Chapter 39 – Suddenly the Person Just Vanished?

Without a doubt, Li Wei was not as open-minded and gentle as he appeared on the surface.

At the very least, he definitely did not take Xu Qianqian’s attitude toward Su Ming lightly, nor was he indifferent to the interactions and relationship between Xu Qianqian and Su Ming.

Su Ming wasn’t surprised by this.

Everyone in the Academy knew that the top student of the Hunter Department was pursuing Xu Qianqian, and he never hid it. Even after being rejected countless times, he remained persistent.

If a man like that truly didn’t care about the woman he loved being close to another man, then he might as well be preparing to grow a whole pasture at home.

At the very least, Su Ming didn’t believe Li Wei was that kind of person.

And Li Wei’s reaction confirmed to Su Ming that his assumption was correct.

(Well, it wasn’t a waste to put in a little effort to test him.)

Su Ming grew more cautious in his heart.

Countless cliché plots from novels in his past life had taught him just how crazy these so-called prestigious young masters could become over a woman.

As the saying goes, “beauty is a curse.” A character like Xu Qianqian, in a novel, would undoubtedly be the type to create rivals for the protagonist to show off and humiliate. A woman like her could trigger countless flags.

Just like now, Su Ming was certain that he had already caught Li Wei’s attention.

And once that happened, conflicts, even becoming mortal enemies, were almost inevitable.

But Su Ming didn’t want to show off or humiliate others, nor did he want to flaunt his abilities in public. Even less did he want to disrupt his own growth plan because of a rivalry over a woman.

Therefore, Su Ming absolutely did not want to get entangled with Li Wei later, forced into a situation where he had to show off, flaunt his skills, or even trigger a cliché plot like “defeat the young one, and the old one comes seeking revenge,” leading to a feud with the entire Li Family.

Thinking of this, Su Ming’s eyes shifted slightly, and he withdrew his hand.

“It was just a joke. It’s rare to have a chance to speak with the top student of the Hunter Department, so I got a bit carried away. I hope Senior Li Wei won’t take it seriously.”

Su Ming flashed an innocent smile at Li Wei as he spoke.

“Since your team is about to assemble, we won’t disturb you any further. See you next time.”

With that, Su Ming took An Zijin’s hand, bowed slightly to Li Wei, and gracefully left, pulling the bewildered An Zijin along with him.

“W-Wait for us!”

Yao Beibei and Jiang Wanyu, seeing this, hurriedly chased after them.

“W-We should go too, Senior!”

Lei Hao quickly bid farewell to Li Wei, grabbed Ye Bai—who let out a surprised yelp—and dashed off in a flash.

“Uh… this…”

Li Wei was still lost in thought over Su Ming’s sudden “joke,” only to find Su Ming had slipped away the next second, leaving him somewhat caught off guard.

“H-He’s leaving just like that?”

Even the onlookers were taken aback, every one of them frozen in place.

It wasn’t until a moment later that a light chuckle snapped everyone back to reality.

Xu Qianqian, who had been cold and expressionless, seemed to have encountered something amusing, as she couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.

The smile was faint, and the laughter was quiet, but the sight of the Academy Beauty’s rare smile left many spellbound.Xu Qianqian murmured softly under her breath.

“As expected of his style.” While saying this, she reined in her smile and turned to Li Wei. “Let’s go too, Senior.”

“O…okay.” Li Wei could only nod blankly.

……

The confrontation between Su Ming and Li Wei was but an insignificant episode in Huaming District, which was on the verge of a full-scale racial war.

Even those students who usually enjoyed flooding forums with trivial posts now had no heart for creating sensational news online. Influenced by the tense atmosphere, they all wore serious expressions.

Led by Academy instructors at the front, the group passed through multiple checkpoints, brushing past military vehicles and soldiers, before finally being guided to a camp.

This camp would serve as the living quarters for Demon Hunter Academy students during the Huaming District campaign.

Though called a camp, it wasn’t composed of clustered tents. Instead, several large buildings were enclosed together to form an Academy District, providing accommodation and activity spaces for the students.

The Academy Dean, accompanied by the Vice Dean, the heads and deputy heads of both the Hunter and Sorcerer Departments, along with other Academy executives, had arrived earlier and had been awaiting the students’ belated arrival.

After all students had gathered, the Dean first delivered a speech extolling the fearless spirit of humanity in resisting the Phantom Demon invasion, before addressing practical matters.

“This Academy District consists of three buildings: one Dormitory Building, one Lifestyle Building, and one Office Building.”

“The Dormitory Building will be your living quarters. We’ve assigned corresponding suites to each team in the Academy. Teammates are advised to reside together for convenience, though each suite contains multiple single rooms so everyone can have private space. The Base City won’t let our future Professionals worry about living conditions while devoting themselves to humanity.”

“The Lifestyle Building handles daily necessities. For instance, the cafeteria located there offers completely free meals, not limited to three daily servings – you can order food 24/7. No matter how late you return from missions, hot meals will always be available.”

“As for the Office Building, it’s dedicated to missions, functioning similarly to our Academy’s Mission Hall. Tasks assigned by the Base City are collected there, allowing students to choose missions according to their needs and earn contribution points.”

“Let me make this clear in advance,” the Dean addressed all students with a serious expression. “Aside from certain special missions we’ll assign to specific students, we do have requirements for every student.”

“Our requirement is simple: before the Huaming District campaign concludes, every student must accumulate at least 10,000 contribution points.”

This requirement was essential.

Otherwise, what would prevent students from coming here without contributing, merely lounging in the Academy District enjoying free food and accommodation?The Base City had mobilized the entire Demon Hunter Academy due to a shortage of personnel. If any students were to cowardly idle through this period, no one would forgive them.

Thus, the Academy established this requirement: every student must earn 10,000 contribution points before the Huaming District campaign concludes.

Failure to do so would prove that the individual had barely undertaken missions or contributed to the battle effort.

For such people…

“We will impose only one penalty: expulsion.”

The Dean’s words made many hearts tighten slightly.

Even Su Ming grimaced, realizing he couldn’t slack off this time.

“With the necessary explanations concluded, the remaining time is yours to arrange freely.”

Seeing the students’ tense expressions, the Dean nodded with apparent satisfaction.

“May Longyao Base City achieve ultimate victory in this campaign, and may we see you all again at the Academy upon our triumphant return.”

With these poignant words, the Dean dismissed the assembly.

Su Ming exchanged glances with his teammates.

“Let’s go.”

Lei Hao shouldered his backpack and led the way with a laugh.

Everyone nodded in succession.

……

Dormitory Building, fourth floor.

Standing before Room 404, Su Ming stared at the doorplate while clutching his backpack, his entire mouth twitching.

“This number feels maliciously intentional.”

Su Ming hesitated to enter.

But the others had already rushed into the room, exclaiming excitedly.

“Wow!”

“It’s huge!”

Yao Beibei and Jiang Wanyu cheered.

“This is where we’re staying?”

“Isn’t it too luxurious!?”

Lei Hao and Ye Bai also looked astonished.

Even An Zijin’s eyes lit up with surprise.

Before them stood an extravagant suite featuring not only a spacious main hall, side parlor, restaurant, and open-air balcony, but also six bedrooms positioned at each corner, creating a magnificently imposing layout.

“Look! You can see the ocean from the balcony!”

Jiang Wanyu had already dashed onto the balcony.

“So beautiful…”

Yao Beibei pressed against the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window, watching the bustling scene below, her ample chest flattened against the glass.

“This surpasses even presidential suites!”

Ye Bai circled the room, his delight unwavering.

“Absolutely fucking incredible!”

Lacking refinement, Lei Hao could only describe his feelings with his usual crude expressions.

Only Su Ming remained by the doorway, staring at the “404” plate with conflicted emotions.

“What’s wrong, Brother Su Ming?”

Noticing his expression, An Zijin inquired softly.

“Nothing.” Su Ming shook his head with grave seriousness. “Just wondering if we might suddenly vanish while living here.”

An Zijin: “???”

Others: “???”

Confused question marks hovered over everyone’s faces, unable to comprehend Su Ming’s whimsical concerns.

“Forget it. You wouldn’t understand even if I explained.”

Seeing their bewilderment, Su Ming abandoned attempts to enlighten these ignorant souls, rolling his eyes as he finally entered.”I think you’re insulting us.”

Ye Bai raised his hand to voice his objection.

But Su Ming’s response was formidable.

“I don’t care what you think, I only care about what I think.” After throwing out this statement, Su Ming immediately added, “Pick your rooms. I choose this one.”

With that, Su Ming very self-assuredly walked toward the largest room.

“Stop right there!”

“You shameless bastard!”

Lei Hao and Ye Bai widened their eyes, and as soon as they processed what happened, they immediately charged forward.

However, Su Ming seemed to have already predicted these two’s actions. With a running start, he dashed into the room and locked the door.

Lei Hao and Ye Bai could only howl in frustration outside the door, their voices filled with rage.

“So immature…”

“Seniors…”

Jiang Wanyu and Yao Beibei watched with utter disdain.

Only An Zijin remained, gazing at Su Ming’s room with her head lowered, lost in unknown thoughts.

(End of Chapter)