Chapter 15

Yao Fang talked to him a lot more than before, and maybe Chen Dulan enjoyed the company. "If you fail the exams, then how will you follow me around?"

"I won't be giving the exams. I'm to fail for sure that way." Chen Dulan replied.

"Hey that's unfair! I hate the exams too, how come I have to give them?"

"I've never seen an ace student who hates exams. You'll get good grades anyways, why put pressure on me? I haven't taken common education in years, and the subjects are too complex for me to learn in a month." He sighed. "But I want to try next year... I'd like to graduate with you, I want to appear in the class picture next year, is it selfish of me?" Both their eyes averted to the other sides. Chen Dulan could say some embarrassing things sometimes, but Yao Fang didn't hate the idea.

"It's not selfish... I'll tutor you maybe, so you'll at least pass next year."

The year end exams were a month away, and their relationship was getting more friendly. Had Yao Fang been falsely accused of being unreasonable, or... had Chen Dulan's presence truly changed something? They both didn't think much of it, after all, they both only had one friend.

Another thing that had grown during the past few weeks... were Su Yun's followers' harassing Chen Dulan. He had now started to find threats in his lockers, and small pranks with his meals once in a while. Su Yun couldn't take a hint of how much she was causing problems for him. Within all this, Chen Dulan had smelled something bothersome in the town. Something was hindering the peace in here.

"Sister, I don't need another lock. No one will come to beat me up." Chen Dulan said awkwardly while trying to stop the landlord's daughter. He was actually thankful though, he couldn't really afford a proper lock even if he wanted to.

"You were beaten up badly last time." She retorted.

"I already told you, it was a person in school. I've made up with him now, he promised to not fight me again." Chen Dulan couldn't believe he'd ever say such things about the Young Master, but he went on. "He's becoming a better person."

"Ha- good thing you're making friends! Though I'm not sure what kind of friend could beat you up like that... did you offend him somehow?"

"There was a misunderstanding."

She didn't look convinced because Chen Dulan's expression never changed when he spoke, no matter what was bubbling inside. "Alright, but still keep the lock. The area is more noisy these days, did you know, the police station called in more guards from C City? Apparently someone dangerous from MinYao is doing business here."

He thought carefully. It wasn't Chen Dulan they were talking about. As he heard the rumors at the 'karaoke', someone was introducing a drug to this town, claiming to be from MinYao. His part time job had become useful somehow, other than meeting Feng Huali once in a while, which he really hated. The woman bothered him too much.

"Sister shouldn't throw out names like 'MinYao' so casually, even walls have ears."

"Aren't they all in C City? It's not like any of their minion is here at this moment hearing me, I can speak freely with you." Sister, no. I am their minion! "I'm sure this new trouble is some fake, this town has history of fake gangs trying to make money. Just stay away from them, alright? You're from the city, you'll take time getting used to living here."

"Sister is really too kind, even when she doesn't have to." He looked around while speaking, and she replied instantly. "Don't even try, pretty boy. I have a boyfriend now! This sister will remain your sister only." She laughed loudly.

When did that happen? "I- I wasn't implying anything... You're truly kind."

"You're a good kid." Her smile softened. "Don't get hurt again, alright? It's only been a few weeks but, don't treat us like strangers. My father and I won't leave a kid like you in danger. You're just a little kid, don't stress so much between school and work, make friends too and eat food that you like. That's how kids should live."

"Thank you... I knew sister was too kind." He had to look for this MinYao's fake representative now... couldn't have some idiot ruining their name.