FE—Chapter 123—Wang Dong: They all have better figures than I do; I am worried.
"Humph! Meng Hongchen and Di Rachel are the first to get the moon!" Wang Dong snorted in dissatisfaction. She felt that they, along with Huo Yuhao, being in the same school and spending every day together, would naturally develop a good relationship.
Her appearance in women's clothing was more captivating than Meng Hongchen's.
"Miss Meng looks a few years older than Huo Yuhao. Why is she so good-looking at such a young age…"
Wang Dong looked in the mirror, admiring the way the pale blue dress hugged her slender figure. The slim-fitting design elegantly outlined her delicate waistline. However, her pretty face bore a somewhat unconvinced and resentful expression.
If Huo Yuhao were at Shrek Academy, she thought, she would delight him by changing from men's clothes back to her original feminine attire. After a few times, Huo Yuhao and she might even develop feelings for each other.
After a moment of gazing at her reflection, she rubbed her hungry stomach, squinted her eyes, opened her arms, and stretched.
"Hmmm… I'm hungry. I wonder if Huo Yuhao's grilled fish has door-to-door delivery service."
Wang Dong's desire to lure Huo Yuhao back to the Clear Sky Sect kept her thoughts tethered to that simple hope.
As she stretched halfway, she felt a tightness in her chest.
Opening her pink-blue eyes, she glanced at her fair shoulders and collarbones. It dawned on her that she had been wearing a light blue bra since she was dressed in men's clothing and hadn't changed it. Now, in the slim princess dress, her chest felt constricted.
Wang Dong blinked, suddenly thinking of Meng Hongchen and Di Rachel, who were blessed with thin waists, long legs, and ample busts.
For the first time, a wave of frustration washed over her. A hint of disappointment crossed her pretty face as she sighed softly, "Ah..."
Yet, Wang Dong quickly pinpointed the source of her frustration, clenched her fists, and felt a surge of annoyance. "Humph! Which bastard told my parents to let me dress up as a man to go to Shrek Academy? Damn it!"
"Wrapping this chest has a huge impact on my physical development." She looked down at her modest figure, feeling discontented compared to Meng Hongchen's and Di Rachel's more pronounced assets.
Her boudoir was on the second floor of the attic of Clear Sky Castle. Fuming about her troublesome disguise, she marched angrily downstairs.
Niu Tian and Tai Tan were deep in discussion about when to bring back the friend that Dong'er wished to introduce to the Clear Sky Sect. Suddenly, they heard her coming down the stairs, her footsteps heavy and her mood seemingly dark.
"Dong'er, what's wrong? Who made you angry this time?" Tai Tan asked, concern etching his features. Could it be that Dong'er was still upset about not bringing Huo Yuhao back to the Clear Sky Sect?
Niu Tian, having cared for the little princess for many years, was more perceptive than Tai Tan. Noting Dong'er's change of attire to a skirt, he offered a gentle smile. "Haha, my Dong'er has become beautiful again! Why the displeasure?"
At his compliment, Wang Dong's anger subsided a little, but she still dragged a chair over and plopped down with her arms folded defensively.
Gritting her teeth, she exclaimed, "First Uncle and Second Uncle, who told you two to dress me up as a man and send me to Shrek to study? Not only has my friendship with Xiao Xiao suffered, but I've also encountered all sorts of unhealthy distractions!"
Niu Tian had heard through the grapevine that Xiao Xiao had been pursuing Dong'er. Yet, he understood that Dong'er's striking appearance in men's clothing had captured the hearts of many girls.
But since Xiao Xiao was a girl, Niu Tian brushed off the concern lightly.
As for the "unhealthy influences" Dong'er mentioned, Niu Tian assumed that it was Xiao Xiao's feelings for her that made Dong'er uncomfortable and didn't consider other aspects.
"Hey, Dong'er, we don't want you to dress up as a man, but…" Niu Tian sighed a hint of helplessness in his tone. He and Tai Tan knew where this puzzling idea had originated, but they dared not reveal it.
As loyal subordinates of that person stationed in the lower realm, they had been following orders since their resurrection to ensure Xiao Wu had a good life in the God Realm and did not dare to slack off.
Under Dong'er's intense scrutiny, Niu Tian and Tai Tan exchanged awkward glances, unsure how to respond.
"Hmm," Dong'er said as she continued to glare at them as if demanding an explanation.
Niu Tian pondered for a long moment, adopting a kind expression as he spoke slowly. "Dong'er, we do this for your good."
"A beautiful girl like you will attract many boys in school. Your Second Uncle and I want to prevent that. You wouldn't want to be overwhelmed by too many suitors, right?"
Dong'er considered his reasoning. While sound, it lacked clarity. She curled her lips, responding, "But Uncle, I'm dressed as a boy, and there are plenty of girls around me too. Xiao Xiao has been pursuing me for a semester now. How am I supposed to explain this to her later?"
Niu Tian shook his head thoughtfully. "While there are girls around you, most of them are shy and reserved."
"As for Xiao Xiao, we can only compensate her with resources for cultivation. Just because she pursues you doesn't guarantee she'll succeed in love. Xiao Xiao might be sad temporarily, but she'll come to accept the reality."
Dong'er mulled over this, her expression thoughtful. Niu Tian breathed a sigh of relief, glad he had managed to persuade her.
Wang Dong didn't want to keep deceiving Xiao Xiao any longer; she resolved to bring Xiao Xiao to the Clear Sky Sect next semester and let Niu Tian and Tai Tan handle the explanations.
Thinking of Huo Yuhao made her clench her fists again; no matter what, changing back into women's clothes was a must.
Niu Tian noted Dong'er's newfound calm regarding Xiao Xiao and smiled with relief. "Dong'er, if you can focus on playing and practicing happily in school at your age now, your Second Uncle and I will be very pleased."
Wang Dong's small fist loosened slightly. She blinked and asked, "Big Uncle and Second Uncle, can I change back into women's clothing next semester?"
Niu Tian was momentarily caught off guard. He fell into deep thought. According to the guidelines given to him and Tai Tan by their superior, now was not the best time for Dong'er to revert to women's clothes.
"Dong'er, if you change back to women's clothes next semester, have you considered how to face Xiao Xiao? You might still be able to comfort her now, but what will happen later?"
Niu Tian wore a gentle smile, quickly devising a solution. "My suggestion is to first sort out your relationship with Xiao Xiao. Once she's less focused on you, you can switch back to women's clothes. What do you think?"
Tai Tan, using his less perceptive mind, quickly understood that Dong'er wanted to change back to women's clothing, likely due to that blue-haired boy, Huo Yuhao.
Thinking along those lines, Tai Tan's insight sharpened.
"Dong'er, that oblivious Illustrious Virtue Hall Master will keep us out of the country for five years."
"Once we can enter Mingdu, Dong'er, change into women's clothes and show that boy how beautiful my Dong'er truly is," Tai Tan added with a grin.
Wang Dong's heart fluttered at the thought, as her Second Uncle's reasoning struck a chord. But the reality of not being able to go to the Sun Moon Empire dampened her enthusiasm.
She frowned slightly and said, "Second Uncle, five years is a long time."
Tai Tan waved his hand dismissively, determined to postpone the wait. "Dong'er, don't worry. My brother and I will discuss with the Sun Moon Empire later and try to lessen the entry ban."
Wang Dong's eyes brightened, her smile returning. "Okay! I know my First and Second Uncles treat me the best!" However, as she reflected on the prospect of wearing men's clothing for an extended period, the joyful curve at the corners of her lips faded.
Wang Dong cast her gaze down at her modest chest again, dissatisfaction washing over her. There was now a stark contrast between her figure and that of Meng Hongchen and Di Rachel.
If she continued in men's clothes, the disparity would only grow.
After all, she wanted to amaze Huo Yuhao when she transitioned back to women's attire.
By then, her figure would be average, and Wang Dong wondered how she would handle Meng Hongchen's reaction to her appearance as a girl.
Wang Dong took out a portable mirror, tilting it slightly to inspect the area under her collarbone, sighing softly. She felt a sense of "the heart is higher than the sky, life is thinner than paper."
---
Illustrious Virtue Hall, Meng Hongchen's Bedroom.
Meng Hongchen checked the time; Huo Yuhao should have returned to his room. She grabbed the room card and activated the soul guidance communication device linked to Huo Yuhao's bedroom.
"Yuhao, Yuhao, did the scheming Di Rachel send you back to your room?" Upon connecting the device, Huo Yuhao responded with a smile, "Well, I'm adapting to the flames I absorbed tonight, so I can chat with Sister Meng."
"That's good to hear! Yuhao, you must be careful of Di Rachel in the future. I sense she is quite greedy for your affections." Meng Hongchen's tone softened. "If I hadn't intervened tonight, who knows what she might have done?" Last time, when she and Huo Yuhao had taken the ten-thousand-year whale glue, they merely kissed and shared a night. But tonight, Meng Hongchen had keenly noticed Di Rachel's intention to monopolize Yuhao, wanting to take advantage of his vulnerability after absorbing the flames.
Huo Yuhao cheerfully replied, "Rachel should know her limits and behave."
Meng Hongchen snorted. "Who can say? You know me and my self-control. Last time, I just held you and slept together for one night…"
She suddenly changed her tone, smiling mischievously. "Yuhao, was last time your first kiss with me?"
Huo Yuhao contemplated for a moment before affirmatively answering, "Yes, it was indeed my first kiss."
Joy surged through Meng Hongchen; it seemed she had one up on Di Rachel.
When Huo Yuhao and Di Rachel had just returned to Mingdu, Meng Hongchen had overheard Di Rachel mention their meeting in the Star Dou Great Forest, where Yuhao was only a one-ring soul master. Given tonight's events, Meng Hongchen felt frustrated that Di Rachel dared to take advantage of her.
Hearing Huo Yuhao confirm it was his first kiss with her cleared Meng Hongchen's inner turmoil.
She comforted herself; it wasn't greedy to want those moments with Yuhao. Their evening chats about love, just like now, were priceless.
Thus, Meng Hongchen eagerly asked Huo Yuhao about his experiences during the holiday, and he patiently shared his stories.
---
The Next Day, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Jing Hongchen's Office.
Meng Hongchen adopted the demeanor of a noble lady from Illustrious Virtue Hall, seated at a round table with Huo Yuhao, Di Rachel, and Ye Guyi.
She stole a glance at Di Rachel, straightened her posture, and generously picked up a drink bottle.
"Rachel, I heard about what happened between you and Yuhao last night…" Her voice was light, but her intent was clear. "From now on, you should treat Illustrious Virtue Hall as your home. We're family now. Let's avoid making things difficult for one another, shall we? We can just call each other sisters from now on."
Di Rachel noted Meng Hongchen's composure and gracious demeanor, prompting her to pick up a drink bottle in return, offering a toast.
"Sister Meng Hongchen, I hope you won't hold anything against me."
Sister Meng Hongchen? Meng Hongchen's cheeks stiffened at the term and she straightened up slightly in her chair. Adjusting the bow in her silver-white hair, she felt Di Rachel was being a touch ungrateful.
Huo Yuhao, well-acquainted with both Meng Hongchen and Di Rachel's personalities, sensed a brewing argument over age and seniority. To preempt any clash, he smiled and suggested, "Sister Meng Hongchen sounds a bit strange; you two should just call each other by your names. Meng and Rachel have a more comfortable ring to them."
Meng Hongchen and Di Rachel exchanged looks, then turned toward Huo Yuhao, agreeing with his suggestion.
Jing Hongchen, having observed the conversation drawing to a close, smiled and waved. He had brought everyone to school that morning. Beyond processing the admission paperwork for Di Rachel and Ye Guyi, he also planned to give them a tour of the academy.
Di Rachel reached into one of her bags and placed it on the table.
Huo Yuhao beamed as he explained, "These are some specialties Rachel and I brought back."
Di Rachel took out the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Heart and Blazing Glue, displaying them as she spoke.
"Yuhao mentioned that your martial soul embodies the three attributes of ice, fire, and poison. These two items encapsulate ice and fire attributes, respectively."
"Miss Meng, would you like them? Just think of it as a gift from your sister."
With that, she offered the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Heart and Blazing Glue to Meng Hongchen.
Meng Hongchen's eyes widened. She was understandably displeased by Di Rachel's attempted sisterhood. Crossing her arms, she scoffed, "Illustrious Virtue Hall is a large family; this lady doesn't need your trinkets. Keep them for yourself."
"Really?" Di Rachel's lips curled slightly. "Miss Meng, have you heard about Tang San and his six companions ascending to the God Realm ten thousand years ago?"
"Of course, I've heard of that." Meng Hongchen raised an eyebrow. "Why? Does it relate to your gifts?"
"It does! Tang San and his companions consumed immortal herbs, and these two items represent the essence of those herbs nurtured for millennia. Are you sure you don't want to use them?"
Meng Hongchen clenched her teeth. "No!"
"Ha! In the future, Yuhao and I will become gods—young and beautiful—while you, Miss Meng, will grow old. Just imagine our reunion… Alas…"
(End of this chapter)