The laugh that followed was genuine, the change in his attitude flowing naturally. He hadn't stopped being the strict professor, but now Ren could see the admiration mixed with the reprimand, like a master craftsman acknowledging a particularly clever apprentice.
"The medicine is still yours if you want it," he offered, sliding the flask across the desk with deliberate care. "Though I suspect you might have your own method for handling the poisoning."
Ren took the flask with gratitude. "Thank you, professor. And yes, I had a plan involving that Shadow Stalker body, but I'll keep this as backup."
"I see you're relaxing... Now," Zhao leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with genuine interest, his owl's gaze equally intent. "How about you tell me the true story of how you acquired all this?"
The mushrooms pulsed while analyzing the professor's new attitude. After considering for a moment, Ren decided to be more sincere.
