Chapter 34: A Calm Conversation in the Night

"Fan, you're back."
The door was opened by Xu Changhui, who seemed to still be awake. Three desk lamps were glowing in the dormitory, even model early sleeper Wei Youlong was still alert, which surprised Chen Fan.
"Yeah, I'm back." Chen Fan closed the door gently, replying in an offhand manner.
"I'm sorry, Chen Fan. This is all my fault, I got you involved. Here's a thousand for emotional damages, please accept it."
It was Wei Youlong speaking, his usual attitude replaced with sincere words, as if he'd swallowed a few pounds of remorse; Chen Fan needed a moment to adjust to this.
Chen Fan also noticed the parcel, absent from his memory, now lying peacefully atop his desk.
Xu Changhui patted Chen Fan's shoulder in reassurance, "Everyone makes mistakes, Fan. We're just glad you're back safe. Any injuries? Need to see the campus doctor tomorrow?"
Chen Fan was baffled. The two of them, alternating roles, seemed to be coaxing him into forgiving Wei Youlong.
If he hadn't caught the attention of the White Wolf King by chance, he'd have been beaten to a pulp; the thought still left him simmering.
"Alright, let's let this pass. Please, try to think of your classmates in the future, don't be so selfish," Chen Fan said, stifling a smile as he accepted the money and silently slipped it into his pocket.
"I thought it was just some ordinary thugs, didn't expect it to be so serious. Sorry for all the trouble I caused," Wei Youlong said, rare sincerity in his tone as he bowed solemnly in apology.
Chen Fan asked curiously, "Why are you three still up?"
Lai Guangyi chimed in, "Weren't we worried about you? After realizing how big a mess he'd made, Wei Youlong contacted the police and the school, even used some mysterious connections."
"Mysterious connections? What's that supposed to mean?" Chen Fan asked, puzzled.
Wei Youlong explained, "My dad has friends in the legal world. Apparently, the people we offended tonight are infamous local toughs in Abyss Fish. We had to find a mediator. My influence is weak, it's all my fault. I should've kept things small, not let them escalate."
"So the snake is actually a bald snake, huh," Chen Fan thought with amusement, but he kept a facade of lingering fear, saying, "Good thing I'm quick on my feet. They nearly caught me on the way back; I had to loop around and sneak in through the side entrance."
Lai Guangyi pressed, "Did you see their faces, Fan?"
Chen Fan nodded, "They all looked fierce, like they were in the middle of a brawl. A bunch of people clustered together like sumo wrestlers, swinging iron rods in the air—it was pretty intimidating."
Wei Youlong still looked anxious, "It's all my fault. I'll get someone to handle it. If anyone's to blame, it's Xu Ying—why did she mouth off for no reason? Getting felt up doesn't kill anyone."

The goodwill just gained vanished in an instant. Chen Fan shot him a glare. This young master was never truly on his side; best to keep some distance in the future.
"You don't see yourself waving a little flag for others to harass you every day," Chen Fan muttered as he headed for a cold shower, cursing under his breath.
After drying his hair, Chen Fan found his roommates still awake, all hunched under their desk lamps, working on something.
"Don't you have training tomorrow? Why aren't you sleeping?" he asked, walking behind Xu Changhui to see what he was up to.
Xu Changhui replied, "Didn't you see the latest announcement? Tomorrow afternoon's a half-day holiday for the student council's briefing and course selection. Our instructor said there’s nothing much in the morning, just routine sign-in, no formal training."
"That sounds great. Let me check mine," Chen Fan eagerly opened the group chat and scrolled through the history, only to find a message saying, "Training as usual." His heart sank.
"What's the point of practicing boxing? Can't tear up enemies with bare hands," Chen Fan grumbled internally.
"Fan, I don't get these terms here—what do all these weird course names mean?" Xu Changhui handed him a course selection notice, covered in circled words.
Chen Fan glanced over it—it was new to him as well.
"Basically, you pick your classes, times, and teachers yourself. There are three rounds: first for screening, the second and third depend on how fast you are."
"Sounds intense. Can we get four or five days off then?" Lai Guangyi poked his head out, grinning.
Chen Fan shook his head, "According to the curriculum, you need to earn at least twenty-four credits per term, meaning twenty-four class sessions. Unless you want to stay for a fifth or sixth year..."
"Uh, then forget it," Lai Guangyi retreated in disappointment.
Wei Youlong, pencil between his lips, complained, "It'd be easier if everything was arranged for us. Letting students choose is bound to cause problems, especially for someone like me—filling up a blank schedule is torture."
Chen Fan ignored him and turned to Xu Changhui, "Just make a sensible plan. We start at noon tomorrow, I have to box in the morning, so I'm heading to bed."
"Alright, you sleep first," Xu Changhui said, still engrossed in his course planning.
Chen Fan opened his package and draped the blackout curtain over his bed; now no one would notice any unusual glow at night.
Yet something felt off.
"Did you guys notice any strong lights tonight?" Chen Fan asked cautiously, pulling back the curtain.

Lai Guangyi replied, "Yeah, there were lots of patrols outside. That bright light shone over here every now and then."
Xu Changhui sighed, "It’s not bad now, maybe once an hour. Still, I wear an eye mask at night, just in case."
Wei Youlong hadn’t noticed at all, putting Chen Fan at ease.
Exhausted, Chen Fan fell asleep instantly, waking naturally the next morning.
…
"How could I be a monster? With such a handsome face and perfect physique, I could drown in my own charm."
Chen Fan, up at dawn as usual, checked the marks left by last night's battle in the mirror. Only a few bruises—no serious injuries.
The bloodshot eyes hadn’t fully faded; his ink-black pupils now seemed deeper and more enigmatic. He’d need another good sleep to restore his vitality.
Dressed in military uniform, Chen Fan patted his trouser pocket and stomped his foot, saluting his reflection smartly.
"You still haven’t remembered me! Last night I spent an hour at the heart of the vortex, then was left hanging on the balcony to dry. Don’t you know old folks get vertigo?" a plaintive voice sounded.
Chen Fan pulled out the card; after a spin in the washing machine, it was undamaged, though it felt damp and slick—clearly, a sunbath was in order to calm its nerves.
"Elder, life is all about conquering fear. After last night’s ordeal, your soul has surely been elevated," Chen Fan replied with a grin.
The elder objected, "Who was it that ran through the woods bawling for their parents yesterday? If the White Wolf King hadn’t protected you, you’d have been minced to a pulp."
Chen Fan waved his hand dismissively, setting the green military cap on his head. "So, what’s my identity today? I slept like a log last night, haven’t checked yet."
"Idiot," the elder intoned, drawing out the word.