Chapter 30

The change of the health committee member's position was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating continuous ripples in Class 3 of Grade 1. Liu Yiduo has obviously restrained herself a lot, no longer saying things with veiled implications in public, but the coldness that often lingers in her beautiful eyes and the meaningful glances she occasionally exchanges with Wen Wanyu all indicate that she has not truly let go.

Xu Nianlei was forced to take over the duties of the hygiene monitor. She was indeed meticulous in her work, keeping clear records of the duty roster and hygiene inspections, and even voluntarily taking on the task of cleaning the dirtiest and most tiring corners. Unlike Liu Yiduo, she didn't boss others around; she always finished her work quietly on her own. This silent diligence softened the attitudes of some classmates who had initially been prejudiced against her.

Lu Baiyan witnessed all of this, feeling both heartache for her forbearance and relief at the step she had taken. He knew that adapting to a new role would take time.

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.

That afternoon after school, it was Xu Nianlei's group's turn to do chores. The other students in her group exchanged glances and said to Xu Nianlei with mischievous smiles:

"Committee Member Xu, we have some urgent business to attend to today, so we'll have to go now! Thank you for your trouble!"

"That's right, that's right, the capable should do more!"

"Anyway, you don't have anything to do at home, right?"

After saying that, before Xu Nianlei could react, the group ran off, leaving her alone to face the classroom full of trash and dust.

Xu Nianlei looked at the empty classroom, bit her lip, and silently picked up the broom without saying anything. She knew this was the aftermath of Liu Yiduo's influence, a silent protest against her "rise to power".

Lu Baiyan was a little late leaving because his math teacher had kept him behind to discuss a competition problem. When he reached the classroom door, he saw Xu Nianlei alone, struggling to drag a trash bag almost as tall as herself out of the classroom. Fine beads of sweat were on her forehead, her cheeks were flushed from the effort, and her figure looked particularly thin in the empty classroom.

A surge of anger welled up in Lu Baiyan's heart. He strode over and took the heavy garbage bag from her hand.

Xu Nianlei was startled. She looked up and saw it was him. A hint of panic flashed in her eyes, and she instinctively tried to take it back: "No need... I can do it myself..."

"What do you mean, 'can't'?" Lu Baiyan's voice was filled with suppressed anger, not at her, but at those who were deliberately making things difficult for her. "Duty is a shared responsibility of the group, not an obligation for any one person."

He carried the trash bag to the back door of the classroom and threw it directly into the large trash can. Then he turned back, picked up another broom, and began sweeping the rest of the classroom without saying a word.

Xu Nianlei stood there, watching his brisk but clearly displeased back, feeling helpless. She wanted to say something, but didn't know how to begin.

"What are you standing there for?" Lu Baiyan asked without turning his head, his voice still somewhat cold. "Finish it as soon as possible and go home."

Xu Nianlei then realized what was happening and quickly picked up a rag to start wiping the table. The two worked in silence, the only sounds being the broom scraping the floor and the rag wiping the table.

The setting sun cast its last rays through the window, elongating their shadows and intertwining them. Xu Nianlei secretly glanced at him; his lips were pursed, his profile somewhat hard, yet his sweeping movements were earnest and forceful. An indescribable feeling spread through her, like her grievances being understood, or like a ray of sunlight being pierced into a cold corner.

The classroom was quickly cleaned. Lu Baiyan put the tools back in their place, washed his hands, and picked up his schoolbag.

"Let's go." His tone softened.

The two walked out of the teaching building one after the other again. This time, Xu Nianlei followed behind him, keeping a little closer.

Reaching the fork in the road, Xu Nianlei stopped and whispered, "Thank you for today..."

Lu Baiyan turned around and looked at her. The golden light of the setting sun outlined the soft contours of her profile, her long eyelashes drooping, giving her a fragile beauty.

“Xu Nianlei,” he began, his voice low and earnest, “remember, you are now the hygiene monitor. You have responsibilities and authority. Next time someone leaves early without a reason, write down their name and give it directly to the homeroom teacher. There’s no need to swallow your anger.”

Xu Nianlei raised her head and met his firm gaze. There was no sympathy or pity in those eyes, only an almost stern trust and expectation—he believed she could handle it, and he expected her to stand up for herself.

“…Mmm.” She responded softly, her voice low but carrying an unprecedented firmness.

"Also," Lu Baiyan paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "as for Liu Yiduo... you don't need to be afraid of her. Just do your own thing, and she can't do anything to you."

Xu Nianlei looked at him and nodded. She was still afraid, but looking into his eyes, her fear seemed to have lessened considerably.

"I'm leaving." Lu Baiyan said, then turned and left.

Xu Nianlei watched his tall figure disappear into the twilight, remaining motionless for a long time. She remembered the way he angrily accepted the trash bag, the way he silently helped her clean the classroom, and his words, "You have the responsibility, and you have the right..."

In a cold, hard corner of my heart, something seemed to gently tap, and a crack appeared.

The next day, it was Liu Yiduo's group's turn to be on duty. Coincidentally, Lu Baiyan also stayed after school because of student council matters.

As expected, Liu Yiduo and Wen Wanyu and the others tried to slip away under some pretext, just like yesterday.

"Xu Nianlei, today..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xu Nianlei looked up at them calmly. Her voice was soft but exceptionally clear: "The duty roster is here, and everyone's tasks have been assigned. If you need to leave early due to special circumstances, you must explain the reason to me according to the class rules and make up for it later. If you are absent without a valid reason, I will record it and report it to the homeroom teacher."

She finished speaking in one breath, her cheeks slightly flushed with nervousness, but her eyes did not waver as she looked straight at Liu Yiduo.

Liu Yiduo was completely taken aback by Xu Nianlei's usually timid response and was momentarily stunned. Wen Wanyu and the others exchanged glances, not daring to move.

Standing near the back door of the classroom, Lu Baiyan's lips curled up almost imperceptibly upon hearing Xu Nianlei's words. He didn't go in, but simply leaned quietly against the wall.

Liu Yiduo realized what was happening, feeling embarrassed and angry: "Xu Nianlei, what do you mean? Are you making a big deal out of nothing?"

"I'm just fulfilling my duties as a health committee member," Xu Nianlei repeated, her voice still calm, but her fingers were quietly clenching at her side.

"you……"

"Liu Yiduo." A calm voice came from the doorway.

Everyone turned their heads and saw Lu Baiyan standing there at some point, holding a folder in his hand, his gaze sweeping over everyone present indifferently.

"Class monitor..." Liu Yiduo's arrogance instantly diminished.

"What's all the noise about during duty time?" Lu Bai's tone was calm, but it carried an invisible pressure. "Since Xu Nianlei is following the rules, you should just cooperate. Or do you think the class rules don't need to be followed?"

His gaze fell on Liu Yiduo, and although there was no hint of harshness in his eyes, it sent a chill down her spine.

"No...no." Liu Yiduo bit her lip, glared at Xu Nianlei, and ultimately didn't dare to say anything more. She reluctantly picked up the broom and started working. Wen Wanyu and the others had no choice but to follow suit.

Seeing this scene, Xu Nianlei's tense nerves finally relaxed. She secretly glanced at Lu Baiyan at the door, who was also looking at her. In the instant their eyes met, he nodded to her almost imperceptibly.

That look seemed to say: Well done.

A warm feeling suddenly welled up in Xu Nianlei's heart, making her nose tingle. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to organize the duty roster, to hide her instantly reddened eyes.

This time, she didn't rely on his direct intervention, but rather on the "power" and courage he gave her to hold her ground.

Although it was just a minor incident involving cleaning duties, it was a milestone victory for Xu Nianlei. For the first time, she realized that she wasn't entirely a pushover. She realized that following the rules and standing up for herself could truly protect her from unnecessary bullying.

Looking at the figure in the classroom, who was still thin but seemed to have gained a bit more resilience, Lu Baiyan felt a complex sense of comfort.

Leilei, can you see that? When you start fighting for yourself, the world will make way for you. This path is difficult, but I will always be by your side, watching you walk step by step, finding your own path.

The silent battle has temporarily come to an end. But Lu Baiyan knows this is far from over. The real storm may be yet to come. And he must prepare for her, to face all possible future possibilities.