Xiao Qing crouched on the ground, her face flushed with embarrassment. She tightly crossed her arms over her chest, as if hiding something. No matter what I said, she only stammered and shook her head, refusing to answer.

"So… what’s actually wrong with you?"

I was totally baffled. Moments ago, this thick-skinned demon didn’t even notice knives stuck in her back—but now she’s reacting like this? Is her pain perception *that* delayed? Then why cover her chest? Shouldn’t she be covering her back?

"Lady Nine Tails, please go back. I’ve got something urgent—I need to leave!"

Still clutching her chest, Xiao Qing tried to stand and slip away—but a figure suddenly blocked her path.

"Isn’t this Xiao Qing? Class is about to start. Where are you headed?"

Class Rep Hanhan. Her appearance clicked instantly—*Were those flying knives hers?* Very likely. No one else in school had that skill. But why? Did she see through Xiao Qing’s identity as a Fox Demon and strike first?

Thankfully, nothing serious happened. Otherwise, Class Rep Hanhan would’ve been a murderer.

"I’ve got stuff to handle. You two chat."

Xiao Qing desperately tried to hide something. Hunched low, she attempted to slip past Class Rep Hanhan—but the girl wasn’t letting her.

"What’s so urgent? Class is starting, and the classroom’s not that way. Skipping? As class rep, I can’t allow that."

Class Rep Hanhan reached out to block her. With hands occupied, the little fox could only shoot a flustered, angry glance before ducking under the arm to escape.

"Move! Don’t block me!"

"No. You’re going back to class. Or I’ll report you for skipping. First day? That leaves a *very* bad impression."

*Reporting to the teacher… Seriously, Class Rep Hanhan, how old are you? Using such a childish tactic. And why are you two butting heads again?*

"I was just saying, you two—"

Before I finished, both girls turned their ire squarely on me.

"This has nothing to do with Nine— with *you*, Su Su! Just go to class!"

"You can’t leave, Su Su. See this hypocrite for what she is. Strip the disguise—you’ll see what’s beneath."

Xiao Qing, blushing fiercely, urged me to go. Class Rep Hanhan, face dark, demanded I stay. Whose side to take? Logically, I should leave—but what if *my* back ends up like hers?

"Uh… How about we all go back together?"

The warning bell rang. If we didn’t hurry, we’d be late. Next was math—and this little fox definitely couldn’t handle that tiger of a teacher.

"Sure! I agree with Su Su. Let’s go," Class Rep Hanhan said with a smile, eyes gleaming as she watched the little fox’s reaction.

"Su Su… I can’t go back."

"Why? You’ll be late."

"My strap came loose…"

Xiao Qing shot Hanhan a glare, then tiptoed to my side. Leaning close to my ear, face crimson, she whispered.

"What’s a strap?" Her flustered tone left me confused. *What strap could make her this shy?*

"My silly girl, are you truly this dense? Did your brain regress after turning fox? Even this ancient fox—thousands of years old—saw it instantly! And you’re still playing dumb?"

The Fox Demon had just unleashed that scolding torrent. As fellow fox spirits—and Xiao Qing her descendant—she naturally sided with her. Seeing Hanhan and me cornering Xiao Qing, the Fox Demon seethed. I even felt my right hand twitch, itching to slap Hanhan’s cheek. Thankfully, she held back… or I’d be dead.

Animals… all fiercely protective of their young.

"…I think I get it now."

The scene had stunned me earlier. Xiao Qing wore two layers of uniform—I couldn’t see what happened underneath. She stayed silent, stammering, face red. Of course I couldn’t blame her. Anyone would be too shy to say it.

"Go on, Xiao Qing. I’ll explain to the teacher and take leave for you," I nodded, signaling the little fox I understood.

"Su Su, you…" Class Rep Hanhan clenched her fists, face shadowed. She must be furious I sided with Xiao Qing. But honestly—wasn’t *she* crossing a line? Humiliating a girl like this, in public?

"Class Rep Hanhan… don’t push it. Xiao Qing’s just a girl."

I stepped between them, shielding Xiao Qing as she slipped away.

Because of the Fox Demon’s influence—and my guilt (this was all my fault!)—I chose the fox’s side.

"Heh…"

I expected Hanhan to rage, maybe even throw knives. Instead, she laughed—genuinely, cheerfully.

"Don’t forget: after class, come to me to fix your student ID… Su… Su… *Classmate* Su Su——"

She patted my shoulder and walked away.