The subway pulled into the station in no time.

Just steps from the exit stood the grand gate of Tianhai Martial Academy.

After finishing registration and paperwork, Zhou Jiuyu headed toward his dorm to check out his roommates.

“This is the boys’ dorm. Still following me?” Zhou Jiuyu turned at the building entrance, glancing back at Akizuki Airi.

“I—I just thought you’d go home! Our place is so close… barely ten minutes by subway. You’re not staying on campus, are you?” Airi bit her lip.

Her heart skipped a beat. If Jiuyu-kun lived here, would she have to bring him breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day?

At home was one thing—but here? She’d definitely be labeled a simp.

“Just getting familiar. With all the martial academy events, I might need to crash here someday,” Zhou Jiuyu said, eyeing her like she’d lost her mind.

“Oh… right…” Airi cleared her throat. “I’ll peek too… I’ll wait here. Don’t sneak off!”

“Sure.”

Zhou Jiuyu nodded and climbed the stairs.

He pushed open his dorm door. Two beds were already taken—he was the third arrival.

“You?”

The guy on the left-side bed froze mid-laugh at the sight of Zhou Jiuyu, his cheerful expression hardening instantly.

“Problem with it being me, Young Master Jing?”

Zhou Jiuyu arched a brow slightly. Of all the luck—stuck with *this* guy.

Jing Yuansheng glared, then recalled the Sword God Mountain incident. He let out a cold snort and looked away. Stirring trouble with someone backed by Sword God Mountain? Not worth it.

“Ahem. Zhu Wenshan,” the other roommate smiled, glancing between them. “You two… got history?”

“Zhou Jiuyu.” He shook Zhu’s hand politely but skipped the question.

“I wouldn’t stoop to argue with a janitor. Beneath me,” Jing Yuansheng muttered, lips curling. “Should’ve picked Shanghai or Beijing Martial Academy. What a waste.”

“Wait—you *could* go to Shanghai or Beijing? Then why Tianhai?” Zhu Wenshan blinked in surprise. “Those are the only two academies worldwide with Ninth Tier psychics as principals… plus honorary Ninth Tier mentors. So many opportunities…”

“Tianhai’s ranked third, Eighth Tier mentors everywhere—but no Ninth Tier. When you said you’re Third Tier, I was confused. With your talent, why here?”

Jing Yuansheng smirked. “Inside info: Tianhai’s getting a new principal this year—a Ninth Tier powerhouse rivaling Beijing and Shanghai’s. Plus, several external Ninth Tier experts as mentors… Rumor says even a city lord’s joining!”

“Seriously?” Zhu Wenshan’s eyes lit up.

“Wait—there’s more! Even with Ninth Tier mentors, Tianhai would only match them. But they also recruited top masters from ancient martial sects as honorary mentors! A world-exclusive chance!”

“That’s why I came. Though…” Jing shot Zhou a glance. “If I’d known *this* janitor was here, I’d have skipped it.”

Zhou Jiuyu ignored him, head down, texting.

Contact name: [Lu Simo].

Jing Yuansheng’s girlfriend.

[Lu Simo: Oh! You’re at Tianhai too? Me too! What a coincidence?]

[Zhou Jiuyu: Your boyfriend’s in my dorm. Ranting about me right beside me.]

[Lu Simo: Huh? Yuansheng’s *there*?]

Silence followed. She seemed stunned.

Just as Zhou Jiuyu thought she’d backed off—

[Lu Simo: He’s always like that. Just ignore him~ I’ll treat you next time to apologize! But don’t tell him… I’m scared he’ll get mad and hit me.]

Zhou Jiuyu’s eye twitched.

*Scared he’ll hit you?*

*Then why message me? Offer dinner?*

Your “green tea” act’s way too weak. Zero flavor.

He didn’t reply. Honestly, he rarely did. Yet every few days, she’d find a reason to text. Her “green tea” skills were amateur, but her chatting charm? Decent. Most guys would’ve fallen hard.

Too bad he’d reply twice max—killing the vibe harder each time. Still, she kept circling back. Persistent.

Why not block her? Because Airi kept wanting to be Lu Simo’s simp again. But whenever Airi mentioned it, Zhou Jiuyu would chat with Lu Simo right in front of her—just enough to shatter Airi emotionally. Once Airi truly cut ties, he’d delete this “green tea.”

Or wait till Lu Simo, fed up with his cold shoulder, blocked *him* first.

Zhou Jiuyu set down his phone and stole a glance at Jing Yuansheng.

Poor guy. No idea how many times he’s been cheated on… yet bragging so happily.

Just then—the dorm door opened again.

A quiet boy stepped in, expression shy.

“Hello… I’m Tong Yu.”

After quick introductions, Jing Yuansheng actually scooted beside Tong Yu, his usual arrogance replaced by cautious deference.

“May I ask… are you… *the* Tong Yu… from the Tong Family of the Shadow Syndicate?”

“Um… yes. Do you know me?”

“It *is* you, Young Master Tong! Who wouldn’t recognize the Tong heir?” Jing beamed. “We might’ve met as kids! My father, Jing Xiangtian, serves under the Tong Family branch of the Shadow Syndicate.”

“Oh… probably? Childhood’s blurry, haha…” Tong Yu scratched his head, flustered by the attention.

“The Tong Family of the Shadow Syndicate?” Zhu Wenshan chimed in, eyes wide. “The Tong heir?! You’ve gotta look out for me, Young Master!”

Zhou Jiuyu, already halfway to the door, sat back down to eavesdrop.

For no reason at all, the name *Tong Che* flashed in his mind.

But… it was just a dream.

Couldn’t possibly be connected.