Mature Fantasy Power Invasion

Chapter 17

"Class is finally over, President. Want to grab lunch?"

As the bell rang signaling the end of the fourth period, the mandatory morning courses were finished—it was time for the lunch break.

The Discipline Chair of the class, Aishili, walked over and called out to Yan Huan, who was sitting by the window, inviting him to lunch.

Like Yan Huan, she was also in Class 1-A.

The first-year students were divided into five classes, with placements randomly assigned upon enrollment.

Among the five members of the student council, Yan Huan and Aishili were both in Class A; Yaqiao Mu was in Class B; and Yinggong Tong and You'an Lina were in Class E.

Since the group got along well, they usually ate lunch together when there were no other obligations.

But today was an exception.

After a moment of thought, Yan Huan smiled and declined Aishili’s invitation politely.

"Aishili, you go ahead and eat with them today. I need to take care of something in the senior division, so I’ll be late getting to the cafeteria."

Aishili gave him a surprised look but didn’t press for details. She simply said,

"Okay, I’ll let Vice President Yinggong and the others know. If you want to join us, we’ll be at our usual spot."

"Mm-hmm."

Watching Aishili walk away, Yan Huan stood up and prepared to head to the senior division.

Of course, the reason he was going there was Ye Shiyu.

Perhaps it was because the student council had discussed campus bullying that morning that he felt especially worried that Ye Shiyu, with her unusual personality, might get caught up in something troubling.

He had checked his phone and seen numerous recent reports about student-related incidents at Linmen.

Even top schools like Xiuzhi Academy and Yuanyue Academy in the Jinghe District had their issues—someone had even jumped off a building nearby. It was likely worse in other schools.

Schools in the southern district were the first to be publicly criticized.

Although Ye Shiyu had the modifier and probably wouldn’t be bullied—in fact, she was already doing well not bullying others—this environment could increase the chances she’d use the modifier.

Yan Huan had already analyzed this: when the Host used the modifier frequently, things got very problematic.

Just last weekend, he had finally managed to grind the modifier down to fragments through careful operation.

He didn’t want to leave it unchecked, only to find it had leveled up to god-tier and become even harder to control.

So, he had no choice but to check in on her.

Yan Huan stepped out of the classroom and quickly made his way toward the teaching building where the senior division was located.

Not all students went straight to the cafeteria after class—some brought their own bentos, others went to buy fast food, and some avoided the crowds by eating later.

In short, the classrooms weren’t completely empty during lunch break.

Today, Class 2-A had just received a new transfer student, and the boys were excited—after all, the newcomer was a stunning beauty.

Unfortunately, after just one period, their peacock-like enthusiasm was snuffed out by her cold and distant demeanor.

The girl was clearly hard to approach, with an eccentric personality and an invisible aura that seemed to repel people.

By the end of the morning, only a few classmates were still trying to talk to her.

"Yumi, aren’t you going to eat?"

"I’m waiting for my boyfriend—he’s still in training."

"Wow, Track and Field is already that busy right after school starts?"

"It’s almost time for [Club Wars], and I heard the rewards are incredible. You can punish the losing clubs and even make a wish to the school board."

(*) Note: [Club Wars] is likely an inter-club competition with high stakes and rewards.

"Yeah, I heard the club that won last year’s [Club Wars] got the final exams canceled. I wonder what President Yan and the others will do this year."

Ye Shiyu sat at her desk in a black one-piece dress. When she heard her classmate mention "President Yan," she blinked and fell into thought.

Because of what had happened yesterday, she still felt a bit guilty toward Yan Huan.

Even though she had realized last night how much he had done for her, she still behaved like a block of wood—unable to even say thank you—and had even tried to hypnotize him in a despicable attempt.

So this morning, the first thing she thought about was how she could repay Yan Huan.

The result: she couldn’t think of anything.

Buy him gifts? After all, the jellyfish-shaped doll he gave her was still sitting on her bedside table.

But she had no idea what he liked.

Invite him to live with her again? He had said he longed for motherly care.

But Ye Shiyu didn’t have the confidence—not with her flawed self.

She was afraid that one day, she’d lose control of the darkness inside her again, fail to see his kindness, and use the APP to corrupt and destroy him.

(*) Note: The APP likely refers to a system or tool with dangerous influence or power.

So.

The second thing she thought about was: why was Yan Huan so nice to her?

Was it because of her mother? Because her mother had treated him well, so it was natural for him to be kind to her daughter?

Or was there another reason she wasn’t aware of?

The more Ye Shiyu thought, the more confused she became. She sighed, as if returning to life after a long sleep.

'If only dealing with people were as simple as dealing with dolls.'

One of the chatting classmates left the classroom, but the other—Yumi, who sat beside Ye Shiyu—remained.

Seeing Ye Shiyu suddenly sigh, Yumi smiled warmly and struck up a conversation.

"Ye, aren’t you going to eat?"

Ye Shiyu hesitated before realizing Yumi was talking to her. She turned her head expressionlessly and replied,

"Mm, I brought food from home."

"Eh? You’re from Longguo too, right, Ye? You bring a bento too?"

(*) Note: Longguo refers to the fictional or metaphorical homeland of the characters, possibly meaning "Dragon Country" or China.

In truth, Ye Shiyu didn’t eat much and didn’t want to squeeze into the crowded cafeteria, so she planned to make do with some desserts Aunt Chen packed for her.

Ye Shiyu nodded but didn’t explain further.

Then, as if something occurred to her, she turned to ask Yumi,

"Yan Huan—is he really famous at our school?"

"Ah, you mean President Yan?"

Yumi had just picked up her makeup mirror from the desk. Hearing Ye Shiyu’s question, she immediately perked up.

"Of course! When he first joined as a freshman and ran for the student council, everyone was blown away by his looks. His smile is ridiculously charming. Plus, he has great grades and seems super gentle."

The male-to-female ratio at Yuanyue Academy was 1:2, and during the student council elections, Yan Huan had swept the majority of the girls’ votes.

Yan Huan was extremely popular at school.

Ye Shiyu picked up on this from Yumi’s words.

And with that realization came an odd, inexplicable twinge of displeasure in her heart.

"I see."

Unconsciously, the screen of her phone lit up again on her desk.

"Didn’t expect you to be interested in hot guys at our school this soon, Ye. Too bad there aren’t any stunners in our Class A, but I think there’s one in Class B."

Yumi thought she had discovered the hidden preferences of the seemingly cold Ye Shiyu, but Ye Shiyu showed absolutely no reaction.

Blinking, Yumi quickly shifted the topic back.

"But President Yan’s still a freshman, you know? He rarely comes to the senior division. When he does, it’s usually official business, and he comes with Vice President Yinggong—not alone."

As she was speaking, Yumi suddenly caught a glimpse of a handsome boy leaning casually against the classroom door. No one had noticed when he arrived.

"President Yan?"

Yumi blurted out instinctively.

Yan Huan gave her a slight smile and greeted politely,

"Hello, senior."

Hearing that, Ye Shiyu was momentarily stunned. She turned her head, her eyes locking onto Yan Huan—the same person she had just said goodbye to last night.

In fact, Yan Huan had been standing there for a while. But seeing Ye Shiyu chatting normally with her classmate, he felt reassured and chose not to interrupt.

Maybe he had worried too much.

Bullying did happen in schools, but that didn’t mean students were in tears every day. Ye Shiyu had just been unlucky to run into it right after transferring.

But since he was already there, he didn’t sneak away. Instead, he greeted them openly.

Ye Shiyu suddenly stood up, while Yumi’s eyes darted between Yan Huan and Ye Shiyu like a gossip reporter who had just discovered a massive scoop.

"Shocking! I’ve discovered the President’s secret hidden wife!"

Seeing the shock on her face, Yan Huan immediately understood what she was thinking.

Too bad her headline was wrong. It should’ve been:

"Resisting the Hypnosis Overlord! Why Did Yan Huan Come to the Senior Division at Noon?!"

Thinking this, Yan Huan explained,

"Senior, Ye Shiyu is my older sister. I came to check on her."

Older sister.

Ye Shiyu’s throat moved involuntarily. Her gaze trembled slightly as it locked onto Yan Huan.

Wait—different last names, and she’s still his older sister?

Could that kind of sister be biological?

Unless it was some sort of kink game...

Yumi didn’t question it and chose to believe Yan Huan for now.

"Ah, older sister, really?"

Yan Huan offered a few polite words.

"Mm-hmm. Senior, I’ll have to trouble you to look after Shiyu-sis a little—she just transferred here from Longguo."

"Oh no, we’re all classmates here. Everyone’s friendly. There’s no such thing as needing to be looked after."

Yan Huan gave a slight smile, then turned to Ye Shiyu, who had remained quiet, and asked,

"Shiyu-sis, have you eaten? Want to go to the cafeteria with me for lunch?"

Yumi was just about to say, "Your older sister brought food," but Ye Shiyu had already nodded and replied,

"Okay."

*...*

Yumi opened her mouth, then slowly turned her head away and pretended to play dead. But one ear perked up, secretly eavesdropping.

Ye Shiyu picked up her phone and headed toward the door.

"The cafeteria is this way, Shiyu-sis."

"Mm."

Ye Shiyu followed Yan Huan’s pace, her eyes fixed on his back. She asked,

"Classmates say you rarely come to the senior division."

"Yeah, it’s pretty far. I only have time to drop by during lunch break. I actually planned to ask how you were settling in via chat, but since the cafeteria is far and the route’s a bit complicated, I figured I’d come see you in person."

*...*

Ye Shiyu glanced at the side of Yan Huan’s face, watching as the laziness in his expression gradually turned into drowsiness, causing him to yawn.

Seeing this, she asked again,

"Didn’t sleep well last night?"

"Ah, I had to transfer subway lines coming back from Jinghe District, so I got home late."

*"...So it was because of me..."*

Last night, he had considered her feelings and chosen to leave alone so late.

When she chased after him, not only had she failed to persuade him to stay, but she had also made him miss a train by borrowing a power bank.

Ye Shiyu blinked, a rising guilt in her chest urging her to ask Yan Huan what he liked.

But just like the night before, the words reached her lips and still wouldn’t come out.

Only the screen on her phone lit up again.

She quickly pressed her left hand over the right one holding the phone, trying to use the silly gesture to remind herself: absolutely no more Hypnosis.

But it made a *snap* sound.

Yan Huan turned around in surprise and asked with concern,

"What’s wrong, Shiyu-sis?"

Ye Shiyu’s cheeks turned slightly red. She quietly hid her phone behind her skirt, avoided his gaze, and mumbled,

"A little... hungry."

"Then let’s hurry and get something to eat."

"Mm."

The cafeteria at Yuanyue Academy was outside the school gates, but the entire area beyond also belonged to the school.

It included a park, a shopping street, and more. The cafeteria was located in the southeastern corner, closer to the school.

Yan Huan returned with several Longguo dishes. In front of Ye Shiyu, a plate of fruit salad was already on the table.

"You didn’t have to go this far."

Ye Shiyu remembered her mother mentioning that Yan Huan earned money through part-time jobs. He’d bought her a gift yesterday, and now he had ordered so many dishes again.

"It’s fine. I just eat a lot myself."

But Ye Shiyu had already quietly assumed he had ordered more for her sake.

Not wanting to disappoint him, even without much appetite, Ye Shiyu picked up the chopsticks she always carried and prepared to eat more.

Yes, she actually carried her own personalized utensils—something Yan Huan hadn’t expected.

"Did you adjust okay in class today? With the lessons and everything?"

"Mm, it’s okay. The difference from Longguo schools feels pretty big."

"Yeah, exams should be easier for you. A lot of the math taught in Longguo high schools isn’t covered here until university."

"Mm."

While eating, Ye Shiyu once again felt the urge to ask him what he liked.

She bit her chopsticks, just about to speak, when suddenly half a head with pink-red hair popped up from the edge of the table.

The girl gripped the table with both hands, clearly having crept over while squatting.

Her large, sparkling eyes darted between Ye Shiyu and Yan Huan like a judge in session.

It was You’an Lina, secretary of the student council.

At that moment, she wore a serious expression, like a restaurant critic, stroking her chin.

First came confusion in her eyes, then certainty...

And next—judgment!

She opened her mouth wide, ready to shout, but Yan Huan quickly used an unused plastic fork to pop a piece of cantaloupe into her mouth.

*"Awo!"*

With the cantaloupe in her mouth, she instinctively began chewing and then broke into a silly grin.

"So yummy."

But a second later, You’an Lina seemed to realize something and shouted,

"No! President! You traitor! You said you liked me, and now you're—waaah..."

Ye Shiyu's pupils contracted as she looked at Yan Huan.

But Yan Huan merely smiled faintly, ignoring You’an Lina’s dramatic outburst. He simply asked,

"Want more cantaloupe?"

"More! Yummy! Love it!" You’an Lina instantly changed her expression, looking sweet and innocent.

Ye Shiyu quietly withdrew her gaze and at the same time pulled back a phone she had placed on the table.

"Where are Vice President Yinggong and the others?"

Yan Huan fed Lina another piece and asked as well.

"Mmm, right behind us."

Watching Yan Huan feed You’an Lina, Ye Shiyu pursed her lips and tightened her hold on her phone.

Then she sensed someone approaching, turned her head, and saw several student council members.

One was a nerdy guy with glasses, staring down at his phone—ignored.

Another was a short-haired blonde girl. Ye Shiyu’s gaze paused on her for a moment, then shifted to the girl between them.

That girl was stunning—petite, and her gaze was scrutinizing Ye Shiyu just as Ye Shiyu scrutinized her.

Their eyes met for a brief moment before silently parting.

"Waaah! Yinggong, look! The president isn’t eating with us—he’s secretly meeting another girl! And you still say you’re not in love?!"

Ever understanding, Yinggong Tong hugged the tearful You’an Lina. Seeing her mouth still full of cantaloupe, she comforted her,

"There, there. Don’t jump to conclusions about the president’s private life. You probably didn’t ask anything and just started accusing."

"Yinggong!"

Yan Huan smiled and began introducing Ye Shiyu to the others.

"Let me introduce you—this is Ye Shiyu, my mother’s good friend’s daughter. She’s my older sister."

"So the president went to meet his older sister at lunch, huh? Why have we never heard about his sister being at our school?" Aishili stroked her chin.

"She just transferred here today, so..."

Everyone got the hint and greeted Ye Shiyu. Yan Huan also introduced his companions to her.

But Ye Shiyu only nodded silently, not offering specific replies.

She quietly listened to their conversation, picking up on various things.

Watching Yan Huan chat warmly with his friends, seeing the smile on his face, a realization dawned on Ye Shiyu.

Maybe the reason he was kind to her wasn’t because of her—or her mother.

Maybe he was just naturally kind to everyone.

Thinking that, the strange irritation she had felt earlier grew stronger. Ye Shiyu abruptly put down her chopsticks.

"Already full, Shiyu-sis?"

"Mm, sorry."

Turns out Ye Shiyu had a bird-like appetite.

Yan Huan smiled slightly, then looked at the companions still nearby and said,

"Then I’ll stay and finish lunch with my older sister. After that, I’ll show her around campus."

"Alright, we’ll head out then, President."

Yinggong Tong smiled softly as she said this.

You’an Lina nodded, prepared to leave, then suddenly ran back to grab another piece of cantaloupe with her fork.

Just as Yan Huan raised an eyebrow to say something, she puffed her cheeks and bolted,

"Run, run, run! Aishili!"

.

Yan Huan gave a helpless look, then turned to Ye Shiyu, who sat in front of him, staring intently.

"Want some more fruit, Shiyu-sis?" he asked.

"No need."

Ye Shiyu shook her head and declined, then turned her gaze toward the doorway, where Yinggong Tong stood behind their group of companions.

She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she always felt that the way that girl looked at Yan Huan was strange—strange enough to make her feel uneasy, especially since it was their first time meeting.

And yet, even to that girl, Yan Huan smiled warmly, just as he always did.

Once again, Ye Shiyu was reminded that Yan Huan might be gentle and kind to everyone—

not just to her.

Since the school year had only just begun and nothing serious was happening, Yaqiao Mu returned to class to play games and watch anime, Aishili went back to her classroom for a nap, and You'an Lina had run off somewhere to play.

Although You'an Lina seemed a little slow, she was actually very popular.

From first-years to third-years, she seemed to know everyone, and students from every class liked her.

At that moment, she was probably chatting away with a group of girls in some random classroom.

That left only Yinggong Tong, who silently made her way back to the Student Council office on the rooftop terrace of the school building.

In the quiet office, she paused for a moment, then sat down at the desk and took out a laptop from her bag.

She unlocked it, opened a folder labeled "Research," and inside it was a single folder titled "Surveillance Target: Yan Huan."

She clicked it open, revealing nearly a hundred tightly packed folders, all following the same naming convention:

"Camera No.1," "Camera No.2" ... all the way to "Camera No.100."

She opened one at random and found it filled with photos. In every single one, the subject was the same handsome boy smiling gently, captured from various angles.

Photos of him in class, lounging lazily, chatting with others, writing, running during PE—

most were taken in his classroom or right here in the Student Council office.

Many of the cameras in the office had been secretly installed by Yinggong Tong.

Even Camera No.100 contained footage from the hallway of Yan Huan’s rental apartment.

The beautiful girl stared blankly at the photos in the folder. Suddenly, the image of another beautiful girl—Ye Shiyu—surfaced in her mind.

But no matter how many times she combed through the footage, she could never find any trace of Ye Shiyu. This made Yinggong Tong frown slightly, her expression tinged with dissatisfaction.

"."

And in that quiet dissatisfaction, her voice suddenly rang out in the silent office as she muttered a strange phrase:

"Room Barrier."

[Activate Room Barrier?]

[Current modifier level: 2]

[Coverage: Student Council Office]

[Effect: Alters individual perception of common sense, modifies domain rules, omnidirectional surveillance]

Yinggong Tong stared at the phantom text in front of her. After a moment of silence, she gently closed the laptop.

*Pa.*

(End of this chapter)

(*) Note for line 228: "Room Barrier" appears to be a supernatural or sci-fi ability that manipulates space or perception within a defined area.