Chapter 48: The Way of the Tongue

The empty lecture hall.

A faint slurping sound of an ice pop echoed, unusual for a freezing winter day.

Except that.

When it was hot.

Then everything made perfect sense!

Li Luo sat alone in the back of the classroom, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, watching a small spider crawl up and down, nimble and agile, occasionally flipping and spinning.

He couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Amazing skill!

As the leader of the Ming Cult, when he lowered his head and saw the water-filled eyes of the female lead of the Dagger Sect, he could only silently accept her actions.

Such things.

Who could possibly refuse?

Even a bad girl has the right to eat an ice pop.

After all, he hadn’t promised her anything—worst case, he could entertain her happily and then toss her some minor supporting role like a talking maid to practice on.

As the male lead, he trusted that Lai Shuiqing wouldn’t refuse him face.

In fact, most of those insignificant roles could be decided by a single assistant director.

His drifting thoughts quickly returned.

His full attention settled on the small spider on the ceiling.

The spider moved faster and faster, diving deep into the farthest corner, its winding path wildly seductive, making him clench his fists tightly and his body jerk sharply.

【In classroom, studying diligently, deeply comprehending the way of the tongue】

【Indulgence successful】

【Reward: Long Fist (Mastered)】

“Cough~”

More than ten seconds later, a soft cough echoed in the classroom.

A moment later, Bian Xiaoxiao turned and sat up.

Seeing the girl’s eyes reddened from choking, Li Luo—released and with his fist technique refined—was in high spirits and kindly handed her tissues and the half-finished bottle of mineral water.

He closed his eyes, savoring the afterglow, as images of practicing fist techniques flashed rapidly through his mind.

His muscles and bones tingled with a pleasant itch.

As if he had endured years of rigorous training.

【Constitution +2】

【Charisma +2】

As the fist intent merged into his body, his personal stats for constitution and charisma subtly changed; due to his recent growth of several centimeters, both attributes had already risen naturally.

Now with two additional points, his constitution rose to 72.

His charisma became a new 73.

Years of fist training naturally strengthened the body.

Regular exercise naturally boosts vital energy and spirit, and charisma increases accordingly.

While pleased internally,

A gnawing, unbearable hunger surged violently.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

Suppressing the hunger with effort, he slowly shook his head: “It’s unfair to you.”

“Do you like it?”

Bian Xiaoxiao swallowed the mineral water in large gulps, panting: “Just tell me whether you like it!”

Looking at Li Luo’s face, she was momentarily stunned.

For no reason,

She felt he looked even more handsome than before.

“Like it.”

Li Luo nodded decisively.

“Good.”

Bian Xiaoxiao bit her lip, then hesitated: “Do you think I’m a bad girl?”

“Of course.”

An equally blunt reply.

Hearing this answer, Bian Xiaoxiao bit her lip harder.

She hadn’t expected that after going this far,

It still wouldn’t work.

Li Luo smiled and gently wiped the water from the corner of her mouth, saying lightly: “In a way, being a bad girl isn’t so bad, is it, my dear friend?”

Hearing those final words,

Bian Xiaoxiao’s stiff expression melted into a flowing spring.

“That’s right.”

Her charming eyes flickered across her composed, delicate face: “We are dear friends.”

“About what we said earlier.”

Li Luo felt no inner disturbance and continued: “Forgive me—I can’t give you any promises. But I’ll remember your feelings for me. If one day you feel it’s no longer right—”

“We can end this intimate relationship anytime.”

He understood her motives clearly.

Dangle a big carrot to make her dream of plums, and occasionally offer small favors.

As for whether she’d blackmail him later—if he became famous, her opportunistic nature would drive her to cling tighter; if he didn’t, nothing would happen anyway.

They were classmates; if anyone found out, it would be mutual consent.

Nothing to worry about.

“Mm.”

Bian Xiaoxiao lowered her head and hugged Li Luo’s arm, a smug smile flickering at her lips: “I’m serious too. Just being with you is enough—I won’t ask you for anything else!”

For no reason, a line from The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber surfaced in Li Luo’s mind.

The more beautiful the woman,

The more she lies!

Fortunately, he wasn’t any worse.

“Get up.”

He patted her back and gathered his things: “We should go.”

“Where to?”

Bian Xiaoxiao asked instinctively.

“First, eat something.”

Li Luo quickly stuffed his belongings into his shoulder bag and flashed a quick wink at the woman beside him: “As for what’s next—I don’t know your habits, but I never leave things half-done.”

His stomach was starving—he’d eat first, then fight again.

“Me too.”

Bian Xiaoxiao licked her lips, still craving more.

Since starting school,

It had been a long time.

Her current feeling was like being trapped in a swamp, sinking into mire.

They found a restaurant and devoured everything in sight.

A large pork knuckle.

In no time, it was completely devoured.

Li Luo’s enormous appetite left Bian Xiaoxiao stunned—actors must maintain their physiques; she couldn’t fathom how he kept himself in shape eating like this.

But her curiosity was quickly answered.

Big appetite isn’t a problem as long as exercise keeps up; after eating his fill, Li Luo transformed into Second Battalion Commander.

His stats had increased—he had to test their effects.

After trying various methods, Li Luo was thoroughly satisfied with his improved physical condition.

He used a thrilling and vigorous battle,

Officially marking the end of the first semester of freshman year.

Snowflakes fluttered down.

Xu Qing, bundled like a rice dumpling, hesitated a moment before finally opening the car door.

Shivering from the cold, she rubbed her hands and hurried toward the apartment building ahead; as soon as she opened the door, she heard a strange, mumbling voice.

“It’s been ten years! How’s Third Senior Brother?!”

“Su Su~”

“Come.”

"Meet my third senior brother."

Xu Qing followed the voice to the master bedroom door and saw Li Luo standing before a full-length mirror, repeatedly reciting lines from the script, his facial expressions shifting constantly.

Ecstatic joy.

Heartrending sorrow.

A hint of eager anticipation to share his happiness.

On his face, it seemed as if layer upon layer of masks were worn—laughing, angry, scolding—impossible to tell which was real and which was fake.

To outsiders, he looked like a madman.

Xu Qing understood what Li Luo was doing at this moment and leaned against the doorframe with a smile.

He did not want to disturb Li Luo’s state.