A man approximately 1.9 meters tall was staring at Ye Hao coldly. His bald head glinted with as much intimidation as the switchblade in his hand, pressuring an inexperienced student like Ye Hao to the limit.
The switchblade spun up and around the man’s fingers just like a docile snake as he threatened with a sneer, his eyes narrowing,
"Boy, if you don't want to die, just roll out of here for Lao Tzu[1]."
"Then I’ll take her and immediately roll out of your sight, okay?" Ye Hao prodded carefully.
It had to be said that this bald man was already menacing-looking at first glance. However, Ye Hao had to endure being locked onto by the man’s murderous intent and his gleaming switchblade. Just in mere presence alone, Ye Hao was like a rabbit in front of a tiger.
"Get lost!" Seeing Ye Hao still daring to bargain, the bald-headed man rushed forward like a hulking tank. His free hand grabbed towards Ye Hao’s collar, intending to pummel him into submission.
It seemed that the man wasn’t actually vicious enough to use his knife in battle. Regardless, Ye Hao was totally unguarded and surprised, not expecting the man to suddenly spring forward and attack.
Adrenaline kicked in as Ye Hao unconsciously took a step backward. Suddenly, a magical and surreal state enveloped his mind.
Time seemed to slow, but somehow, the world in Ye Hao’s eyes was incomparably bright and clear. His brain processed every action; every sound— the heavy steps of the approaching man, the pounding of his heartbeat, the minuscule sound of the splitting air as the giant hand clawed forward.
It was just like an action movie.
Ye Hao wasn’t exactly certain of his current state but that didn’t stop him from instinctively stepping to the side.
"Huh!" The bald-headed man didn’t expect Ye Hao to suddenly dodge and he consequently staggered to a forced halt with a startled look.
“Lucky brat, stand still!” His face darkening with agitation, the man swung another devastating strike.
Ye Hao quickly gathered his bearings and dodged a second time, the man’s attack trajectory completely seen through.
"Damn!" The baldy gritted his teeth hatefully, his knuckles craving for a taste of Ye Hao’s flesh.
When people were angry, they tended to become irrational.
Ye Hao's two consecutive evasions made the bald-headed man feel extremely disgruntled and embarrassed— a crush to his ego. With a flick, the switchblade was unfolded and stabbed towards Ye Hao’s chest.
"Is this also a change brought forth by the God's Blood?" Ye Hao speculated and suddenly provoked a boost of confidence.
As the metal blade closed in, Ye Hao adjusted his body and locked the man’s hand under his left armpit which nullified the danger of the knife.
The baldy’s head reflected surprise, but before he could try to struggle free:
Pah~
Ye Hao imprinted a slap which made use of every square inch of skin on his hand. The man’s previously concrete-like face immediately collapsed into a mud-like state as it rippled because of the intense force. After spinning on his heels for a couple times, the man fell roughly on the hard ground amidst a loud thud and jingle of metal.
Ye Hao stared blankly for a while before relishing the last moments of his strange state. Breathing out a mouth of turbid air, he looked towards Li Qianqian
"Let's go."
Li Qianqian looked at Ye Hao with relief and admiration, "Ye Hao, since when did you become so powerful?"
"Now’s not the time for catching up; let’s get out of here." Ye Hao fetched his bicycle and signaled Li Qianqian to get on.
Li Qianqian got on without hesitation.
After they got back onto the main road, Ye Hao eased his taut muscles. He didn’t dare to risk his life and stay back at the alleyway any further. He wasn’t sure if he had a time limit on this ability like his perspective eyes. If he capped out in the midst of a fight, he wouldn’t even get the chance to regret.
However, life was a gamble...and he won this round.
"Qianqian, why were you caught in a place like that?" Ye Hao asked softly.
"I was taking a shortcut because I had to walk all the way," Li Qianqian sighed and shook her head with a bit of dread, "Who would’ve thought that someone would follow me and corner me in the alley?"
"What about your bicycle?"
"My bicycle broke so I had to walk."
"Don't cut routes in such remote places after this,” Ye Hao warned, "Cases like yours don’t only happen once or twice in this area; you have to take precautions.."
"I won't go there ever again even if I had to die.” Li Qianqian patted her chest and buried her gratitude for Ye Hao’s help deep in her heart.
"Well, where do you live? I’ll escort you back."
"You go straight from this street to the second intersection, and turn left for 300 meters." Li Qianqian directed before suddenly asking, "Ye Hao, you haven't answered my previous question yet.
"What question?"
"When did you learn how to fight?"
"I’ve always been so strong but I am a low-key person." Ye Hao boasted purposefully. After all, who wouldn't want to show off in front of a beauty?
"Then who did you study under?" Li Qianqian's eyes shone with anticipation.
"This— it's confidential."
Ye Hao made up an excuse; it was better than making up a false master.
"Mmm...okay then." Li Qianqian showed a disappointed expression while puffing one cheek.
"Qianqian, if I remember correctly, your grades were top-notch back then. How are you doing in the No.1 Middle School now?" Ye Hao shifted the subject and asked.
Hearing Ye Hao asking about her well-being, Li Qianqian couldn’t help but put on a cheerful smile. She replied simply, “Everything at school is fine.”
"That’s good then. Strive for admission to a key university." Ye Hao nodded and encouraged.
"Ye Hao, how about you? Which university do you want to get into?" Li Qianqin asked curiously, her eyes bright.
"I haven't thought about it yet." Ye Hao didn't tell Li Qianqian that his goal was one of the top six institutions of higher learning. After all, coming from someone who had average grades, he wouldn’t be taken seriously; Li Qianqian knew his past history.
"Seriously? You really need to hurry up and decide. The college entrance exams are not that far away. Make sure to tell me when you’ve decided, okay?"
"Haha, okay." Ye Hao laughed softly while rubbing his nose.
"It's here." Li Qianqian suddenly shouted while pointing at an apartment building by the side.
“Ah, we are here already? I guess this is your stop then.” Ye Hao braked and clamped his foot onto the road, allowing Li Qianqian to get off.
“See you later and....thanks for everything.” She looked at Ye Hao and bowed slightly.
"Goodbye." Ye Hao stared at the beauty as she departed, her slender hands waving to return the gesture.
Sigh. She changed a lot over these years— what a great beauty.
Thinking for a while, Ye Hao suddenly shook his head before riding off.
Although I might not have transitioned much in terms of appearance, I have my own unique changes— a turnaround for my life!
…
"Little Hao, try not to stress yourself over the exam today." Ye Zhiguo looked at Ye Hao, who was stuffing himself with big buns and said softly.
Guo Xiu, who was pouring porridge for Ye Hao, shot a glance at Ye Zhiguo before rebuking, "What are you talking about in front of the table? Stay positive and eat."
"This is me just trying to..." Ye Zhiguo wanted to say more but dared not continue after feeling the threatening stares being cast on him.
"Mom; Dad, don't worry. I’m feeling pretty okay right now. There is no pressure." Ye Hao reassured, his words slightly muffled by the bun stuck to his lips.
"It's fine as long as you’re okay," Ye Zhiguo hesitated a bit before saying, "Even if you fail the exams this year, there is always next year."
Ye Zhiguo was afraid that Ye Hao would face psychological pressure because of the college entrance examinations, so he tried his best to alleviate any potential stress.
"Well..." Ye Hao thought for a moment before ultimately deciding to keep quiet and give his parents a big surprise.
After Ye Hao left, Guo Xiu did not immediately pack away the plates but sat across from Ye Zhiguo with a solemn look. She asked, "Will there be a shift after this exam?"
"Uh..."
"Yes, but if anything, we can try to speak with Principal Ma again. However, Principle Ma is only the Vice Principal. The real director is Principal Zhou."
"But still, doesn’t Principal Zhou have to give Principal Ma some face?"
"Even so, it will still be hard for Principal Ma to go against Principal Zhou for us."
"Isn’t Principal Ma your close friend and brother?"
"Sigh, Brother Ma is now avoiding me."
"What kind of brother is he?" Guo Xiu couldn't help but turn irate.
“Little Hao is my son. I’m sure he’ll pull through somehow." Ye Zhiguo didn't say anything else, only bowing his head in silence.
Ye Hao, who was in the exam room, didn't know that his parents’ hearts were breaking for his sake.
He was devoid of any unneeded thoughts, his eyes only fixated on the language paper in front of him.
.
.
.
Translator’s Note(s): [1] Lao Tzu— Lao Tzu, also known as Laozi and Lao-Tze, was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. In this case, the bald man referred to himself as Lao Tzu to convey himself as being someone of importance or high standing. Expect to see this reference often in this novel.
Good story! Can't wait for more!
Aye