Chapter 36: Return to Shrek and Plan in Motion

Sheng Jun, his mood lifted by the prospect of returning to the Shrek Academy, was about to board the waiting carriage when he was abruptly interrupted by Qinyu's voice. "Young Master, Miss Liu Erlong has left the Blue Tyrant Academy and is heading towards the Balak Kingdom. Her destination appears to be the Great Star Dou Forest" she reported with calmness.

A pang of guilt tugged at Sheng Jun's conscience as he absorbed the news. "It seems she won't be able to bear it any longer, huh" he muttered.

After a moment of contemplation, he issued an order. "Follow her discreetly" he instructed "And relocate Tailless Snow Phoenix to the nearest town along her route to the Great Star Dou Forest"

"Understood" With a nod of acknowledgment, Qinyu vanished into the shadows.

...

Gazing upon the shabby yet strangely luxurious village before him, Sheng Jun couldn't help but smile with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation.

As he approached, a group of familiar faces came into view. "Brother Jun, you're finally back!" Ma Hongjun's voice echoed through the air as he dashed forward. Behind him trailed Dai Mubai and Oscar, their expressions mirroring Ma Hongjun's excitement.

"First Brother!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices brimming with genuine happiness at his return. Sheng Jun's smile widened as he exchanged warm greetings.

Bai Chenxiang, trailing behind the trio, offered Sheng Jun a greeting as well, her curiosity piqued by the sight of the famed First Brother, observing him with keen interest.

"Hmm, so this is the rumored First Brother whom Hongjun has talked about non-stop" she mused to herself, noting the differences between Sheng Jun and her beloved Hongjun. "My Hongjun still looks better" she concluded with a nod.

Despite her attempts to capture Ma Hongjun's attention in the past year, Bai Chenxiang found herself thwarted by his obliviousness to her advances, treating it as mere kindness from Junior Sister. Frustrated yet undeterred, she resolved to seek advice from Sheng Jun, hoping he could offer her some insight into winning Ma Hongjun's heart.

After a while, Flender and the others arrived adding to the atmosphere as they greeted Sheng Jun with warm embraces and congratulations. "You finally came back to school to study instead of doing business" Flender remarked with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with pride.

As they exchanged pleasantries and caught up on each other's lives, the group collectively decided to celebrate Sheng Jun's return at the renowned NekoEats restaurant in Suotuo City. Known for its unique concept, NekoEats was staffed primarily by cat girls.

The individuals who, due to a genetic mutation, bore the characteristics of both humans and felines.

In a world where such individuals were often marginalized and exploited by slave traders, their unique traits exploited for profit at auction houses. However, thanks to the efforts of the Sheng Company and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan who had taken a stand to protect them, offering refuge and protecting their rights against such exploitation. Together, these two influential factions had made significant strides in stopping most of the trafficking, though they still acknowledged that their efforts couldn't eradicate the problem entirely for now.

"Teacher, everyone, please go ahead first" Sheng Jun interjected "Ma Hongjun and I will go pick up our parents to celebrate with us"

With determined strides, Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun walked toward the mansion not far from their current location, while Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Bai Chenxiang followed closely behind. The prospect of meeting Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun's parents filled them with curiosity, as they had yet to have the opportunity to visit them before.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group nodded in agreement, deciding to make a reservation at the restaurant first as they waited for them.

...

As they approached the mansion, the guards stationed outside who were a part of Sheng Jun's protection team tasked with the protection of his family immediately recognized Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun, their expressions shifting to ones of respect and gratitude as they bowed granting them entry.

Once inside the mansion, Ma Hongjun's booming voice rang out, echoing through the grand halls. "Mom, Dad, Xiao Ba, come look who is here!" he called out eagerly, his excitement palpable.

In response, the sound of hurried footsteps resounded from upstairs. A spirited brown-haired girl of about three years old arrived at the scene. With boundless energy, she raced down the stairs, her eyes alight with joy as she spotted Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun waiting below. Without hesitation, she launched herself into Ma Hongjun's arms, her tiny voice ringing out in delight. "Brother Hongjun!" she exclaimed, her hands outstretched expectantly.

Sheng Jun's mouth twitched.

Despite his open arms, it was Ma Hongjun who received the girl's affection, leaving him feeling momentarily overlooked. A pang of jealousy stirred within him as he observed the scene, silently lamenting his apparent exclusion.

Glancing at Ma Hongjun, Sheng Jun couldn't help but suspect foul play. The smirk on Ma Hongjun's face only served to confirm his suspicions. It seemed that this bastard had been indulging their little sister with sweets in the past year, earning her favor in the process.

Fighting back a wave of frustration, Sheng Jun resolved to retaliate in kind. With a steely gaze, he vowed to flood every sweets store he owned with Anti-Ma Hongjun propaganda, determined to reclaim his rightful place in his sister's affections with foul play.

Noticing the little girl's expectant gesture, Ma Hongjun scratched his head awkwardly, realizing he had forgotten to bring any sweets with him. His embarrassment was evident as he searched his pockets fruitlessly.

Seizing the opportunity, Sheng Jun couldn't help but grin mischievously as he reached into his space ring. With a swift motion, he took out the most coveted sweets in the Empire, ones that even nobles would envy. After all, he was the mastermind behind this sweet business, specially started for Sheng Ba.

Sheng Ba, disappointed by Ma Hongjun's lack of sweets, pouted momentarily. But her disappointment was short-lived as she caught wind of the tantalizing aroma emanating from Sheng Jun's offering. With a delighted squeal, she abandoned Ma Hongjun's arms and leaped into Sheng Jun's embrace, eagerly accepting the sweet treat he offered.

"Brother Jun is the best!" she exclaimed with a beaming smile, her joy evident as she savored the sugary delight. Hearing her words, Sheng Jun's heart swelled with happiness, his earlier plans of retaliation against Ma Hongjun forgotten in the face of his sister's unabashed affection. With a contented smile, Sheng Jun decided to abandon his Anti-Ma Hongjun scheme.

As the scene unfolded before them, the onlookers couldn't help but chuckle at the antics of Sheng Ba and her two doting older brothers. Yet amidst the laughter, a sigh of affectionate exasperation escaped from nearby.

"Xiao Jun, Xiao Hongjun, you two will spoil her rotten at this rate" Sheng Yu remarked with a fond smile, embracing her sons warmly. Sheng Fu also joined in the embrace, his expression reflecting that of amusement.

Noticing the presence of others, Sheng Yu turned to her sons, a silent inquiry in her eyes. As Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun introduced their friends, Sheng Yu and Sheng Fu exchanged knowing smiles.

With a playful twinkle in their eyes, Sheng Yu and Sheng Fu seized the opportunity to pull Sheng Jun aside, away from prying ears. Once out of earshot, they turned to their eldest son with curious expressions.

"Xiao Jun, who is that girl?" they inquired, their voices tinged with expectation. Sheng Jun's grin widened as he recounted Ma Hongjun's situation, relishing the telling of the tale starting from their first encounter till now.

As they listened to his explanation, Sheng Yu and Sheng Fu couldn't suppress their giggles. But as their giggles subsided, a curious question lingered in the air.

"And what about you, Xiao Jun?" they asked, their curiosity piqued. Sheng Jun's mouth twitched slightly as he thought of a plausible excuse, his mind racing to deflect their inquiries.

As Ma Hongjun observed the trio of Sheng Jun, Sheng Yu, and Sheng Fu sharing a moment of laughter as they glanced at him, an inexplicable tremor ran through him, sending a shiver down his spine.

Returning to the others, Sheng Yu's exclaimed cheerfully "Since you are our son's friends, then you are my children as well!"

Sheng Yu then gestured for the group to follow her, leading the way toward the restaurant where Flender and the others awaited. As she passed Bai Chenxiang, she looped her arm through hers, a gesture of maternal affection that took the younger girl by surprise.

"Xiao Chenxiang, why don't you just call me mother?" Sheng Yu suggested with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth and acceptance. Bai Chenxiang's cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment, her heart fluttering at the unexpected invitation. Caught off guard by Sheng Yu, Bai Chenxiang remained silent, her mind racing with emotions.

...

As they settled into their seats at the restaurant, Flender made a surprising gesture, offering to pay for the entire group generously. Despite his reputation for stinginess, he seemed willing to make an exception on this occasion. Sheng Jun couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation, knowing full well that he was the owner of the very establishment they were dining in. However, deciding to keep this fact to himself since his Teacher was so generous for once. With Flender's offer accepted, they began to enjoy their meal together, savoring both the delicious food and the lively conversation.