A Stubborn Resolve

I was taken aback. Before I could even process why Brother Guo had given me that look, I instinctively pulled out my phone from my back pocket. But then, a shadow flickered before my eyes—Brother Guo had somehow flashed in front of me. The next thing I knew, the phone in my hand felt lighter. Looking down, it was gone, snatched away without a trace!

“Brother, what… what are you doing?” I asked, watching him stand before me, my phone clutched in his hand, the faint glow of a text message still visible on the screen. Suddenly, everything clicked. In his panic, Brother Guo must have used his lightness skill to snatch the phone from me in a flash. But why would he do such a thing? Utterly perplexed, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Don’t… don’t ask. For now, we need to get through this crisis… I’ll… I’ll return the phone when everything is over!” Brother Guo kept his head down, his hand trembling slightly as he held my phone. He didn’t answer my question directly but replied stubbornly, “Don’t send a text to Senior Xiao Ru. It’s best not to trouble her.”

Full of doubt, I was about to press further when Xiao Qi, who had lost her hiding spot when Brother Guo moved, stumbled over and hid behind him again. He gently stroked her head with his free hand, a complex look in his eyes—full of affection, yet mixed with a hint of incredulous grievance.

I knew there was something fishy going on, but seeing this, I couldn’t press for details. I had to let it go and, following Brother Guo’s suggestion, started thinking of a way out.

Yang Laoer and Linghu Ruoxu had originally wanted to insist on asking Senior Xiao Ru for help, but seeing me back down, they quieted down and stopped bringing it up.

****

In a sense, the idea of seeking external help seemed perfect on the surface, but in reality, it wasn’t very feasible. Right now, outside the window, Murong Fan and his group had already arrived at the gates, practically surrounding the entire male dormitory. Meanwhile, our target for help, Senior Xiao Ru, was buried in work for the Five Absolutes Academy’s student council, probably still at the academy office, miles away.

After pondering for a long time, I had no choice but to speak helplessly: “At this point, we have to take a risk. First, we need to figure out a way to break through the siege around the dormitory, then get Xiao Qi out of Tianwu University, and finally send her home…”

Brother Guo Hao had originally supported the idea of sending Xiao Qi straight back to her hometown, but now he was the first to object.

“No, that would only put Xiao Qi in more danger! Times have changed. Even if we manage to break out, we’ll definitely be chased. Once we leave campus, the restraints of school rules won’t apply, and the seniors and experts outside will be able to intervene… That would be even worse!” Brother Guo refuted firmly.

“Ah-woo, and I still need to find my sister and big brother. Ah-woo, I… I… I don’t want to be sent away!” Before I could argue with Brother Guo, Xiao Qi, who had been timidly silent behind him, spoke up.

I couldn’t refute Brother Guo because Xiao Qi herself—no, herself being a fox—was the core of this matter. If she remained uncooperative, there would be no chance of success!

“Xiao Qi, listen. This isn’t a time for you to have your way!” I said urgently, a hint of harshness creeping into my voice due to my worry.

“Ah-woo, I don’t want to go! I won’t go!” Xiao Qi insisted stubbornly, stepping out from behind Brother Guo and shaking her head vigorously. Her large, pointed fox ears fluttered, showing her determination.

“No! If you stay any longer, you’ll face life-threatening danger, a calamity! No! You must leave! Xiao Qi, be good and listen to me, okay?” I said, my tone growing harsh as I thought about the urgency; every moment delayed increased Xiao Qi’s danger.

“I don’t want to go! I won’t go!” Xiao Qi shook her head fiercely.

“But why? Xiao Qi, aren’t you afraid of death?” I gritted my teeth and asked hoarsely.

“Ah-woo, I am afraid. But I don’t want to leave, and I don’t want to leave you all… Ah-woo, I like Brother Guo, Sister Dongfang, Brother Yang, and Brother Linghu… Ah-woo, I don’t want to be sent away… Ah-woo…” Xiao Qi’s voice was already choked with tears, her words trembling. But despite her timid, faltering speech, the way she shook her head was firm and resolute.