As Dabao made his way towards Opera University, the familiar faces of his former bullies caught his attention. Garnet, Tommy, and David - the trio who had tormented him in the past - now stood before him, their sneers and taunts echoing in the air.
Garnet's eyes narrowed as he recognized Dabao, his voice dripping with disdain as he addressed his friends.
Garnet: "Hey, look who it is. Doesn't he look like Dabao? The guy we used to bully?"
Tommy scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief at the possibility.
Tommy: "Nah, it can't be him. Dabao's been dead for five years."
But David, ever eager for a target for their cruelty, dismissed Tommy's doubts with a dismissive wave of his hand.
David: "Who cares? He'll be our next prey. Let's show him who's boss."
With a malicious glint in their eyes, the trio approached Dabao, their intentions clear as they prepared to resume their reign of terror.
Dabao, however, stood his ground, his demeanor calm and composed as he faced his former tormentors.
Dabao: "Pathetic worms. You think you can bully me? Think again, losers."
With a swift motion, Garnet lunged forward, aiming a jab at Dabao, but to his surprise, Dabao effortlessly caught his fist in mid-air, his grip firm and unwavering.
Dabao: "Is this the best you can do?"
Before Garnet could react, Dabao dodged a kick from one of his accomplices, countering with a precise Taekwondo kick that sent the assailant staggering backward in surprise.
David's eyes widened in astonishment as he watched Dabao effortlessly dispatch his friends, his confidence unshaken despite the odds stacked against him.
David: "Who are you?"
Dabao flashed a grin, his eyes glinting with defiance as he delivered his response.
Dabao: "My name is Lou Fain. And if you really want a fight, bring someone stronger."
With that, Dabao turned on his heel and walked away, leaving his stunned bullies behind as he headed towards his class, his steps filled with purpose and determination. Though the shadows of his past may have lingered, Dabao had found the strength to rise above them, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and resilience.
Xubao and Hanyu walked together through the bustling campus of Opera University, the excitement palpable in the air as students hurried to their first lectures of the semester. Xubao's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she eagerly chatted about her upcoming class, her enthusiasm infectious as she shared her plans for the day.
Xubao: "I can't wait for my first lecture! It's going to be so interesting."
Hanyu nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts drifting elsewhere as he struggled to shake the melancholy that weighed heavy on his heart.
Hanyu: "Yeah, it should be... um, exciting."
Xubao noticed the distant look in Hanyu's eyes and furrowed her brow with concern, sensing that something was amiss.
Xubao: "Hey, Hanyu, is everything okay? You seem a bit... off."
Hanyu sighed softly, his gaze dropping to the ground as he wrestled with his emotions.
Hanyu: "It's just... I can't help but think about Dabao. I miss him, you know?"
Xubao's heart ached at the mention of her brother, her own grief still raw despite the passage of time. But she knew that they had to find a way to move forward, even in the absence of their loved one.
Xubao: "I miss him too, Hanyu. But we have to accept that he's gone. We can't let our grief hold us back from living our lives."
Hanyu felt a surge of gratitude towards Xubao, her words offering him a sliver of comfort in the midst of his sorrow. He reached out and took her hand in his own, a silent gesture of solidarity and support.
Hanyu: "Thank you, Xubao. You're right. We have to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it may be."
Xubao's cheeks flushed with warmth at the contact, a flutter of butterflies stirring in her stomach as she felt a newfound closeness with Hanyu. She gently withdrew her hand, the brief moment of intimacy leaving them both feeling slightly flustered.
Xubao: "Let's go to class. We don't want to be late on our first day."
Hanyu nodded, a shy smile playing on his lips as they continued their journey together, their bond strengthened by the shared understanding and compassion they had found in each other. And as they stepped into the lecture hall, ready to embark on this new chapter of their lives, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as friends united in both joy and sorrow.