A fool who brings suffering upon himself

Never before had they felt so much like animals in a zoo—forced to walk along the edge, exposed for everyone to gawk at. The uncles and aunties around them treated them like pets, reaching out and pinching, prodding here and there.

Sensing Shangguan Xiao’s intense discomfort, Ouyang Qianyu let her burrow closer. He drew Xiao to his side, his icy gaze sweeping across the crowd, sending silent warnings to those who dared disturb them. The message was clear: one look from him and people retreated, returning to their own affairs, not daring another misstep.

Amid this tense atmosphere, a teacher finally returned bearing water. She handed the bottles to the two, then immediately began her well-intentioned lecture, reminding them to answer as rehearsed when they went on stage, to smile when unsure, and to avoid any rude behavior.

Yet the more she forbade, the more that mischievous little troublemaker was tempted. This time, cleverness might turn out to be her own undoing. Just as Xiao was growing restless with the instructions, the TV station crew arrived.

With a loud push, the door swung open. The man entered, his face full of arrogance. “Where are the representatives from S City Experimental Primary School? It’s your turn!” His words sounded more like demanding payment than an invitation, his demeanor utterly infuriating. Shangguan Xiao scowled, her delicate face scrunched up in displeasure, lips pursed, ready to chastise him. But before she could speak, Ouyang Qianyu stood, taking her hand and leading her out, striding past the man without a glance.

The man, irritated by Ouyang Qianyu’s indifference, shouted angrily, “Hey, you! Stop right there!” But Ouyang Qianyu was not someone easily intimidated; he continued forward, ignoring the threat. The man, apparently blinded by his own rage, rushed forward, swinging his fist carelessly. Ouyang Qianyu pulled Xiao close, deftly turning so the man’s punch missed completely. With a resounding smack, the man lost his balance and crashed to the floor.

Ouyang Qianyu cast him a cold, disdainful glance, wasting no more time before moving on. Even sprawled on the ground, the man continued to shout, trying to save face, “Just you wait! I’ll make you regret this!”

Xiao glanced back at the fool, shaking her head. She thought to herself—there really are so many idiots these days! Are their parents unaware of their stupidity? It seemed likely they knew and had simply given up on them. Nodding to herself, she felt her deduction was quite logical.

As they approached the stage where the interview would take place, Ouyang Qianyu cast an uneasy look at the notorious troublemaker. With a sigh, he hoped she wouldn’t cause any havoc up there. But that was clearly wishful thinking—for at that moment, Xiao’s eyes were sparkling as she gazed at the audience, undoubtedly planning some unexpected mischief.

He pressed a hand to his forehead, not because he lacked faith in Shangguan Xiao, but because her record of chaos was legendary. It still sent chills down his spine. She had no concept of fear; every time, his heart raced as he watched from the sidelines.