Meanwhile, You Can was drowning in a sea of irritability and sorrow. After class, he refused to leave with his friends, choosing instead to sit in the empty classroom, staring blankly into space in a state of dejection.
"You Can..." A girl from the Sea Anemone Tribe with twin-tails approached him, looking at him timidly. "I heard about what happened. Since we’re from the same tribe and I also went to Lier No. 1 High School, I was worried about you. Are... are you okay?"
"No. Get lost." You Can turned away impatiently, not wanting to spare her a single glance.
Was this girl brain-dead? Why would she ask a guy who had just been cheated on if he was "okay"? Did she really need to ask?
"O-okay..." With tears welling in her eyes, the girl placed a homemade bento in front of him. "Actually, I think you're amazing."
*Amazing?* This kind of consolation felt like a mockery. You Can slumped over his desk, his expression incredibly sour.
"Back in high school, you were so charismatic. You were popular, had great grades, and were so athletic... everyone liked you so much..."
As the girl spoke with a trembling voice, You Can’s ear fins slowly began to perk up.
"I... I’m only telling you this because I want you to know that you really are great! I don't mean anything else by it!! These are some snacks I made for you, just try them if you like... Please keep going and cheer up!" After saying this, the girl set down a seashell bowl and swam away at top speed, the tips of her ears flushed deep red.
By the time You Can looked back, she was long gone.
The seashell bowl before him was filled with colorful seafood and candies—childish, just like the girl herself.
***
Fan Li had spent a long time at home pondering how to help You Can and Ryuka reconcile. She had originally planned to contact Ryuka the following week, but to her surprise, right after the Land Food Practical class the next day, she saw Ryuka proactively approaching the Seaweed Senior outside a classroom.
The Seaweed Senior said only one sentence to her before turning to leave. Seeing Ryuka standing there in a daze, Fan Li pulled her into a classroom and shut the door.
"Ryuka, do you have time to talk about You Can?"
"Go ahead." Ryuka crossed her arms, a smile playing on her lips that carried a hint of fury.
Fan Li didn't know that the Seaweed Senior’s words had been: *"Back in high school, when the 'Black Coral Goddess Gang' bullied you, I actually felt sorry for you. How ironic."* Consequently, Fan Li didn't know where Ryuka’s current rage was coming from. She only sensed Ryuka’s volatile emotions and felt a bit intimidated, but thinking of You Can’t's suffering, she steeled herself. "The way you're treating You Can... it isn't right."
"Oh? I’ve wronged You Can? How exactly have I wronged him?"
"Since you two are already together, you shouldn't be meeting other boys behind his back, right?"
"Fan Li, give me a break!" Ryuka rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. "You know perfectly well that the one You Can liked at first was you. He only started pursuing me because he saw that Xing Hai liked you and knew he couldn't compete. I’m just his rebound, his backup—I’m already pathetic enough! And now you won't even let me see other guys? Isn't that a joke?"
"You Can liked me? He saw that Xing Hai liked me?"
Ryuka only sneered, pulling out her *History of Arcana* and flipping through it to display her disdain.
At the same time, Xing Hai, who hadn't seen Fan Li outside the building, had come up to look for her. He happened to find the classroom where she and Ryuka were. Just as he was about to knock, his knuckles stopped short of the door as he heard Ryuka mention his name. He pulled his hand back.
A girl usually has a sense of whether a boy is interested in her. Fan Li carefully recalled her interactions with You Can and was certain he had never liked her; he had fallen for Ryuka at first sight. She said firmly, "You're only saying all this to make yourself feel less guilty."
Ryuka slammed her book shut with a *snap*, sending a sharp ripple through the water—a physical manifestation of her explosive impatience. "Then let me ask you: if a boy like You Can pursued you, would you say yes?"
"No, but that’s because I don't want to be in a relationship right now. If I did, You Can would be great."
"Since he’s so great, why don't you just be with him then?" Ryuka crossed her arms again, her smile growing more scornful. "He’s all yours. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness."
"You... you're being completely unreasonable. Fine, forget I said anything."
Just as Fan Li turned to leave, Ryuka called out from behind her. "You know, Fan Li, I think you're incredibly hypocritical. You say You Can is great, but if he actually pursued you, you would absolutely never consider him. You don't even think Xing Hai is good enough for you, let alone You Can. So why do you insist on forcing me to be with him? Am I really that inferior?"
Fan Li exhaled slowly. "I came here to mediate, not to fight. If I’ve offended you with my words, I apologize. Don't drag Xing Hai into this; he’s innocent."
"Drop the 'Double-S top student' superiority! I know what you're thinking. You 'don't want to' right now because you're waiting until you get to St. Yegana. It’ll be much easier to find a boyfriend there, won't it?"
"What do you mean?" Fan Li frowned.
"There will be more high-tier merfolk to choose from, won't there?" At this, Ryuka flashed a strange, biting smile. "After all, you even managed to sleep with Lord Su Shiye. Even if it was just a one-time thing, you did it. You know you're not just some academic nerd; you know you have charm in the eyes of men. See how well I understand you? Why can't you show me the same consideration..."
"Ryuka, have you lost your mind!" Hearing Su Shiye’s name again, Fan Li’s emotions flared. "I came to help you reconcile with your boyfriend. Why are you attacking me?"
"I just think you're absurd! You mated with Lord Su Shiye until you were practically a land-dweller, while simultaneously keeping Xing Hai as a backup. What right do you have to blame me for cheating? Just because your grades are good?"
Fan Li was so angry her chest ached; she wanted to snap back. But she quickly remembered something Su Shiye had said—*all bad moods are related to desire.* Was her current anger because Ryuka had poked a sore spot? Did she, in her subconscious, really want to scout for other boys in St. Yegana? Should she confirm her relationship with Xing Hai right now just to prove she wasn't that kind of person?
Fan Li closed her eyes, forcing her thoughts into order.
No, she hadn't refused Xing Hai because she wanted to meet other boys. She was angry because she was frustrated with her own lack of resolve in front of Su Shiye. Since she had already let Su Shiye disrupt her rhythm once, she needed to cut her losses and regain her composure. She couldn't rush into a new relationship and turn Xing Hai into a second Su Shiye, making a mess of both their lives. Her priority now wasn't romance; it was passing the advancement exams. No matter what Ryuka said about her, she shouldn't let it affect her.
"I don't want to argue with you anymore, Ryuka." Fan Li patted Ryuka’s shoulder. "You're speaking without thinking because you're angry. When you've calmed down, if you need someone to talk to, find me. I’m willing to listen anytime."
Ryuka kept her arms crossed and turned her head away.
Fan Li turned and swam out. But as soon as she pulled the door open, she saw Xing Hai standing there.
"So, that man was Su Shiye." Xing Hai tried to force a casual smile, but it didn't reach his eyes; his lips merely twitched. "That trip was with him too, wasn't it?"
For a moment, Fan Li didn't know how to answer. Should she explain, or simply tell the truth? Ryuka was right behind her, and Xing Hai was clearly upset; it felt like anything she said would be wrong.
As she hesitated, Xing Hai lowered his head. Even his bangs couldn't hide the wounded look in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me it was him earlier? If you had, I would have given up." With that, he turned and left without looking back.
"No, it’s not like that, he and I didn't—" Fan Li chased after him and grabbed his arm, but he shook her off.
Fan Li didn't force him further and stood still.
"Well?" Ryuka felt a twinge of guilt knowing she had caused trouble, but after being criticized by everyone for days, her resentment hadn't fully dissipated. "Is it my turn to lecture you now? A woman shouldn't be indecisive, or she'll be condemned by everyone. Why is it that men can be forgiven for being unfaithful, but women are called sl—"
"Ryuka, that is enough!" Fan Li snapped. "Whether it's a man or a woman, once you're in a relationship, you cannot betray the other person! Xing Hai and I are not boyfriend and girlfriend, yet he is in this much pain because of Su Shiye. Have you ever considered how much pain you've caused You Can? Cherish the boy who loves you and stop sabotaging yourself, okay!"
Leaving those words behind, Fan Li rushed out.
Xing Hai ignoring her hurt more than she had expected.
This was a misunderstanding, yet it wasn't.
She wanted to blame Su Shiye for flirting with her and turning her life upside down. But Su Shiye wasn't a liar. If he had pretended to offer her a monogamous commitment and then she found out he was a playboy, she could simply call him a scumbag and be done with it. But regarding his views on partners, he was a typical, blunt member of a predatory tribe; he laid everything out on the table. He hadn't betrayed anyone.
It was she who had been foolish, unable to resist the temptation.
And why couldn't she resist? Because she was too powerless! If she could guarantee her own safety and live a wealthy life through her own abilities, she would surely have been able to reject Su Shiye with more grace.
If she were a member of a predatory tribe, perhaps everything would be better. Perhaps she would be able to learn Arcana, perhaps she could find a way to turn back into Fan Li sooner, perhaps she wouldn't have to live in constant fear... In this world, she felt she had no meaning. Only Xing Hai had affirmed her worth.
But now, even he no longer believed in her.
After leaving school, she found her way back to the black market alone, trying to summon the courage to drink the "Heart of the Styx." However, even at night, people were emerging from the Black Crocodile Union, burying piles upon piles of white bones. The flowing lights reflected off the bones, dyeing them in various colors—a sight both terrifying and strangely beautiful.
In the end, Fan Li lingered at the entrance of the Black Crocodile Union but still lacked the courage to enter. She returned home and fell into an exhausted sleep around midnight.
Over the weekend, she worked for two days. Xing Hai did not contact her.
Fan Li thought Ryuka and You Can were completely finished. But on Bukko Day morning, she saw the two of them sitting together again. Seeing her arrive, You Can waved. Ryuka looked up at her, gave an unnatural smile, and went back to writing new notes in her preview notebook.
Fan Li swam over and playfully nudged Ryuka with her arm. "You look like you're in a good mood today. Hanging out with us isn't so bad, right?"
Ryuka wrote a few more words, then set down her pen and said softly, "Li-zi, I’m sorry. I was being willful last week."
"Friends bicker, it’s normal. I was at fault too."
However, Ryuka and Feisi did not reconcile. Feisi had originally felt guilty toward Ryuka, but because Ryuka had cheated on You Can, she now had a bit of a grudge against her. Ryuka had always disliked Feisi, and now that she was back with You Can, there was a hint of showing off in her behavior.
You Can was in an exceptionally bright mood. All day, he followed Ryuka around like a devoted servant, peeling shrimp for her, massaging her shoulders, and buying her snacks. Even when Feisi whispered to him privately, "How can you be so foolish? You were cheated on and you still got back together," he just smiled and brushed it off.
But this devotion was like a final burst of light before the end; it only lasted two days. Two days later, after the Arcana lecture on Saint Ti Day, You Can proactively broke up with Ryuka. His reason was simply "we're just not right for each other," and he slipped away before Ryuka could even react.
Xing Hai was outside the classroom, chatting with a few other boys.
Fan Li happened to swim out of the classroom alone, clutching her *Level 1 Arcana* book, looking quite downcast. She looked up, saw Xing Hai, and immediately lowered her head, not wanting him to notice her as she hurried away.
Ryuka swam over with a bitter smile, intending to tell Fan Li that she had been dumped too and suggest they go shopping after school. But Xing Hai suddenly rushed in front of Fan Li and grabbed her wrist. Amidst another round of hooting from the onlookers, they disappeared around the corner of the hallway.
"I think some girls in our department are just so full of themselves, thinking they can compare to Fan Li."
Hearing this voice, Ryuka whipped her head around to see Feisi and another girl with twin-tails coming out of the classroom. Feisi acted as if she hadn't seen Ryuka, saying to the other girl with a laugh, "Whether it's looks, grades, or principles in love, there’s no comparison at all. Some people think they're special just because their family has a bit of money. Girls who cheat are destined for a bad end."
The twin-tailed girl saw Ryuka and knew Feisi was saying this on purpose, so she didn't dare speak.
Ryuka wanted nothing more than to rush over and tear Feisi’s mouth apart, but since Feisi hadn't addressed her directly, she had to swallow her rage.
***
Entering an algae garden, Xing Hai stopped behind a row of statues and let go of her hand. "I’m sorry."
"Don't apologize, it wasn't your fault." Despite saying that, Fan Li gave a relieved smile. "I wasn't honest enough; I didn't tell you the important details."
"No, you didn't have to explain any of that to me. It was my own cowardice. When I heard the person who liked you was the Dictator..." Xing Hai looked away, frustrated. "I felt like I had absolutely no hope."
"Why?"
"Compared to him, what can I give you?"
"Hope."
Hearing Fan Li’s unhesitating answer, Xing Hai stared at her blankly. "Hope?"
A current surged past, ruffling her short hair.
She looked back at the row of statues beside them. This was a famous work by art students titled *The Four Great Arcanists of the Red Moon Sea's Golden Age*. The four figures stood in various poses—hands on hips, hands clasped, hands behind backs, hands in pockets. They were a deep bronze color and looked quite aged, but the gloves and the sea-pen held by the Great Arcanist Thomas had been rubbed into a bright gold. She touched the sea-pen and smiled. "Tell me, why do the students rub this? It’s not like this pen can actually be used to write."
"Because it’s Thomas’s pen. I guess everyone thinks that if they touch it, they'll be blessed by a genius and get high scores on their exams."
"Exactly. That is hope. There were times when I had no confidence in the road ahead, times when I felt everything was dark. It was your appearance that let me see the light. So, you don't need to give me anything material. As long as you're by my side, I can see hope."
"I will keep giving you hope. But..." Xing Hai frowned slightly. "I still need to give you material things. Like a house, renovations, income, a home in a good school district."
Fan Li sputtered a jet of water. "Stop it! You're thinking way too far ahead!"
"I suppose I am." Xing Hai gave a shy smile. "I haven't even won you over yet."
"You really are a wonderful boy." Fan Li tucked her hair behind her ear fins, which twitched playfully. "So, even if we aren't destined to be lovers, and even if you feel there’s no point in being my friend, I will stick to my thoughts—you are a friend worth having, and I don't regret knowing you."
Xing Hai was silent for a while, then suddenly looked up. "Li-li, I’ve changed my mind. If you like me and want to be my girlfriend, that would be the best, of course. But if we aren't meant to be together, I will still cherish our friendship. I don't want to put pressure on you."
Fan Li opened her mouth, almost letting the words "Of course I like you" slip out, but she held back. She couldn't start a relationship recklessly. Once she started, she would never leave easily. She simply looked at him and smiled. "I’m so happy you think that way."
"By the way, why did you go to the black market alone?"
"You know I went to the black market?" Fan Li was stunned. "You haven't been following me these past few days, have you?"
"Of course I have. I had to make sure you were safe. You haven't answered my question." Seeing Fan Li’s guilty expression, Xing Hai said sternly, "You weren't planning on drinking the 'Heart of the Styx,' were you?"
"No, no, I didn't have the guts for that. It was just a momentary impulse."
"Impulse?" Xing Hai frowned in thought for a moment. "It was because I was ignoring you, wasn't it?"
"No, it wasn't!"
"No, it was definitely because I was ignoring you." Xing Hai looked annoyed with himself and clicked his tongue. "It’s all my fault. I almost caused you harm."
Fan Li suddenly realized that while Xing Hai was a straightforward thinker, his emotional intelligence wasn't low at all. He could immediately sense even the smallest emotions and motivations, and he was exceptionally firm in his conclusions. Thus, she stopped trying to hide it. "It was all a misunderstanding. Now that it’s cleared up, don't take it to heart."
"I won't give you the cold shoulder ever again. I promised to protect you, and that includes your peace of mind."
As he spoke, Xing Hai swam forward a bit, opened his arms, and pulled Fan Li into a tight embrace.
She gasped, but then heard his gentle voice above her. "This is a hug to give you a sense of security. It doesn't mean anything else."
Xing Hai’s shoulders were broader than they looked, and he was taller than he seemed. She suddenly felt very small and couldn't help but curl into a little ball, wrapping her arms around his waist. His waist was slender but felt firm, all muscle. Leaning against his chest, she could clearly hear his heart racing...
"Thank you." Fan Li closed her eyes and gently hugged him back. "You really are so thoughtful."
It really did feel secure.
Xing Hai’s embrace filled her with happiness and peace. For a moment, she even felt that it would be wonderful to just lean on him like this until they were old...
***
From the next day on, Ryuka frequently saw You Can with Feisi and the twin-tailed girl. A dark premonition grew in her heart.
After class, she called You Can to a corner. You Can was as obedient as ever and followed her. Ryuka stood with one hand on her hip, her unhappiness written all over her face. "Who is that girl?"
"Ryuka, which... which one do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb! The one with the elementary school hairstyle!"
"Oh, her." You Can scratched his head. "Just a classmate. She likes me. She confessed to me this morning."
"And what do you think?" Ryuka began to panic.
"I said I need time to think... after all, I just broke up with you. The wound hasn't healed yet..."
Ryuka felt a wave of relief, but she didn't let it show. She swam forward, looking up at him with a rare display of vulnerability. "I’m sorry. I hurt you. I shouldn't have seen other guys. But if I hadn't, I wouldn't have known how important you are to me..." She took his hand and lowered her head. "You Can, can we get back together?"
"Really? I didn't expect you to come looking for me," You Can said gratefully. "I’m so happy."
"So, what do you think?"
"Let me go back and think about it properly, okay? Starting over takes courage."
"Why can't you just say yes now?" Ryuka couldn't help but be pushy again, but when she didn't get an answer, she took a breath and forced herself to say, "Fine. Go back and think it over. Tell me when you have an answer. I’ll wait for you."
"Okay! Thank you, Ryuka. Actually, you have a gentle side too; I never noticed it before... In the past, I didn't do well enough either."
"Don't say that. It’s not too late to start over."
"Yeah. I promise I’ll consider it seriously."
Despite his words, Ryuka never received an answer from You Can. A day later, when she saw You Can having a meal alone with the twin-tailed girl, she completely snapped. She charged at Fan Li like a rocket, fuming with rage. "What is that woman doing! Why is she always clinging to someone else’s boyfriend? Does she have no self-awareness?"
"You're the one with no self-awareness." It wasn't Fan Li who answered, but Feisi, who was standing beside her. "That’s You Can’t's girlfriend."
"What? Since when does she get to call herself his girlfriend?"
"You Can admitted it himself."
"Impossible! He..." Out of pride, she didn't say the rest—*he promised he would consider it!* She was anxious and furious. "He and I are in a reconciliation period!"
"Stop it. They're practically public. The only reason they haven't made it official is because they're afraid of you. You should have expected this result the moment you cheated on You Can, shouldn't you? I suggest you just focus on yourself and stop being the 'crazy ex-girlfriend' everyone talks about."
Ryuka’s chest heaved with anger, but Feisi’s words were like steel needles, piercing her exactly where it hurt most, leaving her without the strength to argue. After fuming for a long time, she spat out, "Pah!! You're disgusting! You Can is disgusting too! Dating a little girl!"
"Telling the truth is disgusting? If you have this much energy, why don't you think about why You Can chose a 'little girl' over you?" Feisi looked her up and down, then turned away in disgust. "That girl is much cuter than you."
Ryuka was about to explode. She turned to Fan Li. "Are you just going to let Feisi talk to me like that? Aren't you supposed to stand by your friend?!"
Fan Li lowered her head. In truth, she also felt You Can wasn't in the wrong; Ryuka was the one at fault. The best thing Ryuka could do was let go. But after being lashed out at by Ryuka last time, she didn't dare speak up.
"Heh..." Ryuka understood her silence and sneered. "I’m leaving!"
From that day on, Ryuka completely withdrew from the group of six. Her place was taken by You Can’t's new girlfriend. Although Fan Li and Ryuka had no direct conflict, Ryuka’s hatred for Feisi extended to Fan Li as well. And that hatred reached its peak when she saw Fan Li dining alone with the Seaweed Senior.
In reality, Fan Li had simply run into the Seaweed Senior while eating with Xing Hai. Xing Hai had gone to buy something, so she had chatted with the senior for a bit about the Miss Bubble case. Knowing he had been following the progress of the investigation, she had said a few more words to confirm if she needed to take any precautions.
Ryuka felt it was incredibly unfair. Both she and Fan Li had done things to betray their boyfriends (she considered Xing Hai to be Fan Li’s boyfriend), yet Xing Hai hadn't punished her; he loved her even more.
The six of them were intentionally isolating her!
After leaving the cafeteria, she happened to see the "Black Coral Goddess Gang" lounging lazily in the algae garden, soaking up the sun. In a fit of impulsive heat, she rushed over to Lina. "Sister Lina, Fan Li has betrayed you. She’s on a private date with your ex-boyfriend."
The Fierce Princess immediately expressed her anger. "Provoking Lina’s ex? Does she not know that Lina’s exes are still Lina’s property? They are not to be touched!"
The Genius Goddess of Love offered no comment, only looking at Lina with a subtle gaze.
Lina, however, was quite calm. "It’s fine, don't overthink it. Fan Li isn't the type of girl who doesn't know her place. She’s smart enough to know my style."
"I’m not so optimistic." The Genius Goddess of Love paused. "Lina, have you forgotten how Miss Bubble died? You underestimate the temptation of social climbing for these 'baits.'"
"I think my judgment of people is okay. Fan Li and Luvia are not the same kind of person," Lina said nonchalantly. "Besides, ever since my ex got together with Luvia and was so devoted to her, I realized that man is truly pathetic. If Fan Li likes him, she can have him; as long as she doesn't find him repulsive. I’m actually curious if he can beat Xing Hai."
Ryuka was astonished. This was the first time Lina had been indifferent to someone approaching the Seaweed Senior. At the same time, she realized something: if Lina and Fan Li really were on good terms, and if Feisi did more instigating, her remaining university life would become just like her high school years.
"Sister Lina, Fan Li has long forgotten your agreement." Ryuka paused, and a mix of half-truths and lies spilled out. "She doesn't plan to help you pass the Double-S rank. In fact, she resents you for teaching Dang Dang a lesson. She wants to pass the Double-S rank on her own, endure until she gets to St. Yegana, and then join the 'Queen Gang' there to help Dang Dang slap you in the face."
Ryuka leaned down, intending to speak to Lina up close. But upon hearing this, Lina suddenly looked up, her beautiful eyes narrowing as she bared her sharp teeth. "What did you say...?"
When an Orca releases aggression, it makes any other race instinctively want to flee.
"She... she told me herself."
"She’s brainless enough to help Dang Dang? Does she even know who Dang Dang’s boyfriend is?!"
Ryuka was confused at first, but based on her years of studying Lina, she quickly drew a conclusion. "She knows Dang Dang’s boyfriend is your father, which is why she wants to help Dang Dang get revenge even more."
Seeing Lina’s pupils narrow into thin slits, Ryuka suppressed her fear and said with a trembling voice, "Also, she has mated with the Lord Dictator."
***4.3 Mini-Theater***
Fan Li: "Today's theme is: Who is the most handsome man in 4.3? Let's clap and welcome Teacher Ye Jia!"
Ye Jia: "Thank you, thank you, thank you, my little commoner angel."
Secretary General to the Dictator: "? This is a personal vendetta. Lord Dictator, she’s using her position for a personal vendetta!"
Su Shiye: "It doesn't matter. A man's looks aren't important."
Ye Jia: "Can a man's jealousy sometimes be disguised as being 'easygoing'?"
Su Shiye: "I can't be bothered with you."
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