Chapter Nine, Tree Enemy

Noticing that Anran's emotions were somewhat unstable, Lu Yao also expressed concern, saying, "It's alright, let us take you back."

They are all classmates, let's go, we are going to have a meal

An Ran was somewhat hesitant to look at Fang Zhe, only saying to Lu Yao, "No need, really no need. I will just take the bus in front; it's only a few stops away, truly no need to trouble you all." Just as she was speaking, a bus on route 48 slowly pulled into the station. An Ran, feeling a sense of relief, hurriedly said, "My bus is here, thank you all so much for your help." After saying this, she turned and ran away as if escaping.

Anran was stopped by three boys on bicycles when she exited from the east gate of the park

Although the education committee has repeatedly issued orders prohibiting schools from holding weekend classes, in order to ensure that students can successfully pass the unified examination, the First High School has still organized remedial classes for the second-year students on Saturdays. These classes primarily target liberal arts students whose average scores in mathematics, physics, and chemistry fall below the passing line. Students from the science classes are also welcome to attend, but since the classes are held on weekends, not many science students actually come to participate.

The leading boy said: "We are here today to tell you to be less arrogant in the future"

Whoever is involved knows! An Ran cast a sidelong glance at Sun Tiantian, who was holding onto Cheng Lu's arm

A loud shout made An Ran turn around, and it was Fang Zhe.

Anna put on her coat and said loudly: "Did you hear that? I was thinking of closing the window."

Cheng Lu, who had her hair yanked fiercely, was extremely annoyed: "Who do you think you are! Stop pretending in front of me!"

Ah, ah..." The leading boy raised his hand to stop the one who was grabbing An Ran's hair, seemingly not intending to bully An Ran excessively

There are two bus routes near Yizhong that can take you directly to Anran's home. The stop for Route 23 is just a few dozen meters east of the main entrance of Yizhong, making it a shorter and more convenient walk. However, Anran prefers to take Route 48. The stop for Route 48 requires exiting through the back gate of Yizhong's playground, crossing the park to reach the east entrance. Although it takes a bit longer to walk, this route has fewer people, and sometimes there is even a seat available. Moreover, walking through the park offers a pleasant view, so it doesn't feel like a long distance.

Fang Zhe wanted to chase after them as soon as he finished speaking, but was pulled back by Zhang Jiajia, who said: "Forget it, those three have already left. I don't think she will cause any more trouble, at least not today. She might also feel a bit embarrassed; I saw that she was almost in tears, so just don't push it."

It was precisely the time for school to end when a few individuals began to argue, naturally attracting the attention of bystanders. It appeared that several male students from another school were pulling at a male student from this school, while two female students were protecting another girl, who seemed to have been bullied. Consequently, students from the First High School gathered around, whether they knew each other or not, as long as they were helping their own school.

What is a good student doing here? Can a good student be in Class C for English?

The quarrel between Anran and Cheng Lu, aside from the parties involved in the argument, was unknown to outsiders. To those present, it was merely a minor episode, easily forgotten by the next day. Although Anran felt that she would inevitably have further conflicts with Cheng Lu and her group in the future, she thought that their encounters would be limited to physical education classes and Saturday remedial classes, so she did not pay much attention to it. It was not until she was blocked at the park entrance by three tall and strong boys after school on Monday that she realized the situation was perhaps not as simple as she had imagined.

"What are you pretending for..." Cheng Lu scoffed disdainfully

Fang Zhe said to Duan Shilei: "Please help me ride the bike back to the school bike shed, I will still see her off."

Anran returned home in a state of agitation, and upon entering, she happened to run into Anna who was about to leave

Hiss... An Ran winced in pain and took two steps back, but the other party's grab reminded her instantly. Could it be Cheng Lu?

The female classmates sitting with Anran naturally heard the conversation between Cheng Lu and the others. Seeing Anran's calm demeanor and indifference, they all pretended not to have heard and continued with the class.

Due to the suddenness of Anran's action, Cheng Lu and those around her were taken aback. Once they regained their composure, Cheng Lu immediately rushed forward.

She rarely reminisces about that past, or rather, she is not very willing to recall it, as for her, that memory is no different from today; it is not a wonderful experience.

"Classmate, classmate?" The girl from Class 8 called softly twice. Seeing that An Ran did not respond, she turned back and shrugged at Cheng Lu, no longer paying attention.

She was not thinking about anything else, her mind was filled with what had just happened, the nervous heartbeat when Fang Zhe pulled her close made her inexplicably recall the thrill of their first hand-holding.

Are you alright?" After everyone had dispersed, Lu Yao asked An Ran with concern, "Who were they? Were they here to rob?"

Which school are you from? Don't you even see where this is? Acting tough in front of our school! You better get lost quickly! The one speaking was Duan Shilei, while Fang Zhe remained silent, only lifting a foot to kick the bike over. The other party, having been straddling the bike, also tilted to one side, staggering a few steps and nearly falling to the ground

Given my current level, I have registered for all three subjects of the Anran Natural Science course. The classes are held in the lecture hall of the Science Building, with approximately fifty to sixty students attending each subject for supplementary lessons. Although there are quite a few students in class, not everyone is as genuinely eager to learn as I am. Moreover, since the seats in the lecture hall are closely arranged, it makes it easier for students to chat or pass notes during class.

After a few rapid beats, Anran's heart finally settled down. Although she had not felt particularly fearful just moments ago, the sudden appearance of Fang Zhe now stirred an inexplicable sense of grievance within her.

After the mathematics class ended, it was lunchtime. Anran did not rush to leave; she waited until most of the people in the classroom had left. Only then did Cheng Lu stride over to Anran and say, "Give me my book; that belongs to me."

However, An Ran did not have the opportunity to put into practice all the skills she learned from Anna. As soon as the two engaged in close combat, they were hurriedly pulled apart and dissuaded by their respective companions

Anran was almost glued to Fang Zhe, and besides the sense of security, there was also a slight flutter of nervousness in her heart

"Who knows, she is sick, just ignore her." Anran pulled her companion to go have lunch

Fang Zhe took advantage of the moment to grab An Ran's arm and pull her behind him

Lu Yao also advised, "Don't go, she might not want others to see her in such a disheveled state"

An Ran was initially startled, but upon seeing that the three individuals were all wearing uniforms from an unknown school, she felt somewhat reassured. As long as they were not small-time thugs from the underworld, they should be students, and thus unlikely to act too recklessly. Moreover, if they truly intended to harm her, they would not choose to do so in the middle of the street. The fact that they knew her name clearly indicated that they were here for her. She had never encountered such a situation during high school; had she offended someone new this time? The suddenness of the event left her somewhat dazed, and she could not think of anything at the moment. The fact that they knew her name clearly indicated that they were here for her. She had never encountered such a situation during high school; had she offended someone new this time? The suddenness of the event left her somewhat dazed, and she could not think of anything at the moment.

Hmph, must have water in the brain...

Cheng Lu and Zhang Miao were singing in harmony from behind, speaking in a sarcastic tone. An Ran understood that, after all, it was still about Ma Haochuan. They were "standing up for" Sun Tiantian.

What are you all doing

Anran did not respond, attempting to slip out from the gap between two bicycles. Just as she moved forward, she was suddenly grabbed by the hair by a boy next to her

Lu Yao and Zhang Jiajia hurried over to pull An Ran, protecting her between them, one on the left and one on the right

Anna said while putting on her shoes: "Mom and Dad went to Auntie's house and won't be back for dinner. I have a night shift, and I've prepared the meal; it's in the pot, so you can heat it up and eat. There are leftovers in the fridge from yesterday... By the way, I just opened the windows in all the rooms for ventilation, so remember to close them when you go back to your room to do your homework..."

They are a good student and can't be bothered to pay attention to you

Three boys from other schools, sensing the situation was not favorable, left on their bicycles while cursing. A few students who came over to help asked Fang Zhe and the others how they were doing and if they needed assistance. Seeing that they were fine, they also left.

What are you all doing! Fang Zhe's tone completely lost its usual indifference

Hello. Anran answered the phone, but there was no sound on the other end. Anran called out again, yet the other party remained silent and did not hang up. Anran casually hung up the phone and glanced at the caller ID; the number seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn't recall it at the moment

Prepared for an argument, Cheng Lu did not expect An Ran to so easily hand her the notebook. After a moment of surprise, she reached out to take it, but just as she extended her hand, An Ran suddenly raised her hand and threw the notebook forcefully at her face. Cheng Lu was caught off guard and was hit squarely.

"No matter who you are!" The leading boy suddenly darkened his face, pointing at An Ran as a warning, "In any case, from now on, you better keep a low profile. If I find out you act all arrogant again, it won't be as simple as just chatting with you today. Do you understand?"

The girl leaned forward to pick up the notebook that had fallen on Anran's chair, but Anran was quicker, snatching it up and turning to place it on her own desk

It is hard to say; perhaps they intentionally performed poorly to go to Class C. Who knows what their intentions are

"None of your business!" said the leading boy.

"Do you think you are so clever? If you catch a cold later, don't blame me." Anna took her bag and went out, closing the door behind her

An Ran was seated behind three girls from Class 7: Cheng Lu, Zhang Miao, and Sun Tiantian. The three of them first whispered and chattered among themselves, and then they began to pass notes to two girls from Class 8 in the humanities a few rows ahead. Since An Ran was sitting in front of them, she inevitably became their relay station. Initially, An Ran felt too embarrassed to refuse, but as they continued to pass notes too frequently, especially when Cheng Lu would poke her shoulder with a pen each time she handed her the note, deliberately increasing the force with each poke, An Ran eventually stopped agreeing to help when Cheng Lu asked her again.

I know, I'm not foolish," An Ran replied.

After Cheng Lu was taken away by her companion, a girl from the same class asked An Ran what was going on. Chen Ya Mei said: "Did you offend her? I noticed that she seemed to be deliberately picking on you during class."

"No need! I'm fine." An Ran finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly, unable to be fully restrained.

The leading boy was knocked over by Fang Zhe, unable to save face, and shouted, "Damn! You are asking for a beating!" He brought along two others to confront Fang Zhe and Duan Shilei.

Fang Zhe hesitated for a moment and did not insist any longer

Sun Tiantian, startled, averted her gaze and pulled Cheng Lu's arm more forcefully, timidly saying: "Forget it, let's go... let's go..."

Anran shook her head again. Although it was somewhat impolite, her emotions had not yet settled, and she feared that if she spoke, she would no longer be able to maintain a calm demeanor.

An Ran shot a glare at the person behind her and turned to the leading boy, saying: "It was Cheng Lu who asked you to rob me, wasn't it"

Anran took the notebook from the table and handed it over

Stop hitting, stop hitting!

I will take you home" Fang Zhe looked at An Ran

In the second class, adhering to the principle that it is better to do less than to do more, Anran pulled her companion to move their seats forward. However, when others are intent on targeting you, there is no way to avoid it. While the math teacher was solving problems on the blackboard, a notebook suddenly flew in from behind and barely hit Anran on the head

Fang Zhe ignored him and stepped forward to pull An Ran. Along with Fang Zhe were Duan Shilei, Lu Yao, and Zhang Jiajia from Class 7, who also gathered around at this moment

As she approached the station, Anran thought that reaching a crowded place would ensure her safety. However, with only three people, there was no way for her to escape. They had already blocked her path, and when they saw her trying to leave, two of them got off the vehicle and surrounded her, one on the left and one on the right

Forget it, it's not a big deal at all

While Anna was speaking, the phone in the living room suddenly rang, and Anran hurried to the living room to answer it

"It shouldn't be a robbery, right? It's too brazen to do it in the middle of the street," Duan Shilei asked Anran, "Do you know them? Have you offended someone?"

Anran shook her head. It was the first time in her life that she had encountered a robbery. The feelings of embarrassment, fear, anger, and grievance, all mixed together, were inexplicably magnified several times upon seeing Fang Zhe.

Zhang Jiajia gave Duan Shilei a glance, signaling him to stop asking.

The leading boy pushed the car forward a bit, with the front wheel pressing against Fang Zhe's leg, and said: "Don't meddle in other people's business, move aside quickly!"

The boy who started with "Your name is Anran, right?" is tall and thin, with a rather well-proportioned appearance. However, he speaks in a slick manner, straddling his bicycle and blocking Anran's way, exuding an air of "I am a rogue".

Anran had often fought with Anna since childhood. After being defeated multiple times, the experience she learned from her was to grab the hair first when starting a fight. Cheng Lu had long hair, and since there were no teachers to supervise appearance on Saturday, she elegantly let her ponytail down over her shoulders, making it very convenient for Anran to take action.

An Ran was taken aback and turned to look back, only to see Cheng Lu and Zhang Miao in the distance laughing heartily, along with a few girls from Class 8 who were close to them, unable to suppress their giggles as they lowered their heads. When they noticed An Ran's cold gaze directed at them, the girl sitting behind her from Class 8 quickly composed herself and, with an apologetic expression, said: "I’m sorry, that notebook was meant for me, I accidentally threw it off target, my apologies"