The girl who suddenly jumped out wasn't Ugou Mirai.
Ugou Mirai had learned her lesson long ago. Whenever she pulled this childish prank, she made sure to stay at least an arm's length away from Fang Cheng, just in case he hit her square in the face.
Besides, after Fang Cheng had politely turned her down a couple of days ago, Ugou Mirai hadn't shown up again or chatted with him online. She'd probably given up.
The person Fang Cheng had knocked down was a pretty, cute girl he didn't recognize. She looked about fifteen, wore glasses, and was dressed in the middle school uniform of Kashima Academy.
Asaka Akie and Sato Hayato were both stunned. Akie took it a little better, since she'd seen Fang Cheng instantly defeat Nangong Saya and had developed some immunity to this sort of thing.
Sato Hayato came to his senses and let out a startled cry. "Mai!!"
He dropped his schoolbag and rushed over, helping the girl up from the ground. "Mai, are you all right?! Mai?!"
"I-I'm fine!"
Sato Mai saw stars, but still managed to wave her hand at her brother.
Seeing that his little sister really was all right, Sato Hayato breathed a sigh of relief. Then he couldn't help turning on Fang Cheng. "Fang, what are you doing? Why did you hit her out of nowhere?"
"I wouldn't call it hitting her out of nowhere. I'd call it striking first."
Fang Cheng offered an insincere apology. "Sorry. Don't suddenly jump out at me again. I have a psychological scar from being ambushed. It's terrifying."
He'd only reacted on instinct and hadn't used much force. At most, it was like accidentally knocking someone over while walking.
Asaka Akie hurried to apologize on Fang Cheng's behalf. "I'm sorry. Fang was just