Tan Xiao didn't even notice the strange and imaginative looks from others at first, after all he was used to being stared at by tourists since he was young.

However, he clearly felt Wu Tianyu's evasive movements. Thinking about it made him a bit embarrassed. Although he had hit Big Beard Zhong, Wu Tianyu was indeed injured, and the scabs looked quite scary now.

"Ah, sorry about that, does it still hurt?" Tan Xiao asked with a hint of guilt, not for saving Wu Tianyu, but feeling that his work wasn't precise enough.

This was due to lack of practical experience, always unable to grasp the details.

"No no, it's fine now." Wu Tianyu became even more embarrassed, his feet fidgeting restlessly, his hands couldn't help but rub his nose and pick his ears... He also felt his reaction was really excessive.

But this was like his instinct when encountering danger, it couldn't be helped.

"Why don't you sit down to talk?" Tan Xiao invited again, wanting him to sit at the very edge, which was next to Kong Xuan.

Seeing Kong Xuan, who had helped Tan Xiao before, leisurely eating his own food, Wu Tianyu recognized him as the classmate who had also witnessed his chuunibyou appearance. Besides that... was there something else?

But those memories were blurry, and Wu Tianyu wasn't sure, only feeling that seeing this person gave a similar feeling to seeing Tan Xiao. Of course, it could also be because Kong Xuan had good looks but belonged to the very aggressive type.

Kong Xuan glanced over indifferently at this time. Wu Tianyu, who originally wanted to sit down a little, immediately said, "Well, I won't sit then. I've already finished eating and really just came over to say hello to you. In the future, if there's anything at school, just let me know."

After saying that, he bowed again a little nervously, and walked away almost in sync.

"...Okay, see you." Seeing Wu Tianyu so embarrassed, Tan Xiao also felt a little sorry for him. They still had to be in the same school for more than a year, and Wu Tianyu would probably have his memory awakened every time he saw Tan Xiao.

Tan Xiao withdrew his gaze, only to find that his tablemates, except for Kong Xuan, were all staring at him with a dumbfounded look.

Tan Xiao thought it wasn't good, it seemed something had happened.

At this time, only Lin Yang dared to speak up. After Wu Tianyu walked away, he said with a grimace, "Boss, you... you... you beat Wu Tianyu up like this?"

"No..." Tan Xiao had only said two words before pausing. There was no way, it was indeed him who did it!

It was even vaguely expressed in his conversation with Wu Tianyu just now. If it wasn't him who did it, why would he say sorry? He could only change his words and say, "I didn't mean to."

Lin Yang: "..."

Everyone: "..."

...It really was you!

"Don't judge a book by its cover... I used to be a little disrespectful to Brother Xiao!" As the PE class representative, Lin Yang was much more muscular than Tan Xiao. He used to joke that the two of them, one civil and one martial, guarded Class 3. He didn't expect that he was too simple.

Lin Yang felt that sitting with Tan Xiao for a year before was still not enough to understand him. After all, he always said he was busy with his family's side business after school.

Who knew what he had been practicing? Didn't they say some shamans had to go through ordeals like climbing knife mountains and crossing seas of fire? In that sense, it was very logical for Tan Xiao to have high combat power.

Hearing his tone, Tan Xiao felt helpless. "Don't talk nonsense."

"I wouldn't dare." Lin Yang said with his mouth, but actually secretly glanced at Kong Xuan. This guy was probably also subdued by force.

Kong Xuan had no reaction to what happened just now, only focusing on his own plate, frowning at a dish. Because they all ordered together, the dishes on his plate were actually chosen by Tan Xiao.

Among them was a dish called tiger skin phoenix claws, which Kong Xuan looked at with great distaste. "This... tsk."

His tone was quite disdainful. Calling it a bird was one thing, but how dare they call it phoenix claws.

"You don't eat this?" Everyone had different tastes. Tan Xiao moved his own plate. "If you don't, give it to me. Do you want the chicken wings? If not, put them here too."

Chicken wings... chicken wings were okay, but since Tan Xiao had already asked, Kong Xuan still gave him the chicken wings together, and then his expression inexplicably became cheerful.

Lin Yang saw it and thought, no doubt, no doubt, this was the look of being someone's confidant and lackey. He even dared to act coquettish with the boss. Brother Xiao was well-versed in the way of controlling subordinates.

Lin Yang raised his own glass and said, "Today we gather here to celebrate our common good friend Tan Xiao ascending to the throne of the boss of No. 1 Middle. Please allow me to call you Godfather..."

Tan Xiao: "..."

What nonsense!

Tan Xiao said with a wry smile, "Don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors. Wu Tianyu thanked me because my family was invited to do a ritual at his house."

Only Tan Xiao could openly say that he went to someone's house to perform rites. At Lin Yang's second uncle's funeral, Tan Xiao had also helped.

Hearing this, Lin Yang immediately believed it. "So you hit him while performing the ritual? He made trouble?"

Tan Xiao: "..."

"You really know how to catch the point." Tan Xiao pointed at the plate, meaning to remind Lin Yang to just eat his stuff. "I said it was an accidental injury."

"Hahaha, okay." Those two sentences from Lin Yang were also half-joking, but one could only say that in his heart, he had indeed developed some awe for Tan Xiao's spiritual prowess.

Lin Yang was still okay, he was familiar with Tan Xiao after all. But the other students watching on the scene might not be.

Tan Xiao looked at the expressions of the surrounding students. His classmates at the same table were fine, all nodding with silly smiles. But the students from other classes... sigh.

The rumor about the tattooed big shot this morning hadn't been clarified yet. If Sister Mao came with her sleeve tattoos to talk to him and Wu Tianyu next time, wouldn't it be even crazier?

Tan Xiao poked at the dishes, feeling depressed as he continued to eat.

To be fair, the new supplier chef who came to participate in the bidding had indeed made great progress in his skills compared to before. At least Tan Xiao could eat it now. He decided to eat this for a few more days.

......

Tan Xiao originally thought that he would probably be interviewed by the head teacher, but unexpectedly, the interview didn't come. Instead, the head teacher Ji Huiming came to him and said that Wu Tianyu's head teacher wanted to thank him.

The teachers heard another version. Wu Tianyu no longer went out to hang out and fight, but buried himself in studying. It was said that he went home immediately after school, and even asked his parents to pick him up after evening self-study.

If his parents were not available, he would leave the school with the teacher. When asked, he said he had taken a fall, and Tan Xiao had advised him.

Tan Xiao thought to himself that the next time the exam results came out, their class teacher's mood would be like a roller coaster ride. However, as long as Wu Tianyu was willing to study, there was still a chance for him to improve his grades to the level that Big Beard Zhong had predicted.

Ji Huiming kept saying that he hoped Tan Xiao would use this trick on Kong Xuan as well.

Tan Xiao: "...I'll try my best!"

But this was really difficult.

A few days later, the senior student that Yu Zhenzhen had mentioned who was going to give a lecture arrived. The teacher told everyone to bring their stools to the sports field. No. 1 Middle School did not have an auditorium that could accommodate all the students, so every time there was a big event, it was held on the sports field, with everyone bringing their own stools.

When they arrived at the sports field, they saw that the banner had already been put up: "Pursuing Role Models, Striving for New Heights - Excellent Graduate of Nanchu No. 1 Middle School Ruan Zhanxue Returns to School for Lecture and Exchange Activity."

Behind it was a poster for Ruan Zhanxue's new book, called "Five Flavors and Seven Emotions", a collection of essays.

Many students crowded at the entrance of the field, not knowing what was happening in front. Lin Yang stretched his neck to look ahead and saw that it was because Senior Ruan was also entering the field, and they were watching him.

"Can you guys move a little?" Lin Yang couldn't help but complain. Couldn't they wait until they sat down to watch? It's not like they wouldn't be able to see him. Did they have to watch him up close like this? He's not some celebrity.

Someone in front heard him, but didn't budge.

Everyone was holding stools, so it wasn't easy to squeeze through. Lin Yang looked back and saw that Tan Xiao was also slowly coming over. "There's a traffic jam, oh how annoying. Why are they blocking the entrance? Why don't we go in from the other side?" The teacher would definitely have to come and maintain discipline.

Tan Xiao tentatively said politely, "Excuse me, could you please let us through?"

The students in front, whether they were seniors or juniors, upon hearing Tan Xiao's voice, nudged those who hadn't heard, and in any case, they all silently made way for Tan Xiao, opening up a path for him.

Lin Yang was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed, and quickly stepped forward to act as a sidekick: "Big brother, please go ahead."

Tan Xiao: "...Shut up."

Tan Xiao was already quite famous in the school to begin with, and Wu Tianyu had also spread the word in the school. Plus, the way Wu Tianyu had acted in the cafeteria that day had also spread, so who dared not make way for Tan Xiao?

Tan Xiao comforted himself that this counted as taking advantage of the situation. When they arrived at their class's usual spot, they set down their stools and sat down. The scene was still noisy, and the junior high students had also all come. Some were even using their phone watches to take photos of Ruan Zhanxue.

"Wow, no wonder they're watching, the senior is quite handsome. He's indeed worthy of having his photo printed on the poster." Lin Yang said in a low voice, "Look, the girls in our class all want to sit in the front. I heard that Senior Ruan was the campus hottie of their year. The most remarkable thing is that even after graduating for many years, his looks haven't deteriorated or become greasy."

"Oh?" Tan Xiao also looked ahead a few times. A row of people had already taken their seats on the stage. The school leaders were all older, so they were easy to distinguish. Among them sat a young man in a T-shirt and jacket, wearing a pair of rimless glasses. It was very likely that this was Senior Ruan Zhanxue.

He didn't remember what he looked like, but he heard Kong Xuan let out a cold snort.

What did that mean? Jealousy? Feeling discouraged? Tan Xiao turned his head and thought about the possibilities for a moment before comforting him: "It's okay, you're quite good-looking too."

Kong Xuan: "..."

What's okay? Did he need comforting?!

Lin Yang also looked at Tan Xiao in surprise. How did he get a lackey and still mock others? He said the senior was quite handsome, not that he was more handsome than Kong Xuan! That would be too difficult!

Tan Xiao could tell at a glance that he had probably said the wrong thing again, and thought about how to make amends. "Uh..."

As for Kong Xuan, he also knew that Tan Xiao's bad habit had acted up again, but he was still so angry that he glared at him with his phoenix eyes.

In a fit of anger, he moved a little to the side, ignoring Tan Xiao.

Class teacher Ji Huiming poked his head out and saw: "Kong Xuan, move a little to the left. The line is not straight."

Three seconds later, Kong Xuan moved back with a sullen face.

Tan Xiao didn't have the energy to make amends anymore and covered his face, laughing silently.

Kong Xuan: "..." Infuriating.

He gloomily looked at Tan Xiao. Tan Xiao waved his hand: "...I'm really not laughing anymore."

"Students, please all sit down and be quiet." A teacher on stage, who was acting as the host, spoke up to maintain discipline. After the scene quieted down, the event officially began.

"In order to motivate everyone to set goals, the school has invited the XX class graduate Ruan Zhanxue to return to his alma mater to give a lecture. Mr. Ruan Zhanxue graduated from the Chinese Department of Qi University with a master's degree. He is currently a rising young writer in China, a member of the Writers Association, and has published a collection of works..."

The host reviewed Ruan Zhanxue's published works and awards, and then naturally shared his learning experience when he was studying at No. 1 Middle School, combined with his current achievements and works.

When Ruan Zhanxue was in school, he was known for his diligence. Even now, some teachers still remember him and tell students about a senior they taught who, rain or shine, always got up an hour earlier than others to go to the classroom to read.

"Actually, that became my habit. My father is a soldier, so I was used to getting up early since I was a child. He had also hoped that I would join the military, but I still preferred literature." Ruan Zhanxue said with a smile.

"As readers, we are very grateful for your decision. Qi Province's Literary News praised our Senior Ruan's works, saying that Ruan Zhanxue's writing is vivid, full of imagery, and brimming with a love for life.

"I have read the senior's articles, and indeed, especially when describing food, it often makes my mouth water. There are some home-cooked dishes that I never thought could be written about so deliciously. And when writing about local customs and practices, they come alive on the page. Unlike me, when I write essays, they are dry and I don't know how to describe things."

Ruan Zhanxue also earnestly began to teach. "As you can see from my writing, I am a foodie. I am originally from Chu Province, and went to Qi Province to study. After graduating, I lived there for a few years. This kind of regional change allowed me to encounter different things and customs, which I found very novel and couldn't help but observe and record. It also led to my earliest published works. Actually, in middle and high school, we have already learned most of the techniques, but in actual writing, we need to mobilize our senses."

"When I first went to Qi Province to study, I really liked a dish there called Embroidered Ball Scallops. I have always loved seafood, and this dish is both fresh and tender..."

Senior Ruan slowly described the cooking method of Embroidered Ball Scallops and carefully described the taste and how he wrote about it. The students at the scene were all slurping, exclaiming that the senior indeed had a way with words.

It was unknown whether they had learned the writing techniques, but Tan Xiao had at least written down the recipe.

Seeing him take notes, Kong Xuan asked indifferently, "You like to eat this?"

"No, I'm thinking a friend of mine might like it, so I'm taking note of the recipe to make it for him when I get back." Tan Xiao glanced back at him, thinking that Peacock God quite enjoyed the crab he made before, and wondering how he would like other seafood.

Of course, Tan Xiao only mentioned a friend on the surface, while thinking this to himself.

Kong Xuan's heart also skipped a beat, certain that Tan Xiao was referring to him, definitely him, since he said "when I get back".

Tan Xiao heard about delicious food outside and took note of the recipe to make it for him when he returned. How extraordinarily considerate and respectful is that?!

But...

Kong Xuan wasn't sure if it was his misconception, but Tan Xiao's glance at him and the look in his eyes when mentioning his "friend" were slightly different, not as affectionate!

As a peacock, he was very satisfied, but as "Kong Xuan", he inexplicably felt unhappy! Could it be that his side as Kong Xuan was completely inferior to that as a peacock?

Kong Xuan's expression alternated between gloomy and sunny, his heart repeatedly bouncing between dejection and complacency. He wanted to throw the rice bowl in front of Tan Xiao's face and shout "I am the peacock".

But that would be slapping his own face too much...

Just as Kong Xuan was struggling, he heard a slightly familiar thin voice coming from ahead.

......

The Rice Guardian was climbing up and down in No. 1 Middle School's cafeteria. The place had newly enshrined the "Grand Stove God", so he came specifically to familiarize himself with the new inspection area and check if there were any hungry ghosts causing trouble, keeping himself busy non-stop.

Suddenly, he heard a voice from afar, amplified by the sound system, "The deliciousness of dried scallops made the ancients exclaim that even three days after eating, chicken and shrimp still tasted bland..."

Hearing the various descriptions of flavors, the Rice Guardian was so enchanted that he couldn't help but want to skip work to listen to the lecture together with others.

No one could see any movement, only hearing the pot clanging lightly at first, then the table seeming to be tapped with a series of light taps. The Rice Guardian slid down the table along the broom and landed steadily, dashing towards the direction of the lecture.

After arriving at the scene, the Rice Guardian spotted an extraordinary face in the crowd at a glance... Okay, it's because he paid attention to the Spirit Master's textbook and saw where he went to school.

It's the Spirit Master!

The Rice Guardian cheered and ran towards Class 3 with his short legs, shouting as he ran, "Spirit Master, you're here too, I'm here too..."

We're really meant to be.

And Peacock God won't come to make trouble.

Hey, maybe the Spirit Master will invite me to have dinner together tonight!

The Rice Guardian clearly saw Tan Xiao look up at the sound and reveal a bit of a smile the moment he saw him. The Rice Guardian couldn't help but break into a grin and ran with even more vigor.

It was also at this moment that a figure originally half-hidden behind Tan Xiao slowly emerged. That perfect face was clearly revealed, phoenix eyes narrowed, glaring at the Rice Guardian with a face even more unpleasant than their previous encounters.

...Hic!

Why is he here too!

The Rice Guardian was so startled that he hiccupped. His body jerked abruptly as he screeched to a halt. After only thinking for a second and imagining Peacock God's exceptionally ugly expression, he decisively chose to make a sharp turn and fled.

As he ran, he still felt a bit unwilling, letting out a roar, "Ahh!!"

......

Tan Xiao watched in bewilderment as the Rice Guardian dashed wildly, going from "I'm coming" in one second to "I'm leaving" in the next. He thought, what is it doing??

Moreover, its posture bordering on fleeing in panic seemed a little bit familiar...

At this time, the senior student on stage took out his homemade pastries, saying he wanted to distribute them to everyone.

Tan Xiao immediately felt somewhat enlightened, speculating that the Rice Guardian probably wanted to go smell the aroma.

However, the amount of food was limited, so only a few people got to taste it.

Throughout the lecture, the senior student went from poetry and songs to life philosophy, from food to essay writing techniques, and gave out some of his autographed books. Everyone gained something from it, so the applause was quite enthusiastic when it ended.

Ji Huiming also received a book. "Put the books in the reading corner. Everyone can borrow them if they want to read."

Everyone moved their stools back on their own. "It's over, it's over, let's hurry and go eat." The senior student's descriptions during the lecture made everyone drool, eager to put down their stools and go eat as soon as possible.

The school was very lively at this time. Some were shuttling between the cafeteria, the sports field, and the teaching building like them, while others wanted to avoid the peak meal time and took advantage of the break to play ball on the court first.

"Quick, look, look!" One of the boys suddenly said in a low voice.

Everyone looked in the direction he pointed. It was a quite famous senior girl in their school who studied broadcasting and hosting. This senior hosted many of the school's evening parties, with a sweet and generous smile and a deep foundation, widely praised.

At this moment, she happened to be walking by the artificial lake, her clean and tidy school uniform exuding a beautiful aura, truly complementing the green shade and blue sky.

...It would be even better if the senior girl's male deskmate wasn't beside her. The two of them walking together emanated a peculiar atmosphere.

Several boys watched sourly, thinking that with the senior preparing for the art exam and then graduating after that, it would be difficult to see her again. Every encounter was one less.

Only one discordant voice sounded at this time—

Kong Xuan asked Tan Xiao, "What are they looking at?"

Tan Xiao also glanced in the direction they were staring at and said blankly, "I don't know, the weather is nice?"

The others: "............"

Everyone was speechless, wanting to scold them for pretending, but seeing Kong Xuan's looks, they swallowed their words back...

Tan Xiao didn't notice the senior girl at first glance. But after a few more looks, he also reacted that they should be looking at a person and let out an "oh". Because of his face blindness, whether it was senior Ruan or this senior girl, it was relatively difficult for him to share a common topic with everyone in this regard.

However, at this point, the senior girl's voice gradually grew louder, and it could vaguely be heard that she was actually scolding her deskmate.

"...Still stubborn, you think I didn't see it? Would someone with no intentions save someone else's Moments photos?"

The deskmate said something, his voice a bit low. The senior girl's eyes actually reddened as she directly ran away.

Although they didn't know what exactly happened, everyone sighed a few times, firmly believing it was the senior girl's deskmate's problem. They couldn't help but grumble, you don't even cherish her properly and dare to save other people's photos.

Kong Xuan was very puzzled, not understanding this relationship, because he knew it was written in the school rules that students were not allowed to date. Was this having too good of a relationship with one's deskmate?

Lin Yang had always admired the senior girl, not to the extent of a crush, but enough to make him indignantly include himself in the disparagement, "Netizens said it well, men, only when hung on the wall will they behave!"

Tan Xiao: "Hahaha."

Kong Xuan: "............"

What kind of words are these...!

Tan Xiao was still laughing, but he couldn't laugh!

Author's Note:

Kong Xuan: Have you ever thought about whether there are really birds living inside the masks on the wall??