Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"So... what's the name of the student representing Godwind Academy?" Qin Jian asked after a moment of thought in the main hall.

Yan Zhining replied, "I believe... it's Feng Xiaotian."

Qin Jian rubbed his temples in exasperation. "Then find out why he's here. He's Huo Wu's admirer."

"Uh..."

The group exchanged glances, unsure of what expression to show.

"If Huo Wu insists on challenging Bing'er, she's just asking for trouble."

Qin Jian shrugged nonchalantly. "Right now, Bing'er is at rank 35, and she can summon her Ice Phoenix martial soul. She could even handle someone at rank 39."

"True enough," Yan Zhining said with a smile. "Bing'er isn't the same as before. Huo Wu is just setting herself up for failure."

"Alright, get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, it's time to put Blazing Academy in their place..." She waved her hand dismissively. "The whole academy knows you're back now. If you lose, you'll throw away the entire team's reputation!"

They all returned to their rooms.

Once Shui Bing'er closed the door to her room, she saw Qin Jian sprawled out on her bed.

"Qin Jian, that's my bed. You're in the wrong place," Shui Bing'er said.

"I like this bed. Let's swap," Qin Jian replied casually, still lying down.

Shui Bing'er blinked in confusion. "Huh? Why?"

"Because your scent isn't on my bed anymore. This one smells fresh," Qin Jian said, taking a light breath.

"You're such a scoundrel..." Shui Bing'er huffed.

"So, are we switching or not?" Qin Jian sat up with a playful grin.

Shui Bing'er rolled her eyes. "You're the team captain. It's your call."

"Hmm? So being captain includes the authority to assign beds..." Qin Jian rubbed his chin, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Seeing his expression, Shui Bing'er immediately grew wary. "What are you scheming now?"

"Don't you think our beds are a bit small?" Qin Jian asked.

"I think they're just fine," Shui Bing'er replied.

Qin Jian shook his head. "Not enough space. If I roll over three times, I'll fall off."

"Three rolls?" Shui Bing'er's eyes widened slightly. "You'd need two beds for that!"

"Exactly, that's what I was thinking too," Qin Jian nodded earnestly.

"What exactly do you want?" Shui Bing'er asked, blinking her bright eyes.

Qin Jian grinned broadly. "How about we push the beds together and sleep on them?"

"No way!"

Outside, Qiu Ruoshui, walking down the corridor, stopped in her tracks when she heard the voices coming from Qin Jian and Shui Bing'er's room.

Then came Qin Jian's voice: "Why not? I think it's a great idea!"

Qiu Ruoshui's curiosity deepened. Quietly, she tiptoed closer and pressed her ear to the door.

"It's just wrong! Everything about it is wrong! We can't sleep together!" Shui Bing'er protested.

Hearing this, Qiu Ruoshui's eyes widened. "Is the captain finally making his move?"

"What will it take for you to agree?" Qin Jian pressed.

"I... I won't agree no matter what... Ah, what are you doing..." Shui Bing'er's voice seemed to falter.

"How about this? Still won't agree?" Qin Jian's tone carried a hint of dominance.

"No... no way..." Shui Bing'er's voice grew softer.

Qiu Ruoshui's eyes sparkled with excitement. She felt like her captain was on the verge of succeeding!

"I promise to stay outside and not go inside. How about that?" Qin Jian suggested.

Qiu Ruoshui's eyes widened further. "Outside, not inside! The captain's game is on point!"

"Really? You'll only stay outside?" Shui Bing'er confirmed.

"Of course. I always keep my word," Qin Jian said.

"Well... okay then..."

Qiu Ruoshui bolted from the door and started knocking on the other team members' doors, her face brimming with excitement.

Inside the room.

At some point, Shui Bing'er had backed herself against the wall, her face flushed. Qin Jian stood with his arms on either side of her head.

It was the legendary "kabedon" technique!

"Now that you've agreed, no backing out..." Qin Jian said with a smile. "I'll sleep on the outside bed and won't come to the inside bed."

"As long as you stick to that, it's fine," Shui Bing'er nodded after a moment's thought.

"You can count on me."

The peculiar smile on Qin Jian's face made Shui Bing'er slightly uneasy, though she couldn't pinpoint why.

"Go wash up. I'll move the beds," Qin Jian said cheerfully as he got to work.

Thanks to the presence of soul power, moving furniture was child's play for a rank-27 Great Soul Master.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom, and Qin Jian found his thoughts wandering. His recent trip to the Star Dou Forest had lightened his mood considerably. He had finally let go of some lingering burdens.

"No matter what lies ahead, I need to cherish each moment now. That's the only way to honor myself and those who care about me," he murmured, a warm smile spreading across his face.

When Shui Bing'er emerged from the bathroom, her entire demeanor carried a freshly-bathed allure.

Qin Jian quickly looked away and dashed into the bathroom to wash up himself.

When he came out, however, he was stunned. "Bing'er, isn't this going too far?"

Shui Bing'er was nestled under her blanket, only her head peeking out with a serene smile. "Didn't you say you'd stay on the outside? This setup shouldn't bother you."

Qin Jian's gaze fell on the line of books she had stacked between their two beds, and his lips twitched. "What's this? Do you think you're Zhu Yingtai?"

"Who's Zhu Yingtai?" Shui Bing'er asked curiously.

"Not important..." Qin Jian planted his hands on his hips. "I said I wouldn't cross the line, and I mean it. Can't there be a little trust between people?"

"I think there can be..." Shui Bing'er replied with a soft smile. "As long as you truly don't cross over."

Without another word, Qin Jian picked up the entire row of books and returned them to the bookshelf.

Shui Bing'er watched him intently, her hands gripping the blanket tighter. Her heart pounded slightly.

Qin Jian reclined on his bed, his gaze locking with hers. "Tell me, do you want me to follow the rules, or do you secretly hope I'll break them?"

"You're a man. You'll keep your word, won't you?" Shui Bing'er said firmly, though her thoughts were conflicted.

If he stayed in his place, she wouldn't need to worry about things getting out of hand. But would that mean she wasn't charming enough? Yet if he didn't... what then? They were still young, and it was too soon for such things...

What if there was a baby...?

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