Chaotic Battle

Mu Qingxi and Wei Yu went out to enjoy some grilled lamb skewers at a roadside stall. Before she could even take a bite, she noticed Wang Feiyan coming out, followed by Wu Huan and the yellow-haired, messy-headed boy.

Wei Yu saw them too and leaned in curiously, asking, "Qingxi, why is Wang Feiyan out here as well? And she seems to be 'escorted'—doesn’t Bai Fanhao treasure her the most? How come she’s already out?"

Mu Qingxi took the finished skewer and replied, "Wei Yu, is there anything that can keep your mouth shut, even while eating?"

Qin Yu pouted, "I’m just curious about the few of you today. It’s all very odd."

"What’s so odd about it? Maybe it’s because I don’t know them, so it feels strange!" she answered nonchalantly as she ate.

"Qingxi, haven’t you noticed Bai Fanhao seems to really like you? Otherwise, why would he shield you from drinking, and not even glance at Wang Feiyan? It’s strange, Qingxi, don’t tell me you don’t know!" Qin Yu pursed her lips in dissatisfaction.

"But I really don’t know," Mu Qingxi said helplessly, spreading her hands.

Truthfully, she found Bai Fanhao’s behavior today quite peculiar as well. He clearly disliked her intensely, yet he acted so strangely, shielding her from drinks and ignoring Wang Feiyan completely. Could anyone explain what was going on?

She decided not to bother with them anymore, determined to eat her fill first. Those two had made her so uncomfortable she hadn’t eaten properly; now it was time to make up for it.

The monthly exams had begun again.

Two tense days over the weekend, then the exams ended and the results were announced. Mu Qingxi was still among the poor students, and she finally felt a bit discouraged.

Dear Confucius appeared once more at the podium, holding a transparent jar, repeating the familiar words: seat change. This time, luck favored her; she drew h3, while Qin Yu got g3.

When she and Qin Yu sat together, she was excited and didn’t care where Xi Haifei ended up. What really concerned her now was why Bai Fanhao kept showing up before her eyes. Every time Bai Fanhao spoke, she wanted to slap him several times—damn him, his grades weren’t great either, so why speak to her like that? Though she always ended up replying, "I know," after he finished.

At six in the afternoon, beneath the parasol trees, she laughed and chatted with Qin Yu, as if the troubles brought by her grades had lasted only a single day.

"Mu Qingxi."

She turned her head to see Bai Fanhao standing behind her, his expression as unreadable and mysterious as ever.

She looked at him and asked, "What is it?"

But unexpectedly, Bai Fanhao said, "Do you believe I can keep you out of this class, even out of this school?"

Mu Qingxi was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said calmly, "Let’s see if you can actually do it."

Bai Fanhao snorted coldly, "Mu Qingxi, if you don’t believe me, try it and see."

"Bai Fanhao, don’t push people too far!" Qin Yu stood up, pointing angrily at Bai Fanhao.

"Qin Yu, what are you but a nobody? Just mind your own business," Bai Fanhao sneered.

She quickly pulled Qin Yu away, standing between them. "Bai Fanhao, you’re far too arrogant. Not only are you foolish, you’re stupid, and frankly, you’re pitiful—a thoroughly pathetic soul."

As Mu Qingxi dragged her away, Qin Yu turned back, fuming, and shouted, "Bai Fanhao, what am I? I’m not a thing, I’m a person. Are you a thing? You know perfectly well you’re not even worthy of being called that, so what right do you have to talk about me!"

She knew Bai Fanhao wanted to hit someone—his fist clenched the moment Qin Yu finished her first sentence—so she hurriedly dragged Qin Yu away. Qin Yu kept cursing along the way, and Mu Qingxi felt guilty, telling her, "Wei Yu, stop it. I’m sorry, I dragged you into this."

"Qingxi, what are you saying? It’s Bai Fanhao who’s not worth a thing. Ugh… Actually, that’s insulting to things. What is he, garbage? Who gives him the right to kick you out, or insult me! Hmph…"

Qin Yu was still furious, and Mu Qingxi didn’t know how to comfort her; she could only let her vent.

Bai Fanhao—what exactly did he want?