Seeing Zhang Lexuan and Keqing's reactions, Ma Xiaotao finally realized, recalling their previous conversation—her face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple, as if it could bleed. Her eyes seemed to burn with fire as she glared at Lu Jingming, wishing she could devour him alive.
"Heh, are you up to it?" Ma Xiaotao went for broke, forcing out the words through clenched teeth, trying to suppress her shame and anger.
She straightened her back, meeting Lu Jingming's gaze unflinchingly. Though she was mortified inside, she refused to lose to him in momentum.
Lu Jingming's expression sharpened at that. For a man, you could question anything—except his capability.
He was about to retort, brimming with momentum.
"All right, all right, you two! Every time you meet, you fight like this. Each take a step back and let it go." Zhang Lexuan, seeing that Lu Jingming was about to say something outrageous, felt her eyelid twitch and hurried over to mediate.
As she spoke, she reached out to pull Lu Jingming and Ma Xiaotao apart, trying to prevent a possible conflict.
Lu Jingming's words stuck in his throat; seeing Zhang Lexuan's helpless gaze, he thought for a moment and decided to give her face, swallowing his words.
He took a deep breath, calming down, his expression becoming serene again.
Ma Xiaotao also fell silent, already embarrassed to the extreme, her ears completely red.
Zhang Lexuan gave her an out, which she gratefully accepted. She knew if the argument went on, Lu Jingming might say something even more humiliating, and she'd have no way to save face.
"Xiaotao, are these your friends?" At that moment, a group of people approached Ma Xiaotao from behind.
There were thirteen in total, men and women, of various ages.
Leading them was a woman about Zhang Lexuan's age, with chestnut hair cascading smoothly down her back, swaying gently as she walked.
Her aura was gentle and refined, her features exquisite and beautiful. She exuded a faint scholarly air, like a noble lady out of a painting—elegant and charming.
"Yes, Sister Ruoruo, they're all my friends and here for the tournament too." Ma Xiaotao nodded firmly, including Lu Jingming as a friend.
This surprised Lu Jingming; he'd thought Ma Xiaotao would exclude him since the two usually clashed like mortal enemies. But unexpectedly, she included him.
"Hello, I'm Han Ruoruo, captain of the Shrek Academy battle team. Nice to meet you." Han Ruoruo smiled gently, her manner warm and approachable. She gracefully extended her hand to Zhang Lexuan, fully displaying the bearing of a captain.
"I've long heard of Shrek Academy's fame. I'm Zhang Lexuan, captain of the St. Freya Academy team."
Zhang Lexuan shook Han Ruoruo's hand, introducing herself. As their hands met and their eyes locked, a subtle rapport was born, each sensing admiration and goodwill in the other.
Although it was their first meeting, there was an unusually strong sense of camaraderie, as if they were old friends reunited after years apart.
"Xiaotao, what were you just doing? You even went after someone this young? He's handsome, but isn't he under ten?" a lively, orange-haired girl walked lightly over, her pink eyes full of curiosity and mischief, whispering in Ma Xiaotao's ear—but loud enough for everyone to hear.
All the while, her gaze barely left Lu Jingming.
As soon as she spoke, every eye turned to Ma Xiaotao, spotlighting her so she had nowhere to hide.
Ma Xiaotao's face instantly turned crimson; embarrassed and angry, she frantically waved her hands, "What are you talking about, Sister Wu Ming? Don't make stuff up!"
Seeing Ma Xiaotao's mortified look, Wu Ming worried she'd lash out on the spot and cause a scene, so she quickly backed away, raising her hands in surrender, her face full of an apologetic smile, "Okay, okay, I won't tease you."
She looked just like a mischievous girl admitting fault.
"Hello, little guy. I'm Wu Ming. You're impressive—no boy at our academy dares talk to Xiaotao like that." Wu Ming stepped briskly up to Lu Jingming, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
At Shrek, Ma Xiaotao was notorious for her temper, as fierce as Wu Ming's own. Boys who crossed her always suffered.
But she'd just seen Ma Xiaotao lose out to Lu Jingming, which made her all the more interested.
"Hello, Sister Wu Ming. My name's Lu Jingming." He smiled politely, nodding to Wu Ming.
Since Wu Ming hadn't offended him, and she was a pretty elder sister, Lu Jingming was naturally gracious.
"Aww, you're adorable." Wu Ming, being naturally outgoing, reached out and pinched Lu Jingming's cheek, then stroked the little pink fox in his arms.
The fox, enjoying being petted by its master, was startled by Wu Ming's sudden action. It bared its teeth, full of anger and displeasure.
Was she someone just anyone could touch? She didn't even bring a tribute!
"All right, Ming'er, stop causing trouble for people." Han Ruoruo stopped Wu Ming; teasing a little boy in front of everyone was too improper.