Chapter 31: Don’t Leave After School

“She’s way too cocky. A classic case of a petty person getting lucky.”

“She just got lucky this time, ran into a weak team. Sooner or later, she’ll screw up.”

“Exactly—‘Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.’”

At the school gate, the four fifth-year students who had just made fools of themselves were fuming inside but could do nothing about the situation. So they huddled together to vent their frustrations with words.

“Enough talk, I’m heading back—still got culture class homework to finish,” one guy said.

“Same here, I’m off.”

“I’m going back to catch a nap.”

In a flash, three of the four were gone, leaving only the girl standing there, confused by their sudden urgency.

Inside the administrative building, after some small talk, Long Jun got to the point:

“What do you think the Clown Gang will do next?”

Although the interrogation hadn’t started yet, Long Jun didn’t hold out much hope. These were just low-level first-tier clowns—cannon fodder at best. Maybe they’d spill some info about themselves, but as for the mysterious group behind the Clown Gang? Whatever they got would be a bonus.

“Hmm… well…”

Xu Chuyao pretended to think it over, then slowly said,
“I think after this loss, even the dullest member of the Clown Gang will realize the roles of hunter and prey have flipped. Given that, they’ll probably switch targets to something softer.”

Long Jun’s eyes narrowed. “You mean… civilians?”

“Exactly. And by attacking civilians, they can force us into action.” She paused, then added, “But I think even then, it’ll be certain kinds of civilians.”

Those with wealth, influence, or political connections.

“Why?”

“Because going after ordinary nobodies wouldn’t be worth it. Low return, high risk—not efficient.”

Hearing this, Long Jun raised his eyes to examine her more closely.

Xu Chuyao met his gaze, calm and composed.

On the screen, Long Jun picked up a cigar, trimmed the end with a little spiritual energy from his fingers, and casually remarked, “Xu Chuyao, we will protect every civilian life.”

“Of course,” she replied just as casually. “That’s what the school has always taught us.”

Long Jun held the cigar but didn’t smoke it. After a few seconds, he smiled.
“You’re right. Geniuses don’t follow normal logic.”

He stood up and stepped offscreen. Only his voice remained:
“I’ll arrange the interrogation soon—by tomorrow at the latest. You’ll be the lead examiner.”

“No problem.”

Xu Chuyao agreed readily and then stood to leave.

Outside the room, Yu Jing met her.
“How did it go? Minister Long didn’t give you a hard time, did he?”

“Not at all. He was full of praise. Oh, by the way, class rep—if anyone asks where I am later, just say I’m in the Special Unit assembly room. The one downstairs.”

“Someone’s looking for you?”

Yu Jing was a little puzzled but didn’t get an answer.

As Xu Chuyao descended the stairs, she thought back on the conversation, especially the part about “certain civilians.” She gave a small, derisive laugh.

In the original bait plan, the academy didn’t even protect its own students—let alone civilians.

At that very moment, in the Central City’s iconic Municipal Building, inside the Department of Security Planning—

After the video call ended, Long Jun stood near the doorway. His assistant walked over and lit the cigar for him.

But Long Jun didn’t smoke it. He just watched the glowing ember and murmured:
“Interesting.”

The assistant asked cautiously, “What is, sir?”

“A girl,” he said. “Very interesting. To think someone like her could come out of our academy’s education system. Life really is strange. Even in the gentlest soil, the wildest flowers can bloom.”

Of course, he didn’t know Xu Chuyao was just playing a part.

Yu Jing never expected the one asking after Xu Chuyao would be that fifth-year male teacher. Clearly, he wasn’t looking on his own—he was asking on behalf of someone else.

About ten minutes later, someone knocked on the door of the Special Unit assembly room.

Knock knock knock.

“Come in,” said Xu Chuyao.

A fifth-year boy stepped inside, carrying a chilled container and wearing a bright smile:
“Xu Chuyao… no, Commander Xu. These are strawberries from my family farm—my mom just sent them over. Super fresh, you’ve got to try them.”

Xu Chuyao glanced at him. “You are…?”

“I’m Zhong Ming. You even called my name once before. Honestly, I never totally agreed with those other guys. From the beginning, I thought following your lead wasn’t such a bad idea. But they outnumbered me, and we’re all in the same class, so I had to go along. But now I see clearly. I’m cutting ties with them!”

All that tough talk earlier was just venting. Deep down, they all knew the goal was to earn merits and a bright future—not some petty squabble over pride.

“Okay, leave it there. You—”

Before she could finish, there was another knock.

“Hide behind the screen and stay quiet.”

“…?”

Though confused, Zhong Ming obeyed immediately. She’d just called herself Commander—no way he’d argue.

“Come in.”

The second guy stepped in, holding a neatly wrapped package.

“Leader, it’s me—Shi Lei. This is our family’s specialty tea—Red Tree Tea. Totally legit. Try it! And, about before… total misunderstanding. Everyone says you’re beautiful and kind—you wouldn’t hold a grudge, right?”

“Got it. Leave it here. And hide behind the screen. Quiet.”

“Uh?”

Behind the screen, Shi Lei froze when he saw someone already there. Zhong Ming stared back. Awkward silence.

Knock knock knock.

“Come in.”

“Xu Team Leader, I’m Cheng Li. I was a total idiot last time. I’m here to make it right. This is some liquor I smuggled in—it says everything I can’t say myself. Cheers!”

“Cheers your ass. Put it down—no drinking on campus!”

Xu Chuyao glared at him. She’d seen the guy clutching something close and thought it was a gift. Turned out to be a bottle of Erguotou.

She sent him to hide with the others. Now the three boys stood in a cramped corner, exchanging looks, their moods as murky as cheap liquor.

After waiting a bit and hearing no more knocks, Xu Chuyao sighed and called out:
“Girls have thinner skin. Go talk to them and bring them around. That’s it for today. I’ll notify you when the next mission is.”

No helping it—Xu Chuyao really was a beautiful, kind, and thunderously chill girl. Big-hearted, generous, and gentle.

“Yes, Leader!”

“Understood, Commander!”

“See you, Team Leader!”

Leaving the administrative building, Xu Chuyao figured she’d go find her little sidekick.

After everything that happened today, she was practically bursting. She needed someone to vent to.

“Xiaolu, I’m back! Did you miss me? Let me tell you—”

“Hold up,” Mi Xiaolu made a hush gesture, then pointed. “Over there! There!”

She didn’t say exactly where—but she didn’t need to. The moment Xu Chuyao stepped into the classroom, she felt a wave of icy killing intent.

She turned and saw where it came from: the back row by the window, where Shen Ning sat.

The white-haired girl mouthed two silent phrases:

“Don’t leave after class.”
“Same place as always.”

That meant the little path outside the classroom.