On their way back together, they ran into several students who had come out to eat. Some of them recognized Shi Qing and greeted him when they saw him.
Shi Qing could clearly feel that Zhuo Junli was consciously getting closer to him. Although he was already leaning on the young man's shoulder.
He felt like he was about to be charmed. [System, do you think he looks like a protective little puppy?]
The system looked left and right, up and down, and actually thought it was somewhat accurate.
It couldn't understand: [Why hasn't the rejection rate dropped below fifty?]
Shi Qing: [Personality traits, my friend.]
The school bully seemed to be quite pleased with the young man's closeness, but he normally wouldn't be happy about such a trivial matter. So, he could only be happy on one hand while concealing the reason behind his happiness.
Shi Qing bragged to Zhuo Junli as they walked: "Did you see that? I'm really good at it. Dealing with a few people at once is no problem at all. Today, not to mention just a few people, even if there were dozens, I wouldn't be afraid."
The young man still had a somewhat worried expression as he asked, "But what if those people really come to school to complain?"
"Hah! I'm not afraid of them!" The school bully sneered, "They come once, I'll fight them once."
Zhuo Junli finally understood how Shi Qing had earned his bad reputation at school. Apart from their own class, students from other grades all knew about Shi Qing, the second-year student with a prominent family background, a rebellious attitude, and a history of causing trouble.
Even the teachers didn't have much fondness for Shi Qing. They considered him a poor student who misbehaved due to his privileged background.
Except for their own teacher, other teachers would frown upon seeing Shi Qing.
Zhuo Junli had previously thought of Shi Qing as a typical spoiled rich kid, but now he reconsidered. Despite Shi Qing's reputation as a school bully, he had never really caused trouble at school. Even when he started targeting Zhuo Junli after the confession to Tong Xinyu, it was mostly minor pranks, harsh words, verbal confrontations after school, and locking Zhuo Junli in the restroom for less than twenty minutes.
Zhuo Junli had completely forgotten how he used to view Shi Qing as a heartless troublemaker and categorized him as a scumbag.
At this moment, in his heart, Shi Qing was just a quirky school bully with a protective streak.
He cared about Zhuo Junli, albeit in a rather peculiar way.
Zhuo Junli had always been good-looking from a young age. Despite his difficult family circumstances, he had received care and warmth from neighbors, teachers, and classmates.
In a world that valued appearance, almost everyone was generous with their kindness toward Zhuo Junli.
But he didn't like this warmth. Even when they concealed it well, he could feel that people did these things out of sympathy for him.
He rejected the sympathy of others.
He detested his own weakness.
He loathed having to expose his vulnerabilities and pain in order to survive.
As for Tong Xinyu's pursuit, Zhuo Junli also rejected it. He was fundamentally different from her.
He had grown up in a harsh environment, struggling to survive every day.
Tong Xinyu, on the other hand, seemed to have been pampered by her family. Her way of showing affection was incessantly telling Zhuo Junli that she liked him, thinking that it would make him agree.
It was amusingly naive.
"Like" itself was the dopamine secreted by the human brain and stemmed from one's perception of the other person – looks, physique, mannerisms, actions. Zhuo Junli had once pondered how he would act if he liked someone.
If it was someone he liked, he would firmly wrap them up, ensuring that person liked only him and looked only at him.
He would give them everything they desired.
But the person he liked could only ever like him.
Zhuo Junli had initially believed that he would never experience dopamine secretion in his brain again.
Until he noticed Shi Qing's secret admiration.
Yes, it was admiration.
Shi Qing would, in his own peculiar way, pour cold water on Zhuo Junli's summer blankets to force him to share a warmer one.
He would pretend to like Tong Xinyu, dominate Zhuo Junli, and not allow him to have any contact with her.
And then there was this amulet.
A blessed amulet, full of blessings, given to him by Shi Qing.
Walking back to school together with the school bully, Zhuo Junli's hand still rested on his neck, holding onto the amulet that had gained warmth from prolonged contact with his skin.
Many people had liked him throughout his life.
Many people had confessed to him and given him gifts.
But this was the first time he felt such a different sensation deep within him.
Shi Qing's liking had no sympathy, only dominance and arrogance.
Zhuo Junli liked this kind of affection.
He enjoyed being entwined by it, like a protective python that refused to let him touch anyone else.
Perhaps because that was how he liked people too.
Meanwhile, Shi Qing muttered beside him, "If you ask me, you shouldn't keep taking those part-time jobs in such messy places. There are all sorts of people there, and you're timid and delicate, with your good looks. What if someone with bad intentions targets you and takes your money? What will you do?"
As for whether Shi Qing was worried about Zhuo Junli's money being stolen or worried about him being sexually harassed, that remained an open question.
The school bully liked the feeling of protecting others, and Zhuo Junli didn't mind indulging him in it.
He was still the same, hanging his head, appearing somewhat helpless as he said, "I'm a student, still young, and time is tight. Only places like this are willing to let me work."
Cough.
Shi Qing awkwardly cleared his throat and said, "Actually, the scholarship should have been given to you earlier, but at that time, there was a bit of an unexpected situation."
The young man raised his eyes, his clear gaze fixed on Shi Qing.
The expression on the school bully's face grew increasingly awkward, and in the end, he waved his hand uncomfortably, saying, "Alright, alright. To be honest with you, I didn't like how close you and Tong Xinyu were. So, I purposely made sure my mom didn't choose you for the scholarship."
"This scholarship is sponsored by my mom. Every quarter, she receives the list of top students like you, with their grades and teachers' comments. I intentionally made her not choose you."
Zhuo Junli had suspected this before. It was just that he now realized that, despite his outward appearance of being carefree, Shi Qing was actually acting like a child when he was upset, making such small moves.
He smiled gently and said, "It's alright; after all, the scholarship was originally sponsored by your family."
Shi Qing moved closer to him.
"Don't worry, I'm not that petty; I'll definitely compensate you."
Because he was getting closer, Zhuo Junli could clearly see Shi Qing's handsome face. At this moment, the school bully's long, narrow eyes were curved with charm.
For an instant, Zhuo Junli's eyes seemed to blur. As if he were enchanted, he slowly, slowly moved closer.
—"Shi Ge!!"
A joyful shout shattered the romantic atmosphere.
The school bully, who had been looking at Zhuo Junli with a smile, suddenly straightened up. His ears turned red in an instant, and his hand, which had been resting on Zhuo Junli's shoulder, quickly and uncomfortably moved away.
Seeing that Lu Tao, who was running towards them, didn't notice what might have just happened between the two, he spoke cheerfully, "Shi Ge, we still have half an hour before evening self-study. How about we go outside and play a game?"
Zhuo Junli: "…"
He lifted his eyes slightly and cast a resentful glance at Lu Tao. His gaze was filled with frustration.
Perhaps the school bully was feeling uneasy about the situation, but he quickly responded, "Sure!"
"Uh, by the way." He reached out, seemingly intending to pat Zhuo Junli's shoulder, but his hand ended up higher and was quickly moved away uncomfortably.
"Zhuo Junli, you go back to school by yourself. Lu Tao and I are going to play games."
Seeing that Shi Qing readily agreed, Zhuo Junli's eyes moved slightly, and he turned to look at him, his tone still gentle.
"In that case, you two go ahead. I'll go ask Tong Xinyu how to make cookies."
The school bully: "!!!"
"Go where! I'm not going!"
Lutao had a puzzled expression, "But Shi Ge, we haven't played games together in a long time..."
"Games? All you think about is games all day long. No wonder your grades are so poor. How are you going to get into college in the future?"
Lutao looked confused, "But I never planned to go to college in the first place."
"And, Shi Ge, weren't you the one who said playing games on a laptop wasn't fun enough and took us to the internet café before?"
The school bully was exposed and his tone became even harsher, "Alright, I'll say it and you'll listen. Okay, here it is: no one is allowed to go out and play games. Everyone will study with me."
Lutao: "Studying?"
"Yes, studying!"
As Shi Qing spoke, he became more and more confident. He turned to look at Zhuo Junli, "Weren't we talking about compensation earlier? How about this, I'll compensate you with a part-time job opportunity. The students under my command don't have good grades, and you can tutor them. I'll pay you the tutoring fees."
Lutao, who was standing nearby: "???"
"Wait, Shi Ge, I don't want to study..."
Zhuo Junli didn't even look at Lutao. He didn't say yes or no, and he didn't even ask about the amount of money. He just looked at Shi Qing with a gentle tone, "Are you coming?"
"Me?" Shi Qing smiled disdainfully, "Even if I don't go to college, I can still live freely."
The young man seemed a little disappointed and lowered his head, "But if you don't go to college, we won't be able to be deskmates after graduation."
Lutao chimed in, "That's right, Shi Ge. You yourself aren't going to study. Why are you making us do it? You know me, right? I've already decided to happily work after high school graduation."
Shi Qing seemed to suddenly realize that not going to college meant not being able to be with Zhuo Junli after graduation. He changed his mind instantly.
"Alright, I'll study too. You can tutor me for the university you want to attend!"
Zhuo Junli looked at him with even gentler eyes.
The good-tempered academic achiever nodded, "Okay."
Lutao, standing on the side, wondered if they could see him.
"Shi Ge, I don't want to study."
Shi Qing turned around and gave him a menacing look, lowering his voice, "You'll study whether you want to or not."
Lutao covered his head, "But this doesn't make sense, Shi Ge. If you want to go to college, you can go by yourself, why drag us into it? You know that I hate sitting in class even during regular classes. Not to mention tutoring."
The school bully remained unmoved, "I'll endure hardship, and you guys can't back out. If you dare not come, I'll make you regret it."
Lutao: "..."
He thought he could salvage the situation.
"How about this, Shi Ge? You see, there are quite a few people who hang out with you, almost ten in our class alone, and adding students from other classes, there are at least fifteen people. You can just pick one from among them to take my place, can't you?"
"Well... you have a point."
Shi Qing wore a thoughtful expression on his face.
Lutao's eyes lit up, "Right? My idea is pretty good, isn't it?"
As for the poor guy who would replace him, all he could say was sorry and brace himself for what was to come.
"That's right, it's a good idea."
Shi Qing rubbed his chin and nodded, "Sixteen people, including you, and then add me, that makes seventeen. That's quite a bit of money for Zhuo Junli."
Lutao: "..."
He had a bad feeling in his heart.
Poor Lutao cautiously asked, "Shi Ge, what do you mean...?"
Shi Qing smiled triumphantly and patted Lutao's shoulder with encouragement as he extended his right hand.
"You, kid, have a future. This idea is great. If all of us start studying with Zhuo Junli, we can give him a lot of money, right?"
"Very good, very good. Alright, go and inform them. Anyone who hangs out with me should come for tutoring during lunchtime and the time after dinner. Don't worry, you won't have to pay, I'll pay for everyone. See how good I am to you?"
"We'll need a blackboard for tutoring, right? Since you often go home, could you sneak a small blackboard for me tonight?"
The school bully finished speaking and indulged in self-satisfaction, even praising himself, "I really am a great big brother."
Lutao: "..."
Lutao: "…………"
He was reminiscing about all the little brothers who followed Shi Qing.
There were those good at fighting, those good at defying their parents, those who were good at arguing, and those who excelled at outsmarting the teachers. There were those who had dyed hair, tattoos, and sneaked out of school to skip classes.
But, there was not a single one who loved to study.
He felt like crying.
Why did you have to study just because you were following a boss these days?
Why?!
Zhuo Junli couldn't hear what the two were saying, but he could see Shi Qing and Lutao standing very close, with satisfied smiles on their faces.
He even reached out his right hand and patted Lutao's shoulder.
The young man's eyes darkened as he remained silent, looking at Shi Qing finishing his words and walking towards this side.
The school bully had a relaxed smile on his face, "It's settled then. With me included, there are about seventeen of us for the class. It won't be too much trouble for you, right?"
Zhuo Junli shook his head, "No, it won't." He naturally took Shi Qing's right hand and pulled out a tissue, gently wiping his hand, "It's a bit dirty on top, let me clean it for you."
As he said this, Zhuo Junli glanced at Lutao, "He doesn't seem to be very clean. You better not touch him with your hands too often in the future."
The school bully didn't doubt anything and turned around somewhat dissatisfied, shouting at the slow-moving Lutao, who was muttering about being miserable, "Can't you be cleaner? You got my hand dirty by patting you."
Lutao looked helplessly at his clean school uniform: ...Wuwuwu.
And so, the matter of extra classes was settled. The next day after lunch, Shi Qing announced that all his followers should bring their books and attend the extra classes.
They had a group, although only a few could hide their phones from the sharp eyes of the teachers. Hiding the phone wasn't hard, but what was difficult was resisting the urge to take it out and play during class.
The reaction of the followers in the group was exactly the same when they heard that their boss, for heaven's sake, was taking them for extra classes.
Follower 1: [...]
Follower 2: [...]
Follower 3: [...]
Follower 1: [...]
Follower 1: [Maqin's phone got confiscated. This ellipsis is him using my phone to send.]
The Great Boss Shi Qing: [Quit the chatter. After lunch, everyone assemble. If anyone's late, I'll give them a boxing lesson.]
Instantly, the group was filled with lamentations.
At this moment, one clever follower raised a question:
Follower: [Shi Ge, there are so many of us at lunch, and there won't be enough space for us. How about I skip it? One person less should ease the burden.]
Follower 2: [Yeah, I won't go either. There are too many people in the classroom during lunch, no matter which classroom we go to.]
Follower 3: [That's right, I won't go either. Shi Ge, you can just take them for extra classes. You don't need to consider me. I can sacrifice.]
Follower 4: [Besides, there's not much time at lunch. I eat really slowly, it takes me more than an hour.]
Shi Qing chuckled.
The Great Boss Shi Qing: [Alright, after school, everyone meet on the rooftop. You don't need to eat; I'll have someone buy food for you and deliver it. Pack your bags with all your subject books, bring paper and pens. Today is just a diagnostic test; if anyone dares to score a zero, I'll make you look like a duck.]
The Great Boss Shi Qing: [That's settled. Inform each other, and if anyone dares not to come, I'll personally carry them to the rooftop. I can fight quite well, and by then, this place will be for studying.]
A group of followers: [...]
The rooftop wasn't meant for studying, okay?! It was common knowledge that the rooftop had always been a place for them to settle scores!
Never in their wildest dreams had they imagined that the current school bully of Changyin High School, who had fought his way to the top, would go to the rooftop not to arrange a brawl, but for studying?!
Unbelievable!
However, no matter how much they wailed and protested, under the absolute terror of their ruthless leader, by the time lunch break ended, a group of them arrived at Shi Qing's class and assembled.
Thus, an unusual scene unfolded in the teaching building of Changyin High School, 2nd year.
Outside a certain classroom, stood more than a dozen students.
These students had a distinctive style. They didn't wear their school uniforms properly and tied them around their waists. Their hair was dyed in various colors, and they even had a toothpick in their mouths. Some had tattoos on their necks, making them look intimidating.
Most importantly, they exuded a repressive aura, as if a storm was about to break out.
And they looked scary.
Amidst this group of students with colorful hair, tattoos, and an imposing presence, stood the conspicuously clean-cut and bookish Zhuo Junli, holding a book. He was exceptionally eye-catching.
If we had to describe it, it was like a group of big bad wolves walking with a little white rabbit.
Seeing them heading towards the building where students often went to the rooftop for fights, the students who witnessed this were shivering.
This was unmistakably a scene of preparing to eat rabbit meat!
Immediately, the students who had a sense of justice in the class rushed down from the building...
—To inform the teachers!
When he arrived at the school's administrative office, a group of people was making a commotion inside. Several parents and students who seemed to be from other high schools were arguing loudly.
There were also a few male students wearing uniforms from other high schools, all of them with bruised faces, also joining the commotion:
"Do you see my hand? Look at my leg, and my butt. I can't sleep at night because of the pain."
"Yeah! We didn't provoke him at all! Out of nowhere, he just found an excuse to beat us up!"
The parents, concerned and furious, were becoming more and more aggressive:
"Look! Look at this!! Look at how our children have been beaten! You can't just ignore it because my child doesn't go to your high school!"
"Someone like this should be expelled! He's a student, but if he's not studying and only causing trouble everywhere, what kind of student is he? If you don't expel him, I'll report you to the education department!"
A teacher, looking helpless, tried to calm them down: "Please calm down for a moment. Let's discuss this calmly."
"Calmly?! Look at how my child has been beaten!"
One of the students who had come to complain plucked up the courage to approach the teacher who was currently talking to the parents:
"Teacher..."
The teacher turned around when he had a moment: "Wait a minute, we can talk in a while."
The student was obedient and patiently waited for five minutes. He was worried that if they didn't hurry, Zhuo Junli, the good-natured student who helped copy homework, would be beaten up. Finally, he carefully poked the teacher.
"Teacher, Shi Qing brought over a dozen people to the rooftop across from here..."
"What?!!!"
The teacher, who had been busy and had a stressed voice, suddenly raised his voice eight times louder.
The parents who were arguing froze, then some of them were delighted, "Shi Qing!! It must be Shi Qing!! My son said it was Shi Qing who beat them!"
"He took over a dozen people to beat others. What else do you have to say? Even if you're trying to cover for him, at least use some logic!"
The other students with bruised faces chimed in, "Yeah, this is a clear case of catching them in the act!"
"Mom, let me tell you, Shi Qing was already good at fighting before he transferred here. He's so troublesome!"
"This person has no shame; he's bringing over a dozen people to fight one person!"
The complaining student was also shocked. He didn't expect that, as he came to complain, he would coincidentally run into the same person's parents who were making a complaint.
At this point, a more clever parent approached him, "Classmate, where is this rooftop you're talking about? Is it across from here?"
"Your school isn't going to handle this, right? If your school won't, we'll handle it ourselves! I'm going to record a video of this student who is fighting and bullying other students. When the time comes, if your school doesn't take action, I'll post it online, and we'll see if you'll handle it then!"
The teacher watched as these parents from other schools took their children and ran outside. He felt like he was going crazy.
"Hey?!! Wait a minute!"
He rubbed his almost bald head, feeling despondent, and covered his eyes.
It was over.
Then, he realized that he couldn't hear anything.
He put his hands down, looking forward.
He saw a group of students, parents, and teachers staring in disbelief ahead of them.
In front of them, on the rooftop that was commonly used as a fighting spot and no matter how many times they locked the door, students could still open it to fight, about a dozen students from their school were sitting on the ground, each holding a book, with lunch boxes beside them. Some of them seemed to be eating with full mouths, while others held pens in their mouths.
At this moment, upon hearing the commotion, they all turned their heads, looking strangely at the crowd.
In front of them stood Zhuo Junli, with a simple blackboard set up next to him, on which a math problem was written. He held a book in his left hand and chalk in his right, looking completely bewildered at the situation.
Time seemed to stand still.
After a few seconds, Shi Qing, who was sitting in the middle of the students, was the first to react. He stood up with a displeased expression.
"What's going on? Why is there so much commotion?"
"Don't you see we're studying? Seriously, you're disturbing our study."
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