Since Su Ming had already explained everything, Ning Rongrong no longer dwelled on the matter. However, a faint seed of affection was planted in her heart, one that would eventually grow into something much larger when the time was right.
Suddenly, Ning Rongrong thought of something and said to Su Ming, "Su Ming, have you ever noticed Tang San? It seems like he has feelings for Xiao Wu."
"When we were in the Star Dou Forest, after you and Xiao Wu were captured, his reaction was extreme, but not because of you—it was all about Xiao Wu. I suspect he—"
Before Ning Rongrong could finish her sentence, Su Ming waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, I noticed that a long time ago, and I believe Xiao Wu has noticed it too."
"Back when we were still attending Nuoding Academy, Tang San had this inexplicable feeling toward Xiao Wu the first time he saw her. I happened to catch him staring."
"Maybe that strange feeling is why no matter how much Xiao Wu beat him up, he didn't seem to care. And while Xiao Wu clearly dislikes him, at the time, there was no reason for us to confront Tang San directly. We just focused on our own business."
Su Ming's tone shifted as he continued, "But if Tang San ever dares to harbor any ill intentions toward Xiao Wu, I'll make sure he regrets it."
"So, what you're saying is that after we were captured by the Titan Giant Ape, Tang San finally understood his feelings for Xiao Wu. He probably likes her but doesn't dare to express it because of me. After all, he's not strong enough to challenge me yet."
Su Ming's expression turned slightly disdainful. "Tang San's probably waiting for the day when he surpasses my strength, defeats me, and wins Xiao Wu's heart. He already has an external spirit bone and some weird hidden weapons."
"But it's his ability to hide his feelings that makes me look down on him even more. If he had the guts to tell me to my face that he likes Xiao Wu, I'd at least respect his honesty. Of course, if he did, I'd give him and Xiao Wu a good beating afterward."
Hearing Su Ming's thoughts, Ning Rongrong felt reassured. He trusted her enough to share his true feelings about Tang San. However, she couldn't help but feel concerned. According to Su Ming's diary, Tang San was the "Child of Destiny" in this world. Was it really wise for Su Ming to underestimate him like this? Even though Su Ming had the advantage of the system and was very strong, Tang San had his own unique opportunities.
"Su Ming, since you're aware of Tang San's feelings, why haven't you done anything about it?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Su Ming shook his head slightly. "Even though I don't like Tang San, I'm not the kind of person to stir up trouble if someone leaves me alone. So, I've been waiting for the right moment. I want to see how long Tang San can keep his feelings hidden. Once I make my relationship with Xiao Wu public, will he still be able to hold back?"
Ning Rongrong now understood Su Ming's plan. He wasn't interested in picking unnecessary fights. If everything stayed calm, he could focus on growing his relationship with Xiao Wu and improving his strength, rather than wasting energy on petty conflicts.
"Okay, let's stop talking about Tang San. Even though I haven't known him long, for some reason, I don't like him either," Ning Rongrong admitted. "So, if Tang San ever gives you trouble, I'll be on your side, even if Grandmaster or the dean sides with him."
Ning Rongrong's expression was firm, and Su Ming felt a warmth in his heart. He couldn't help but appreciate this version of Ning Rongrong—her personality had skipped the troublesome phases and become much more likable.
Su Ming suspected that this change in Ning Rongrong's character might explain why her father, Ning Fengzhi, hadn't written to Flender like in the original story. This led to the scene where Bone Douluo visited Shrek Academy and even gave Flender a beating to vent Ning Rongrong's frustrations. She truly was the darling of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Rongrong then turned serious. "Su Ming, is there anything I can help you with? You've spent the past few days teaching me so diligently, and Ling Bo Wei Bu is such an amazing dodging technique."
"If my father knew about it, he'd probably want to buy it from you! With this skill, our sect's disciples would have much better self-defense capabilities."
"Of course, I'd never pass the technique on without your permission," she quickly assured him.
While Su Ming wouldn't mind giving Ling Bo Wei Bu to Ning Fengzhi, he knew it wasn't the right time. He hadn't even secured his relationship with Ning Rongrong yet. Teaching her the skill was enough to build good rapport, but if he ever gave it to Ning Fengzhi, it would be a grand gesture—perhaps even part of a wedding gift.
After all, Ling Bo Wei Bu wasn't particularly useful to Su Ming in the long run. He had much more powerful techniques like Kamui's phasing and Susanoo's defense. However, those were his trump cards, and for now, Ling Bo Wei Bu would suffice until he no longer needed it.
Originally, Su Ming was going to decline Ning Rongrong's offer of help. There wasn't much he needed from her or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at the moment, and he still needed time to practice making talismans. However, he suddenly remembered the Dog-Beating Stick that the system had rewarded him with yesterday. He could use some help with that.
He had planned to ask Xiao Wu for assistance, but training in Sage Mode wouldn't be easy. It might be better to have more people helping him, making it less exhausting.
"Actually, Rongrong, there is something you and Xiao Wu can help me with. But it might be a bit tiring," Su Ming said.
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up with excitement. "Tell me what it is, Su Ming! No matter how tiring it is, it can't be worse than how hard you've worked teaching me Ling Bo Wei Bu these past few days!"