Admirers and Aspirations

Next morning, the eating area buzzed with the lively conversations of Shrek Academy's students. Felix entered, scanning the room for Maya. Spotting her and Zhu Zhuqing at one side, along with Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Tang San at the other, he made his way to join them. Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun sat together, each harboring their own thoughts and secret observations.

As Felix settled beside Maya, he gave a warm smile. "Hey, mind if I join you guys?"

Maya grinned, "Of course not. Grab a seat."

Zhuqing, her gaze momentarily lifted from her meal, acknowledged with a nod. "Hello"

Felix, easygoing as ever, took a seat and joined the ongoing conversation. As they ate, Mubai's subtle glances toward Zhuqing did not go unnoticed, and Oscar's furtive observations of Rongrong were equally discreet.

Felix, sensing the atmosphere, decided to break the ice with a light-hearted comment. "Quite a gathering we have here. Friends, food, and, uh, potential admirers."

Maya chuckled, shooting a playful look at Felix. "Potential? More like definite."

Felix decided to continue with the conversation although still knowing the answer still asked Zhuqing "So, what brings you to Shrek Academy?"

Felix looked at Maya first, urging her to go first. She smirked, taking a sip of her drink. "Adventure. I want to explore the Douluo Continent. Life's too short for monotony."

Zhuqing, her cold but determined eyes, followed. "I aim to become strong enough to shape my own fate. Too long have others dictated my path. Now, I choose my destiny."

Felix nodded, "As for me, I want to become strong. Strong enough to protect those I care about," he glanced at Maya, "and become strong enough to face any challenge, and creating a name for myself."

Maya raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "Protect me, huh? I think I can handle myself just fine."

Felix grinned. "I know you can, but it doesn't hurt to have a little bodyguard by your side, does it?"

Maya also grinned, "Bodyguard huh?"

Zhuqing observed the banter between the two, a subtle smile playing on her lips which immediately disappeared when her eyes fell on Mubai.

Their conversation continued, meanwhile, Mubai and Oscar continued their discreet observations. Ma Hongjun's who was gazing at Maya with lust filled eyes did not go unnoticed by Felix whose gaze turning icy, meeting Hongjun's eyes, sending a silent warning. Hongjun, caught off guard, quickly averted his gaze, pretending to focus on his meal.