The week I spent at Gao Yang’s house was filled with constant anxiety.
Even away from the wolf, my heart remained on edge, and my state wasn’t much better.

“I heard Class 5 got a stunning transfer student with the same name as you, so I came to check. Didn’t expect it to really be you!”
Gao Yang’s excitement was unfiltered.
Suddenly, he looked shocked: “You okay now? I heard after I passed out, that guy stabbed you. They said you were on the brink.”

I touched the still-aching wound, forcing a smile: “I’m fine, fine. What about you? Any lasting effects?”

His worry eased: “None. We tried reporting it to the police, but got no response. Seeing you okay now, I’m relieved.”

I bowed slightly: “Thanks for taking care of me those days. Let’s talk later.”

“Where you headed?”

I pointed down the hall: “Bathroom.”

“Go on, haha!”
He scratched his head, smiling as I walked away: “You’re in school now—awesome.”

In the bathroom, I nearly broke down, splashing water on my face.
My wet bangs stuck to my forehead, and I wiped my face with my sleeves, startling a few girls nearby.

I patted my cheeks, breathing deeply to suppress my emotions.
A gorgeous, mature-looking girl offered a tissue pack: “Use this. Your clothes are wet and wrinkled.”

I froze—beautiful and kind-hearted?
“Oh, thanks, classmate.”
I took a tissue, returning the pack.

She looked me over: “You’re the new transfer student?”

“Yeah, hi, I’m Ye Zhixia.”

“Haha,” she laughed dryly. “As breathtaking as the rumors say. I’m Chu Xi, Class 6.”

I wiped my eyes: “I’m in Class 5. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. Class is starting soon—head back.”

Once sure I was okay, I left the bathroom.
Gao Yang was waiting, his expression shifting slightly: “Little fairy, can you explain what happened after? I’ll pass it on to the others to ease their minds.”

I froze like a statue, tears streaming down as I covered my eyes, roaring: “I can’t!”

My outburst drew the attention of an entire class.
I bolted back to the bathroom.
Gao Yang called after me: “Little fairy, should I call the police?”

I washed my face again, lingering until the class bell rang, then hurried out.
Gao Yang, skipping class, blocked the bathroom door: “Little fairy, I know I can’t protect you, but…”

I covered his mouth with one hand, pushing him against the wall with the other, head lowered, tears welling: “Thank you, Gao Yang, but please don’t get involved. He’ll really kill you all.”

I stepped back weakly, lifting my shirt slightly to show the fresh scar.

That day, I’d jumped in front of He Zhi to block the knife.
If I hadn’t, what would’ve happened to them? I didn’t dare imagine.

Gao Yang’s eyes widened.
I sniffled: “I’m going back. You should too.”

My first day of school felt like legendary bullying—drenched, eyes red and swollen.

I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.
The front door was too conspicuous, so I planned to slip in through the back, unaware it was disrespectful and impolite.

The elderly English teacher set down her textbook, calling out: “Stop. Where were you?”

The class turned to stare.
I bit my lip—my first class, ruined.

I couldn’t face them, turning sideways: “Sorry, Teacher, I was in the bathroom.”

She pointed at the door: “Enter from the front. How old are you, still clueless about manners?”

Her words stung.
My seatmates noticed my distress.
If my hair hadn’t covered my face, more would’ve seen.
For the first time, I realized hair was useful beyond selling.

I knew I couldn’t avoid it.
Wiping my face to look presentable, I turned, but Liu Yu stood, raising his hand: “Teacher, she’s new and hasn’t been feeling well. She probably used the back door to avoid disrupting class. Someone should take her to the infirmary.”

The teacher glanced at me.
Liu Yu nudged his desk, muttering “sorry” to the student in front.
Zeng Xin volunteered: “Teacher, I’ll go.”

Before I could react, Zeng Xin pulled me out, touching my forehead for show.
Outside, she wiped my eyes: “You’ve been off since earlier. What’s wrong?”

I bit my lip: “Thank you both.”

She patted my back: “No need to be so polite. If Liu Yu hadn’t acted fast, there’d be rumors tomorrow about the school beauty being bullied on her first day.”

I didn’t know how to thank them.
I didn’t want to be gossiped about or be the center of attention—it was too much pressure.

We didn’t go to the infirmary.
Zeng Xin could tell I wasn’t sick, suggesting I find a place to hide and recover.

I skipped class, a heavy stone in my chest.
Laughably, I was too weak to kill the wolf.

Other classes were having PE, playing basketball.
Fearing a teacher might recognize me, I blended in near some girls from another class, sitting by a flowerbed, facing away, pretending to be one of them.

I hugged my knees, trying to calm down, touching the white collar I couldn’t remove.
I’d gotten used to it, heavy with steel or iron to prevent cutting, chafing my neck when I slept.

I sat there, dazed, until the bell rang, then checked myself in the bathroom mirror before returning to class.

As I appeared, several classmates I didn’t know approached, asking what happened.
I said my stomach hurt so much I cried.
They were skeptical; Zeng Xin didn’t believe me at all.

After brushing them off, I whispered to Liu Yu: “Thanks.”

He paused: “We’ve met before.”

I already knew—he’d mentioned my home’s address earlier.