Chapter Nineteen: "Traces of Time"

Chapter Nineteen: "Traces of Time"

Chen Xiao could not help but let out a bitter laugh. With the intelligence of the offspring of a scientific oddity like himself, it was obvious he was being used as a human shield.

Sure enough, as soon as she cried out in that delicate and pitiful manner, all the men turned, their eyes full of murderous intent, glaring at Chen Xiao.

"Is she your girlfriend?"

"Hmph! Chen Xiao, tell your woman to let go of Xiao Ma!"

"Enough talking! Let's take this guy down first, then use his girlfriend as a hostage for an exchange!"

Chen Xiao couldn't even manage a smile now. The male students swarmed toward him, faces fierce, as if they wanted to break his bones right then and there. Although these privileged sons usually avoided trouble at school, Chen Xiao was an exception. Everyone knew his family had fallen into decline and he had no backing—so beating him up carried no consequences.

Before Chen Xiao could explain, the boys had already reached him, fists and feet flying. Chen Xiao quickly retreated two steps, dodging two kicks and blocking two punches. He was about to speak up, but the girl fanned the flames, shouting, "Careful, darling! Teach them a lesson!"

Chen Xiao nearly laughed out of anger: You want me to be careful and also to teach them a lesson? Please, there are four of them and only one of me.

These guys really were ruthless, showing no mercy. After a few exchanges, Chen Xiao began to get angry. He sidestepped, dodging a punch, and seized the attacker’s wrist, forcing him away. With a thud, the student was tossed aside. Chen Xiao then took a kick to the shoulder, raising his arm to block, but the blow to his forearm almost knocked him down.

Meanwhile, the girl kept retreating, shouting loudly, "Go, darling! Be careful!"

Chen Xiao was about to retort when, distracted, he took a punch to the face. Now he was truly furious.

He had formally studied karate, and his skills were solid, though he usually avoided trouble. Until now, he’d only defended himself, but with his blood up, his gaze turned cold. "Stop this nonsense! I—"

"You what?!" said one, arms wrapping around Chen Xiao from behind, while another raised his fist toward Chen Xiao’s chest.

Chen Xiao grunted, arching his body powerfully, flipping the man over his back and slamming him to the ground, where he promptly passed out. Chen Xiao then delivered a kick to another, using most of his strength. The student flew back four or five meters as if yanked by a rope.

Suddenly, Chen Xiao heard the rush of air behind him. Instinctively, he dodged to the side; had he not moved, his head might have been split open. He grabbed the attacker’s arm, twisted it with ease, dislocating the joint, then kicked him in the abdomen, forcing him to his knees.

In less than half a minute, all four lay sprawled on the ground, grimacing in pain. Chen Xiao turned to the girl.

She seemed stunned, having retreated throughout the fight, only to witness Chen Xiao effortlessly dispatch the boys. Her gaze was full of surprise—she hadn’t expected the random student she’d dragged into this mess to have such skill.

Seeing Chen Xiao’s cold glare, her expression turned awkward. She forced a laugh, "Wow, you really can fight!"

"Hmph, why aren’t you calling me 'darling' now?" Chen Xiao said icily, stepping forward.

Startled, the girl quickly protested, "Hey! I’m just a helpless girl being bullied—I had no choice but to ask you for help!"

Chen Xiao frowned, sighing, "Let that guy go first."

She released her grip, and the Xiao Ma she’d been choking fell to the ground, still wary of Chen Xiao. "You’re not angry enough to hit me, are you?"

"I have no taste for hitting women," Chen Xiao replied, not bothering to argue. He’d only wanted to help, but she’d used him as a shield, leaving him annoyed. He bent to pick up his backpack, dusted it off, and was about to leave when urgent footsteps echoed from the parking lot entrance. Turning, he saw seven or eight burly men in black suits charging in.

"Run!"

Chen Xiao instantly grasped the situation, sprinting into the parking lot. After two steps, he noticed the girl hadn’t moved, so he doubled back, grabbed her hand, and shouted, "Are you daft? Run!"

She cried out, "Run? Who are they?"

Chen Xiao pulled her along, not looking back. "Who else? Bodyguards! No way I can take on that many!"

The bodyguards rushed to their young masters, hurriedly helping them up. After a few words, the battered students pointed at Chen Xiao in the parking lot, cursing viciously. The bodyguards immediately gave chase.

Chen Xiao dragged the girl, running for their lives. Thankfully, the underground parking lot at Keide Academy was huge—three levels with hundreds of spaces. They darted around corners, hiding behind cars. Chen Xiao’s quick thinking kept them out of sight as the bodyguards fanned out in pursuit.

As they crouched behind a car, the girl whispered, "Aren’t you pretty tough? You took down four guys!"

Chen Xiao gave her a strange look. "You watch too many kung fu movies. I’m just a student, not Jet Li or Donnie Yen. Those boys were spoiled rich kids, pampered and weak—easy to handle. But these bodyguards are professionals; any one of them would be a handful."

"What do we do then?" she fretted.

Chen Xiao shot her a glare, thinking: I should be asking you! This whole mess is your fault for dragging me into it.

After a moment, he whispered, "If only we had a car..."

"I do!" she exclaimed, eyes lighting up. She pointed, "Inside, last one on the left!"

She indicated the far left corner of the parking lot. Skirting behind a row of cars, they headed toward it. At the end of the row was a blue Mercedes CLS, not exactly a luxury car at Keide Academy—but any car would do.

They hurried over, and Chen Xiao barked, "What are you waiting for? Open the door!"

The girl seemed dazed, glancing at him and swallowing nervously. "Why are you grabbing someone else’s car? Mine’s over here..."

She pointed again.

To be honest, when Chen Xiao saw the car she meant, his expression was as if he’d seen a ghost.

A classic luxury vehicle, so old its paint was nearly gone—a Phoenix brand bicycle leaned quietly against the wall, its basket rusted, two screws missing, and half the basket detached. The remaining screws didn’t look like they’d last much longer. Most remarkable was the left pedal—there was none, just a bare axle.

To borrow a popular phrase: Every single part of this vehicle bore the "traces of time."

Chen Xiao was speechless.

He stared at this "luxury car" for half a minute before finally managing to ask, "Classmate... Is this antique yours?"

[Note: Today is Sunday, and there will be three chapters updated. That means tonight at midnight, an extra chapter will be added to boost the rankings. Everyone is welcome to bring your votes and show your support tonight~]

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