Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

Skywater Academy, located in the heart of Skywater City, was traversed by a small river. The lush greenery, rolling hills, and exquisitely designed architecture blended seamlessly into a picturesque whole.

As Shui Bing'er guided Qin Jian through the academy, her cheeks never stopped flushing.

She had underestimated the task Yan Zhining had entrusted to her. Introducing Qin Jian to the academy wasn't as simple as it sounded—especially since he was the only male student in the entire Skywater Academy!

Couple that with Shui Bing'er's own fame, and the two of them together turned heads wherever they went. They were met with whispers, stares, and even a bold group of female students trailing behind them, giggling openly. The whole ordeal left Shui Bing'er feeling utterly self-conscious.

"Shui Bing'er…"

Qin Jian's voice suddenly came from her side, jolting her out of her daze. "Huh?"

"Hehe…"

More giggles erupted behind them, and Shui Bing'er quickly lowered her head again.

"Why are you so shy? Just imagine those onlookers as a bunch of pumpkins with heads," Qin Jian said, gesturing animatedly as he painted the scene.

"P-Pumpkin heads?" Shui Bing'er couldn't help but glance around. A laugh escaped her lips before she realized it. Oddly enough, the idea did help her relax—not because she truly saw them as pumpkins, but because of Qin Jian's carefree attitude.

He wasn't the least bit embarrassed or uncomfortable, and that made her envious. She instinctively wanted to be more like him.

"The place we just passed is the cafeteria," Shui Bing'er said, her voice steadier now. "We're provided with three meals a day, free of charge and unlimited in quantity…"

"This is the academy's simulation training ground. Part of it is exclusively reserved for the Skywater Battle Team…"

"That's the teaching hall up ahead, where the instructors give lectures and sometimes hold combat demonstrations…"

The female students watching from the sidelines were surprised. Shui Bing'er, who had been shy and awkward moments ago, suddenly seemed confident and poised after just a few words from Qin Jian.

Even Qin Jian was a bit taken aback. He had been wondering why the normally cool and composed captain of the Skywater Battle Team was acting so timid. But now, as she grew more natural and self-assured, he couldn't help but feel intrigued.

Was her earlier nervousness just a defense mechanism? Or perhaps a lack of confidence? Qin Jian realized he was becoming increasingly curious about this girl.

It would be fascinating to see her fully embrace her commanding demeanor again…

"Qin Jian, I have a class to attend. Would you like to sit in?" Shui Bing'er asked, pointing to the blue teaching hall nearby. "If we head over now, we'll still make it in time."

"Sure, let's check it out," Qin Jian said with a smile.

As she led him toward the teaching hall, Shui Bing'er suddenly veered off course.

"Eh? Isn't the entrance that way?" Qin Jian asked, puzzled. "Why are you going this way?"

Shui Bing'er turned back, her expression bashful. "If we go through the main entrance, everyone will see us. There's a small side door here—we can sneak in…"

"Sneak in… through the side door?" Qin Jian pressed a hand to his forehead. "I thought you were gaining some confidence, but you're back to your old ways so quickly…"

Shui Bing'er lowered her head in embarrassment, but her ice-blue eyes widened in shock the next moment.

Without warning, Qin Jian grabbed her hand. Before she could react, he pulled her—straight through the main entrance!

"Q-Qin Jian… don't…" Shui Bing'er protested instinctively, her flustered voice making Qin Jian feel exasperated.

We're already halfway inside, and now you're saying 'don't'? It's too late for that!

"Follow me. Walk in proudly! You're Shui Bing'er of the Skywater Battle Team—what's there to be afraid of?"

With that, Qin Jian tightened his grip and strode confidently into the teaching hall, dragging the blushing Shui Bing'er along.

The hall fell silent. Even the instructor paused for a moment before smiling warmly. "You must be Qin Jian. I've heard that Instructor Yan personally invited you to join the academy?"

Qin Jian nodded with a calm smile, still holding Shui Bing'er's hand as if unaware of the many curious and gossiping eyes fixed on them.

Among the crowd, Xue Wu was seething, while Shui Yue'er's hands were cupped against her cheeks, her eyes sparkling. "Wow… he's so handsome!"

"First time attending a lecture? Go ahead and find a seat," the instructor said kindly.

Before Qin Jian could respond, Shui Bing'er, eager to escape the attention, quickly sat down in the nearest seat. In her haste, she forgot her hand was still in Qin Jian's, causing him to lean toward her as she pulled him down.

Panicking, Shui Bing'er instinctively caught him, and their eyes met.

Her face instantly turned bright red.

"Wow!"

The class erupted into teasing cheers, leaving Shui Bing'er mortified. She quickly withdrew her hands and buried her face in them, wishing she could disappear.

Qin Jian, however, was unfazed. He smiled at the onlookers, then sat down calmly as if nothing had happened.

"Hmph! Shameless!" Xue Wu muttered angrily.

"He's so dreamy!" Shui Yue'er said, starry-eyed.

Xue Wu glared at her. "Yue'er, what did you just say? Wait… are you drooling?"

Shui Yue'er frantically wiped her mouth. "No, no! You're imagining things!"

Xue Wu's expression was skeptical as she leaned in and touched Shui Yue'er's smooth cheek. "Yue'er… don't tell me you've fallen for him too?"

"I… I haven't!" Shui Yue'er turned her head away.

Xue Wu narrowed her eyes. "If you and Bing'er both abandon me for him, I'll make you taste the wrath of Xue Wu…"

Shui Yue'er rolled her eyes discreetly. She didn't believe Xue Wu would actually do anything—her bark was far worse than her bite.

Deep down, Xue Wu cared deeply for the Skywater Battle Team, and her current irritation stemmed from not wanting anyone to disrupt their unity. But her reaction only made Shui Yue'er more certain: this was going to get interesting.

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