There was no helping it—Luo Xiaolu had too many enemies in the delinquent world. If Luo Xiaotang were ever discovered to be her sister, another bloody storm would surely follow.
Luo Xiaolu had once considered enrolling her sister directly into a school overseen by her former underlings, where Xiaotang would be watched over. But having chosen to retire from that life, she refused to stay entangled with delinquents. Besides, those schools she’d once dominated might not stay loyal. Once they learned she was no longer boss of the Sakou Gang, who knew if they’d seize the chance to betray her?
It was Saturday. The campus stood nearly empty, though the academic affairs office remained open. Luo Xiaolu led Luo Xiaotang inside. With no one around, Xiaotang could finally take in the scenery.
Private schools were usually smaller than public ones, but Sayo Academy housed both middle and high school divisions, making its grounds surprisingly spacious. Facilities were complete—a regulation soccer field stretched wide, *perfect for training delinquent girls*… Ahem!
A path to the admin building wound through lush greenery. Beneath the thick canopy, it felt like a road to the underworld.
Inside the office, Deputy Director Zhao Li greeted them warmly. “You’re the ones who called at noon? May I ask who’s enrolling?” She offered a gentle, professional smile.
At twenty-six, Zhao Li was the youngest academic affairs leader in school history—more open-minded than the old-timers, always striving for kindness. Before her, Luo Xiaolu wore a simple JK uniform. Her gem-bright eyes and faint, steady smile radiated quiet obedience, instantly winning Zhao Li’s favor.
“My younger sister, Luo Xiaotang,” Luo Xiaolu replied softly. She swept her bangs aside and returned an elegant smile—disarming Zhao Li in an instant.
Xiaotang had stayed hidden behind her sister the whole time. At the mention of her name, she slowly stepped forward but kept her head bowed. Still, with Luo Xiaolu beside her, she could at least stand face-to-face. Without her? Just approaching someone would’ve left her breathless.
Zhao Li blinked in mild surprise and began jotting notes. “Where are your guardians?”
“They’re busy today,” Luo Xiaolu answered without batting an eye.
*(No way she’d admit they’d been abandoned—left as “left-behind children”! What parent skips enrollment day?)*
Zhao Li’s heart softened with sympathy.
“Let’s do a quick check,” Zhao Li said, turning the page. “Luo Xiaotang… which school did you attend before?”
*Before?*
*(She hadn’t even finished elementary school!)*
Sensing Xiaotang’s panic, Luo Xiaolu answered firmly: “She never attended middle school. Didn’t finish elementary, either.”
Zhao Li looked up, stunned. “Are you serious?”
Though Sakura Province didn’t strictly require elementary records, enrolling with *zero* schooling was unheard of.
“True.”
“She’s thirteen?”
“Fourteen.”
“Why wasn’t she in school?!” Zhao Li set her pen down, voice trembling with shock.
“Our family wouldn’t allow it,” Luo Xiaolu said quietly.
*(If not abandoned six years ago, they’d have grown up normal…)*
“How outrageous!” Zhao Li bit back further words—this was family business. She straightened. “Our school maintains strict academic standards. Admitting someone with no prior schooling is… difficult.”
“She learns fast! Please give her a chance!” Luo Xiaolu pleaded, dropping her refined composure.
Zhao Li hesitated—sympathy for the girl, fondness for the sister… but rules were rules. “Do you have any special talents?” she asked Xiaotang gently.
Xiaotang instantly clutched Luo Xiaolu’s sleeve. Luo Xiaolu stepped in front, shielding her. “She’s shy around strangers,” she said with an apologetic smile.
*(Talents? One-handed Devil May Cry 5 runs? Savage comebacks to “masterpiece” fans and “green tea” fakers? Yeah, right—like that helps!)*
*(Just fast-forward to the “donation fee”…)*
Luo Xiaolu was about to speak—
“Xiaotang… can… write poetry,” Xiaotang stammered, forcing the words out.
Luo Xiaolu froze. *She spoke?!*
Xiaotang gasped for air and buried her face in her sister’s chest, trembling from the effort.
“You write poetry?” Zhao Li’s eyes lit up. “Give me a theme—I’ll test you.”
“Mm…” Xiaotang whispered.
*(Since when does my hikikomori gamer sister write poetry?! That’s MY thing!)*
“Rain scene!” Zhao Li slid a sheet of paper across the desk.
Xiaotang released her sister, walked forward, and picked up the pen.
—Fate is the first wisp of cloud in a lonely sky,
Weathering lifetimes of sorrow,
Gathering into falling rain.
Freely dancing threads
Dampen fragments of memory.
“I forgot my umbrella”—just to stand in the rain.
This pouring rain:
Thunder and lightning’s passionate cry,
Roaring with the Thunder God and Lightning Mother’s fury.
Stiff rain lines,
Pushed down reluctantly,
Like stretched strands of crystal—icy, pure…
Even Luo Xiaolu, steeped in five millennia of poetry, felt genuine awe. *This is… good.*
Xiaotang set the pen down and gave her sister a tiny, proud smile. “I never missed a single chapter of your books, Jiejie!!”
*(No wonder she’s my sister—truly worthy of the “Zhou Shuren” legacy!)*
Zhao Li skimmed the page, breath catching. “This… is absolutely brilliant! Word choice, rhythm, style—flawless modern poetry!”
“Did you really write this?”
“Mm…”
“It has such a distinct ‘Zhou Shuren’ vibe…” Zhao Li murmured, starry-eyed.
*‘Zhou Shuren style’…?* Luo Xiaolu went blank.
*(What descriptor is that?! Latest 21st-century compliment?!)*
“You read Zhou Shuren’s novels too?” Zhao Li turned to Luo Xiaolu, delighted.
