The bell rang, and the classroom erupted into chatter. Yet amidst the noise, Lian Yue still felt the weight of that gaze—steady, unhurried, and uncomfortably intense.
Her eyes flickered toward the back again. The boy was still there, reclining against his desk as if the entire world bored him. But when she met his eyes, he smiled slowly, lazily, like a predator amused by its prey.
[System Alert: Warning. Unknown Entity is fixated on Host. Recommend caution.]
Lian Yue's lips twitched. Fixated? He can stare all he likes. I have no time to waste.
"Country girl."
The call was sharp and nasal. Lin Xi had marched right up to her desk, her arms crossed and eyes blazing. "Enjoy your little moment? Don't think you can outshine me just because you got lucky with words today. Trash is still trash."
A hush fell over the class again. Everyone knew Lin Xi's temper.
Lian Yue raised her eyes slowly, her tone flat. "Funny… I thought ladies didn't pick fights in public like fishwives. Or do you just enjoy the attention?"
The room snickered. Someone even muttered, "She's not wrong…"
Lin Xi's face flushed crimson. "You—!"
"Careful," Lian Yue interrupted smoothly, her gaze cool. "You might choke on your arrogance before I even lift a finger."
[System Notification: Task Progress—35% Complete.]
Lian Yue hid her smile. So it registers humiliation as progress. Good.
"Lin Xi, back to your seat!" the teacher snapped from the doorway, irritation thick in her voice. "And you too, Lian Yue. Less drama in my class."
Lin Xi stomped off, seething. Lian Yue sat back, satisfied. One more push and she'll crumble. Three days? Too generous.
A shadow fell over her desk. She looked up, expecting Lin Xi again—but it wasn't her.
The boy from the back row was standing there, tall and imposing, his school uniform jacket slung carelessly over one shoulder. His presence made the air feel heavier, charged.
Up close, his features were sharper, his aura colder. And his eyes… they seemed to see right through her.
"You're interesting," he said simply, his voice a low drawl.
Lian Yue blinked. "Do I look like a circus act to you?"
The corner of his mouth curved, amused. "No. More like a puzzle I want to solve."
[System Alert: Unknown Entity's favorability toward Host has increased. Current status: Curious.]
She stiffened inwardly. So he was already taking an interest? Too fast. Too dangerous.
He leaned closer, just enough for only her to hear. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one will touch you."
Protective. Possessive. Dangerous.
Lian Yue's pulse quickened, but she schooled her features into calm indifference. "And who asked you to play hero?"
His chuckle was soft, but it carried a warning that sent chills down her spine. "You'll understand soon enough."
And just like that, he walked away, leaving a trail of whispers and curious stares in his wake.
[System Notification: New Side Quest Triggered.– Identity of Unknown Entity must be confirmed within five days.Reward: 100 points.]
Lian Yue exhaled softly. Great. Another mission. And here I thought this world would be simple.