Chapter 33: Sisters

While Zhou Chen was contemplating how to exact revenge on the Xingluo Royal Family, Zhu Zhuqing, standing beside him, began to feel uneasy. Zhou Chen's expression kept changing as if he were plotting something mischievous.

"Zhou Chen, what's wrong? Is it inconvenient for you to take me to Shrek Academy?" Zhu Zhuqing furrowed her brows and asked.

"Huh? No, it's convenient!" Zhou Chen snapped back to reality and quickly reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll arrange everything. You can leave with me tomorrow."

"You're going too?"

Zhu Zhuqing halted, her guard rising.

"Of course. I'm twelve years old now. Is there a problem with me going to school?" Zhou Chen responded confidently.

"Uh... no problem."

Zhu Zhuqing, already not the sharpest thinker, found herself further confused by Zhou Chen's words.

Seeing that he had successfully muddled through, Zhou Chen breathed a sigh of relief.

Initially, he hadn't planned to attend Shrek Academy, as he had many important matters to attend to. Being confined to a small academy didn't align with his interests.

This was why he hadn't departed with Tang San and Xiao Wu.

But plans change.

For him, pursuing Zhu Zhuqing had become a significant endeavor—one that would benefit him greatly and severely undermine his opponents.

Moreover, pursuing a virtuous lady is a noble pursuit in life!

With a plan in mind, Zhou Chen smiled and fabricated, "Zhuqing, because Tang San and Xiao Wu live far from where we are, we two will depart first and then meet them at a designated spot to travel together."

"Oh."

Hearing this explanation, Zhu Zhuqing reluctantly accepted it, though something still felt off.

She shook her head, choosing not to dwell on it, and cautiously glanced at Zhou Chen, asking softly, "By the way, Zhou Chen, where have you imprisoned my second sister? And... you haven't done anything bad to her, have you?"

Zhou Chen was momentarily taken aback, then feigned surprise and grievance, "She's held in the rear hall of Ziwei Palace, treated well with food and drink. How could I, a gentleman, do anything to her? Zhuqing, you're insulting my character!"

"I'm sorry."

Hearing Zhou Chen's righteous reply, Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head in shame.

Yesterday, when Zhou Chen captured Zhu Zhuyun, Zhu Zhuqing, filled with resentment towards her sister, hadn't opposed it. At that time, she'd even wished for Zhu Zhuyun's death.

But after sleeping on it, she'd regretted it. No matter what, Zhu Zhuyun was still her sister, bound by blood.

Thus, early that morning, Zhu Zhuqing sought out Zhou Chen, ostensibly to thank him for saving her, but mainly to inquire about her sister's fate.

Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's hesitant demeanor, Zhou Chen quickly guessed her thoughts. He offered, "Zhuqing, why don't I accompany you to see your sister?"

"Sure!"

Zhu Zhuqing immediately agreed.

"Then follow me."

Without further ado, Zhou Chen grasped Zhu Zhuqing's soft hand and led her into Ziwei Palace.

Ziwei Palace was divided into three sections: the front hall, the central hall, and the rear hall. Zhu Zhuyun was imprisoned in the rear hall.

Leading Zhu Zhuqing through several courtyards, Zhou Chen soon arrived at a small chamber in the rear hall.

Two members of the Tian Shu Guard, both above level 30, stood watch at the entrance. Upon seeing Zhou Chen, they nodded understandingly and opened the door.

Creak—

As the door opened, Zhu Zhuqing peeked inside and was instantly shocked.

Her sister, Zhu Zhuyun, didn't look like a prisoner at all. She sat alone at a table, cheerfully enjoying a mini hot pot.

Zhu Zhuqing had tasted this hot pot the night before, during a dinner hosted by Zhou Chen. It was delicious.

"Hey, Zhuqing, you're here? I thought you never wanted to see your sister again," Zhu Zhuyun teased, lifting a slice of lamb into her mouth.

Relieved to see her sister unharmed, Zhu Zhuqing felt a mix of annoyance and relief.

Why did she get to enjoy such good treatment after committing wrongs?

Moreover, Zhu Zhuyun wasn't shackled or restrained. Wasn't Zhou Chen worried about her escape?

Noticing her sister's pouty expression, Zhu Zhuyun chuckled, "Sister, your lover drained all my soul power. Can't I at least have a hot pot?"

"What's that nonsense? He's not my lo..." Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed, her voice trailing off.

But then she remembered something and asked, "Did you say... your soul power is gone?"

"Yes, they gave me a pill, and my soul power vanished. I can't escape even if I want to," Zhu Zhuyun replied, her tone bitter.

In truth, she had been heartbroken last night after being forced to take the pill. It was only the hot pot that lifted her spirits today.

"Zhou Chen, did you cripple my sister?"

Zhu Zhuqing turned to Zhou Chen, alarmed.

After all, crippling a soul master's power was akin to destroying their future—worse than killing them!

Though pained by her sister's plight, Zhu Zhuqing had no grounds to blame Zhou Chen, who had saved her life.

With a strong sense of justice, she understood this clearly.

Seeing the sisters' misunderstanding, Zhou Chen was quick to clarify, "I didn't cripple her. The pill she took, the Dispersing Essence Pill, only lasts three months. Her soul power will gradually return afterward."

Relief washed over both sisters upon hearing this.

Especially Zhu Zhuyun, who, upon realizing her soul power could be restored, felt an overwhelming joy, even a twinge of gratitude toward Zhou Chen, her enemy.

If she were literate, she would recognize this as classic Stockholm syndrome.

Casting a flirtatious glance at Zhou Chen, Zhu Zhuyun suddenly said, "Sister, I think you should choose Zhou Chen. What's so great about Dai Mubai? According to my investigation, he's dated at least eighty women in Soto City alone. Can you tolerate that?"

"Are you serious?"

Zhu Zhuqing's face fell, her heart sinking.

Beside her, Zhou Chen silently applauded Zhu Zhuyun. This revelation doubled his chances of success in his pursuit!

For this alone, he resolved to treat this sister-in-law better in the future.

Seeing her sister's skepticism, Zhu Zhuyun sighed, "It's true. Why would I lie to you now that I'm a prisoner?"

"Then I at least need to see how bad he is, to give up completely."

Zhu Zhuqing's voice was low, tears brimming in her eyes.

Wiping her tears, she looked at Zhu Zhuyun and said coldly, "Enjoy your hot pot. I hope you find happiness in life."

With that, she pulled Zhou Chen away, closing the door behind them.

"I thought you'd beg me to release her," Zhou Chen remarked, surprised, once outside.

"Do you think I'm stupid? Let her go so she can keep hunting me?" Zhu Zhuqing retorted coldly.

Pausing, she added, "Let's go to Shrek Academy together—tomorrow!"

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