Chapter 9: I’m Not Being Hostile

As night fell, Shen Hai and Nie Wangqiu went out for dinner with their group, while Madam Yu also had prior engagements.

In the vast mansion, only Li Fuling and Shen Jici remained during dinner time.

At the long dining table, the two sat at opposite ends, silently chewing their food.

Occasionally when their gazes accidentally met, they would quickly look away as if burned.

Shen Jici, with his robust physique, had most of the bruises on his face faded, leaving only faint traces.

Li Fuling’s injuries weren’t serious to begin with, and now they were almost invisible.

Early the next morning, after completing his routine Offering incense, Li Fuling went downstairs for breakfast.

Not long after, he saw Shen Jici coming down with a stern expression.

They finished their breakfast in silence. Just as Li Fuling was about to wait for the car alone, Shen Jici suddenly turned his face away and spoke in a stiff tone.

Hey… that, you come with me. Sending a separate car for you wastes gas.

Hearing this, Li Fuling turned his head in surprise, looking at Shen Jici’s profile that clearly showed his discomfort.

Then, a faint, genuine smile spread at the corners of his lips as he nodded: Okay, brother.

Shen Jici’s ears visibly reddened as he urged gruffly: Enough! Stop standing there grinning foolishly, get in the car quickly, we’re going to be late!

Although reluctant about going to the classroom, Li Fuling still stepped through the door just as the class bell rang.

However, his steps halted at his original seat location—it was empty.

He remembered clearly that his desk had been next to Yan Yichen’s, but now it was gone.

A boy named Gu Meng looked at him with undisguised mockery, his tone becoming even more frivolous when he saw the nearly faded marks on Li Fuling’s face: Well, well, I thought you were too scared to come to school after being beaten? Those marks on your face… are they new injuries?

Suppressing his irritation, Li Fuling asked as calmly as possible: Where’s my desk?

Your desk? Gu Meng sneered, standing up to look down at him, I’m asking you a question! What desk? If you have the ability, go find it yourself!

Only then did Yan Yichen leisurely click his tongue, spreading his hands in an innocent gesture as he said lazily: Enough, Gu Meng.

Then he turned to Li Fuling with a teasing look in his eyes, Looking for your desk? We have no idea where it went. Maybe it grew legs and walked away.

Li Fuling’s fists clenched quietly at his sides, his nails digging deep into his palms.

He stared intently at Yan Yichen’s confident face for several seconds before suddenly releasing his fists. Without a word, he turned and walked out of the classroom.

Watching his retreating figure, Gu Meng approached Yan Yichen uncertainly: Brother Chen, he… he wouldn’t go tell the teacher, would he?

Yan Yichen waved his hand indifferently, his tone certain: Let him tell. No evidence, no witnesses—what can he possibly achieve?

Hearing this, Gu Meng immediately relaxed and nodded obsequiously: True, with you here, Brother Chen, he wouldn’t dare do anything anyway.

Li Fuling didn’t go to the teachers’ office. He walked alone across the empty playground.

He slowly made his way to a large tree, leaned back against the rough trunk, and gradually crouched down.

He extended his fingers and began unconsciously tracing patterns on the ground.

Was he born unlikable? Why did malice always follow him like a shadow, no matter where he went?

Li Fuling buried his face in his knees. His sorrowful thoughts were like tangled vines, wrapping around him so tightly he could barely breathe.

Hey, aren’t you going to class? What are you doing squatting here growing mushrooms?

A slightly impatient but familiar voice sounded above his head.

Li Fuling froze, then looked up in confusion. The glaring sunlight made him squint before he could clearly see Shen Jici standing before him.

He was wearing a blue and white tracksuit, with a few strands of his bangs damp with sweat. His face was flushed from exercise.

You… why aren’t you in class either? Li Fuling asked instinctively.

Shen Jici curled his lip as if he’d heard something stupid.

He plopped down on the grass beside Li Fuling, unscrewed the cap of his oversized sports drink, and gulped down several large mouthfuls before panting, Obviously. Can’t you see what I’m wearing? PE class, free activity period.

He wiped the corner of his mouth with his elbow and turned his attention back to Li Fuling. I asked you first. What are you hiding here for?

Li Fuling lowered his head again, resting his chin on his knees, his voice muffled. Nothing. I just… don’t feel like going to class.

Oh? Shen Jici’s tone lifted with his characteristic, irritating edge, as if he’d discovered something novel. You don’t feel like going to class? With how enthusiastic you were about school before, I thought you loved studying.

The words pricked Li Fuling’s already sensitive heart like a tiny needle.

He jerked his head up. Do you have a problem? If not, go to your class! You don’t need to worry about me!

Shen Jici clearly hadn’t expected this reaction. His eyes widened instantly. You dare yell at me?!

He sprang to his feet, pointing at Li Fuling, his cheeks puffing with anger. Who wants to worry about you anyway! Just stay here and grow mushrooms then!

With that, he turned and stormed off toward the basketball court, his retreating figure practically steaming with rage.

Li Fuling watched him go, feeling somewhat depressed.

He rested his chin in his hands again, his gaze drifting unfocused over the figures running and jumping on the playground.

Unconsciously, his attention was drawn to the commotion on the basketball court.

Shen Jici seemed to be venting all his anger on the court—moving fiercely, dribbling past defenders, jumping for shots, and surprisingly sinking several baskets in a row, drawing small exclamations from a few girls watching nearby.

Li Fuling watched silently, muttering under his breath, What’s so impressive… It’s just that your teammates are terrible, making you look good.

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