Chapter 4: The Double Standards

While Wang Haoran was discussing with the system, Xu Muyan arrived in the classroom.

Immediately, Chu Bai's attention shifted from Wang Haoran to Xu Muyan. He beamed and jogged over to her.

Chu Bai had inexplicably cut his long hair to a very short style. For someone with an average appearance, this haircut only accentuated his flaws, making him look rather unattractive.

Despite his laugh being quite unpleasant, he seemed oblivious to it, given that there were no mirrors around.

"Xu, you're here. There's still some time before the morning class. I have many questions about my studies and was wondering if you could help me out," Chu Bai said with a bright smile.

"Sure," Xu Muyan, the class monitor with a kind heart, responded. She never turned away classmates seeking help with their studies.

"Come, come, let's go to your seat. I'll carry your bag for you," Chu Bai offered eagerly.

"No need," Xu Muyan shook her head.

"Without your tutoring, my grades wouldn't have improved so much, from being among the bottom ten to the middle of the class. It's only right that I help you with small tasks," Chu Bai insisted.

"You're naturally smart. Most of what I say is just what the teacher covers in class. If you listen carefully, your grades will improve," Xu Muyan said modestly.

"No, Xu, you're so beautiful that I can focus on whatever you're teaching me," Chu Bai flattered her.

Xu Muyan felt a bit shy at the compliment.

Taking advantage of the moment, Chu Bai tried to grab Xu Muyan's bag and, with it, make a subtle attempt to touch her hand. However, he didn't succeed.

Wang Haoran watched this scene and couldn't help but reflect.

At a youthful age, having thick skin can be a significant asset in pursuing someone. Chu Bai exemplified this.

Wang Haoran knew Chu Bai's rapid academic improvement was thanks to his x-ray vision. During the last exam, he had relied on cheating. His focus on Xu Muyan's tutoring was merely a ploy to get closer to her.

Wang Haoran saw through Chu Bai's intentions and wasn't about to ignore it.

As Chu Bai attempted to sit next to Xu Muyan's female deskmate, Wang Haoran walked over with a workbook and directly asked:

"Xu Muyan, you did the math problems assigned by the teacher yesterday, right?"

"I did, but I'm not sure if my answers are correct," Xu Muyan responded. Not disliking Wang Haoran, she was willing to help with his academic queries.

"I also did the problems, but I'm not sure if my answers are correct. How about we compare and discuss?" Wang Haoran proposed.

"Sure!" Xu Muyan eagerly agreed.

"Xu, I was here first," Chu Bai interjected.

"It's just a moment. Please wait," Xu Muyan said, wanting to first discuss the math problem with Wang Haoran.

The math problem was very difficult, beyond standard high school material, and was a challenge even for top students like Wang Haoran and Xu Muyan.

As Wang Haoran and Xu Muyan discussed, Chu Bai, standing nearby, looked completely clueless about their conversation, which seemed like Greek to him.

Wang Haoran glanced at Chu Bai's stiff expression and couldn't help but smirk inwardly.

When it came to shared interests and topics, Wang Haoran and Xu Muyan were much more in sync.

Their engaging conversation and frequent eye contact made them seem like they were romantically involved to anyone observing from a distance, even though they were discussing academic issues.

Wang Haoran deliberately extended their discussion, allowing Xu Muyan to become immersed and gradually ignore Chu Bai's presence.

Soon, it would be time for the morning class.

"King Haoran, you're just pretending to discuss problems with Xu. Your real intention is to get close to her and pursue her, pretending to be a good guy. You're just a hypocrite," Chu Bai finally couldn't hold back and interrupted.

Wang Haoran couldn't help but laugh at this accusation.

Chu Bai used the pretense of tutoring to get close to Xu Muyan, and it was perfectly acceptable.

But when Wang Haoran used a similar tactic, it was seen as insincere.

"Chu Bai, you misunderstand Wang Haoran," Xu Muyan frowned.

Since Wang Haoran had clearly stated he was focusing on his studies and had warned his subordinates to stop making false claims, Xu Muyan chose to believe him.

"I'm not mistaken. During this period, when you were tutoring me, Wang Haoran had his subordinates block my way after school and warned me to stay away from you, claiming you're his property," Chu Bai said to Xu Muyan.

Xu Muyan looked at Wang Haoran in surprise.

"That wasn't my order. It was their own decision," Wang Haoran explained.

Even if it had been his order, he would have given the same explanation. As a villain, deceit was a common tactic.

"Real men should own up to their actions," Chu Bai used a provoking argument.

He wanted Wang Haoran to admit to the actions, making Xu Muyan wary and keep her distance.

"Hey, didn't you miss a detail? While Fan Jian and his friends did block you, they got beaten up, and you weren't harmed," Wang Haoran shifted the focus.

"That's because I'm formidable. Those three punks were no match for me," Chu Bai retorted proudly.

Chu Bai, being a troublemaker who often fought with social youth, had honed his fighting skills over time, making him quite ruthless.

Wang Haoran waved over Fan Jian from the classroom.

"Take off your hat and let Xu Muyan see what you look like after the beating."

Although Fan Jian wasn't the sharpest, he understood that Wang Haoran wanted to reveal Chu Bai's behavior. He quickly removed his hat, showing his bruised face.

Xu Muyan had noticed something off about Fan Jian's appearance earlier and now understood the reason. She frowned and asked:

"How... how did you get so badly beaten?"

"This is nothing. Fan Tong and Qin Shousheng got it worse. We begged for mercy, but Chu Bai chased us and beat us mercilessly," Fan Jian complained, rubbing his bruises, on the verge of tears.

"That's what you deserved," Chu Bai shrugged off the criticism.

"Even if they provoked you and you were defending yourself, there's still a limit to self-defense, isn't there?" Wang Haoran said.

"They didn't lose any limbs or break any bones. They should be grateful I went easy on them," Chu Bai insisted.

Chu Bai believed he was in the right and that any level of violence was acceptable.

Xu Muyan, however, was frowning. Few girls appreciate violence, and she was no exception.

Chu Bai, immersed in the satisfaction of his violence, hadn't noticed Xu Muyan's subtle shift in expression.

Wang Haoran, however, noticed the details and felt a slight satisfaction.