❀•°❀°•❀

The commotion settled and the medical team left with Kai Shen, the sound of approaching footsteps reached our ears. It was Teacher Po and several other teachers, rushing to the scene to understand the situation.

"What's going on? And why did the ambulance come?" Teacher Po inquired with concern evident in his voice.

"We heard the siren and rushed here immediately," another teacher added.

"Teach, Kai Shen, had an accident while we were playing basketball and he accidentally dislocated his arm, so we called for medical help immediately," Chu Zhou explained quickly.

"We're sorry, Teach. We didn't have time to contact any teachers since the teacher's office is far away from here, and we ensured to contact for medical assistance first" I added, feeling the need to clarify the situation.

Teacher Po scanned the scene, his gaze searching for Kai Shen. "How about Kai Shen? Where is he? Is he okay now?"

"Yes, Teach. Xian Yu did an amazing job. He managed to stabilize his arm before the paramedics arrived, so they were able to take Kai Shen to the hospital quickly before you could even arrive," Riee interjected, her words surprising me. Even though she hadn't seen my basketball skills, she had witnessed my quick response to the medical emergency, and her praise lifted my spirits.

"I see," Teacher Po nodded, patting my shoulder. "Well done, Xian Yu. You acted swiftly and responsibly."

The sound of the school bell cut through the air, signaling the end of the noon break. Teacher Po raised his voice, restoring order. "All right, everyone, get back to class!"

Students dispersed, heading back to their respective classrooms, I took a moment to process what had just transpired. The unexpected turn of events had not only showcased my basketball skills but also my ability to remain composed in an emergency situation.

As I made my way back to class, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what I had accomplished, and a newfound connection with my classmates who had witnessed my actions.

❀•°❀°•❀

The day's classes drew to a close, and it was time for our classroom to be tidied up. As I arranged the desks, my attention was inadvertently drawn to Riee and Lian. They seemed remarkably close as if they had known each other for a long time. Though a hint of jealousy flitted through me, I knew I couldn't let such emotions affect my goal of rebuilding my friendship with Riee. That was my primary focus now.

I watched as Riee handed something to Lian, curiosity piquing my interest. "What's this?" Lian inquired, accepting the item from her.

"It's a keychain. I bought it when we went to Huinan for Spring Festival," Riee explained casually as she grabbed a towel to clean the windows.

"Thanks, I'll put it on my phone," Lian replied with a smile.

As Lian attempted to attach the keychain to his phone, a sudden flashback hit me like a bolt of lightning. It was the same keychain Riee had given me back then. The delicate cherry blossom tree carved from thin metal was identical to the one she had given me. The coincidence was almost too uncanny to believe.

"What do you want for dinner?" Lian's voice broke through my thoughts. I quickly masked my awareness by arranging some books on the lockers, pretending I hadn't been eavesdropping on their conversation.

"I'm craving soy paste noodles from the noodle shop near the bookstore," Riee replied, signaling that it was her favorite choice. Soy paste noodles have been our shared go-to dinner option many times.

"Alright, we'll get that. I'll order a portion for Kai Shen as well," Lian confirmed, adjusting his bag.

"Are you going to visit Kai Shen in the hospital?" Chu Zhou suddenly approached them, his curiosity evident.

"No, we're just going to eat outside school and give the noodles to him by delivery. We plan to visit him after the evening session," Lian explained.

"In that case, can I join you guys for dinner? I've been craving soy paste noodles too," Chu Zhou asked eagerly.

"Sure, come along," Lian agreed, opening the invitation to him.

I heard Chu Zhou called out my name, "Hey, you! New kid!".

I turned around, a bit surprised that he was addressing me so directly. "Yes?" I replied, my eyes meeting the gaze of all three of them.

"Want to join us? We're heading to get some soy paste noodles." Chu Zhou invited me to go with them.

"Yeah, come with us, Xian," Rie chimed in, a friendly smile on her face. I didn't expect Riee to invite me.

I scratched the back of my head, feeling momentarily unsure of how to respond. Their offer had caught me off guard. "I... uh"

"Let's go; you'll love the food there," Riee insisted, her voice like a soothing melody. I met her gaze, momentarily captivated by her presence.

Encouraged by their unanimous agreement, I found myself unable to resist. "Sure, I'd love to," I replied with a smile that I couldn't contain.

"Great, let's get going then," Chu Zhou announced, and I promptly grabbed my backpack, ready to join them on this unexpected dinner outing.

❀•°❀°•❀

We left the school premises, and our small group embarked on a leisurely stroll toward the noodle shop. The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the street, painting the world with hues of amber and tangerine—the chatter of students and the distant hum of traffic added to the vibrant urban backdrop.

Lian led the way, his easy stride setting the pace for the rest of us. Riee walked beside him, engaged in conversation that seemed to flow effortlessly. Chu Zhou walked on my other side, his friendly demeanor making it easy to chat about trivial matters.

As we walked, I couldn't help but steal glances at Riee. She looked radiant against the backdrop of the setting sun, her features illuminated by its gentle rays. The breeze tousled her hair lightly, giving her an almost ethereal aura. Even though I had just been reunited with her, it felt as if a chasm had opened up between us, separating our worlds in a way that words couldn't easily bridge.

Lian and Riee's comfortable camaraderie was undeniable. Their interactions held a familiarity that hinted at shared memories and experiences. Yet, rather than feeling jealous or out of place, I found myself intrigued by the dynamics of their relationship. It was as if observing them together was shedding light on the person Riee had become in my absence.

The street we walked along was lined with a colorful array of shops and vendors. Storefronts displayed everything from vibrant textiles to gleaming electronics, and the aromas of various street foods wafted through the air. The city's pulse resonated through the crowd, each person weaving their narrative within the urban tapestry.

We approached the noodle shop, and the tantalizing scent of simmering broths and savory sauces became more pronounced. The shop itself exuded a cozy, inviting ambiance. Its wooden entrance bore the signs of countless patrons, while the red lanterns hanging above lent an air of authenticity.

Entering the restaurant, we were greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and the hum of animated conversations. The cozy interior was abuzz with students and locals, enjoying the same simple pleasure: a hearty bowl of noodles. The clinking of utensils and the murmurs of conversation created a comforting symphony that filled the air.

The atmosphere was jovial, and the excitement of the impending meal was palpable. As we perused the menu, recommendations were exchanged and deliberations ensued, showcasing each person's preferences.

The waitstaff bustled around us, taking orders and delivering steaming bowls of noodles to various tables. The clatter of porcelain and the aromatic steam that wafted up from the dishes heightened our anticipation. As our bowls arrived, a chorus of contented sighs echoed through the air.

Under the dimming evening sky, the atmosphere was relaxed, with the soft glow of lanterns casting warm shadows on the surroundings. The scent of freshly cooked noodles wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of other patrons.

Chu Zhou, always the one to spark conversations, leaned forward with a playful grin. "Hey, Xian Yu," he began, curiosity dancing in his eyes, "Which school did you transfer from?"

I chuckled, playing along. "I was at Shanghai No.1 High School before coming here." To be honest, I really don't know which school I came from. I had no memories of it.

Chu Zhou's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Shanghai? That's quite a distance. What brought you here?"

I glanced at Riee, who had been quietly enjoying her meal. Her eyes met mine, and there was a subtle connection in that gaze. "Just felt like a change of scenery," I replied casually, the truth hidden behind my words.

Lian focused on his meal and listened intently to our conversation as he ate.

Chu Zhou leaned in even more, his curiosity unabated. "So, what's the difference between here and Shanghai No. 1 High School?"

I hesitated for a moment, not having any concrete memories of this new reality of school life. "Well, the pace here is a bit different. Classes are a bit more interactive."

Riee's attention was now fully on the conversation, her smile inviting. "Sometimes a change can be refreshing."

"Yeah, it's been a new experience," I agreed, my heart pounding slightly as I fabricated details to fit my current situation.

Chu Zhou nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Well, that's good to know. Thanks for sharing."

Our conversation continued, and the sky outside gradually darkened, with the lanterns glowing more vividly in contrast. We delved into discussions about school routines, teachers, and hobbies. Lian, engrossed in his meal, remained a silent yet attentive presence at the table.

Eventually, the noodle bowls were almost emptied, and we leaned back in contentment. The chatter of the restaurant and the gentle hum of the city outside created a comforting backdrop.

Chu Zhou grinned and pushed his empty bowl aside. "Well, I'm glad we have you here at our school, Xian Yu."

I smiled in return, genuinely appreciative of their welcoming attitude. "Thank you, Chu Zhou. It's been great getting to know all of you."

The conversation wound down, Lian looked up from his food, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he returned to his meal, his expression inscrutable.

As our time at the noodle shop came to an end, Riee turned to Lian with a concerned expression. "Lian, did you call Kai to find out which hospital he's in? And did you arrange a delivery for him?"

Lian nodded, his focus now shifting from his meal to the conversation. "Yes, I did. I already called Kai and got the details of the hospital he's in."

Riee's worry seemed to ease with his response. "Okay."

Lian glanced at me briefly, "I went outside for a bit while you were all talking and gave the noodles to the delivery courier. They should be on their way to Kai now."

Chu Zhou chimed in with a grin. "It looks like Kai will be well-fed even in the hospital."

The conversation lightens the atmosphere. We stepped out onto the street, and the city lights illuminated the sidewalks, casting a warm glow on our path. The night was alive with activity, but the camaraderie among us created a sense of camaraderie that made the city feel like home.

With each step we took, I felt a growing connection to these new friends, a sense of belonging that I hadn't expected to find so soon. As the city's energy enveloped us, I realized that even though my memories of the past had been erased, the moments I was creating now were just as significant, if not more so.

❀•°❀°•❀

We were nearing the school gates with the city's bustling nightlife surrounding us when a sudden screeching sound pierced the air. We turned our heads and witnessed a distressing scene unfolding right in front of us: a motorcycle had collided with a truck, the impact sending the rider tumbling to the ground. The truck driver leaped out of his vehicle, his anger palpable as he approached the fallen motorist.

"You stupid old man! Look what you've done!" The truck driver's voice was a harsh accusation as he reached the motorbike rider. He began smacking the older man on the head, his fury uncontainable.

My heart raced as I watched the scene play out before me. It was as if I had been transported back in time, a memory long forgotten suddenly resurfacing. This exact scenario had occurred before, with Riee by my side, as helpless bystanders to an unfolding tragedy.

Chu Zhou's voice cut through the tension, filled with concern. "That motor driver is an old man. He's begging for forgiveness, but that truck driver is too cruel."

I couldn't help but agree; We were mere witnesses, unsure of how to intervene. But just as we hesitated, Lian, who had remained mostly silent, stepped forward unexpectedly. His hands were casually in his pockets, but there was a certain authority in his stance.

Without a word, Lian moved with swift precision. He reached out, grabbing the truck driver's hand that was poised to strike the old man again, twisting it before he could land another blow. Lian's grip was firm, and the truck driver winced in pain.

"What are you doing bastard!?", the truck driver shouted.

Pushing the thug away from the old man, Lian's expression transformed into something entirely different. His eyes bore into the truck driver with cold intensity, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor. The thug's anger met Lian's unwavering gaze, and for a moment, a tense standoff hung in the air.

But before the situation could escalate further, Lian did something unexpected. With a calm that belied the situation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of cash. It fell to the ground like a cascade of fluttering paper.

"Is this enough to fix your truck?" Lian's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering.

The thug's eyes widened as the money fluttered around him, his surprise evident. He hesitated, torn between anger and temptation. The weight of the decision seemed to linger in the air before he finally relented. Wordlessly, he scooped up the cash, his demeanor shifting from aggression to a calculating retreat.

With one last heated look at Lian, the thug climbed back into his truck and drove away, the roar of the engine fading into the distance. We were left standing on the sidewalk, a mix of astonishment and relief filling the air.

We approached Lian and the old man, and Riee and Chu Zhou hurried to help the older gentleman to his feet. Meanwhile, I moved to assist in lifting the fallen motorcycle. The old man's face was a mix of gratitude and embarrassment, his eyes flickering with emotion.

"Thank you, young man." The old man's voice was shaky, but his sincerity was evident. "I'm so sorry for the trouble."

Lian, still holding his characteristic smirk, waved off the apology. "Don't mind it. Just be more careful next time."

The old man turned his gratitude to Lian, bowing slightly in respect. "Thank you for your help, young man. I don't know how I could repay you."

Lian's casual demeanor remained unchanged as he chuckled. "No need. I've got plenty of money. Remember to keep an eye out while driving, you old geezer. And if you crash again, well, I won't be around to help next time."

The old man's gratitude deepened as he smiled. "You've got a good heart, young man, but your mouth is a bit filthy."

A silent laugh seemed to pass between Riee, Chu Zhou, and me at the old man's candid comment. It was a lighthearted moment that somehow broke the tension that had hung in the air earlier.

Without saying a word, Lian reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. He held them out towards the old man, who looked taken aback.

"Take this old man; go buy some ointments and medicines or whatever for your injuries." Lian's voice was as cool as ever, and for a moment, it seemed like he was just being his usual indifferent self.

The old man hesitated, a mix of surprise and gratitude on his face. "Oh, no, young man, I couldn't possibly..."

But before he could finish his sentence, Lian had already closed the gap between them. In one swift motion, he shoved the money into the old man's chest, his eyes never leaving the man's gaze.

"Just take it and go." Lian's tone remained steady, almost commanding.

For a moment, the old man was caught off guard by Lian's forceful insistence. He held the money in his hand, looking from Lian to the bills and back again. Then, with a mixture of gratitude and understanding, he nodded slowly.

"Thank you, young man. I have never met such a cold but kind person like you." The old man's voice was genuine, the lines on his face deepening as he smiled. "May the heavens bless you."

Lian merely shrugged in response, his expression unchanged. He turned and walked back towards us as if the whole exchange was no big deal.

With a final thank you and a promise to be more cautious, the old man left, his motorcycle now upright. As we watched him drive away, the weight of the situation seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared amusement.

"We should get back inside," Riee suggested, a grin playing on her lips.

Chu Zhou nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's head in."

Lian's actions spoke volumes, despite his tough exterior. He might have appeared heartless at times, but deep down, he had compassion that couldn't be ignored.

The memory of the incident lingered in my mind as we returned to the classroom, a testament to the complexity of the people around me and the hidden depths that lay beneath their exteriors.

As we made our way back to the school, my steps were more contemplative than usual. I watched Lian and Riee walk ahead of me, their figures growing smaller with each step. A nagging thought kept tugging at me.

I couldn't shake the feeling of my inaction, not just in the past but even today. Back then, during the previous timeline, I stood by and watched as the old man was mistreated by the aggressive driver. I hadn't been able to do anything to help.

And now, as history seemed to repeat itself with a similar accident unfolding before us, I found myself once again on the sidelines. I hadn't stepped up to help or make a difference. I felt a mix of frustration and disappointment, wondering why I had frozen once more.

But then, like a beacon of light in the darkness, there was Lian. He had acted without hesitation or fear. He had done what I hadn't been able to, standing up against the aggression and making a clear stand for what was right.

I realized that the difference between then and now wasn't just that someone had intervened, but that someone had acted boldly and decisively. That someone was Lian. And even though I hadn't been the one to help, seeing Lian's actions gave me a sense of hope and a renewed perspective.

"Hey! Xian Yu! Hurry up!", Chu Zhou called me, snapping me back out of my thoughts.

"Coming!", I replied, and I hurried to catch up with them.

We reached the classroom, and I couldn't help but reflect on the significance of what I had witnessed. It wasn't just about one instance; it was about the choices we make and the impact they can have. It was a reminder that even small actions could make a big difference and that courage and compassion were qualities worth aspiring to.

❀•°❀°•❀

End of Chapter