Encounter, the Third

Noon, lunchtime.

Having finally escaped the entanglement of the twin transfer students, Wang Ning dragged Xiali straight toward the cafeteria.

As for Glaze Ann, Wang Ning genuinely suspected this person was a plant spirit reincarnated—she seemed able to survive on nothing but sunlight and sleep. Wang Ning had almost never seen her eat or even show up in the cafeteria—actually, Glaze Ann was nowhere to be found during most mealtimes.

Familiar with the layout by now, Wang Ning navigated her way to the “Compassion Meal” station. Looking at the dazzling variety of food, she sincerely gave thanks to Alice Academy for taking care of ordinary students from underprivileged backgrounds.

When it was finally her turn, Wang Ning presented her tray with reverence.

There weren’t many people in line at this food station. The lunch lady already recognized her and beamed as she added an extra scoop of meat. “It’s Little Ning! Still growing—eat more.”

Wang Ning’s eyes sparkled as she replied sweetly, “Thank you, big sis.” Her repeated use of “big sis” made the lunch lady’s face glow with delight. She warmly offered even more food, and Wang Ning only stopped her when she truly felt she couldn’t eat another bite.

Balancing her tray, Wang Ning spotted Xiali waving at her and headed that way.

“Hey! Stop! I said stop!” An angry voice rang out behind her. Wang Ning instinctively turned her head.

A figure rushing past slammed into her. Wang Ning’s eyes widened as her body tilted to the side, and time seemed to slow.

She watched helplessly as the contents of her tray flew out.

Clatter!

Along with the crashing tray, that figure also collapsed to the ground. Wang Ning nearly rose to help them, but another person was already charging over.

Sofia had been about to head upstairs for lunch when she discovered her meal card was missing.

When she turned back, she spotted a sneaky, small-framed figure trying to leave. She called out—but the person suddenly ran off. There was no doubt in Sofia’s mind now: the thief was that girl. Enraged, she gave chase.

The cafeteria was crowded, and Sofia didn’t want to make a scene in public, so she held back her speed. As the figure began disappearing into the crowd, she finally shouted in anger.

When she caught up, she saw the person knocked to the ground and—without hesitation—kicked her hard, venting her fury.

“You b*tch! How dare you steal from me!”

The girl on the ground hadn’t said a word since she fell. Even after the kick, she remained silent and didn’t deny Sofia’s accusation. Her ashen hair obscured most of her face, but through the thick bangs, one could faintly see a pair of gloomy, lifeless eyes.

“Still not talking? Give me back my meal card, you little thief!” Sofia could feel people staring. Her cheeks flushed, and her anger flared.

A meal card didn’t mean much to her. Normally, losing one wouldn’t even faze her. But this wretched little thief had embarrassed her in public—today, she would teach her a painful lesson!

Sofia raised her foot again and, without hesitation, crushed it down onto the girl’s calf.

The resulting crack made those nearby cringe in discomfort.

Wang Ning hadn’t even had time to mourn the loss of her lunch when she saw this scene unfold. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively shouted, “Wait!”

Sofia turned, her expression dark. “What? Are you her accomplice? Trying to defend her?”

And then—she froze.

No one could mistake that face.

The mess on the floor surrounded a pale-haired girl with delicately furrowed brows. Her calm gaze swept over Sofia, and the once-clean school uniform was now stained, making people instinctively want to clean it for her.

Then Sofia heard her speak—her voice cold, clear, and beautiful.

“Are you sure your meal card was stolen?”

Sofia heard the doubt in her voice. Normally, that would’ve infuriated her, and she would’ve retorted in anger. But instead, she said, “Yes! If she didn’t steal it, why would she run?” Her tone dropped by several decibels—soft and quiet without her realizing it.

Wang Ning looked down at the girl, struck by a strong sense of familiarity. But she couldn’t clearly see her face through the hair and had no way of confirming if they’d met.

So she crouched down, reached out a hand, and gently asked, “Can you stand? If you need help, take my hand.”

The girl slowly raised her head. Behind her bangs and dark-rimmed glasses, her pitch-black eyes looked like dim meteorites—lifeless and heavy.

Wang Ning froze.

She finally realized where that overwhelming sense of familiarity came from.

—This girl was the third heroine of the Alice Academy storyline.

Chloe.