"Boss, why isn't Sister-in-law with you today?" Garlic Head's voice abruptly halted as his gaze fell on the strikingly handsome, fair-skinned man standing beside Xiang Ri. His tone shifted to one of surprise. "Uh… and this is?"
"Why do you ask so many questions? Get back to your seat," Xiang Ri snapped coldly, clearly annoyed by the unwelcome inquiry.
Garlic Head, intimidated by Xiang Ri's fierce glare, obediently returned to his seat. Yet he couldn't help but steal another glance at the effeminate-looking pretty boy, his heart brimming with envy. "Why is it that every man I meet is more handsome than the last? Life is just unfair!"
Unfortunately for him, An Xin despised being scrutinized with such a gaze. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she made a cutting gesture in the air, mimicking the act of gouging out eyes. "What are you staring at? One more look, and I'll dig your eyes out!"
Garlic Head recoiled, shrinking into himself. He hadn't expected such a fierce temper from this suit-clad, delicate-looking man. Terrified, he grabbed a book and feigned intense concentration, acting as though he was fully engrossed in his studies.
Xiang Ri, observing the scene, found it hard to suppress his irritation. Truthfully, he was only looking for a chance to spar verbally with this feisty woman. "Hey, don't you think you're overstepping? He's my subordinate, not yours. You don't get to discipline him."
"I'll do as I please," An Xin retorted smugly with a light snort, striding over to a secluded corner to sit. However, the moment she settled down, she immediately leaped up in disgust. "So filthy! What kind of classroom is this? The seats look like they haven't been cleaned in years!"
"Come on, take a closer look. That's not dirt—it's just old," Xiang Ri replied, plopping down beside her. He casually wiped the "dirty" spot with his hand and held it up for her inspection. "See? Not dirty at all. But I get it—a pampered princess like you looking down on our school's worn-out furniture is only natural."
His exaggerated understanding expression only deepened An Xin's irritation. "What do you mean by that?" she snapped, her loathing for his mocking tone palpable. "I'm not looking down on anyone! This is just my first time here—I didn't know, alright?"
"Sure, sure. 'I didn't know' explains everything..." Xiang Ri was about to continue his teasing when his phone suddenly rang. He swallowed his unfinished words and quickly answered upon seeing his disciple's name on the caller ID.
"Master, where are you right now?" Shi Qing's voice sounded weary.
"I'm at school. What's wrong? Aren't you here yet?" Xiang Ri glanced at An Xin, who was clearly straining to eavesdrop. Smirking mischievously, he turned away and shielded the phone with his hand, which only made An Xin grind her teeth in frustration.
"We're not coming to school. Chu Chu's still locked in her room alone. You don't know—she cried all night..."
Xiang Ri felt a pang in his chest. "Is she alright?"
"She's fine physically, but she hasn't stopped crying or spoken a word," Shi Qing's voice carried a hint of blame. "It's all your fault, Master. You've got Chu Chu, yet you're still so fickle. Look at the mess you've caused. Honestly, I think you're the dumbest teacher alive!"
"Yes, yes, I'm an idiot," Xiang Ri replied, conceding without protest. "What about you, Xiao Qing? You sound exhausted. Don't tell me you've been up all night too?"
"I got a few hours of sleep in between," Shi Qing quickly denied, seemingly unwilling to dwell on the topic. "But Master, you need to be careful. Uncle Chu is furious. Even though Chu Chu didn't tell him what happened, he's convinced you made her cry and is planning to send someone after you."
"What's wrong, Xiao Qing?" Xiang Ri asked, alarmed, when Shi Qing suddenly let out a sharp cry.
"Nothing, nothing! It's Chu Chu—she just came out of her room. I've got to go, Master. Bye!"
The call ended abruptly, leaving Xiang Ri staring at his phone with a mixture of concern and helplessness.
"That was Qing Qing, wasn't it?" An Xin finally broke her silence, her curiosity evidently unbearable.
"So what if it was? It's none of your business," Xiang Ri retorted irritably, his thoughts preoccupied with the image of a tear-streaked Chu Chu.
"You—" An Xin's eyes widened, and she snapped, "What do you mean, 'none of your business'? Qing Qing is my woman!"
"I don't have time to argue with you. I'm leaving," Xiang Ri said coldly, already making his way out.
Just moments ago, he had made a decision—a decision that, no matter what, the lurking danger must be eradicated swiftly. He could no longer bear to see the women who cared for him weeping in sorrow. Thus, the immediate priority was to find that blonde queen and uncover the dark forces behind the assassination attempt, then swiftly fly abroad to eliminate that criminal organization for good.
Such thoughts were not borne of arrogance, but neither did they stem from modesty. Just the night before, he had gained a new "skill," learned from the bullet lodged in his flesh, which could now be tested on those very individuals.
"Hey, where are you going?" An Xin, noticing the man was leaving, immediately called after him.
"Go back! There's something very important I need to take care of!" Xiang Ri said without turning, quickening his pace.
"Wait for me!" An Xin hurriedly chased after him.
Xiang Ri had barely stepped out of the classroom when he was intercepted by Miss Ren Jun, who had come looking for him.
"Xiang Kui, perfect timing! I need to talk to you."
"Talk later, when I have time. I'm busy now!" Xiang Ri, burning with urgency, had no desire to listen to her trivial chatter.
"Stop right there!" Miss Ren, her patience snapped by his disregard, shouted angrily.
"I told you, I don't have time for this!" Xiang Ri snapped back impatiently, continuing to walk.
Ren Jun's anger flared, and she stormed up to him, grabbing his arm with a threatening tone. "Tomorrow's Saturday. My mother wants you to come to my house for lunch. If you don't show up, you can kiss your grades goodbye!"
"Hmph!" Xiang Ri scoffed dismissively, not at all fazed by her words. His inherent respect for individuals of his mother's caliber kept him from acting rudely, but his words were anything but polite. "I don't think you have the authority to make me fail, do you? Do you really think your mother will listen to you?" He adjusted his glasses with a casual flick, his attitude dripping with disdain.
Ren Jun, livid with fury, grabbed his black-rimmed glasses and yanked them off his face. "Leave, then! If you walk out, don't even think about getting your glasses back!"
"Take them," Xiang Ri said nonchalantly, "It's not like I'm even nearsighted..."
"Eh?" An Xin, who had been watching the exchange, froze, her eyes narrowing as she focused intently on the man.
Xiang Ri inwardly cursed himself. How could he have let that slip? He needed to quell An Xin's suspicions immediately, or he'd have yet another problem to deal with. But before he could speak, An Xin had already fired her question. "You can see, can't you?"
"What do you mean, see?" Xiang Ri feigned ignorance, playing dumb.
An Xin, undeterred by his pretense, continued coldly, "You're not nearsighted at all, are you?"
Xiang Ri, in a desperate bid to cover up, replied without thinking, "I am. My left eye is 1500 degrees, my right eye is 2000."
"2000 degrees, huh?" Before he could finish, An Xin suddenly lunged at him without warning. "I'll kill you!"