CHAPTER 6 — Underestimation
By the next day, the atmosphere had settled.
On the surface.
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Classes resumed. Conversations returned. Nothing seemed out of place.
But Zhang Xiao Qi knew better.
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When people stopped reacting openly—
It only meant they had started thinking.
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She entered the classroom as usual, quiet and unremarkable.
No one greeted her.
No one stopped her.
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But more eyes followed her than before.
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Good.
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She took her seat and opened her book, her movements slow and natural.
As if she didn't notice anything.
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Across the room, Li Xinyue watched her.
Carefully.
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"…She's acting normal again," someone whispered.
"That's what makes it strange."
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Li Xinyue didn't respond.
Her gaze remained fixed on Zhang Xiao Qi.
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Unpredictable people were the most dangerous.
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And she didn't like variables she couldn't control.
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— The Move
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It didn't take long.
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"Zhang Xiao Qi."
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Her name was called clearly.
Deliberately.
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The class quieted slightly.
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Zhang Xiao Qi looked up.
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Li Xinyue stood near her desk.
Calm.
Composed.
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But her intention was obvious.
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"…Yes?"
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"Come with me."
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Not a request.
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An order.
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A few students exchanged looks.
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This wasn't random.
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Zhang Xiao Qi closed her book slowly.
Then stood.
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"…Alright."
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No resistance.
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No hesitation.
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That alone made Li Xinyue pause for a fraction of a second.
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But she turned anyway.
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Zhang Xiao Qi followed.
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— Outside
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The hallway was mostly empty.
Classes had already started.
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Li Xinyue stopped near the end of the corridor and turned.
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"…You've been acting strange."
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Direct.
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Zhang Xiao Qi tilted her head slightly.
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"…Have I?"
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"Don't play dumb."
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A pause.
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"…You didn't interfere yesterday."
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"Is that a problem?"
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Li Xinyue's eyes narrowed.
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"…It is when it changes the balance."
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There it was.
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Not personal.
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Strategic.
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Zhang Xiao Qi smiled faintly.
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"…Then maybe the balance needed to change."
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— Pressure
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Li Xinyue stepped closer.
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"…Do you think stepping back makes you safe?"
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"…Safe?"
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Zhang Xiao Qi's expression didn't change.
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"…I was never unsafe."
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Silence.
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Because that—
Wasn't arrogance.
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It was certainty.
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— Interruption
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"Then you're either confident…"
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A new voice cut in.
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"…or reckless."
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Both turned.
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stood at the other end of the corridor.
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Calm.
Unhurried.
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But his presence—
Shifted everything.
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Li Xinyue straightened slightly.
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"…This doesn't concern you."
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"…It does if it disrupts order."
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His tone was mild.
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But not negotiable.
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— Silent Understanding
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For a brief moment—
His gaze met Zhang Xiao Qi's.
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Not long.
Not obvious.
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But enough.
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Because unlike everyone else—
He wasn't observing her like a stranger.
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He was confirming something.
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And she noticed.
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Of course she did.
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"…Interesting," she though
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Li Xinyue exhaled lightly.
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"…This isn't over."
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A final look at Zhang Xiao Qi—
Then she turned and walked away.
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Control.
Maintaine
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Silence lingered.
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Zhang Xiao Qi didn't move.
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"…You interfered," she said.
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Not questioning.
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Stating.
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Lu Zeyan stepped closer.
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"…You allowed it."
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A pause.
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"…You didn't need help."
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Her gaze sharpened slightly.
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"…Then why step in?"
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— The Only One Who Knows
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He looked at her.
Calm.
Unreadable.
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"…Because some things shouldn't escalate."
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A simple answer.
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But not the real one.
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And they both knew it.
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— Subtle Tension
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"…You're different from what they think," he added.
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A pause.
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Zhang Xiao Qi smiled faintly.
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"…And you know what they don't."
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Silence.
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For a second—
Neither looked away.
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Because this—
Wasn't a normal interaction.
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— Distance Restored
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"…Be careful," he said finally.
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"…Of what?"
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"…Being underestimated."
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A pause.
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Then he turned and left.
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— Realization
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Zhang Xiao Qi remained where she was.
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"…So you're the one."
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The only one who wasn't fooled.
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Interesting.
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— Elsewhere
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At the same time—
In the medical department—
stood by the window, reviewing files.
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Calm.
Focused.
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But her hand paused.
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Just briefly.
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"…He stepped in."
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Not visible.
Not reported.
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But she knew.
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A faint shift in her expression.
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"…So you're watching too."
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Then—
She continued.
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As if nothing had happened.
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The balance didn't break.
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Not yet.
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But now—
One person had stepped forward.
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And another had noticed.
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Which meant—
The game had truly begun.