In a dim, gloomy prison cell, the iron door slowly creaked open, letting in a faint sliver of light from outside.
A composed-looking man with deep-set eyes wore a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of surprise and teasing. "Someone actually managed to 'invite' you out of school? They must be pretty capable. Don't just stand there. Come back with me."
Ayanokoji's expression was as calm as still water, his eyes slightly lowered, as if weighing something in his mind.
His tone was unhurried, carrying an indescribable air of composure and resolve. "I can go back with you. But first, you have to agree to one condition."
The man raised an eyebrow slightly, a glint of curiosity and amusement in his eyes.
"Oh? Let's hear it. As long as you're not trying to slip away again, I'll consider any condition."
"Revenge."
"Fine!"
The man readily agreed. He was curious about the White Room's greatest achievement—and the person who had made him drop out.
His heart filled with curiosity and anticipation. He wanted to see for himself what kind of clash would take place between the "genius" he had personally created and a naturally gifted genius.
"Chicken soup's ready!" The Dragon Chef poked his head out of the kitchen, holding a steaming pot securely in both hands. His eyes shone with anticipation, and a smug smile played on his lips.
He walked carefully, each step especially cautious, afraid of jostling the chicken soup in his hands.
When he reached the dining table, the Dragon Chef set the pot down gently, his movements light and practiced.
He caught sight of the two sleeping beauties on the bed, nestled tightly in each other's arms. Their chests touched lightly, rising and falling with their steady breaths, like two notes in perfect harmony, woven into a warm and delicate picture.
The scene was so peaceful and lovely that it moved anyone who saw it.
So exaggerated! They were more like two Mount Everests poised to erupt, brushing against each other in the still air with enough force to shake the heavens and earth.
Long Aotian gently wiped away the trail of blood running down from his nose. A hint of quiet resilience showed in his eyes. Then he slowly pulled out his phone, tapped the screen, and expertly opened the video camera. His every movement revealed a steadiness and resolve that could not be underestimated.
Before long, Long Aotian set the phone down on the table, a hint of reluctance in his movements, as if reminding himself that he couldn't keep filming or the steaming food and delicious chicken soup would go cold. His eyes shone with anticipation for the meal and a touch of regret at having to stop recording.
"Sakura, Kushida, wake up. It's time for chicken soup." As he spoke, he gently curled his fingers and gave the two girls' well-defined cheeks the softest little flick.
The unexpected touch startled the girls awake. They blinked in confusion, their eyes still hazy with sleep.
When they realized they had fallen asleep holding each other tightly, surprise and embarrassment appeared on their faces.
Kushida suddenly raised her head, her gaze shifting between Long Aotian and the girl beside her, as though confirming that what she saw was real.
Her cheeks quickly turned red, like clouds dyed by the setting sun. She clutched the bedsheets without thinking, looking completely at a loss.
Sakura let out a soft "Ah," a flicker of panic in her eyes.
She quickly lowered her head, her long hair falling like a waterfall to hide her flushed cheeks.
Her hands clasped together unconsciously, her fingers rubbing against each other as if searching for a little security.
Then the two of them bit their lips lightly, seeming to try to rein in their embarrassment and awkwardness.
They exchanged a smile. A sense of understanding and warmth passed between them, finally becoming a silent apology and an unspoken acceptance.
"Kushida, go wash your face first, then come over to eat." As he spoke, he reached out slowly, first brushing Sakura's hair with a gentle touch and carefully straightening it where it had become slightly messy.
Then he shifted his gaze ever so slightly, giving Kushida a subtle look that seemed to say, "Go wash your face. You're next."
"Oh..." Kushida answered softly, her brows drawing together and a hint of displeasure showing at the corners of her mouth.
She slowly got to her feet and headed toward the bathroom, her steps betraying her reluctance.
She grumbled inwardly: Why did Sakura have to go before her? But then she remembered that she had been the one who came later. Her little irritation gradually faded in the sunshine of reason, like morning mist, leaving barely a trace.
Long Aotian glanced over casually, his expression seemingly undisturbed. Then he lowered his head and continued carefully fixing Sakura's hair.
Soon, he finished arranging it. Then he lowered his head and gently kissed Sakura on the cheek, murmuring, "Take your time coming out."
"Okay." Sakura lowered her head, her face bright red. This wasn't the first time, but she still felt a little shy.
She had been bold before because no one else was in the dorm room. This time was different—Kushida was still there.
Kushida finished washing her face in no time and walked out of the bathroom briskly, a fresh smile on her face.
At the same time, Sakura stepped into the bathroom quietly, ready to freshen up.
Long Aotian lightly patted the empty seat beside him, giving Kushida a meaningful look and a warm smile as he invited her to sit down.
Once Kushida sat, Long Aotian reached out and gently massaged her temple, then asked softly, "Are you upset?"
"No." As she spoke, Kushida closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation.
Just like last time, Long Aotian leaned closer and whispered beside the girl's tender ear, "You're not? Do you think I don't know you by now?"
"No."
"All right, I won't say any more. Just remember that Sakura is your friend." As he spoke, he kissed Kushida on the cheek, too.
"Keep those little thoughts of yours in check. You should understand what I mean." He patted Kushida on the head [Flying Thunder God Mark (hidden)] [Danger Sense Mark (hidden)], then called toward the bathroom, "Sakura, come eat!"
"Coming!"
He had planned to talk things through nicely, but with someone as clever as Kushida, the gentler he was, the more she would test him. So he had to make his point plainly. She would understand what he meant.
He couldn't help it. The last thing he wanted was for things to blow up behind his back or for them to fight until blood was everywhere.
At that moment, Kushida's expression was especially strange, her brows slightly furrowed as complicated emotions churned in her heart.
She had only caught half of what he'd said. The other half had been drowned out by Long Aotian's unexpected move, leaving her unable to calm down.
"Friends...?"
Before long, the three of them were seated around the dining table, ready to enjoy their meal.
"Aotian, you got so many people expelled from Class D before. Will they come after you for revenge later?"
Sakura asked curiously after taking a bite.
Kushida's mouth twitched when she heard that. Revenge? All three were already locked up.
Long Aotian shook his head. "Ike and Yamauchi aren't coming back, and Sudo definitely won't either. He doesn't even know who did it. That leaves only Ayanokoji as a possibility."
ps: Saying they won't come back doesn't mean they won't be released when their terms are up. They'll be let out later. It's just that once those two are released, Long Aotian still plans to strike first.
"Ayanokoji?"
Kushida was a little shocked. She had always thought Ayanokoji was merely smart, but she hadn't expected him to have such a powerful background, too.
"That's right. He has powerful forces backing him, and Ayanokoji is also the White Room's final product."
With the two of them looking curious, he didn't try to hide anything. He told them everything he knew.
"Then compared to him, who's stronger—you or him?" Kushida asked, her bright eyes blinking lightly, curiosity written all over her face. She seemed to be waiting for an exciting answer.
"Uh... do you mean physically or intellectually?" As he spoke, Long Aotian picked up a piece of meat and put it in Sakura's bowl.
Kushida stared hard at his chopsticks but still asked curiously, "What's the difference?"
"There's a huge difference!" As he spoke, he waved his chopsticks in front of Kushida.
"Are you or he stronger physically?"
The motion made her a little dizzy. The chopsticks kept waving back and forth, and her eyes couldn't keep up.
"I am."
"What about intelligence?"
"I am."
"Are you crazy or something?!"
Kushida came to her senses, furious, trembling, and utterly exasperated.
"Hahaha." Long Aotian picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks and passed it to her, then said slowly, "That's only compared with me. He's still pretty impressive. I'm just a little bit stronger." As he spoke, he raised his thumb and index finger and made a tiny, almost-closed O shape.
"Really?"
After taking a bite of meat, she had calmed down a little. She suddenly realized that ever since meeting Long Aotian, she had found it harder and harder to control her temper.
"Yep."
ps: Happy New Year, everyone! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! The important things deserve to be said three times!
Thanks to: Bieyun Wuyong, Li qr, and Mingmingbaibai de Shanjie for the little gifts.
You don't have to send little gifts, everyone. Watching ads for those free gifts is such a pain. Just enjoy the story, but thank you all the same for your kindness ♥.
Before you continue