Chapter 1.6

The next day, a boy lay sleeping on the soft bed, his peaceful face glowing under the warm sunlight streaming in through the window.

As the light grew brighter, Xi Lian slowly woke up, blinking drowsily before instinctively checking the time—6:15 AM. School wouldn't start until 8:00.

Still feeling groggy, he called out to the system.

"Yes, Host," the mechanical voice responded.

"Nothing… Good morning," Xi Lian replied casually.

Unbeknownst to him, at the sound of the system's voice, a fleeting sense of relief flashed through him—one that neither he nor the system noticed.

After freshening up, he made his way downstairs for breakfast.

Unlike before, the atmosphere at the table was noticeably warmer. From the conversation, he gathered that Mr. Jun had secured an important deal for the company.

As usual, Jun Hao left early for school, but this time, he took his lunchbox with him.

Since he could no longer use the lunchbox as an excuse to show his face, Xi Lian decided to follow Jun Hao to school instead.

As he walked, the sound of soft footsteps behind him caught Jun Hao's attention. His cold eyes narrowed, instinctively assuming that the school bullies were trailing him. But when he turned his head, he was met with an unexpected sight—a small figure carefully stepping on his shadow, as if playing a quiet game.

For a brief moment, a crack appeared in Jun Hao's usually unreadable gaze before he quickly turned his head away, pretending not to notice.

Although there was no communication between them throughout the walk, the atmosphere remained quiet and unexpectedly relaxing.

The school was not far, and since it was still early, only a few students were present. As they neared the entrance, a sleek, luxurious car was parked on the side. Just as they were about to pass by, the car door opened, and a charming figure stepped out. He exchanged a few words with the driver before casually making his way toward them.

After approaching them, Lu Minzhe smirked at Jun Hao and said,

"I never knew you were so close to your cousin that you'd walk to school together."

His tone was casual, yet there was a hint of inquiry beneath it.

"I'm not," Jun Hao replied in a low voice, his gaze following Xi Lian, who was making his way inside while cautiously glancing around, seemingly on guard against the bullies.

Lu Minzhe also watched Xi Lian's retreating figure before turning back to Jun Hao. His smirk deepened as he teased,

"Oh? Then why does he look like a little tail following you to school?"

Jun Hao shot him a cold glance before striding toward the school without another word.

As Lu Minzhe watched him leave, the smirk on his face faded, his usually playful eyes darkening with unreadable thoughts. But in the next moment, his casual smile returned, and he followed after Jun Hao as if nothing had changed.

When the classroom teacher entered, he cleared his throat a few times, instantly silencing the chattering students. His gaze swept across the room before he spoke in a serious tone.

"The mid-term exams are approaching. This time, don't make me lose face in front of the other teachers."

A hushed tension settled over the class at his words.

"Li Xang, distribute the timetables and admit cards," he instructed.

"Yes, sir," a voice replied. Unlike Li Xang's usual cheerful tone, there was a faint hint of nervousness laced within it.

As soon as the teacher left after finishing the lesson, the classroom buzzed with whispers. A heavy sense of tension filled the air—most students were anxious about the upcoming exams.

However, a few remained unaffected. Jun Hao continued studying as if nothing had changed, his expression calm and focused. On the other hand, Lu Minzhe and his lackeys lounged in their seats, completely unbothered, chatting casually as if exams were of no concern to them.

The system, still unable to comprehend the host's complete lack of concern, finally spoke again.

"Host, shouldn't you aim for a top rank, maybe it will change their impression?"

Xi Lian, unfazed, lazily leaned back in his chair. "It will make them suspicious andI'm not here to be a class topper" he said, finishing the last bite of his lunch.

The system remained indifferent as he replied again " As long as it don't affect the mission host".

Xi Lian didn't reply to the system and instead stood up from his seat, casually walking out of the classroom.

"Host, where are you going?" the system asked, its voice as indifferent as ever.

"To the teacher's office. You don't think I'll just sit around and wait for the bullies to come after me again, do you? The same trick won't work twice," Xi Lian replied in an amused tone.

The system remained silent, neither approving nor disapproving of his actions.

When Xi Lian arrived at Teacher Zhou's office, he found the teacher engrossed in his work. He knocked lightly on the door, and after getting permission to enter, he stepped inside.

After a long discussion, Xi Lian walked out of the office feeling satisfied.

By the time school ended, the classroom was filled with the sound of students packing their bags and chatting. As he slung his own bag over his shoulder, he overheard a few students whispering about some bullies being called to the teacher's office.

A small smirk played on Xi Lian's lips.

It seemed like his visit had already started to show results.