The next morning, Fang Yang's group arrived early at the Class Zero classroom.
It was the final lesson of the semester—everyone's faces glowing with barely contained excitement.
Tap. Tap. Tap…
Familiar footsteps approached.
All eyes turned to the door.
"Good morning, Teacher Wu!"
They chorused in perfect unison.
Wu Zhangkong stepped in—immaculate white combat attire, ice-blue hair flowing like silk.
"Hm." He gave a slight nod, scanning their eager faces.
"Today is our last lesson of the semester."
The room fell silent, breaths held.
"However…"
He deliberately drew out the word, watching their tense anticipation—"…we won't be having class today."
"Really?! YES!"
Xie Xie leapt from his seat, euphoria written all over his face.
The classroom erupted in cheers.
Wu Zhangkong watched his vibrant students, voice still cool:
"You've all performed well this term. Dismissed!"
"YAY! See you, Teacher Wu!"
Their joyful voices rang through the halls.
Wu Zhangkong turned and left.
Just like that—the semester ended.
For Donghai Academy students, this was pure bliss.
"We're on vacation!"
A full month to finally set aside grueling training—to be themselves again!
Fang Yang looked around, smiling. "So—what are your holiday plans?"
"My family's right here in Donghai City—I can head home anytime!"
Xie Xie leaned back, hands behind his head, still buzzing with excitement.
"Same here!" Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi chimed in—both Donghai locals, faces relaxed with ease.
Fang Yang rolled his eyes. "Ugh… you locals really…"
"Fang Yang—what about you?"
Xie Xie sidled over, grinning slyly.
"Heading back to Aolai City, of course," Fang Yang said matter-of-factly.
Xie Xie couldn't resist teasing: "Lover Yang—finally parting ways with Gu Yue?"
"Oh?"
Fang Yang arched a brow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
"Who says I can't take Gu Yue home with me?"
Silence.
The classroom froze.
Xie Xie's smile vanished, body locked in place like petrified wood.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi gaped in shock.
"Fang Yang… you're taking Gu Yue… HOME?!" Xie Xie stammered, as if hearing world-shattering news.
"Yep—we've had it planned for ages," Fang Yang said casually, taking Gu Yue's hand and flashing Xie Xie a victorious grin.
Gu Yue's cheeks flushed pink—but she didn't pull away.
Then—Xie Xie's eyes darted to the silent Tang Wulin.
A horrifying realization struck.
"Wait—Wulin, you're not taking Senior Sister…?!"
Tang Wulin scratched his head, ears reddening. "Senior Sister said… she wants to visit my home…"
"NO…"
Xie Xie stood frozen, soul crushed.
Senior Sister Ouyang Zixin—Donghai Academy's #1 Intermediate Division beauty!
Snatched by the most unassuming guy in class?!
(Or… did she snatch him?)
It felt like a dagger to his heart.
"Xie Xie—don't be too sad," Tang Wulin patted his shoulder, eyes twinkling. "I'll introduce you to Senior Sister's best friend!"
"Really?! Who is she?! Tell me!"
Xie Xie sprang back to life, hope blazing in his eyes.
Fang Yang bit back a laugh.
Gu Yue leaned in, whispering: "What's so funny?"
He murmured in her ear—just loud enough for her to hear:
"Senior Sister's best friend… is Senior Sister Mu Xi…"
Gu Yue covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
Tang Wulin nodded solemnly. "Yep—Senior Sister Mu Xi!"
"Tang Wulin—you're messing with me!" Xie Xie groaned.
How could he not know Mu Xi?!
Daughter of the Donghai Blacksmith Association President—Tang Wulin's senior!
This was outright mockery!
Watching Xie Xie's despair, the class burst into laughter—
even Wang Jinxi snorted.
"Alright—serious talk now!" Fang Yang clapped his hands. "Wulin—what time's your soul-guided train to Aolai City?"
"3 PM," Tang Wulin replied.
"Perfect—Gu Yue and I leave then too," Fang Yang smiled. "Shall we travel together?"
"Absolutely!" Tang Wulin agreed instantly.
Fang Yang turned to the group. "Then… see you all in a month!"
"Happy holidays!"
They echoed—joy ringing through the classroom.
…
Donghai City Soul-Guided Train Station
A long whistle echoed as a deep-blue soul-guided train glided into the platform.
Doors hissed open.
"Passengers to Aolai City—please board…" the station announcement boomed.
Fang Yang held Gu Yue's hand.
Tang Wulin held Ouyang Zixin's.
The four boarded with the crowd.
Inside, the carriage was spacious and bright, seats plush and comfortable.
WooOOoo
The train lurched forward, Donghai's skyline fading into the distance.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue sat by the window.
Soon, Gu Yue drifted off, head resting on his shoulder.
Across from them, Ouyang Zixin adjusted Tang Wulin's collar, the two whispering softly, giggling like secret lovers.
After a while—
"Next stop: Aolai City. Prepare to disembark."
Fang Yang gently shook Gu Yue awake. "We're here."
They gathered their things and stepped onto Aolai City's platform.
…
"Fang Yang—I'll take Senior Sister home first," Tang Wulin said, hand in Ouyang Zixin's. "Catch up later!"
Fang Yang nodded. "Say hello to your parents for me."
"Will do!"
As Tang Wulin left, Fang Yang turned to Gu Yue.
"Ready? Time to meet my mom."
Gu Yue took a deep breath, then nodded solemnly.
Fang Yang squeezed her hand, interlacing their fingers.
"Don't worry—Mom's gonna love you."
He gazed down the familiar street—a wave of homecoming warmth flooding his heart.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door.
"Mom—I'm home!"
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