"Alright, classmates, that's all for today's lesson. When you get home, make sure to review what was taught this week. The worksheets handed out yesterday and today, make sure you finish them first, and we'll continue next week. Class dismissed."
After school, Ye Xiaofan rushed to the bike shed to get his bicycle, not saying goodbye to any classmates, eager to get home.
"Hey, Ye Xiaofan..." Liu Siyan hurriedly chased after him, wanting to say a few words, but before she could shout, he was already far away.
This has happened every day for the past week. He rushes home as soon as class ends.
"Siyan, what's up with Ye Xiaofan? Not long ago, he was boasting about winning your heart, but now it's like he's a different person."
"Exactly, I don't understand what's so special at his home that he doesn't even glance our way."
Liu Siyan's close friends all began voicing their dissatisfaction on her behalf.
"Alright, he might have something urgent going on. Let's go." Liu Siyan defended Ye Xiaofan softly.
"Oh, our sweet Siyan is so kind! You're already speaking up for him even before officially becoming his girlfriend," joked a girl.
"Chen Jie, what are you talking about? What girlfriend? Stop making stuff up," Liu Siyan said shyly.
"Seriously, Siyan is so pretty. I have no idea what luck Ye Xiaofan had in his past life..."
"Oh come on, stop saying that! It's not true, so please don't spread rumors."
"Right, right, no more rumors, but it really is a bit much that he hasn't shown any interest in Siyan for a whole week," remarked the girls, seemingly obsessed with talking about Liu Siyan.
"Keep talking and I won't speak to you anymore. I'm heading home," Liu Siyan pretended to be angry, puckering her cute little lips and walking away quickly.
"Alright, enough teasing. But I still don't get it; why him when there are so many guys in the school chasing after you?"
"Ah, stop it, or I'll hit you."
"Hahaha, no, Chen Jie, help me, haha."
Youth is to squander, youth is to reminisce, youth is happiness. No doubt, girls at this age are the most innocent and romantic.
However, they guessed correctly, Ye Xiaofan rushed home because there really was someone waiting for him.
Carrying bags full of snacks and ready-to-eat meals for tonight, Ye Xiaofan happily opened the door to his home.
A shadow flashed by with a 'whoosh.' Ye Xiaofan seemed prepared and dodged to the side.
"Hey, be careful, there are eggs." Ye Xiaofan said, holding up the bags with both hands.
"Not bad reflexes," Shen Zuimo praised, then took the bags and went back to the kitchen.
During this past week, Ye Xiaofan's progress surprised Shen Zuimo. He mastered the basics of shooting within three days, and practiced close-combat techniques for the next four. Despite being injured and slower in attacks, Ye Xiaofan could easily dodge them, which was commendable.
"I saw those police at school again today. If they're really looking for you, I'm sure I'd be their prime target." Ye Xiaofan said calmly.
He showed no fear. If on the first day he was timid, then by today, a week later, he was calm. If the police had confirmed his identity, he would have been taken for questioning long ago, not waiting until now.
Ye Xiaofan's calm demeanor and logical thinking didn't surprise Shen Zuimo anymore. What was remarkable about this high schooler was his exceptional logic skills.
"What are you trying to say?" Shen Zuimo's voice came from the kitchen, showing curiosity.
"I think staying in H City is too dangerous for you. Not only are assassins searching for you, but also the police. Regardless of who catches you, as a killer, it's perilous." Ye Xiaofan continued.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Shen Zuimo poked her head out of the kitchen and looked at Ye Xiaofan quietly.
"What are you talking about? I'm genuinely concerned about your safety." Ye Xiaofan immediately denied it.
"Then become strong enough to protect me," Shen Zuimo suddenly said seriously while looking at Ye Xiaofan.
Faced with that enchanting gaze, Ye Xiaofan felt an impulse to agree immediately. However, rationally, he knew that with his identity and skills, even self-defense against assassins would be difficult, let alone protecting her.
"I'll do my best."
Though not a definite answer, it was enough for Shen Zuimo.
"Then work a little harder. Now, let's review those moves from this noon. Remember, the techniques are fixed, but you must be flexible in their use." With that, Shen Zuimo moved swiftly, her left hand forming into a palm, striking towards Ye Xiaofan's chest.
"Hey, hey, why do you start fighting out of the blue? Watch out for your injuries..."
During the next two days, aside from grocery shopping, Ye Xiaofan spent nearly all his time at home, practicing close combat techniques with Shen Zuimo.
Because it was close combat, skin contact was inevitable. Beneath loose clothing, unintentional glimpses were inevitable, causing Ye Xiaofan to lose focus at times during training.
"Don't stare, don't get distracted. You need to think of me as someone trying to take your life," Shen Zuimo naturally noticed Ye Xiaofan's distraction, but as it was a normal thought process for a young man, it could only change gradually.
"Didn't I just buy you a bra? Why aren't you wearing it?" Damn it, doesn't she know eighteen-year-old boys have raging hormones? How can one stay calm?
"The last one was too tight, uncomfortable, and when I'm not going out, why bother wearing one? You've seen it anyway." Shen Zuimo said indifferently.
Too tight? What's the right size then?
"If you can master this technique within a month, I'll grant you one request," Shen Zuimo suddenly proposed.
"Really?" Ye Xiaofan said, eyes shining.
"Really."
"Wow, let's do it. Wait, how about more than one request?"
"What else do you want?"
"You know..." Ye Xiaofan showed a cheeky grin, but before he knew it, Shen Zuimo flashed in front of him, "Ow, gentle!"
Due to excitement and lowered vigilance, Ye Xiaofan was directly slammed onto the ground with a shoulder throw by Shen Zuimo. It seems mastering this technique within a month won't be easy. Yet, for Ye Xiaofan, practicing combat wasn't as tough as imagined; instead, it brought a sense of happiness.
Two days of rest quickly passed, but was hiding at home actually safe?
"Captain Lin, after screening, we've identified twenty-seven male students from the Seventh Middle School that match the circumstances of that day." The police efficiency wasn't slow, as they quickly narrowed down suspects through various leads, among which Ye Xiaofan was also included.
"Good, immediately contact the hotel owner to help identify them." Lin Miaoke came to the correct decision right away.
However, the situation was not as simple as she thought.
Five minutes later.
"Captain Lin, trouble, we lost contact with the two colleagues monitoring the hotel, and the hotel owner has suddenly disappeared."