Chapter 70: A Win-Win with One Loss?
“After an investigation by the Wind Discipline Committee, Student Council, and Student Affairs Office regarding the March 19 incident where Aria Spencer from Class One C physically assaulted a fellow student, it was concluded that she violated the Far Moon Academy’s school motto and deviated from the behavior standards set for Linyi High School students.
“Now, with approval from the Discipline Office and Student Affairs Office, and submitted to the Board of Trustees for review, the following punishments are imposed on Aria Spencer:
“1. A written apology to the assaulted Hua Zhaofeng and economic compensation.
“2. Aria Spencer will be disqualified from applying for scholarships, financial aid, and other allowances for the next three years.
“3. Starting today, a one-week suspension from school.”
Tuesday, noon.
In the first-year section of Far Moon Academy, students gathered around the Student Council bulletin board, whispering.
“No way, is this really a punishment? For that guy, it’s like there’s no punishment at all!”
“Hehe, Spencer, don’t you realize something yet when you hear that surname? The new building upstairs has their last name carved all over it, and yet you still dream of a fair outcome.”
“Oh man, I can’t believe I’ll ever say that.”
Just as Yan Huan expected, once the announcement was made, Spencer instantly became notorious in the school.
Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, a girl listened to her classmates’ conversation, pursing her lips.
On her shoulder, a phantom white snake flicked its tongue and spoke to her,
“Are you satisfied with this punishment? That person is basically unaffected, yet you still care so much, running over to see.”
An Le bit her lip, the concern on her face not diminishing,
“But if Spencer can’t join a club and win in the Club Battle, she could be expelled!”
“Isn’t it better if she leaves?”
“Eh? Why would that be?”
Little Pinky blinked, thought for a second, then said,
“Maybe it’s just a feeling, but every time she brings up Yan Huan, I get this eerie chill. You don’t feel that at all?”
An Le caught on; Little Pinky was suspecting Spencer had ulterior motives, and she hurried to defend her,
“How could that be? Spencer clearly said she would bring me and Little Huan together!”
“Hehe, let’s hope she really does.”
“And when Park Shuwen bullied me, it was her who stood up for me. This turned out like this because of my issue with Park Shuwen.”
Little Pinky rolled its eyes at An Le, fuming and scolding,
“It’s all your fault! You had my power back then, you could have taught Park Shuwen a harsh lesson, and I could have helped erase memories afterward! In the end, you didn’t even dare to let out a peep!”
While swatting An Le’s shoulder with its tail, Little Pinky seethed with frustration,
“Really, if you’d just been a bit braver, none of this drama would’ve happened!”
“I-I’m sorry.”
Little Pinky huffed,
“Don’t be so tense! The idea of expulsion is terrifying for you, but maybe she doesn’t care at all?
“Spencer’s family background is beyond your imagination. Don’t act like a peasant imagining the Emperor using a golden hoe to farm; the Emperor isn’t anxious, just the eunuch is!”
An Le opened her mouth but didn’t agree with Little Pinky’s opinion; she simply turned and left, mumbling,
“Anyway, I need to find a way to help Spencer.”
Little Pinky rolled its eyes again but didn’t get as exasperated as before.
It finally realized that each action it took towards An Le needed to be viewed dialectically.
After all, there’s only one host; switching her out would be equivalent to suicide, and there’s no changing it now.
So, whatever An Le does, Little Pinky would try to find the positives in it.
Just like now.
This girl wasn’t listening to its advice, nor was she keeping a distance from Spencer, who brought a sense of danger.
But on the bright side, she was a coward who, for Spencer’s sake, was now actively looking for solutions.
Instead of being angry with An Le, it was better to seize the positive aspects of situations and slowly eliminate her negatives.
With that thought in mind, Little Pinky raised its tail and casually remarked,
“By the way, isn’t this Yan Huan’s responsibility? He’s the Student Council President; going to him is definitely better than you running around like a headless chicken.”
“Right, right!”
After hearing Little Pinky’s reminder, An Le’s nervous expression slightly eased. She turned to make her way to the stairwell, wanting to head to the Student Council Office on the top floor.
But as she stepped into the stairwell, she happened to see Yan Huan walking down alone from upstairs.
“Little Huan.”
The moment she saw Yan Huan, her fair skin flushed, silently turning a light pink.
Her fingers instinctively tangled in front of her stomach, wishing to shy away from that embarrassing gaze.
Unaware, this action only pushed her soft arms into notable shapes, drawing more attention.
“Um, Little Huan, I have something I’d like to ask for your help with.”
Yan Huan was slightly taken aback, then revealed a faint smile.
Immediately, he pointed outside the teaching building and said,
“Perfect timing, I was also looking for you; there are some things I want to ask. It’s almost lunchtime; let’s go to the commercial street outside.”
“Eh? You’re looking for me. Ah… okay, sure.”
Little Pinky watched this unfold with a proud expression.
See, I’m a genius!
“Little Huan, should we sit inside?”
At the commercial street, in a roadside restaurant, Yan Huan and An Le sat at a table outside.
Just as they scanned the QR code to start ordering, An Le’s face turned red, softly saying to Yan Huan,
“Um, it feels like everyone is watching us.”
Yan Huan glanced aside.
Since the commercial street is part of Far Moon Academy, all the customers here are students of Far Moon.
Of course, not everyone simply had nothing better to do than stare at them; they’d occasionally steal a glance as they walked by.
“Inside are all our schoolmates too; sitting outside and sitting inside is really no different. More importantly, what do you want to eat? It’s on me.”
“Eh? Me?”
An Le took the phone Yan Huan handed her, bit her lip, scrolled a bit, and randomly chose the cheapest rice bowl before returning the phone.
After Yan Huan placed the order on the phone and set it down, he rubbed his shoulder and chest, only to wince and suck in a breath at the sudden pain.
Seeing the atmosphere quiet down again, Little Pinky hurriedly urged,
“Come on, say something! Aren’t you supposed to be asking Yan Huan for help? You’re waiting for him to speak, right?”
This statement jolted An Le back to her senses, her face turning even redder as she opened her mouth to speak.
Just as she was about to say something, Yan Huan, who had locked his phone screen, had a slightly muted smile on his face.
He looked at An Le and suddenly asked,
“Was it true that Park Shuwen bullied you before?”
An Le was momentarily stunned, about to reply, but seeing Yan Huan’s tense shoulders, it seemed like any movement would cause him pain.
So, she quickly changed the subject and worriedly asked,
“Little Huan, are you feeling unwell?”
Yan Huan laughed helplessly and said,
“I’m asking if you’re okay, don’t change the subject.”
“I-I know; it’s just that I’m worried about you.”
Looking into her sparkling eyes, Yan Huan found himself explaining,
“I’ve been working out and have increased my exercise; that’s why my muscles are sore. It’s fine, soreness means I’m building muscle.”
“Working out, huh?”
Hearing this, An Le looked over Yan Huan’s figure hidden behind the table, as if contemplating something, gradually becoming flustered.
Beside her, Little Pinky rolled its eyes and muttered,
“Total perv.”
An Le blushed but didn’t retort.
Having spent so much time together, Little Pinky already understood what kind of person she was.
However, noticing that Yan Huan seemed to be in pain, she thought about how her super ability could help alleviate that.
With that in mind, she hurriedly asked Little Pinky,
“Little Pinky, if I used my super ability to give Little Huan pleasure, would that help ease his pain?”
“Of course! Pleasure is the best pain reliever.”
Little Pinky flicked its tongue, seeming to have more to say but eventually shifted the topic,
“You don’t need a superconductor to give this level of pleasure; just summon the snake tattoo on your hand, and lightly touch where the tattoo is to help relieve it.”
“So, what you mean is…”
Little Pinky flicked its tongue again, grinning,
“You need to find a way to touch Yan Huan’s hand!”
An Le bit her lip, her heart rising to her throat.
Her gaze trembled slightly, moving up from her soft body, landing right on Yan Huan’s fingers.
“You still haven’t answered my question, An Le.”
“Uh? Hmm?”
At Yan Huan’s prompt, An Le fell silent for a moment before nodding.
“Actually… I was just isolated and occasionally faced some snide remarks. That time was because I overheard them using Yaba Bridge to send love letters to you.
“I wanted to get to know you, but they found out, so…”
Yan Huan rubbed his temples, displaying a “makes sense” expression.
This was classic An Le; instead of just coming to him directly, she had to go through all these twists and turns.
It was because, before doing something, she’d run through endless possibilities in her mind.
In the end, either she’d be scared by the possibilities and give up or muster all her courage to take the plunge indirectly.
However, this raised a huge doubt for Yan Huan.
Based on the timeline, An Le should’ve already acquired the modifier when she was bullied by Park Shuwen last week.
With An Le’s character, even if she was bullied, she’d absolutely never resort to using the modifier for revenge; that much Yan Huan understood.
But why did she inexplicably use the modifier to fill herself with pleasure in front of the Student Council that Thursday?
Fortunately, he had resistance; otherwise, he’d have likely turned into a puff pastry.
So, what was going on?
She cowered before Park Shuwen but aimed a hard punch at him.
Is this An Le’s way of being your childhood friend?
Yan Huan was perplexed.
But looking at An Le pouting, seemingly still a bit scared, he silently suppressed that thought.
He’d rather believe that her use of the modifier was a mistake due to inexperience.
Upon reflection, that actually seemed quite possible.
If she had been around, she probably would’ve secretly seen the cool mask he wore when facing Spencer.
Silly An Le, instead of punishing the bullies, she wouldn’t have used a modifier. But when she saw friends quarrel, she would use the modifier to help them.
“You, An Le, have always been like this.”
“I-I’m sorry, Little Huan.”
Yan Huan watched her drop her gaze, thinking he was scolding her, making him unable to help but chuckle.
She was like this now, and he had just misunderstood her intention with the modifier.
It turned out he was getting obsessed trying to deal with the modifier.
An Le was still An Le, just as she had always been.
With that thought, Yan Huan couldn’t help but raise his hand, wanting to tap her head.
But An Le raised her eyes, looking at Yan Huan’s hand approaching, and Little Pinky voiced loudly,
“Opportunity, An Le! This is the moment!”
“Ah, oh, right!”
An Le quickly reacted.
She awkwardly feigned shyness, extending her hand to block Yan Huan from hitting her head.
In truth, her intention was to make contact with Yan Huan’s hand!
The phantom snake tattoo swiftly swam to An Le’s right hand without Yan Huan noticing.
Then, in the next moment, An Le took a deep breath and gently grasped Yan Huan’s wrist.
“Snap!”
With a soft grip, Yan Huan smiled slightly at her bashful expression.
Just as he was about to say something, a familiar sensation surged from his arm, rifling through his brain.
“?”
Yan Huan’s pupils constricted slightly as he quickly activated his perfect expression management.
But beneath the mask, he couldn’t help but feel some disbelief.
An Le, are you really going to jump in headfirst?
On his shoulder, the phantom black cat suddenly appeared, clawing at An Le as it warned,
“Yan Huan, a portion of your resistance has been shattered again!”
“I—”
Just as Yan Huan was about to speak, he surprisingly felt the weariness from his body seemingly driven away by the rush of pleasure soaking through him from An Le’s hand.
Hiss.
This can be done too?
Yan Huan instinctively held onto An Le’s hand, making her heart race out of control with tension.
“Little Pinky, Little-Huan hesitating… he…”
“Calm down! Don’t panic! This is a normal phenomenon after using super abilities! This would definitely make him like you, wouldn’t it? If you’re not used to it now, others will help you get used to it later!”
“Ah!”
Yan Huan took a sharp breath, letting the stimulating sensation from An Le wash away all his pain one by one.
It felt like the debuff had completely vanished!
“Meow!”
Meow-chan had originally been on high alert, but after examining the situation, it found Yan Huan hadn’t let go of An Le.
So it meowed at him, warning,
“Yan Huan, don’t get corrupted by the sugar-coated shell of the modifier! This won’t benefit either you or An Le!”
But as it spoke, Meow-chan recalled how Yan Huan had acted while suffering from the curse last night, groaning painfully as he washed up.
It opened its mouth, tail curving slightly, softening its tone,
“But at least in the long run, that’s the case.”
Yan Huan blinked, pondering for a moment, before gently releasing An Le’s hand.
As he let go, the pain surged back immediately.
Yet this time, Yan Huan didn’t reach out to grasp her again.
Behind his expressionless mask, he spoke to Meow-chan with a hint of regret in his mind,
“I thought An Le’s modifier would eliminate the pain forever, but it’s just temporary.”
Hearing Yan Huan’s slightly disappointed voice, Meow-chan on his shoulder remarked helplessly,
“If it was a permanent solution, you wouldn’t consider truly relying on the power of the modifier, would you?”
“Not relying, just critically utilizing it, Meow-chan.”
“…”
Meow-chan fell silent, merely huffing in annoyance as it gently bit Yan Huan’s ear.
Yan Huan wasn’t angry; he just stretched his body, feeling like it had become much lighter, then looked at blushing An Le in front of him.
“Don’t be so stubborn. For me, it relieves the pain brought by the curse; for An Le, it’s been a while since we connected, so this helps close the gap, allowing me to gather more information about her modifier.
“For instance, now I’ve learned that the effect of the modifier she’s using is quite different from the one activated at the comic convention. The current effect is weaker and very direct, seemingly activated through physical contact.”
While Yan Huan was still deep in thought, he suddenly heard Little Pinky’s trembling voice,
“Yan Huan, you can’t possibly think this is a win-win situation, right?”
“A win-win, you say…”
Yan Huan originally thought Meow-chan was the sort to be stubborn and wanting to cut off all possible uses of the modifier.
But the next moment, he no longer thought so.
Indeed, this rascal, although notoriously useless, knew its limitations and never meddled or directed his actions.
And at that moment, there was a tone of seven parts fear, three parts despair in Meow-chan’s voice.
Something must have happened!
With that thought, Yan Huan suddenly noticed a slender shadow materializing on the table in front of him and An Le.
Was the waiter bringing the food?
Blushing An Le sighed in relief, noticing that Yan Huan looked relaxed and easier as she too calmed down.
But of course, she immediately realized that there seemed to be someone standing beside them.
A tall figure.
Yan Huan and An Le turned their heads simultaneously.
What caught their eyes was an exquisite girl with waist-length black hair like a waterfall.
Her skin was as white as snow, and her figure was well-proportioned.
Clearly beautiful like an ethereal being, yet her expression was as cold as a blizzard, lacking any warmth.
She quietly stood beside Yan Huan and An Le’s table, seemingly observing them for some time.
So, she likely witnessed the moment when Yan Huan and An Le held hands?
Yan Huan didn’t know, but from the corner of his eye, he noticed the phone she held in her hand, the screen glowing a dazzling purple.
It was at that moment he understood why Meow-chan had spoken up earlier.
A win-win didn’t matter.
A win-win with one loss was the scariest scenario.
Yan Huan’s expression froze at once; after a brief silence, he addressed the cold girl silently staring at An Le beside him,
“Siyu Jie.”
Upon hearing Yan Huan’s call, Ye Shiyu, like a lifeless doll, seemed to regain a bit of humanity.
Her expression visibly softened, and she withdrew her gaze, turning to Yan Huan.
Yet for some reason, the screen of the phone in her hand remained exceptionally bright.
So bright it was almost glowing purple.
“Little Huan.”
