Chapter 21 : Combat Strength Inferior to a Cat

“Okay?”

Jiang Youyou hesitated at the phone, then decided.

“Fine… but I rarely go online. Might not respond if you need me.”

“No problem.”

Genuine joy flashed in Xu Jiu’s eyes—first friend this life.

Meaningful.

Seeing her true happiness, Jiang Youyou fell unexpectedly silent; Xu Jiu missed it.

“How heading home tonight?”

“Mom picking me up. Why?”

“Nothing.”

“Rest. I won’t bother—read beside you.”

“…Okay.”

Illusion or not, deskmate seemed burdened.

New acquaintance—some things needed deeper understanding.

‘Almost forgot—not everyone carefree like me… still high school. Mm.’

Watching her diligent effort, Xu Jiu felt wistful.

As veteran, knew ordinary high schooler’s three-year pressure.

Some poured everything; unlike her—here for enjoyment. Mindsets differed.

Deeper thoughts drowsy; grabbed neck pillow from bag, quietly closed eyes.

‘Caring too much beyond self weighs you down. Years in society—still not get it…’

Day: relaxed yet sentimental.

Exaggerated: never a comfy day in past three years.

Felt like retirement.

“Wait, forgot something…”

Dismissal; classmates streamed out—she wooden, staring out window, lost in thought.

Gaze flicked to Year 2 building, then field—seeking trace in endless flow.

Yes—find past self.

He unaware of future danger; only she could save from old path.

“Xu Jiu, not going? Dismissed.”

“Mm, wait. Mom probably traffic—go when she calls.”

Soft smile; Jiang Youyou asked no more.

“Seem regretful?”

“No. Offered ride if convenient.”

“Have plans—tomorrow.”

“Mm, tomorrow.”

Waved; glanced around—class nearly empty.

Strange—past her bolted first for work.

Work… spark.

Yes! Hard in school—easy outside.

“Accidental” meet at old job—natural approach.

Perfect plan: lead to same school—smooth future meets.

“Great—why not think sooner.”

Pleasant smile; stretched day-long sit—fatigued yet lively.

Remaining boys stared—shy to linger.

Xu Jiu unaware: day one, hot topic among boys.

Transfer + frail beauty—buffs ensured attention.

“Xu Jiu, be friends?”

“?”

“Zhao Peng. No ulterior—just friends. Don’t seem introverted. Okay?”

“Eh… friends…”

He nodded; she blanked—someone squeezed in.

“Same class—maybe missed day one. Noticed you.”

Grabbed side desk—vacant post-dismissal.

“Uh… how friends?”

“Contact?”

“Okay.”

Eye-roll inwardly—adult mind saw intent.

“Love helping. Trouble? Find me—heavy lifting.”

Flexed biceps confidently; she speechless.

“Sorry… forgot number. Bad memory—think home, okay?”

He stunned; her innocent apology—no deceit vibe.

Tough—miss now, harder later.

“Mm, time… family here. Talk next.”

Wheeled out, bag ready.

“Help?”

“No—can myself. Don’t like troubling.”

Smiled; he watched helplessly.

“Wow… hit on by guy…”

Heart pounding, glanced back—corridor empty.

Relief.

“Geez… tough. This restrained—what if persistent…”

Dangerous then: empty class, frail girl vs interested male.

Overthought, but possible.

Couldn’t beat cat—best: not provoke, calm exit.

“Sigh… why realize now…”

Sighed forward—bumped into someone seeking her.