"This guy is a total beast! He didn't spare even this tiny junior," Lian Li muttered to herself, marveling at Mae Ling's smaller size compared to Reika. However, her cheerfulness and boundless energy overwhelmed Lian Li, making her realize how captivating Mae Ling could be in her own unique way.
"If I were a man, maybe I'd fall for this combination of cheerfulness and cuteness," Lian Li sighed, shaking her head. Kai, watching her closely, wondered what expression would appear on her face when she learned about his relationship with Mae Ling. Although he couldn't discern a significant change, he knew that this news might evoke certain sentiments within her.
Meanwhile, Reika listened intently to Mae Ling's story, reveling in pride as she heard of her man's heroic feats. The worries that once plagued her heart were now replaced with the joy of hearing about Kai's remarkable adventures.
As they savored their meal, Kai casually broached the subject on Mae Ling's mind. "By the way Mae Ling," he began, "You said that you already told the teacher about your brother being bullied but your brother still got beaten up?"
Mae Ling sighed, her chopstick slipping from her grasp. "Yeah, I actually approached the teacher before seeking your help," she explained. "But you won't believe what he said. He brushed it off as some normal scuffle between kids and promised to handle it later. I told him my brother was getting badly hurt, but he just shrugged it off."
"You're kidding," Lian Li interjected, her disbelief apparent.
Mae Ling shook her head, her anger evident. "I tried to ask another teacher, but before I could ask, he stopped me, telling me that they would also do the same. So, I looked for Senior Brother instead, as they seem to have no intention to intervene."
"Funny business, this is," Kai muttered, scratching his head. "Maybe that teacher got bribed or something. Or it could be that Wang Mang comes from some powerful background. He did try to intimidate me earlier, hinting at his connections."
Xia Chen leaned in, eager to share some information. "Well, you see, Wang Mang's family is actually aligned with the Xia Family."
Lian Li gasped. "Xia Family? They're as influential as my own Lian Family!"
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Wait, hold on. Isn't your last name also Xia?"
"Yes, it is," Xia Chen confirmed, glancing at Mae Ling for affirmation. As she nodded, her shoulders dropped, and her cheerful demeanor faded. Kai and Reika noticed it, and they swapped places. Then, Kai put Mae Ling between his legs and hugged her from behind.
The others were a bit taken aback by Kai's sudden display of affection, but when they saw Mae Ling's despair, they opted to remain silent. Xia Chen wanted to say something, but he shook his head and decided to tell them about his and Mae Ling's background. However, before he could say anything, the school bell suddenly chimed, indicating that the lunch break was over. They hurriedly packed their lunch boxes and were ready to leave, but their heads turned to Kai and Mae Ling, still in the same position.
"You guys go ahead," Kai reassured them. "We'll probably skip the next class."
Reika looked worriedly at Mae Ling. "Should I skip too?"
Kai flashed a comforting smile. "No worries, Reika. You're graduating, so skipping isn't ideal. I'll take care of things. You can trust me."
Reika nodded, but before she left, she planted a kiss on Kai's lips and left a word of comfort for Mae Ling. Lu Fang Er was hesitant to leave as she was worried about her friend, but upon seeing Kai, she decided to leave it all to him and also left.
Leaving only Mae Ling, Kai, and Xia Chen in silence. Xia Chen, feeling grateful for being saved, walked with his head lowered. He mustered up the courage to break the silence, saying, "Senior, thank you for saving me earlier. Without you, I might have ended up in the hospital, making my mother even more worried."
Kai waved his hand dismissively and replied, "I only did it for Mae Ling. She's my woman now, so of course, I'll help you. Just try not to make her worry too much about you. I don't want to see her cheerful smile fade because of your actions."
Curiosity got the best of Xia Chen, and he questioned, "What about the other senior?"
Kai shrugged nonchalantly. "She's my woman too, my first wife."
Xia Chen was taken aback by the revelation. He couldn't believe that he already had a wife, yet he still laid his hand on his sister. But he suppressed his anger. After all, this guy had saved his life, and Xia Chen knew he couldn't possibly beat him in a fight.
Sensing Xia Chen's internal struggle, Kai spoke up. "I know what you're thinking, but you don't need to worry. I'm not like your father. Mae Ling deserves to be loved, and I'll make sure she gets that. Instead of worrying about your sister, focus on protecting yourself and your mother. I can handle Mae Ling. It's you who needs to take charge of the rest."
Xia Chen bit his lip tightly, feeling powerless to protect his sister. Knowing that having Kai as her boyfriend is the safest option, he realized his lack of power or influence to make an argument with Kai.
"I'm so pathetic! Why did everything turn out like this? I just want to enjoy a peaceful life with my sister and mother," Xia Chen lamented, feeling helpless.
Kai noticed his distress, recalling the wise words of his master, Rick. "Are you frustrated? Angry at your own weakness?" he asked.
Xia Chen nodded, clenching his fist until his nails dug into his palm, blood starting to trickle down his hand.
"Then cherish those frustrations," Kai said with depth in his voice. "That's the proof that you still have the drive to fight and break free from your shackles."
Suddenly, Kai's eyes widened as a new quest notification appeared before him, with the system window materializing.
Ding! New feature unlocked!
Ding! [World Quest: Create your own crew.]
[World Quest]
[1] Create your own crew member (0/5)
Reward: Unknown
Note: Conquered Woman and Cocombine are excluded.
Time limit: 168 hours.