Chapter 17: Divergent Paths

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Yun Fei: “Where did you learn the pattern engraved inside the blade? Can you teach others?”

Su Ninglong: “What resources can I get?”

“Do you have any other special abilities?”

Ignoring the question, Su Ninglong was annoyed. “You’re too long-winded. I won’t tell you.”

During the Great Ascension stage of the Su Ancestress, the younger generation all fawned over her, and her temper grew increasingly sharp.

Now, being a child, she no longer cared about saving face.

“I want a very large room. If you don’t give it to me, forget it.”

Su Ninglong raised her little head slightly and laid down the condition directly.

Yun Fei sighed helplessly, suddenly remembering—she was just a child.

Their earlier back-and-forth, like an adult confrontation, had been an illusion.

Clearing his throat, he softened his voice as much as possible.

“Ninglong, tell me what abilities you have first, so we can nurture you better and give you what you want.” Yun Fei’s way of coaxing a child was no different from many adults.

He sweetened the deal.

“Do you like candy? Here, have some candy.”

“Do I look like a kid lacking sugar? I’m this cute, there are plenty of people giving me candy.” Su Ninglong said, “You adults like to dangle promises, and you’re no doubt an expert at it. Candy won’t fool me—I want real rewards.”

Yun Fei was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. “Alright, alright. What kind of room do you want?”

With his goal achieved, Su Ninglong chuckled and made her demands. Besides the room, she definitely wanted many other things.

She exited the ability testing room, fully satisfied.

“Xing Yuan, we’re moving. That Uncle Yun inside said he’d approve a standalone large suite and a small workshop for me.”

Xing Yuan didn’t know who Uncle Yun was.

When Yun Fei came out expressionless, he glanced at Su Ninglong and said, “Kid, don’t forget our agreement.”

“Mm-hmm, I’ll make the guide remember.”

Yun Fei was about to say more when his bracelet vibrated suddenly. He checked the message, patted Su Ninglong’s little head, and turned to leave.

Xing Yuan was dazed. “What did he talk to you about?”

“The subject and object are reversed—it’s what I talked to him about. I’m in control here.” Su Ninglong didn’t mind letting Xing Yuan know.

Yun Fei wanted to probe her abilities, and she proactively proposed a trade of skills for resources.

“Unfortunately, I can’t get the rights to use the furnace, but I did apply for a welding machine.”

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At such a young age, she already understood the importance of negotiation.

Xing Yuan nodded and shook his head at the same time. “What did you say? A welding machine?”

“Yes.”

“I also promised him two things; help me remember.”

The two things Su Ninglong mentioned were unusual: to forge two small knives and to enter the simulator again.

Xing Yuan could no longer maintain his gentle smile. He had never heard of the Star Alliance Academy making such excessive demands on children.

Yet, Su Ninglong took it upon herself to agree. There was no turning back once the bow was drawn.

Yun Fei was a ruthless man—no one dared treat his promises lightly.

“You really know how to play. Next time you want to make a decision, discuss it with me first. You’re still young and don’t understand many things.”

Su Ninglong deflected and smiled sweetly. “I know I was wrong, Brother Yuan. I want to eat ice cream.”

Her adorable diversion failed. Xing Yuan was a little angry. “Ms. Zou didn’t give you a budget for snacks.”

“Waaah.”

Soon, Su Ninglong moved from a small four-person room to a suite of 150 square meters. The entire suite was hers. Finally, her “junk” had a place to be stored.

Xing Yuan moved in nearby to take care of her and helped her tidy up.

After Xing Yuan’s organizing, the room was pleasant to the eye.

Su Ninglong collapsed onto the sofa. The furry, soft cushions and blankets deeply pleased her.

Xing Yuan helped her pin the class schedule on the most conspicuous pegboard in the room. “Do you need to buy anything else? I can go get it with you tonight.”

“I want spicy hot pot. Strong flavor. Not spicy means I won’t eat it.”

Xing Yuan: “...”

On the first day of official classes, the first lesson was language. Su Ninglong happily took the cute water bottle they bought last night to class.

For four-year-olds, the lessons were simple, and the teacher had to repeat the same points over and over.

Su Ninglong struggled to keep her eyes open.

Charlie was like Su Ninglong’s shadow; wherever she went, he followed and naturally became her deskmate.

“Why are you following me?” Su Ninglong asked.

“My mom said I have to follow you, follow my sister if I want to pass the exam.”

“Your mom has good foresight, but you won’t keep up.” After class, Su Ninglong went to the language teacher to explain her situation. “I want to take the exam; I won’t attend language class this semester.”

“The language class teaches recognition of characters and tells many fairy tales. Don’t you want to listen, little one?”

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“If you mean those dozens of obviously illogical, dumb stories in the book, then no, I really don’t want to listen.”

The language teacher sternly corrected her: “Stories help shape children’s correct values. They can’t be judged by normal logic.”

“Alright, teacher, I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t be biased against these comforting stories. But I’ve read all the stories. Can I apply for a more advanced language class?”

“You recognize all the characters?”

“As long as they’re in the dictionary, I know them. I’ve gone through the grammar too; it doesn’t affect daily communication. I just need to pass an exam to validate my progress. My next class is math and science. I contacted the teacher online last night; he said I should go to the youth division. The youth division is a bit far from the kindergarten building. Teacher, can you approve this quickly? I’m pressed for time.”

She hadn’t added that teacher’s contact before, or they could have sorted it out yesterday.

The language teacher was young and hesitated. “Alright, go to class first. Before dismissal, I’ll notify your guide on how to help you with the grade-skipping exam.”

“Isn’t the next class hygiene?” Charlie was very sad. “Sister, I want to take classes with you.”

“My schedule is different from yours. See you at the Secret Spirit and Natural Biology class at four in the afternoon.” Su Ninglong was glad to escape the kindergarten routine of sitting in rows counting apples.

One, two, three, four, five—it was a whole afternoon of study.

Su Ninglong shrugged—too terrifying.

Xing Yuan was already waiting at the door to rush her to the next class.

Charlie sadly watched her leave. “Uncle Hai, does Sister Su not like me? That’s why she doesn’t want to study with me.”

Hai Yu: “Didn’t you hear just now? She said she wants to take the Secret Spirit and Natural Biology class with you.”

“Oh, right.” Charlie brightened up.

Hai Yu was relieved. So easy to coax!

In math and science class, Su Ninglong sat among children at least 1.4 meters tall.

Everyone noticed the short little one.

“Are you a Wardian?” the boy beside her asked.

Su Ninglong: “I’m a Starborn.”

The boy: “???”

Soon, the bell rang. The teacher entered slowly, dragging a heavy body.

His striking metallic form instantly attracted countless students’ gazes.

He wore a simple cloak. His head was a transparent “fishbowl,” inside which a large brain was housed.