Damn it, I'm surrounded by childhood sweethearts-Chapter 542 - 378. Making things difficult

The first morning of September was crisp and clear with a perfect temperature.

[Morning is the most important time of the day, have you had breakfast yet?]

With the Li City Radio playing above him, Xu Qingfan knew it was seven o'clock when he heard this sentence. There was still plenty of time before school.

"Awesome, high school is still broadcasting Li City Radio; this way, there's no worry about being late!" Xiao Ruawen, full of energy, raised her hands and then bent them like she was lifting a barbell.

During their three years of junior high, they had listened to Li City Radio, and each line was etched in their memories, like a guide to school.

There was no need to check the clock; listening to the school broadcast was enough to know whether to walk leisurely or to quicken their steps.

"It rained all last week, but the sunset today will probably be beautiful," Xu Qingfan said, feeling everything was so familiar, swinging a headphone cable he had taken off in his hand.

After exchanging a look with Zhang Yiyi, Lin Wanning thought how the school radio station's shortlist would be announced at noon. Perhaps for the next three years, Xu Qingfan could hear their voices.

"But there's the club showdown after school this afternoon, so I can't go to the fifth floor to watch the sunset with Brother Qingfan," Lin Wanning said, quickening her pace and linking arms with Xu Qingfan.

"Then let's do it tomorrow, the day after, or the day after that. Xiao Yu could also check out the clubs, join the debate team, and become a debater like Xiao Xiao," he patted the girl who was silently following beside him.

Wu Lingyu gave Qingfan a coquettish look as if to say I'm not a debater: "Xiao Xiao is not a debater."

"Brother Fan just loves to tease. You are the debater!"

"That's exactly what he is."

"Exactly!"

"Hahaha..."

After Xia Xiaoxiao, Lin Wanning, Zhang Yiyi, and Wu Lingyu broke away from the group one after another, Xu Qingfan and Xiao Ruawen returned to Class 16 of the first year of high school.

"Brother Fan, you're finally back, and you've gone viral; did you know that?"

"Did you know~ Did you know!"

No sooner had he sat down than Lai Chenglang and Wu Shichong, a pair of clowns, started their antics for the day.

Xiao Ruawen blinked in confusion and was about to ask, but Wu Shichong spoke first: "Last night, the video of you blasting that idiot vice president went viral. Someone posted it to the freshman group, and now it's all over the forums!"

"Yeah, yeah, aren't you a day student? Didn't you check the group messages?" Lai Chenglang chimed in.

"Oh, that. I thought my identity as a billionaire was exposed. I have the group messages on 'Do Not Disturb.' You may report to me if there's an issue; otherwise, you may leave," Xu Qingfan said. He took out his Chinese language book and waved his hand to signal they could shut up now.

"No, Brother Fan, you might not know this yet?"

"That idiot really is the student council vice president. He's spread the word, saying he won't take anyone from our class who applied to the student council this year as retribution because they 'don't respect upperclassmen'!"

"For fuck's sake, isn't this just unabashed personal revenge? Idiotic shit!"

The two went back and forth, righteous indignation in their voices.

Xu Qingfan paused slightly, thinking that really was something the idiot would do: "Yeah, I got it."

He nodded his head, clearly not too concerned.

"Should we go confront him at his dorm after school, Brother Fan? I've got all the details!"

"Right, like being a senior makes him so special. He's gotten a little authority and he thinks he's a big shot!"

Xu Qingfan suddenly had the surreal feeling that he was in a bygone era, cornering people in the dormitory after school—how long had it been since those days?

His upper eyelid twitched, and he swore irritably, "Are you guys fucking stupid? At 16 you're criminally responsible, you know? Do you want to be expelled for misconduct, or did you plan on working the sewing machine?"

Wang Xuan, who had been eavesdropping, jumped in fright. She originally thought Xu Qingfan was the gentlemanly type, not realizing that even a male idol would swear.

[So real, so genuine, I like him even more!]

Wu Shichong and Lai Chenglang had only met him the night before, and were equally unsettled by Xu Qingfan's abrupt change of demeanor.

"Don't be nervous, Brother Fan is always like this with people he's close to, just says whatever comes to mind," said Xiao Ruawen, trying to lighten the mood with a laugh as she rested her hand on Xu Qingfan's shoulder.

Xu Qingfan also realized what had happened, his subconscious had reverted to his past life relations—a father scolding his son, which made sense.

"Just kidding. That idiot only knows how to run his mouth. He isn't the president, so don't bother with him," he said with a laugh, waving his hand to ease the tension.

"Haha true, he's just the 'vice' president, barking like nobody's business!"

"If he really dares to abuse his power for personal gain, we'll report it to the principal, and strip him of his vice presidency."

"Then I should apply for the student council, and see if he really tries to eliminate me on purpose." It was only when Xu Qingfan fell silent that Wang Xuan spoke up.

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"Damn! Alright, I'll go with you."

"Let's do it together!"

Xiao Ruawen and the others lacked the courage to even contemplate it, but faced with Wang Xuan, who was also quite a beauty, Wu Shichong and Lai Chenglang instantly transformed into bootlickers.

Soon, morning reading started, no need to stand up like fools and read like in junior high school. Xu Qingfan stared at the brand-new textbook and drifted into thought.

"Lonely in the cold autumn, the Xiang River flows north, to Orange Isle, I see hills ablaze with red."

The lines from the great man's poem always felt grand and imposing, but Xu Qingfan's thoughts were more on company developments. As for Du Haitao making life difficult for their class?

He had to take care of Xu Qingfan; although he wouldn't join the student council, there were always classmates interested in it. He couldn't let his personal issues harm the interests of his classmates.

It just so happened that Xu Qingfan had already planned to donate to his alma mater, having lived and studied there for four years in his previous life, with many teachers offering him significant encouragement and help.

Moreover, he might often need to take leave during his three years of high school, so it was necessary to give the principal a heads-up in advance.

He believed that a brief word with the principal would put an end to the other's high school student council career.

Don't underestimate the value of a high school student council position; being recognized as a city-level or provincial-level top student could really boost one's chances.

The most obvious benefit of a provincial-level top student title was the additional points on the college entrance exam, a stepping stone for autonomous admission by top universities, and even guaranteed placement.

Before 14 years ago, a provincial-level excellent student could add up to 20 points to their score.

Xu Qingfan wasn't some Mr. Nice Guy; since he was being bullied, he definitely intended to hit back where it hurt.

He hadn't yet decided under what guise he would make the donation; after all, usually, it was graduates giving back to their alma mater. As a freshman like him donating to the school, there probably wasn't a second example in the whole country.

[If I set it up as a scholarship, and then Xiao Xiao and Yu win the money back, wouldn't it mean I wouldn't have to spend a dime?]

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Xu Qingfan's mouth, as if that might just work.

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