After Transmigrating, I Became the Most Cowardly Kid (GL) - Chapter 16

During the afternoon study period, Chi Zhihuai was called out by the class teacher for a talk.

Chen Qin watched her go with concern. As soon as the teacher left, the other students in the classroom couldn’t help but whisper.

Chi Zhihuai knew she had to act again. She quickly adopted a nervous demeanor, following the teacher with stiff limbs.

When they reached the corner of the staircase, the teacher looked around, made sure they were alone, and then asked her, “Chi Zhihuai, has Shang Han been targeting you since last week? Why didn’t you report it to a teacher?”

“Teacher, Shang Han hasn’t done anything excessive to me…” Chi Zhihuai spoke softly, trying to defend her.

The teacher sighed, “You don’t need to be so afraid of her. Tell me the truth. Besides taking your things, has she done anything else to you?”

Chi Zhihuai shook her head: “No, and a few pieces of candy aren’t worth much. Maybe she just wanted some candy.”

After saying this, she couldn’t help but despise herself internally.

Why did that sound so much like a ‘White Lotus’ (a term for a seemingly innocent but manipulative person)? I was just trying to act timid, not like a White Lotus!

Worried that her defense might backfire, she added, “I haven’t been threatened, Teacher, please don’t worry.”

The teacher was so exasperated he laughed: “You’re this nervous, and you haven’t been threatened?”

Chi Zhihuai clasped her hands behind her back, gently twisting her fingers: “No, Teacher. I thought you called me out for an academic matter…”

The teacher couldn’t get anything more out of her and simply motioned for her to return to her study period.

After school, Chen Qin insisted on walking with her deskmate, afraid she would run into Shang Han again.

During the walk from the classroom to the school gate, it was the first time Chi Zhihuai had been pointed at and observed by so many people. She covered her face and hurried along, still catching snippets of gossip.

“That’s her, the girl Shang Han bullied.”

“She looks so well-behaved. Why did Shang Han target her?”

…

Chi Zhihuai ran to her car, waved to Chen Qin, and quickly opened the door to get in.

Dad Chi asked, “Why are you in such a rush?”

Chi Zhihuai lied: “I’m hungry.”

“Little glutton.” Dad Chi smiled and turned the car onto the road home.

A refreshing breeze blew in through the car window. Chi Zhihuai rested her chin on her hand, looking out at the traffic. Suddenly, a black motorcycle appeared in her line of sight.

The helmeted head tilted slightly toward her. Chi Zhihuai could feel that the rider was looking at her.

Thinking about how Shang Han’s playful demand for candy had been twisted into a vicious rumor by the entire school, Chi Zhihuai felt an unnameable emotion. She wanted to comfort Shang Han, but she felt she had no standing to do so, and it probably wasn’t necessary for Shang Han anyway.

However, if she did and said nothing, she would feel a twinge of guilt.

So, stopping at the traffic light, Chi Zhihuai took a deep breath and smiled toward the helmet.

She wondered if the helmet’s owner saw it.

After smiling, she retreated back into the car, sitting upright and looking straight ahead.

The red light flashed a few times, turning yellow, then green.

The person on the motorcycle hesitated for two seconds before remembering to start the bike, then sped away.

Chi Zhihuai watched her retreating figure, gently touching the milk candy in her school uniform pocket.

Having someone to tease and joke with, to play harmless pranks on—that’s what normal school life should be like, right?

Living life too politely… would that even be the experience of a spirited high school student?

After dinner, Chi Zhihuai went back to her room and opened her books.

She wondered if the campus rumors had reached Shang Han’s ears, and if Shang Han had seen her smile after school.

Chi Zhihuai was lost in thought when her phone suddenly rang, startling her.

The caller ID read “Shang Han.” She froze for a moment, then quickly answered the call.

“Hello…”

A noisy chatter came from the other side. Shang Han’s voice sounded especially cool amidst the racket: “Call me back in ten minutes.”

“…” Chi Zhihuai asked, confused, “Is there something you can’t say now?”

“Don’t forget.”

Shang Han finished speaking, hung up, and went to stand next to her cousin.

A waiter brought a tray with wine glasses. Shang Yuan picked up a glass to hand to his cousin, then hesitated and put the glass back, asking the waiter to bring orange juice instead.

Shang Han couldn’t be bothered with him and picked up a wine glass herself, swirling the liquid gently.

“You’re only in the second year of high school. What are you drinking wine for? It’s not appropriate.”

Shang Yuan tried to take her glass, but she said, “I’ve been an adult for a year and a half.”

“You’re still a student, though,” Shang Yuan said, but he didn’t try to take the glass again. “Since you’re here, why don’t you go say something nice to Grandpa?”

Shang Han gave him a look: “Cousin, you only told me to come.”

“Oh, don’t you understand that ‘since you’re here’ Chinese culture? It’s rare for you to see Grandpa. Saying something nice won’t kill you.” Shang Yuan suddenly remembered something and pulled her toward the exit. “I also prepared a gift for you. It’s in the car. You can give it to him on my behalf.”

Shang Han followed him: “Where is Shang Qianhao?”

“That’s your dad…” Shang Yuan sighed. “Your father has a social engagement tonight, so he couldn’t make it.”

Shang Han laughed out loud: “If his own son can’t come, what good is it for a granddaughter like me to show up? If he can’t come, can’t his woman come either?”

Shang Yuan explained, “I heard you were coming. Your f… his woman said she wouldn’t come to stir up trouble.”

Shang Han didn’t say anything more and followed him to the parking lot to get the gift box.

Clutching the box, she said, “I’m leaving right after I give this.”

Shang Yuan asked, “Where are you going?”

“Clubbing.”

“Oh, please,” Shang Yuan chuckled. “I don’t believe someone with your personality could dance in a club.”

Shang Han ignored him and walked straight into the hall.

It was her grandfather’s sixty-sixth birthday, and there were more business associates than family members present.

She smirked and walked toward the elderly man who had dyed his hair black and showed no signs of aging.

“Grandpa.”

She greeted him when she reached him. The old man smiled and introduced her to the people beside him: “This is my eldest granddaughter, Shang Han.”

A manager from an unknown company showed an admiring look: “She’s very beautiful, truly worthy of being Mr. Shang’s granddaughter.”

Shang Han presented the gift and said quickly, “Happy birthday, Grandpa. I wish you a long and happy life.”

The old man gratefully accepted the gift. Mr. X next to him flattered, “She’s truly a thoughtful child. Girls are better. My son can’t even remember my birthday.”

Shang Han gave him a smile, filled with deep sarcasm.

Girls are better?

That’s a ridiculous thing to say.

Just then, Shang Han’s phone rang.

She excused herself and stepped aside to answer the call.

“Ten minutes are up. What is it?”

Hearing that voice, Shang Han’s foul mood suddenly lifted a little: “I’m at my grandfather’s birthday banquet.”

Chi Zhihuai: “?”

So what???

She said, looking puzzled, “Uh… Happy birthday to your grandpa. May he live a long life.”

Shang Han suddenly asked, “Do I have to come now?”

Chi Zhihuai: “…” What?

Shang Han paused for two seconds, then continued, talking to herself: “Okay, I understand. I’ll be right there.”

Chi Zhihuai slowly realized that Shang Han was using her call as an excuse to leave early.

So, she played along perfectly: “Good, good, hurry and come over.”

Shang Han hadn’t expected her to cooperate with that line. Her lips curled into a slight smile.

After hanging up, Shang Yuan, who had just caught up, mocked her: “If you want to leave, just leave. Why use someone as an excuse?”

Shang Han looked at him and pursed her lips.

Shang Yuan thought she was about to mock him back and quickly waved his hand: “Alright, your mission is complete. Go on, go on. I’ll explain to Grandpa for you.”

However—

“It’s not an excuse,” Shang Han said patiently, explaining earnestly, “I just wanted to hear a voice I like while I was in a place I don’t.”