After the "bus chikan" incident, I practically became her knight in shining armor—always stepping in front of Lin Muke. Knowing her gentle nature, I told her plainly: never tolerate this kind of thing. Backing down only invites further boldness.
Don’t ask where I learned this.
I certainly couldn’t say it was from those Japanese adult movies, could I?
Come to think of it… would a pure girl like Lin Muke have ever seen stuff like that? The thought made me recall Xiao Xian back home…
Forgive my carelessness. Letting Xiao Xian encounter the root of all evil—doujinshi—at such a young age… I really need to be more mindful in raising her.
Lin Muke walked silently behind me. Occasionally, I glanced back. Once, our eyes met—and she instantly flushed, lowering her head.
Still shy about what happened? Honestly, thank goodness I noticed in time. Otherwise, that chikan would’ve truly taken liberties with her.
At first, he only tested the waters—tentatively closing in. Then came the "accidental" brushes against her, leaving her flustered and helpless.
The moment he decided she was an easy target, I firmly pulled Lin Muke toward me. His outstretched hand froze midair. Under my cold, unwavering glare, it was only natural he backed off.
And even while pulling her close, my hand stayed politely suspended behind her—only my sleeve touched her. I avoided direct contact deliberately: partly out of courtesy, partly because… after nearly falling victim to that chikan, if I’d suddenly gotten handsy, she might’ve mistaken me for another predator seizing the moment.
That would’ve been utterly unfair.
The bus soon reached our stop. I stepped off first; Lin Muke followed quietly onto the sidewalk.
Side by side past the bus stop sign, I subtly widened the space between us. Lanling High School’s grand gate loomed just dozens of meters ahead—and high schoolers *always* gossip about who walks with whom.
If classmates spotted us and spun rumors? I wouldn’t mind. Being linked to Lin Muke—the class beauty *and* monitor—felt like a win for me. But as a girl, she couldn’t afford to be so nonchalant.
…Though maybe it was my imagination. I thought I caught a faint hint of disappointment flicker across her face.
We chatted sporadically—class updates, the upcoming "Academy Level Exam." Lin Muke said she’d try her best. I was dead set on acing it. Top ranks meant scholarships, and Lanling High School—prestigious as a noble academy—offered especially generous ones.
With Xiao Xian now at home, my once-comfortable allowance had tightened. Winning that scholarship wasn’t optional. And with my grades? Securing the highest tier should be within reach.
After all—I was *practically* the freshman representative.
…Please ignore that "practically"!
