Chapter 84: Zou Qingshu Confesses

“How are you feeling? That ghost cultivator from last night was no pushover. You took a hit for Qingwan and suffered a serious internal injury. Rest properly at home for now. Let me thank you on Qingwan’s behalf.” Qin Xuan glanced repeatedly at Shuixian, making her blush deeply.

“It’s nothing, Master. As long as... as long as you don’t drive me away...” Shuixian stammered.

Qin Xuan was speechless. This little spirit still kept calling them “Master” after all this time; it seemed impossible to break her of the habit.

“Silly girl, why would we ever drive you away?” Dongfang Qingwan said helplessly. “Just stay and don’t worry. If anyone tries to make you leave, I’ll be the first to deal with them myself.”

Qin Xuan shivered at her words, surprised to see such a fierce side to the usually gentle Dongfang Qingwan. Clearly, the events of the previous night had drawn the two women much closer—now they called each other sisters, their bond forged through life and death. It was only natural.

...

Brother Fu drove up to the villa gate.

From now on, every morning, Brother Fu would arrive early to take them to school—diligent and without complaint.

“Hmm?”

Spotting Dongfang Qingwan emerging from the villa, Brother Fu frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Dongfang Qingwan asked, puzzled.

“Miss, did you sleep well here last night?” Brother Fu inquired respectfully.

“Yes, very well,” she replied softly.

“You seem a little tired, that’s all. If everything’s fine, let’s get going,” Brother Fu said, giving Qin Xuan a meaningful glance before returning to the driver’s seat.

Qin Xuan guessed he must be imagining things, but to avoid worrying Brother Fu and Dongfang Jingtang, he said nothing. Matters involving ghost cultivators were best kept from ordinary people.

As a result, Brother Fu kept casting odd looks at Qin Xuan during the drive, making him somewhat uncomfortable.

When they arrived at the gate of Jinling University, Dongfang Qingwan and Liu Qianqian got out first. Brother Fu then called to Qin Xuan, “Brother Qin, a word. Answer me honestly.”

“Is it about Qingwan?” Qin Xuan guessed.

“That’s right.” Brother Fu nodded gravely. “The Dongfang family has entrusted her to you. I trust you, but you need to behave yourself. What happened last night? Anyone could see how worn out she looks.”

“Oh, probably just not used to the new place—didn’t sleep well,” Qin Xuan said, scratching his head.

“Really? She wasn’t in any danger?” Brother Fu pressed, his real concern finally showing.

“No, nothing of the sort. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure nothing happens to her these three months.”

“That’s good then. I’ll be off.” Brother Fu nodded, thought for a moment, and finally drove away.

Watching him leave, Qin Xuan felt a pang of guilt. “Sorry, but I really can’t talk about ghost cultivators so casually...”

Just then, a commotion at the school gate caught his attention. He turned and started, surprised by what he saw.

Dongfang Qingwan and Liu Qianqian were waiting for him at the gate, surrounded by a crowd of students whispering and pointing. But their curiosity wasn’t aimed at the two beauties—it was at the young man approaching them.

The young man wore a neat black suit and gold-rimmed glasses, giving off the air of a successful professional. Qin Xuan recognized him immediately—Zou Qingshu, a strong contender for class monitor and rival to Zhou Xiaoyu.

“Look, he’s finally found her!”

“So that’s who he was waiting for—our campus belle!”

“I heard he’s been waiting here since early morning, over an hour now. That’s dedication.”

Hearing the murmurs, Qin Xuan’s opinion of Zou Qingshu rose.

By now, Zou Qingshu had reached Dongfang Qingwan, gazing at her with deep emotion. Both women frowned, uncertain of his intentions.

“Confess! Confess! Confess!” the crowd chanted, egging him on.

Encouraged by the cheers, Zou Qingshu raised his trembling hands, drawing admiration as he revealed a bouquet of bright red roses—a symbol of devoted love.

Looking at Qingwan’s stunning face, he felt overwhelmed. Never before had he been so close to the goddess of his dreams.

Someone had told him yesterday: “If you like a girl, confess early; or you’ll regret it if someone else wins her heart.” So, after much deliberation, he resolved to wait at the gate for Qingwan at dawn.

His patience was rewarded. After over an hour in the chilly morning air, he finally saw the lovely figure he’d dreamed of.

“Qingwan, from the moment I first saw you...” Zou Qingshu began, gathering his thoughts.

“Stop, stop, stop!” Liu Qianqian interrupted him without mercy.

Zou Qingshu was stunned, momentarily forgetting his lines.

“From the moment I first saw you...” Liu Qianqian echoed with a mischievous smile.

Zou Qingshu’s heart leaped. Could it be that, even before confessing to his goddess, another campus beauty was about to confess to him? No, he mustn’t be swayed—he had to show his unwavering devotion to Dongfang Qingwan...

“Ahem—ahem. From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were up to no good. You want to confess to Qingwan, but she’d never be interested in you.”

Liu Qianqian finished her sentence. Zou Qingshu was crestfallen, tears almost streaming down his face. The crowd burst into laughter, making him feel humiliated and wronged. Why did they say he wasn’t a good person?

Dongfang Qingwan glanced at the roses in his hands and, sighing, spoke up: “Actually, when I heard your first sentence...”

Hearing this, Zou Qingshu’s eyes lit up. Was there hope?

“After hearing your first sentence, I already knew what you were going to say... I’m sorry, but you’re not my type.”

She finished her words and apologized. Zou Qingshu felt his heart shatter.

Why did both beauties stop halfway through their sentences, making him experience the agony of falling from heaven twice in a row?

“Come on, let’s go. Military training is about to start,” Qin Xuan said, approaching with a smile, ignoring Zou Qingshu’s misery. The two women naturally followed him, ready to leave.

“Wait,” Zou Qingshu called out, suddenly glaring at Qin Xuan with open hostility.

“Oh? What do you want?” Qin Xuan asked.

“Qingwan, Qianqian...”

“Hey, I don’t even know you—don’t call us so intimately,” Liu Qianqian retorted, giving him a sharp look.

“Er, right, ladies.” Zou Qingshu awkwardly corrected himself, then paused, his expression turning serious as if he had something important to say. The surrounding students fell silent, waiting expectantly.

Even Qin Xuan grew curious. Was this guy really planning to pester them endlessly?