Chapter 104: Ning Rongrong's Cunning Plan, Tang Hao Heads to Shrek Academy
"Rongrong, you owe dad an explanation for today's incident," Ning Fengzhi sat in his armchair, looking at Ning Rongrong who was playfully sitting in Sword Bone Douluo's lap, his tone carrying a hint of reprimand: "Didn't we agree that you should try to win over Su Yun?"
"Why did you then encourage your fellow disciples to act in such a manner?"
Ning Rongrong, hearing her father's reprimanding words, didn't show any signs of anger. Instead, a cunning smile appeared on her face. "Hehe, dad, you've misunderstood Rongrong," she said, shaking her head. "Did you really think that just by extending an olive branch, Su Yun would leave the Spirit Hall and join our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Ning Fengzhi was momentarily stunned by her response, then slightly shook his head. Su Yun was, after all, a disciple of the Pope of the Spirit Hall, a position that nearly surpassed most soul masters. It was unrealistic to think that a few words from their sect could easily persuade Su Yun to switch sides.
"So, Rongrong, you mean to say that everything that happened this morning was intentional?" Sword Douluo asked with a smile, looking at his beloved little princess.
"Yes," Ning Rongrong confirmed, lifting her head proudly.
She then stepped out from between the two Title Douluo and explained, "Dad, I think it's nearly impossible to gain someone's trust at the first formal meeting, especially between our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall, which are like fire and water. Therefore, the first impression isn't as important. The second impression might be much more crucial."
Ning Rongrong shared her thoughts with Ning Fengzhi and the two Title Douluo. Simply put, she deliberately displayed her feisty character in front of Su Yun. She intended to gradually redeem her image in Su Yun's eyes, hoping to change his perception of her. It was a strategy of first deprecating then promoting herself.
"I hadn't realized you had such considerations, Rongrong. I apologize for my lack of foresight," Ning Fengzhi admitted, both appreciating and apologizing for her plan.
Sword Douluo, hearing her plan, openly praised her ingenuity.
Ning Rongrong, seeing her father and grandfathers convinced by her plan, felt quite proud: "Dad, Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, just watch. Tonight, I'll meet with that Su Yun from the Spirit Hall again. With my methods, I'm sure I'll win him over."
...
As evening approached, Su Yun was in his room, meditating and absorbing the soul power from the surroundings.
A knock on the door broke his concentration. "Who is it?" he asked, wondering if it was Zhu Zhuqing or Hu Liena inviting him for dinner.
"It's me, Su Yun brother," came Ning Rongrong's sweet voice from outside the door.
Surprised to hear Ning Rongrong, especially after their unpleasant encounter earlier that day, Su Yun got up, opened the door, and saw Ning Rongrong standing there, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"Why are you here?" Su Yun asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"I... came to apologize to you, Su Yun brother. I was wrong this morning," Ning Rongrong said, fiddling with her dress and avoiding eye contact. "Dad scolded me after you left, so I wanted to ask for your forgiveness."
Ning Rongrong looked up, her innocent eyes meeting Su Yun's, "Su Yun brother, can you forgive me for what I did today?"
Her vulnerable tone, combined with her princess-like appearance, was indeed impactful. Most people would soften immediately in front of her. However, Su Yun, already aware of her true nature, quickly understood her motive. She had created a bad impression in the morning, only to apologize in the evening, giving an impression of acknowledging and correcting her mistake.
Su Yun chuckled internally: The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was indeed going to great lengths to win him over.
Ah Yin, in Su Yun's soul space, observed Ning Rongrong's dual façades and immediately discerned her intentions. As a woman who had lived for a long time, she could easily see through Ning Rongrong's cunning nature.
"Little Su Yun, be careful," Ah Yin advised internally. "Don't be seduced by this girl and fall into her trap."
"Don't worry, Sister Yin, I'm not a fool," Su Yun assured her in his mind. "But since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wants to win me over, I might as well gain some advantage from them."
Understanding that Su Yun had seen through Ning Rongrong, Ah Yin warned him to be cautious. "I know you're clever, but remember to be respectful. She might have a tricky personality, but she's not inherently bad. Don't bully her."
Su Yun knew Ning Rongrong wasn't entirely malicious and intended only to tease her a bit. When Ning Rongrong saw that Su Yun wasn't holding a grudge, she suggested they go out for dinner together that evening, just the two of them. Her reasoning was to apologize by treating him to dinner as the host.
Su Yun didn't refuse and, after informing Chrysanthemum Douluo, left the lodging with Ning Rongrong.
...
After Su Yun and Ning Rongrong left for dinner alone, Zhu Zhuqing became visibly unsettled. She hadn't expected the girl who had had an unpleasant interaction with them in the morning to come directly to their hotel in the evening and take Su Yun out for dinner. This seemed like a direct challenge to her position as the "main" girlfriend.
"Nana sister, I told you this girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is not simple," Zhu Zhuqing said, her eyes showing a hint of coldness. "She dared to come alone to find Su Yun brother, which means she definitely has more plans up her sleeve."
Hu Liena nodded, trying to calm Zhu Zhuqing, "Don't worry, trust Su Yun. When have you ever seen him disadvantaged in front of others?"
Indeed, Su Yun had always been someone who didn't suffer losses, always protecting his and his close ones' interests.
"Don't worry about Ning Rongrong's cunning," Hu Liena reassured. "I'm sure Su Yun has already seen through her intentions. He's probably just playing along for fun."
Consoled by these thoughts, Zhu Zhuqing felt reassured in her trust in Su Yun.
...
That night, Su Yun accompanied Ning Rongrong for dinner and a stroll through the streets. They appeared like a couple to outsiders, receiving compliments from street vendors on how well-matched they were. Ning Rongrong acted shyly, occasionally stealing glances at Su Yun, who responded with casual smiles.
Their time alone continued until they reached the riverside of Tian Dou Imperial City, a popular spot for couples at night. Ning Rongrong's intent in bringing Su Yun here was clear.
Su Yun wasn't naive; he instantly understood the scene by the riverside and why Ning Rongrong had brought him here after wandering around the imperial city.
"The atmosphere here is indeed nice," Su Yun thought, "but unfortunately, it's going to take more than this to win me over, young lady."
He observed Ning Rongrong's back, pondering over her character. In the original story, Ning Rongrong's personality did indeed start off poorly, but it evolved positively after her experiences at Shrek Academy. However, the current Ning Rongrong was still self-centered, which didn't particularly interest Su Yun. Yet, he didn't mind using the situation to have a bit of fun.
By the riverside, seemingly inspired by the intimate gestures of other couples, Ning Rongrong looked at Su Yun with a blush on her face. Her pitiful and adorable appearance would make anyone want to protect and cherish her.
"Su Yun brother…" Ning Rongrong spoke in a coquettish tone, causing Su Yun to shiver. "What do you think of me?"
Su Yun chuckled lightly and played along: "You're a nice girl."
Ning Rongrong, not catching the hidden meaning in his words, asked shyly, "Do you like me?"
Su Yun nodded, feigning contemplation, "Of course, I like you." Pretty girls were always likable.
Ning Rongrong mistakenly believed her plan was working and internally celebrated her perceived victory. Her goal was to gradually build up an image of a 'repentant little devil' in Su Yun's mind, assuming that men would fall for this act of admiration and submission.
However, Su Yun, fully aware of her tactics, couldn't help but laugh at the act. "Sorry for playing along with your act for so long, I just couldn't help it," he said.
Ning Rongrong was taken aback. "What do you mean?" she asked, her face showing confusion.
Su Yun smiled, "Let me guess, your father, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, wants you to win me over and have me stay, right?"
Ning Rongrong's pupils shrank, realizing Su Yun had seen through her intentions. Su Yun continued, "Don't think you're clever. In my eyes, you and those male disciples of your sect are just kids."
Ning Rongrong's shy demeanor vanished, replaced by irritation, "You're the same age as me, stop acting so high and mighty."
Su Yun simply nodded, "See, this is your true self. It's much more likable than the facade you put on earlier."
Ning Rongrong scoffed, "I don't need your liking. I can have anyone I want. Even if you are a disciple of the Pope of the Spirit Hall, it doesn't matter."
Su Yun smiled indifferently, "You know why people like you, and it's not for who you are."
Ning Rongrong retorted, mentioning Zhu Zhuqing, "It's the same with that Zhu Zhuqing girl around you. Isn't she just clinging to you for your status as the Pope's disciple?"
Su Yun laughed softly, "My judgment is much better than yours. And in my eyes, she's better than you."
Ning Rongrong, unable to respond, stormed off in a huff. Later that night, she complained to her grandfathers, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, who couldn't bring themselves to blame her, chalking it up to a lack of destiny between Su Yun and their sect.
...
That same night at Shrek Academy, Yu Xiaogang was about to sleep when a knock on the door caught his attention. Hearing the voice outside, he was surprised, "Grandmaster, it's me, Tang Hao."
(End of Chapter)
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