Friendship

The small two-story building echoed with the lively chatter of its occupants, a mix of Spirit Masters and ordinary people in the hotel. The aroma of food wafted through the air as the atmosphere grew tense. Maya and Zhuqing rented a room together while Felix and Adrian booked another room together. 

As the quartet settled into their shared space, the room filled with a comfortable ambiance. Adrian, sensing an opportunity to deepen their connection, decided to steer the conversation toward shared interests.

Adrian, leaning back in his chair, looked at his newfound companions with a glint of mischief in his eyes, "So, any hidden talents or secret hobbies you guys have been hiding?"

Felix chuckled, "Well, Maya here is an incredible artist. She hasn't flaunted her skills much, but her drawings are amazing."

Maya blushed modestly, "Oh, come on, Felix. They're just doodles."

Zhuqing, intrigued, asked, "Really? I'd love to see some of your drawings, Maya."

Adrian joined in, "And what about you, Zhuqing? Any secret talents?"

Zhuqing shrugged, "I'm good with animals, especially cats. I can charm them into doing tricks and stuff. It's a skill I picked up growing up."

Maya's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "That's so cool! Maybe you can show us sometime."

Felix, ever the playful one, chimed in, "Alright, Adrian, spill the beans. Any hidden talents or embarrassing hobbies?"

Adrian grinned, "Well, besides being a master at hiding snacks from nosy roommates, I dabble in poetry. Wrote a few verses here and there."

Maya's interest piqued, "Poetry? That's unexpected. Do share one of your verses!"

Adrian, slightly embarrassed, cleared his throat and recited a lighthearted poem he had penned in his previous world. It brought forth a round of laughter and appreciation, breaking down any remaining barriers.

As the conversation flowed seamlessly, they touched on lighter subjects like hobbies, preferences, and shared experiences. Zhuqing, usually reserved, found herself warming up to the group.

Maya, noticing the positive vibe, suggested, "You know what? We're more than friends. Adrian and me are siblings. Felix and me are well, not just friends. So We practically family, sharing secrets and everything. What do you say, Zhuqing? Care to join our quirky, twisted family?"

Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, glancing at the three faces looking back at her with warmth and sincerity. Finally, she nodded, "Alright, but you have to promise not to laugh."

Felix, excited, exclaimed, "Of course not! We're practically siblings, right?"

Zhuqing took a deep breath, "Well, I... I have this secret fascination with cooking. I love trying out new recipes and creating dishes. It's my way of unwinding."

Maya grinned, "That's amazing! We've got ourselves a hidden chef. I love it!"

Felix joined in, "Zhuqing, you just added a whole new layer to our dynamic. Cooking nights, here we come!"

Zhuqing looked at all this with warmth and decided to tell them everything as it was the first time that she had felt this warmth. She wanted to be honest with them and therefore after taking a decision in her mind, she attracted everybody's attention and said, " Guys, there is one other thing that I want to share with you."

Everybody understood that she wanted to share her life experience and therefore directed their attention towards while listening to her story and interjecting in between to express their opinions. At last when Zhuqing finished her story everybody expressed their support. At the same time, Maya , Adrian and Felix decided to share their secret as well with her because they wanted to reciprocate the honesty shown by Zhuqing. 

Therefore, they shared everything like all their past life experiences, how they came into this world etc. except not telling her that she was a character in a novel as they didn't want her to think too much.

As the evening unfolded, they continued to share stories, from favorite childhood memories to aspirations for the future. Laughter echoed in the room, blending the present with the echoes of their past lives. It was a delightful exchange, bringing them closer together and solidifying the bonds of friendship that would accompany them on their journey through the challenges that awaited them in the future.

All this happened when other shrek members were fighting with Blue Sunshine Academy. Due to the absence of Zhuqing this time they were not able to able to beat Ye Zhiqiu and Zhao Wuji had to step in earlier to avoid shrek members to take a beating and immediately sent them back to their rooms.

The night was alive with camaraderie as Felix, Maya, Adrian, and Zhuqing made their way to the adining hall, laughter and lighthearted banter accompanying their every step. The echoes of their joy, however, were soon met with the contrasting mood of other shrek students who had taken a beating during their fight with Blue Sunshine Academy.

As they approached the dining hall, Mubai, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Rongrong, Oscar, and Hongjun emerged, their faces carrying the heavy clouds of frustration and exhaustion. Mubai, seeing zhuqing together with Maya, Felix and especially Adrian, decided to address them with an aggressive demeanor.

"Where have you all been? Neglecting your fellow students during our crucial fight." Mubai accused, his tone laced with irritation.

Tang San chimed in, "We're supposed to be a team, supporting each other. What happened to that spirit? Is this how students of the same academy should behave?"

Xiao Wu pointedly looked at Maya, her eyes filled with accusation. "And what about you, Maya? A team is supposed to stand together."

Maya, unfazed, stepped forward, ready to defend herself and her friends. However, before she could respond, Mubai, fueled by jealousy, directed his words at Zhuqing.

"Zhuqing, you should be supporting me, not them. Remember our relationship," he said, subtly reminding her of their supposed closeness.

Zhuqing's eyes narrowed, not taking kindly to Mubai's insinuations, but she held her silence. It was then that Maya, ever the fiery defender of her friends, stepped into the fray.

"Oh, Mubai, what kind of relationship are you talking about with Zhuqing? Any relationship with you ended when you indulged yourself in debauchery and arrogance. So don't come here preaching Zhuqing on relationships and everything. I'm glad Zhuqing is choosing a different path." Maya retorted, her words laced with sarcasm.

This incited Mubai's anger further, and he raised his hand to strike Maya. However, before the blow could land, Felix swiftly stopped Mubai's hand and kicked him in the stomach sending him sliding across the floor leaving everybody stunned. Mubai laid on the floor curdled in pain as he looked towards Felix feeling very shocked inside as that kick nearly took his life.

The Shrek remaining six Devils, sensing the gravity of the situation, helped Mubai get up while feeling anger but still hesitated in their defense of Mubai. A single look from Felix and Adrian was enough to quell any retort.

"That's enough," Felix declared, his voice carrying a warning tone. "This is your only warning, Mubai. Lay a hand on Maya again, and you'll have more than a kick to deal with."

"And don't think you can mistreat Zhuqing either. If you annoy or irritate her, you'll answer to me directly," Adrian added, his gaze piercing through Mubai's pitiful appearance.

Zhuqing, witnessing her friends rallying around her, felt a surge of unexpected emotions. The protective stance of Felix and Maya's unwavering support, stirred something within her. Her cheeks reddened as she looked towards Adrian, she realized that these friends were becoming something more to her than just companions.

Felix, after issuing the warning, turned his back on Mubai, leading Maya, Adrian, and Zhuqing away from the brewing conflict. Zhuqing, her heart pounding with newfound emotions, vowed silently to grow stronger, not just for herself now but for the friends who had become her pillars of support.

In the quiet aftermath, the quartet continued to the dining hall, leaving behind a silenced group of Shrek Six Devils as they returned to each of their rooms.