Chapter Nine

Zhou Mu kindly went to the edge of the pit to check on Gui Youqi, even had You Qi ride the wind to roll him up, and said in a doting tone: "Gui Gui, you've still got injuries — let a classmate help you back."

Gui Youqi said resentfully: "Who's Gui Gui, I... I... I am."

Under You Qi's gaze, his voice gradually trailed off.

You Qi's reputation wasn't built on Fierce Beast bloodline alone — a student in Herb Science and Technology, how fierce he fights could be seen from the Tiger Hawk Zhou Mu ate.

Gui Youqi had no choice either. A tentacle stretched out far, randomly grabbing a classmate who had passed by three times just to sneak peeks at Zhou Mu: "Hey, help me back!"

That classmate's face said: I'm the unluckiest one here — big fish eats small fish, small fish eats shrimp.

Zhou Mu nodded in satisfaction. Seeing You Qi's WeChat ping, he leaned over — it was a message from You Qi's advisor. The advisor's WeChat name was 'Daohongxuan Guest,' summoning You Qi to the lab.

The name flashed through Zhou Mu's mind — it sounded vaguely familiar. He tugged You Qi: "I'm coming too, I'm coming too."

...

Arriving at Chuanfang Building for the second time, Zhou Mu saw the huge hole in the wall You Qi had smashed was already patched.

Reaching You Qi's advisor's lab, from the doorway they could see only one middle-aged man inside, wearing a shirt and dress pants, sleeves rolled up, a small bun tied at the back of his head, holding the Door-Protecting Grass You Qi had raised, fussing with it nonstop.

The advisor had mentioned to You Qi before that the Door-Protecting Grass's vocabulary was unusually large... and filthy, so he'd taken it to observe.

The Door-Protecting Grass was twisting impatiently to dodge, and the moment it spotted them, it urged: "They're here! They're here! Stop touching me, he's here!"

"Teacher." You Qi called out as well.

You Qi's advisor turned around, about to speak, then clearly saw You Qi had brought someone — and cast a curious look.

Zhou Mu obediently greeted him first: "Hello, teacher, sorry to intrude. I'm You Qi's roommate, Zhou Mu."

The advisor had heard some of the past few days' commotion, and gave a long "Oh."

After two seconds he felt his reaction had been a bit dim, and continued in a refined manner: "This poor daoist is Cao Xueqin — just call me Teacher Cao."

Cao! Xueqin!!!

Zhou Mu lunged forward, grabbing the advisor's shoulders and shaking: "Where are the last forty chapters!! Where!!"

Perhaps because he researched immortal herbs, Teacher Cao was also rather bookish and frail — flustered, he blocked Zhou Mu's assault, looking even more pitiful than the slight student, the entire power dynamic inverted.

It was You Qi who reached out and peeled the flailing Zhou Mu off the advisor.

Zhou Mu hollered: "Let me go! Let me go!!"

You Qi: "..."

Teacher Cao straightened his clothes, striking a posture ready to dodge at any moment: "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding! My original name was Cao Dagen, but later I found it inelegant, so I borrowed Master Cao's literary air — you ask me for the last forty chapters, I want to know where they are too."

What? He's actually not?!

Zhou Mu was greatly deflated. Because of Teacher Luo's example, he'd thought this one would be the real deal too — didn't expect a knockoff.

Lost composure, lost composure.

But Zhou Mu was still a little unwilling, and asked: "...Then why is your WeChat name 'Daohongxuan Guest'?"

He'd just remembered Daohongxuan was Cao Xueqin's studio name — how could you imitate his given name and also imitate his studio name?

Teacher Cao looked baffled: "I'm called Daohongxuan Guest, not Daohongxuan Master."

Zhou Mu: "..."

Teacher Cao gestured as he spoke: "I did actually visit Master Cao's former residence at Daohongxuan, even stayed a month."

Zhou Mu went numb: "Sorry, teacher, misunderstanding."

He suddenly realized he was still being held, glanced back at You Qi gripping him — You Qi was watching him with a half-smile.

Zhou Mu also felt losing composure was embarrassing, but times had changed — he didn't dodge elsewhere. With a hook of his hand, he flipped up You Qi's neatly worn school robe to cover his own face, playing dead.

"Teacher, what did you call me here for?" You Qi looked up and said to Cao Xueqin.

His peripheral vision kept track of Zhou Mu, and he suddenly recalled — as a child, everyone in class had a desk-mate, only he didn't. The closest classmate to him kept a small pet, which he had never had either.

He'd actually forgotten whether it was a hamster or a kitten — only remembered the little pet burrowing in the classmate's arms, lying belly-up in the hood, the classmate playing with it, sometimes using a pen to nudge away the pet that came close while focused on homework.

But now he had something better than all that — You Qi couldn't help a light laugh.

The motion was actually very small, but at this laugh, Cao Xueqin immediately grew a bit restless.

Their master-disciple relationship was already unsteady to begin with — how awkward, a Fierce Beast researching immortal herbs. Hearing this laugh, he immediately thought sensitively: Why is You Qi laughing, is he mocking my research? Does he not want to raise grass anymore! Should I still say it or not!

"That is to say..." Cao Xueqin's gaze drifted, "I did an experiment, bred other Door-Protecting Grasses of the same species, but didn't achieve such results? This Door-Protecting Grass might, perhaps, be a mutation. I think we could design new experiments on this basis? Have you take it back to conduct...?"

You Qi noticed how every sentence of his was a question. "So are we doing the experiment or not?"

Cao Xueqin: "Should we...?"

You Qi said calmly, "Are you asking me? I think it's needed."

Cao Xueqin: "............Right, we should."

You Qi was used to people at the School occasionally warping their words and actions out of fear of him — though clearly nothing had happened just now. He picked up the Door-Protecting Grass and said briefly: "Then let's design the experiment. I'm taking the Door-Protecting Grass back first. Goodbye, teacher."

Hearing "goodbye," Zhou Mu immediately released You Qi's robe, even smoothed it down twice for him, and followed: "Goodbye, teacher."

"Hehehe, goodbye." Cao Xueqin saw them to the door.

From the lab at the other end of the corridor came a noisy clamor — someone tossed an object out, shouting: "Senior, look at the ball!"

The shout came from this floor, but the voice originated from the floor above. After a clatter of bangs upstairs, Xiao Xiao's slender body suddenly darted out from the stairwell.

Xiao Xiao chased the object, leaped up, caught it mid-air, and with momentum undiminished, slid forward some distance when his four limbs hit the ground.

By now he was already fairly close to Zhou Mu's group of three, and looked about to keep sliding.

Senior Xiao Xiao clearly saw Zhou Mu — pupils shook. Front paws frantically kicked for an emergency brake, failed, dropped to a kneel, quickly switched to a face-brake — left cheek rubbed against the ground, successfully decelerating the landing!

The thing in his mouth also fell out — what ball, it turned out to be a small bread roll.

"Oh, it's Senior." Zhou Mu crouched down, patted Xiao Xiao's rear end — which had stuck up from the face-brake — and casually pocketed the bread roll.

Xiao Xiao's four legs froze, not daring to move: "Whine~"

He pushed up on his front legs to stand, wanting to run but not daring to, not even daring to open his mouth — just a tip of tongue showing, dog face sagging, looking up to gauge their expressions.

You Qi thought: really been educated, huh?

Didn't dare drool over Zhou Mu anymore, and went rigid even when Zhou Mu petted his rear.

The Door-Protecting Grass wore a look of loyal guardian, door-where-I-am, but didn't dare be too wild with Xiao Xiao either — just occasionally emitted some mysterious interjections at the dog from the side: "Ohyo~~~ Hehe~~~"

Cao Xueqin often stayed at Chuanfang Building, and was rather fond of dogs — he'd also watched Xiao Xiao grow up.

Seeing Zhou Mu didn't seem to mind, he took the opportunity to ease the atmosphere: "How are your injuries, Zhou Mu? Want me to take a look, mix some herbs? I heard Director Cui gave Xiao Xiao a proper lesson, and he's wearing a special collar now — he's been punished, much better behaved, almost doesn't dare approach students anymore."

"Really?" Zhou Mu — whether he genuinely liked Xiao Xiao or had a powerful backer and was showing off again — reached out to scratch Senior's chin once more. As for his own ankle injury, he downplayed it, seeming unconcerned: "No need to trouble the teacher, just let it heal on its own."

In the past, Senior would surely have educated the bold new student — how dare you touch Senior's dog head when you've barely enrolled. But now Xiao Xiao didn't move at all, didn't make a sound even with his forehead being patted flat. Only when he heard Zhou Mu mention his own injury did he glance at him.

Our Xiao Xiao must be feeling guilty too, Cao Xueqin thought. "I see, then Xiao Xiao, don't be unhappy — smile. Acknowledge your mistake, and it'll be fine from now on."

Only then did Xiao Xiao open his mouth, showing a timid smile.

But with that smile, mouth open, everyone discovered Senior's sharp canine was actually missing half — the left fang broken at the root, leaving a hole. No wonder he didn't like to bark anymore!

Cao Xueqin cried out: "Xiao Xiao, where's your tooth?!"

He gazed at Zhou Mu with a quiet whimper.

Zhou Mu's voice came out even louder than Teacher Cao's, shocked and pitying: "Oh my god! Director Cui Jue actually broke your tooth off?"

Xiao Xiao: "..."

"Director Cui Jue was that ruthless? A divine dog's teeth are first-rate sturdy, able to tear through anything — what divine weapon did Director Cui Jue have to use to break it?" Cao Xueqin sucked in a breath. This incident was clearly too severe — even the school leadership, who usually protected the divine dog, had resolved to teach him a lesson.

"Sigh, even though you're a divine dog, the school leaders don't want to spoil you too much. This is a lesson to help you grow."

Zhou Mu: "Right right, Senior, I've already forgiven you!"

Xiao Xiao: "..."

Seeing Zhou Mu so easy to talk to, Cao Xueqin proposed further: "Student Zhou Mu, I've heard the school is considering — to ease the fear of a large number of lower-grade new students — having Xiao Xiao master sitting, shaking hands, and other actions. When the time comes for retraining, he'll apologize to everyone on site, and student council cadres will demonstrate interaction. You were the victim originally, and seeing you two get along fine now, how about you do the demonstration interaction then?"

"No problem!" Zhou Mu was easy to talk to, agreed readily, kept stroking Senior's head.

When they left, Xiao Xiao walked them all the way to the teaching building entrance before stopping.

Sunlight fell on Zhou Mu's face, giving his skin a translucent quality. While petting Xiao Xiao, he even stretched his fingers to Xiao Xiao's mouth — though Xiao Xiao stiffened every time he was touched, Cao Xueqin couldn't help but sigh. Truly, bold heart, even bolder mind.

But looking at You Qi again...

Hmm, that didn't seem like the boldest behavior either.

.

When the school notified Zhou Mu that training would resume, Zhou Mu was still like a functional invalid — legs inconvenient, needing You Qi to help him to Chuanfang Building.

— That's right, still Chuanfang Building. Get up from where you fell; this time, continuing from last time, they'd gather outside Chuanfang Building.

When they arrived, it wasn't yet the official gathering time, but more than half were already there. Zhou Mu spotted Tianqi's figure and greeted him: "Group Leader!"

He happily bounded forward a couple of steps.

Last time's incident — You Qi had surprised him somewhat with his resistance to appetite, but Tianqi, who could still think to pull him back in a crisis, was certainly also impressive.

Tianqi also ran up and gripped his hand: "Vice-Leader, finally seeing you. These past few days I've been busy with the election, only sent WeChat messages, didn't visit in person. Recovering well?"

Zhou Mu: "Ah, election?"

A determined smile surfaced on Tianqi's young face: "That's right, the class monitor election. A-Mu, you're my old team. If I become class monitor, I won't forget you."

"...Okay, Group Leader, good luck." Zhou Mu thought: our group leader is small, but his appetite for titles is truly big. Originally, "group leader" was a position he made up for himself since he didn't have one.

"You're still living together now?" Tianqi glanced at You Qi beside them — really scary.

You Qi wore a mask, actually not as frightening as when the Mouth Cage was shown, but Tianqi was still a little scared. These past few days, his mom had explained to him what Fierce Beast You Qi was, and that day he had personally experienced You Qi's aura.

Even so, Tianqi still said quietly, "If you're scared, you can apply to move in with me. I'm still small — even if I can't help it, I can't eat much of you."

Tianqi thought: no guts, how can you make your subordinates sincerely follow you!

Much appreciated, but no need. Zhou Mu laughed: "It's fine, no need. We're very harmonious. He blocks the people who want to eat me, and I take care of him in all aspects of life and study."

"..." You Qi bent down, close to his ear: "What did you say?"

Zhou Mu also turned his head, whispered: "Ah? Can't brag?"

You Qi was speechless for a moment, slowly stood back up.

Tianqi saw You Qi so close without biting Zhou Mu's ear, gave a thumbs up: "Not bad, I know this kind of relationship — partners in crime, right?"

Zhou Mu was choked: "Group Leader, you really should read more..."

By this time, most people had arrived, but because of You Qi's presence, they all kept some distance from them.

Xu Tianyi led Xiao Xiao there, and at first sight also saw them. He dry-laughed and raised a hand in greeting, tapped the mic: "Students, last time's incident was Xiao Xiao Senior losing control. The school has re-educated Xiao Xiao Senior during this period. Hope everyone can rest assured."

He said so, and the school had also arranged teacher counseling during these days, but facing Xiao Xiao again, everyone was still a bit timid. This time, the new students' atmosphere was clearly less enthusiastic than last time.

The only benefit was that Xu Tianyi didn't need to organize the formation as frequently as last time.

Fortunately, the school had already planned for this. Xu Tianyi waved to Zhou Mu, the direct victim from last time: "This is Zhou Mu Senior, you remember, right?"

Of course they remembered — the very fragrant Senior from last time!

Xu Tianyi solemnly introduced: "Last time, this Senior was bitten by Xiao Xiao Senior, but now, they've already reconciled!"

You Qi sent Zhou Mu to Xiao Xiao's side with a gust of wind, stood aside to watch. Today had nothing to do with him originally — he was just here to send Zhou Mu.

The students saw Zhou Mu squat down, grab Senior's head and vigorously pet him.

Then Senior not only didn't attack, but obediently squatted first, then lay down, then rolled over, showing his belly — these decomposed movements were a bit unnatural, after all, Senior had never done cute acts before.

"Wow, really, Senior can wag his tail!"

"Senior is so well-behaved."

Not just wagging his tail — Zhou Mu also had Xiao Xiao sit, shake hands, all done obediently one by one.

Seeing this scene, scattered discussions gradually grew louder.

But still not enthusiastic enough — the little kids were still unnatural.

This was very different from Xu Tianyi's expectations, but he knew why — because there was one more person on site.

Xu Tianyi secretly glanced at You Qi, standing aside with an expressionless face...

Although Xiao Xiao was the one who hurt someone, the scariest one last time was actually You Qi!!

You Qi didn't do anything, but for kids, being overawed by his aura was already enough to leave psychological shadows.

Sigh, but studying at Hualing means accepting this — besides You Qi, there are many other high-cultivation seniors who like to release their aura to scare people. At least they follow school rules and don't bite.

Heard Zhou Mu is still being monopolized by You Qi, don't know how long he can last.

You Qi's expression was blank, tall figure standing, not much caring about the little students or anyone.

Only Zhou Mu was completely unaffected, interacting happily with Xiao Xiao at You Qi's feet, tugging You Qi's robe hem, asking him to squat down and look: "Hahaha, look look, it can do this too."

Zhou Mu held out his palm flat, and Xiao Xiao obediently put his head on his palm.

You Qi wasn't interested originally, but Zhou Mu tugged several times, so he flipped up his school robe and squatted on one knee. The two were close together, but You Qi was clearly much bigger than Zhou Mu, just indifferently watching Zhou Mu play with the dog.

"Look, Senior can also have a runny nose, maybe has a bit of a cold." Zhou Mu could really entertain himself, even demonstrated on site by lifting Senior's soft mouth, revealing the bright broken tooth inside. Senior naturally remained motionless as a dead dog.

Zhou Mu was having too much fun, held out his other palm flat too, shoved it in front of You Qi: "Hahaha!"

You Qi: "..."

The little students' eyes widened, Xu Tianyi's face showed terror—

Zhou Mu still hadn't noticed, curled his fingers inward.

The surrounding sounds were loud — it was the surrounding Yao Race expressing their emotions in various ways.

You Qi "tsk"ed, his body leaned toward Zhou Mu's direction, lowered down, put his chin on Zhou Mu's soft palm.