Chapter Seventy-Six: Please Help Me (Two-in-One Chapter, Request for Monthly Votes!)

(This is today's update, a double-length chapter.)

Chapter Seventy-Six: I’m Counting on You

Monica's French class was a resounding success—in this case, success meant she managed to capture the attention of nearly every male student present. Attendance in her classroom could be said to be the highest in all of Gide Academy. As for how many of those students were genuinely interested in the material—well, that's another story.

After class, Monica was naturally surrounded by a crowd of boys, though the scene elicited more than a few eye-rolls from the female students.

But when Young Master Xu approached, he merely cleared his throat, and the boys around Monica quickly, instinctively parted to make way for him—at Gide Academy, Young Master Xu still reigned supreme. No matter how unwilling they felt, these wealthy heirs knew better than to offend someone of his stature for the sake of a woman—don’t mistake them for simple-minded, reckless playboys.

With their backgrounds, if any of them were truly fond of women, they’d have plenty of experience already—in this world, money can buy almost anything, beauty included.

Monica, alluring as she was, wasn’t irreplaceable. Offending Young Master Xu would bring far worse consequences.

Although they inwardly grumbled—another flower about to be plucked by the Xu family heir—they wisely withdrew.

“I’m just curious,” Young Master Xu said, walking up to the podium and resting a hand lightly on the edge of the desk. He flashed his most nonchalant smile. “Monica, with your looks, why did you choose to become a teacher?”

He didn’t even bother with the formal "teacher" title, openly signaling his bold intentions.

Monica adjusted her glasses, her mesmerizing eyes sweeping over Young Master Xu’s hand—only a few centimeters from hers—a deliberate move on his part.

“If I said it was out of interest, would you believe me?”

Young Master Xu smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and deliberately leaned in closer. His nose nearly touched Monica’s hair, and he pretended to inhale, eyes filled with a faint admiration. “I like your perfume—Poison. It tells me you’re a woman who loves adventure and excitement.”

“I’m half French,” Monica replied, seeming unconcerned by Young Master Xu’s advance—his proximity had already far exceeded the boundaries of teacher and student.

The boys nearby could only retreat further, helpless.

“That’s why I’m curious... Poison isn’t a scent befitting a teacher,” Young Master Xu said, appearing casual, but his gaze boldly lingered on Monica’s face.

Monica gave a sweet smile. “Likewise, your attitude doesn’t fit how a student should treat a teacher.”

Young Master Xu shrugged, then reached out and took her pen from beside her book, writing a string of numbers on a page.

“This is my number. I’ll be waiting for your call before nine tonight—if you like adventure.”

With that, Young Master Xu turned and strode out with Chen Xiao, not saying another word.

Once they’d left the classroom, Chen Xiao sighed, glancing at his friend. “Is this what you call playing hard to get?”

Young Master Xu grinned lazily. “A woman like her has plenty of admirers. Rather than buzzing around her, it’s better to leave her guessing—might even spark her curiosity. Chasing girls is all a psychological game.”

Chen Xiao shook his head, unconvinced by Young Master Xu’s tactics.

Young Master Xu glanced around, finally fixing his gaze on the end of the corridor, a peculiar smile at his lips. “How was my performance just now? Did she see it? Was her expression unpleasant?”

Chen Xiao stared at him. “You knew Bai Cai was watching?”

“Of course.” Young Master Xu smirked. “Why else would I put on such a show? I’ve seen plenty of women—no matter how beautiful, it’s all the same.” He laughed quietly. “Monica’s tempting, but not enough to turn my head. Women... hmph, throw out a million, and you can get any type you want—gorgeous, pure, gentle, spicy... as long as there are women who love money, nothing’s out of reach.”

He patted Chen Xiao’s shoulder. “Brother, trust me. If it’s a problem money can solve, it’s not a problem at all.”

Then he gave a bitter smile. “Only someone like Bai Cai, who can’t be bought, really makes me...”

Chen Xiao frowned. “Then why act so lecherous?”

Young Master Xu chuckled helplessly. “Because I’m genuinely lecherous—she’s already pegged me as that kind of guy. Even if I pretend to be innocent now, it’s too late. But to get close to her heart, you need a circuitous strategy. Like, I clung to her for a while, then suddenly acted distant, pretending my interest shifted... Even if a girl doesn’t like me, she’ll be curious: ‘Huh? Why isn’t he chasing me anymore?’”

Seeing Chen Xiao’s lack of interest, Young Master Xu sighed. “Alright, I know you’re not interested. You’ve already got a rare gem at home, so Monica’s just ordinary to you. And lately, you and Xiao Qing seem pretty close.”

With Young Master Xu’s teasing smile, Chen Xiao purposely put on a stern face. “Oh? Are you itching for trouble? Since we’ve got time, let’s go to the training hall. I’ll help you loosen your bones.”

“No, thanks,” Young Master Xu quickly shook his head, glanced around, and lowered his voice. “Come on, everyone knows you’re a monster. Fighting you? Do I look like a masochist?” His psychological insight was spot on—honed from countless victories.

These past few days, Bai Cai’s feelings were indeed complicated—she’d never admit to feeling anything for Young Master Xu, that “embroidered pillow stuffed with straw” of a playboy! Even if she did...

She remembered the boy who had pedaled her wildly through the streets...

But that day in the courtyard, the woman named Fireworks had spoken to her, and when she stepped out, she saw Young Master Xu’s smiling face...

Bai Cai felt an inexplicable weakness wash over her heart.

Women are mostly emotional creatures, with a touch of softness in their nature.

And besides... this is the "future," ordained by fate?

In the classic Journey to the West parody, they say: Heaven decrees it—isn’t that enough to boast about?

When confronted with fate, most people eventually surrender in resignation—only a rare few can truly defy destiny. Sadly, Bai Cai wasn’t among them.

Even she couldn’t help but notice her attitude toward Young Master Xu had subtly shifted.

Of course, it wasn’t affection or fondness yet—just... a sort of curiosity.

Could it be... this scoundrel is the one destined for her?

When the facts became unchangeable, people often comfort themselves: Well, he’s not that bad, at least he’s good-looking, and he treats me alright...

But... too much of a flirt! Too lustful!

Such a man must never be chosen! Never! Absolutely not!

But... if he could change his flirtatious, lustful ways, then...

Unconsciously, Bai Cai sometimes realized her heart was softening, though she still resisted, not as firmly as before.

That day, he doted on Ya Ya... today, he ogled the new teacher...

Just thinking about it made her furious!

No, no, no! His lecherousness has nothing to do with me! Yes, nothing at all!

The next day, Ya Ya arrived at school with dark circles under her eyes, sitting at her desk and rummaging through her bag, when suddenly a hand appeared, placing a beautifully printed envelope on her desk.

Bai Cai turned her head and saw Young Master Xu grinning at her, flashing white teeth, his smile warm, his gaze gentle...

This attitude, so starkly different from his recent coldness toward her and attentiveness to other women, made Bai Cai feel a sudden, inexplicable sense of grievance—ah, such a naive girl.

“What’s this?” Bai Cai purposely put on a stern face—not even she understood her own feelings.

“An invitation card.” Young Master Xu smiled elegantly. “This weekend is my birthday. I want to host a small party, just for close friends... You, Chen Xiao, Xiao Qing, Lu Xiaoxiao, and President Jin from the Taekwondo club…”

Close friends?

Hearing this, Bai Cai couldn't help feeling touched and warm inside. He considers me one of his close friends? And I’m the first he mentioned?

But... before she could savor the feeling, Young Master Xu’s next words nearly made her explode with rage.

“...and the new teacher Monica.”

Monica?

That vixen who’s only been here a few days, she’s your “close friend” too?? Bai Cai was so angry her face turned white.

Young Master Xu! Just as expected! He really is incorrigibly lecherous! To him, “close friend” is worthless!

“No time! Not going!”

Bai Cai angrily tossed the invitation aside, not noticing the sly satisfaction flashing in Young Master Xu’s eyes.

Ha! Perfect! This reaction is exactly what I wanted. If Bai Cai was indifferent, that’d be trouble.

Young Master Xu’s voice grew even gentler. He smiled, then sat beside Bai Cai, picked up the invitation, and tucked it into her bag. “You should come. You’re always stern with me, and I rarely get to celebrate my birthday... Besides, we’re comrades. My father recently developed a resort on a small island in Lake Hundred Isles—beautiful scenery, mountains and water. We can have a lakeside barbecue party. It’ll be fun.”

His sudden tenderness left Bai Cai flustered.

Agree? But she was reluctant.

Refuse? Yet she felt a bit soft-hearted.

Oh well... just as comrades...

Young Master Xu noticed the struggle in Bai Cai’s eyes—yes, getting closer to the goal!

His voice grew even softer, and he leaned in to Bai Cai’s ear, speaking in his most magnetic tone, “You must come. And... dress up. I—I love seeing you in a white dress; you look beautiful!” With that, he stood up and left, leaving Bai Cai sitting there, heart pounding.

Young Master Xu’s birthday invitation was for Saturday, two days away.

But for Chen Xiao, today was a significant day.

Because today was Thursday.

After school, he arrived on time at the coffee shop on Ruined Street, opening for business at four in the afternoon.

Today... was another day for accepting assignments.

In the kitchen, Fatty, now officially head chef of Daybucks Coffee, wore an apron, clutching a lunchbox and eating heartily, his cheeks puffed out like two ping-pong balls.

Suddenly, Fatty heard a loud “bang!” from the front—the sound of breaking glass!

Startled, he ran out and saw Chen Xiao standing at the counter, frowning at the door.

At the entrance, two men in black suits stood side by side. Both wore old-fashioned fedoras, the brims covering their faces, heads lowered. Each carried a leather suitcase.

“Who are you?” Chen Xiao frowned.

As these two entered, it felt as if the temperature in the café dropped sharply! Chen Xiao involuntarily shivered, even dropping his coffee cup!

And it was no illusion.

He clearly sensed that these two, as the center, radiated an icy chill throughout the café.

On the transparent glass kettle at the counter, condensation formed as the temperature fell, beading along the sides...

“Excuse me…”

The man on the left spoke, his voice as cold and rigid as an ice block.

“…Are you accepting assignments now?”

Before Chen Xiao could reply, he noticed the man’s shoes had left a layer of white frost on the marble floor.

Chen Xiao’s brows knit tightly.

He felt an instinctive dislike for these two strange visitors—a visceral sense of danger. Even standing near them made his hair stand on end, as if they weren’t men, but beasts.

Drawing a deep breath, Chen Xiao glanced at Fatty at the kitchen door, signaling him, then said, “Please, have a seat. You’re right, now is the time for assignments.”

The two men silently walked in. Chen Xiao noticed their movements—their posture, steps, every action was perfectly synchronized! Not even a hint of difference. Even the length of each stride seemed precisely measured.

And the two men held hands! Even as they sat side by side, their joined hands remained together.

“What do you need?”

Chen Xiao suppressed his unease and sat before them.

“First, our rules: we don’t accept murder assignments, as we’re not assassins. We don’t accept anything political, as we avoid political disputes. Third… we reserve the right to refuse assignments as we see fit.”

Still the man on the left.

“We don’t need you to kill, nor is it official business. We just want you to help us find something.”

Find something?

Bang!

Two suitcases landed on the table. Each man opened his case, taking out two items.

The man on the left said in an icy voice, “Our assignment is to find the owners of these two items.”

He slowly took off his hat.

Seeing his face, Chen Xiao gasped.

His features were stiff, lifeless—like a corpse. His eyes…

His pupils were a bizarre gray-white. If Chen Xiao hadn’t looked closely, he’d have thought the man’s eyes were entirely gray-white!

Most unnerving, his eyes were rigid, unmoving, staring at Chen Xiao without a twitch—like a puppet.

“Find it,” the man on the left rasped. “The reward is twenty million dollars.”

The amount didn’t move Chen Xiao, but the two items on the table made him frown.

One was like a pet dog collar—or rather, it was a collar. All metal, as thick as Chen Xiao’s finger, circular, with a flat section featuring an electronic keypad.

“You mean… the item you’re looking for is an animal?”

Chen Xiao tried to pick up the collar, but the man snatched it back, pressing it to the table. His gray-white eyes stared at Chen Xiao, lifeless. “Accept, or not?”

Chen Xiao felt a hard-to-describe irritation, about to refuse, when suddenly a voice came from the door.

“Accept!”

He looked up to see Gong Gong standing at the entrance, towering like an iron pillar, but without Zhu Rong at his side. Gong Gong’s face was severe, his gaze steely. He nodded slightly at Chen Xiao.

The man on the left glanced at Gong Gong, his expression unchanged. He pulled out a check, tossed it on the table, then he and his companion stood and walked out without another word.

As they passed Gong Gong, the silent man on the right lifted his head, speaking for the first time since arrival.

“Long time no see. You’re still alive.”

Gong Gong replied coldly, “Still alive. So are you. Good.”

“Good.”

The man’s voice was metallic, synthesized, and the two strange figures disappeared into the night.

Gong Gong entered, closed the door behind him, and approached Chen Xiao, eyeing the two collar-like objects.

“Brother Gong Gong…”

Chen Xiao began, but Gong Gong interrupted.

“Xiao Xiao, can you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

Gong Gong looked into Chen Xiao’s eyes, speaking slowly, but with an undeniable authority. “Tonight’s events—the two men, this assignment—don’t tell Old Tian or Zhu Rong. I’ll handle this one alone.”

“…Ah?”

Gong Gong sighed, a hint of complexity softening his resolute gaze.

He picked up the two collars, fingers gently caressing the metal, his eyes filled with an emotion Chen Xiao couldn’t decipher.

Was it sadness? Or worry?

Perhaps both.

“Promise me,” Gong Gong said again, staring at Chen Xiao.

“…Alright.” Chen Xiao nodded, but couldn’t help adding, “Promise me you won’t take risks! This feels complicated. If there’s danger, tell us, let’s face it together…”

Gong Gong shook his head. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. No need to worry.”

He grinned at Chen Xiao, about to leave, but turned back, his gaze complex, his voice and tone hard to read:

“Xiao Xiao… do you think the future can be changed?”

Chen Xiao was stunned, but Gong Gong had already hurried out the door.

The future… can it be changed?

Chen Xiao’s face suddenly shifted, recalling that day…

The Seer… the future… Fireworks?!

Could it be… this is connected to what Fireworks told Gong Gong that day?

Chen Xiao remembered clearly—after leaving Fireworks, Gong Gong’s mood subtly changed, though he hid it well, he couldn’t hide it from Chen Xiao.

“Wait! Wait!” Chen Xiao shouted, running out the door, but on Ruined Street at night, under flickering streetlights, Gong Gong’s figure was already receding. Hearing Chen Xiao’s footsteps, he turned and waved.

“I’m counting on you.”

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