Chapter 6: The School Bully, Part 6

The moment class ended, Xi Ning kept trying to slip away, while An Xiyan persistently tried to get close to her. Xi Ning hurriedly dashed outside, only returning when the bell rang for the next class.

After enduring the day, as soon as Xi Ning stood up, delicate little An Xiyan was already standing right in front of her.

Before she could say a word, Xi Ning immediately walked away while speaking, “There’s no misunderstanding between us. Even if there was, I’ve forgiven you. I’m rushing to the hospital, excuse me.” She walked away faster than anyone else.

She practically sprinted to the school gate. Fortunately, An Xiyan didn’t catch up. If she had, Xi Ning would have had to break into a full run. With a healthy body and tall figure, she was faster than the malnourished An Xiyan. At the gate, Old Wang, her driver, was already waiting.

Back at home, Xi Ning went straight to the living room and grabbed a bunch of bananas, peeling one and eating it. “I’m starving. Dinner better be soon.”

Madam Li came out, a well-maintained lady of wealth, her skin fair and smooth, showing the slight plumpness of middle age. “Why are you so hungry?”

Xi Ning munched on the banana. “I’m still growing. Tonight I want to eat meat—a lot of meat.”

“Alright,” Madam Li said indulgently, agreeing at once. Seeing that Xi Ning was about to grab another banana, she quickly stopped her. “You shouldn’t eat too much fruit when you’re hungry. I’ll notify the kitchen to start cooking right away.”

“Mm!” Xi Ning felt like she was about to starve to death. The damn school didn’t allow food inside. What was she going to do tomorrow?

Madam Li called Mr. Li to tell him their daughter was hungry and asked if he would be home for dinner. Mr. Li said he would be.

When the dishes were served, Xi Ning swallowed hard, looking pitifully at Madam Li. “Mommy, I’m hungry!”

Despite their wealth, the family had rules: everyone had to be present before eating, and the adults had to start first.

Their daughter never behaved like this before. Seeing her pitiful, hungry-cat eyes, Madam Li called a servant to bring a bowl and put two pieces of braised pork in it, asking Xi Ning to take it to her room.

In her room, Xi Ning stuffed a piece of braised pork into her mouth. Oh, the aroma of meat!

Madam Li was surprised. “Why are you this hungry?”

Less than a minute later, two sizable pieces of braised pork were gone. Madam Li hurriedly took the empty bowl. “Stop eating. Be careful not to get fat. Wait for your father before you eat more.”

Chewing the meat, Xi Ning had no choice but to stop. Those two pieces would keep her going until dinner.

During the meal, Madam Li watched Xi Ning anxiously, reminding her not to make smacking noises or eat too quickly. Their daughter was so hungry—she mustn’t lose her composure.

Unexpectedly, Xi Ning ate slowly and leisurely as usual, reassuring her mother.

“Dad,” Xi Ning smiled slightly. “Uncle Wang’s son, Wang Zilong, agreed to walk to and from school with me tomorrow.”

“Hm?” Mr. Li was momentarily surprised but asked calmly, “Why did you think of that?”

“Oh, nowadays everyone advocates environmental protection. Since we live in the same community, I want to build a good relationship with Wang Zilong. No matter what, it will help the business between our families.” Mentioning business was always music to a businessman’s ears.

Mr. Li thought for a moment. “Alright, it’s fine. Though Wang’s son might not be much of a businessman, he’s in good shape. I heard he even took fifth place in the city’s karate competition last year. If it weren’t for Mr. Wang’s intervention, he could’ve been on the national team.”

Actually, Wang Zilong was skilled in both karate and sanda. Since the school only had a taekwondo club, he earned the nickname “Taekwondo Prince.”

Madam Li looked worried. “All that fighting—aren’t you afraid he might get violent in the future?” Though there was no sign of it yet, what if? She certainly didn’t want her daughter ending up with a man prone to violence.

He had already been physical before; otherwise, how would his shoulder have been dislocated?

Xi Ning had already prepared her response. “He likes fighting but doesn’t like doing business, so he won’t interfere with Dad’s company. Besides, I know my limits. We’re just good family friends, and I treat him like a brother. For everything else, I’ll listen to you and Dad.”

This was what parents wanted to hear. Mr. Li nodded. “Alright, just handle it as you see fit. Tell me if anything happens.”

Xi Ning quickly added, “We agreed to go together, but didn’t say whose car to use. Since there are many people at school, it’s inconvenient to discuss.”

Mr. Li said, “I’ll call Mr. Wang later and ask.”

Madam Li immediately said, “Let me ask. It’s more appropriate for me to handle our children’s matters.”

Mr. Li agreed after some thought, realizing it might ease future interactions.

After dinner, Madam Li called Wang Zilong’s mother, saying their children planned to go to school together and asked whose car to use.

Wang Zilong’s mother was baffled, covering the phone and asking her son, who was still eating, “Xiaolong, are you really going to go to school with the daughter of General Manager Zhang?”

Wang Zilong nearly choked on his food.

The phone rang. Seeing it was Wang Zilong, Xi Ning went to her room and answered.

“Li Qingyu, what are you thinking? When did I agree to go to school with you?” Even though he had toned it down, his loud voice was unmistakable. Tall with great lung capacity, his voice was especially loud.

After his outburst, Xi Ning calmly asked, “Do you want me to tell everyone how you got injured?”

Wang Zilong immediately deflated, lowering his voice and grinding his teeth. “Are you threatening me?”

Xi Ning smiled. “I’ve said if An Xiyan doesn’t come to hang around in front of me, I’ll admit defeat. If she doesn’t show up within three days, we go our separate ways. Deal?”

Wang Zilong stood there stunned for a moment, still defiant in words but speaking much more calmly and at a normal volume, no longer yelling. “What exactly is your scheme?”

Damn it, if she hadn’t made herself pass out, her fingers wouldn’t be swollen and bruised.

Xi Ning replied evenly, “Schemes or no, I’m giving you an opportunity, aren’t I? No need to keep running into my classroom looking for reasons. To show your manly generosity, use your family’s car. And don’t forget, call me when you arrive at my door tomorrow.” Then she hung up.

About ten minutes later, Madam Li knocked on the door, saying the Wang family would pick her up for school tomorrow.

It seemed Wang Zilong had relented—not because of her, but because the chance to get close to An Xiyan was too tempting.

That was perfect. Using their car would make it look like she was chasing after Wang Zilong, stubbornly clinging to him.

Madam Li was a bit surprised but pleased. Their families had business cooperation, and it was good for the children to get along.

After settling that, Xi Ning seized the moment to bring up another matter. “Mommy, I want to change classes. Can you call the principal?”

“Why change classes when everything’s fine?” Madam Li asked, puzzled.

Xi Ning immediately put on a worried expression. “Do you remember my classmate An Xiyan? The one who gave me a flower vase at my birthday party last month?”

Madam Li thought back; the memory was vivid. “I remember.”

Xi Ning sighed. “I originally thought she was an orphan, that her parents were dead. I invited her to my birthday party out of kindness, but I never expected…”