Afraid

Tuesday, early morning.

Winter days broke late. The sky still carried a faint ink-wash hue, and the air on campus was filled with a slight chill.

On the long street outside the school, many students hurried along with anxious expressions.

Director Yan, Director Wang, and Gao Heshaui, who were responsible for inspections, sat in a row inside the Security Guard booth beside the school gate, like presiding judges.

Every passing student was frightened by the sight.

When Gao Heshaui spotted a familiar student passing by, he immediately barked, "What time is it? Morning Self-Study starts at 7:10. Look at the time!"

Wu Xiaoqi hugged a Basketball and shuffled along slowly. He glanced at the Casio digital watch on his wrist and answered, "It's 7:07. So what?"

Gao Heshaui's tone abruptly caught. Furious, he pointed at Wu Xiaoqi's nose. "You little punk, Wu Xiaoqi!"

Qi Tianheng happened to pass by. Seeing Wu Xiaoqi check his watch, he curled his lips and raised his own wrist. His was a proper wristwatch—a Blancpain 6654, expensive enough to buy dozens of Casio digital watches.

Qi Tianheng glanced at the time with faint arrogance and strolled away.

His family was so wealthy that leaders like Director Yan naturally knew who he was.

Gao Heshaui pointed at Wu Xiaoqi's nose. "Are you even here to study? You cut it close every day. I'm a teacher, yet I get to school earlier than you."

Wu Xiaoqi suddenly said coldly, "You don't get up earlier than me!"

Gao Heshaui was so angry he laughed. "You think you can compare yourself to me?"

He knew Wu Xiaoqi's family was no ordinary one, but Gao Heshaui was a young teacher personally recruited by the principal from South City. With old grudges and new piling together, he was determined to put