Xia Mu: "I'm walking the dog"

"It seems there aren't any benefits to this, is there..."

Kikyo Kushida's tone was flat, and although she was forcing a smile on her face, Xia Mu could swear.

She must be wanting to kill him in her heart right now.

Just as he was about to apologize, a system prompt rang out.

[Kikyo Kushida problem Correction progress 1%/100%]

[Reward: Skill Point +1]

The words he was about to speak were immediately swallowed back.

Whoa, it works!

Xia Mu's brain spun rapidly, engaging in a brainstorm.

Could it be that the root of Kikyo Kushida's problem is her desire to gain the attention of others?

If he changes that aspect of her, the Correction should be complete!

Thus, Xia Mu tentatively spoke up, "Kikyo Kushida, being good friends with so many people must be very tiring, right?"

[Kikyo Kushida problem Correction progress 3%/100%]

[Reward: Skill Point +2]

Good heavens, it really works.

Just as he was about to continue speaking to farm more skill points:

"Xia Mu, could you please stop talking?" The smile on Kikyo Kushida's face had already vanished. "Saying things like that makes me very sad."

The expression on this woman's face right now was even more terrifying than a female ghost from a horror movie.

Xia Mu showed no fear, remaining grinning and cheerful. "Haha, Kikyo Kushida, I was just saying that off the cuff."

"We're classmates, right? So I'm just concerned about you, afraid that you'll wear yourself out."

After saying this, he carefully observed Kikyo Kushida.

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Kikyo Kushida snapped out of that dark state, tilted her head in a very cute manner, and rested her finger against her chin. "Eh? Is that so? Xia Mu is just concerned about me?"

"That's right."

Xia Mu nodded. "I know you really want to be popular with everyone, but you should also take proper breaks."

"Actually, being the center of attention isn't all that great. Look, so many people are always asking you for help for no reason, right..."

After comforting her with that sentence, he began walking on a tightrope again.

But this sentence did not yield any rewards.

"Mm, it's okay!"

"I'm very happy to be able to help my classmates!"

Even though Xia Mu's words sounded harsh, the spring-breeze smile had already returned to Kikyo Kushida's face.

This recovery speed is way too strong, right?

Xia Mu marveled inwardly; this girl really knows how to endure.

If it were him, he would have already gone berserk and attacked.

"Alright, then Kikyo Kushida, keep up the hard work."

Seeing that he couldn't farm any more skill points, Xia Mu simply waved goodbye. "I have things to do, I'm heading off."

This left Kikyo Kushida stunned.

This person...

Is he okay?

His speech feels illogical and weird.

"Forget it, why should I care about trash who can't even explain himself clearly?"

Kikyo Kushida's expression gradually turned cold as she turned and limped toward the dormitory.

Damn that Xia Mu, actually making a girl like her carry an injured athlete to the infirmary.

Xia Mu walked on the path to the library, deep in thought.

It seems that Kikyo Kushida's problem is her desire to be the most dazzling girl in the crowd; as long as someone steals her spotlight, she will not hesitate to take them out.

So, as long as he makes her realize that this isn't actually good, or at least not to be so extreme.

Then the Correction will be complete, and he will obtain skill points.

However, this is harder than ascending to heaven.

That green tea Kikyo Kushida has long since made this the ultimate goal of her life; making her change is truly difficult.

"But I don't need to completely correct her either. As long as she can pop out skill points, that's enough. If it really doesn't work out, I'll just give up."

Xia Mu was very open-minded; he had no intention of playing the saint.

Scanning the library, Xia Mu walked toward the spot where Shiina Hiyori was sitting.

She sat by the window, her rosy hand propping up her chin while the other held a book. As the light hit her well-defined cheeks, she seemed to radiate a moving, starlike glow.

Goodness, if I could marry a woman like this, I'd be happy to drive a Ferrari and live in a villa.

Xia Mu sighed inwardly, placed his bag on a chair, and sat down across from Shiina Hiyori. "Good evening, Shiina."

Only then did Shiina notice Xia Mu, snapping out of her focus. "Good evening, classmate Xia Mu."

"I thought you wouldn't be coming tonight." Shiina smiled softly, a genuine expression that was truly refreshing.

It was nothing like the artificial mask worn by Kushida, which made anyone with a decent intuition feel a faint sense of discomfort.

"Ah, I had some things to take care of, so I'm late," Xia Mu explained, though his gaze drifted to Shiina's snow-white legs.

She wasn't wearing gray stockings today; it made her look a little less sexy and a little more innocent.

Angel Shiina.

"What kind of things? Don't tell me you were on a date with a girl!" Shiina teased.

"Uh..." Xia Mu's body stiffened.

"Eh?"

"It couldn't really be true, could it!?"

A look of disbelief flashed in Shiina's eyes. "School has only been open for a few days, and you, classmate Xia Mu..."

"Alright, fine."

Shiina pursed her lips, looking a bit annoyed. "No wonder you left me here all by myself."

"No, no, absolutely not!"

Xia Mu rubbed his nose, sweat beading on his profile. "It was, uh, walking a dog. Yes, that's it!"

"Walking a dog?" Shiina narrowed her starry eyes, leaned forward, and stared intensely into Xia Mu's eyes. "School has only been open for a few days, and you already have a dog?"

"Ah, no, it wasn't mine. Someone else brought it to school," Xia Mu broke into a cold sweat.

"But..." Shiina's face was almost touching his. "The people who keep cute dogs are usually girls, right?"

"This..." Xia Mu was drenched in sweat.

"Well, I'm just kidding."

Just then, Shiina smiled slightly, a look of mischievous satisfaction on her face. "That's for teasing me yesterday."

"But you are late, after all."

"I'm punishing you—you aren't allowed to leave until you finish this book!"

Shiina picked the thickest book from a pile beside her, slammed it onto the table with a thud, and pushed it toward Xia Mu. "Here."

"You've got to be kidding me?"

"This book must be four or five hundred pages long, right?"

Xia Mu was stunned, but seeing the playfulness on Shiina's face, he realized she was joking.

The title on the cover was Jane Eyre.

"This is my favorite book. I've read it over and over again," Shiina said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as a faint blush appeared on her face.

"Oh, is that so?"

Xia Mu opened the book and began to read quietly.

If he remembered correctly, the story followed an English orphan who, through various hardships, constantly pursued freedom and dignity, stayed true to herself, and eventually found happiness.

It could be considered a work of pure, romantic literature.

He hadn't expected that beneath Shiina's gentle exterior, she possessed such a heart.

Seeing Xia Mu settle into the rhythm, Shiina lowered her head and began reading her own book.

The only sound left in the air was the turning of pages.

Xia Mu didn't use skill points to learn it directly, as that would have defeated the purpose.

Both of them were immersed in the atmosphere until...

"Gurgle~" Shiina's stomach let out a cry.

She scratched her head, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'm hungry..."

"Ha~"

Xia Mu yawned and rubbed his sore eyes. "Let's go grab some dinner, then."

The two packed their things, and after eating their fill, they walked back to the dorms together.

The road was very empty; there weren't many students left at this hour.

"Classmate Xia Mu, do you think a truly peaceful era will ever arrive in this world filled with constant conflict?"

As they were about to part ways, Shiina suddenly asked Xia Mu with great seriousness.