Ma Hongjun, who died before he could even unleash his move, immediately became well-behaved. He lifted his somewhat plump face, gave Tang San a sheepish grin, and then quietly retreated next to Dai Mubai, remaining silent.
All the new students were present, except for Oscar.
As the oldest and most senior student among them, Dai Mubai took it upon himself to handle the introductions.
"We'll all be living and cultivating together in the academy from now on. Since all the new students are here, let's introduce ourselves first. My name is Dai Mubai. We'll all be classmates from now on, so don't be too formal. Xiao Ao and Fatty both call me Brother Dai because I'm older than them. You can just call me Mubai."
As he spoke, Dai Mubai introduced the relatively unfamiliar face of Ma Hongjun. "This is our academy's last senior student, Ma Hongjun. His martial soul is Grass... no, Phoenix. You can just call him Fatty. You've already met Oscar; you can call him Xiao Ao or Uncle Big Sausage."
As soon as he finished speaking, Oscar, who had specifically shaved his stubble and styled his hair that day, glared menacingly at Dai Mubai, lamenting, "What do you mean, Uncle Big Sausage, Brother Dai? I'm a dashing and handsome young man now!"
Dai Mubai chuckled at Oscar's vain display and turned to Tang San, with whom he had chatted quite well during lunch. He said cheerfully, "Tang San, how about I call you Xiao San from now on?"
Tang San nodded. He didn't have a bad impression of Dai Mubai, and besides, this academy... although he had only been here for two days, he already felt a sense of belonging.
"Brother Dai, then what about this cute little... uh, new schoolmate?" Ma Hongjun's unfinished "little girl" changed to a more serious tone under the kind smiles of Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Dai Mubai watched Ma Hongjun's awkward reaction and, thinking of something, a hint of mischief bloomed on his lips. "Speaking of which, Fatty, weren't you very curious yesterday about who managed to give Teacher Zhao such a huge loss? It was this schoolmate standing right in front of you."
Ma Hongjun: ???
He looked at the petite Tang Sui in disbelief, even gesturing with his hand to indicate Tang Sui's seemingly fragile height that looked like it could be blown over by a gust of wind. He couldn't believe it. "Impossible, Brother Dai! How could such a cute schoolmate possibly defeat Teacher Zhao, who's like an iron turtle? Besides, Teacher Zhao is a level 76 Soul Saint! How old is she?"
"Fatty, this adorable little girl in front of you is already a level 36 Tool Soul Master." Dai Mubai said coolly, crossing his arms.
Ma Hongjun gasped sharply, his gaze towards Tang Sui changing. The flippancy and budding interest diminished, replaced by a touch of caution.
Although he was a scoundrel, ah, no, he desired a sweet and gentle girlfriend, he also knew who he could pursue and who he couldn't, and who was beyond his reach.
Tang Sui noticed the shift in Ma Hongjun's expression. "Hello there! My name is Tang Sui, a level 36 support-type Tool Soul Master. My martial soul is the Spirit Mirror. Please guide me in the future!"
The fair-skinned, adorable sister winked at him. Ma Hongjun grinned sheepishly, but this time he was much more subdued.
"My name is Xiao Wu, the 'Wu' from dancing. My martial soul is a rabbit, a level 29 assault-type Battle Soul Master. You can just call me Xiao Wu." Under Ma Hongjun's envious gaze, Xiao Wu reached out and ruffled Tang Sui's soft cheeks.
"Zhu Zhuqing, level 27 agility-type Battle Soul Master, martial soul is the Netherworld Spirit Cat." Zhu Zhuqing's voice carried a cool tone, much like her demeanor.
Ning Rongrong smiled and said, "Ning Rongrong, level 26 support-type Tool Master, martial soul is the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. You can call me Rongrong; all my friends and family call me that."
This simple sentence subtly closed the distance between her and the others.
Tang Sui looked at Ning Rongrong's gentle, perfect smile and sighed inwardly.
*What a professional fake smile,* she thought, *as expected of her.*
—Author's Notes—
Today, I was discussing Sui Sui's character design with a friend.
Mo Li (contemplating): It still feels a tiny bit off.
Friend (grabbing a pen): Where? Tell me, and I'll change it.
Mo Li: Blah blah blah blah blah—
Friend (hand gripping the pen begins to tremble, smile becoming increasingly kind): Anything else?
Mo Li: I don't think so.