Chapter 1: Xian's Daily Life at East Woods High

Xian woke up to the familiar sounds of East Woods High coming to life: the distant hum of traffic, the clatter of students filing into the schoolyard, and the occasional shout or laugh echoing through the hallways. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock—7:30 AM. Right on schedule.

As he got ready, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Petite and cute were words often used to describe him, but those who knew him well understood that beneath his seemingly delicate exterior lay a strength forged by years of hardship. His milky skin bore a few faint scars, reminders of past battles fought and won. At 180 cm, he wasn't the tallest, but his presence commanded attention.

Xian stepped out of his small apartment and made his way to school. The streets were lined with a mix of small shops and rundown buildings, a stark contrast to the pristine, tree-lined avenues leading to West Woods High. He passed by Mrs. Liu's grocery store, nodding to her as she arranged fruits in front of her shop.

"Morning, Xian! Keep out of trouble today, will you?" she called out with a knowing smile.

"Can't make any promises, Mrs. Liu," he replied with a grin. "But I'll try my best."

As he approached the school gates, Xian's demeanor shifted. His easygoing smile faded, replaced by a look of steely determination. The gates of East Woods High were a threshold to a world where only the strong survived, and Xian was determined to be the strongest.

He navigated the crowded hallways with practiced ease, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of trouble. He knew the dynamics of this place all too well—the cliques, the gangs, the unspoken rules that governed their lives. To many, he was a hero; to others, a menace. But to Xian, it was simple: he protected those who couldn't protect themselves.

"Hey, Xian!" A voice called out, and he turned to see Lian, one of his closest friends, jogging up to him. Lian was a wiry kid with a mischievous grin and a knack for getting into trouble. "Heard there's gonna be a fight after school. Some guys from West Woods High are coming over to cause a scene."

Xian's eyes narrowed. "What time?"

"Around four, near the old factory. They think they can push us around."

"We'll be ready," Xian said, clapping Lian on the shoulder. "Let's make sure they regret stepping foot in our territory."

As the day progressed, Xian's reputation as a protector was reinforced through countless interactions. He stepped in to stop a bullying incident, his mere presence enough to send the aggressors running. He helped a younger student who had dropped their books, offering a rare, gentle smile that reassured them. Every action, every word was a testament to his unwavering resolve to stand up for what he believed in.

By lunchtime, Xian was sitting under a large tree in the schoolyard, a common gathering spot for him and his friends. They shared stories, joked around, and planned their strategies for the upcoming confrontation. It was in these moments that Xian felt a semblance of normalcy, surrounded by those who understood and respected him.

"Xian, you should eat more," Mei, a petite girl with a fierce spirit, scolded him, pushing a container of dumplings towards him. "You'll need your strength for later."

He chuckled, accepting the food. "Thanks, Mei. You always look out for me."

"Someone has to," she replied with a smile.

The final bell rang, and the anticipation for the upcoming fight grew palpable. Xian and his friends made their way to the old factory, their resolve clear. As they approached, they saw the West Woods High students already gathered, their smug expressions betraying their confidence.

Xian stepped forward, his eyes locking onto the leader of the group. "You've made a mistake coming here," he said, his voice cold and unyielding.

The leader sneered. "We'll see about that."

And so, the clash began. It was a chaotic dance of fists and feet, but Xian moved with precision and purpose. He fought not just with strength, but with a determination born from years of defending his ground. The West Woods High students quickly realized they were outmatched, and within minutes, they retreated, bruised and defeated.

Xian stood tall, breathing heavily but triumphant. His friends cheered, their camaraderie and loyalty shining through. It was another victory, another day of proving that East Woods High was not to be underestimated.

As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the battered old factory, Xian couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. His life was far from easy, but in moments like these, he knew his efforts were worth it. He had protected his own, and for today, that was enough.

But little did he know, the biggest challenge was yet to come—one that would test not just his strength, but his heart as well.