Wang Dong'er's cheeks were flushed, puffing with anger as she glared at Qian Ran. She was already out of breath from running, and his antics had thrown her breathing off even more, making her stomach hurt.
This despicable guy!
She did Qian Ran's laundry every day, yet he took it for granted. And now he had the audacity to ogle other girls right in front of her! Wasn't she attractive enough?
Ugh, he was becoming more and more infuriating.
All men really are big jerks! Eating from one bowl while eyeing another—they'd better be careful not to choke! Wang Dong'er fumed inwardly, mentally cursing Qian Ran a dozen times over.
Even though she was still disguised as a boy, Wang Dong'er knew that Qian Ran didn't yet realize she was a girl, but that didn't make her any less angry. She wanted him to look only at her; anything else just felt wrong.
"I'm a guy. Am I not allowed to look at pretty girls? Looking at beautiful women is good for my health. I'm doing it for my well-being and moral development. You wouldn't understand," Qian Ran chuckled.
What's the point of life if you don't get to admire, flirt, and appreciate beauty?
As a young man full of energy, Qian Ran couldn't possibly ignore the wisdom that even older men understood: looking at pretty women is good for you, keeps you young, and even fights aging.
In his past life, he could let it go, but in this new world, there was no way he'd give up on admiring beauty.
"You…!" Wang Dong'er felt utterly wronged. She wanted to reveal her true self right then, put on a dress, and surprise Qian Ran. Wouldn't he be shocked to discover she was a girl?
She was pretty, with a good figure and fair skin. Surely, Qian Ran would chase after her! And if he did, she'd make sure to reject him firmly unless he was sincerely apologetic. Why should she let him off the hook so easily after making her so mad?
They say, "hurt your wife, suffer while chasing her back!"
At this point, Wang Dong'er didn't realize that Qian Ran had already figured out her true identity.
"Better get back to running. If you don't complete all 100 laps, Zhou Yi might just kick you out. She's strict, you know," Qian Ran reminded her.
"Hmph. Teacher Zhou is just biased! Why don't you have to run? Just because you're a bit stronger?" Wang Dong'er huffed, feeling the weight of the world. Qian Ran lounged casually in a chair, snacking on fruit, singing, and enjoying the sun, while she was forced to run laps in the scorching heat!
"When you're strong enough to beat me, you can have this privilege. Teacher Zhou said the strongest in the class gets the special treatment. But honestly, I could give you a handicap and still win," Qian Ran teased.
"Just wait!" Wang Dong'er fumed. He could beat her with one hand tied behind his back? How infuriating!
If she added a spirit ring to her Clear Sky Hammer, she'd give him a run for his money. But as it was, her martial soul was no match for Qian Ran's.
Her Clear Sky Hammer wouldn't be so easily overpowered by Qian Ran's martial soul!
The whole class had noticed Qian Ran's privilege and resented him for it.
If Qian Ran's strength wasn't already impressive enough, his aloof confidence attracted admiration from many of the girls in class.
They envied Qian Ran, who seemed like the ultimate winner in life.
If they had his strength, they'd be the ones lounging like that.
Several girls watched Qian Ran relaxing, finding his unique mix of charm and confidence captivating. Their initial admiration for his power deepened as they noticed his striking looks.
Strong, handsome, and cocky—who wouldn't be drawn to such a guy?
Some were already planning to confess their feelings.
If Qian Ran chose one of them as his girlfriend, they'd probably be thrilled beyond belief.
"Wow, am I that irresistible?" Qian Ran thought, noticing girls stealing glances at him. If he let himself go, he could have a new girlfriend every day. Just like those scandals back in his past life.
Even without his good looks, Qian Ran's power alone would make him desirable to most girls.
For instance, in three months, the freshman assessment would eliminate two-thirds of the students. Qian Ran could easily help weaker students pass. Since groups of three were allowed, he could carry two girls. Many would do anything to be one of those girls, even set aside their pride.
In his past life, some girls would lower their standards just for in-game boosts. Now, this was the top soul master academy on the entire continent!
In this fantasy world, power truly opens doors to countless benefits.
Still, he wasn't the type for casual flings.
He had high standards for his harem, so ordinary girls were out of the question.
"Was he looking at me just now?" Xiao Xiao had noticed Qian Ran's gaze. Everyone was envious of his freedom to rest while they ran, and she was no exception.
Qian Ran's handsome appearance and unique charisma made him incredibly appealing to the girls in class. Even Wang Dong'er, in her boyish disguise, couldn't match his presence. Qian Ran had sharp, chiseled features, with sword-like brows and piercing eyes, exuding a rugged masculinity.
And he'd already proven his strength.
Someone like Qian Ran was exactly the kind of person most girls would dream of.
"Ah…"
Lost in thought, Xiao Xiao stumbled, her legs giving out as she fell to the ground. She'd twisted her ankle, making her worry she wouldn't finish the assignment.
Rumors about Zhou Yi's strictness were intimidating—she didn't want to be expelled. Xiao Xiao had heard horror stories from older students.
"Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?" Qian Ran walked over, looking concerned. He hadn't realized that a single glance could make her lose her footing.
Running so many laps would tire anyone out. A small misstep could easily lead to a fall.
"I twisted my ankle," Xiao Xiao said, blushing as her heart raced. She hadn't expected Qian Ran to come over to help her.
Xiao Xiao was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, her pale skin glistening.
"Take a break before continuing. I can check your ankle if you'd like; I know how to handle sprains." Qian Ran handed Xiao Xiao a towel to wipe her sweat, then gently scooped her up in a princess carry.
So light!
That was his first thought.
Xiao Xiao was as light as cotton candy—soft and delicate.
The perfect little loli.
"Um…" Xiao Xiao's heart fluttered as Qian Ran lifted her. Her heartbeat was so loud that even he could hear it.
Snuggled against Qian Ran, Xiao Xiao peeked up at his handsome face, blushing even more.
Her cheeks turned as red as an apple.
She thought Qian Ran was incredibly kind.
Qian Ran carried her over to his chair and gently took her injured foot in his hand. He removed her shoe and sock, revealing a small, delicate, jade-like foot.
(End of Chapter)