Restricted Fantasy I Chapter 38: A Hint of Gunpowder at the Door

"President, here you go..."

Friday noon, inside the Student Council Office at Yuanyue Academy.

While Yan Huan was reviewing student council docunts, a steaming cup of rich coffee was gently placed in front of him.

He looked up from the files and saw Ying Gong Tong, who was smiling faintly at him.

"Thank you, Ying Gong."

Yan Huan blinked, quietly taking in her elegance before turning to feel the warmth of the cup, savoring its perfect temperature for drinking.

"Not at all. Did you not rest well last night, President?"

Ying Gong Tong tilted her head slightly, her tone filled with concern.

"A little, didn’t sleep great."

The truth was, he had gotten too engrossed in his first night using the Study Conqueror ability, studying until two in the morning. With the school bus at 7:30 AM, he had barely managed five hours of sleep.

Being sleep-deprived wasn’t new for Yan Huan, but the addition of his sleep curse made it doubly exhausting. Fighting against this state all day left him forcing himself to stay alert, ironically making him appear more composed than usual.

Even so, Ying Gong Tong still noticed his fatigue.

Yan Huan glanced at her outfit today, subtly taking in the details.

She wore a black and traditional-style sailor uniform with long sleeves and an extended skirt hem. Beneath the skirt, her legs were clad in sleek black thigh-high socks paired with polished leather shoes. Her hair was tied back with a decorative ribbon, looking impeccably graceful.

As Ying Gong brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, she asked,

"President, is there sothing wrong with my outfit today?"

Blinking, Yan Huan replied honestly,

"No, I was just thinking that today’s outfit is really cute."

"...?"

Ying Gong froze for a mont before responding,

"Are you saying my usual outfits aren’t cute?"

"Exactly."

Yan Huan nodded with a smile. Just as Ying Gong raised her chin slightly, seemingly ready to say sothing, he added thoughtfully,

"On Monday, you looked very elegant. On Tuesday, you seed gentle. Yesterday, it was stunning, but today it’s absolutely adorable."

She hadn’t attended school on Wednesday due to so "ow-chan-related matters."

As Ying Gong Tong’s eyes widened, Yan Huan concluded,

"Though I don’t rank them in any way, each has its own charm, don’t you think?"

"I see... thank you for the complint, President."

Ying Gong brought a delicate fist to her lips, coughing lightly in a modest gesture, though her smile betrayed her joy.

On the surface, her reaction seed perfectly normal for soone as renowned as Ying Gong Tong, who had been praised countless tis since childhood.

But inwardly, her thoughts were boiling like a kettle!

The President rembers every outfit I’ve worn from Monday to Friday?!

Doesn’t that an he pays close attention to

too?!

Her legs felt weak as she wobbled back to the sofa, attempting to gracefully sip her coffee to mask her flustered state.

However, as soon as she grasped the handle, her trembling hand betrayed her, causing her to quickly let go to avoid making a noise.

anwhile, Yan Huan casually took a sip of his latte, finding it delicious and soothing.

It felt so comfortable spending ti with the usual Ying Gong—untainted by the chaos of the Modifier.

The unaltered world is so beautiful!

Exhaling deeply, he set the cup down just as ow-chan appeared on his shoulder, its yellow scarf fluttering lightly.

The cat glanced toward Ying Gong Tong on the sofa, then asked Yan Huan telepathically,

"Yan Huan, do you like this Vice President, Ying Gong Tong?"

Maintaining his composure as he sipped his coffee, Yan Huan replied in his mind,

"What makes you ask that?"

"Last Saturday, you sounded so close when you called her. On Monday, you were so attentive in the equipnt room. Now, you’re showering her with complints. It feels different from how you treat other girls."

ow-chan hopped onto the table, sitting upright as it added,

"She’s not a Modifier user, so there’s no need to act. You’re natural around her, but the way you talk to her is far sweeter than with Tong Yingying."

Tong Yingying, out of nowhere, caught a stray bullet in this analysis.

Yan Huan chuckled softly as he stirred his coffee.

"I’m not a monk or so ascetic. It’s normal to have feelings for soone, isn’t it?"

He admitted to himself that he preferred petite and adorable girls, as they naturally awakened his protective instincts.

"ow~"

The cat’s response conveyed agreent.

"But, I’m afraid it can only remain as simple feelings for now."

"Why ow?"

"Because the gap is too big..."

Yan Huan stirred his coffee again, his thoughts flowing.

"Ying Gong joined the student council to experience school life. She’s incredibly talented and cos from an exceptionally privileged family.

"As for ? I have no background to speak of. I joined the student council purely for recomndations and resources. I’m already stretched thin balancing studying, working part-ti, and dealing with Modifier-related issues.

"Even if she doesn’t care about my status and only wants companionship and emotional support, I don’t think I have enough to give her.

"So instead of impulsively making promises of forever, it’s better to focus on improving myself and overcoming the Modifier challenges first. Don’t you agree, ow-chan?"

The cat blinked but didn’t express any particular opinion, simply letting out a soft "ow."

Yan Huan smiled, wanting to pat its head but refrained, given Ying Gong Tong’s presence.

The Modifier certainly added chaos to his life, constantly pushing him to the edge of collapse.

But where there’s chaos, there’s opportunity. Last night, with the Study Conqueror ability, he managed to self-study most of a calculus textbook. Perhaps these challenges would lead to even greater rewards.

If he could clear all the Modifier tasks, the sense of freedom afterward would be unimaginable...

However, the lack of sleep was still catching up to him. Even the coffee and forced energy couldn’t keep him sharp.

Checking the ti, Yan Huan stood up and said,

"There’s nothing else scheduled for noon today, so I’ll take my leave, Ying Gong."

"Huh? But you don’t have any classes this afternoon, right? You usually stay until the school bus leaves."

"That’s true. But I’m planning to find a quiet spot for a nap. I didn’t sleep well last night."

Ying Gong turned toward him, puzzled.

"Why not rest here? There’s a sofa you can lie on."

"Hmm..."

Yan Huan pondered for a mont before replying,

"...that’s a good suggestion. If you don’t mind, I’ll rest here for a bit."

Ying Gong Tong nodded with a gentle smile.

"Of course. It’s the student council office, and you’re the president. Make yourself comfortable."

Relieved by her understanding, Yan Huan stretched slightly and walked toward the sofa.

As he lay down, he could feel the softness of the cushions and the faint lingering scent of jasmine, likely from Ying Gong’s perfu. It was comforting, almost hypnotic.

ow-chan hopped onto the armrest, curling up and observing Yan Huan with its curious green eyes.

Ying Gong Tong quietly returned to her desk, sipping her coffee as she glanced occasionally in his direction. A faint, unspoken warmth filled the room, the atmosphere settling into a tranquil midday lull.

Yan Huan closed his eyes, his mind drifting despite the myriad of challenges weighing on him. The Modifier tasks, his part-ti job, the burden of academics—all seed montarily distant.

Perhaps, just for this mont, he could afford to relax.

"I feel like it might be awkward resting here with you around, Ying Gong..."

"Eh?"

Ying Gong Tong covered her mouth, giggling lightly.

"President, are you the type to snore, grind your teeth, or talk in your sleep?"

"Not really."

"Then, could it be that my presence would keep you from falling asleep? If so, I can return to class."

She gestured casually toward the room, referring to the barrier she had already set up, which allowed her to monitor the space remotely.

Hearing her considerate offer, Yan Huan abandoned his earlier plan to nap beneath a familiar tree outside. After all, it was just a quick rest—nothing to overthink.

"No need. If I’m not disturbing you, I’ll just rest here."

"Alright..."

Ying Gong Tong retrieved a blanket from a nearby cabinet.

"A blanket? Where did this co from?"

"I brought it. Sotis, I stay here to read during lunch, and it gets chilly, so I keep this around."

Before Yan Huan could sit up to take the blanket, Ying Gong draped it gently over him.

The faint fragrance wafting from the blanket made his fingers stiffen as he adjusted the soft material.

In hindsight, perhaps it really would’ve been better to nap elsewhere.

"It’s a bit small—is that alright, President?"

"It’s fine. As long as it covers my stomach, that’s enough."

Ying Gong tilted her head slightly, confused by his response.

But before she could say more, Yan Huan tugged the blanket into place and lay straight on the sofa, letting out a yawn.

He looked sowhat adorable, like an oversized baby ready for a nap, Ying Gong thought, smiling to herself as she returned to the sofa opposite him.

"Good afternoon, President."

"Mm... Good afternoon..."

Relaxed, Yan Huan closed his eyes. ow-chan, who had been quietly observing, leaped onto his body, sitting with its paws tucked in as it surveyed the room.

The cat didn’t need to sleep and was accustod to monitoring Yan Huan’s surroundings while he rested, just as it had done during their night at Ye Shiyu’s house.

ow-chan’s erald eyes fixed on Ying Gong Tong, who was utterly oblivious to its presence.

As Yan Huan’s steady breathing filled the room, Ying Gong, initially absorbed in her book, found her gaze lifting frequently toward his face.

Before long, she gave up on reading entirely and openly studied his peaceful expression.

The President’s sleeping face...

Hehe~

Because she hadn’t yet been to his house, she’d never had the chance to install a barrier there. She ntally vowed that if she were ever invited, she would set up a barrier just like in the student council office. That way, she could see what he did when he was alone at ho.

But for now, barriers required her physical presence to activate. Otherwise, she could’ve simply placed one at his apartnt door.

Sighing at the limitations, Ying Gong reached for her phone, which had already been set to silent. It seed she was planning to sneak a picture of Yan Huan’s sleeping face.

ow-chan’s sharp gaze followed her actions, unsure of what she intended. But before she could snap a photo, Ying Gong stopped herself.

No, taking a picture with my phone is too risky. What if he wakes up? There’s no way I could explain that!

Besides, her barrier already had recording capabilities. She could capture his every move without needing to resort to her phone.

As she quietly put her phone away, a subtle but peculiar smile spread across her face.

ow-chan tilted its head. Up to now, everything seed... normal?

Unbeknownst to Yan Huan, Ying Gong Tong had already used her barrier to record his slumber.

At the sa ti, outside Year 1, Class A’s door.

Ye Shiyu stood with a bag in her hand. After delaying for an entire week and enduring Chen Aunty’s constant reminders, she had finally brought herself to return Yan Huan’s school uniform jacket.

Yet, as she peered into the familiar corner by the window, Yan Huan’s handso figure was nowhere to be seen.

Not here...

Maybe next ti...

Just as disappointnt began to settle, a girl leaving the classroom with her belongings gasped upon seeing her.

"Wait... Are you Ye Shiyu-senpai?"

"You... know ?"

"Ah, yes! Bow-senpai ntioned you’re President Yan’s older sister. President Yan is so handso, and his sister is so beautiful, hehe... I’m Yan’s classmate, Fu ngyao."

Hearing the complint about Yan Huan, Ye Shiyu’s mood soured slightly, but she maintained her polite deanor and nodded, preparing to leave.

Just as she turned, she hesitated and asked,

"Do you know... where Little Huan is?"

"Ah? President Yan?"

Fu ngyao paused and thought for a mont before replying,

"Since there are no afternoon classes, he’s probably in the Student Council Office working on docunts until the school bus leaves."

"How do you know that?"

Fu ngyao smiled sheepishly, scratching her head.

"President Yan’s schedule isn’t exactly a secret. He’s really popular, so lots of people keep track of him."

"..."

Not pleased.jpg

Without making things difficult for the girl, Ye Shiyu thanked her softly and headed upstairs.

She rembered the Student Council Office was on the top floor of the first-year building.

The corridor was quiet as she located the office and gently knocked on the door.

However, there was no response from inside.

Seconds later, soft footsteps approached. The door creaked open just slightly, revealing Ying Gong Tong.

"Hello. May I ask what you need..."

The Vice President’s words faltered as her eyes landed on Ye Shiyu, and Ye Shiyu, too, froze for a mont.

She quickly rembered that this petite girl was the Vice President, so it wasn’t unusual for her to be in the sa room as Little Huan.

Ying Gong, on the other hand, recalled that Ye Shiyu was supposedly Yan Huan’s older sister. But sothing about the way she looked at him didn’t quite fit that role.

"Ye Shiyu-senpai, is that correct? Is there sothing I can help you with?"

"I’m here... to see Little Huan."

Without elaborating, Ye Shiyu made her intention clear.

"Ah... now might not be the best ti. If there’s sothing urgent, you can tell , and I’ll relay it to him when he wakes up."

"Not convenient?"

Ye Shiyu’s eyes narrowed slightly as she tilted her head, effortlessly peering over the diminutive Ying Gong. Through the narrow opening, she spotted Yan Huan fast asleep on the sofa.

Little Huan... asleep?

His sleeping face...

I want to see it.

Instinctively, Ye Shiyu reached out to push the door open, but it wouldn’t budge. It seed as though so force was holding it in place.

Looking down, she locked eyes with Ying Gong Tong, who was still leaning against the door with a polite smile.

"If there’s anything urgent, senpai, you can tell . I’ll make sure to inform the President when he wakes up."

"..."

A subtle tension filled the air, like the sll of gunpowder.

Inside the office, the deeply sleeping Yan Huan furrowed his brows unconsciously as if sensing the brewing confrontation.

The faint aroma of coffee, the soft chatter of the breeze outside, and the subtle warmth of a companion nearby lulled him into a light, restful slumber.