Hours later.
Zhou Hong took a taxi back to Jinzhou City.
"Thank you, driver," Zhou Hong said gratefully to the taxi driver at the entrance of Jinzhou University.
"You're welcome. It's my honor to drive a genius like you. I'm going to put a photo of us on the glass so every passenger can see that I once took a photo with a martial arts competition champion," the taxi driver said happily.
"Speechless!"
"Then I'll be going now, goodbye. I wish you strength on your martial arts path," the taxi driver waved and drove away.
Zhou Hong wanted to give him a reward but couldn't think of anything suitable. Giving money felt too vulgar, so he gave up.
"Zhou Hong is back!" someone shouted as Zhou Hong entered the university classroom.
Everyone in the classroom immediately stood up.
Qiao Xiaoyu also rushed over.
"Zhou Hong," Qiao Xiaoyu suddenly threw herself into Zhou Hong's arms.
"Clap clap clap!" Everyone in the class started clapping, as if welcoming a hero's return.
"Zhou Hong, you're amazing."
"Zhou Hong, yyds."
For a moment, the classmates were utterly impressed by Zhou Hong, looking at him with adoration.
"Thank you everyone!" Zhou Hong said with a smile.
"Zhou Hong, congratulations!" Qin Mengxue also walked up. Her gaze at Zhou Hong, however, held an indescribable emotion, and if one looked closely, her eyes seemed a little teary.
Indeed, Qin Mengxue was on the verge of tears. She had missed the man who would be the regret of her life.
Qin Mengxue made a firm decision. She would confess to Zhou Hong. Even if she was rejected, even if it meant cutting ties with Xiaoyu, she had to try to win him over.
Of course, she wasn't trying to break up Zhou Hong and Qiao Xiaoyu. She just wanted... a piece of the pie.
Seeing his classmates surrounding him and chattering incessantly, Zhou Hong could only say helplessly, "Everyone, let's start class. Don't let it affect your studies. Xiaoyu, let's go first."
Zhou Hong took Qiao Xiaoyu's hand and was about to leave the classroom.
At this moment, Qin Mengxue quickly called out, "I'll go with you too."
Saying this, Qin Mengxue, disregarding her pride, shamelessly followed them.
Qiao Xiaoyu felt a little confused. Logically, Qin Mengxue shouldn't be tagging along at a time like this. They hadn't seen each other for days, and they should have some alone time. Why was Qin Mengxue being so unreasonable today?
However, since Qin Mengxue insisted on following them, Qiao Xiaoyu couldn't say much.
Soon, they arrived at the edge of the sports field, in a quiet small grove.
Originally, Zhou Hong and Qiao Xiaoyu could have had some intimate time here. But with Qin Mengxue tagging along, it was awkward. Zhou Hong also felt a little puzzled by Qin Mengxue's unusual behavior today.
However, since Qin Mengxue was also there, Zhou Hong decided to teach them martial arts. Before he went to the martial arts competition, Zhou Hong had intended to teach them, and it had already been delayed for several days.
"Xiaoyu, Qin Mengxue, since you are both here, I will officially start teaching you martial arts," Zhou Hong said.
"Okay!" Qin Mengxue nodded eagerly, appearing very enthusiastic.
Qiao Xiaoyu frowned slightly, feeling Qin Mengxue was a bit too eager. She was Zhou Hong's girlfriend, after all.
"Alright, let's begin. With your current martial arts aptitude, you are already considered geniuses, at least within the Martial Arts Institute of Jinzhou University."
Without further ado, Zhou Hong immediately began teaching them martial arts.
"Xiaoyu, based on your physical condition, I've decided to teach you a martial art called 'Tian Nu San Hua' (Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers)," Zhou Hong said after examining Qiao Xiaoyu's physique, finding it suitable for this technique.
"What about me?" Qin Mengxue quickly asked.
"Your bones are quite strong, more suited for 'Jiu Ding Shen Jian' (Nine Tripod Divine Sword)."
"What is Jiu Ding Shen Jian?"
"It's also a cultivation technique. In short, the techniques I'm passing on to you are definitely top-tier."
"Mhm, I will definitely practice diligently, Master," Qin Mengxue said with a slightly娇气 (girlish/coquettish) tone.
Qiao Xiaoyu frowned. Seeing Qin Mengxue suddenly speak to Zhou Hong in such a tone, she felt inexplicably... uncomfortable.
Zhou Hong also noticed Qin Mengxue's change. He understood that perhaps after he became the champion of the martial arts competition, Qin Mengxue had fallen for him uncontrollably.
What should he do now?
However, it wasn't the time to overthink. After all, it was just Zhou Hong's speculation; Qin Mengxue hadn't said anything to him yet.
Thus, the two began practicing martial arts. Qiao Xiaoyu practiced Tian Nu San Hua, while Qin Mengxue practiced Jiu Ding Shen Jian. The sword techniques they practiced were considered top-notch on Earth.
Soon, the evening school bell rang.
"Alright, that's all for today. You both practiced well," Zhou Hong said.
"Okay, we'll continue tomorrow. I don't even want to study anymore," Qin Mengxue said with a laugh.
"I think so too," Qiao Xiaoyu nodded, feeling that studying had become meaningless.
"Let's go, Xiaoyu, we'll go home together." Zhou Hong took Qiao Xiaoyu's hand to leave.
At this moment, Qin Mengxue gritted her teeth, as if she was going to risk it all. She quickly shouted, "Zhou Hong, I have something to tell you."
"What is it?" Zhou Hong stopped and looked back at Qin Mengxue.
Qiao Xiaoyu looked at Qin Mengxue, confused, not knowing what she suddenly wanted to say.
"Zhou Hong, I want to be your girlfriend too," Qin Mengxue said loudly, her face blushing.
Zhou Hong was speechless. He had actually guessed it.
Qiao Xiaoyu, seeing her best friend confess to her fiancé in front of her and declare her intention to be his girlfriend, felt an indescribable emotion.
"Xiaoyu, I'm sorry," Qin Mengxue said after glancing at Qiao Xiaoyu.
"Heh, I don't blame you. It's true that Zhou Hong is too outstanding," Qiao Xiaoyu said with a wry smile.
"Xiaoyu, you might not like what I'm about to say," Qin Mengxue continued.
"It's fine, just say it."
"With Zhou Hong being so outstanding now, you won't be able to keep him. It's likely that in a short time, many powerful families will come to find Zhou Hong, wanting to arrange marriages and the like. Your family simply cannot compete. How about this: let me be your girlfriend too, and we sisters can protect him together."
"Uh!" Qiao Xiaoyu was speechless. However, she understood that with Zhou Hong's current brilliance, more and more exceptional women would surely seek him out. It was no longer possible for him to be entirely hers.
"Sigh, alright, I agree." For some reason, Qiao Xiaoyu subconsciously nodded. Perhaps she also felt the crisis. Having someone to guard him with might increase her chances of success, so she unconsciously agreed.