Inside the hot pot restaurant, He Siyan and several comrades sat around a table, enjoying a sumptuous dinner. After finishing their meal, Liu Qiang patted his stomach and suggested, "Let's call it a day. My buddy invited me to play basketball. Want to come, guys?" His tone was filled with excitement and a sense of challenge.
Wang Hu immediately joined in the fun, replying with a smile, "Sure, let's go, let's have a game!" His attitude revealed a competitive spirit. The group then got up, preparing to pay the bill and then head to the basketball court.
They went to the front desk and were about to pay when the clerk told them the bill had already been settled. He Siyan was taken aback and asked, "Who paid?" The clerk thought for a moment and replied, "It was a female classmate, tall and very pretty."
Liu Qiang thought for a moment and guessed, "Could it be that classmate Gu?" His tone was a mix of joke and curiosity.
Upon hearing this, He Siyan couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head: "This little girl." His voice carried a hint of helplessness, but more so a sense of admiration for Gu Yunxi's actions. He hadn't expected Gu Yunxi to express her apology in this way, which made a deeper impression on him.
Wang Hu and his comrades laughed as well, both surprised and amused by Gu Yunxi's behavior. Wang Hu joked, "Looks like our Instructor He is quite charming, able to get a female student to offer to treat him." He Siyan waved his hand, saying nothing more.
The group left the hot pot restaurant and headed towards the basketball court. Although the weather outside was cold, their hearts were filled with enthusiasm and energy. He Siyan was also considering whether he should find an opportunity to express his gratitude to Gu Yunxi.
Gu Yunxi and her two companions strolled along the bustling streets, enjoying a relaxing weekend. Their laughter and conversation sounded particularly pleasant amidst the crowd. However, as they passed near the basketball court, an unsettling silence suddenly descended upon them—a group of former high school rivals stood ahead, their eyes filled with obvious hostility.
Among these rivals, the girl leading them was named Li Li. She had long, dyed blonde hair and heavy, somewhat exaggerated makeup. She wore tight jeans and an open-chested leather jacket, giving her a rebellious air. A defiant smile played on Li Li's lips as she stepped forward, her tone dripping with sarcasm: "Oh, isn't this our top student, Gu Yunxi? What, here to have some fun on the basketball court today?"
Despite her displeasure at the provocation, Gu Yunxi maintained a calm demeanor. She had long, flowing hair, and her clear eyes shone with intelligence. Tall and fair-skinned, Gu Yunxi was the kind of beautiful and academically gifted woman who stood out in a crowd.
Qian Ziyi and Lu Jingang stood close to Gu Yunxi, their eyes revealing wariness. Qian Ziyi was slightly shorter, with a round face and black-rimmed glasses, giving her a somewhat scholarly air. Lu Jingang, on the other hand, was robust, with short, neat hair, and his eyes revealed a resolute determination.
He Siyan and his comrades happened to be passing by. His sharp eyes spotted Gu Yunxi, who was surrounded, at a glance. He was tall and dressed casually, but his military bearing was still undeniable. He Siyan raised an eyebrow slightly, a resolute glint in his eyes. He strode forward and said in a firm and powerful voice, "What are you doing? What do you want by making things difficult for a few students?"
His voice carried an unquestionable authority, putting pressure on Li Li and her group. He Siyan's comrade-in-arms, Wang Hu, followed closely behind. He was burly and rugged-looking, but his eyes held a hint of gentleness.
Li Li looked at He Siyan and felt a sense of threat. Her voice unconsciously lowered a few decibels: "We...we didn't mean anything by it." Before she could finish speaking, He Siyan had already gestured for Gu Yunxi and the others to leave.
Gu Yunxi glanced at He Siyan, a surge of gratitude welling up inside her. She knew that if He Siyan hadn't appeared in time, they might have been entangled here for much longer. She nodded to He Siyan in thanks, then quickly left the scene with Qian Ziyi and Lu Jingang.
This unexpected encounter slightly changed Gu Yunxi's impression of He Siyan. She realized that this military training instructor, whom she had once disliked, actually had a kind and righteous side.
As the group left, the tense atmosphere around the basketball court gradually dissipated. He Siyan stepped closer, his brows slightly furrowed, and asked with concern, "Did you run into some thugs?" His voice was deep, revealing an undeniable authority.
Before Gu Yunxi could answer, Qian Ziyi spoke first, her tone filled with obvious dissatisfaction and contempt: "They're just petty thugs, always getting into trouble, just like hooligans." Her face showed a disdainful expression, clearly showing her extreme disgust for those people's behavior.
After listening to Qian Ziyi's words, Liu Qiang nodded thoughtfully: "You know them?" Qian Ziyi: "Yes, we went to the same high school." Her words were tinged with reminiscence and emotion.
Qian Ziyi continued, "Her grades used to be pretty good, but since she started dating, not only have her grades plummeted, but she's also changed completely." Her tone revealed regret and bewilderment at the girl's transformation.
He Siyan and his comrades listened attentively to Qian Ziyi's account, their faces showing sympathy and understanding. He Siyan glanced at Gu Yunxi, seemingly searching for her perspective as an innocent victim.
Gu Yunxi shrugged helplessly, a bitter smile playing on her lips, as if she were mockingly acknowledging her recent bad luck. "When you're down on your luck, even drinking water can cause problems," she said, her voice tinged with helplessness and self-deprecation.
He Siyan looked at Gu Yunxi, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a gentle smile. "How much was that meal just now?" he asked casually, his tone revealing ease and friendliness.
Gu Yunxi shook her head, a resolute glint in her eyes. "No need," her voice was calm yet firm, "Consider it an apology for misunderstanding you."
He Siyan disagreed. His gaze turned serious, his brows furrowing slightly, revealing his insistence. "No, you have to pay," he said, his voice carrying an undeniable resolve. "You're still a student. How can I let you treat me?"
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