"The environment is decent, though it feels a bit cramped."
The group was led inside by someone who had been waiting for them after receiving a call in advance.
Shen Qingtang glanced around and gave her assessment.
Gu Xiuyuan added, "The roads are uneven."
He also pointed out a few other issues, like the poorly chosen location.
The accompanying staff member could only force a polite smile in response.
It wasn’t until they entered the school building that the sharp critiques died down.
They even visited the classroom where He Xiang studied. Since it was the holidays, most students had gone out in groups or taken buses home to reunite with their families. Very few remained on campus.
As soon as Ji Nian and the others stepped into the office, they found the teacher in charge of He Xiang’s class.
Upon hearing that they had come all the way from City S to see He Xiang, the teacher suggested calling him over as a surprise. She deliberately used a stern tone when phoning him.
While waiting, Ji Nian and Lu Jinghuai stood at the back, chatting.
"I heard the classes here are divided into three tiers—A, B, and C. Every week, students from Class C can challenge those in B or A. If the higher-tier students lose, they swap classes with the challengers. But if the lower-tier students lose, they’re expelled from the school."
Lu Jinghuai nodded. "It’s ruthless here."
For those who couldn’t keep up or were mentally fragile, the system was brutal.
When He Xiang first arrived, he had been targeted for some reason. An "accident" caused him to miss the initial placement exam, landing him in the lowest tier, Class C.
With his abilities, he could have easily challenged higher-tier students and moved up immediately. But he didn’t.
Instead, he challenged every student involved in the incident that had sidelined him, kicking them out of their original classes one by one. After rising to Class A, he provoked them further, inciting them to challenge him.
Since lower-tier students faced expulsion if they lost, He Xiang’s strategy wiped out most of his opponents.
Because of this, no one was particularly worried about He Xiang anymore.
After hanging his laundry in the dorm, He Xiang finally made his way to the office.
He wasn’t afraid of those students reporting him—there were no cameras in the laundry room, and he hadn’t laid a hand on anyone. They had no proof.
His only concern was that if those two made a scene, it might put the teacher in a difficult position.
Since arriving, Teacher Gao had treated him well. If possible, He Xiang didn’t want to cause her trouble.
He knocked on the door and entered after receiving permission.
"Teacher Gao."
He walked over to her desk, standing quietly as he waited for her to speak.
Teacher Gao theatrically unscrewed her thermos, took a sip of tea, and cleared her throat. "He Xiang, any plans for New Year’s?"
Surprised that she didn’t mention the incident, He Xiang remained composed.
"Doing practice problems."
Teacher Gao sighed. "Studying is good, but you can’t overdo it. Your brain needs breaks too."
He Xiang listened silently, knowing she hadn’t called him in just to lecture him.
Then she continued, "How about this? I’ll give you a New Year’s gift—something to lighten the mood."
He Xiang was about to refuse. His study schedule was already set, and interruptions, while not infuriating, were still unwelcome.
But before he could speak, he sensed someone approaching from behind.
He turned just before they could clap him on the shoulder.
The sharpness in his dark eyes faded into shock the moment he recognized the group behind him.
It lasted only a second.
But it was enough to satisfy the friends who had traveled all the way to Fei City for him.
"Happy New Year, He Xiang!" Ji Nian called out first.
Lu Jinghuai, Ji Nian, Shen Qingtang, and Gu Xiuyuan—who had flown in from abroad—all stood there, grinning at him.
He Xiang’s lips parted, but before he could speak, Gu Xiuyuan strode forward, sizing him up before punching him lightly in the chest.
"Damn, did you get taller again?"
The corner of He Xiang’s mouth lifted slightly. "Yeah."
Then he steadied Gu Xiuyuan with a light hand. "Careful. Wouldn’t want you to trip over your shoes."
Gu Xiuyuan, who was wearing insoles: "……"
Behind them, Ji Nian and Shen Qingtang bit their lips, struggling not to laugh.
Gu Xiuyuan absolutely would retaliate if provoked.
Lu Jinghuai stepped forward next. The atmosphere between them wasn’t as easy as it had been with Gu Xiuyuan. When their eyes met, a flicker of something complicated passed through He Xiang’s gaze.
But they had known each other for years, and there was still camaraderie between them. Besides, He Xiang’s late grandmother had adored Lu Jinghuai, who had visited her often.
So they exchanged a brief hug.
Ji Nian and Shen Qingtang walked over, each giving him a pat on the shoulder.
He Xiang glanced at Ji Nian. "You cut your hair."
"Yeah, my dad did it. Not bad, right?"
He Xiang nodded.
Shen Qingtang watched the interaction. She had expected some tension between them, but Ji Nian and He Xiang still acted the same as always.
Then she glanced at Lu Jinghuai.
Well, at least nothing seemed off on the surface.
Smirking, Shen Qingtang nudged He Xiang. "You noticed Ji Nian’s haircut, huh, He Xiang? Then tell me—what’s different about me?"
He Xiang studied her carefully.
"Teacher, you’ve got crow’s feet."
Shen Qingtang: "……"
Gu Xiuyuan, failing to hold back a laugh, turned away, shoulders shaking.
Shen Qingtang: "……No way."
He Xiang deadpanned, "Just kidding."
Shen Qingtang shot a glare at Gu Xiuyuan, who was still snickering. "Real funny, ‘Brother Ox.’"
Gu Xiuyuan: "……Don’t call me that in public."
Amid the chaos, Teacher Gao observed He Xiang with fascination.
When He Xiang first joined her class, she had immediately sensed his guarded nature. Even around his peers, he kept an invisible distance.
It was clear he had grown up tough, burying his emotions deep.
But now, that unapproachable aura was gone. He seemed at ease, like a young wolf returning to its den, no longer worrying about where to hide its vulnerabilities.
Her eyes softened with relief.
So this kid did have friends. Good.
...
The group of five reunited and left the school to celebrate properly.
He Xiang’s study plans were promptly forgotten.
With his friends here, he should have taken the initiative to treat them to a meal.
But He Xiang rarely ventured out, too absorbed in his studies. Even after months in the area, he had no idea where to eat.
Luckily, the staff member recommended an upscale restaurant—expensive, but perfect for their tastes.
Sure enough, they headed straight there.
"Five thousand per person? Seriously? What kind of salary do you need to afford this place?"
A few students from the training school stood outside the restaurant, clutching skewers of street food as they peered inside.
"Stop staring. You’re making my skewers taste worse by comparison."
"Little Nao’s still upset? I told you to stay away from people like He Xiang. All he knows is studying—guys like him won’t get far. Here, have a skewer on me."
A group of guys were slinging their arms around each other's shoulders, laughing and joking.
Just then,
one of them suddenly glanced in a certain direction and exclaimed, "Holy shit!?"
"Isn't that He Xiang?"
