculty?

"Xiao Jing, I've already brought this to the senior council," Yan Zhining retorted coolly. "His admission isn't your decision alone."

"But the council hasn't fully approved it!" Xiao Jing snapped, pointing at Qin Jian with disdain. "They agreed to discuss it only after his arrival. You've smuggled him in!"

Qin Jian stayed silent, sensing Xiao Jing's hostility. Does she just hate men, or is it something else?

"Then let's hold the meeting," Yan Zhining said dismissively, pulling Qin Jian along. "I'll handle his enrollment first."

"You're rushing this now, but when he's kicked out, I'll enjoy watching you squirm," Xiao Jing sneered, storming off toward the academy's central building.

"Let's see if the council is foolish enough to reject a student courted by every Elemental Academy," Yan Zhining shot back, tossing her hair and dragging Qin Jian onward. "Come, let's get your lodging sorted."

Xuewu trailed behind, whispering urgently, "Teacher, you're not planning to let him live in our team's building, are you? It's for the Tianshui team only!"

"Of course he's living there," Yan Zhining said matter-of-factly. "You're a team now. Why would he live elsewhere?"

Xuewu's eyes widened. "Teacher, he's not a girl! How can he live with us? And there are only four rooms, all occupied!"

"Hmm, didn't Qiu Ruoshui take a room alone? Each room has two beds, so Qin Jian can move in with her," Yan Zhining mused, stroking her chin.

"Teacher, Ruoshui's too carefree! What if he takes advantage of her?" Xuewu argued, trying to sway her.

Qin Jian kept quiet, sensing Yan Zhining's bold approach might backfire. Throwing me into the team's dorm could fracture their unity...

Yan Zhining nodded at Xuewu's point. "You're right. Ruoshui isn't suitable..."

"Exactly!" Xuewu pressed, sensing an opening. "He shouldn't live with us at all. Arrange him somewhere else."

"Not suitable for Ruoshui, I mean," Yan Zhining clarified, a mischievous glint in her eye. Xuewu tensed.

"Teacher... what are you scheming now?" Xuewu asked warily, knowing Yan Zhining's penchant for shocking decisions.

With a clap, Yan Zhining announced, "Qin Jian won't live with Ruoshui. Xuewu, you'll move in with Ruoshui, and Qin Jian will share a room with Bing'er!"

"No!" Xuewu shrieked, clutching Yan Zhining's arm. "You can't separate me from Bing'er!"

Qin Jian's eyes widened. This women's academy is... complicated.

"Fine, fine, I hear you," Yan Zhining relented, waving her off. "Then Qin Jian shares with Ruoshui, and you stay put. No more objections. Start packing when we get back."

Ignoring Xuewu's sullen glare, Yan Zhining led them to a charming two-story building nestled against a mountain.

She strode inside, calling out, "New team member alert! Come welcome him, kids!"

Her brash announcement echoed through the building, making Qin Jian cringe. She sounds like a brothel madam...

The first floor featured a spacious living room with a high ceiling, connecting to a corridor on the second floor where four large rooms overlooked the hall. Only two students emerged at Yan Zhining's call.

"Huh? Qin Jian, is that you?" a familiar voice rang out.

Qin Jian looked up to see Shui Bing'er leaning against the second-floor railing, her expression brightening.

The girl beside her perked up, intrigued. "Qin Jian? The one you've been talking about, Bing'er?"

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(End of this chapter)