Chapter 138: On Going Retreat
Is this the one selected as a marriage partner for Yukinoshita Yukino from the Yukinoshita family?
When Hiratsuka Shizuka saw Qi Lin and Yukinoshita Yukino walking side by side, the first impression that surfaced in her head was of them being well-matched.
The young man’s face was delicate with clear contours, always带着他的嘴角浅浅的笑容，增加了他温文尔雅的性格；少女容貌秀丽，面色清冷，如那湖中绽放的青莲，出自淤泥却不沾染污秽，洗涤清水却不出艳丽。
Two people’s temperament complement each other like snow-covered mountains and the vast sky that embraces them.
Moreover, they had both chosen light-colored hoodies and sports pants when they went out.
Qi Lin simply wanted ease and comfort, while Yukinoshita Yukino wore such clothing for the habit of adapting to sudden situations.
But neither noticed how their outfits could lead to misunderstandings among others.
Hiratsuka Shizuka mentally gasped, feeling as if she were kicked on the road like a stray dog.
While Qi Lin was conversing with some students, Hiratsuka Shizuka carefully observed.
From his arrival, he has taken control of the atmosphere, making almost everyone revolve around him; his social skills, just like Yayoi, are mature.
Except for a certain stone-eyed youth who seemed to have been immobilized.
Hmm, he truly is a student I had high hopes for; he did not easily fall into social traps.
A look of appreciation appeared in Shizuka Hiratsuka’s gaze toward Hachiman Hikigaya.
After greeting the students, Qi Lin finally turned towards a certain iron fist teacher leaning against the car.
I guess he didn’t continue wearing his white lab coat once we left the school grounds.
“Teacher Hiratsuka, hello. Nice meeting you, I am Qi Lin, a friend of Yukinoshita’s,” he smiled and extended his hand toward Hiratsuka Shizuka, “I hope my unexpected presence isn’t any trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” she replied with a smile and shook hands with him, “Volunteer activities benefit from anyone willing to assist.”
After the pleasantries, she began instructing everyone to board the vehicle.
Before boarding, Hachiman Hikigaya could no longer contain his curiosity: “So where is the retreat going to be held?”
Hiratsuka Shizuka’s eyes narrowed, a hint of fierceness gleaming: “So you read the email? Intentionally ignoring the teachers’ calls then?”
Her iron-fist, usually unfailing, barely impacted Hachiman Hikigaya.
Unbreakable.
Stone-eyed youth grinned arrogantly, causing Shizuka to suspect if she had struck him too hard, maybe even leaving him a bit dim-witted.
The red minibus had been rented by Shizuka Hiratsuka specifically to fit more people, sufficient for Riki, Komachi Hikigaya, and others.
They seated Hachiman Hikigaya in the front passenger seat beside the instructor, separating him from Ayaka Hozuki who sat with Komachi and Yui in the rear.
The van just made a turn down the street when Komachi happily started talking with Yui and Ayaka. Initially hesitant because of the teacher’s presence, Komachi quickly enlivened the ambiance within the minibus.
Thirty minutes later.
Driving steadily on the highway, the vehicle played retro hits. Three passengers in the middle row huddled together, slumped under sombreros, sleeping soundly as infants.
Lin Qi glanced passively out the window, observing the scenery passing by. Suddenly, he felt a gentle tapping on his shoulder, interrupted by a girl with black hair pulling herself awake beside him. Eyes closed yet still sitting upright, her body swayed slightly before succumbing and gently resting her head on Qi Lin’s shoulder.
Sleeping Yukinoshita Yukino’s expression softened, peacefulness unfolding; from Qi Lin’s perspective, he could see her long thick eyelashes and feel her calm breaths on his neck.
The black-haired youth paid no mind, turning back to view the landscape.
Meanwhile, watching from the rearview mirror, Hiratsuka Shizuka withdrew her gaze.
Quite chivalrous indeed.
…
“We’re here, wake up.”
Yukinoshita Yukino heard a familiar voice calling her out of slumber while her companion’s comforting presence made her reluctant to open her eyes fully. Her world started buzzing.
Qi Lin shook her shoulder, successfully waking the still-sleepy girl in an intense manner.
As others had already disembarked, only Qi Lin and Yukinoshita Yukino remained in the vehicle. After being rudely awakened, Yukinoshita Yukino slowly regained her senses. Qi Lin, having already opened the door, left to stretch his legs. She could only look at his retreating silhouette with exasperation.
Their destination was Chiba Village; a recreational facility nestled between the forests.
The dense greenery was interspersed with layered white walls and red-tiled roofs, in the background, distant hills shimmered with a bluish hue, beneath which a clear blue sky extended.
Away from urban areas, fresh air and cool breezes prevailed, alleviating the summer heat.
“I remember visiting here during a nature study class in junior high,” Hachiman Hikigaya remarked after surveying the area.
They unloaded their baggage.
Shortly thereafter, another white van arrived at an empty spot and four familiar faces emerged.
“Hayama?”
Hachiman puzzled over Hayama Hayato, Miura Yumiko, Ebina, and Kaburagi standing there, questioning their presence.
Upon recalling the decline in Hayama’s classroom activity post Ooka incident, his once grating face became tolerable to Hachiman’s eyes.
“Now we are complete,” Hiratsuka Shizuka stepped forward to explain to those looking puzzled, “you’ll be here as volunteers.”
“Volunteers?”
Hachiman was aware of their retreat for the Serviceman’s club, but unaware of what exactly they would do.
“Supporting personnel for a forest summer camp, serving also as the service club’s summer retreat.”
Yet half of them aren’t part of the service club.
Hachiman internally grumbled at the sight, thinking:
“Hey there.” Hayama Hayato approached and greeted Hachiman.
“Aaah, oh…”
The latter’s lips tugged upward awkwardly, displaying a stiff smile.
…
After school, becoming a jujutsu sorcerer:
