Now the one month vacation was over. All the students were preparing to return to the academy after enjoying their break, filled with various personal experiences and moments of relaxation. Zhen, accompanied by his supportive parents and his close companion Na'er, approached the grand entrance gate of the Holy Beast Academy. Lan Hua held the shoulders of both Zhen and Na'er firmly yet gently and said with a warm smile, "All the best, Zhen and Na'er. Work hard and stay strong." Both Zhen and Na'er nodded in unison, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Shortly after, Lan Xin arrived, her eyes filled with care and emotion, and she hugged Zhen tightly. "Stay safe and healthy, Zhen," she whispered softly. She continued, "No matter what challenges you face, you will always be my and your father's precious world." Zhen returned the embrace earnestly, "Don't worry, Mom, I will always do my best and make you proud." Then, Lan Xin carefully placed Na'er's hand on Zhen's hand and advised with a gentle tone, "Always protect each other, no matter what happens." Both Zhen and Na'er blushed slightly while their hands remained entwined, supported by Lan Xin's loving gesture.
Following this heartfelt moment, Zhen declared confidently, "I will, Mom. I will protect Na'er with all my strength." Hearing this, Na'er responded, "Me too, Aunty." She continued, her cheeks tinted red, "I will protect Zhen too, always." With their resolve set, both Zhen and Na'er stepped forward and entered the academy, their luggage in tow, ready to face the new challenges that awaited them.
Only moments later, Bing Xue'er, Yu Xiatao, and Lei Wei arrived, their eyes lighting up as they spotted Zhen and Na'er. They hurried toward them with enthusiasm. Xue'er ran directly to Na'er and exclaimed loudly, "NA'ERRRR..." Startled for a brief moment, Na'er turned around in surprise but quickly reciprocated the affectionate hug, a smile spreading across her face. Xiatao followed suit, rushing to embrace both girls warmly. Zhen felt happy seeing their reunion but also somewhat awkward, given that the three girls hugged in the midst of a bustling crowd of incoming students. Several bystanders were observing them curiously, some chuckling softly.
Then Lei Wei approached, placed his hand on his forehead with an exasperated expression, and commented, "Seriously, you girls should look around first before doing all this." The three girls glanced around and noticed students smirking and laughing quietly. They became visibly shy and self-conscious.
Zhen turned to Lei Wei and said, "Wei, it's really great that you're here." Lei Wei smiled back and replied, "It's good to be back." In a show of camaraderie, both Zhen and Wei shared a spirited high-five.
At the academy entrance gate, Shi Feng appeared, pulling his luggage along. His eyes widened in astonishment as he surveyed the large number of students, many of whom seemed older and more experienced. Internally, he thought with a shocked expression, "Why are there so many students? I distinctly remember that only 70 of us were selected." Still puzzled, he proceeded into the academy, scanning the crowd until he saw Zhen and the others. He sprinted towards them energetically, shouting, "GUYS, I AM BACKKKK!"
Everyone turned to see Shi Feng running towards them with enthusiasm. Upon his arrival, Zhen exclaimed, "Thank goodness, you made it in time, Feng." Lei Wei added, "Yeah, if you had arrived just a few minutes later, the academy gates would have closed." Shi Feng responded exuberantly in a loud voice, "Glad I made it back in time!!! Hahaha."
Bing Xue'er rolled her eyes and remarked, "You are so NOISY, Feng." Shi Feng, clearly annoyed, shot back, "WHO ARE YOU CALLING NOISY???" Xue'er retorted, "YOU!!! Got a problem??" Shi Feng blurted, "NO...."
Upon hearing this, Zhen, Na'er, Wei, Xiatao, and Xue'er exchanged surprised glances. Shi Feng appeared momentarily confused, then muttered to himself, "I... mean... YES." The group burst into laughter, lightening the atmosphere.
After some chuckles, Shi Feng asked curiously, "Why are so many students here today?" Lei Wei explained, "Because today, not only are we returning, but the seniors are also coming back to the academy from their vacation." He continued proudly, "My two elder brothers returned today as well." Bing Xue'er added with a smile, "Yes, my big sister also came back today..." Zhen and the others nodded in acknowledgment.
A few minutes later, Xiatao pointed out, "Guys, isn't that Zhao Xiong who is coming in over there?" Everyone's attention shifted to the main gate, where students were steadily entering. Zhao Xiong appeared, accompanied by his two followers. Lei Wei speculated, "I guess the one-year suspension for him is finally over."
Zhao Xiong's eyes landed on Lan Zhen, Lei Wei, Gu Na'er, Shi Feng, Bing Xue'er, and Yu Xiatao. He hesitated at first, then gathered his courage and began walking towards them. Na'er remarked, "He is coming towards us." Wei, Feng, Xiatao, and Xue'er instinctively adopted a slightly defensive posture.
When Zhao Xiong reached Zhen, Zhen spoke without hesitation, "It's been one year, Zhao Xiong." Zhao Xiong replied solemnly, "Yeah, it's been one year." He bowed his head respectfully. Zhen and the others were taken aback by his unexpected gesture. Zhao Xiong continued, "I am sorry." The apology left everyone, except Zhen, visibly surprised.
Zhen smiled warmly, placed a reassuring hand on Zhao Xiong's shoulder, and said, "It's fine. You served your punishment for one year of suspension. I am genuinely happy to see you doing well now." Zhao Xiong looked a bit shocked and deeply relieved that Zhen had forgiven him. Zhao Xiong's two followers also stepped forward and apologized to Zhen's friends before quietly walking away.
Once they departed, Bing Xue'er commented, "It's really hard to believe Zhao Xiong just apologized like that." Na'er, Wei, Feng, and Xiatao all nodded in agreement. Zhen, however, observed Zhao Xiong walking away and then said thoughtfully, "My parents always taught me something very important." Everyone turned their attention toward Zhen. He continued, "People don't change merely by their outward attitude, but by what is in their own heart."