Chapter 10. Return and a Quiet Night by the Lake
The group returned to Shrek Academy by evening. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky above the village in crimson and golden hues. Fatigue from the long journey and the intense hunt weighed on every step, yet a sense of accomplishment hung in the air. Oscar led the way, proudly displaying his new sausage — the one that could now create "Mushroom Sausage," granting flight for one minute at a speed comparable to a Mandrake's leap. He kept offering samples to everyone, though most waved him off with laughter.
Flender briefly congratulated them all on the successful hunt and sent them to rest. Real training would begin tomorrow under Zhao Wuji's guidance — no one doubted it would be brutal. Zhao Wuji had already warned: "You passed the gates. Now the true Shrek begins. Prepare to break and rise again."
Everyone dispersed to their rooms. Tang San and Xiao Wu walked off together, murmuring quietly. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing headed toward the male and female dormitories respectively. Ma Hongjun, still rubbing his bruises from the day before, trudged to his room, muttering something about dinner. Oscar, pleased with himself, carried his sausage like a trophy.
Ye Chen and Ning Rongrong walked last. They were in no hurry. After the events in the forest, a new, subtle closeness had settled between them. Ning Rongrong kept stealing quick glances at him, and he responded with a faint smile meant only for her.
When they were alone on the narrow path leading to the dormitories, Ye Chen slowed his pace. Ning Rongrong stopped beside him, looking at him questioningly.
"Something wrong?" she asked softly.
Ye Chen shook his head.
"Just thinking…" He gazed toward the forest, now hidden beyond the village trees. In his mind, a giant ape — the Titan Giant Orangutan — should have appeared. It should have tried to take Xiao Wu. That was a key moment in the version of events he knew. But here… nothing. Not a shadow. Not a hint.
This is the butterfly effect, he thought. My presence here is changing things. Even major events like the Titan Giant Orangutan's appearance may not happen. Or happen differently. Or not at all.
What does that mean for the future? For everyone? For her?
Ning Rongrong squeezed his hand.
"You're quiet," she said gently.
He smiled.
"Just tired. Let's go."
They reached the fork: one path to the male dormitory, the other to the female. Ning Rongrong did not release his hand.
"I don't want to go to sleep right away," she said quietly. "Shall we go to the lake? It's quiet there. And beautiful at night."
Ye Chen nodded.
They turned toward the small lake, a ten-minute walk from the academy. It was one of the students' favorite spots — serene, surrounded by willows, with clear water that reflected the stars. During the day it was often used for training; at night it belonged to those seeking solitude.
They reached the shore. The moon had risen high, silvering the lake's surface. A light breeze stirred the willow branches. Not a soul around.
Ning Rongrong removed her shoes and sat on the grass by the water's edge, dipping her feet into the lake. The water was cool but refreshing after the long day.
"Sit beside me," she invited.
Ye Chen sat. He too removed his shoes and lowered his feet into the water. They remained silent for several minutes, simply savoring the quiet and each other's presence.
Then Ning Rongrong sighed.
"You know… after yesterday and today… my legs are aching. I'm not used to walking so much through the forest."
Ye Chen looked at her.
"Want a massage?"
She raised her eyebrows in surprise, then smiled — a little shyly.
"Really? You know how?"
"A little. I learned in… another time. Let me."
Ning Rongrong turned sideways, extended her legs, and placed them on his lap. Her feet were small and delicate, skin pale and smooth. Ye Chen took one gently in his hands. At first he simply stroked, warming the skin. Then he began pressing firmly with his thumbs along the arch of the foot, moving from heel to toes.
Ning Rongrong closed her eyes and exhaled softly.
"Oh… that feels so good…"
Ye Chen worked slowly, methodically. He knew the pressure points that relieved fatigue: pressing the center of the sole, massaging the toes, kneading the ankles. Ning Rongrong gradually relaxed, her breathing becoming even and deep. She leaned back, supporting herself on her hands, and watched him through half-lidded eyes.
"You're always so caring…" she whispered. "No one has ever given me a foot massage before."
Ye Chen smiled faintly.
"Because no one knew how tired you get when you try to be strong for everyone."
She said nothing in reply — simply watched him. The moonlight reflected in her eyes, making them look like two small lakes.
The massage lasted about ten minutes. When Ye Chen finished and gently lowered her feet back into the water, Ning Rongrong shifted closer. She sat directly in front of him, their knees nearly touching.
"Thank you…" she said softly.
Ye Chen wanted to reply, but words caught in his throat. Ning Rongrong leaned forward. Her face was very close. He could see every eyelash, every tiny spark in her eyes.
She closed her eyes and touched her lips to his.
The kiss was soft, tentative, yet full of tenderness. Ye Chen responded — hesitantly at first, then more confidently. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. Ning Rongrong placed her hands on his shoulders; her fingers trembled slightly.
They kissed for a long time — slowly, without haste, as though committing every moment to memory. The wind stirred Ning Rongrong's hair, the lake lapped gently at the shore, the moon watched over them from above. In this world of battles and cultivation, this moment felt like the only true one.
When they finally parted, both were breathing a little faster than usual. Ning Rongrong rested her forehead against his shoulder.
"I love you," she whispered so quietly the words almost dissolved into the night air.
Ye Chen held her tighter.
"I love you too."
They sat a little longer, simply embracing. Then Ning Rongrong sighed.
"We should go back. If Zhao Wuji finds out we're out at night… it will be bad."
Ye Chen nodded.
"Let's go."
They stood, put on their shoes, and walked back to the dormitories slowly. Along the way Ning Rongrong held his hand tightly. At the fork she stopped, rose onto her toes, and kissed him once more — briefly, but tenderly.
"Good night," she whispered.
"Good night, Rongrong."
She ran toward the female dormitory, turning at the last bend to wave. Ye Chen watched until her silhouette disappeared behind the trees.
He stood for another minute, gazing at the moon over the lake. Inside him was warmth — real, pure warmth he had not felt since awakening his soul.
Then he turned and walked to his room.
Tomorrow training would begin. Tomorrow real life at Shrek would start.
But tonight… tonight he knew Ning Rongrong was his. And that was more important than any rings, any levels, any future battles.