Seemingly dissatisfied for being targeted for no reason, Cheng Ziang turned back and cast them a scornful glance.
"No worries, I've handled Xiao Ang: what's there to fear about Baiyue? Let's go!" Tangmo said confidently, rubbing his palms together.
Luo'er silently watched their discussion. The two didn't seem to seek his opinion, so he could only remain silent.
The trio arrived at Class Three. It was time for school dismissal and there were only a few people left in the classroom. They just walked in without any hesitation. Although some people in the class wanted to say something, they all held back their words after seeing the formidable Hu Daoke.
Baiyue was sitting by the window, in the same spot as Cheng Ziang. She was wearing a school uniform, making her look slim and delicate. She wore a conspicuous fluffy hat that covered her entire head, revealing only her small face. Considering that they were in a subtropical region during summer, escaping from an air-conditioned room was bound to be uncomfortable. It was hard to imagine how she felt wearing that hat.
"Is that her?" Tangmo pointed to her and asked.
"Yep!" Hu Daoke quickly nodded in affirmation.
Although it was already after school, Baiyue was still engrossed in solving problems. Her desk was crowded with open books, and she was completely immersed in the academic atmosphere, paying no heed to outside distractions. So, even when the trio showed up out of the blue, she did not react.
"Hello!" Tangmo wasn't shy; he waved enthusiastically at her and greeted her.
Baiyue looked up, her cold gaze fixed on Tangmo, the person who'd interrupted her studies. Her stare was even colder than Cheng Ziang's, making Tangmo shiver. Without uttering a word, she glared at him for a moment, then bent down to continue her studies.
"I told you she was strange. Even Cheng Ziang at least reacted a little…" Hu Daoke whispered into Tangmo's ear.
"You, you're Baiyue, right?" To hide his embarrassment, Tangmo attempted to strike up a conversation again.
"What do you want?" This time, Baiyue spoke up coldly but didn't look up, instead she continued solving her questions diligently.
"Well...it seems like you haven't joined any team yet, so...Why not...join our squad?" Tangmo suggested hesitantly while fiddling with his hands.
"Not interested!" Baiyue's response was brief and to the point. She left no room for negotiation.
Leaning against the rejection, Tangmo was a bit confused and didn't know what to say. Seeing this, Hu Daoke signaled Luo'er to step in.
Luo'er walked up to Baiyue, bent slightly as he usually did and then said politely, "Baiyue, I hope you will consider joining our team."
"Not interested." Baiyue's response was just as brief and decisive.
"Would it be possible to know the reason for your decision?" Luo'er spoke with a tone that was neither suppliant nor arrogant.
"No."
"Why not?"
Seemingly irritated, Baiyue finally looked up at Luo'er. However, something shifted in her frosty demeanor upon seeing Luo'er. She stared at him for a second, then dropped her eyes once again. In the moment she looked up, Luo'er could see her silver hair hidden beneath her large, fluffy hat. It was a silver that almost resembled white.
"You can go now, I won't join your group." That was the longest sentence Baiyue had spoken so far, but her denial remained firm.
The three exchanged puzzled glances, then simultaneously turned to Tangmo. She pouted, signaling them to back off.
It was already after school dismissal, and the three were at their wits' end. They could only leave school for the day and figure out their next move the following day.