Chapter 10: New Grudges and Old Debts

The next morning, after having breakfast with her sister, Tang Huaijin left home.

Walking on the road, Tang Huaijin felt that his steps were very light, and that he had inexhaustible strength in his body.

When I woke up this morning, I found that my abs had become firmer, and I had two clear V-lines on my waist. I guess it was a result of the reward for pushing my physique to the limit of human potential.

He wasn’t entirely clear on the concept of human limits, but he was sure the system wouldn’t disappoint him.

Tang Huaijin is now envious of the outline of the book that he has been studying at the same table as Bai Yuerou. He has already tasted the sweetness of the system’s rewards and is also very envious of the outline of the masterpiece-level book.

The physical changes put him in a great mood and filled him with hope for the future.

Unfortunately, this good mood vanished as soon as I got on the bus.

Looking at the pitiful girl hiding in the corner, being jostled by several middle-aged women, Tang Huaijin’s brows furrowed.

Tang Huaijin squeezed in front of the girl amidst the disapproving gazes of the older women, gently arching his back to create a considerable space, which drew grumbling from several of them.

Tang Huaijin pretended not to hear, frowned, and asked the girl who was looking at him, “What are you doing here?”

Chengnan High School, as its name suggests, is located in the south, while Qiangwei Noble High School is in the exact opposite direction.

”I’m going to school.” Lin Ruoxi hugged her schoolbag to her chest, stared at Tang Huaijin with her deep eyes, and replied in a calm tone.

”You’ve taken the wrong bus, this is number 9.”

”I took bus number 9.”

”What do you mean?” Tang Huaijin’s eyelids twitched, and a bad feeling crept into his heart. “You’re going to Rosewood?”

”Yes, is that not allowed?” Lin Ruoxi chuckled.

Tang Huaijin was silent for a moment, then asked, “Why?”

”What’s it to you?” Lin Ruoxi asked, feigning surprise. “Do you even care where I go to school?”

”Why?” Tang Huaijin repeated.

Lin Ruoxi sighed and said calmly, “I told you it has nothing to do with you…”

Tang Huaijin took a deep breath, turned his head away, and stopped asking her about this topic that was destined to have no answer.

Lin Ruoxi looked at Tang Huaijin’s furrowed brows and felt a pang of sadness. “Hehe… It’s because my dad had a job transfer and is now the head of the grade in the second year of high school. In addition, only two of the top three students in the science class applied for this program, so he used his connections to send me over as a backup. The formalities were only completed yesterday.”

Tang Huaijin nodded, his expression softening considerably.

Lin Ruoxi’s expression was complicated, and she said in a hoarse voice, “Do you hate me that much…?”

Tang Huaijin’s breathing tightened slightly, but he said calmly, “This is the only thing I can do.”

Upon hearing this answer, Lin Ruoxi smiled bitterly and turned her head to look out the window.

Looking at the girl’s once proud ponytail hanging down, Tang Huaijin felt incredibly conflicted.

…

When Tang Huaijin arrived in the classroom, Bai Yuerou was already sitting in her seat, quietly reading. Noticing Tang Huaijin’s arrival, she looked up, smiled, and greeted him, “Good morning.”

Bai Yuerou was still wearing a beige shirt with a bow tie at the chest, and a light gray accordion skirt. She looked graceful and artistic, and very pleasing to the eye.

Tang Huaijin smiled and asked, “Good morning. What are you looking at?”

Bai Yuerou raised the book in her hand; its title was “The Moon and Sixpence.”

”This is also my favorite book. What’s your favorite quote?” Tang Huaijin looked at Bai Yuerou with great interest.

Bai Yuerou reached up and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, took out a bookmark, clipped it in, and closed the book. Her eyes were bright as she softly read, “I always feel that most people spend their lives like this, as if something is missing. I acknowledge the social value of this kind of life, and I also see its orderly happiness, but there is a strong desire in my blood for a more unrestrained journey. My heart yearns for a more thrilling life.”

The girl’s voice was light and melodious, carrying a hint of admiration and longing.

Tang Huaijin nodded in deep agreement and softly praised, “Yes, the moon does indeed have that magic, making people recklessly pursue its beauty.”

“Yes,” Bai Yuerou echoed, but then looked up at Tang Huaijin, her face inexplicably flushed.

”What’s wrong?” Tang Huaijin glanced at the girl and asked, puzzled.

”N-nothing…it’s nothing.” The girl shook her head, but a barely perceptible dimness flashed in her eyes.

Tang Huaijin smiled and added, “The moonlight in front of me is also beautiful, both intellectual and gentle.”

After saying that, he winked at Bai Yuerou.

Bai Yuerou’s gaze met Tang Huaijin’s as soon as they met, and she quickly looked away, her face flushing slightly.

As the two were chatting, a furtive little head peeked out from the back of the classroom. Seeing the two having such a lively conversation, the head gave them a displeased look.

Xia Xinya walked in through the back door, threw her bag on the table, took out a small soft cushion, and placed it on the stool.

Bai Yuerou looked surprised and asked, “Xiaoya, what are you doing with the cushion?”

”It’s nothing, I just tripped and fell.” Xia Xinya grumbled as she sat down, giving Tang Huaijin a fierce look.

Bai Yuerou absolutely must not know that his buttocks were swollen and he was in so much pain that he couldn’t sit down.

Tang Huaijin almost laughed. He had originally intended to say something sarcastic to her, but unfortunately, Xia Xinya entered right on time, and Consul Shen Yiqiu quickly followed through the front door, beginning the morning…