Time flies.
In this first year in Notting City, Ye Qiu's life has been fulfilling and routine.
Aside from the classes arranged by the academy in the mornings, most of his time was spent training with Xiao Wu. When the little rabbit was unwilling to cooperate, Ye Qiu would either take her on walks around Notting City or engage in battle technique sparring.
Interestingly, during one of these walks, they ran into the chubby girl who had elbowed her way into the bedding shop on the day school started.
Xiao Wu, of course, hadn't forgotten and immediately returned a few strong elbow strikes, knocking the girl to the ground. If Ye Qiu hadn't stopped her, that chubby girl's waist might have broken. In the end, she fled crying and limping.
Over time, the bond between Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu grew stronger.
Ye Qiu had become so familiar with every little movement, every smile, every gesture of Xiao Wu, that he understood her completely.
Of course, Xiao Wu also knew Ye Qiu very well and had become the person who understood him most in the world, aside from Ye Qiu himself.
This closeness had led to Xiao Wu becoming increasingly audacious, paying little heed to Ye Qiu's warnings, which forced him to frequently "discipline" her.
On the other hand...
Tang San, who always tried to find time to learn from Yu Xiaogang and practice smithing at the blacksmith's shop, often challenged Ye Qiu to spar. Ye Qiu naturally agreed, as he could always use free practice.
However, Ye Qiu was somewhat concealing his martial soul abilities. If Tang San caught on, he'd either become wary or, worse, Yu Xiaogang would take an interest, which would be troublesome.
Even though Ye Qiu claimed that his silk-spitting ability was learned from a spider, it still piqued Yu Xiaogang's curiosity, but Ye Qiu chose to ignore him.
In the dormitory, the students were wrapping up their year and preparing to head home.
Wang Sheng had officially become a soul master and graduated from Notting Academy. He was about to take the exam for a mid-level soul master academy. With his bag packed, he waved goodbye to Ye Qiu and the others.
"Ye Qiu, Big Brother, San Ge, Xiao Wu Jie, I'm leaving! See you again someday!"
With each farewell, Wang Sheng's figure slowly disappeared from sight.
"Probably never to see him again," Ye Qiu muttered while lying in bed, sucking on a lollipop and calmly shaking his head as he watched Wang Sheng leave.
This past year, the relationship between Ye Qiu, Tang San, and Xiao Wu had become much closer.
While Tang San was packing his things, he looked over at Ye Qiu, still lying in bed, and asked in confusion, "Ye Qiu, why aren't you packing? Don't you plan to go home?"
Tang San missed his father back home and although he had hoped for a visit all year, his father, Tang Hao, had never come. Still, Tang San had prepared a new forging hammer as a gift for his father.
In terms of filial piety, Tang San was undeniably devoted.
"Isn't the break tomorrow? I can pack tonight, no rush," Ye Qiu casually waved his hand. He only had a few sets of clothes, so there wasn't much to pack.
Tang San laughed helplessly. Ye Qiu seemed only interested in training and lived a pretty lazy everyday life, either ordering Xiao Wu to help or just chilling. And, well, Ye Qiu seemed particularly fond of Xiao Wu.
A slight dimness crossed Tang San's gaze.
Compared to Ye Qiu, who loved to train, Xiao Wu had spent more time dragging him into her "bullying boys" escapades.
Tang San then turned to look at Xiao Wu.
"So, Xiao Wu, are you going home tomorrow for the break?"
Not far from Ye Qiu's bed, Xiao Wu had long since "moved out" of her bed and was sitting on the edge, lightly swinging her jade-like feet. As she gazed at the increasingly empty dormitory and heard Tang San's question, her usually lively face carried a touch of melancholy.
She shook her head lightly.
"I'm not going home, I might just stay at the academy."
Tang San was a bit taken aback. "It's been a year already, don't you want to go home and visit?"
Xiao Wu, already feeling a bit annoyed by Tang San's probing, suddenly glanced at Ye Qiu, who was lying on his bed, resting with his eyes closed. Her eyes lit up.
She cheerfully said, "Tang San, your house isn't far from the academy, right? How about I come over and play at your place? I mean, since Wang Sheng and the others are leaving, no one will be here to keep Xiao Wu Jie company."
Looking at Xiao Wu, who looked like a porcelain doll, Tang San smiled gently. After a year of getting to know her, he had a pretty good understanding of her personality—she was always causing trouble, yet when she was sweet, she was as obedient and charming as a little doll. But when she got angry, her "Notting City big sister" title was well earned.
Even Ye Qiu, despite being her close friend, often found himself getting the short end of the stick when dealing with her.
Tang San chuckled but didn't directly agree.
"My family is poor, we don't have much to entertain you with."
"Poor? You're the richest in the whole seventh dorm!" Xiao Wu jumped off the bed, hands on her hips, her large scarlet eyes glaring at Tang San. "You save every penny from your allowance, and you also have your salary from the blacksmith's shop. Are you really saying you can't entertain me?!"
"Well, if anyone's poor, it's Xiao Wu Jie, you don't even have a few coins left."
At this point, Xiao Wu mumbled quietly, casting a resentful glance at Ye Qiu's direction. Most of her money had gone into Ye Qiu's pockets, or rather, into fruit, and she'd have to work like a mule to repay him and get some food.
Tang San had several black lines appear on his forehead, watching Xiao Wu suddenly shift from cute to slightly bossy. He awkwardly nodded.
"Well, if you really want to come, you're welcome. But my dad's temper isn't great."
"Don't worry, I'm so cute and well-behaved, your dad will love me," Xiao Wu replied, unfazed. She wasn't actually staying at Tang San's place, so she smiled at him and even winked with her big eyes.
"..."
Tang San stared at Xiao Wu, dumbfounded. He knew she was pretending, but it still made his heart race a little.
Meanwhile, Ye Qiu, still lying on the bed, couldn't help but crack a strange smile after hearing Xiao Wu's comment.
It wasn't just "love," it was practically "adore to death."
"Alright, it's decided then!"
Xiao Wu waved her hand, sealing the deal.
"Fine, we'll leave together first thing tomorrow."
Tang San finally snapped out of it, smiling and nodding. After quickly packing his things, he left the dorm to say a simple goodbye to the teachers.
The seventh dormitory grew quiet.
Xiao Wu, bored out of her mind, glanced at Ye Qiu, who was still lying in bed. Her face flushed slightly as she ran over to his bedside and kicked the foot of his bed twice.
"Ye Qiu~ You need to hurry and pack up! Tomorrow Xiao Wu Jie and you are going home. You better be sharp, don't slack off."