chsdbacks Chapter 17 Danger Approaching
Chapter 17 Danger Approaching
Just as Hong Liguo was at a loss for words due to Fa Zi's questions, Jun Ge's words promptly diffused Hong Liguo's embarrassment: "You guys are still in the mood for jokes? We're almost home. Think about how you're going to explain your injuries to your families!"
Hongbo continued, "What else can we say? Just say it was because he fell while running!"
Jun Ge rolled his eyes at him and said, "Who would believe that? Someone who falls while running can get this badly injured? And one fall can cause them all to fall?"
Hong Liguo said, "It's not the first time. At worst, I'll get a beating." Hong Liguo's tone carried a hint of helplessness and magnanimity, as if he was already used to the punishment that was about to come.
Things weren't as bad as they imagined. Perhaps the parents were used to it and knew they were injured, probably from a fight outside. They simply asked if they'd been fighting again, and the children would usually just reply with a "yes," then pretend to be studying by kerosene lamp or candlelight. In those days, studying became their best shield; whenever trouble arose, simply feigning studying seemed to guarantee a safe escape.
The next day, on his way to school, Jie seemed apprehensive, his steps heavy, his eyes revealing fear and unease, as if he were filled with resistance to going to school. Hong Liguo knew that he was afraid of running into Sun Changlin.
Seeing his expression, Fa Zi advised, "You can't refuse to go! You can run away one day, but can you run away the next? You can't just give up your studies, can you?"
Jay said with a mournful face, "I'll just hide for one day at a time and see how things go. If it doesn't work out, I'll just quit. I can't afford to mess with that plague." His voice was trembling with tears, and he kept twisting the hem of his clothes with his hands, showing his extreme anxiety.
Hongbo chimed in, "Not going to school? If your sister finds out, she'll skin you alive! She was such a good student back then, if it weren't for supporting your education, would she have given up? If you quit now, do you think she'll let you off the hook?"
Jay's eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up in his eyes. He tried his best to hold back the tears, his shoulders trembling slightly.
Jun patted Jie on the shoulder and comforted him, "What are you afraid of! With us here, what can he do to you?" His eyes were firm and strong, giving people a sense of security.
Hong Liguo chimed in, "It's alright, we're here! We are the Six Swordsmen of Jin Yong, none of us will let anyone be bullied alone." Hong Liguo's words were full of confidence and loyalty, trying to cheer Jie up.
Yanbin had a different perspective: "After you beat him up like that yesterday, it's hard to say whether he'll even show up today!"
As if their worst fears had come true, they learned as soon as they arrived at school that Sun Changlin had gone to the city for a check-up yesterday and was fine, and he came to school normally this morning.
Jie wasn't in the same class as them, and Hong Liguo and Fa Zi repeatedly told him that if he encountered any trouble, he must come to them immediately.
Jun Ge also said worriedly, "You two are in the same class as Sun Changlin, so keep an eye on him. If he comes out, follow him."
After discussing their plan, they each returned to their respective classes.
As soon as Hong Liguo and Fa Zi entered the classroom, they saw Sun Changlin, Yi Jianping, and the other two huddled together, discussing yesterday's inspection.
Sun Changlin said nonchalantly, "It's nothing, nothing at all! My head is as hard as iron. But speaking of which, Wu Jie is really daring! He always seems so quiet and unassuming, I never expected him to be such a tough guy." As he spoke, he touched his bandaged head, seemingly still shaken.
Zhang Qiaoyun chimed in, "I never expected him to be so ruthless. You really can't see through a person. I always thought he was an easy target."
Yi Jianping and Liu Lianbo immediately declared, "Just say the word, brother, and we'll avenge you!" Their eyes flashed with a fierce light, and their clenched fists seemed to show their determination.
Just then, the large iron bell hanging in the tree outside rang, its clear sound echoing throughout the campus, signaling the start of class. Everyone returned to their seats, and the classroom fell silent, save for the soft rustling of pages and the gentle breathing of the students.
Hong Liguo turned around unintentionally and saw Wang Yuxin sitting in the back row. She was also looking at Hong Liguo, their eyes meeting in mid-air. Hong Liguo read concern, concern, and a hint of reproach and complaint in her eyes. Hong Liguo then glanced at Qiao Shuang beside her. Qiao Shuang seemed completely unaware of what had happened yesterday, or perhaps she simply didn't care about such trivial matters. Her face was expressionless, with an aloof and arrogant air, her eyes coldly fixed ahead, as if everything around her was irrelevant. This disappointed Hong Liguo greatly.
After class, Sun Changlin swaggered up to Fa Zi and Hong Liguo, rubbing his hands together and saying, "It seems we were evenly matched yesterday. If Wu Jie hadn't suddenly ambushed me, I, Sun Changlin, might not have suffered such a great loss. Six Swordsmen, remember this: our struggle is not over yet. We, the Four Heroes of Our Village, will never accept this defeat."
Yi Jianping and Liu Lianbo also rolled up their sleeves and showed off to Hong Liguo and Fa Zi.
Zhang Qiaoyun stood on the outermost edge, her arms crossed over her chest, making her already firm breasts even fuller, as if they were about to burst out of her clothes.
Fa Zi glanced at Hong Liguo. They hadn't expected Sun Changlin to be so brazen in showing off to them, his face full of defiance.
Hong Liguo coldly replied, "I'm always ready, and I'll see you through to the end."
At the same time, he and Fa Zi moved the long wooden bench backward with their feet in perfect unison. This was a tacit understanding they had developed over many years of working together, fearing that Sun Changlin and the others might suddenly make a move and they would not have room to unleash their skills.
The two stood back to back, mentally preparing themselves for the attack.
Sun Changlin was a seasoned veteran, so he could easily see through their intentions. He smiled slightly and said, "A fight is inevitable, but not now, and not here. There will be plenty of opportunities to spar in the future."
After speaking, Sun Changlin snapped his fingers at the other three people, then turned and left the classroom.
Watching Sun Changlin and the other three leave, Hong Liguo and Fa Zi both breathed a sigh of relief. They both knew that their combined strength was absolutely insufficient to contend with the Four Evils.
As Hong Liguo turned around, he saw Wang Yuxin standing in the corner staring at him. As he passed in front of her, Hong Liguo said, "This is not my fault. They provoked us."
What was bound to happen finally happened. Sun Changlin and his four wicked accomplices took advantage of Hong Liguo and Fa Zi's momentary lapse in vigilance to cause trouble for Jie. The four, completely unaware of this, had no idea that things would escalate so badly.