Douluo Continent: Starting with a Tom Cat

"Shen An, oh Shen An, Tom Jerry always surprises me. Even a god would find it hard to achieve such musical talent," Xue Qinghe said slowly, letting out a deep breath.

She was also a music lover, so she naturally knew what level Tom and Jerry were at, especially since they had learned everything from scratch and were putting it into practice as they went.

This is equivalent to a Soul Master who is born with a full Soul Power of Level 90 and can even condense Soul Rings on their own. Who wouldn't be confused by that?

Shen An laughed and said, "It's just music, a trivial matter, no need to worry about it."

Xue Qinghe chuckled and said, "The way you look so smug, anyone who didn't know better would think you were the one playing it."

"But since Tom and Jerry are so musically talented, why don't you have them assist Aunt Yuehua at the aristocratic banquet? Aunt Yuehua can put in a good word for you then, and tsk tsk, more people will definitely know about you."

Upon hearing this, Shen An was immediately moved, and a warm feeling flowed through his heart. Xue Qinghe really had nothing to say about him; knowing that he loved fame, she tried every means to let him stand out.

"I wonder if this is feasible, having Tom Jerry play with you?" Shen An asked Tang Yuehua.

Shen An figured that if Tom and Jerry amazed everyone with their skills, he could also benefit from the success, which would be a good thing.

Tang Yuehua's heart skipped a beat. How could she possibly ask Tom Jerry to help her? She wasn't someone who didn't know her place.

Tang Yuehua said with a wry smile, "I was originally worried about how to arrange the performance at the banquet. If these two come, then this year's aristocratic banquet will be the most spectacular in history."

"Haha, then it's settled. But Aunt Yuehua, my friend is very good at putting on a good reputation. Please put in a good word for him when the time comes, and don't be stingy with your praise."

Xue Qinghe laughed loudly.

Tang Yuehua was stunned. She looked at the elegant and refined Shen An and was surprised that such a person would love fame so much.

"Of course, but may I make a request? Perhaps these two masters could teach me the way of music in the future?" Tang Yuehua agreed and then spoke with anticipation.

Chapter 163 I'd rather die than go to the hot springs with you

After failing to get any advice from Tom Jerry, Tang Yuehua left, leaving Xue Qinghe and Shen An alone.

She left looking dejected, and began to doubt her musical talent.

With the attitude of learning from those who are knowledgeable, Tang Yuehua humbly sought advice, but found that there was nothing to talk about.

Tom and Jerry are purely gifted, as Tang Yuehua asked why several unexpected timbres appeared in the music they played.

Tom Jerry's expression: Shouldn't it be played like this? What's the reason for this? Isn't this how you play it?

Such an expression filled Tang Yuehua with despair. For so many years, without the talent of a Soul Master, she had only two wishes in this life.

One is watching the Haotian Sect return to the mainland and reclaim its honor.

The second is to continuously improve one's musical skills and explore the ultimate beauty of music.

It's so hard to finally meet two people who are musically superior to me, and they're not even human. Not only are they not human, but they're also two incredibly talented individuals. What's the point of learning from them?

On the vast fifth floor, only Xue Qinghe and Shen An were present, while Tom and Jerry were enjoying fruit and snacks to the side.

Forget about being music masters; what they really like is just giving up and lying low.

Shen An unceremoniously put his arm around Xue Qinghe: "Brother Xue, you're really good to me. I was wondering why you called me out, but it turns out you wanted to introduce me to connections and opportunities."

Shen An's sudden approach made Xue Qinghe's body tense instinctively. When had she ever been so close to another man?

At this moment, the two were like good brothers with their arms around each other's shoulders. Xue Qinghe could even feel the warmth and strong masculine aura emanating from Shen An.

"Well, of course. You said we're friends, so I'll definitely think of you when something good happens," Xue Qinghe said, sounding a little awkward.

"Hey, why are you so nice to me? You're clearly the future ruler of a country."

Xue Qinghe looked into Shen An's bright eyes. The two were very close, and she could even feel the heat of Shen An's breath.

Shen An's eyes were beautiful, bright as stars, and Xue Qinghe couldn't help but feel somewhat lost in them.

After watching for a long time, Shen An still didn't see Xue Qinghe answer his question. Instead, he saw a hint of water and shyness in her eyes.

Shen An suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. Many nobles have homosexual tendencies. Could it be that Xue Qinghe is one of them? Is he attracted to my looks? Otherwise, why would he be so nice to me?

The more Shen An thought about it, the colder he felt inside. Without making a sound, he released his hand from Xue Qinghe and quietly moved further away from her. He felt a little uncomfortable at that moment.

He casually pulled Tom over and kept rubbing his palm on Tom's silky fur, leaving Tom completely bewildered. "I'm eating, why are you rubbing me like that?"

Shen An's sudden withdrawal and departure brought Xue Qinghe, who had been feeling somewhat dizzy, back to her senses, and she even felt a sense of emptiness and loss.

"Brother Xue, I think it's better to be straightforward about some things. You are indeed a very good friend."

"But if you like boys, I think it's better if we keep some distance."

"For example, going to a hot spring together. I would never go with you like that. I hope you can understand."

Hearing Shen An's words, Xue Qinghe's face turned red with shame and anger. He picked up the tea set on the table and threw it at Shen An. What did this bastard think of her?

Why don't you go to the hot spring with her? Are you kidding me? Qian Renxue, a young and innocent woman, would go to the hot spring with a man?

Shen An caught the teacup with lightning speed. It looked expensive, and breaking it would definitely cost a lot of money to pay for it.

"Damn it, I'm a man too. What man would like another man? I could never fall in love with a man in my life," Xue Qinghe said angrily.

Tom and Jerry exchanged a glance, then grinned crookedly. Oh, they'll never like men in their lives, really?

"Haha, Brother Xue, don't get excited. It seems I misunderstood. I was just thinking wildly because you didn't answer for a while and your eyes looked strange."

Shen An said with a grin.

"Hmph." Xue Qinghe snorted softly. She realized that something was wrong with her just now and began to brainstorm ways to make amends.

"So what if you are the ruler of a country? It's all just empty titles. When you were in Soto City, did you ever hear the name of my father, the Heavenly Emperor?"

Shen An shrugged lightly: "I really don't have that. Not to mention your father, I don't even know the name of the Barak Kingdom."

Xue Qinghe couldn't help but chuckle: "You, you like empty fame, but you don't like listening to others."

Xue Qinghe suddenly sighed: "Shen An, times have changed. On this continent, only the strong can decide everything. So-called empires are just occupying a title."

At this moment, Tom and Jerry inexplicably started playing the violin, and a sad melody began to play. Shen An and Xue Qinghe's lips twitched at the same time. Was this really so fitting?

"Now that the royal family is weak, the real powers have long ignored it. If it weren't for the various powers keeping each other in check and maintaining a superficial peace, this continent would have been in turmoil long ago."

"Shen An, don't you like fame?" Xue Qinghe asked.

Shen An nodded slightly. Fame was his foundation; how could he not like it?

"Although I was born into the Heavenly Dou clan and live in a time of great upheaval, I still have the ambition to unify the land. Why don't you join me? When I ascend to the supreme position in the future, you will also be famous throughout the world."

Xue Qinghe looked at Shen An solemnly and said that Shen An's talent would definitely make him another Haotian Douluo in twenty or thirty years, or even more terrifying than Haotian.

This is undoubtedly a powerful boost, but of course, it's not the key point.

She believed that with the inheritance of the Angelic Martial Soul and the support of her grandfather, as long as she succeeded in usurping the country, she would have the right to claim the legitimacy.

She is absolutely capable of silencing all dissenting voices on the mainland, thereby establishing an unprecedented unified nation and realizing her ideals and ambitions.

The real reason she invited Shen An so earnestly was that she was very lonely.

She hoped that someone would understand her and accompany her along the way, but looking around the world, Xue Qinghe didn't think anyone was qualified to be her friend.

But then Shen An appeared, someone who was comparable to her in talent, someone who called her a friend.

Shen An smiled: "It does sound very good, but I am not good at politics and do not want to be bound by it. However, if you need help in the future, I will not refuse."

When Xue Qinghe heard the first half of the sentence, his heart sank, but when he heard the second half, his eyes suddenly lit up and he stared intently at Shen An.

"Tom and Jerry, how did your music go from sad to flirtatious? Can't you come up with something normal?!"

Shen An couldn't stand Xue Qinghe's gaze and complained to Tom Jerry beside him.

Tom and Jerry continued playing their romantic music, ignoring the fact that you're a naive kid and we're just trying to help you.

Once you've won your best friend's heart and you see what he really looks like, you can secretly rejoice.

Is it appropriate to give roses to a good brother in Chapter 164?

Shen An spoke, and Tom Jerry nodded, then continued playing his romantic music on his own.

The main point is that I listened to it, but I still did it.

Shen An looked at the two little ones with a black line on his face, and thought to himself, "Forget it, if I can't control them, I won't."

Anyway, he and Xue Qinghe were completely innocent and had a clear conscience.

'flirt?'

Xue Qinghe blushed again after Shen An's words, all her years of self-control were completely ineffective in front of Shen An.

Xue Qinghe's eyes darted around, and the atmosphere was just right. She had received Shen An's promise, and it was time to leave, but why did she not want to go at all?

Tom and Jerry, standing to the side, played music while watching the two of them with a slightly speechless expression. Why couldn't they talk about romance instead of business?

What's the point of not being pretentious and enjoying the prime of youth?

Tom quietly put down his violin, took out a bunch of bright red roses, placed them behind Shen An, poked Shen An's back with his paw, and then quickly disappeared, continuing to play the original music.

A strange thing happened: the bouquet of roses was floating in mid-air. Jerry glanced at it and thought it was normal, nothing wrong with it.

Shen An felt something poking his back and reached out to touch it.

Huh? This feels so real.

Shen An took out the item with a puzzled look, and a bouquet of bright red roses appeared before everyone's eyes, instantly filling the room with a pink and romantic atmosphere.

"Rose, Shen An, what are you doing? Oh dear, this is so embarrassing! I'm a boy now, should I take it?"

When Xue Qinghe saw the bouquet of vibrant roses, he felt his usually calm heart suddenly skip a beat.

Shen An was stunned. What was going on with pulling out a bunch of roses from behind his back? And why did the roses have special effects? What was with the pink light spreading out?

Shen An turned to stare at Tom, who was playing his violin by himself, his eyes darting around, and he even whistled softly.

"Great, it's confirmed. It was Tom who did it. What's he up to? What if Xue Qinghe misunderstands?" Shen An glared fiercely at Tom.

Shen An was about to explain when he noticed that Xue Qinghe's face had turned a rosy red. Although he was reluctant to use "rosy" to describe a boy, the word just popped into Shen An's mind.

Shen An also realized something was wrong. The top-notch romantic music, the enchanting atmosphere, and the vibrant roses were too easy for others to misunderstand. He had just joked that Xue Qinghe had a penchant for short sleeves, and now he had pulled this stunt.

This is a huge misunderstanding! Shen An felt like crying.

"No, Brother Xue, listen to me~" Before Shen An could finish explaining, Xue Qinghe covered his mouth.

Xue Qinghe gently covered Shen An's mouth with her slender, green fingers. Shen An could feel a cool softness and a refreshing fragrance wafting into her nostrils.

Compared to the tactile sensation, Shen An's mind was already in turmoil. He hadn't even noticed how Xue Qinghe had covered his mouth just now.

Although it was partly due to his own relaxed state of mind, it also proved Xue Qinghe's extraordinary abilities. You should know that even a Soul Emperor like Qin Ming could be detected by Shen An, but he couldn't see Xue Qinghe's movements clearly.

"Well, you don't need to say anything more. Well, my sister happens to really like roses. You're so thoughtful. I'll bring some back for her."

After speaking, Xue Qinghe hugged the rose to her chest, her eyes lowered as if she were lost in thought.

Tom and Jerry chuckled to themselves. That's right, that's how it should be. Sooner or later, we'll make sure you two are headed for each other.

Shen An numbly wiped his mouth, feeling a little uncomfortable, even though the texture and smell were very nice.

But that's precisely why Shen An felt even more disgusted; he wasn't gay.

Xue Qinghe looked at the vibrant roses in her hand, her delight growing with each glance.

As soon as she looked up, she saw Shen An wiping his mouth. Xue Qinghe's eyes instantly showed some resentment. I am an absolute beauty, and you still look down on me.

Oh, I'm a boy now, that's fine.

Xue Qinghe gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze shifting as she changed the subject:

“Shen An, although I don’t know why you like being famous so much, you have to understand that fame is a double-edged sword.”

"Admittedly, it will make you famous, but if you are not prepared to join any top power, then you will hardly get the benefits of fame."

"Given your current level of fame, many forces are already investigating you, and I have already found a way to thwart the prying eyes of many nobles."

"However, if you continue to become famous, you will definitely catch the eye of the top powers on the continent."

"The tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind. Shen An, you'd better be careful. And if possible, I hope you can come and stay in my palace. That would be much safer for you."

As Xue Qinghe said these words, her eyes kept looking at Shen An, with a hint of anticipation. If Shen An was in the palace every day, she could look for him anytime.

Of course, he said this for Shen An's own good; not everyone can just stand by and watch a genius rise to prominence.

For example, the Spirit Hall, which is controlled by Bibi Dong, had its plan to unify the continent formulated many years ago. If Shen An were to enter the Spirit Hall's inner circle, the Spirit Hall would definitely try to eliminate him once it found that it could not recruit him.

The way to protect Shen An is to brand him with their own mark, so that Bibi Dong's faction will be hesitant to act against him.

Shen An stared wide-eyed at Xue Qinghe. How did things suddenly turn into him wanting to go to the palace? Could it be that he really wanted to take him as his own?