Chapter 36: Classmates
"..."
Although Yun Hao was looking forward to meeting his classmates now that he was a cultivator to show them what's up, there seemed to be also growing something inside of him that was also hesitant to do so.
He doesn't know what it is yet, but he could not help but sigh as he saw their faces sitting in one single group like it was the last supper or something. Maybe it was for the best that they won't notice him, Yun Hao thought as he made his way to the servers.
But alas, life can never be that simple for him as someone from his class quickly noticed him.
"Yun Hao! Is that really you, champ!?"
And with that shout that resounded throughout the whole cafeteria, everyone was now looking at him. Yun Hao once again let out a long and deep sigh before choosing to ignore the call. If this was before, then he would quickly smile and ask what they wanted him to get… but now…
...now he was free to do whatever the fuck he wants.
There was a growing orchestra of whispers and clamors growing inside the cafeteria, but for some reason, almost half of the students inside the cafeteria all rushed out as soon as they confirmed that Yun Hao really was in the vicinity; mostly those who had their phones in their hand.
Some of the students of the high school thought that Yun Hao was kicked out of the school, and some say he died.
Those who knew that he was just on a "sick leave" were his classmates, who some are now tottering their way towards him. With this action, Yun Hao decided that the best course of action was to leave, but before he could even take 3 steps, another group of his classmates blocked his path.
"...Seriously? Did you guys miss me that much?" Yun Hao could only shake his head as he sighed, "Don't worry. This is the last day you'll be seeing me."
Yun Hao wanted to pass through his classmates, but they seemed to be eager in blocking his path. He didn't really want to force his way through, as doing so might cause… unnecessary problems. He still doesn't know what the extent of his new strength is. If he was able to crush a grab handle without any effort and throw his desk without even meaning to, then who knows how messy it would be if he lost control here.
He doesn't want to be in trouble with the Confederation just a day after his Immersion and getting his license.
"Champ, we thought you already kicked the bucket?" One of his male classmates started.
"That's right, Champ. We missed you," another one followed, "No one is buying us snacks from the stalls outside during class anymore."
"But now that you're back, you'll buy us again, right?"
The laughter of the group started to surround Yun Hao's ears as they got closer and closer to him. Yun Hao didn't really know what to do so he just stood there stiff. Now that he had money and was having his official withdrawal from the school being processed, he no longer needed to please the rich kids surrounding him. For him… they're just kids now.
Their once mocking laughter, their arrogant smiles that made Yun Hao's blood boil… it all meant nothing to him now, it wasn't even annoying. With that thought, Yun Hao finally realized what the growing feeling was inside of him…
...It was boredom.
He was feeling bored being faced with the classmates he once tried to please.
"Can you guys just stop?" Yun Hao said in a low voice as he looked at the classmate that was nearest to him, "This is really starting to fucking get old now. True, most of us weren't really friends even before my accident. But tell me, why exactly do you treat me like this?"
Faced with Yun Hao's sudden upfrontness, the group that was previously yapping his hears out all became quiet. One was about to speak up, but he was suddenly faced with Yun Hao's glare.
"You guys do know that I am way bigger and taller than all of you, right? And besides that, I was still the boxing team's star athlete," Yun Hao let out a tiny scoff, "Did you guys know how many times I almost snapped and beat the shit out of all of you whiny little rich kids? I could have probably smashed all of your heads in even before I became a cultiv--"
"If you do that, you'll be expelled!"
Before Yun Hao could finish his words, one of his female classmates shouted and even threw a chopstick at him.
"I probably would have, but you see… the thing is," Yun Hao slightly walked near the woman, "I already dropped out of school."
As soon as they heard Yun Hao's words, the group that was surrounding him quickly moved back, making the gaps of the circle wide enough for Yun Hao to safely pass through.
"Good choice," Yun Hao said as he slightly clicked his tongue in satisfaction.
"We… we can still call the cops on you, you know!"
"And you'll still be in the hospital."
Once again, his classmates shut their mouths as the gap grew even bigger. Yun Hao was finally able to exit his classmates' circle and was on his way to the door before a group entered the cafeteria-- the boxing team, led by none other than Yun Hao's ex-best friend, Long Yazhu.
"...Great," Yun Hao could not help but drop his shoulders and quietly groan in frustration. He thought it was safe to go to the cafeteria since Long Yazhu usually had his food served to him by his goons but to think he was here now; someone must have messaged him that he was here.
Long Yazhu was clearly here to cause trouble, evident from the wide smirk that was plastered on his face.
"Leaving so soon, Champ?"