Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

"Grandpa Sword, you're bullying me! You didn't leave any food for Rongrong!" Ning Rongrong puffed out her cheeks and glared at Chen Xin.

Most of the food Tom had prepared had ended up in Chen Xin's stomach. As an auxiliary-type soul master, Ning Rongrong was naturally weaker, making her the slowest at grabbing food. She had barely eaten a few bites.

Thus, she resorted to acting spoiled to complain to her Grandpa Sword.

Chen Xin, feeling slightly awkward, tried to change the subject. "Ahem, who would have thought that Tom is not only a master swordsman but also an extraordinary chef?"

Ning Rongrong's delicate face remained puffed up, her soft features now exceptionally adorable.

"Oh, my little princess, Grandpa just didn't know any better. I couldn't control myself. I apologize for eating so quickly."

Seeing that Ning Rongrong wasn't distracted, Chen Xin quickly tried to soothe her.

Shen An and Zhu Zhuqing watched with envy. Having a big shot dote on you is really something. Who else but Ning Rongrong could make the Sword Douluo grovel like this? 

"Hmph, unless Grandpa Sword agrees to two of my demands, I won't forgive you," Ning Rongrong said, a hint of cunning flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Chen Xin's eyelids twitched. Ah, so this is where she's leading me. 

"Ahem, Rongrong, go ahead and say it. As long as it's reasonable, Grandpa will agree," Chen Xin said cautiously.

"My first demand is that I don't want to return to the clan yet. I haven't had enough fun!" Ning Rongrong looked at Chen Xin with pleading eyes.

As clever as she was, Ning Rongrong had guessed that Chen Xin had come to take her back to the clan, fearing she might be bullied outside.

But Ning Rongrong, who was currently having the time of her life, had no intention of returning. Here, she had Shen An and Tom.

Spending her days drinking tea and petting cats was pure bliss. Going back to the clan would only mean being nagged by her father to train.

Chen Xin felt a headache coming on. Reluctantly, he said, "Rongrong, your father misses you too. Besides, you're not attending any school out here. Fengzhi will worry."

In truth, Ning Fengzhi wasn't particularly eager to have Ning Rongrong back. It wasn't that he didn't love her, but he hoped that her time outside would help temper her unruly personality.

Moreover, Ning Rongrong was too much of a troublemaker in the clan. As the clan leader, Ning Fengzhi had to maintain balance within the clan and naturally hoped for harmony.

The ones who truly missed Ning Rongrong were the two enforcers of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—the Sword and Bone Douluo.

So, Chen Xin tried to use paternal love to persuade Ning Rongrong to return. Ning Rongrong pouted:

"Then I'll just find a school to attend. Grandpa Sword, please have some pity on Rongrong. I really want to stay out and play a bit longer."

"Alright, alright. Grandpa agrees. I won't take you back for now. You can stay out and play a bit longer."

Before Ning Rongrong could show her delight, Chen Xin quickly added:

"However, you little devil definitely won't behave and just attend any school. So, here's the deal: the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is quite good."

"You must promise Grandpa that within three months, you'll enroll at the Heaven Dou Academy and participate in the Advanced Elite Soul Master Tournament a year later. This will help your growth."

"Otherwise, Grandpa will have to take you back to the clan."

Ning Rongrong thought about it. Three months was still plenty of time. If worse came to worst, she could always skip school later. So, she nodded her little head emphatically.

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy was the best in the Heaven Dou Empire, something countless soul masters dreamed of attending. Yet, in Chen Xin's words, it was merely "quite good," and he had settled the matter with just a few words. It was a testament to the weight of being a Title Douluo.

"But, Grandpa Sword, can I bring Shen An and Zhu Zhuqing with me? Otherwise, I'll be all alone and helpless. It's so pitiful."

"Haha, of course you can, as long as your friends are willing," Chen Xin said with a smile.

Not to mention Shen An's monstrous martial soul, even Zhu Zhuqing was a rare talent. Getting them into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy would be a trivial matter.

With proper nurturing, they might even join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in the future.

Besides, since they were Ning Rongrong's friends and had talent, investing in them was a win-win situation. Chen Xin was more than happy to oblige.

It's just a few spots. Given Fengzhi's support for the Heaven Dou Empire, it's as simple as a word, Chen Xin thought to himself.

Zhu Zhuqing was tempted. After leaving Shrek Academy, she had been worried about how to continue her cultivation. She hadn't expected Ning Rongrong to be so generous as to bring her along.

After her complete失望 (disappointment) with Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing's sole purpose in life was to become a true强者 (strong person) who could掌控 (control) her own destiny.

Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but glance at Shen An. She really hoped he would come along. It's not that being with Shen An makes me feel at ease. It's just that I want to be with Tom. 

Unlike Zhu Zhuqing's eagerness, Shen An was indifferent. His teahouse was doing just fine. Going to school didn't appeal to him. Making a name for himself was his main mission.

Shen An spoke up, "If it's possible, just take Zhu Zhuqing. I'm not interested. I don't like being restrained."

Tom nodded seriously beside him. If Shen An went to school, it would be terrifying for a cat like him. Shen An couldn't possibly go to school. A house cat needed its owner around.

Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes dimmed, and she pursed her lips, looking like she wanted to say something but couldn't.

Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled mischievously. She suddenly remembered what Shen An had said that day: I don't care about wealth; I only care about fame. 

"Shen An, if we join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we can participate in the Advanced Elite Soul Master Tournament a year later. If we win, you'll truly make a name for yourself."

Ning Rongrong's words were filled with temptation.

Shen An: "Huh? Huh!!!"

Shen An quickly approached Ning Rongrong, taking her small hand in his and saying sincerely:

"Please, you must let me go to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy with you. Of course, running a teahouse isn't bad, but going to school will give me a broader sky to soar in."

Shen An's earnest gaze locked onto Ning Rongrong, who blushed slightly and said with a coquettish tone:

"Alright, alright. I'll convince Grandpa Sword. You'll definitely get to go."

Unlike Tom, who was grinning like a proud matchmaker, Zhu Zhuqing and Chen Xin both wore expressions of deep displeasure.

How dare this kid (Shen An) hold Rongrong's hand like that? Let go! 

Before Zhu Zhuqing could react, Chen Xin let out a heavy snort:

"Brat, if you want to go to the Heaven Dou Academy, let go of her hand first."

Ning Rongrong snapped out of her daze, her face turning bright red as she pulled her hand away. If Chen Xin hadn't spoken, she might not have even thought to refuse.

"Alright, Grandpa Sword, my second demand is that you stay with me for a few more days. I really miss you."

Ning Rongrong's eyes wandered as she tried to change the subject.

Chen Xin's face lit up with joy. My Rongrong still cares about me. That's good. Let the old Bone Douluo handle things for a while. He's tough; it won't bother him. 

"Of course, but Grandpa can only stay for three days. Your father has a lot of things to deal with," Chen Xin said with a smile.

Then, he glared at Shen An, his beard bristling. He couldn't shake the feeling that Shen An was dangerous, possibly capable of stealing his little princess away.

Chen Xin couldn't help but imagine a future where Shen An brought a pregnant Ning Rongrong back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, saying:

"Old man, is it safe to leave my cat at the foot of your clan's mountain?"