The man appeared to be around thirty years old, with handsome features and an overall mature, reserved demeanor that exuded an indescribable sense of security. Yet, the scar beneath his eye gave off a dangerous vibe.
He frowned, still looking at her with some suspicion. "You... you're the young miss?"
Bai Tang spoke expressionlessly, "Xiao Wu, it's me."
Hearing her response, he seemed visibly stirred, his eyes reddening uncontrollably.
"Young miss, you're not dead?" His voice carried a suppressed sob.
Bai Tang nodded, then said, "This matter is a bit complicated."
"Young miss, where are you now? I'll come pick you up!" Bai Wu said urgently.
"No need, I'll return on my own. I have something to ask you to do for me now. I can't show myself yet—it's not the time."
Bai Tang frowned. "If they find out I'm not dead, they'll definitely be on guard."
"This is the perfect chance to wipe them all out."
The light in Bai Tang's eyes grew colder and colder, her whole body radiating an icy, keep-away aura.
Bai Wu looked at her with concern. "Young miss, these years, you—"
"I'm fine."
Bai Tang cut him off, unwilling to comment on those ten years of darkness.
---
As soon as school let out, Bai Xier appeared at the entrance again, glaring coldly at her. "Bai Tang, I need to talk to you."
Bai Tang ignored her and walked away.
Bai Xier fumed. "Stop right there!"
She caught up and reached out to grab Bai Tang, intending to hit her, but her hand was seized instead.
Zhang Xiaochu shoved her away, and Bai Xier stumbled back several steps before steadying herself. Just as she was about to speak, Zhang Xiaochu glared at her fiercely. "What the hell, you psycho? You dare touch my people? Tired of living?"
Bai Xier's angry face turned pale with fear under Zhang Xiaochu's menacing stare, and she didn't dare say a word.
"If you bully her again, I'll kill you."
As the school bully, Zhang Xiaochu's presence was absolutely imposing.
Ignoring the whispers around them, Zhang Xiaochu pulled Bai Tang away.
Bai Tang: "..."
This chuunibyo really won't give up!
When they reached the school gate, Bai Tang pulled her hand back and looked at him irritably. "What do you want?"
"To walk you home—that's what a boyfriend should do." Zhang Xiaochu smiled ingratiatingly at her.
Bai Tang raised an eyebrow. "It can't be that simple, can it?"
Zhang Xiaochu chuckled, reaching out to put his arm around Bai Tang's shoulder, but she dodged nimbly.
"Talk properly, no touching!" Bai Tang warned.
Zhang Xiaochu pouted in frustration. "Bai Tang, seriously... With Sheng Qi, you're all 'Tangtang,' but with me, it's nothing but disdain. Do you have to treat us so differently?"
"If you were as stunningly beautiful as him, I could be your 'Tangtang' too."
Zhang Xiaochu took a deep breath: "..."
"Shallow woman."
Bai Tang said calmly, "Yeah, I'm a shallow woman. So, give up."
Zhang Xiaochu snorted. "I'll chase you even if you're shallow."
"You're hopelessly stubborn!" Bai Tang looked at him helplessly. "Alright, what do you want from me?"
"Hehe..." Zhang Xiaochu grinned obsequiously. "It's just that yesterday, Sheng Qi's team invited me to join them."
"Oh, and then?"
"And then..." Zhang Xiaochu scratched his head awkwardly. "Do you want to join too?"
"No." Bai Tang refused without hesitation.
"Why?" Zhang Xiaochu frowned. "Don't you like racing too?"
Bai Tang smiled. "Who told you I like racing?"
"You... you obviously do!" Zhang Xiaochu said. "Otherwise, how could you be so good at it?"
Bai Tang stared at him, a playful smile curling at her lips. "I don't like racing. I just like playing with my life."
Zhang Xiaochu: "..."