Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

The accommodations arranged by Skywater Academy for the team were nothing short of luxurious.

The room, dominated by a water-blue theme, featured elegant decorations: crystal chandeliers, light-blue wainscoting, and a sophisticated layout.

Naturally, the first thing Qin Jian noticed upon entering was the two soft beds placed a meter apart at the center of the room.

Sitting by the window-side bed was Shui Bing'er, who seemed flustered. She nervously fidgeted, her hands hovering aimlessly over various objects, seemingly unsure of what to do.

"Is this my bed?" Qin Jian smiled, breaking the increasingly awkward atmosphere.

"Mm…"

Startled, Shui Bing'er turned around, her reply a soft and almost inaudible hum, her demeanor shy and bashful.

"There's no need to be nervous. I'm not going to do anything to you."

With a thump, Qin Jian flopped onto the bed. "Ah, this is comfortable…"

"Huh?"

His expression suddenly froze, and he sniffed lightly. A look of curiosity flickered across his face.

Watching his actions, Shui Bing'er's cheeks subtly flushed with color.

Moments later, Qin Jian sat up, walked over to her, leaned slightly toward her ear, and his expression soon shifted to one of understanding.

"Shui… Hmm, can I call you Bing'er?" Qin Jian asked with a playful smile.

Shui Bing'er blinked and nodded. "Sure, even Xue Wu and the others call me that…"

It's different when a man says it! The innocent and endearingly naive girl clearly lacked the sharp intuition she displayed as a Soul Master when it came to relationships.

Or… could it be a case of hidden wisdom beneath simplicity?

"Bing'er, did you switch beds with me?" Qin Jian chuckled. "The scent on the bedding is identical to your fragrance."

Having anticipated this moment from Qin Jian's earlier behavior, Shui Bing'er blushed even more deeply. She mumbled, "Yes… That was my bed. But Xue Wu didn't want you to sleep in hers, so we switched…"

"Well, that's fine by me. I'd rather not share a bed with that tomboy anyway," Qin Jian quipped with a light laugh.

"Pfft…"

Unable to hold back, Shui Bing'er covered her mouth and giggled.

Gradually adjusting to the atmosphere, she stood up and walked toward the tastefully designed bathroom. From her soul device, she retrieved towels, toothbrushes, and other toiletries.

Qin Jian followed her, his expression turning slightly odd as he watched her unpack. "You've been with me this whole time. When did you prepare all this?"

"Um… I slipped away during your meal to the academy's logistics office to collect them…" Shui Bing'er's voice softened as her expression grew tender. "You've had a long day. You must be tired. The bathtub here is great for relaxing—why not take a soak?"

Qin Jian nodded lightly. "Thank you."

Shui Bing'er then produced a pair of men's slippers and even two or three sets of sleepwear.

"Does the academy provide these too?" Qin Jian asked in surprise.

A tinge of red returned to Shui Bing'er's cheeks. "These… I went out and bought them from a shop outside the academy…"

"You left the academy?" Qin Jian's expression turned a bit peculiar. "You were gone for, what, half an hour? Logistics office and shopping outside? That's impressive speed."

"Just go wash up and take a bath!"

Unable to endure his teasing gaze any longer, Shui Bing'er pushed him into the bathroom and slammed the door shut with a bang.

Leaning against the door, Shui Bing'er took deep breaths, trying to calm her pounding heart.

For the first time, she had put so much effort into caring for a man. From the moment she learned they'd be sharing a room, she had been preoccupied with thinking about what he might need. She even used the brief window of time after dinner to make sure everything was ready.

The memory of the storekeeper's sly and suggestive gaze while she purchased men's slippers and sleepwear was still vivid. That woman even began promoting contraceptives!

It was the most mortifying moment Shui Bing'er had ever experienced in her life.

Suddenly, the sound of faint rustling came from outside the door.

"Huh? What's that noise?"

Curious, Shui Bing'er approached the door, only to hear a low murmur of voices.

"Did you hear anything?"

"There was some noise earlier, but now it's gone…"

"Do you think they're already asleep?"

"No way, that's too fast!"

"Maybe Qin Jian already shut Bing'er up."

"With what?"

"…"

Six distinct voices chimed in, their conversation sending black lines across Shui Bing'er's forehead.

Bang!

The door swung open abruptly.

"Ah!"

"Oh no!"

Six girls, each with an impressive figure, tumbled into the room in a heap.

"You were eavesdropping?!" Shui Bing'er accused, pointing at them indignantly.

The group scrambled to their feet in embarrassment.

"We were just worried about you, Bing'er. What if Qin Jian tried something?" Shen Liuyu, the green-haired girl, said sheepishly.

"Exactly!"

Xue Wu and Yu Hairou crossed their arms confidently, showing no hint of remorse.

"Where's Qin Jian?" Gu Qingbo craned her neck curiously.

"He's freshening up," Shui Bing'er replied.

At this, Shui Yue'er chimed in, "Freshening up? Does he have toiletries? Should I bring a set? I have spares in my room."

Shui Bing'er shook her head. "I've prepared everything…"

"Oh…"

After a pause, Shui Yue'er added, "What about men's sleepwear? What will he wear to bed?"

Shui Bing'er blinked and replied softly, "That's been prepared too…"

"Even that's ready?!"

The six exclaimed in unison, their expressions becoming increasingly amused.

Shui Bing'er lowered her head, her face growing so red it seemed ready to melt into her chest.

"Bing'er, don't you think this favoritism is a bit much?"

Xue Wu protested. "When I moved in, all you told me was where the logistics office was!"

"Exactly! I didn't get any special treatment either," Shen Liuyu added, flicking her green hair.

What followed was a chorus of playful accusations, all chastising Shui Bing'er for prioritizing Qin Jian over them.

"Go back to your rooms and sleep!"

Finally reaching her limit, Shui Bing'er let out a rare shout.

The room fell silent for a brief moment.

"Did Bing'er just yell? Did I mishear?"

"If you heard it too, then it wasn't a mistake."

"This is amazing! I've never heard her raise her voice before."

"Could it be that having a man changes everything?"

"…"

Unable to handle their teasing any longer, Shui Bing'er shoved them all out and slammed the door shut with a bang.

"Wow… Bing'er actually has a temper!"

"Yeah, who knew? It's kind of fun to see."

"Has our sweet and gentle Bing'er been changed forever?"

"All thanks to a certain man's influence."

"…"

Their voices gradually faded as they walked away, but the occasional stray comment still reached Shui Bing'er's ears.

Covering her flushed face, she muttered to herself, "Have I really changed that much? Is it all because of Qin Jian…"

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