Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

In the blink of an eye, Su Ming appeared in front of Huo Wu.

For a moment, Huo Wu was completely stunned, questioning if she was hallucinating. Su Ming was supposed to be busy preparing for his role as the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, so how could he possibly be here? Watching her uncharacteristically dazed expression, Su Ming smiled, stepped forward, and gently kissed her on the lips. "What's wrong? It's only been a few days, and you've already forgotten me?"

Huo Wu touched her lips in surprise before she fully processed what had just happened. Su Ming was really here!

"Su Ming, it's really you? Why are you here instead of in Spirit Hall?" she asked, hugging him tightly.

Nearby, her brother Huo Wushuang had been standing frozen, listening as they discussed future plans. His thoughts had been on whether they should stay at the academy or go out for further training, especially with the unrest that seemed imminent on the continent. But Huo Wushuang hadn't expected Su Ming to suddenly show up, nor that he would kiss his sister right in front of him, making him an unwilling third wheel.

Regaining his composure, Huo Wushuang shouted, "Su Ming! Why are you here at Blazing Fire Academy? Shouldn't you be back at Spirit Hall, enjoying your new position as the Holy Son?"

Huo Wushuang had always been somewhat irritated by Su Ming's association with Spirit Hall. As a representative of the Four Elemental Academies, which were more aligned with the Heaven Dou Empire, his opinion of Spirit Hall was less than favorable.

"Brother, hush!" Huo Wu said sharply.

Huo Wushuang's heart sank; his own sister was clearly siding with Su Ming over him. Su Ming took Huo Wu's hand, leading her over to Huo Wushuang, and with a grin, said, "Big brother-in-law, I'm here at Blazing Fire Academy on important business. But I can sense quite a bit of hostility toward Spirit Hall—is there some misunderstanding?"

Huo Wu quickly stepped in. "Su Ming, don't blame him. He's been influenced by others and has some prejudices against Spirit Hall. Even my mother shares his views, especially since our academy is within Heaven Dou Empire's borders."

Su Ming chuckled. "I understand; no need to explain. I'm here to resolve these issues. Spirit Hall will soon be taking decisive action, and I'd prefer that your academy not be caught in the middle."

Huo Wu looked at him seriously. "Su Ming, so you're here to convince Blazing Fire Academy to align with Spirit Hall?"

Su Ming nodded, and Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang exchanged a glance.

To bolster his case, Su Ming pointed at Huo Wushuang, imparting key information he knew about Spirit Hall's efforts and the broader implications for the continent.

"Big brother-in-law, think carefully. Compared to the two empires, Spirit Hall has done far more for the people. Many at your academy, especially those from humble backgrounds, have Spirit Hall to thank. Who do you think handled their spirit awakenings? Who arranged for stipends to support them? Without Spirit Hall's influence, who would have provided that support?"

"I—" Huo Wushuang fell silent, unable to argue. Su Ming's logic was airtight, and the information he'd shared only strengthened his point.

With a last attempt at defiance, Huo Wushuang said, "Hmph, convincing me doesn't mean much. It's my mother's decision that really counts."

Su Ming chuckled. "Of course. Huo Wu is my beloved, and Blazing Fire Academy is your family's legacy. I have no intention of putting it at risk."

"Su Ming, let me take you to meet my mother," Huo Wu offered, pulling him along.

Su Ming laughed. "So you've made up your mind so quickly?"

With a proud look, Huo Wu replied, "Naturally! I've thought things through over the past month. Since you're the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, I knew I had to prepare for this. I was expecting this moment sooner or later, so do I seem calm?"

Su Ming gave her a warm nod and then glanced at Huo Wushuang, who now felt a bit foolish.

In the Headmaster's Office

Huo Wu led Su Ming into her mother's office, where he saw a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Huo Wu.

"Mom, I've brought my boyfriend. You kept saying you wanted to meet him," Huo Wu said, pulling Su Ming closer.

"Su Ming, this is my mother, Huo Zhuhua. Like me, her martial spirit is the Fire Shadow, and she's an 81st-level control-type Soul Douluo."

Huo Zhuhua stood up, eyeing Su Ming intently.

Oddly, he felt a sudden tension, not because of her strength but out of nervous respect. Huo Zhuhua smiled, "Not bad, a fine young man. I know why you're here, so let's get straight to the point."

Slightly surprised, Su Ming glanced at Huo Wu, then responded, "Mother-in-law, I'm ready to hear you out."

"Excuse me?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Su Ming felt a sharp pain in his side and turned to see Huo Wu, blushing furiously, pinching him. Did women come pre-programmed with this skill?

"Su Ming, y-you can't call her that already!" she whispered, looking mortified.

"What else would I call her? You're my beloved, so she's my mother-in-law. Or do you have another name in mind?" Su Ming replied with a mischievous smile, clearly understanding her thoughts.

While Huo Wu was embarrassed at the forwardness of such a title at their first meeting, Su Ming saw it as a clear declaration that Huo Wu was his and not going anywhere.

Even Huo Zhuhua, experienced as she was, was momentarily taken aback by his bold "mother-in-law."