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Chapter 198: Jiang Xue's New Job
Lu Bin and his friends hurriedly escaped, and the bar returned to normalcy as people swayed under the flickering laser lights. The band on stage intentionally set the mood by playing a high-energy song, "With the Earth."
Amidst the noise, Zhang Qiu, Yang Yu, and Rui Rui settled into a corner sofa. Rui Rui grabbed Zhang Qiu's arm, her eyes sparkling, "Zhang Qiu, thank you."
Zhang Qiu smiled lightly, "It's what I should do. Besides, you helped me out before; I should help you in return."
Rui Rui's expression dimmed slightly. Zhang Qiu was helping her because she had helped him, not for any other reason. She shook her head; this thought was fleeting as something more important occupied her mind. She had clearly heard that Zhang Qiu's assailant was the son of some powerful group. Worried that Zhang Qiu might get into trouble, she asked with concern, "You hit that Fatty; he won't come back to retaliate against you, will he?"
Before Zhang Qiu could respond, Yang Yu laughed, "Retaliate? He got knocked down to his knees; he has no backbone. Even if he wanted revenge, could he take on our Brother Qiu?"
"But what if he finds someone who can fight? Zhang Qiu is in trouble; that person is definitely not going to let it go easily." Rui Rui had been working in bars since she was sixteen and had seen many types of people over the past three years. When Fatty suddenly touched her, her fiery temper led her to slap him immediately. Based on Rui Rui's experience, few dared to cause trouble in White Day Fire; even if someone did, there were bouncers around to handle it. However, she never expected Zhang Qiu to deal with the situation so forcefully by breaking the guy's hand. If the other party didn’t retaliate after that, it would truly be a miracle.
"He can look for whoever he wants; no matter what, he can't touch you!"
Rui Rui felt warmth in her heart as she pondered her thoughts. Zhang Qiu helped her not only because she had helped him but perhaps there were other feelings involved.
Zhang Qiu smiled but suddenly sighed. Both Rui Rui and Yang Yu asked in unison, "What's wrong?"
Zhang Qiu forced a smile, "After hitting that Fatty again this time, I probably won't be welcome at school anymore."
"Why?" Rui Rui asked in confusion.
Yang Yu seemed to have an epiphany and exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Qiu, could this Fatty be…?"
"That's right; he's the Fatty I fought at school."
"How could this be so coincidental?"
"Maybe this is fate."
Rui Rui asked, "What will happen then?"
Zhang Qiu thought about it. After hitting Fatty, he ended up reflecting on his actions. Now that he had hit him again, it seemed the school's plan to build a gymnasium was doomed. Given Principal Wu's level of concern and the choices Zhang Qiu faced, he could predict the outcome without much thought and slowly said, "Just stay home and wait for the college entrance exam."
Rui Rui's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected that her actions would lead to such serious consequences for Zhang Qiu. For a graduating senior, the worst punishment she could imagine was this. With a face full of remorse, she said to Zhang Qiu, "I'm really sorry. It's all because of me that you're in this situation."
"It's fine, don't think too much about it." Zhang Qiu smiled lightly. Whether he hit Lu Bin or not, the result would still be waiting at home for the college entrance exam. He simply couldn't bring himself to disband the Hall Society he had worked so hard to establish.
"Alright, alright. Rui Rui, go get a guitar. I'll play a song for you all."
Seeing the atmosphere was so low, Zhang Qiu suggested singing. Fortunately, the bar was well-equipped, and Rui Rui found the band and brought back a pure wooden Luson guitar to hand to Zhang Qiu.
Taking the guitar, Zhang Qiu gently stroked the strings, his thumb sliding lightly across the sixth string, producing a crisp and pleasant sound. He pressed an A chord and began to sing softly: "Where is ahead? Who Accompanies Me on My Journey? There are no signs along the way; if I walk into a narrow alley..." Zhang Qiu's voice was deep and melodious, gradually rising with the rhythm until a high note pierced through the sky: "Only forgetting can bring peace; what does it matter what happened before? In fact, you and I from yesterday have changed so much..."
After finishing the song, Zhang Qiu held onto the guitar in silence. He had intended to sing something cheerful to lighten the mood, but from the moment he picked up the guitar, it felt more like an expression of his inner turmoil. The song that had once made him cry all night naturally slipped from his lips.
Rui Rui stared at Zhang Qiu for a long time, completely captivated by his singing. Although she didn't understand the lyrics, she absorbed the melody and emotions that Zhang Qiu conveyed. What kind of person must he be to write such a song? What experiences led him to express his feelings through this music? Zhang Qiu, what have you been through?
They stayed until school ended, and nothing particularly special happened in the bar afterward. Zhang Qiu declined Yang Yu's offer to accompany him to school and returned alone to pick up Jiang Xue. As for Lu Bin, Zhang Qiu guessed he wouldn't come looking for him so soon. After such a scare, it was only natural to take things slow and at least let his arm heal first.
At Beiluan High School's main gate, various cars, motorcycles, and electric vehicles were parked on both sides. Parents stood alone or in small groups at designated spots waiting quietly for their children while occasionally glancing at the crowd pouring out of the entrance.
Zhang Qiu stood outside the guard room, and many students passing by were surprised to see him, enthusiastically calling out "Brother Qiu." Zhang Qiu greeted each of them, his gaze scanning the crowd for Jiang Xue.
Inside the Director's Office, the guards noticed Zhang Qiu standing at the door, looking vigilant as if facing a formidable enemy. Suddenly, Zhang Qiu ran toward the teaching building, prompting two guards to chase after him. The Security Chief had already instructed them to keep a close watch on the school gate and not let Zhang Qiu cause any trouble; they needed to ensure normal order during the international exchange event.
Zhang Qiu took the bag from Jiang Xue's hands and smiled, "Were you bored without me this afternoon?"
Jiang Xue giggled and replied, "Not at all."
Zhang Qiu reached out to pinch Jiang Xue's cheek but noticed she was staring intently behind him. He turned around abruptly and saw the two guards following him. The guards halted in their tracks upon seeing Zhang Qiu turn but remained silent.
Zhang Qiu asked, "What are you following me for?"
The two guards exchanged glances, and one of them asked, "What are you doing at school?"
Zhang Qiu retorted, "I'm a student here. Is it strange for me to come to school?"
"But you're under reflection. What are you doing back here at night?"
Zhang Qiu looked up at the sky; thick clouds obscured the moonlight, with only a faint yellow glow peeking through, vaguely revealing the moon's outline.
"Hey, what are you back for?" one guard pressed.
Zhang Qiu shifted his gaze back to the guards and smiled slightly, "I'm here to pick up my sister. Just like you said, it's late at night, and I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone."
"Is it your sister or your girlfriend?"
"Why do you care?"
The guard opened his mouth and waved his hand, urging, "Just take it and leave quickly, don't linger around the school."
"Let's go." Zhang Qiu ignored the guard and confidently pulled Jiang Xue's hand as they walked toward the school gate.
The two guards watched Zhang Qiu and Jiang Xue's retreating figures, muttering, "Damn, students are getting so bold."
"Forget it, let's just do our jobs. There was a guard who got reassigned to the new campus for being too confrontational," one guard said as he walked into the teaching building. Since he was already there, he might as well take a stroll before heading back. The other hurriedly followed up with a question, "What about that student?"
...
Zhang Qiu and Jiang Xue calmly made their way through the crowd under the astonished gazes of the parents. Zhang Qiu sat on an electric vehicle while Jiang Xue hugged him from behind and rested her head on his back, prompting many parents to sigh, "The world is going downhill; even students from No. 1 High School are like this now."
On the way home, Zhang Qiu asked Jiang Xue, "Everything okay since classes resumed?"
"Yeah, it's fine. The teachers haven't mentioned anything about it, and the school hasn't announced any punishments," Jiang Xue replied, understanding what Zhang Qiu wanted to know.
Jiang Xue continued, "Today, the teacher even assigned me an important role."
"What is it?" Zhang Qiu suddenly became anxious; he hoped it wasn't something shady from the school.
Jiang Xue laughed, "Why are you so excited? In the evening, the English teacher asked me to be in charge of the reception for the exchange group from the American high school because my English is good."
Zhang Qiu felt relieved and suddenly became serious: "Xue'er, after the college entrance exam, teach me English."
"Why did you suddenly want to learn English?" Jiang Xue was surprised. Zhang Qiu had always been interested in literature and dreamed of becoming a writer. Why the sudden desire to learn English today?
"I don't know, I just suddenly wanted to learn it."
"Okay, I'll teach you," Jiang Xue promised Zhang Qiu.
On the way home, passing by the Red-Light District, Zhang Qiu saw that the Black Stocking Woman's house was lit up with ordinary white light. Although it was hot outside, the door was tightly closed. Just a quick glance, and she rode past.
After returning home, both parents were already in bed. Zhang Qiu and Jiang Xue quietly returned to their room. Zhang Qiu chuckled, "I worked up a sweat; I'm going to take a shower."
"Go ahead, let me play with your phone for a bit."
Zhang Qiu handed over the phone and went to take a shower. This was her first time showering in the new house. The bathroom was well-equipped; Zhang Qiu turned on the shower and enjoyed a nice hot bath. When she returned to the room with her hair still damp, she suddenly felt a sharp gaze; Jiang Xue was pouting at her.
"What's wrong?" Zhang Qiu asked, confused, instinctively stopping the motion of drying her hair, water still dripping down.
Jiang Xue smirked, "First dry your hair, then come over."
Zhang Qiu quickly dried her hair until it stopped dripping and moved closer to sit beside Jiang Xue. She reached out to hug Jiang Xue but was pushed away. Jiang Xue placed the phone in front of Zhang Qiu and said playfully, "Look for yourself. I didn't look at your privacy; the message just popped up on its own."
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