The competitive spirit between Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing shows no signs of abating as they finally stop at a quaint little inn for dinner. The aroma of simple country cooking fills the air, but the two girls seem more focused on their silent battle for Song Qing's attention than the food.
As they sit at a wooden table, Rongrong strategically positions herself next to Song Qing, leaning against his arm as they peruse the menu. Zhu Zhuqing, not to be outdone, sits directly opposite him, her dark eyes occasionally meeting his with a possessive gleam.
"Qing, what are you going to order?" Rongrong asks sweetly, her fingers tracing patterns on his arm. "Maybe we can share something?"
"I haven't decided yet, Rongrong," Song Qing replies, a little amused by their subtle maneuvering. He glances at Zhu Zhuqing, who simply raises an eyebrow, a silent challenge in her gaze.
"They have a rather nice-looking fish dish," Zhu Zhuqing interjects, her voice calm but with an underlying edge. "Perhaps Qing would enjoy that."
"Oh, but Qing loves sweet things!" Rongrong counters quickly. "They also have a delicious-sounding honey-glazed pork." She looks up at Song Qing with wide, innocent eyes. "Wouldn't you like that, Qing?"
Song Qing chuckles inwardly. They are both so transparent in their attempts to curry favor. "I think I'll just go with the fish," he says, deciding to avoid taking sides for now.
Rongrong pouts slightly, while Zhu Zhuqing offers a small, almost imperceptible smile of victory. The silent competition continues throughout the meal, with each girl trying to engage Song Qing in conversation, subtly touching his arm or shoulder, and occasionally shooting pointed glances at the other.
Later, as they are shown to their room – a modest space with one large bed and a smaller single bed – the battleground shifts.
"Well, Qing will obviously sleep in the large bed," Rongrong declares matter-of-factly, already making a beeline for it. "And I'll keep him company."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrow. "Excuse me? I think I will be keeping Qing company. You can have the single bed, Rongrong."
"Oh, really?" Rongrong retorts, her hands on her hips. "And why is that?"
"Because…" Zhu Zhuqing hesitates for a moment, then says with a confident smirk, "because Qing prefers it that way."
Rongrong's face falls slightly. She knows Zhu Zhuqing has a certain… advantage in that department. "That's not fair!" she protests.
Song Qing sighs, stepping between them. "Alright, alright, that's enough. How about this?" He puts an arm around each of them, pulling them close. "We'll all sleep in the big bed. Together."
Both girls look at him, surprised. "Together?" they ask in unison.
Song Qing nods, a gentle smile on his face. "Yes. We're friends, right? And I like having both of you close." He pulls them into a hug, enjoying the feeling of Rongrong's delicate, petite body pressed against one side of him and Zhu Zhuqing's mature yet plump body against the other. It is a comforting feeling, having them both near.
That night, after Rongrong has finally drifted off to sleep, her small form curled up on one side of him, Song Qing gently turns to Zhu Zhuqing, who is lying quietly on his other side, her dark eyes still wide open in the dim light of the room.
"Zhuqing," he whispers softly, his hand reaching out to gently stroke her cheek. "Are you alright?"
Zhu Zhuqing leans into his touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I'm fine, Qing. Just… thinking."
"About Dai Mubai?" Song Qing asks gently.
Zhu Zhuqing nods, her expression clouding over. "I don't want to see him, Qing. I don't want anything to do with him. My only wish is to be with you."
Song Qing's heart warms at her words. He pulls her closer, his arms wrapping around her. "I know, Zhuqing. And I want you by my side too. Don't worry about him. We'll face whatever comes together." He kisses her forehead softly. "You are so important to me, Zhuqing. You're strong, loyal, and… incredibly beautiful." He lets his gaze linger on her face, his thumb gently caressing her lips. "Don't let Rongrong's teasing get to you. You are perfect just the way you are."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes soften, and she snuggles closer to him, feeling reassured by his words and his touch. "Thank you, Qing," she whispers, her voice filled with affection. "You always know what to say."
The next morning, while Zhu Zhuqing is taking a bath, Song Qing finds Rongrong sitting by the window, a slightly forlorn expression on her face. He sits down beside her, taking her small hand in his.
"Rongrong," he says gently, "you seemed a little upset last night."
Rongrong looks up at him, her cyan eyes filled with a hint of sadness. "It's just… Zhuqing always seems to… have an advantage," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.
Song Qing squeezes her hand. "Rongrong, you are special in your own way. You are bright, funny, and incredibly beautiful. You light up any room you walk into." He gently cups her face in his hands, his gaze sincere. "I cherish your energy, your laughter, and your unwavering loyalty. You are so important to me, Rongrong. Don't ever think otherwise."
Rongrong's eyes flutter, and a small smile graces her lips. "Really, Qing?"
"Really," Song Qing affirms, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "You both are incredibly important to me. And it hurts me when you two fight like that. Can you please try to be a little kinder to each other? For me?"
Rongrong nods, her smile widening. "Okay, Qing. For you, I'll try."
Later, as they continue their journey, Song Qing makes sure to spend time with both girls, talking to them, laughing with them, and making them feel valued and loved. He knows it won't be easy to completely quell their rivalry, but he hopes that by showing them both how much he cares, he can at least minimize the blatant fights between the two and foster a sense of camaraderie between them.
~~
As their carriage continues its journey towards Suotuo City, Song Qing gathers the attention of both Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, his expression turning serious once more. The playful banter from their earlier catfight has subsided, replaced by a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
"Listen, you two," Song Qing says, his voice carrying a note of caution, "when we reach Shrek Academy, it's crucial that neither of you show any open displays of affection towards me. At least, not initially."
Ning Rongrong's bright eyes widen, and she pouts slightly. "But Qing! Why not? I like showing everyone how close we are!"
Zhu Zhuqing, though her expression remains more reserved, also looks at him with a hint of disappointment in her dark eyes.
Song Qing sighs gently, understanding their feelings. "I know, I know. But think about it. The world knows that you two are… quite close to me." He emphasizes the words carefully. "While that news might not have reached this relatively small city yet, it's always best to be cautious. We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention to ourselves, especially not to me."
Both girls exchange a thoughtful glance. The memory of Song Qing's near-death experience three years ago is still vivid in their minds. The thought of jeopardizing his safety, even in the slightest, makes them reconsider their initial disappointment.
"You're right, Qing," Rongrong concedes, her earlier pout replaced by a look of concern. "We wouldn't want to put you in any danger."
Zhu Zhuqing nods in agreement, her voice soft but firm. "We understand, Qing. Your safety is the most important thing."
Rongrong then taps her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, if we arrive together, it might still raise some eyebrows. Maybe we should go to the academy at different times? Make it look like a coincidence that we all ended up there?"
Song Qing smiles, impressed by her quick thinking. "That's a good idea, Rongrong. We can arrive separately. I'll go first, then maybe Zhuqing a little later, and you can come after that."
He then turns his attention to Zhu Zhuqing, his gaze softening with understanding for the difficult situation she is about to face. "As for Dai Mubai," Song Qing says gently, "when you see him, maintain a cold attitude. You don't have to be friendly, but don't directly attack him either, at least not initially. We need to observe the situation first."
Zhu Zhuqing nods quietly, her expression resolute. She has no desire to engage with Dai Mubai, but she understands the need for caution.
Song Qing then shifts the conversation to his own plans for entering the academy. "There's something else you both need to know," he says, a hint of excitement in his voice. "When we reach the entrance of Shrek Academy, I am going to reveal my… plant spirit."
Both Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong stare at him, their eyes wide with utter astonishment. "Your… plant spirit?" Rongrong stammers, completely taken aback.
"You have another spirit?" Zhu Zhuqing asks, her usual composure momentarily shattered. In all the years they have known him, they have only ever witnessed the terrifying power of his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor spirit. The thought that he possessed another, completely different spirit is truly astounding.
Song Qing nods, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "Yes. It's time I revealed it to the world, or at least to the Shrek Academy." He doesn't tell them the name of this spirit, wanting to save the full reveal for the right moment. Instead, he closes his eyes briefly, and then, with a gentle surge of soul power, vines of a vibrant, emerald green begin to sprout from his palms, twisting and intertwining, their leaves shimmering with a faint, ethereal light.
Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing gasp, their eyes fixed on the beautiful, life-filled vines. It is the first time they have ever witnessed this aspect of Song Qing's power. The contrast between the darkness of his first spirit and the vibrant life of this second spirit is striking.
"To think," Rongrong whispers, her voice filled with awe, "that other than that… that incredible dragon spirit… you also possess something so… full of life."
"It's… truly amazing, Qing," Zhu Zhuqing adds, reaching out a tentative hand to touch one of the vines. It feels warm and strangely comforting to the touch.
Song Qing smiles at their reaction. "I haven't quite thought of a name for it yet," he admits, gesturing to the verdant vines.
Ning Rongrong, whose knowledge of various plant spirits is quite extensive due to her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's vast library, studies the vines intently. She observes the unique shade of green, the delicate yet resilient nature of the tendrils, and the way they seem to pulse with a gentle energy. After a few moments of thoughtful silence, her eyes light up.
"How about… Emerald Heart Vine?" Rongrong suggests, her eyes snapping open, a confident smile on her face. "The color is a beautiful emerald green, and it seems to radiate a very… nurturing, life-giving energy. It feels like it comes from the heart of nature."
Song Qing considers the name, letting it roll off his tongue. "Emerald Heart Vine… Hmm, I like it," he says, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "It fits perfectly. Thank you, Rongrong." He reaches out and gently ruffles her hair. "Emerald Heart Vine it is."
With their plans in place and a new secret revealed, the atmosphere in the carriage shifts. The initial tension and rivalry have been replaced by a shared sense of excitement and anticipation for their arrival at Shrek Academy.