Chapter 104: Changing His Feelings
“Instructor, how are Meng’er and Senior Sister Xue’er doing?”
“I talked to them, but it didn’t seem to have much effect. They’re both very determined, and they’re not afraid to act on their feelings. Be prepared for a… different kind of onslaught tomorrow.”
Instructor Yu Xuan was also troubled. Setting aside her own feelings, as their instructor, she didn’t want her students fighting over a boy, neglecting their cultivation, and disrupting the harmony of their group.
The problem was, they weren’t just competing with each other. They were also dragging others into their mess.
In her previous life, she had known that Yan Ruyu harbored a secret crush on Yan Zhen, but her pride had prevented her from expressing her feelings.
Xiao Xinyan, too, had developed feelings for him after he rescued her. Of course, that was in the past. Now, her feelings were probably far more intense. Her refusal to leave Mi Xue’er’s house, claiming she wanted to live with her instructor, was a clear indication.
“This is a mess.”
Yan Zhen was also worried. This wasn’t in the script. He was supposed to reject every girl who pursued him.
But he wasn’t completely devoid of feelings for them. His cousin, though a bit mischievous, was adorable and affectionate. His senior sister was lively, energetic, and passionate. He genuinely liked them. Rejecting them and hurting their feelings was the last thing he wanted.
He glanced at Instructor Yu Xuan, wondering if she also desired a romantic relationship with him, a “girlfriend” title.
She probably did.
But she never mentioned it. Was she concerned about her reputation as an instructor? Or was she waiting for him to take the initiative?
She blushed, noticing his gaze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
He quickly averted his eyes, his expression flustered. “Because you’re beautiful, Instructor. It’s good for my eyes.”
As the weather grew hotter, her attire became increasingly revealing. She was currently wearing a pale blue, sleeveless dress, the thin straps barely covering her shoulders. She hadn’t even bothered with a shawl.
This dress was practically lingerie, similar to a towel, only covering her from her chest to her hips. Her arms and legs were bare, her skin dazzlingly white.
It was a rather immodest outfit for an instructor, but everyone in the house dressed like this. No one seemed to care, except for him.
Because it was too sexy.
The other girls were fine, but Instructor Yu Xuan’s mature beauty was incredibly alluring. Her skin was so smooth and delicate, it seemed as if it could burst with a single touch, like a ripe, juicy fruit waiting to be plucked.
And yet, she possessed such a refined and elegant aura. It was clear she came from a scholarly family. Whether she was wearing her oval-shaped glasses or not, she exuded an air of intelligence and sophistication.
“Flatterer~” she chided, but her lips curved into a sweet smile.
She wouldn’t have dressed like this before, but she was trying to be bolder, to showcase her charm, to capture his attention. She had packed away all her conservative, old-fashioned nightgowns.
It was working. He was captivated. Her efforts had paid off.
As she basked in his admiration, her gaze fell on his… arousal. Her heart skipped a beat. “Are you having naughty thoughts again, Yan Zhen?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper.
He blinked, realizing his body had betrayed him once more. He quickly turned away, his back to her.
“It’s just the aftereffects of the soup. A normal reaction. It’ll subside soon.”
His flustered demeanor made her feel a pang of resentment.
He made it seem like she was the one who couldn’t control herself, forcing him to… perform. He was the one with raging hormones! She was simply trying to help him, as his instructor, preventing him from making a mistake.
He didn’t appreciate her good intentions at all…
“I’m going back to my room. Remember to lock your door. Don’t let them sneak in on you.”
“Uh, they wouldn’t do that, would they?”
“Better safe than sorry. Meng’er and Xue’er are capable of anything. Especially Meng’er. She’s so comfortable with you. I wouldn’t be surprised if she crawled into your bed one day.”
“…”
As soon as she left, he bolted his door, then reinforced it with a sturdy stick. He checked the windows, ensuring his room was a secure fortress before finally relaxing and climbing into bed.
…
He managed to survive the night undisturbed. However, the next morning, things took a turn for the strange, starting with breakfast.
Mi Xue’er, who usually sat with Yan Ruyu, had moved her chair to sit beside him.
“Senior Sister Xue’er, there’s no room for Cousin Yan Zhen to sit!”
“Then move to Ruyu’s side, Meng’er! You’ve been hogging him long enough! You always cling to him during meals! It’s my turn now!”
“But I’m his cousin! What’s wrong with clinging to him? You’re the one who has no right to sit next to him!”
“It’s my house! I can sit wherever I want! Hmph!”
Glares intensify.
Yan Zhen sighed. “Can someone please let me in?”
They both jumped to their feet, their voices overlapping.
“Cousin, I’ll let you in!”
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’ll…”
They glared at each other again.
Yan Ruyu lowered her head, as if to say, “I’m not associated with these embarrassing creatures.” However, she couldn’t help but sneak glances at them. Xiao Xinyan, too, was watching the drama unfold, her gaze occasionally flickering towards Yan Zhen.
Instructor Yu Xuan’s expression was even more exasperated than his.
He finally managed to squeeze between them, but he felt trapped, their bodies pressing against him.
Breakfast was dumplings. He had barely picked up his chopsticks when a dumpling, dipped in vinegar, appeared before his mouth.
“Cousin, your favorite pork dumplings! Say ah~”
Before he could open his mouth, another dumpling appeared.
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, these seafood dumplings are delicious too! Say ah~”
He blinked, opening his mouth hesitantly. Both dumplings were shoved inside, his cheeks bulging.
“Senior Sister Xue’er, stop copying me!”
“I’m not copying you! I’ve been wanting to feed Little Brother Yan Zhen for ages!”
He didn’t even touch his chopsticks during the entire meal. They kept feeding him, one after the other, their competition escalating.
He didn’t understand the point of this.
After breakfast, they sandwiched him between them again, practically herding him to the academy.
They attracted a lot of attention along the way. Everyone was gossiping about the two academy flowers fighting over the top-ranked student. The rumors became increasingly outrageous.
Some claimed Yan Zhen was two-timing them, and they were forcing him to choose.
Others claimed they were both pregnant with his child and were vying for his responsibility.
Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan were furious.
Some gossip-hungry students even dared to interview the three involved parties. Yan Meng’er, blushing, replied, “We haven’t reached that stage yet, but I’m working on it!” Mi Xue’er chimed in, “We’re planning to get engaged! We’ll think about children later!” Yan Zhen, however, simply glared at them, and they wisely retreated.
Thankfully, they parted ways at the academy gates.
He followed Instructor Yu Xuan to the training grounds for their combat practice session.
— Ahem, this time, it was actual training.
The Mystic Academy had a graduation assessment. The graduating students had to spar against their instructors. The purpose was to instill humility and remind them that there would always be someone stronger.
Of course, the instructors would suppress their cultivation to match their students’ level. However, their mastery of Mystic Power and understanding of Mystic Techniques were far superior.
The Dean and Vice Dean would personally oversee the assessments. The instructors couldn’t hold back. Those who did would be disqualified.
Students who defeated their instructors would receive generous rewards.
Likewise, the instructors also received rewards if they won.
It was a battle between master and disciple.
…
On the training grounds, Instructor Yu Xuan suppressed her cultivation to the One Star Mystic Scholar realm and sparred with Yan Zhen.
Even Xiao Mie, who had been suppressing his cultivation for so long, was no match for her. She effortlessly unleashed a variety of Water Mystic Techniques, her movements fluid and graceful, pushing him back relentlessly.
Her archery skills, in particular, were far more terrifying than Lan Ke’s Ice Silkworm Gloves. Even a grazing blow from her water arrows caused a searing pain. He couldn’t afford to get hit directly.
He realized she was even stronger than described in the script.
It made sense. In her previous life, she had reached the Mystic Ancestor realm. Her experience and knowledge far surpassed that of a mere Mystic Master.
However, he was also stronger than described in the script. If all went according to plan, he would be able to defeat her, a One Star Mystic Scholar, once he reached the Eighth Star Mystic One rank.
…
During lunch break, they stopped training and returned to her office to eat.
The four girls soon arrived.
Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, each carrying a lunchbox, spread out the dishes before him, a feast for the eyes.
“Cousin, I made your favorite dishes! Try them!”
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, I ordered a lot of meat dishes from the best restaurant in the city! You’ll love them!”
Once again, he didn’t touch his chopsticks during the entire meal. He didn’t even have a chance to scoop his own rice. They kept feeding him, one after the other.
He didn’t understand. Was this their idea of pursuing him? Treating him like an invalid and spoon-feeding him?
It felt more like a competition between them.
Is this really okay?
After lunch, they reluctantly said their goodbyes and returned to class. He resumed his combat training with Instructor Yu Xuan.
…
That afternoon, to avoid the two girls, she ended their training session early. They left the academy and headed to the market to buy groceries.
He was still young, shorter than her, and their appearance, walking side-by-side, resembled siblings rather than lovers.
She was quite well-known in Silver Moon City. Many people recognized her. Therefore, she couldn’t link arms with him like the other girls. She settled for holding his hand, hoping to appear more intimate, which only made them look even more like siblings.
She chuckled, introducing him as her younger brother to anyone who greeted them.
He remained silent, simply nodding along.
…
Back at the house, the four girls had also returned from the academy. Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, ignoring their other duties, clung to him, their ample bosoms pressing against his arms as they glared at each other.
Dinner was a repeat of the previous two nights. He was trapped between them, their hands clinging to his, as they spoon-fed him.
This continued for three days.
…
On the third night, Xiao Xinyan, having received a warning from Instructor Yu Xuan, waited outside Mi Xue’er’s room. She pushed her back inside as she emerged.
Mi Xue’er glared at her, hands on her hips. “Xiao Xinyan, what are you doing? Don’t stop me from seeing Little Brother Yan Zhen!”
“Haven’t you two caused enough trouble?” Xiao Xinyan retorted. “Can’t you see he doesn’t like being treated like this?”
“He… he never said he didn’t like it.”
“Because he’s being polite! When he finally snaps, you’ll regret it.”
Mi Xue’er bit her lip, unable to argue. She realized she had gone too far.
This wasn’t a genuine pursuit. It was just a petty competition with her friends. Yan Zhen was the innocent victim.
At the same time, Yan Ruyu intercepted Yan Meng’er as she was about to head to Yan Zhen’s room.
“Don’t go, you silly girl! He’ll just yell at you!”
Yan Meng’er pouted. “But what if Senior Sister Xue’er gets there first? I don’t want to lose Cousin Yan Zhen!”
“Lose him? If you two keep this up, he’ll run away! Haven’t you noticed how annoyed he looks during meals? He’s incredibly patient. If it were me, I would have snapped by now.”
“Ugh…”
Yan Ruyu sighed, massaging her temples. “This isn’t something you can rush, Meng’er. You should know that. Why do I have to explain this to you?”
Yan Meng’er eyed her cousin. “Senior Sister Xue’er is openly pursuing Cousin Yan Zhen! Aren’t you worried at all?!”
“What good is worrying?” Yan Ruyu lowered her voice. “He’s not easily swayed.”
“Cousin, how can you be so calm?! Senior Sister Xue’er is nothing! The real problem is… that woman is coming soon! And she’ll take Cousin Yan Zhen away! We’re running out of time!”
“That woman? Who?”
An image of a beautiful, fox-like woman flashed through her mind, making her head spin.
“That foxy Head Shopkeeper from the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce!” Yan Meng’er, no longer bothering to hide her feelings, decided to come clean. “When she comes to inspect the branch, she’ll take Cousin Yan Zhen with her. They’ll be gone for three months! He won’t be back until graduation! And by then, the National Preceptor will have stolen his heart! We won’t stand a chance!”
Yan Ruyu blinked, confused. “The National Preceptor? What does she have to do with this?”
“Is that the point?! The point is, we’re running out of time, Cousin!” Yan Meng’er was exasperated. “I can’t win him over on my own! We need to work together!”
Yan Ruyu’s resolve crumbled. “I… I can’t! I’ll die of embarrassment!”
“Better to die of embarrassment than regret!” Yan Meng’er rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to end up alone! I want to be with Cousin Yan Zhen! Don’t you?!”
“But…” She was speechless. After a long silence, she mumbled, “What should we do?”
“Hmph! I’ll use my breasts, and you use your butt! We’ll seduce him until he’s putty in our hands! Then we’ll devour him!”
Yan Ruyu stared at her, her expression flat. She grabbed her cousin’s cheeks and pulled.
“Stop talking nonsense! Be serious!”
Yan Meng’er swatted her hands away. “I am being serious! He only sees us as family right now! We need to use… physical intimacy to change his feelings!”
Besides, marriage between cousins was allowed in their kingdom. It wasn’t taboo.
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