Chapter 86: She Always Makes a Fuss

While Su Yao was immersed in her cultivation, Xiang Nan and Xu Jiya were also diligently absorbing all they could about spirit realms and spirit beasts at school. To know oneself and one’s enemy is the secret to a hundred victories. As the date for the Spirit Realm Expedition drew nearer, the atmosphere in the school became suffused with excitement and nervous tension.

On this particular day, Lu Yu was once again holding court with his grandiose tales. The Lu family was renowned in the capital, both as an illustrious martial clan and a titan of commerce with unshakeable influence—something Lu Yu and his brother Lu Ming both wore as badges of pride. The Spirit Realm Expedition would test not only martial prowess, but also manpower, resources, and financial strength.

“Young Master Yu, is that sword in your hand the legendary Spirit Sword wielded by Li Xiaoyao in his wanderings? They say it can even fly!”

“Did you see this suit of armor? Solid gold, the real thing! Imagine how much this must have cost!”

“Damn! This golden-threaded soft armor is exquisite—light, supple, yet tough. Young Master Yu, I’d love to be on your team!”

“That’s nothing. Look at this robe. This is a rare treasure, a fabled cloak of invisibility! Wear it, and no man or beast will see you—you could do as you please!”

“The Lu family’s treasures are truly endless. With these, you’re sure to dominate the expedition!”

“No one can compare with Young Master Yu. I’ve decided—I’ll cling to his side and never let go!”

At that moment, Lin Chuchu entered, holding a small box. She didn’t spare Lu Yu a glance, but instead walked straight toward Xiang Nan. This was a particularly bitter sight for Lu Yu—he’d set his sights on her, yet she remained indifferent, preferring the cold and aloof Xiang Nan.

Still, Lu Yu suppressed his anger, picked up the golden-threaded soft armor, and blocked Lin Chuchu’s path.

“Chuchu, we’ll soon be entering the spirit realm, where anything can happen. Take this golden-threaded armor—it’s a token of my care.”

He spoke as gently as he could, determined to win over this icy beauty. But the bashful acceptance he’d imagined did not occur. Instead, Lin Chuchu regarded him with perfect composure.

“No, thank you. I don’t accept gifts from others lightly.”

“Others? How could I be an ‘other’?” Lu Yu seized her wrist. “Chuchu, you’ll be mine eventually. My possessions will be yours too.”

Lin Chuchu instinctively pulled back. “Lu Yu, we’re just classmates. I hope you won’t misunderstand, or say such absurd things again!”

Usually gentle and demure, Lin Chuchu could be quite formidable when angered. She shook off his hand and continued toward Xiang Nan.

At that moment, Xiang Nan was discussing maps of the spirit realm with Xu Jiya. He was unfazed, but Xu Jiya, ever an advocate for justice, couldn’t stand Lu Yu bullying Lin Chuchu and rolled her eyes in disgust.

As Lin Chuchu approached, Xu Jiya nudged Xiang Nan, who looked up and met Lin Chuchu’s gaze.

A blush colored Lin Chuchu’s cheeks as she offered him the box. “Xiang Nan, I made these cookies myself. Please try them.”

A ripple of surprise and mockery passed among the watching students.

The words stung Lu Yu to the core.

“Lin Chuchu!” he roared, flinging the soft armor to the ground. “Must you do this? In what way am I inferior to him?”

“In every way,” Xu Jiya muttered, rolling her eyes. Though she’d spoken softly, the classroom was quiet enough for all to hear, and laughter threatened to spill from every mouth.

“Xu Jiya, you must have a death wish!” Lu Yu, shaking with rage, hurled a dagger at her. He’d intended to teach the weakest student a lesson, but Xu Jiya was a master of hidden weapons.

With a flurry of silver needles, she knocked the dagger aside. It clattered to the floor, the room falling silent.

Everyone knew Xu Jiya was with Xiang Nan—her cultivation might be weak, but no one dared provoke her.

Sure enough, Xiang Nan slammed a hand on his desk and stood. “Lu Yu, when will you ever learn to hold your tongue? I must have gone too easy on you last time, for you to forget so quickly!”

His outburst sent a chill through the room—no one wanted to cross someone who could take on a fourth-tier spirit beast barehanded.

Even Lu Yu, furious as he was, dared not make another move. He spat a curse and stormed off, muttering threats as he busied himself with his arsenal of treasures.

Lin Chuchu lowered her head, biting her lip. “I’m sorry, Xiang Nan. This is all my fault, I just…”

“How is this your fault? Lu Yu’s the one in the wrong! Don’t worry—Xiao Nan won’t let something so trivial bother him, right?” Xu Jiya piped up cheerfully, trying to reassure her.

Xiang Nan glanced at Lin Chuchu. “I don’t like cookies. Take them back.”

Lin Chuchu’s face went crimson, her hands trembling with embarrassment as she turned to leave.

Xu Jiya sidled up to Xiang Nan. “Xiao Nan, she meant well. Why did you have to embarrass her?”

He rapped her lightly on the head. “Aren’t you usually sharp? How did you miss this?”

She blinked. “Miss what? What’s wrong with her?”

He leaned in close and whispered, “Nothing’s wrong with her—she’s just a drama queen.”

Xu Jiya couldn’t help but giggle. “You’re terrible.”

Meanwhile, Lu Yu watched all this, fuming at the sight of Xiang Nan dismissing Lin Chuchu and whispering with Xu Jiya. He muttered to himself, “I may not be able to deal with Xiang Nan, but even Xu Jiya dares to act up in front of me?”

He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Chen Zhizhi.

After classes ended, Xu Jiya dashed off eagerly—Chen Zhizhi had called to say the clothes she’d ordered were ready, and they’d arranged to meet. Xiang Nan had thought to walk her home, but she’d disappeared without a trace. Instead, he caught sight of Lu Yu on the phone, casting him a malicious glance.

“Anyone who crosses me never comes out unscathed. Pretty girls don’t matter—if anything, it’s even better for you lot,” Lu Yu muttered into his phone.

Xiang Nan, sharp-eared, caught the gist of Lu Yu’s conversation. “Lu Yu, can’t you be a decent person for once? Whose daughter are you planning to ruin this time? Don’t you fear retribution?”

“My affairs are none of your concern,” Lu Yu sneered. “Instead of worrying about my karma, you’d better think about yourself—and those around you. You’ll soon learn that crossing me never ends well.”

He left with a mocking smile that sent an ominous chill through Xiang Nan. That final, triumphant look in Lu Yu’s eyes boded ill.

He’d long heard of Lu Yu’s infamous reputation—the countless women, his ruthless treatment, and the trail of regret left behind. It was no wonder Lin Chuchu refused him no matter how persistently he courted her; she was far from foolish.