[A/N: Shifting the novel's theme, I'll avoid real country names except for China. The country will differ significantly from reality, maintaining only similarities in province and major city names for reader familiarity.
Peace! Battling censorship is tough, but a noble mission!]
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15th January, 9:00 am.
"Haha, brother, are you all set for the upcoming trip?" Chen Li's exuberant voice echoed through the air, his backpack slung over one shoulder, surrounded by the ordered rows of school buses awaiting departure.
Wang Xiao's eyes flicked toward him, a genuine surprise etched on his face. 'Is he intentionally avoiding any mention of the recent incident?'
Chen Li, however, chose an unexpected topic, diverting from the unspoken tension. "Brother Wang, your mother is quite the intimidating figure. How do you manage living alone with her? Isn't she fearsome, like a dragon ready to devour you?"