"Zhang Hao? What's wrong with you?" I asked, genuinely confused about why he was hiding behind my shoulder.
Judging from Zhang Hao's gaze, I could tell he was hiding from a student.
Indeed, that student was none other than the guy who stole Zhang Hao's childhood friend.
But judging from their power levels, it was clear Zhang Hao was completely outmatched in terms of cultivation.
If not for that, he wouldn't have chosen to hide behind me.
Still, the fact that Zhang Hao was so afraid to face one of his classmates couldn't be denied.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Hao's classmate started walking toward me.
To be honest, I could already tell the guy was arrogant just by the way he carried himself.
'Peak Foundation Establishment Stage... I see. No wonder Zhang Hao couldn't defeat this guy,' I thought, fully aware that it was impossible for Zhang Hao to beat him.
If he forced himself to fight, he'd likely just end up collapsing.
Maybe that's why Zhang Hao was trying to avoid a confrontation with this guy?
Unfortunately, judging by his expression, Zhang Hao's classmate clearly wasn't here to make peace.
Just listen to him—the words coming out of his mouth were full of contempt.
"Zhang Hao, a disgrace like you doesn't deserve to be near Xuanxuan! She's beautiful, and you... you have no talent at all!"
"Chu Feng... Shut up! What do you even know about our relationship?! You came and stole her from me—and now you're blaming me for it!?"
For a moment, I felt a murderous aura radiating from both of them.
Truthfully, I could see Zhang Hao was still in denial about being dumped by his childhood friend.
Especially since he had given her everything.
And now? Zhang Hao had received nothing in return from the girl he cared about.
That alone was enough to stir his anger toward Chu Feng.
Chu Feng...? Wasn't he the son of the Chu conglomerate?
Makes sense...
The name "Chu" wasn't unfamiliar among the common folk.
The Chu family was one of the major sponsors of the interschool tournaments.
For years, they'd been the ones organizing the student battles.
If other schools didn't have their permission to join the tournaments, would they even get a shot at competing?
"Excuse me," I said, clearly uninterested in getting involved in their drama.
Just as I was about to walk away, I realized Zhang Hao didn't really want to let me go.
Even as I passed Chu Feng, he showed no signs of leaving my side.
Unfortunately, it seemed Chu Feng wasn't planning to just let Zhang Hao stay behind me.
Instead, without hesitation, he tried to pull me back in front of him.
And Zhang Hao followed suit—just what I didn't want to see.
From my perspective, I was getting seriously annoyed at being touched by someone for the fourth time.
First Wang Ying, then Zhang Hao... and now? Tch.
Though Wang Ying touched me twice, I knew she couldn't actually harm me.
But Chu Feng? I hadn't even unleashed my battle instincts yet.
If I wanted to, I could crush him with just a single glare.
But I knew better than to draw unnecessary attention to myself.
After all, the fact remained that Chu Feng was the son of a conglomerate.
Even Zhang Hao knew he had no chance of defeating him.
Still, Zhang Hao couldn't help but snap back at Chu Feng's insults.
He should have known better than to respond, but now? There was no way Chu Feng would let this slide.
"Zhang Hao... Can you let go of me?"
"Ouch... Please help me! I'm begging you, Han Li—can you get this guy away from me?"
"You... Are you serious? Why are you dragging me into this?" I asked, unintentionally letting my serious expression show.
Even Zhang Hao couldn't understand why he was in pain.
From my gaze, he probably felt like he was facing something far beyond human.
Maybe he really thought I'd help him?
But with no other choice, he was forced to pull me into this mess.
If not for Chu Feng's presence, he never would've asked for my help.
Unfortunately, just as Chu Feng was about to grab my neck—
"What are you doing?! Stop that! Fighting is prohibited! None of you are allowed to break the school rules!" I heard Sun Xinxin's voice—again, something I'd grown used to hearing.
"Miss Sun... Tch. I'm leaving. What a bothersome woman."
For some reason, Chu Feng backed off and walked away.
From his expression, I could tell he was afraid of Sun Xinxin.
I guessed the Chu family's authority still couldn't compare to the Sun family's power.
From the beginning, several of China's top families had been the foundation of the country's most talented individuals.
And one of the most powerful among them was the Sun family—undisputed at the top.
"Huff... We're safe! Thank goodness..." I saw Zhang Hao breathing a sigh of relief.
Thinking about it, it made sense that he couldn't breathe properly in that kind of pressure.
If I hadn't helped relieve Chu Feng's pressure, would Zhang Hao even still be standing?
"Are you both okay? Eh? You... Are you Student Han? You're the one from this morning!"
To my surprise, I didn't know why Sun Xinxin seemed so happy to see me.
Come to think of it, did I ever show her any particular attention?
No.
There's no way someone like Sun Xinxin would be interested in me—especially after what happened when I first entered Jinshi Academy.
Back then, I was just standing in line for snacks at the school canteen.
If I hadn't asked her for a box of potato chips, I doubt I would've ever met her.
In fact, I only asked for a single bag of chips—but surprisingly, she gave me a whole box, plus another bag during her fight with Wang Ying.
"M-Miss Sun! W-we meet again!"
Honestly, I couldn't believe Zhang Hao's attitude flipped 180 degrees so quickly.
Clearly, he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Sun Xinxin.
Speaking of which... I suddenly remembered Wang Ying.
Could it be that she—
Without warning, I suddenly heard someone call out to me.
'Dafuq... It's really happening. I have to go—now.'
Just as Wang Ying's hand touched my clothes, I vanished from everyone's view.
Some of them were visibly shocked, not knowing how or why I disappeared so suddenly.
The truth was, I had already moved several meters away from Jinshi Academy.
Of course, I was also aware that someone else had been observing us from afar.
***
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