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After lunch, the three boys returned to Dorm 205.
Xie Xie plopped onto his bed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Fang Yang—Gu Yue's totally into you, isn't she?"
He waggled his eyebrows dramatically. "She didn't just invite herself to lunch—she insisted on sitting next to you! And then she gave you her chicken leg! That's not just 'friendly'—that's flirting!"
Over in his bunk, Zhou Changxi—who'd been quietly minding his own business—suddenly froze, ears perked up, listening intently.
Fang Yang chuckled. "Xie Xie, stop jumping to conclusions. Gu Yue's just being kind."
"Kind?!" Xie Xie flailed his arms wildly. "You didn't see the way she looked at you!"
He deepened his voice, imitating Gu Yue with comical solemnity: "That's way more than just 'kindness'!"
Fang Yang sighed, smiling helplessly. "Even if she is interested… I don't exactly mind."
Xie Xie shot upright like a spring-loaded fish. "I KNEW IT! You two are totally scheming something!"
He jabbed a finger at Fang Yang. "Admit it—you're just after Gu Yue's body!"
Then he clapped Tang Wulin on the shoulder. "Right, Wulin? Back me up here!"
Tang Wulin, who'd been quietly observing, scratched his head and gave an honest, sheepish smile. "Well… I do think Gu Yue treats Fang Yang differently…"
"Even Wulin sees it!" Xie Xie clutched his chest in mock despair. "Fang Yang—just confess already!"
Fang Yang shook his head, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Xie Xie, what do you know? This is called love at first sight!"
Just then, he glanced at the time—and his expression shifted. "Uh-oh. Aren't we supposed to be at the field already? We'll be late!"
"Whoa!" Xie Xie's teasing died instantly.
He suddenly remembered Wu Zhangkong's icy glare—and the horrific punishments for lateness. A shiver ran down his spine.
"Run! Now!"
He yanked Tang Wulin's arm, voice cracking with panic. "Teacher Wu's punishments are no joke!"
…
2 p.m. sharp. The sun blazed overhead.
Heatwaves shimmered across Donghai Academy's training field.
Just like the morning, Class Five dragged themselves into formation—exhausted but punctual—for yet another round of physical training.
Wu Zhangkong's earlier promise of "theory in the afternoon" had vanished into thin air.
When questioned, he'd coldly declared:
"With your pathetic stamina, you're in no shape to learn theory. When your bodies are ready—then we'll talk."
The afternoon session was even more brutal than the morning's.
Gone were the laps—now came frog jumps, deep squats, and push-ups.
After the morning's grueling run, the students were already on the verge of collapse.
Beneath the scorching sun, within half an hour, Class Five lay sprawled across the field like fallen soldiers.
Wu Zhangkong, unfazed, first guided them through a brief cooldown.
Once they'd caught their breath—he launched Round Two.
Only one person remained untouched by the agony: Fang Yang.
Wu Zhangkong had deemed his physique so exceptional that physical training was unnecessary.
Instead, Fang Yang was sent off to practice flame control on his own.
Fang Yang didn't mind one bit.
After all—for someone with the Golden Dragon King's bloodline, such drills were pointless.
Hours later, when Wu Zhangkong finally announced the end of training, the class was utterly broken.
Eyes glazed, limbs trembling—they could barely stand, as if every last drop of energy had been wrung from their souls.
They staggered into formation, hollow-eyed, their spirits crushed.
The light inside them had died…
Yet Wu Zhangkong's voice remained icy as ever:
"Dismissed! Rest well tonight. Use the muscle-relaxation methods I taught you—tomorrow will be worse."
"Yesss…" came the feeble, scattered reply—more sigh than answer.
Like condemned prisoners granted reprieve, they exhaled in unison and began shuffling away.
Then—Wu Zhangkong called out:
"Fang Yang, Gu Yue, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin—you four report to my office after dinner."
"What?! More training tonight?!"
Xie Xie let out a soul-crushing wail, knees buckling as if his legs had turned to jelly.
After a full day of torture, this felt like damnation.
Tang Wulin, though drained, was faring better—his Blue Silver Empress bloodline constantly replenishing his stamina.
"Don't worry, Xie Xie," he said gently, supporting Xie Xie's wobbling frame. "Teacher Wu's doing this for our own good. Come on—I'll help you back."
"Thanks, Wulin…" Xie Xie managed a weak smile, his fondness for Tang Wulin deepening.
But then he caught sight of Fang Yang—and his expression turned bitterly resentful.
Fang Yang, you traitor!
You didn't even do the training thanks to your freakish physique…
And now you're ignoring your brothers to dote on Gu Yue!
At that moment, Fang Yang was carefully supporting Gu Yue.
Her pale cheeks were flushed from exhaustion, damp strands of hair clinging to her forehead.
Her breath came in soft gasps, steps unsteady—but Fang Yang held her firmly, keeping her from stumbling.
"Can you walk?" he asked softly, concern in his voice.
Gu Yue gave a quiet "Mm," accepting his help without protest.
Xie Xie gritted his teeth. "Traitor to friendship for the sake of love…" he muttered under his breath.
Tang Wulin just shook his head with a sigh. "Come on—if we don't hurry, the cafeteria'll be empty."
Fang Yang walked Gu Yue to the girls' dormitory entrance.
He stopped at the steps, voice gentle. "I'll leave you here, Gu Yue. See you tonight."
Gu Yue lifted her head. The evening breeze stirred her black hair.
A faint, tender smile touched her lips—her eyes softening as she whispered, "Mm. See you tonight."
She turned and walked inside, her slender silhouette bathed in golden sunset light—ethereal, serene.
In her heart, she murmured:
"Sorry, Na'er… but Fang Yang is mine now."
At that very instant—miles away at Shrek Academy—Na'er suddenly clutched her chest.
Confused, she whispered to herself:
"Why do I feel… like something's gone terribly wrong…?"
Fang Yang stood still, watching until her figure disappeared around the dormitory corner.
Only then did he turn and walk away.
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