A flicker of something crossed Ning Rongrong's pupils, but she complied.
When Ning Rongrong was not afflicted by her infatuation-driven impulses, her natural intelligence and sharp awareness became unmistakably clear. She understood subtle cues quickly, often reading between words rather than waiting for direct orders. In this moment, her composure returned fully, and she moved with quiet efficiency.
Without needing further instruction from her teacher, she gracefully prepared two cups of fragrant cherry blossom tea. The steam curled upward in delicate wisps, carrying a light floral aroma that blended harmoniously with the surrounding grove. With a calm expression, she stepped forward and proactively handed the cups to Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuyu.
For a brief instant, confusion flickered across the sisters' eyes. They exchanged a glance, clearly uncertain about what was expected of them.
Ning Rongrong let out a soft, almost exasperated sigh, though her tone remained gentle as she reminded them:
"What are you standing there for? Hurry and offer the tea to the teacher, Junior Sisters~"
Her words were light, but the meaning behind them was unmistakable.
"Our Heart of Fire Academy has never taken in maidservants. The teacher said everyone is equal. Those who stay at Heart of Fire Academy are only one of three types: either guests, staff, or students."
She paused briefly, allowing her words to settle before continuing with a meaningful look.
"Which one are you? Have you thought it through clearly?"
Having grown up within the intricate hierarchy of an imperial noble family—and as the eldest sister responsible for maintaining status and awareness—Zhu Zhuyun was no stranger to layered meanings and unspoken intentions. Realization dawned on her almost immediately.
Her hesitation vanished.
With decisive clarity, she stepped forward and dropped to her knees in one smooth motion, holding the teacup with both hands in a gesture of utmost respect. Lowering her head, she performed the formal tea-offering ritual with practiced precision.
"Teacher, please accept the tea!"
Her voice was steady, but beneath it lay a mixture of relief and determination—a conscious choice to seize this opportunity.
"Teacher, please accept the tea!"
Zhu Zhuyu, though slightly slower to react, quickly followed her elder sister's lead. She knelt beside Zhu Zhuyun, mirroring the same respectful posture, her expression earnest and sincere as she presented the tea.
The two sisters, once bound by rivalry and pressure within the Star Luo Empire, now knelt side by side in unity, placing their future into the hands of one person.
Xin accepted the cherry blossom tea from each of them in turn, his movements calm and unhurried. He lifted the cup, took a measured sip, and set it down gently on the stone table beside him. The faint clink of porcelain against stone seemed to echo with quiet finality.
"Today, having offered the tea of apprenticeship, you are now my Disciples."
His voice was neither loud nor imposing, yet it carried undeniable authority.
"As my Disciples, as long as you abide by your duties and adhere to the academy rules, I will naturally protect you with all my strength when you encounter danger in the future. Even if the Star Luo Royal Family comes demanding your return, your teacher will not abandon you."
The promise was simple, yet immensely powerful. For the sisters, who had lived under constant pressure and expectations, those words carried a sense of security they had rarely known.
"However," Xin continued, his tone shifting slightly, "I have stated before that the quota for Core Disciples is full, and I have no spare attention to take more. Therefore, you can only be Named Disciples. Those sitting cross-legged behind you are all your Senior Sisters. Do you have any complaints?"
His gaze rested calmly upon them, offering no room for misunderstanding yet allowing them the dignity of choice.
After Xin finished speaking, Zhu Zhuyun shook her head without hesitation.
"Absolutely no complaints. For Third Sister and me, being able to stay at the academy is already a great fortune. We are perfectly content being Named Disciples."
Her answer was sincere, free from pretense. The burdens she had carried—the fear of rejection, the uncertainty of her fate—began to lift at last.
Only now did Zhu Zhuyun's emotions begin to settle.
The anxiety that had gripped her moments before was something only she truly understood. She had feared that Zhu Zhuqing might harbor resentment and speak unfavorably of her to their teacher. The possibility of being turned away had weighed heavily on her mind, threatening to undo her composure.
But now, that fear dissipated like mist under sunlight.
She could finally breathe.
Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and a sense of calm replaced the tension that had lingered within her chest.
Looking around, she took in the beauty of the Cherry Blossom Forest—the soft cascade of petals, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the serene atmosphere that seemed untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Nearby, the gathered Senior Sisters exuded both strength and grace, their presence radiating a quiet confidence born of discipline and unity.
At the center of it all sat their teacher, calm and composed, his presence almost ethereal—detached yet unwavering, like a pillar that could not be shaken.
For the first time in a long while, Zhu Zhuyun felt as though she had stepped into a place where she truly belonged.
A bright smile bloomed across her face.
Beside her, Zhu Zhuyu mirrored that same expression, her earlier uncertainty replaced by genuine relief and budding hope.
Looking at the beautiful Cherry Blossom Forest around them, at the youthful and beautiful Senior Sisters gathered nearby, and at their ethereal, peerless teacher, bright smiles broke out on Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuyu's faces.
...
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