Qiu Li'er hadn’t fallen in love at first sight—she was simply drawn to Teacher Xi’s presence. Or rather, she adored that intellectual yet gentle aura of a superior being.

So much so that the big tail tucked inside her backpack began wagging on its own.

But their eye contact shattered almost instantly, cut short by a fleeting chill from Xi Kefeng—sharp as lightning.

It felt like being dragged back to school: the math teacher on the podium suddenly locking eyes with you while calling your name… pure terror.

Wait—what was happening now? Why was Teacher Xi glaring at her like that?

Ugh… She never thought graduating years ago wouldn’t save her from that old classroom dread.

Qiu Li'er shrank her neck. Even wrapped in thick black stockings, her legs trembled for no reason.

“Oh? Isn’t this Qiu Li'er?” Xi Kefeng’s expression softened into a warm smile. “Long time no see. How’s your recovery?”

But that gaze just now could’ve frozen lava!

“Um… I… I’m actually fine…” Qiu Li'er stammered.

“Reporting to the teacher!” Nan Shi jumped in smoothly for Little Fox. “Qiu Li'er’s body healed, but her soul’s got amnesia!”

Amnesia?

The classroom erupted. Whispers swirled; even Xi Kefeng’s brow furrowed.

“Amnesia? Seriously?”

“Has Qiu Li'er forgotten us?”

“No wonder she acted so weird—like a wild fox fresh off the mountain.”

“Comrades, this is our chance! Favorability reset means we all start from zero!”

“I’ll be the first to win over Qiu Li'er!”

All eyes locked back on her. The rude stares burned her cheeks like dancing flames.

“It’s not a speech—why stare like that?” Qiu Li'er muttered. “Never seen a fox girl before?”

Just then, Yuenina clapped sharply, frowning. “Silence! Is amnesia something to celebrate?”

Before Qiu Li'er could react, Yuenina pulled her into a firm hug, voice icy:

“Qiu Li'er recovering at all was a miracle. During her hospital stay, only Nan Shi and I visited regularly. And you? Useless spectators joking about her pain?”

Nan Shi added coolly, “With that attitude, you don’t even rank on the ‘winning her over’ list.”

Their words struck like a sweeping rebuke. Several students hung their heads in shame.

Meanwhile, nestled in Yuenina’s arms, Qiu Li'er’s face flushed crimson. Listening to the *thump-thump* of a heartbeat by her ear, her breath hitched.

So touched… First time anyone’s protected me… Sob… Yuenina and Nan Shi are amazing… I really like them…

And Yuenina’s chest is so soft~ Snuggling in feels so warm~

“Ahem.” Xi Kefeng clapped lightly, redirecting attention. “Yuenina’s right. Don’t mock others’ wounds. Visit Qiu Li'er after class if concerned. Now—important announcement.”

During the pause, Nan Shi nudged Qiu Li'er gently. “Little Fox, you okay?”

“Thanks, but I’m truly fine,” Qiu Li'er shook her head slightly.

Her past life had hardened her against workplace pressure. A tiny scene like this? Bring it on.

“Starting next week,” Xi Kefeng announced, “the academy hosts the Magic-Martial Tournament—a first-year competition to assess two months of progress.”

Seeing indifferent faces, she smiled sweetly. “Every. Single. One. Of. You. Must. Participate~”

Groans flooded the room.

“Already? It’s only month two!”

“I’ve learned nothing—too busy playing!”

“No… I don’t wanna die…”

Xi Kefeng’s eyes gleamed. “Rankings affect final grades. Fail? You repeat the year.”

“Class dismissed. Train here or rest in dorms~”

“No way—!”

“Teacher, teach us more first!”

“I manage class affairs only. Seek other teachers for tutoring,” Xi Kefeng said calmly.

“But… you’re the only seventh-tier teacher!” a student whispered. “If we fail…”

“And that concerns me how?” Her voice turned glacial. “Slackers skipping class have no voice. Two months in—still can’t cast basic Magic Missile?”

“I…”

“Want lessons? Fine.” She smiled. “I’ll sink you to Amethyst Lake’s bottom at noon. Kill a hundred fish with Magic Missile in one day… or stay there forever.”

“N-no thanks…”

A collective gasp. All complaints vanished.

Better train than provoke Teacher Xi.

Meanwhile, the *real* slacker stood frozen.

What’s this tournament? How do I learn magic or martial arts? Did I lose before starting?

“Oh, Qiu Li'er,” Xi Kefeng waved gently, as if hearing her thoughts. “Come here—I’d like a private word.”

“Ah… okay.” Qiu Li'er’s ears twitched nervously. “I feel like Teacher Xi’s staring at me strangely…”

“Your imagination,” Yuenina said flatly. “Don’t mistake her strictness for coldness. She visited you most during hospitalization—besides us.”

“O-oh… alright…”

After Qiu Li'er scurried off, Nan Shi whispered, “Little Nina~ Never knew you could be so cool. You really care for Little Fox, huh?”

She meant Yuenina’s bold defense—so unlike her usual quiet self.

“Are you an idiot…” Yuenina sighed. “Hear those inappropriate comments? Little Fox’s orange fur stood straight up! Fresh amnesia—she’s a blank page. How could I not worry?”

“True. Bad if someone took advantage,” Nan Shi nodded, then grinned. “What about me?”

“Hm?”

“If *I* got taken advantage of… what then?”

“With me around? Impossible.”

“But *if*? Hypothetically.”

“Then you can just die.”