Chapter 9: Zhang Xiaofan in High Spirits

“Cao, what’s going on?”

“Yeah, what does she want us to do?”

“Damn it, is she messing with us again?”

Seeing this string of messages, Zhang Xiaofan’s heart sank. He hurriedly replied: Bao Lei, we’re all classmates. What exactly do you want?

After he sent the message, Bao Lei never replied.

Uneasy, he returned to the classroom, only to find half the students gone. It was understandable—this game now hung over everyone like a sword, casting a heavy shadow on their lives. After completing each day's challenge, most students didn't bother returning to class.

Those who remained clustered in small groups, their conversations circling inevitably back to the red packet chat.

A few girls whispered about past red packet games, and soon their eyes flickered surreptitiously in Zhang Xiaofan’s direction.

At that moment, Qiao Xuewei walked toward him. She leaned in and said, “Xiaofan, would you keep me company for a chat outside?”

Qiao Xuewei was tall—while perhaps not quite at the level of Su Qianqian or Lin Rou, among the girls she was still a beauty in her own right.

Drawn by her fragrance, Zhang Xiaofan glanced at her, frowning. “Is something wrong?”

Qiao Xuewei’s voice was coquettish. “I’m bored and wanted you to keep me company.” Seeing that no one was nearby, she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “Let’s get a room together?”

Zhang Xiaofan’s eyebrows shot up. He was, in truth, quite intrigued. After all, Qiao Xuewei was attractive—he’d hardly lose out by sleeping with her. Still, he was baffled. Why was she suddenly making moves on him for no reason?

“Let’s go. From now on, we’ll be together. However you want to play, I’m yours.” Qiao Xuewei leaned so close her full chest nearly brushed his face.

Zhang Xiaofan felt thoroughly awkward. Her pale, shapely chest was certainly enticing, and her scent stirred something wild within him. But he already had Su Qianqian, and this was all so inexplicable. What was this girl after?

Just then, Su Qianqian came over and, looping her arm around Zhang Xiaofan’s, said endearingly, “Qiao Xuewei, Xiaofan is my boyfriend now.”

Qiao Xuewei’s expression darkened. She snapped, “Su Qianqian, with all those rich and powerful men chasing after you, why do you have to take Zhang Xiaofan from me?”

Su Qianqian wasn’t the type to back down. She retorted, “Are you serious? Who’s taking who? Zhang Xiaofan and I were together first, weren’t we?”

“You…” Qiao Xuewei was at a loss for words. She glared at Zhang Xiaofan, seemed to realize she couldn’t compete with Su Qianqian, stomped her foot, and walked away.

Zhang Xiaofan opened his mouth, then finally slumped into his seat, sighing, “Qianqian, what was that about? She actually wanted to get a room with me.”

Su Qianqian glared at him playfully. “And did you want to?”

“Of course I did.”

Her eyes widened, and she grabbed his arm, twisting the flesh mercilessly. “Well, aren’t you eager to hook up with other girls.”

“Ah!” The sudden pain made Zhang Xiaofan yelp. He grumbled, “Alright, alright, I wasn’t finished. I meant to say, ‘Of course I did—not!’”

With that, he seized the opportunity to slide his arm around her waist, his hand lingering at her side, making Su Qianqian squirm and giggle, pleading for him to stop.

“My god, Su Qianqian really is together with Zhang Xiaofan. I never realized how amazing he was,” sighed a nearby girl.

“Exactly. I used to secretly call him a total loser—no money, no taste. I thought after graduation he’d be a nobody. Who knew…”

“If only I’d made a move earlier. Today’s game proved it—besides Wang Hu, Song Feng, and Murong Feng, Zhang Xiaofan is the most impressive in the class.”

“I’d say he’s even more impressive.”

“If I were his girlfriend, he’d protect me in this death game for sure.”

“Yeah, we’re so weak. Who wouldn’t want a guy who can protect us? The other guys can’t even compare.”

A cluster of girls looked at Su Qianqian with envy. Zhang Xiaofan caught fragments of their conversation, and a wave of pride swept over him. When had he ever received such praise from the girls? Now, suddenly, so many seemed interested in him.

No wonder Qiao Xuewei had tried her luck—so this was what it was like to be irresistible.

Su Qianqian pinched him again, scolding, “You’ve got that lecherous look again. Are you thinking about saying yes to Qiao Xuewei?”

Zhang Xiaofan feigned innocence. “What are you talking about? There’s only you in my heart. You’re the one I want to get a room with.”

“Get lost.” Su Qianqian gave him a playful thump, but her face was bright with joy.

Zhang Xiaofan adored this side of hers. If it weren’t for the classroom full of students, he wouldn’t have been able to restrain himself from taking her right then and there.

Though he couldn’t go that far, he slyly slipped his hand under the desk, caressing Su Qianqian’s thigh. She pushed his hand away in embarrassment a few times, but soon let him be.

Before long, Su Qianqian’s cheeks were flushed, her breaths coming quick and soft, inflaming Zhang Xiaofan’s desire.

“Hmph!” At that moment, Lin Rou let out a cold snort from not far away. He hadn’t noticed when she’d entered, but she’d clearly been watching Zhang Xiaofan for some time. Seeing his hand under the desk and Su Qianqian’s reaction, Lin Rou could hardly miss what was going on.

He glanced at Lin Rou, paused, then decided not to pay her any mind.

Lin Rou bit her lip hard, her gaze toward Su Qianqian filled with resentment.

“Xiaofan, Bao Lei said in the group that we should stay after school. What does she want?” Lin Rou suddenly asked.

At the mention of Bao Lei, Zhang Xiaofan felt a wave of unease. When Bao Lei announced the game, she’d made it clear this time the target was him.

He clenched his fist. Bao Lei, what are you planning now?

All afternoon, the students idled around the classroom, restless and bored. As the end of the day approached, those who had left gradually returned.

“What do you think Bao Lei wants by making us stay after school?”

“Who knows. Could be another twisted game.”

“When will this ever end? So many have died already.”

“Honestly, I kind of enjoy the game. If you win, you get coins to buy equipment,” someone remarked.

Hearing the chatter, Zhang Xiaofan shook his head. Clearly, his classmates were already addicted to the power and strength the game provided.

Finally, the school day ended. Students from other classes trickled out, and darkness began to fall. Now, only Class Four of Grade Two remained in the building.

At last, his phone buzzed.

Ding!

Bao Lei: Classmates, do you want to escape this game?