Li Yundong’s personality was that of a typical mule—you could only coax him along; pushing against him brought only resistance. He responded well to kindness but bristled at force. If people spoke to him politely, he returned the courtesy, but if someone was rude, he became even ruder.
When Zhou Yu tried to provoke him, Li Yundong proved even more capable of malice!
Li Yundong’s retort made Zhou Yu feel as if he had swallowed a fly—utterly repulsive—yet he was forced to plaster a smile on his face: “Oh? Classmate Li Yundong seems quite confident…”
He was about to say more when Huang Yifei cut him off: “Fine, I will take up the challenge!”
Zhou Yu was aghast: “Senior Brother, you!”
Huang Yifei’s gaze was locked onto Li Yundong, refusing to shift, terrified that any lapse in vigilance would allow Li Yundong to pounce suddenly and strike lethally.
Huang Yifei had engaged in underground fighting; a residue of cruel killing intent flowed within his blood. He never concerned himself with loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, or trust, frequently striking his foes when they were unprepared.
Thus, he judged Li Yundong by his own wicked standards, fearful that this formidable opponent would show him no mercy.
Staring at Li Yundong, Huang Yifei addressed Zhou Yu: “Your skill isn’t sufficient; you cannot maintain control over your power when fighting him.”
Zhou Yu’s face tightened, but after a moment’s thought, he nodded. He then turned to Principal Ke and said, “Principal Ke, to ensure this sparring match is safer, my Senior Brother has volunteered. His skill far surpasses mine, so naturally, he can manage the restraint and force better. You can rest assured!”
Principal Ke was a rigid academician; he had no concept that in the realm of combat, the higher the skill of the two fighters, the more likely the bout was to become brutally damaging. If it were merely a highly skilled fighter against a novice, the skilled one could certainly hold back.
But when two masters fought, neither dared to ease up lest the other land a critical blow, nullifying all their years of training! Therefore, when two such experts sparred, both inevitably fought without reservation, a clash of two tigers where one, if not both, was certain to be injured!
In the documented history of Chinese martial arts, the tragic incidents between sworn brothers sparring have been countless!
The divide between fields of expertise was vast. Principal Ke didn't grasp the nuance, nor did the other teachers, and Li Yundong, being outside the martial world, understood none of it either. The little fox, Su Chan, understood everything, but she knew that against these martial artists, even if Li Yundong couldn't win outright, his Golden Core protection meant he was undefeated. Thus, she felt no anxiety.
Other girls like Feng Na and Zhou Qin had practiced Taekwondo, but theirs was all superficial flash—mere "flowery fists and embroidered kicks"—they could not fathom the true savagery of genuine combat. In the vast auditorium, apart from Su Chan, no one sensed the underlying danger!
Though Principal Ke missed the mechanics of the situation, he was a cunning old fox. He snorted through his nose, threw out a single phrase, and swept out with his sleeve: “Nonsense!”
Though brief, the statement was laden with calculated ambiguity. His dismissive attitude appeared to be tacit approval, but should any actual incident occur, his words could be cited later: I called it nonsense; this clearly implies dissent!
Director Qian watched the Principal’s retreating back, cursing the old fox under his breath. He turned back with a face full of smiles: “Alright, alright, Principal Ke has agreed. You two prepare yourselves well. The exchange meet is in a few days; don't let the foreigners make fools of us!”
Huang Yifei remained wary, his mind dark, constantly guarding against Li Yundong. Li Yundong, however, possessed an open, guileless heart and vastly superior aura, so he felt no need to guard against Huang Yifei. He turned his attention to Director Qian, finding the leering smile of the sleazy man to conceal malicious intent.
Most university students were naive, unaware of the undercurrents of scheming and ill-will. They, however, reveled in the prospect of drama, their faces flushed with excitement as they whispered to one another: “Hey, this is going to be good!”
“Who do you think will win?”
“Is that even a question? Li Yundong, of course!”
Only Zhou Qin and Ding Nan sensed that something was amiss. Zhou Qin, hailing from an official family, understood the complexities of human maneuvering, while Ding Nan was naturally sharp and adept at reading people.
Ding Nan murmured to Zhou Qin: “I have a bad feeling about Director Qian’s motives.”
Zhou Qin’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, but she said nothing. A potential farce had unexpectedly morphed into a confrontation steeped in bloodshed and calculated rivalry, which somewhat caught her off guard.
“Let’s go,” Zhou Qin said flatly, turning away.
Ding Nan was surprised: “Aren’t you worried?”
But Zhou Qin’s only response was her retreating silhouette. Ding Nan pursed her lips, sneering inwardly: Always wrapped up so tightly, won’t she get a rash?
Since the challenge was set, Huang Yifei and Zhou Yu did not linger. Once they left, Feng Na and the other girls who favored Li Yundong crowded around him, asking in a flurry: “Li Yundong, go get 'em! We’re rooting for you!”
Feng Na gave Li Yundong an apologetic look: “I’m sorry, this whole mess started because of me.”
Li Yundong laughed: “Don’t be silly. Fame brings trouble—like a pig fattening up. A dazzling man like me stirs up waves wherever he goes.”
The boast earned hearty laughter from the surrounding girls.
Not far away, Zhuang Hui watched Li Yundong, her frustration mounting until she stomped her foot, turned sharply, and walked out of the auditorium.
On the walk back, Li Yundong looked at Su Chan and suddenly asked, “Why didn’t you stop me earlier?”
Su Chan looked puzzled: “Stop you from what?”
Li Yundong sighed: “From the bout with Zhou Yu’s senior brother, of course. Do you really think I, someone who has never studied martial arts a single day, can defeat that guy?”
Su Chan replied casually, “Of course!”
Li Yundong almost asked: Since you arrived, every day has been nothing but trouble for me, and why have I changed so drastically?
But he swallowed the question, deciding it was better to wait until after the exchange meet was over. Whatever fate awaited, he could not escape it.
Never mind, I’ll bring it up later, Li Yundong thought to himself.
Though the rehearsal was finished, mandatory classes could not be skipped. Many students had heard the rumors about Li Yundong’s upcoming match and crowded around him, asking endless questions, which greatly annoyed him.
Finally, when school ended, Li Yundong grabbed the little fox’s hand and hurried out of the school grounds.
“What do you want to eat tonight?” Only when returning home did Li Yundong feel true comfort and quiet.
This was a world just for the two of them, free from interruption or the greedy, lustful gazes of other men fixed on Su Chan.
Su Chan giggled, linking her arm through his: “As long as you cook it, I’ll love it!”
Li Yundong affectionately pinched her nose: “Fine, I’ll make a pile of junk food and fatten you up!”
Su Chan asked cheerfully: “What is junk food?”
Li Yundong thought for a moment: “Fried food, like that McDonald’s we had last time—that’s junk food.”
Su Chan immediately pouted, her lower lip sticking out: “How could you! I thought you were a good person, but you’re going to feed me junk food!”
Li Yundong roared with laughter: “Who was it that ate it so happily last time! And now you have the nerve to complain!”
Su Chan feigned anger: “No, no, I’m angry if you feed me junk food!”
Li Yundong considered this, rolling up his sleeves: “Alright, this old man will prepare you a real feast today! You wait here; I’m going to buy groceries!”
Hearing that Li Yundong was making a grand meal, Su Chan nearly drooled onto the floor. His usual cooking was already delicious; what would a feast be like?
The little fox beamed, unable to see straight, and linked her arm tightly in his, playfully chastising him: “You can’t leave me behind; I’m coming with you!”
Seeing the young girl clinging to his arm, Li Yundong’s heart skipped a beat: His relationship with Su Chan was indeed growing closer. Could this be considered living together? What exactly was their relationship?
The two left, bought groceries at the supermarket, and returned home laden with bags. Li Yundong tied on an apron and busied himself energetically in the kitchen, while Su Chan sat nearby, watching idly.
The little fox wanted to help, but she was utterly useless. When Li Yundong asked for soy sauce, she brought vinegar; when he asked for sugar, she brought a bag of salt.
Li Yundong was left between laughter and tears: “You truly are clumsy and clueless about basic things!”
Su Chan pouted so hard her lip could hang a soy sauce bottle: “How am I supposed to know these things!”
Li Yundong said gently, trying to hide his exasperation: “Okay, okay, you go outside now.”
Su Chan felt useless, unable to contribute anything. She worried the edge of her shirt, shuffling toward the exit. Standing at the kitchen doorway, she said with a puffed-out mouth: “I’m leaving then.”
Li Yundong, busy chopping vegetables, waved a hand without looking back: “Fine, fine, you go on out.”
Li Yundong’s indifferent attitude left a sour taste in Su Chan’s mouth. Sitting bored in the living room, she involuntarily began to recall every moment since meeting Li Yundong.
Especially the time she spent living in his house—eating his food, wearing his clothes, using his things. This young man had cared for her meticulously, even cooking for her by the stove just to see her happy.
Yet, in return, she was supposed to deceive him and drain him once his foundation cultivation was complete.
Did that make her seem a bit too cruel?
The more Su Chan thought about it, the more guilty she felt, realizing she should compensate Li Yundong somehow. But she couldn't offer herself in marriage, nor could she gift him a magic treasure—that would immediately expose her identity!
After much thought, an idea suddenly sparked in Su Chan’s mind: Why couldn’t she learn to cook and prepare a meal for Li Yundong?
Surely, with her intelligence, she could manage to cook something delicious!
But what should she cook?
Su Chan pondered for a moment, then recalled the crucian carp they bought at the supermarket earlier. An idea struck her: She vaguely remembered eating fish while cultivating with her Master; now, she seemed to remember... a little bit of how to prepare fish!
With that realization, Su Chan beamed and rushed into the kitchen, affectionately tugging on Li Yundong’s arm, calling out: “Yundong, Yundong!”
Li Yundong, in the middle of slicing vegetables, nearly cut his own hand when he heard that voice, so soft it seemed to melt the very bone. He put down the knife with a weary smile, turned around, and said, “My little grand-aunt, what is it now?”