Chapter 11: After Class, Come Into My Arms (Part 9)

The boy who had been hitting others was left dumbfounded for a long time by the sudden appearance of the girl.

And… wasn’t Lu Zhouyuan moved aside by the girl simply by grabbing his collar?

A Si, dressed in her school uniform, stood among the group of boys, her expression grave and severe.

“Which class are you from? Mind your own business!” the boy spat out harshly.

Lu Zhouyuan hadn’t suffered a scratch, but in contrast, Lu Yu’s school uniform was rumpled and his face was mottled with bruises. These were just the injuries that could be seen—who knew what other wounds might be hidden beneath his clothes?

A Si was furious.

This boy was usually quick and skilled, so why hadn’t he even tried to dodge this time, simply letting others beat him like that?

She didn’t believe for a moment that this group of boys was any fiercer than the gangsters at the school gate.

“Come with me.” A Si took a step forward, her lips pressed into a thin line, her clear eyes fixed on Lu Yu, who sat on the ground covered in bruises. Her face was stern.

She stretched out her hand to him, her gaze steady.

Here it was again…

Lu Yu’s eyes were transfixed, unable to turn away. Staring at the young girl standing before him, he realized she always arrived just in time, witnessing all his wretchedness, yet always offered her help with the purest sincerity.

The first time, she had taken his hand without his consent.

He would never forget how that felt—something fierce and wild within him clamoring to break free.

And now, once more, she extended her hand to him.

Lu Yu’s gaze deepened; he reached out and took hold of her warm, small hand.

That warmth pressed gently against his heart, soothing and real.

“What’s with you? Didn’t I tell you before, stay out of things that don’t concern you,” the boys surrounded them, glaring menacingly at A Si.

Her expression did not change, remaining severe, the little dimple at the corner of her mouth appearing as she pressed her lips together, her eyes lowered.

Lu Yu had allowed himself to be beaten for personal reasons, but that didn’t mean he would let them bully A Si.

As the group closed in, Lu Yu’s eyes turned cold and dangerous.

All the while, Lu Zhouyuan leaned against the wall, watching A Si and Lu Yu with an inscrutable smile.

“Move aside,” he commanded.

“Zhouyuan, you’re just going to let him off like that? He—”

Lu Zhouyuan cut the boy off, stood up, and walked over to Lu Yu. His dark eyes lingered on Lu Yu for a moment before dropping to look at A Si.

With a laugh, he said, “You’re so protective of him. Do you like him?”

A Si tilted her head up to look at him, tightening her grip on Lu Yu’s wrist, a gesture of comfort.

Lu Zhouyuan’s gaze was far from friendly, and A Si feared Lu Yu might be frightened.

Deliberately, she hooked his finger with hers, her soft, warm touch sending a tremor through Lu Yu’s hand.

He shuddered all over.

Looking over, he realized his eyes had never left A Si.

The girl happened to glance sideways and sent him a look.

Don’t be afraid, I’m here.

That was the message in her gaze, wasn’t it?

Lu Yu suddenly felt a smile tug at his lips.

“It’s wrong of you to hit people, especially so many against just one. That’s not right,” she said sternly, her delicate face serious.

She met Lu Zhouyuan’s gaze directly, her voice clear and unwavering. “You all owe him an apology.”

Her voice was soft, sweet as if dipped in honey, making the heart tremble. But now, it carried a new edge of seriousness.

She seemed genuinely angry.

“Apologize? Why should I apologize?” Lu Zhouyuan’s eyes were icy cold. “The son of a whore thinks he deserves an apology from me?”

With those chilling words, he turned to leave.

Suddenly, A Si’s hand was released. The boy beside her lunged forward and landed a punch squarely on Lu Zhouyuan’s head.