### Chapter 188: The Bystander Gawkers
Little did anyone know, He Gongxing sighed deeply and said, “Rest assured, she is an exception due to some issues. The school allowed her there, which is why they changed her school uniform.”
Hearing their homeroom teacher say this, the girl who came to report was at a loss for words. Did the school really not fear any trouble?
Seeing that the girl didn’t speak up, He Gongxing thought everything was settled and started ushering them away, “Alright, alright, go back to class. We’ll handle Xia Yu’s situation like this, no need to worry.”
Upon hearing these words, the girl reluctantly left, clearly unsatisfied with the outcome. Was it really okay to let Xia Yu use the girls’ restroom? Meanwhile, Xia Yu had already returned from the bathroom, escorted by Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhan, heading straight for the playground.
Because it was summertime and the weather was hot, physical education classes were held in the morning when it was still relatively cool, rather than in the afternoon.
The bell hadn’t rung yet, and the PE teacher was nowhere to be seen, so in a bid for cooler comfort, Xia Ling spontaneously led Xia Yu and Jiang Hanhan to sit on a spot that seemed slightly more comfortable. But before long, more and more girls started gathering around until they formed a neat line, creating a picturesque scene by the steps.
When the PE teacher finally showed up riding a pricey-looking bicycle and shouted, “Class representative, organize the class, have them form lines to count heads!”
After shouting this, the PE teacher rode away, presumably to park his bicycle nearby.
Now, it was time for the class representative, Huang Qiao, to step up. Voicing orders louder than a train whistle, “Everyone, form lines as we did last semester, and hurry up!”
True enough, this fifteenth class had been like this since first grade, thus forming a tightly-knit group internally. Hence, Huang Qiao had considerable clout over both boys and girls, prompting everyone to rise and form lines.
Xia Ling, Xia Yu, and Jiang Hanhan, being new transfers, found themselves unsure where to stand. When Huang Qiao saw their confusion, instead of helping, she intentionally ignored them, thinking, “Why should I help after she ignored me? Why be nice when niceness is rejected?”
Thus, the block-shaped formation took shape, but the three newcomers lacked positions.
Multiple times, Xia Ling looked at Huang Qiao, the organizer of the lines, only to see Huang Qiao look back smugly. Oh, now it was obvious — Xia Ling was being singled out!
Boldly, Xia Ling decided to assert herself, keeping Xia Yu and Jiang Hanhan seated, refusing to join the formation. “This can’t be right, can it?”
Of course, those were the exact words Xia Yu, the most timid among them, was likely to say.
Since Xia Ling was the mastermind, she wouldn’t utter such defeatist words. And with Jiang Hanhan being the daughter of Mr. Jiang from the prestigious Jiang family, even the principal wouldn’t dare disrespect her. So naturally, Xia Yu was the most anxious.
“Don’t worry; if they don’t want us, we’ll just stay here. We needn’t fear.”
Cocking a smile, Xia Ling patted Xia Yu’s head, encouragingly. If Xia Yu really gave in and backed off, Xia Ling would be helpless.
But Jiang Hanhan chimed in, “It’s fine. I’ve got your back. If it gets tough, I’ll get my older sister to intervene.” Remembering her older sister, Jiang Kekai, was also around, Jiang Hanhan felt invincible. Who wouldn’t fear her, anyway?
Seeing how resolute Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhan were, Xia Yu reluctantly agreed to play along, realizing her cowardice truly wasn’t helpful. She needed to be bolder…
As the PE teacher approached, the trio remained seated, watching the unfolding chaos below.
Especially Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhan, whose eyes sparkled gleefully as they watched Huang Qiao, the big shot class leader struggle. What plans does Huang Qiao have next?
The PE teacher glanced at the line-up and began calling out names from a folder: “Huang Qiao, Huang Chao, Li Gang…”
The trio, as new transfers, were listed last.
However, when their names were called, Xia Ling, Xia Yu, and Jiang Hanhan collectively refused to respond, leaving the PE teacher puzzled. It was rumored these three troublesome students skipped his first class. They were indeed rebellious.
Though annoyed, the PE teacher could do nothing since the trio was absent. Thus, he turned to address the class, “I assume you guys aren’t new to training? Boys will run three laps, girls two. No disruptions during the first two laps, anyone breaking the rules will do five extra laps solo.”
Predictably, groans erupted. Extra lap, really?
Ignoring their complaints, the PE teacher blew his whistle and commanded, “Move out. I’m watching.” Reluctantly, the class began their jog.
When the class reached about a quarter of the track, the PE teacher finally turned to the girls on the steps and asked, “Which class are you from?”
“Fifteenth Class, sir.”
Xia Ling answered with a grin, hoping the PE teacher’s reaction to seeing them all along would be amusing.
Realizing their presence, the frustrated PE teacher checked the girls, then flipped through the folder, exasperated, “Why weren’t you with the class?”
“It was full. The class rep didn’t give us a place, so we waited here. Surprisingly comfy too.”
Xia Ling smirked, challenging the authority of the PE teacher. Maybe associating with the Jiang sisters, especially Jing Hanhan, made her a bit more confident.
Jiang Hanhan stayed silent, proudly watching Xia Ling assert herself, confident that the PE teacher couldn’t harm her.
Only Xia Yu seemed nervous, fearing punishment. Seeing them so defiant, the PE teacher understood why He Gongxing warned him earlier that day against upsetting these twins and the Jiang family’s Second Young Lady, all untouchables.
Sighing, the PE teacher closed his folder and declared, “I’ve gotten word. Feel free to disperse now. Quietly, though. Don’t disturb other classes.”
After some thought, he added, “From now on, you three won’t have to stand in lines. Simply staying seated will do. Consider this a special arrangement.”
“Thanks.”
With that, Xia Ling cheerfully pulled Xia Yu and Jiang Hanhan away without hesitation.
Xia Ling was secretly glad Huang Qiao didn’t offer them seats; running two rounds, even with today’s cooler climate, would surely sweat.
The three, Xia Ling, Jiang Hanhan, and Xia Yu, casually found a stone table to sit at and immediately started gaming on their phones.
“Let’s team up, let’s team up, let me show you how it’s done.”
Jiang Hanhan joined in enthusiastically, producing her phone, but her words were unwelcome, “Stop all this gaming. You’ll lose your job one day.”
“Ugh, that’s relaxation. You know my grades. Keep this up, and I won’t finish homework for you anymore.”
“I don’t copy anyway. I’ll get Xiao Yu to do it, yeah Xiao Yu?”
Gazing at Xia Yu for backup, Jiang Hanhan hoped the latter would side with her. Winning verbally made her happy too.
Too late for Xia Yu to respond, Xia Ling interjected, “Sadly, my sister doesn’t do homework. Expect nothing.”
“Aren’t you serious?”
Jiang Hanhan stared surprised at Xia Yu. For her sister assistant, poor grades were unacceptable.
Immediately, Jiang Hanhan knew she’d discuss this matter with her older sister. Failure in others could be, but not with her assistant.
Faced with this question, Xia Yu didn’t know what to say. Her grades were terrible, yet she was improving.
“Enough with this talk, let’s play. I invite you.”
“What’s the rush, let’s get to business.”
Noticing Jiang Hanhan’s determination, Xia Ling set aside her phone and said, “Her condition, you know. She’s struggling to catch up.”
Indeed, she hated seeing Xia Yu work so hard, or worse, take up her sister’s role as an assistant, losing her.
Xia Ling was staunchly on Xia Yu’s side. What was the point of all this if life isn’t enjoyed?
But Jiang Hanhan saw differently. Though initially uncomfortable with Xia Yu, her past as a boy bothered her no longer. She wished Xia Yu could become family.
So began a quarrel between two stubborn girls, “Solo?”
“You’re on…”
Bystander Gawked Xia Yu: “…”
