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Tang San wasn't eager to agree, but before he could refuse, Xiao Wu jumped in with a grin. "Don't worry, Little Black's easygoing, he won't mind. Just don't call Ning Tian Little Six. Where he's from, only elders get away with that."
Ning Rongrong arched an eyebrow, her smile teasing. "Then why do 'you' call him Little Six? Do you have a crush on him or something?"
The group's dynamics were painfully obvious: Tang San was sweet on Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai had his sights on Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu adored Ning Tian, and Zhu Zhuqing seemed to favor Ning Tian after he'd saved her the day before. Ma Hongjun? Just a lustful chicken. Ning Tian, though, didn't return Xiao Wu's affection but showed a hint of care for Zhu Zhuqing.
'Oh, this is too good,' Ning Rongrong thought, practically rubbing her hands together. Shrek Academy was a soap opera waiting to unfold.
Xiao Wu's face turned pink as she stole a glance at Ning Tian, who didn't react. She waved it off quickly. "That's because Little Six, Little Black, and I are from the same academy. We're practically family." No way was she confessing her feelings here.
Tang San exhaled, relieved she hadn't spilled her heart out.
Ning Rongrong saw through the dodge but kept her innocent mask on. "Got it. Well, you all can call me Rongrong from now on, my family and friends do."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Ning Tian and nodded before standing and leaving without saying a word.
Ma Hongjun blinked. "Boss Dai, you're slipping. We've got cute girls here for once, and they're all over Ning Tian. Doesn't fit your playboy rep."
Dai Mubai glared. "Shut it, Fatty."
Tang San's tone chilled. "Xiao Wu and Ning Tian aren't a thing. Keep talking trash, and we'll have a problem."
Ma Hongjun bristled. He could handle Dai Mubai's attitude, but this black-haired newbie acting tough? If he weren't banged up and they weren't classmates, he'd throw a punch. Before he could retort, Xiao Wu exploded.
"Tang San, what's your deal?" she snapped, her face darkening. She nodded to Ning Tian and stormed off.
Terrified of losing her, Tang San scrambled after her.
Dai Mubai turned to Ning Tian, almost begging. "Hey, brother, can we talk?"
"About what?" Ning Tian asked, already guessing.
"Xiao Wu's clearly into you. Could you… maybe step back from Zhuqing?" Dai Mubai's voice trembled with urgency. If Ning Tian weren't stronger, he'd have demanded it.
Ning Tian sipped his soup. "Don't you have those twins already?"
Dai Mubai squirmed. "That's just… casual, you know?"
"Fine. Let's make it a fair fight, then," Ning Tian said coolly.
Dai Mubai's temper flared. "No. You need to back off Zhuqing."
"That a threat?" Ning Tian's eyes sharpened.
"Call it brotherly advice. Do it if you see me as one."
"Sorry, I don't bow to threats. If you're really my brother, you wouldn't pull this. You could fight me for it—win, and I'll step aside."
Ning Tian's calm words cut like a blade.
Dai Mubai's fists tightened, fury blazing in his eyes. But he held back, he knew he'd lose, and a fight would only embarrass him more, especially with Zhu Zhuqing watching. "We'll see," he growled and left.
Ma Hongjun hesitated. "Ning Tian, we're all brothers. Is it worth it over a girl?"
"Yep," Ning Tian said firmly. "I offered a fair shot, and he threatened me. Why should I baby him? He swaps girls like socks. Even if I backed off, Zhu Zhuqing would just end up like those twins–ditched when he's bored."
...….
Outside, Dai Mubai caught up to Zhu Zhuqing. "What's going on with you and Ning Tian?" he demanded.
Zhu Zhuqing, grateful to Ning Tian for saving her and giving her training tips that morning, stopped cold. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice frosty.
"What do I mean?" Dai Mubai laughed darkly. "Don't forget who you are, Zhu Zhuqing."
She glared. "My business isn't yours."
"You—" Dai Mubai's anger surged.
Before he could grab her, a loud clang clang clang rang out—the academy bell calling them to the main field.
Inside, Ning Tian, Ning Rongrong, and Ma Hongjun heard it too.
Ma Hongjun bolted up. "Dean's calling! Main field, same as the second test. I'll get Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Boss Dai." He dashed off.
Ning Rongrong stood, eyes gleaming. "So, all this is because you don't want Zhuqing dumped by Dai Mubai later?"
Ning Tian shook his head. "No. I like her. She's my type."
Ning Rongrong grinned, giving a thumbs-up. "Bold." His honesty caught her off guard. 'This was getting juicy.'
"Let's go, Miss Ning," Ning Tian said, rising.
She giggled. "Just Rongrong, okay?"
Ning Tian strode out without answering. At the field, Oscar waited, freshly shaved. Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai arrived too, but she stood far from him, ignoring him completely. Dai Mubai's face was thunderous.
Spotting Ning Tian, he snorted and turned away.
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