"Oh, I see. I thought you couldn't bear to part with me, so I especially came to see you. But it turns out… ha~"
Su Yu sighed, and his smile visibly collapsed.
He shook his head, his tone low, as if mocking himself, "Was I just being delusional?"
"Forget it. I was being delusional. I shouldn't have come."
"After all, you're the pearl of the Clear Sky Sect. You've seen all kinds of outstanding men. How could you possibly have trouble letting go of me?"
Su Yu's expression darkened. He glanced at Wang Dong'er before turning to leave.
His reaction caught Wang Dong'er completely off guard.
Seeing the disappointment in Su Yu's eyes, her heart trembled, as if it were suddenly being twisted by a knife.
That little bit of pride she had instantly disappeared, replaced by an uncontrollable panic.
Wang Dong'er's face paled. She didn't even have time to consider whether her actions were logical. Her little head was never one to think too much in the first place.
Watching Su Yu walk away, she couldn't think of anything else. A rush of heat surged up inside her, and she impulsively ran forward, tightly hugging him from behind.
"Su Yu, don't go! I was just joking with you. I… I really can't bear to be apart from you."
"I… I really, really like you. Please don't leave, okay?"
Wang Dong'er's heart was in chaos, and her true feelings just burst out.
She held onto Su Yu with all her strength, even wrapping her legs around his to stop him from leaving, pressing herself tightly against his back.
She was terrified that if she let go, he would leave.
No one knew how panicked she had felt the moment Su Yu turned his back on her.
She was afraid that he was truly angry, that he didn't want her anymore.
The truth was, she really, really loved this man.
Su Yu responded calmly, "But didn't you say I was just being delusional?"
Wang Dong'er panicked and quickly explained, "I… I was just joking! I didn't mean it! I… I'm sorry…"
She was so anxious that she couldn't even form proper sentences, desperately wishing she could go back and slap herself.
She loved him so much—so why did she have to say something like that?
The more she tried to explain, the more flustered she became. But the more flustered she got, the harder it was to explain. Seeing that Su Yu didn't seem to understand her, she became so anxious that tears started to fall.
Two streaks of clear tears dripped onto Su Yu's clothes, dampening the fabric and bringing a strange sensation to him.
Su Yu's body stiffened slightly. He realized that he had to stop now—this silly girl was truly frightened.
"Su Yu… sob… believe me, I don't hate you. I didn't mean to…"
Wang Dong'er kept crying and clung to Su Yu desperately.
Su Yu raised a hand, gently placing it over hers. His voice softened, "Alright, alright, I believe you."
"Huh?"
Wang Dong'er was momentarily stunned. Why did he believe her so quickly?
Seeing her dazed expression, Su Yu gently pulled her hands away, turned around, and cupped her delicate face in his palms.
At this moment, her fair cheeks were stained with tears, making her look like a fragile beauty drenched in rain—so pitiful yet so lovable.
"Su Yu, don't go!"
Wang Dong'er's eyes were filled with helpless sorrow, like a small beast afraid of being abandoned.
Su Yu gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, feeling both heartache and amusement. "I'm not leaving, silly girl. Why are you so foolish?"
"I was just teasing you. How could I be angry at you?"
"Huh?"
"A joke?"
Wang Dong'er blinked in confusion, her misty blue eyes filled with astonishment.
For a moment, she didn't know whether to cry or laugh.
A few seconds later, after piecing everything together, she puffed up her rosy cheeks and threw herself into Su Yu's arms, hitting and kicking him in frustration.
Wang Dong'er whimpered, rubbing against Su Yu's embrace like an agitated little deer.
Su Yu laughed heartily and gently wrapped his arms around her.
"Silly girl!"
"Hmph! You're a bad guy—such a bad guy! You always bully me!"
Wang Dong'er pouted angrily, looking at Su Yu as if she wanted to bite him.
He knew she wasn't smart, yet he still tricked her!
Didn't he know that everything he said, she would take seriously?
So infuriating!
Wang Dong'er bared her tiny canine teeth and playfully acted fierce toward Su Yu, looking adorably ferocious.
Su Yu chuckled, pinching her dainty nose teasingly. "Silly girl, you're right. I am bullying you."
"And not just today—I'm going to bully you for a lifetime."
"Hmph! You bad guy."
Wang Dong'er huffed softly, but her heart melted with sweetness.
A lifetime… That sounded kind of nice.
Su Yu grinned brightly and held Wang Dong'er as they walked into the suite.
He pulled her onto the sofa, letting her snuggle in his arms.
Though Wang Dong'er kept calling him a bad guy, she clung to him tightly, unwilling to move away.
"Silly girl, I'm going to leave Shrek Academy soon. I've already been here for a few months."
"I need to go out and train, to become stronger. Otherwise, how will I protect you in the future?"
After three months of spending time together, Wang Dong'er had already fallen deeply in love with Su Yu.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have panicked so much just from his teasing.
She cared about him too much—so much that whenever it involved Su Yu, she lost all rationality.
Then again, Wang Dong'er never had much rationality to begin with.
But to Su Yu, this silly and adorable Wang Dong'er was exactly what he liked.
She was passionate, pure-hearted, and deeply devoted to him—just like Meng Hongchen, another person who had truly entered his heart.
"Who needs you to protect me? I have strength and background. If anything, I should be the one protecting you."
Wang Dong'er's heart was full of sweetness, but she refused to admit defeat.
Su Yu grinned. "Ah, right, right. Our Miss Dong'er is tall and mighty—I beg for protection!"
"Pfft!"
Wang Dong'er giggled and rolled her eyes at him.
"Who's 'tall and mighty'? Stop talking nonsense."
"And also, don't call me 'Miss Dong'er' anymore. Just call me 'Dong'er'."
"My first Uncle and second Uncle both call me that."
As she spoke, Wang Dong'er's cheeks flushed red. Only the people closest to her could call her that.
And in her heart, Su Yu was already the closest person to her—the one she had chosen for life.
Su Yu smiled, his gaze full of tenderness. "Dong'er."
"Mm."
Wang Dong'er responded softly, her face burning red.
Su Yu held her close and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Her already flushed face instantly turned scorching hot, blushing to her ears.
This silly girl—so bold in some ways, yet so easily embarrassed in others.
Even though Su Yu had hugged and kissed her before, she always got shy every single time.
And honestly, her shyness only made Su Yu want to tease her even more.
"Dong'er, I know you don't want me to leave, but I still have to go. But don't worry, I'll visit you at the Clear Sky Sect whenever I have time."
"Really?"
Wang Dong'er's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Of course."
Su Yu smiled, poking her cheek. "By then, I can formally confirm our relationship with your uncles."
Wang Dong'er's heart was filled with sweetness, and she shyly lowered her head. "W-We… what kind of relationship do we have?"
"Whatever relationship you say we have."
Su Yu chuckled.
"Hmph."
Not hearing the answer she wanted, Wang Dong'er let out a delicate humph and glared at Su Yu.
"You still dare to glare at me?"
Su Yu deliberately furrowed his brows and pretended to be angry. "How bold, Dong'er! Do you dare defy your superior? Let's see how I punish you!"
He reached out and started tickling Wang Dong'er, making her giggle as she fought back.
The two of them ended up playfully tussling together.
The night air was cool, and before they knew it, it was already deep into the night.
Wang Dong'er gazed at Su Yu, her eyes filled with infatuation and longing.
As she watched him prepare to leave, she wasn't sure where she found the courage, but she suddenly called out to him.
"Tonight... tonight, can you stay with me?"
Her delicate face flushed red like blood, but she still pushed through her shyness and said the words.
Su Yu looked at her in shock, clearly not expecting this.
In a soft voice, Wang Dong'er added, "This room feels so empty… I'm a little scared."
"And besides, you've already spent more than three whole months with her."
For the past three months, Su Yu had been sleeping with Meng Hongchen every night.
Even if Wang Dong'er was a fool, she understood exactly what they were doing.
It was impossible for her not to feel jealous.
Especially when she saw Meng Hongchen glowing with radiance every day—she envied her to no end.
It wasn't about being deprived; it was about inequality.
Su Yu and Meng Hongchen were affectionate every day, sharing a bed. Over time, how could Wang Dong'er's heart remain unaffected?
And with Su Yu about to leave tomorrow, for a mix of reasons, she finally mustered the courage to ask him to stay.
Su Yu wasn't clueless either.
Seeing her flushed face and hearing her words, how could he not understand what was on her mind?
His eyes flickered as he thought.
When Su Yu didn't respond for a while, Wang Dong'er's heart sank.
The shyness and anticipation she had felt were quickly replaced with disappointment.
So… it's still a no?
Her heart ached a little, and her eyes turned slightly red.
"Alright."
"Huh?"
Wang Dong'er lifted her face, misty eyes widening with surprise.
Su Yu looked at her, smiling gently. In a soft voice, he repeated, "I said… alright."
Wang Dong'er froze for a moment before breaking into a brilliant smile.
But with her reddened eyes, she looked a little odd.
"Why do you cry so much?"
Su Yu took two steps forward, gently rubbing her soft cheeks as he teased.
Wang Dong'er pouted and huffed, "None of your business. I just like crying."
Su Yu chuckled indulgently. "Alright, alright, you can do whatever you want. After all, you're my precious Dong'er."
Wang Dong'er's face turned scarlet, and her heart raced.
He… he called me precious!
"It's late, Dong'er. Let's rest early."
Before she could get lost in her thoughts for too long, she suddenly felt herself being lifted.
Su Yu had scooped her up in his arms.
Wang Dong'er panicked and instinctively clung to him, her body tensing up.
Su Yu carried her into the bedroom, and soon, the lights were out.
Underneath the thick covers, he pulled Wang Dong'er into his embrace.
Having never shared a bed with anyone before, she was unbearably nervous.
She was the one who asked Su Yu to stay, yet now she was as stiff as a board.
But the worst part was… Su Yu wasn't behaving himself.
"Su Yu, you… what are you doing?"
"Su Yu, stop moving your hands!"
"Ah~"
"You… you bad guy~"
In the darkness, Wang Dong'er's soft cries rang out from time to time.
Su Yu's hands roamed gently over her trembling form, tracing delicate patterns across her silk-clad shoulders as she quivered in his embrace.
"Shhhh," Su Yu whispered soothingly, pressing tender kisses along her neck. "Just relax, my little Dong'er..."
Wang Dong'er's breath hitched as his fingertips ghosted down her sides, her inexperienced body hypersensitive to every feather-light caress.
"B-but Su Yu..." she whimpered, squirming as his thumbs traced small circles on her hips. "I've never... ahhh~"
Her words dissolved into a soft moan as he found a particularly sensitive spot below her ear. Heat bloomed across her cheeks at the unfamiliar sensations coursing through her.
"You're so adorable when you're flustered," he murmured against her skin, drinking in her sweet reactions.
His hands slid up to cup her face, tilting it towards him so he could capture her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. She melted into it with a whimper, her small hands clutching at his robes. When they finally broke apart, she was panting softly, eyes glazed with desire despite her innocence.
"Su Yu... my heart is beating so fast..." she whispered, pressing closer to him. He could feel the rapid flutter of her pulse as he trailed kisses down her throat.
"That's normal, my Dong'er," he assured her, one hand tangling in her silky hair while the other traced the curve of her waist.
"Just feel... don't think..."
Her whole body shuddered as his exploring fingers found the sensitive spots along her ribs, drawing out the most delightful little gasps and squeaks.
"Ahhn~ Not there... it tickles..." she protested weakly, even as she arched into his touch.
"Here then?" he teased, his palm sliding over her stomach in slow circles. She squirmed and whimpered, caught between wanting to pull away from the overwhelming sensations and pressing closer for more.
"You're so mean..." she pouted, but there was no real complaint in her breathy voice. Her fingers tentatively explored his chest through his robes, drawing a low groan from him that made her whole body flush with heat.
"Only because you're so irresistible," he murmured, capturing her lips again as his hands continued their innocent yet maddening exploration of her clothed form. Under the covers, their bodies pressed close together, sharing warmth and discovering new ways to make each other gasp and sigh in the darkness.
Wang Dong'er's inexperienced responses only made everything more intense - every little touch drew such pure, honest reactions from her. Su Yu savored each breathy moan and trembling gasp, carefully keeping his passionate caresses above her clothes even as her innocent explorations drove him wild with desire.
…
…
The next morning.
After pressing a light kiss on Wang Dong'er's forehead, Su Yu turned and headed for the bathroom.
As he freshened up, he gazed at himself in the mirror, his eyes flickering with thought.
"Looks like that certain god-king still hasn't recovered from his injuries… he still has no time to interfere."
He murmured to himself.
Last night, he had practically taken full advantage of Wang Dong'er—except her maidenhood.
If that god-king had been uninjured, there was no way he would've allowed this to happen.
And yet, it had.
That meant, for now, the god-king was still unable to monitor the lower realm.
For Su Yu, this was great news.
Agreeing to stay with Wang Dong'er was partly because he felt bad for her… but it was also a test for a certain someone.
And the results of that test left Su Yu quite satisfied.
"Looks like I can head there earlier than planned. I won't even need to use a Heaven-Deceiving Card."
With a chuckle, he turned and walked out.
After sharing one last breakfast with Meng Hongchen, Su Yu set out on his journey, leaving Shrek City behind.
…
…
On an official road, a carriage was moving along at a steady pace.
Outside the carriage, a fiery-haired woman was driving.
Her long, crimson hair flowed behind her, and she wore a tight red outfit that clung to her curves, making her look like a blazing flame.
Inside the carriage, a white-robed man was leisurely drinking wine.
In front of him sat a small girl, about three years old, staring at him with an exasperated expression.
"Hey, where exactly are we going?"
Snow Empress crossed her arms and fixed her ice-blue eyes on Su Yu, feeling like he was completely unreliable.
They could've just flown there directly, but he insisted on riding a carriage.
He was drinking inside like a pampered young master while making a woman drive outside.
How could he act like such a rich playboy?
Su Yu took a swig of wine, glanced at Snow Empress, and lazily said, "We're going to Sunset Forest."
"Sunset Forest?"
Snow Empress frowned. "What kind of place is that? I've never even heard of it."
"You're looking for a soul ring, right? Do you think you'll find a suitable one in some no-name place like that?"
Su Yu chuckled and gave her a meaningful look. "Little Snow, you're always so impatient. Just trust me, I have a plan."
"Just follow my lead."
Snow Empress rolled her eyes. "I'm just worried you don't know what you're doing. Look at how slow we're going—it's like we're sightseeing! Who wouldn't be anxious?"
Su Yu laughed heartily. "Little Snow, it's not like we're in a rush. What's the harm in taking it slow?"
"Traveling the world, enjoying the sights, experiencing the chaos of the mortal realm… this is also a form of cultivation."
"I don't buy that crap. I'm not some fool like Wang Dong'er. You're not tricking me."
Snow Empress scoffed.