Spirit Case Files

Chapter 11

"Who exactly is this welcome party for?"

"...Of course it's Qinglin Anxue!"

"..."

During lunch break, Yuan Peilin left the classroom and, following Qi Guangjian's instructions, went to Class A of Grade 1 to find the target person—Qinglin Anxue.

"What a chore..." she muttered, a hint of anticipation lingering in her heart. Ever since she unexpectedly witnessed the vulnerable side of this aloof girl during that downpour, she had sensed an inexplicable bond forming between them. Even Hara Hayashi herself couldn't be sure whether this situation was good or bad, so she decided to let things take their course.

Walking from the third floor to the second floor, although I didn't pay special attention, according to the layout of this school building, Class A of the first grade should be on this floor. I strolled along casually, looking up at the signs above the classrooms I passed.

Sure enough, at the end of the floor, Yuan Peilin saw the classroom he was looking for. Hmm? A child who looked only eleven or twelve years old walked out of Class 1-A. Why was there a child here? Moreover, the smile on the child's face wasn't the innocent kind; it had a precocious air about it.

Although it was a little strange, Yuan Peilin didn't pay much attention. Just as he was about to pass the child, the boy looked up and met his gaze. A strange aura emanated from the child's large eyes. Although it only lasted two or three seconds, it left a deep impression on the transfer student. He turned back to watch the child's retreating figure, unable to recall where he had seen him before. Could it be someone he knew?

Bringing her thoughts back, she found herself at the door of Class 1A. After a slight hesitation, she finally decided to go in. It seemed that all the classrooms were decorated the same way. Yuan Peilin glanced around and spotted a familiar figure in a seat by the window.

Qing Lin Anxue rested her chin on her hand, gazing out the window as if deep in thought. A bento box sat untouched on the desk in front of her. Yuan Peilin walked to her side and stopped, but the long-haired girl remained oblivious.

janeadam

Reply [27]: "Don't you have an appetite?" Yuan Peilin had no choice but to speak up.

Qing Lin Anxue turned her head and looked over, and sure enough, she showed a surprised expression, but then she returned to her usual indifference.

"Why is it you?"

"Um... can't I just come to see you?"

Seeing the senior student's somewhat flustered expression, Qing Lin Anxue's face softened again: "No, of course you can."

"Well... actually..." Yuan Peisen felt like he was being incredibly stupid. He was usually very calm, but for some reason he was so nervous when he saw the junior in front of him.

"Thank you..." Qing Lin Anxue murmured, her head slightly lowered. "If it weren't for you last time, I might not be sitting here now."

Yuan Peilin finally calmed down: "It's nothing. If my junior is in danger, of course I, as her senior, should provide assistance."

"Is that so..."

Yuan Peilin was silent for a moment before saying, "I've come to extend an invitation to you."

"An invitation?" Qing Lin Anxue looked up at her senior.

"Well... how should I put it? A few close classmates wanted to get together, and they wanted to be friends with you..." Yuan Peilin, seeing his junior's unresponsive expression, became somewhat incoherent again, "...Of course, if you don't agree, I won't..."

"……when?"

"Why?"

Qing Lin Anxue's gaze returned to the window: "When is the social gathering scheduled?"

...

The social gathering was held at a restaurant called "Xiaosong." Judging from the ambiance and service, Qi Guangjian, the expert on school beauties, had decent taste.

Five people were sitting in a private room. Two of them were quiet: Yuan Peilin and Tian Qingyi; two others were very talkative: Qi Guangjian and Nan Ying; and the last one was completely silent: Qinglin Anxue. This combination was quite strange.

The fraternity party seemed to be nearing its end. Although high school students are not allowed to drink alcohol, thanks to the enthusiastic organizers' insistence, there were still quite a few empty bottles piled up on the floor.

Nan Ying's alcohol tolerance wasn't as high as her personality; she was now slumped on the table, unconscious. Qi Guangjian, his face flushed, was probably on the verge of a drunken rampage.

"Hahaha, come on! To all of us for getting to know each other! To the two beautiful girls, Nan Ying and Qing Lin... Cheers!"

Watching Qi Guangjian tilt his head back and pour the liquid from the cup into his mouth again, Yuan Peilin helplessly withdrew his gaze. It seemed that Tian Qingyi, still sitting silently beside him, was as composed as ever. However, the book-loving boy then slammed his hand on the table. Before the others could figure out what was happening, he excitedly stood up from his seat, his eyes behind his glasses flashing with an unusually fervent light.

"Everyone! Do you know what?! I'm a genius! I will surpass Einstein! I will make everyone in the world remember my name! I swear! I, Tian Qing, will rule the world!!"

Yuan Peilin sighed; drinking too much was definitely not a good thing. He then couldn't help but turn his gaze to the long-haired girl sitting beside him. Could it be the alcohol? A slight blush graced her cheeks; her expression remained indifferent, but lacked its usual coldness. Long, ribbon-like strands of hair cascaded down her shoulders beside her delicate ears, giving her a serene and gentle appearance…

Perhaps sensing the boy's gaze, the long-haired girl slightly turned her head to look at Yuan Peilin, her long and neat eyelashes making her eyes even more expressive.

Soon after, Qing Lin Anxue slowly stood up: "I should go back."

"Then let me take you..." Yuan Peilin noticed that the long-haired girl's body was swaying slightly.

Qing Lin Anxue hesitated for a moment, then looked around at the other three who had already fallen asleep: "What about them?" Her voice was gentle, and there was no tone of refusal.

"Don't worry, you can stay overnight at these kinds of places."

"Um……"

It's almost late autumn now, and the night wind is getting chilly. This isn't a bustling night market area, so the streets are quite quiet. The streetlights cast a soft, warm glow, creating a gentle and mysterious atmosphere.

Lin Tongqing and Lin Anxue walked side by side, their footsteps harmonious, like a beautiful melody being played together. They hadn't spoken since leaving the shop, yet there was no awkwardness. In fact, this quiet was quite pleasant. Of course, this might just be Yuan Tongqing's wishful thinking.

They walked for a while in this state and arrived at the bus stop. Qinglin Anxue looked up at the itinerary and frowned.

"What's wrong?" Yuan Peilin also looked over.

The last bus was supposed to run until 10:30, but 15 minutes have already passed.

Yuan Peilin turned to look at his junior: "What should we do? Should we take a taxi?"

"Never mind..." Qing Lin Anxue didn't seem to care. "It's not too far from my home. I can just walk back slowly..."

"Let me walk with you for a while." Yuan Peilin looked at the darkness in the distance.

"Are you still afraid I'll be kidnapped...?"