Chapter 121: Neurotic, Light and Shadow
Perhaps it was still a bit early.
The office in the teaching building was empty except for the intern teacher, Felicia, who sat seriously at her desk, full of energy that even veteran teachers lacked.
The window blinds were rolled up, letting morning sunlight fall across Felicia's delicate, pale profile, her expression focused and diligent.
Her silver-white hair contrasted sharply against the dark clothes she preferred to wear.
She stifled a yawn, just as Xi Nian walked in, and flustered slightly, froze mid-action.
Xi Nian, knowing better, pretended not to notice.
Felicia lifted her bright eyes, observing the young male student closely for the first time.
Xi Nian Prince.
[TL/N: I have just now realized Prince is his last name. It comes from Diana's last name which is Prince, didn't know that and was so confused this whole time xD. I'll use Xi Nian Prince from now on. Sorry :<]
Handsome and sunny, neither tall nor short for his age, dressed neatly in clean clothes, shoes barely worn outdoors, average build with no visible muscles—a perfectly ordinary high school boy.
Yes, an extremely ordinary student.
Felicia confirmed her impression, curious about Rotter's initial high praise.
She spoke gently to Xi Nian: "Xi Nian, can you explain why you suddenly left school a few days ago during class? Your answer will affect your school performance evaluation."
"I went to save the world, would you believe that, teacher?" Xi Nian said bluntly.
Felicia was momentarily stunned, then smiled understandingly. "Teachers aren't much older than you, so we know students your age often dream of being superheroes."
Xi Nian asked, curious: "Which superhero do you like, then?"
"Silver-haired Goddess, of course!" Felicia's eyes lit up. "She's like me, silver hair! And she's cool and powerful!"
Xi Nian was speechless.
Why do all the teachers like that superhero? It's fine to like her, but why a completely fictional one?
He sighed inwardly, considering transferring schools overnight.
Felicia continued excitedly: "I'll tell you a secret. I even have a signed poster of the Silver-haired Goddess. I bought it online during college with a fortune. Rotter envied me so much!"
Xi Nian was even more speechless. That signed poster was absolutely fake.
"Let me show you…" Felicia reached for a drawer, then suddenly realized something and stiffened, staring seriously at Xi Nian. "Xi Nian, don't try to change the topic!"
Xi Nian: "..."
He hadn't tried to change the topic; it was the teacher who was obsessed with it!
Xi Nian twitched his eye, thinking the teacher seemed more like a neurotic cat than a human.
Naturally, he didn't say that aloud.
Xi Nian said: "That day, something happened at home. I rushed back and couldn't notify the school properly. I believe I mentioned it to the class leader."
He spoke honestly.
For Xi Nian, anywhere his aunt was felt like home.
"I see. Gwen did tell me about it," Felicia said, unconcerned, then asked curiously, "Did something happen with your parents?"
"I don't have parents," Xi Nian answered. "I was adopted by my aunt as a baby."
"Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't know." Felicia apologized quickly.
"It's fine. I'm happy now," Xi Nian said sincerely.
But Felicia could sense he had been silently holding up a lot. Having grown up with a father imprisoned for theft, she empathized.
Her expression softened, and she said gently: "It's alright. Go back to class."
"Okay." Xi Nian relaxed and prepared to leave but was called back.
"In the future," Felicia said softly, "at school or at home, if you have any problems, you can come to me. I'll do my best to help with anything."
Xi Nian felt a little puzzled but nodded. "Thank you, teacher."
"Remember that!" Felicia watched him leave, her eyes glowing with a motherly light.
...
That evening, after school.
As soon as Xi Nian got home, he received a message from Kara Danvers:
"Senior, are you free this weekend? My cousin wants to invite you over for dinner."
Kara's cousin?
Xi Nian's mind tangled.
Going to Gwen's house meant Officer George.
Going to Kara's house meant Superman.
To Xi Nian, both were equally dangerous.
Who to visit this weekend? Or maybe skip both? Or one per day?
He turned on the warm lights and sat on the soft sofa. Xiao Huang immediately snuggled up, rubbing her head against his hand.
Jarro, as usual, lay inside its glass container on the balcony, enjoying the last sunlight of the day.
Leaning back on the sofa, Xi Nian closed his eyes, savoring the rare peaceful moment.
Then, the sound of someone entering the house came.
"Wanda, you're back?" Xi Nian called lazily without opening his eyes.
No response. The newcomer, wearing slippers, sat next to him on the sofa.
Xi Nian smelled a familiar, light fragrance.
He opened his eyes to see a mature, beautiful black-haired woman.
"Aunt? You're back?!" Xi Nian jumped up.
"Why, can't I come home?" Diana smiled faintly.
"No, it's just… didn't expect you back so soon," Xi Nian replied.
Lately, with alerts from Themyscira, Diana had been gone most of the day. Breakfasts and dinners were often missed, leaving Wanda to care of him.
Thus, Xi Nian initially thought it was Wanda returning.
Now, the warm home lights mixed with the sunset glow on the balcony, casting a dreamy shadow against their bodies.
Xi Nian glanced at his aunt's perfect features, the side profile divine, lips tinged with orange-red lipstick, glistening a tempting light under the dimming sky.
He suddenly wanted to kiss her.
Not out of instinct or lust, nope. It is but for practice while Wanda was away.
Yet Xi Nian knew he couldn't; the evening training had been canceled, and there was no justification.
Between him and Diana lay a barrier, stronger than his childhood bond with Gwen—like light and shadow that could intersect but never merge.
Xi Nian laughed.
So what?
Since he had a second chance at life, he would not do anything to regret.
"Aunt," Xi Nian said seriously, his tone mistakeably direct, "I want tutoring!"
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