Chapter 6

"Tell me, how did you end up with Xiao Lu? And you actually got injured! Chasing criminals, is that something you should be involved in? When I meet Chen Xiaolu, I'll flay him alive!"

The morning sunlight was very pleasant. After leaving the hospital, Chen Yulian kept nagging beside Xiao Qi, who just smiled and didn't dare to speak up for his cousin.

Last night, Chen Xiaolu had taken him to the hospital for bandaging, but knowing he couldn't hide it from his aunt, Chen Xiaolu could only say he was injured while helping to catch a criminal. Even so, he was scolded by Chen Yulian, who ranted and raved, making him flee with his head down.

This morning, Chen Yulian took a leave of absence and brought her son to see the doctor and change the bandages again.

Xiao Qi was lucky; only two iron pellets hit his arm, and they didn't penetrate the bone.

Yesterday, the iron pellets were removed, and he took two doses of anti-inflammatory medicine. After resting for a night, he was almost fine. The doctor said he could remove the bandages in three days.

After stomping on Lu Qing Shui's testicles, Xiao Qi felt a great sense of relief, as if he had been reborn. He felt a bit light-headed, and it wasn't until now that he truly accepted the reality of his return to the past—changing the fates of Yang Xue and Su Zi, what else could this be if not a rebirth?

As for Lu Qing Shui, he was sent to the hospital. According to the doctors, he would likely not retain his male identity, and his injuries were severe, so he wouldn't wake up for three to five days.

Following Xiao Qi's suggestion, they should just let him die in pain by removing the IV. However, Chen Xiaolu didn't dare to do that and had to follow the rules, though not very seriously. Even the doctors and nurses, upon hearing that he was a habitual rapist, became noticeably negligent.

Last night, when Xiao Qi was resting, his father, Xiao Xu, hadn't returned yet.

When he finally came back and heard that his son was injured while being heroic but not seriously, he specially came to see him, only relaxing and going to work after confirming he was fine.

Of course, all this was told by his mother.

Because Xiao Qi was too excited and tense, he slept until nine in the morning. When he woke up groggily, he habitually blurted out a long string of English, which shocked his mother, who had a low level of education. She was surprised by how fluent his English had suddenly become.

Xiao Qi thought to himself that it couldn't be any less fluent, having spoken it almost exclusively for seven or eight years. But he couldn't explain this to his mother, so he claimed it was due to his recent secret efforts, which pleased Chen Yulian, who praised him for being obedient.

During breakfast, as he listened to his mother complain about his father coming home late recently, Xiao Qi's heart stirred.

Because the recent days in Yuan Yin City were not peaceful, it seemed that a major criminal case that would shock the nation was about to happen this month!

For this case, which took two years to solve, should he give his father a hint to help him earn credit and possibly a promotion?

After all, moving from a deputy to a full department head is a significant step for a small official.

A county-level city's bureau is a full department, and although the position is not high, it is still a small local ruler with its own jurisdiction.

However, because each position is unique, becoming a bureau chief is not an easy task.

No matter what, if one credit isn't enough, he can earn another. With the big picture of seven or eight years in mind, he was confident there would be opportunities for his father to get promoted.

The main urban area of Yuan Yin City was not large. After leaving the hospital, Xiao Qi could see the flagpole at the highest point of his school. He immediately wanted to go to the school.

After leaving Yuan Yin City, he had only returned a few times, and each time was very rushed, so he never went back to the school.

Moreover, in 2010, the school was demolished during a major urban renovation, and the campus no longer existed, erasing his memories.

Now, with the rare chance to be reborn, Xiao Qi wanted to visit the school, see his classmates and friends, and even see some people he had always disliked.

"Are you exaggerating?" Chen Yulian shook her head. "You're injured and still not leaving the front line. Do you think you're a hero? Go home and stay there!"

"Mom, my dear mom!" Xiao Qi could only beg. "I'm fine, and besides, Old Mr. Xue... I mean, Mr. Xue said there will be important tutoring materials to explain today. I can't miss it."

"Hmm..."

Hearing this, Chen Yulian was somewhat moved. She thought for a moment, looked at her son with his arm wrapped in bandages, and said, "Then you must remember, no jumping around, and no writing with your hand today. Got it?"

"Sure!"

Xiao Qi patted his chest in assurance, and Chen Yulian finally took him to the school gate, promising to bring his backpack later.

Walking through the green canopy, with two rows of straight trees lining the path, the school playground was visible. The strong "Radio Calisthenics, one two three four..." music was torturing everyone's ears, and the playground was full of people, forming square formations and jumping around.

Unlike the eye exercises, which were often criticized, the radio calisthenics have been a consistent part of Chinese schools, providing good physical exercise for young people and a decent organizational activity.

Walking slowly, enjoying the leisure and comfort of stepping back into the campus.

It took Xiao Qi ten minutes to reach the fourth floor where the senior high school classes were located.

Senior high school students, preparing for the college entrance exam, did not have to do the calisthenics, but many stood by the railings, watching the students below doing the exercises, which was a form of rest for them.

Before reaching his class, Xiao Qi was suddenly confronted by someone.

"Yang Xue!"

Seeing this rough and tall teenager, Xiao Qi was delighted and forgot about his injuries, wanting to give him a hug.

Yang Xue, startled, quickly dodged, but then, remembering something, he punched Xiao Qi in the face.

"Ouch!"

This made it seem as if Xiao Qi had sought out the punch, and his cheeks immediately swelled up, stars dancing in his head.

"Yang Xue, what are you doing?"

A girl's voice called out. Looking over, Su Zi, wearing a light blue short-sleeved shirt and jeans, rushed over, followed by a few other classmates.

The corridor was already crowded, and seeing this commotion, everyone turned to watch with a mix of curiosity and gossip.

Su Zi reached us, grabbed Yang Xue, and only relaxed when she saw he had no intention of hitting Xiao Qi again. Turning to Xiao Qi, her face was full of confusion.

"Ai Zi!"

Although he was hit for no reason, seeing her made Xiao Qi very happy. Looking at her pretty but not stunning face, he felt the sunlight was warm and comforting.

"Don't... don't call me that!" Su Zi shuddered, shaking her head firmly. "Xiao Qi, you are our friend, but just a friend, do you understand?"

"Of course, you are all my friends, forever!" Xiao Qi nodded seriously.

For some reason, seeing them, Xiao Qi's eyes felt a bit moist, and he felt like crying.