Chapter 10, Like a Hedgehog

Lin Xingjie did not decline and accepted it. She knew that this item was indeed very helpful to her, just as the other party had said, the knife was still too dangerous

No need.

An apology alone is not sufficient, well, I had originally intended to repay you, so just tell me directly what you would like me to do...

Isn't it so

It is quite normal for two people not to become friends, as there are fundamentally no common topics of conversation.

... it's up to you

This is called the 'ASP Tactical Expandable Baton', which my sister brought back from Hong Kong

Lin Xingjie, I do not expect you to study diligently; I would be grateful if you do not cause me any trouble. However, one thing I hope is that you do not influence other students.

This person seems to be a bit troublesome! Lin Xingjie smacked her lips and said again:

I said this is something I want to do for myself, and it has nothing to do with you, so there is no need for repayment

However

... ...

That said, he still wore a sullen expression on his face.

Thank you! I owe you once again

... ...

However, at that time, she did not think too much; she simply felt that she was indeed a troublesome person and did not want to involve an ordinary boy who was living a normal campus life.

Sister Lian would certainly not allow him to bring such things to others

In fact, even if the teacher does not say anything, Lin Xingjie is well aware. She knows that Xu Xiangyang is quite diligent in his studies. During the initial period after he transferred to the school, when their relationship had not yet deteriorated, she would sometimes visit him. Each time she saw him, he was always buried in his studies under the desk lamp; and during school hours, he was always seen carrying a vocabulary book, reciting words while walking.

I heard those people discussing something unfavorable when I passed by that house in the morning

No need.

I never expected that someone would really come to save me, and that person would be you

By the way, if you encounter my sister in the future, please do not mention it to her

However, Xu Xiangyang was closer to her than anyone else in the class because they were neighbors. It is possible that someone disapproved of the two of them being together and reported it to the homeroom teacher, or perhaps the homeroom teacher noticed it herself, which is why she warned her

Well, of course, just in case. If we had been prepared today, those few bastards wouldn't have been so arrogant. Rest assured, under normal circumstances, if I sense danger, I will definitely run away and won't resort to violence. Don't be fooled by my appearance; I am actually quite good at escaping. If it weren't for just now...

She purchased a telescopic baton as a precautionary measure, for instance, in critical moments when someone attempts to force their way through the door. If it is used as a tool for aggression and conflict, then it would be a complete misappropriation of its purpose

How did you discover it? That place is rarely passed by even those who are just passing through

For a moment, no one spoke. An awkward silence enveloped the young man and woman

What is it? You indeed have something you would like to ask of me

While speaking, Xu Xiangyang slightly flicked his wrist, and two shiny metallic rods sprang out from within the "handle".

Are you still thinking about taking revenge on those few people

What the homeroom teacher said to her only made Lin Xingjie determined to stay away from the other party

Then... shall we go back together

Please wait a moment

Then there's no need for that Xu Xiangyang replied succinctly I am only doing this for my own peace of mind

Lin Xingjie was taken aback for a moment, then burst into silent laughter

... ...

Xu Xiangyang repeated what he had said to the teacher once again to her

The two individuals left the courtyard in silence, and only after they had quickly walked past a street corner, reaching a point where the three-story building standing by the roadside was no longer visible, did they unconsciously slow their pace.

I am not that shameless yet. You saved me, and of course, I am very grateful to you. I will find a way to repay you...

Xu Xiangyang, who had not taken the initiative to speak until just now, suddenly called out to her

Lin Xingjie pondered for quite a while, yet still could not find a way to describe the other person's personality, as she had never encountered a boy like Xu Xiangyang before

Lin Xingjie did not look at him, but merely gazed at the steps covered with wild grass, softly murmuring, her tone resembling that of a sleepwalker

"Why should I stop you?" Xu Xiangyang said, "I just think that a knife is still too dangerous. You mentioned 'under normal circumstances,' but what if there is an accident? What if someone snatches it away? At that time, I might even get implicated."

... ...

... ...

Lin Xingjie has left

The dark-haired girl's eyes sparkle brightly

The haunted house seemed to have regained its former tranquility, devoid of screams and the ghost standing by the second-floor window, while the "darkness" that followed Lin Xingjie vanished as soon as she ran out the door

Gazing at the flickering traffic lights ahead, Lin Xingjie stole another glance at the boy standing beside her on the roadside and asked.

Furthermore, that house..." Xu Xiangyang hesitated somewhat, having thought about this matter all the way back, yet still did not know how to express it. In the end, he could only say: "Do not go near there in the future"

Although it is a self-defense tool, improper use can still easily cause serious harm to the human body. In fact, it is not suitable for minors who lack self-control to use. Moreover, Li Qinglian is a police officer, which imposes even greater demands for self-discipline in this regard

There, the class teacher said to her with a serious expression

The two individuals stood facing each other in front of the house, and simultaneously turned to glance at the building behind them

Lin Xingjie could indeed understand his feelings. It was only natural for the other party to feel angry after she spoke so harshly about Xu Xiangyang in front of the entire class.

What is it? Are you going to say that I am meddling again?

Lin Xingjie stood beside the steps at the entrance of the boy's house. Under her astonished gaze, Xu Xiangyang walked over to the shoe cabinet and took out an object from the black shoe box at the bottom that resembled the handle of an umbrella

Here, for you

If he hadn't meddled today, what would I have fallen into, and what would I have become? Just thinking about this question sends a chill down her spine

So you are worried about me, searched for me all around the school, and then found that you couldn't find me, so you simply took the initiative to come to this place

I suppose so

Come here with me, I will lend you something

Are you quite good at meddling in others' affairs

This time, Xu Xiangyang did not object. In any case, they still live in the same alley

The young girl tugged at her hair and replied with a troubled expression

She does not feel that there is anything wrong with this. If it affects Xu Xiangyang's studies or causes him to be retaliated against and beaten up by thugs, that would truly be distressing

Lin Xingjie had never asked anyone for anything, and this was the first time she received such kindness

Xu Xiangyang lowered his head in thought, then raised it and spoke

How is it that you still want to stop me despite this? Well, if it is you who says it, I will listen

Indeed, after all, I have suffered such a great loss

There are boys among them

You say that if I do not need to repay you, then I will not repay? Wouldn't that make me lose face

Xu Xiangyang furrowed his brows. If the other party truly insisted on being so unreasonable, he would immediately turn around and leave, as it would be better for the two of them not to meet again in the future, to avoid making everyone feel disgusted.

On the day of the midterm exam, Xu Xiangyang encountered a scene where she was surrounded at the school gate. After calling the teachers over, he returned to the classroom, while Lin Xingjie was called to the office

Xu Xiangyang had previously mentioned that they were ultimately not on the same path. When she first heard this, she felt a bit sad and angry, but later she truly came to believe that it was indeed the case

But ... ... without weapons in hand, there is no confidence in the mind

However, the unpredictability of life is such that, unexpectedly, in less than two weeks, I was saved by the other party, rendering all reasons a mere joke

It is precisely because the elder sister knows that Xu Xiangyang is a well-behaved child and trusts him greatly on a daily basis that she did not conceal the existence of this item from him

Xu Xiangyang looked at that smiling face, unable to utter harsh words, and let out a gentle sigh

The term "other students" here refers specifically to Xu Xiangyang. The homeroom teacher also showed her the report cards of this boy, which indicated his remarkable progress in the recent quizzes, and informed her that as long as he perseveres, he has every hope of being admitted to the best universities in the country, with a bright future ahead

Unbeknownst to them, the two had already arrived at the mouth of the alley

Will you still carry a knife

Xu Xiangyang did not take her hand, standing up on his own, his expression slightly awkward

Of course, there is no reason to feel sad or lonely, after all, the relationship between the two cannot be considered close; she has merely returned to her previous way of life

If you have nothing else to do, shall I head back first

Lin Xingjie stopped and asked

I see. Then you are quite ... ... hmm

Lin Xingjie looked at the boy's expressionless face, paused her words, and asked with a hint of amusement:

The homeroom teacher had never spoken such words before, as the girl had always been solitary. After Lin Xingjie repeatedly violated school rules and showed no signs of improvement, the teacher gradually allowed her to fend for herself.

Lin Xingjie blinked, showing no intention of concealment

Good

Another gentle breeze swept by, and Lin Xingjie brushed aside the long hair that had fallen over her ear. She turned her head to look at him, her tone no longer as indifferent as it had been in the past, but rather hesitant.

Is it just because I helped her a little?

Xu Xiangyang interrupted her speech

Xu Xiangyang shook his head

This house left both of them feeling apprehensive. Xu Xiangyang had questions he wanted to ask, and Lin Xingjie was even more so; the experiences within the house had left her deeply impressed and perplexed. However, this was still the first time they had communicated in so many days. Even when they had encountered each other before, they merely regarded each other as strangers, passing by with a dismissive snort from their noses.

Xu Xiangyang furrowed his brows, scrutinized her for a moment, and then spoke

Oh, it looks so handsome

Xu Xiangyang walked to the door, watching her leave until her figure disappeared at one of the forks in the road, before closing the door again

Of course, it is to go home

I know

Lin Xingjie’s eyes lit up, and she immediately turned her head.

After listening, Lin Xingjie nodded in realization

Xu Xiangyang repeated this sentence with a tone of sarcasm, his attitude not very friendly

Xu Xiangyang appeared somewhat pleased. No boy could possibly resist the allure of such a dangerous and stimulating "toy," especially in front of women

I understand. I cannot defeat them in a direct confrontation, but I can still ambush them on a dark road or vandalize their doorstep with paint and the like

Well, rest assured

The girl who just stood in front of him was completely different from the cold and distant impression she had given in the past. Lin Xingjie, who used to be like a hedgehog pricking everyone around her, obediently retracted all her spines in front of him

Where are you going next

Take care of yourself

I certainly did not mean that... Never mind, I know you care a lot about what I said to you that day, right? I apologize! I would even kneel down for you!