Chapter 26: Bai Xiaoxiao

"Xu Lin, what are you doing so early in the morning?"

In order to fulfil his ambition and strengthen his body so he won't get beaten up the next time that foreign girl comes, Xu Lin got up at 5 a.m. the next day. After getting ready and putting on his school uniform, he was about to go out for exercise when his early-rising dad spotted him.

"I'm going to school."

"It's only 5:30. Why are you going so early?"

"I'm going for a run to school."

"Huh? Son, are you trying to exercise? I've been saying your physique is too weak. Keep it up, but don't give up after a couple of days."

"Old Xu, you're really underestimating your son."

"It's not underestimating. Last time, you said you wanted to learn the self-defence techniques passed down from our Xu family, but you gave up after two days."

"I didn't give up. I've mastered it now."

"Really?" Xu Feng looked disbelieving. He himself had practiced for several years when he was young but only mastered it after marriage and having kids. Later, he stopped practicing with work and almost forgot it.

"Really. I'm going."

"Alright, run along the upper path, not on the bike lane, and be careful."

"I know."

He went downstairs, where a few elders who liked to walk their dogs early were already active. Following the small, flower-lined path, he sprinted out of the neighbourhood, slowing down as he left.

Feeling his breath starting to boil, his body wasn't very tired yet. He couldn't give up.

Or rather, he couldn't afford to give up because if he didn't keep going, he might not make it to school before the morning class.

Persisting, he ran for more than one intersection. His calves were starting to ache, and a hint of a bloody taste lingered in his throat.

He had to slow down, although his speed was already quite slow. After all, it was the first day, and he needed to adjust.

After running for a while and taking breaks occasionally, Xu Lin finally arrived at the school gate around 6:15 a.m. He gasped for breath and glanced at the breakfast stall across the street.

"The chicken roll seller didn't come today... I'll have a scallion pancake."

Crossing the road, there weren't many students left by now. After all, self-study started at 6:30 am, and teachers arrived by 6:20 am.

He approached the scallion pancake stall. There was only one girl waiting, tall with many bags in her hands—6 or 7 bags of rice porridge, as well as hot dry noodles, grilled sausages, and more.

Is she bringing breakfast for other people? This messy short hair seems a bit familiar.

"Senior?"

"Yeah?"

She turned her head slightly, revealing her slim face. A bit shy, she pulled back her long neck and greeted him very quietly, "Hello."

"Senior, are you bringing breakfast for others?"

"Yeah..."

"But so many people asked you to bring breakfast. Did they pay you? You are not being bullied, right?"

"They did. Junior, I'm not being bullied... I'm just helping them buy; they're all classmates."

Xu Lin nodded. This girl seems introverted, but at least she isn't being bullied.

He remembered that back in junior high, a few troublemakers often bullied a quiet kid, making him buy food for them without paying. After parents got involved and an apology was made, the next day, the quiet kid got beaten again. After that, he didn't dare to tell his parents.

Fortunately, no one made him buy food afterward. It was a relatively smooth junior high experience.

Campus bullying persisted, from minor frictions to violent incidents and even cases of murder. It was something that needed constant attention and change.

But he couldn't change this situation. After all, he wasn't a deity, and the system wasn't either.

He could only protect himself and help those he could see and assist.

"If Senior encounters any trouble, you can come find me. I'm Xu Lin, Grade 2, Class 8."

"Oh."

"By the way, young man, how many scallion pancakes do you want?" The stall owner asked, wrapping up one.

"One, with egg and sausage, and make it spicy."

"Alright, wait a moment. This girl still has two more to finish."

"Sorry for making you wait," the girl apologised, glancing at him.

"No problem. Classes start at 6:30; there are still ten minutes left."

"I have some ready here, also with grilled sausage. Take them to class first, and I'll wait."

"No need; I can wait."

"Okay."

The stall owner sliced the sausage and casually said, "Miss, you come to buy a lot every day. Although you say it's helping, it's been more than half a month. Be honest, are you really not being bullied?"

"At school, all students are the same. Don't endure their bullying. If anything happens, tell the teachers and your parents."

The auntie selling egg-filled pancakes on the side chimed in, and Xu Lin smiled, echoing her words.

"Yeah, sometimes the more you endure, the more they'll push."

"Really, thank you all. I just feel it's troublesome for everyone to buy separately. We're all friends, and I thought it would be convenient to buy together."

After her explanation, the others didn't say much. After all, troublemakers were the minority.

After waiting for 2 minutes, her scallion pancakes were ready. The stall owner placed five in a small bag and handed her another five in a larger bag.

She paid, nodded slightly at him in what seemed like a greeting, and then left.

Xu Lin started waiting for his breakfast, his mind wandering back to what happened with Chu Qingchan.

Yesterday afternoon, she went to see Ms. Guan. But it wouldn't have been appropriate to visit her place directly. So, she decided to go to the small music studio Ms. Guan ran in Linshui.

They got to know each other, had a chat, and she tried singing. Later, Ms. Guan said she needed to go out and asked if she wanted to join. So she did.

When he called her, she said he didn't need to wait for her to return. Xu Lin was a bit stunned.

In just two hours, Chu Qingchan could convince Ms. Guan to take her out for something. She indeed had her ways.

Thinking back to her past life, she managed to establish herself in the entertainment industry. There shouldn't be an issue with her talent, but what exactly happened during that time would have to wait until she returned.

He was also very curious about the situation with Teacher Su. Last night should have been a crucial moment, but considering that her favorability had successfully reached 30, it should be a success. However, the detailed situation would need to be discussed with her in person.

"Young man, it's ready."

"How much?"

"5 yuan."

He paid, glanced at his watch, and wow, it was already 6:24! However, the teachers usually like to be on time, so there shouldn't be a problem.

Entering the school, heading towards the teaching building, a figure rushed over, holding a small bag.

"Senior sister, is there something you need?"

"I brought you some rice porridge. I was in front, and I might have delayed you."

"It's okay; I can't accept it."

"I bought an extra one; just take it."

"I really can't... Well okay."

Although Xu Lin wanted to refuse, the other person just held it up without moving, so he reluctantly accepted it. Their fingers touched briefly, and Xu Lin activated the favorability system.

"I'll go to class then." With that, she quickly ran towards the teaching building, not giving him a chance to thank her.

Hearing the bell for preparation, he hurried towards the classroom. While climbing the stairs, he inadvertently glanced at the school bulletin board, where a striking face caught his attention.

"Bai Xiaoxiao... Grade 12, Class 3! Is her name Bai Xiaoxiao?"

The surname is Bai (white), but the skin colour is significantly different. But this name... seems a bit familiar?

*Ring, ring, ring!*

"Oh no! Something's wrong! I'm in trouble again! I'm going to get scolded!"