Chapter Three

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During this class, Xingyue Yu was not as attentive as he used to be at school. The entire lesson was taught in Japanese, a language that exceeded his comprehension. He felt like a fool, sitting there motionless.

Finally, when class was about to end, Kaori Yanagi approached Xingyue Yu and asked, “Xingyue-kun, did you understand everything in this class?” In other words, she wanted to know if he had adapted to this style of teaching. The pace here was fast, much faster than the Chinese-style education he was used to. Adjusting felt like trying to adapt to a foreign climate.

Xingyue Yu nodded with some effort. “It’s okay, but I need time to digest it all. This is beyond what I expected.”

Kaori Yanagi patted his shoulder and smiled. “You’ll get used to it soon. This is how we teach here. Everyone else is keeping up; you’re still at the starting line. You’ll have to work harder tomorrow.”

After exchanging a few words, Kaori left. Not long after, a group of girls surrounded Xingyue Yu, creating a sea of people he had to cross to leave.

Being the only boy in the class made him incredibly conspicuous—hard to keep a low profile. “Can we be friends? Hi, I’m…” The girls introduced themselves, a flood of names and words that overwhelmed Xingyue Yu, taking him about ten minutes just to understand. He really wanted to escape and find some peace.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed his left hand, yanking him out of the crowd and pulling him away. They dashed out of the classroom.

The hallway on the first floor was filled with girls. Seeing a girl holding a boy’s hand, one could guess their relationship wasn’t simple. But appearances can be deceiving. The girl led Xingyue Yu to the school rooftop.

Such scenes were all too familiar to Xingyue Yu—just like in dramas, confessing to a crush on the rooftop, followed by a crowd of onlookers cheering.

Before Xingyue Yu could speak, the girl beat him to it. “Surprised to see me?”

Xingyue Yu put his hands on his hips, annoyed. “What else can I say, Tianqi Wang? Are you really here to study abroad or just to mock me? If you hadn’t come, I might have shouted out loud in class.”

Wang Tianqi stuck out her tongue. “The teaching back home no longer satisfies me. Only abroad can I find motivation to study. As you can see, I’m also here as an exchange student.”

“Is that even necessary to say?” Xingyue Yu continued. “I could understand if you went to America, but why the same school as me? If everyone found out you disappeared, they’d be so worried.”

By “everyone,” Xingyue Yu meant the members of Team Tianyuan. Hearing that, Wang Tianqi’s heart ached, though she kept it to herself. She replied calmly, “Maybe it’s better if I’m gone. Joining Team Tianyuan was a mistake. Don’t force me to return and face them again. It’ll only make them see me as a deserter unworthy of staying.”

“What do you mean by that?” Xingyue Yu was confused by her words, unable to grasp her meaning. “I don’t understand what you’re saying, but I won’t force you to leave. Looks like we’ll both be here for the next two years.”

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“Good that you understand,” Wang Tianqi finally smiled faintly. “Please take care of me these two years. By the way…” She started to say something but stopped herself.

“What is it?” Xingyue Yu asked.

“Nothing, it’s almost time for class. We can’t be late. Let’s go.” Wang Tianqi turned and walked back. Xingyue Yu noticed her hesitation, sensing she had something on her mind she didn’t want to share. But it was her business, not his. Everyone must handle their own affairs. With that thought, Xingyue Yu followed her back to class.

Time flew to noon—the break period. During this time, students could visit other classes freely since teachers were otherwise occupied.

Xingyue Yu had planned to eat lunch on the school rooftop, but the girls in his class all wanted to sit with him, blocking his way out. He was doomed. Even Wang Tianqi was helpless. If she tried to pull him away again, she’d become the public enemy of the entire class. Meanwhile, Xingyue Yu was just a helpless lamb at their mercy.

At that moment, a voice came to his rescue. “Big brother, why are you still here? Didn’t we agree to eat together? Why are you with these girls? Watch out, I might tell my sister-in-law!”

Xingyue Yu thought Sun Ying had arrived just in time. Her words puzzled the girls—did Xingyue Yu have a girlfriend? Especially when they heard “sister-in-law,” they looked at him strangely.

Their gazes made Xingyue Yu uncomfortable, but at least the girls no longer surrounded him, allowing him to leave the classroom. He got up and went to Sun Ying, who took his hand and led him away.

Wang Tianqi, sitting behind Xingyue Yu, was puzzled when she heard Sun Ying say “sister-in-law.” How did she not know Xingyue Yu had a girlfriend? Who could it be?

“Say it, big brother. You should thank me. If I hadn’t come, you’d be buried in a sea of girls by now.” Not long after leaving the classroom, Sun Ying said to Xingyue Yu.

Xingyue Yu scratched his head. “Sorry for making you, a girl, come rescue me. But thanks, this means no girl will bother me for a while.”

“No need to thank me, but I do need you to help me with something.”

“Just say it. We’re family,” Xingyue Yu replied.

“Well… it’s a bit complicated. I’m in almost the same situation as you.”

“The same situation?” Xingyue Yu was curious, wondering what that could be. Then he realized quickly and couldn’t help but chuckle like a pig.

Sun Ying scolded him, “What’s so funny? Just say if you’ll help or not.”

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Xingyue Yu suppressed his laughter. “Of course I’ll help. Just tell me what to do.”

“It’s simple. You just have to improvise—basically, act.”

“Acting? Sounds fun.” Xingyue Yu rubbed his hands together, smiling mischievously. Acting meant pranking people, and pranking was his favorite.

Sun Ying was startled by his sly smile. “That smile is way too sneaky. Be serious.”

“Don’t you know who I am? If you have problems you can’t solve, I’ll handle them. When I step in, everyone else better back down.” Xingyue Yu spoke confidently, which made Sun Ying worry.

“Don’t overestimate yourself. I just want you to stay safe.”

“Unless the other party is dangerous, you wouldn’t worry so much. Don’t worry. Where’s your classroom?”

“The first one you see after entering. I’ll lead the way.” Sun Ying took Xingyue Yu to her classroom, which was filled with girls as well, but without the overwhelming perfume scent. Xingyue Yu was relieved; he didn’t want to relive the terror of being overwhelmed by perfume.

Xingyue Yu’s arrival attracted attention, much like when he first entered his own classroom, but luckily, there were few people here during lunch break.

Sun Ying pulled Xingyue Yu to her seat, where he sat beside her. She had asked for his help, worried something might happen.

At that moment, a girl approached and asked, “Sun Ying, who is this? Your friend?”

Sun Ying replied, “This is the person I told you about—my brother. I mentioned him after class.” Her Japanese was fluent, making Xingyue Yu feel he needed to improve his own.

The girl was surprised and looked at Xingyue Yu. He avoided her gaze. According to Sun Ying, Xingyue Yu’s appearance was average in China, not particularly handsome, but he had a kind heart. In Japan, he was considered a model of good looks. The girl, perhaps a bit smitten, kept staring at him, making Xingyue Yu uncomfortable.