The morning sky was overcast, as if reflecting Jiu Fan's mood that had been in turmoil lately. After the unexpected incident with Wang Muzhan—the CEO of a giant company who turned out to be paying attention to him—he still couldn't calm down. There was something he couldn't understand about all of this. He was just an ordinary student, a nobody. But now, it was as if the universe was starting to pull him into a vortex he had never imagined.
That morning, the atmosphere at school felt a little different. From the school hallway, students could be heard whispering about the arrival of a new student. They seemed curious—a new student? Hadn't the school year been going on for almost two months?
"I heard he's a rich kid!" whispered a female student at the end of the hallway.
"They say he's really handsome, like a model from that colossal drama…" added another.
Jiu Fan just passed by, not really caring. But his curiosity began to grow when the homeroom teacher entered with a male student with a sturdy body, neat hair, clean skin, and a calm face full of confidence.
"Class," the homeroom teacher interrupted. "Today we have a new friend. His name is Xiao Zhen. He transferred from the northern city. From now on, he will be part of our class."
Xiao Zhen stepped to the front of the class. His gaze swept around the room calmly. He smiled politely, then bowed.
"Hello everyone, I'm Xiao Zhen. Nice to join you all. I hope we can become good friends."
The classroom suddenly became quiet. Many were stunned by Xiao Zhen's calm yet charming demeanor. Not only his appearance, but his way of speaking showed that he grew up in a classy environment.
"He can sit next to Jiu Fan," the homeroom teacher said.
"Huh?" Jiu Fan muttered softly.
Xiao Zhen smiled slightly at him and walked casually to the empty seat beside him. After sitting down, he turned his head.
"Your name is Jiu Fan, right? I've heard of you," he said.
"Heard of me?" Jiu Fan frowned. "From where?"
"From my father," Xiao Zhen answered casually. "You've met him… Wang Muzhan."
Instantly, Jiu Fan's chest felt like it had been hit by a hammer. He turned his head quickly.
"You're… Wang Muzhan's son?"
Xiao Zhen chuckled. "Yes. I know, surprising, huh?"
Jiu Fan looked away, trying to digest the reality. The world seemed to be getting smaller. After meeting CEO Wang in person yesterday, now his son was in the same class as him?
"My father said… you're quite interesting," Xiao Zhen continued. "That's why I was allowed to transfer here. I could have stayed at my old school, but… I guess I needed a new experience."
"Interesting?" Jiu Fan mumbled, confused. "Why are you guys interested in me?"
Xiao Zhen shrugged. "I don't know. My father rarely explains the reason, but when he looks at someone, there's usually something he sees."
Their conversation was interrupted because the teacher came in. But Jiu Fan's mind was still uneasy. Xiao Zhen, CEO Wang's son… Was now by his side. Whether it was a good omen or a bad omen, one thing was for sure—his school life would never be the same again.
---
During break time, Wu Lixue came over to Jiu Fan and Xiao Zhen.
"Hello, you must be the new student, right?" Wu Lixue greeted.
Xiao Zhen stood up politely. "Yes. My name is Xiao Zhen. Nice to meet you."
Wu Lixue looked a little stiff, but tried to act warm. "I'm Wu Lixue. Jiu Fan's friend… and his regular work partner."
Xiao Zhen smiled faintly, nodding.
Wu Lixue then sat down beside Jiu Fan and whispered softly. "Are you sure you heard me right? He's Wang Muzhan's son?"
Jiu Fan nodded expressionlessly.
Wu Lixue bit her lip, looking wary. "Then… you have to be careful. People like them never approach someone without a reason."
"I know," Jiu Fan whispered softly. "I'm still trying to figure it out too…"
Xiao Zhen stared at the two of them with a blank expression. Although she was smiling, her eyes were sharp. "You don't have to whisper. I don't bite," he said lightly.
"It's okay," Xiao Zhen replied. "I understand. If I were in your position, I would be suspicious too."
Wu Lixue stared at him for a moment, then left. Jiu Fan chuckled. "You're pissing me off."
"That's not what I meant," Xiao Zhen said. "I'm just being honest. But don't worry. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to live my life like a normal kid… even if it's hard."
Jiu Fan turned his head. "Is it hard being Wang Muzhan's son?"
Xiao Zhen nodded slowly. "My dad wanted me to study like a normal person. Not in a fancy school, not abroad. But in a place like this. Because he said, if I don't know what a normal person's life is like, I won't be a good leader."
"Your dad sounds… wise."
"Sometimes," Xiao Zhen replied with a faint smile.
---
In the following days, Xiao Zhen began to mingle with the other students. But while many liked his calm personality, Jiu Fan realized that there was something behind that facade—a veneer of calm that was too perfect, too controlled.
While they were doing physical training on the field, Xiao Zhen showed above average abilities. Fast running, good body coordination, even agile reactions. Wu Lixue had time to comment softly to Jiu Fan.
"Are you sure he's just an ordinary student?"
Jiu Fan nodded. "He's indeed extraordinary. But maybe it's because of his training since he was little."
Wu Lixue looked at him. "Or maybe… because he was prepared for something."
Jiu Fan was silent. He didn't know for sure why Wang Muzhan sent his son to this school. But one thing that slowly felt certain—Xiao Zhen's presence would bring about a big change in his life. What kind of change… it was still a mystery.
To be continued...