In the Pope's Hall, inside the room specifically used for the Pope's personal quarters, Bibi Dong and Zhu Zhuqing sat on either side of a tea table, both remaining silent for a long time.
Bibi Dong appeared quite at ease, her expression serene as she silently sipped her tea, occasionally glancing at the changing expressions on the young girl's face opposite her.
Regarding Su Cheng and Ah Yin, Bibi Dong was not at all surprised, as she had even played a part in pushing things along.
Ah Yin's situation was clear from the start; her agreement to stay in Spirit City had already explained everything.
As for Su Cheng, Bibi Dong had long noticed that his attitude towards Ah Yin was different from others. On the surface, he seemed indifferent, but if it had been anyone other than Ah Yin, Su Cheng would have cut them down with a single strike, given his character.
These two must have had many untold stories between them.
On the other side, Zhu Zhuqing's beautiful face was filled with anger, her eyes cold as ice.
Even in front of the Pope, she found it difficult to completely control her emotions.
She had more than once wanted to rush over to that shameless pair and demand answers from them.
Shameless, despicable!
Especially that hundred-thousand-year soul beast, how dare she?!
Zhu Zhuqing knew little about Ah Yin's situation, but she had also witnessed the battle in the square on Pope Mountain.
From the conversations and actions of the people who appeared, she learned that Ah Yin seemed to have some connection to Tang San and his father.
Although she was unclear on how Ah Yin was linked to Su Cheng, at that time, Qian Renxue was the real enemy, and she had no interest in delving into other stories.
She had thought there would be no further connection between them.
"The tea is getting cold."
Bibi Dong's calm voice pulled Zhu Zhuqing out of her thoughts, and she quickly collected herself, picking up the teacup in front of her.
Though her heart was still filled with anger, she wasn't foolish enough to show it in front of Bibi Dong.
Qian Renxue was too powerful; this teacher was now her greatest support and backer, not someone she could afford to offend.
Although her journey through the Hell Road had caused her to doubt Bibi Dong's abilities and thoughts, she still saw her as a high mountain she couldn't reach.
"What are your thoughts after seeing this?"
"..."
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing remain silent, Bibi Dong didn't mind and laughed softly. "You should already know what kind of person Su Cheng is."
She gently tapped the armrest of her chair with her slender forefinger and continued, "You can probably guess a bit about that Blue Silver Empress's identity. Yes, she is your former teammate from Shrek Academy, Tang Hao's son, Tang San's mother. She was killed by Qian Xunji back then, and her spirit ring was sacrificed to help Tang Hao become a Title Douluo. But later, Su Cheng somehow managed to bring her back to life."
"Crack—"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively clenched her fingers.
Although she quickly released her grip, the teacup in her hand had already formed cracks, with tea seeping out.
She muttered under her breath, "At such an old age, with a child older than me, pretending to be a delicate young girl, it's disgusting."
Her voice was very soft but very clear.
Bibi Dong's eye twitched, and a strange emotion rose in her heart, which she quickly suppressed.
"Are you angry?" she said calmly. "If you can't stand it, you can choose to leave Su Cheng and return to your Star Luo Empire. I give you this opportunity. Although you have taken me as your teacher, as we agreed before, I will not restrict your freedom."
"..."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression froze, and she fell silent.
"You see, you still can't let go." Bibi Dong glanced at her with a faint smile.
"Zhuqing, I thought you were a smart child. So you should understand that in times like these, pointless anger is meaningless.
"Think about what to do next. That should be your priority.
"Su Cheng is fickle in love, but you are different. Your heart can't accommodate another person.
"If you give up on him, no matter who you end up with, it will only feel like settling, even if that person is wholly devoted to you."
At this point, Bibi Dong couldn't help but sigh. "When you fall deeply in love with someone, you have already completely lost, and then there is endless compromise..."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at her.
To say such biting words, this Pope must have her own stories.
Yet, her heart inexplicably ached, and a sense of bitterness rose from within.
Initially not as intense, far from the sudden surge of anger she felt earlier, but it was persistent and unending.
It seeped into her lungs and bones, bringing continuous waves of pain.
If possible, she really wished she could turn around and leave.
Leave Spirit City, and pursue the ultimate power freely.
If the opportunity arose, and she became strong enough, she would return and trample Su Cheng underfoot, shouting, "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west, don't bully a poor girl!"
But Zhu Zhuqing couldn't let go.
She couldn't let go of those twenty years of mutual dependence, the months of intimacy outside, Su Cheng's sweet words, and the ease and comfort she felt with him...
"Can't he love just one person..." The girl's lips parted slightly, her voice somewhat hoarse.
"If he loved only one, do you think you would have had a chance?" Bibi Dong sneered.
"Zhuqing, I can see that you no longer want to compete with Qian Renxue. You've already placed yourself in an extremely weak position.
"In your eyes, as long as Qian Renxue accepts your presence and you can be with Su Cheng openly, you will be satisfied.
"Am I right?"
These piercing words were unpleasant but true.
Zhu Zhuqing's delicate face lowered and turned slightly pale, unable to refute.
"In that case, what harm does an additional Blue Silver Empress do?" Bibi Dong took a sip of tea.
"If you can't stand it, then leave him. If you can't, then stay as you are. However, I can give you some advice."
"..." Zhu Zhuqing looked up at her.
Bibi Dong put down her teacup.
She straightened her originally relaxed leaning posture and said seriously:
"You don't need to act strong in front of him; it's meaningless. Don't force him to talk about today.
"Even if you force it, what's the use? Would you dare to make him choose?
"Let's not mention the Blue Silver Empress for now. If you forced him to choose between you and Qian Renxue, who do you think he would choose?
"However, if he's willing to explain voluntarily, try to appear as pitiful as possible to make him feel guilty.
"Su Cheng is fickle but indecisive in handling relationships.
"The more he feels he owes you, the more leverage you'll have in the future..."
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent.
Bibi Dong was right; she didn't dare truly pressure Su Cheng.
From beginning to end, she never dared.