Zhao Yi dashed out right after them. I watched the two sprinting ahead and couldn't help but shake my head.

Do high schoolers these days all enjoy this kind of thing? I've been out of school for ages, but I felt like I should relive my youth too.

Just as I was about to start running, I felt a tiny tug—barely lifting the corner of my sleeve.

"Can... can you wait for me? I... can't run..."

I turned to see Lin Yuxuan behind me and sighed inwardly. "Alright, I'll walk with you."

...

The road held nothing special. Few people roamed this demolition zone, though a handful of students and office workers hurried past to save time.

At the street's end, I turned a corner—and suddenly, the school stood just across the way. It was like that old poem: when paths seem blocked by mountains and rivers, willows and blossoms reveal a hidden village.

Across the road, Zhao Yi and Ye Qian panted heavily at the school gate, staring back at me. Ask why they only just arrived? Call it "magic."

From afar, the academy sprawled massively; only one building was faintly visible. Carved beside the gate were the words—Maple Splendor Academy.

I pulled Lin Yuxuan toward the entrance. As we approached slowly, Zhao Yi let out a dramatic wail.

"Why... why do I feel like I won the race but lost at life?"

Watching his over-the-top expression, I couldn't help but feel contempt.

"What life winner? We're just two guys. What 'winner' is there?"

Zhao Yi adjusted his glasses. "No, no—even boys can be cute. Cuteness solves everything."

Ye Qian gasped. "Has your soul been sold to Lucifer?"

...

Despair filled me as I watched them. I sighed and led Lin Yuxuan inside.

Right past the gate stood a stone statue—clearly the founding principal. How did I know? A plaque beneath it said so.

They say just because you can't see something doesn't mean I can't. Frankly... I have Superpower. I see what others miss.

I slapped my forehead. "Crap... crap..." My cool, aloof image was ruined by those two clowns outside. All morning, my IQ felt off the charts.

"Senior Li Ze, what's wrong?"

A timid voice came from behind, followed by Lin Yuxuan tugging my sleeve.

"Senior, what's so bad?"

I'd muttered my thoughts aloud. Today was really not my day. Turning around, I saw Zhao Yi and Ye Qian had followed us.

I shook my head. "Nothing. But we split up now. Lin Yuxuan, can you manage alone?"

He asked curiously, "Why? Do you have something to do, senior? Can I come?"

"I need to report to the dean and submit my enrollment notice."

Zhao Yi nodded. "No choice then. Admin building's west; opening ceremony's south."

"Oh! After reporting, tell us your class... Zhao Yi, which class are you in?"

"Me? Class 3. You?"

Ye Qian exclaimed, "No way! I'm Class 3 too. We're destined!"

I lowered my head slightly to Lin Yuxuan. "And you? Which class?"

"I'm... Class 7, Grade 10..."

Ye Qian suddenly cheered, "Seriously? My sister's in Class 7 too! Praise me to her sometime!"

Lin Yuxuan just murmured a soft "Mm" and ducked his head.