Chapter 103: A trap, wanting a promise
"Hongjun, this time, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect truly owes you a big favor."
"If you ever need anything from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, just let me know."
Ning Fengzhi promised sincerely.
"Hahaha, if you need anything, just tell Rongrong directly. This little girl will probably be more proactive than you."
Gu Rong laughed heartily.
"I think your father has already accepted this son-in-law. So, when will you give birth to a child for Grandpa Gu to play with?"
Gu Rong teased, glancing playfully at Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong's face instantly turned bright red. She lowered her head shyly but kept glancing at the red-haired boy from time to time, clearly waiting for his reaction.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, looked visibly upset.
The girl with the scorpion braids pouted and glared at Ma Hongjun in frustration.
She had always known how outstanding Brother Hongjun was.
Although they were already in a relationship, she understood her sisters' feelings as well. She was willing to accept them joining, but what she didn't want to hear was Brother Hongjun declaring that Ning Rongrong was the only one in his life.
Zhu Zhuqing also felt a wave of sadness.
Rongrong's family background was far better than hers, and even the entire Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect valued Brother Hongjun so highly.
If Brother Hongjun chose Rongrong... she really wouldn't be able to say anything against it.
Ning Fengzhi quietly observed the expressions of the girls around.
I didn't expect this kid to be so popular... so many girls are drawn to him.
He glanced at his somewhat naive daughter and suddenly felt a headache coming on. She had been spoiled too much. Winning this boy's heart wouldn't be easy.
"Look at her, getting all shy... she's never acted like this at home."
Gu Rong chuckled. The more he looked at Ma Hongjun, the more satisfied he became.
"Grandpa Gu, please stop teasing me!"
Ning Rongrong stomped her foot, trying to suppress her embarrassment and frustration.
Gu Yuena watched the scene unfold with a smile.
The jealous Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, along with the hopeful Ning Rongrong, were all staring intently at Ma Hongjun.
Everyone wanted to know what the red-haired boy would say.
Even Gu Yuena herself was curious.
Everyone here clearly cared about him. If he said the wrong thing, someone would definitely get hurt.
At the back, Dugu Bo watched with a sneaky grin.
He could easily guess what the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was thinking.
The more they worried about their little princess, the happier he felt.
After all, his own granddaughter had already made significant progress with Ma Hongjun.
No matter what happened, the Dugu family was now tied to this boy.
Ma Hongjun scratched his head and smiled, showing a sincere expression.
"Seniors, we're still young. Nothing is certain yet."
"But one thing's for sure — Rongrong will always be one of my most important people in this life."
"No matter what the future holds, we'll support each other and move forward together."
His voice was serious, his tone sincere.
Ning Fengzhi cursed silently. This kid's slick... he dodged it perfectly.
He had hoped to get a clear promise for Rongrong, but this brat refused to be pinned down.
Still, the answer wasn't bad.
When Ning Rongrong heard Ma Hongjun's response, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
She had hoped Brother Hongjun would make a clearer promise. She thought today might be the perfect chance to strengthen their bond.
But what he said... wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear.
Just as the disappointment weighed on her heart, she looked up — and met Ma Hongjun's steady, serious gaze.
His words about mutual support echoed in her ears.
Her sadness melted away, replaced by warmth and deep emotion.
The girl with scorpion braids, who had been glaring at Ma Hongjun, also softened.
She understood.
His words weren't meant for Rongrong alone.
They were meant for all of them.
That promise was firmly etched into her heart.
Dugu Bo smirked.
Maybe... I should move my granddaughter to this academy. If she stays close to this boy, our families' bond will only grow deeper.
"Fatty!"
A loud, familiar voice echoed from the distance.
Everyone turned to look.
Oscar and Dai Mubai were sprinting over at high speed.
In a flash, Oscar leaped onto Ma Hongjun.
"Fatty, you're finally back! I missed you so much!"
He clung to Ma Hongjun like a koala, face exaggeratedly dramatic.
Dai Mubai yanked him off without hesitation.
"Enough! Your acting is disgusting."
He gave Oscar a look of pure disdain.
"Oscar, Boss Dai — you guys are finally back!"
Ma Hongjun's face lit up with a bright smile.
He had thought the two were still out training and wouldn't be back anytime soon. He didn't expect them to return at the same time as him.
Dai Mubai glanced briefly at Ning Fengzhi and the others, then quickly looked away.
As someone from the Star Luo royal family, he naturally recognized Ning Fengzhi.
Seeing Ning Rongrong here, he could already guess why her father had come.
"Haha, Rongrong, since I've brought you here safely, Dad will head back now."
"Come on, come see Dad off."
Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
Bone Douluo, standing next to him, also smiled warmly at Ning Rongrong.
Then, following Sword Douluo, they turned and walked out of the academy.
Ning Rongrong quickly trotted after her father.
"Rongrong, Dad can tell... you're not the only girl around Ma Hongjun."
"If you want to capture a man's heart, looks alone won't do. You have to take real action."
Ning Fengzhi said seriously.
Seeing everything that happened today, he felt genuinely worried.
"Rongrong, listen to Grandpa Gu's advice."
"Hurry up and capture this kid. Let's have a fat little grandson running around soon!"
Gu Rong whispered playfully.
Ning Fengzhi's eye twitched at his words... but in the end, he didn't object.
Chen Xin nodded in agreement.
He had high hopes for this boy, Ma Hongjun.
If Rongrong could really win him over and give birth to his child, it would be an excellent thing for both Rongrong and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
"Dad, Grandpa Bone, enough already. I get it!"
Although Ning Rongrong's cheeks were still pink, she wasn't as shy as before.
A flicker of determination appeared in her clear eyes.
She had made up her mind.
It was time to change her approach.
She needed... to be more proactive.