Xing Yuan was unaware that Yan Xiyue secretly pitied her. Even if she knew, she would only cheer her on internally and feel immensely grateful. As long as Xing Yuan was willing to stay with her, what she thought didn't matter that much.
"I'll think about it!" Yan Xiyue didn't agree immediately.
"Okay~" Xing Yuan said, placing Yan Xiyue's bag onto her own vehicle. "It's so late, I should drive you back!"
"No need!" Yan Xiyue declined.
"My place is just ahead, it'll be quick. It's not dangerous."
"That's precisely why I need to take you back!" Xing Yuan stated matter-of-factly.
"What?" Yan Xiyue's expression shifted to slight surprise.
"Uh, I mean, it's so close already, just a few more steps. It would be much better if I took you back directly!" Xing Yuan's shy smile concealed her slip of the tongue.
"Alright then!" Yan Xiyue considered it carefully and felt it made sense. She then took the lead, riding her bike ahead.
As they neared her doorstep, Xing Yuan glanced at her attire and her imposing ride, instantly feeling that this might not be the right time to visit. Elders generally preferred gentle and cute girls, and her current appearance clearly didn't fit the bill. She decided to wait a while longer before meeting her elder sister's parents.
Xing Yuan felt a desire to retreat, but fate had other plans. The door to the house suddenly swung open, revealing Yan's father.
Yan's father looked at his daughter and, after composing his thoughts, asked, "Is this... your classmate?"
"Mm, she's my new deskmate, a girl," Yan Xiyue emphasized, knowing her father's suspicious gaze likely meant he suspected her of dating.
"Oh, a girl! She's dressed quite handsomely!" Yan's father chuckled dryly, genuinely relieved. He had indeed suspected her of having a boyfriend.
"Hello, Uncle. I only became classmates with Yan today," Xing Yuan offered a well-behaved smile.
"Right, come inside! It's not proper to stand outside. If you have something to discuss, let's talk inside," Yan's father quickly made way.
"Thank you, Uncle! But it's so late, I should be heading back now," Xing Yuan said politely.
"Yan, please consider what I mentioned earlier. I'll await your reply." In front of Yan's father, Xing Yuan appeared perfectly serious, her usual swagger completely vanished, transforming into a bright and sunny young lady.
After Xing Yuan left, Yan's father immediately pulled Yan Xiyue to sit on the sofa, his face stern. "What's going on? Why the sudden change in deskmate? What were you two discussing? Is your classmate joining the army? Dressing like that."
"Dad, with so many questions, which one should I answer first?" Yan Xiyue asked with a helpless smile, affectionately linking her arm around her father's.
"Don't try that! Before your mother gets back, you better explain everything clearly," Yan's father remained unmoved.
"Oh, it's just a change of deskmate. She wants me to help her with her studies, but I haven't agreed yet!" Yan Xiyue answered, downplaying the situation.
"That's all?" Yan's father's eyes were full of suspicion.
"Yes! What else could it be? We only met today."
"So, she brought you back to discuss this matter!" Yan's father sipped his tea, dismissing the possibility of his daughter dating.
"Yes, she probably felt it was awkward to talk in the classroom, so she specifically followed me all the way," Yan Xiyue replied calmly, interpreting it this way.
"So, what are your thoughts? Are you going to agree?" Yan's father sipped his tea, observing his daughter's expression from the corner of his eye.
"I haven't decided yet. Mainly, we're not familiar with each other, so I want to observe. Don't worry! If anything happens, I definitely won't hide it from you," Yan Xiyue said with a smile.
"Alright, I'm back a bit late today. I'm going to my room to do homework. Call me when dinner is ready!" Yan Xiyue, carrying her small backpack, entered her room and locked the door, feeling relieved.
Yan's father shook his head helplessly, tied on an apron, and headed into the kitchen to start cooking. In their household, Yan's mother was the strong one, and Yan's father was the house husband. They had a very good relationship. Yan's father was once a top student but later chose to dedicate himself to cooking for his beloved.
Yan Xiyue, listening to the sounds from outside, felt at ease. She took out her phone and opened the class group chat to check messages. Their teacher-less class group chat had been quite lively today, especially the small group of class representatives, with most of the discussion revolving around Xing Yuan.
Class President: "Holy crap, did you guys see the school bully suddenly show up for class? I almost had a heart attack." (followed by a crying emoji ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅)
Sports Representative: "Class President, that's not appropriate. Our leader is so cool!" He was a loyal fan of Xing Yuan and had never had a chance to meet her in person.
Discipline Representative: "There's something I have to say. Our class was actually praised today! What does this mean? It means we can maintain order. Everyone, keep up the good work!"
Art Representative: "Hmph! Try sitting next to her if you dare. The aura of a boss scared me so much I couldn't move. Who's more unlucky than me? The school bully actually took a liking to my seat."
"@Vice Class President Yan Xiyue, are you okay today?"
Yan Xiyue took out her phone and typed, finally composing a message: "I think she's not as fierce as the rumors say. She's even... a little gentle."
Art Representative: (´ﾟwﾟ)？
"Are you serious?"
Sports Representative: "To be fair, our school bully is quite good-looking. It's normal for the Vice Class President to be smitten by her. 【Shy】"
Class President: "Can you, a grown man, act more like a man? If you like her, go confess. Don't be so wishy-washy."
Sports Representative: (｡i_i｡)
"You can slander me, but you can never question my idol! My admiration for her is like a surging river, never-ending..." (omitting ten thousand words of praise here).
Class President: Hah!!!
Sports Representative: "You scoundrel, face me with your life!"
...
Discipline Representative: "Alright, alright! Maintain discipline, don't make noise. Let's get to the point!"
Yan Xiyue: "Um, I wanted to ask, does this school bully have any famous deeds?"
Yan Xiyue typed this message lying on her bed, feeling a bit nervous.
Class President: (´ﾟwﾟ)？
Sports Representative: (ー_ー)!!
Discipline Representative: "~%?…;#*’☆c$︿★?"
Art Representative: "Hahaha! No wonder the Vice Class President isn't afraid of this school bully at all! Turns out she hasn't heard any of her glorious deeds."
Sports Representative: "Since you've asked so sincerely, this fan will mercifully enlighten you."
"Legend has it she roamed the city of Licheng unopposed, with subordinates in every school..."
"Vice Class President, don't listen to his nonsense. He's just repeating hearsay," the Class President suddenly typed, interrupting him.
"What are you doing? I'm telling you, you can't question me, a true fan," the Sports Representative replied indignantly, his words filled with resentment.