Snow Lotus

四

Tang San didn't hesitate. "Innate full spirit power. That's why I seem stronger."

A collective gasp rippled through the room. Xiao Wu blinked, whispering something to Xue Li. Just then, a thirty-year-old teacher with unremarkable features and pale green hair entered, carrying bedding.

"New students? Up on your feet," he announced. Tang San, Xue Li, and Xiao Wu rose from their beds.

"I'm Mo Hen, your teacher. Tang San, Xue Li, these beddings are a gift from Grandmaster."

Tang San and Xue Li each received a fresh, beautifully quilted set that filled the air with a clean scent. Mo Hen continued, "As first-year working students, you're responsible for cleaning the south garden. Ten copper spirit coins per day, but remember: daily cleaning is mandatory. Sort out any trash neatly, or your wages might be docked. Neglect your duties, and expulsion is a possibility. Understood?"

Tang San, Xue Li, and Xiao Wu all nodded.

"Opening ceremony tomorrow," Mo Hen said. "Regular classes start the day after. First-year classes are on the ground floor of the main building. Be punctual. Starting then, your regular work begins. We might conduct surprise checks. In the meantime, get some rest." He turned to Wang Sheng. "Wang Sheng, as the senior student, explains the rules to them."

Just then, Xiao Wu noticed the bedding in Tang San and Xue Li's hands, a confused frown marring her face.

Working students typically came from poor backgrounds, fostering a sense of practicality unseen in noble descendants. A few students immediately offered their own bedding.

"Boss, use mine for now! I can share my quilt!" one shouted.

Another chimed in, "Boss, take mine! I brought a cotton-padded mattress I can manage with."

Xiao Wu surveyed their bedding. While not filthy, it was evident that years of use had taken their toll. Frowning, she addressed them.

"Hold on with the 'Boss' business. It makes me sound old."

Wang Sheng chuckled. "That's the term, Boss. It's a rule."

"Since I'm the boss," Xiao Wu declared, "my word becomes a rule. From now on, call me Xiao Wu Jie."

Xue Li tapped her sister's shoulder, offering her own bedding. "Here, take mine. I'll figure something out later. Get settled first."

She then turned to Tang San, her brow furrowed. "Tang San, any idea where I could find another set?"

Tang San stared at her in confusion, his mind struggling to catch up. Before he could answer, Xiao Wu interrupted.

"Tang San, your bedding looks spacious, bigger than Xue Li's. Why not put the beds together and share? It saves space, right?"

Tang San's eyes widened in surprise. Xue Li, mentally older than her physical age, spoke up, her voice firm.

"Xiao Wu, that's inappropriate. Men and women who aren't related shouldn't share a bed."

Tang San mumbled in agreement, his voice barely above a whisper, yet loud enough for them to hear.

"What's wrong with it?" Xiao Wu retorted. "My sister doesn't mind. Why do you? Are you scared? Afraid she'll...attack you?"

Tang San choked back a laugh. Everyone knew girls matured faster than boys, but this girl was only six! He couldn't get a word out as the other students watched with envious amusement, silent smiles plastered on their faces.

"What's the 'eh' for? Hurry up, move your bed closer. Don't you have super strength?" Xiao Wu urged impatiently.

Tang San, flustered, complied. Xiao Wu took the bedding, spreading the large mattress over both beds. It wouldn't fully cover them, but it managed to span over seventy per cent. She then placed Xue Li's cloth bundle at the seam to mark the boundary.