Since Han Wenwen had promised to help Little He Qing keep an eye on a certain soone, she took her role quite seriously.
Whenever a pretty girl from their class ca to borrow sothing from Lin Zhengran, Han Wenwen would deliberately lean on her desk, put on a sly fox-like expression, and say with a soft, affectionate voice,
"Lin Zhengran, are you coming over to my place this weekend? I bought a new dress~"
The girl who had originally co over would imdiately get flustered and leave, easily connecting the dots.
Lin Zhengran turned to Han Wenwen, completely speechless. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
But Han Wenwen was unapologetic, saying whatever ca to mind. "I'm just helping my dear Qingqing keep an eye on his childhood friend. One Jiang Xueli is already enough trouble for him—I can't let any more rivals show up. That wouldn’t be good for Qingqing."
Lin Zhengran didn't even want to comnt on this fox's antics, but he couldn't ignore the glares from the boys in class. Ever since Han Wenwen transferred in, she had been their unattainable goddess.
So now, as she spoke, the male classmates all looked at Lin Zhengran as if they wanted to tear him apart and chew him to bits.
【Ever since the Demon Cult Maiden appeared by your side, the righteous sect disciples have increasingly viewed you as an outsider. Rumors have even begun to spread that you've joined the Demon Sect. You must tread carefully on the path ahead.】
Lin Zhengran: "....."
And this wasn’t just a one-ti thing. In the days leading up to winter break, similar incidents kept happening.
Forget girls talking to him—even if a girl rely glanced at Lin Zhengran, Han Wenwen would deliberately lean in close, flash a curious smile at the girl, and silently declare sovereignty on behalf of her best friend.
But the most extre case happened during PE class.
That day, a girl from another class gathered her courage and approached Lin Zhengran to ask for his phone number.
Han Wenwen suddenly appeared beside him, tugging pitifully at his sleeve. "Zhengran-gege, who is she? Am I not enough for you? Are you trying to break up with ?" She even looked like she was about to cry.
The girl, realizing he already had a girlfriend, imdiately turned red and ran away.
Han Wenwen doubled over in laughter, clutching her stomach.
Lin Zhengran shot her a look of disdain. "Han Wenwen, if you keep pulling stunts like this, people are really going to think you're my girlfriend. Could you quit it already?"
Han Wenwen laughed for a long ti before finally straightening up and looking at him. "Are you actually worried about those rumors? Well, too late! I think the whole class has already accepted that I’m yours." She then added with a teasing smile, "Besides, have you noticed how the boys in class have been looking at you lately? Not exactly friendly, huh?"
Lin Zhengran narrowed his eyes. "So what you're saying is… you just find it annoying when other guys confess to you, so you’re using as a shield?"
Han Wenwen gasped in exaggerated shock, covering her mouth as she stared at him with wide eyes.
"Oh my! Lin Zhengran, you're so smart! I can’t hide anything from you! Fine, I’ll admit it—ever since everyone started assuming we’re dating, I’ve had way fewer people bothering . So I suppose that’s an unexpected bonus."
She playfully tapped a finger against her lips, glancing into the distance. "But my main goal is still to keep other girls away from you. I an, it’s not my fault you’re so popular! There are just too many girls trying to get close to you. I have to keep switching up my tactics to block them. As for the rumors, I already warned Qingqing about them ages ago, so I’m not worried."
She suddenly gave Lin Zhengran a sly, scrutinizing look. "Hmm? Or… could it be that you actually like ? Is that why you’re getting all shy when people say I’m your girlfriend?"
Then, as if having just realized sothing, she covered her face, blushing dramatically. "Oh no! If that’s the case, I’ll have to tell Qingqing! We can’t betray her! Even though… I do think you’d make a pretty good boyfriend~"
Lin Zhengran sighed and turned to leave. There was no point talking to this fox—she had long since abandoned the concept of normal human behavior.
And besides, foxes didn’t understand human speech.
—
Thankfully, winter break arrived quickly.
Lin Zhengran no longer had to deal with a drama queen fox and a dumb girl ssing with his peace every day.
Surprisingly, the school was quieter than expected before break, with nothing major happening.
He Qing and Han Wenwen were both heading back to their hotown in the south for the New Year, so the four of them said their goodbyes at the station.
Han Wenwen, dragging her suitcase, waved at them with a bright smile. "Lin Zhengran, Jiang Xueli, see you next year! I had so much fun this sester~"
He Qing looked reluctant to leave. She waved her little hand only slightly and whispered, "Lin Zhengran, Wenwen and I are heading ho. See you after break. If anything cos up, just call . Oh, and Jiang Xueli, see you next year."
Jiang Xueli waved back.
Lin Zhengran also waved. "Be careful on the road."
As the high-speed train pulled out of the station, it signified a temporary truce in the battle between Jiang Xueli and He Qing for Lin Zhengran's attention. And finally, Lin Zhengran could enjoy so well-earned peace.
On the way ho, he asked Jiang Xueli if she had any performances scheduled for winter break.
Jiang Xueli shook her head. "Nope. The studio said they need to update their equipnt this year, so I won’t have any gigs until next year. But when I do, will you co with ? Not that I care or anything! I just figured you like watching lively events, so I thought I’d invite you."
Lin Zhengran didn’t bother arguing. "Of course I’ll go. It’s your first public performance—I need to be there to keep you from getting into trouble. But I have to admit, this winter break is shaping up to be pretty relaxing."
Hearing that he would accompany her, Jiang Xueli’s eyes sparkled with excitent. She bit her lip, then started bouncing along the sidewalk with a little skip in her step.
"Mhm! This winter break is going to be great!"
—
Winter break flew by in the blink of an eye.
The days leading up to New Year's Eve seed to pass in an instant.
And on the eve of the New Year, Lin Zhengran’s cultivation level unexpectedly reached Level 39—just one step away from unlocking a new skill.
【Since your first step into the Cultivation World, you’ve t Fairy He descending the mountain, wandered the martial world with Jiang the lone swordswoman, and now even caught the attention of the Demon Cult Maiden. After enduring countless trials, you have finally reached Level 39, steadily developing the aura of a true master.】
【Current Attributes】
Strength: 34 (At 50, you will unlock the ability to maintain muscle tone without exercise.)
Stamina: 29 (At 60, you will unlock the ability to go all night without fatigue.)
Endurance: 36 (At 70, you will unlock Double Stamina and Triple Endurance.)
Charisma: 40 (Unlocked Ability: Double Favorability Gain. This allows you to significantly improve social interactions, making strangers more willing to engage with you.)
—
In a small town in the south, a certain fox was getting dressed while chatting on the phone, exchanging New Year greetings with her best friend.
In her palm, she held a wooden token—one she had received from the Lianxin Festival.
Carved onto it was a single character: "Lin."
And today, she planned to go again.
Alone.
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