Chapter 21: Tang San Becomes Suspicious
As for a clown like Yu Xiaogang, since the hint had already been delivered, Mo Bai didn't mind applying a little more 'patchwork' to Tang San.
Whether the two of them turned into enemies, became closer, or kept their distance, it would be beneficial and harmless to him.
The 'patch' was merely a matter of writing a few words; he wasn't someone who held a grudge.
...
As evening approached, Tang San returned to the dormitory, preparing to put his things away before going to study with Yu Xiaogang.
Compared to the previous liveliness, the dormitory had become much quieter since Xiao Wu moved out, but the topics of conversation had become much bolder.
Before, it was difficult to talk with a girl present, but now Wang Sheng often brought up topics that made everyone blush.
Tang San listened casually and shook his head helplessly.
As the oldest among the Work-Study Students, Wang Sheng was in the sixth grade and would graduate next year. The others were at least in the third grade, so it was normal for them to be interested in such things.
But it wasn't suitable for him right now.
"Oh, right, San-Older Brother, Young Master Mo asked me to give you a letter."
Just as Tang San finished packing and was about to leave, Wang Sheng suddenly remembered something and called out to him.
"A letter?" Tang San turned his head in confusion. The academy was only so big; was there really a need to write a letter? But since it was Mo Bai, he must have his reasons.
After taking the letter from Wang Sheng's hand, he found a corner where no one could see him and opened it.
'Little San, these things are difficult to say to your face, but as your friend, I must remind you: be careful of Yu Xiaogang.'
When Tang San read this, his expression froze slightly. He hadn't expected Mo Bai, who had always been on good terms with him, to write a letter to sow discord between him and his teacher.
Was there some hidden reason? Or was it envy?
Out of trust for Mo Bai, Tang San continued reading. However, what followed wasn't a series of slanderous remarks, but rather two accounts of his teacher's past relationships.
One was about falling in love with a like-minded noblewoman, only to be ruthlessly abandoned by her for the sake of power at a critical moment, cutting off all contact and humiliatingly kicking him out.
The other was about a comrade-in-arms who was supposed to marry him, only for him to discover at the last moment that she was his half-sister, leading to a tragic breakdown and him fleeing the wedding.
So Teacher had experienced such massive setbacks, having his heart betrayed twice. But what did that represent?
With questions in mind, Tang San saw the sentence Mo Bai had left for him:
'I suspect Yu Xiaogang no longer believes in love between men and women, so Little San, you must protect yourself. Do not be deceived by appearances.'
At this point, the ink seemed to have paused a few times, but ultimately nothing more was written, and the letter ended there.
"No longer believes in love between men and women..." Tang San murmured in confusion. He didn't understand Mo Bai's meaning, but since it wasn't slander but a reminder, there was no need to care too much.
Teacher often spoke ill of Mo Bai in front of him, and he hadn't taken it to heart. He still believed in Teacher's character, after all...
Tang San's mind flashed back to the Spirit Hunting Forest, where Yu Xiaogang had guided him through absorbing a Soul Ring and guarded him even while poisoned.
Tang San felt a warmth in his heart, put the letter away, and temporarily pushed the matter to the back of his mind.
He soon arrived at Yu Xiaogang's door.
He opened the door.
The moment Yu Xiaogang saw Tang San, he revealed an incredibly gentle smile. He had originally wanted to ask Tang San why he had signed Mo Bai's list, but the words of reproach softened instantly upon seeing Tang San's face.
What happened had happened; there was no need to dwell on it or blame him. Little San didn't understand these things yet; it was all the fault of that liar Mo Bai.
"Teacher, I'm here."
Tang San greeted him politely and walked forward as usual to Yu Xiaogang's side, ready to begin the day's studies.
Even though Tang San's diet had improved recently, he was still thin and short. He was still some distance from the desk, and there was no suitable stool in the room.
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang's heart stirred. A strange pink glow flashed in his pupils as a kind smile appeared on his face. He patted his thigh, signaling Tang San.
"Little San, sit here."
"Teacher..." A surge of gratitude rose in Tang San's heart, and he was about to instinctively agree.
But the contents of the letter flashed through his mind, and he suddenly snapped out of it. His pupils constricted slightly. Could what Mo Bai meant be... the Love of Longyang?
Tang San instinctively took half a step back, looking at Yu Xiaogang with disbelief. However, he couldn't see any clues on Yu Xiaogang's face; it seemed like a perfectly normal gesture.
Even though he didn't want to believe it at all...
Just in case, given this action...
Tang San shook his head and waved his hands.
"It's okay, Teacher. I'll just stand. My eyesight is very good; I can see."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang's face stiffened slightly. He couldn't understand why Tang San would refuse such a small request that was similar to their usual interactions.
His brow furrowed slightly in spite of himself, and then he gave up on the idea of calling Tang San to sit on him.
All of this was seen by Tang San, who was using his Purple Demon Eye. His heart accelerated inexplicably. No, how could Teacher be interested in him? Perhaps it was just Teacher's care.
"Teacher, let's start the lesson."
"Mhm." Yu Xiaogang nodded and began the teaching normally.
This movement made Tang San breathe a sigh of relief inwardly. As expected, Teacher was still normal.
But would Mo Bai really say things that were completely fabricated?
Was the reason they didn't like each other really just because of their disagreement over Martial Souls and Innate full soul power?
Tang San had doubts in his heart, and as Mo Bai had said, this kind of thing was very difficult to speak of. Just as he was lost in thought...
Yu Xiaogang's hand gently patted his hand. There was a soft "clap" sound. It wasn't heavy, but very light, no different from a caress.
"Teacher!"
Tang San's pupils shrank violently, and he shouted out in a stress response. But when he met Yu Xiaogang's reproachful gaze, which seemed to be blaming him for being distracted just now, his tone weakened. However, that feeling in his heart wouldn't go away.
"Sorry, Teacher! I'm feeling a bit unwell today. I'll learn from you another day."
Tang San bowed, and without waiting for Yu Xiaogang's response, he quickly pushed the door open and left.
Yu Xiaogang stared at Tang San's retreating back in shock. He opened his mouth but closed it again, raised his hand but lowered it, and frowned in thought. "Was the reproach too severe?
"Generally, children have a period of rebellion. Could it be now?
"Or was my punishment too heavy? It would be better to use a finger to point next time. It should be like that."
...
Tang San, who had left in a hurry.
He paced back and forth in the academy, gritted his teeth, and finally decided to go and ask Mo Bai for clarification.
But just as he arrived in front of Mo Bai's dormitory, he happened to see Xiao Wu walking in.
This made him hesitate.
If it were just Mo Bai alone, it would be fine, but if Xiao Wu heard it too, then this matter would surely spread throughout Notting Academy by the next day.
Regardless of whether it was true or false, it would further damage Teacher's reputation. This was not something a qualified Disciple should do. So...
"Let's... wait a bit."
Tang San's small brow furrowed tightly. After considering for a moment, he walked quickly back to his dormitory.
Meanwhile, inside the dormitory room.
Mo Bai learned from Pupil One's report that Tang San had been in front of his dormitory and then left.
This was close to what he had expected. Was he going to answer? Of course not! Some things are only interesting when discovered slowly in daily life.
Right, Tang San?
The corners of Mo Bai's mouth curled up slightly. Not far from him, Xiao Wu was sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed in meditation, constantly murmuring: "Must imagine myself... must imagine myself..."