C9 To Help You Solve Your Problems
"Do you need any help? I think I might be able to assist you in some way."
As he took a seat next to Xu Jing, it was as if he had tacitly agreed to take on the task.
Xu Jing was momentarily taken aback by the warmth in Yuh Wenming's voice. It had been so long since anyone had spoken to her with such kindness that she had forgotten what her troubles were.
"There's someone who keeps bothering me. Could you possibly pretend to be my boyfriend? Just until he stops pestering me, that is..."
Xu Jing's voice betrayed a hint of concern that he might refuse, and she seemed ready to offer something in return for his help.
He shook his head and asked, "How do you need me to help? Just let me know."
Staring at Yuh Wenming, she was surprised by his immediate agreement, without any hesitation or conditions.
"Could you... walk a few laps around the track with me? I think he's watching from somewhere. If he sees me with you, he'll probably stay away."
Yuh Wenming chuckled and nodded, extending his hand to her. "Let's go. It's lunchtime and the place is empty."
Xu Jing had always seen Yuh Wenming as someone who got pushed around, never expecting him to have this comforting presence.
"Stop crying now, you're smudging your face."
She wanted to wipe away the smears on her face, but realized she had no tissues in her pocket.
Besides, Xu Jing wasn't really his girlfriend; they were just pretending, and crossing that boundary was not an option for him.
"Can we act like we're actually dating? He's definitely watching us."
Xu Jing, unlike Yuh Wenming, had her fair share of admirers and didn't want them constantly chasing after her.
Yuh Wenming, however, wasn't on anyone's radar, which was just as bothersome in its own way.
"Are you sure just walking around the track will work? I don't mind doing it, I've already had my lunch."
Xu Jing gave a slight nod, confident that Chen Rulu was keeping an eye on her, and it was highly likely he would appear from somewhere unexpected.
As they circled the field, a chorus of shouts reached their ears. Xu Jing instinctively tensed, gripping her own arm tightly.
Beside her, Wen Ming chuckled softly. "Relax. Trust that with me here, nothing will go wrong," she reassured, gently patting Xu Jing's hand before turning to face the newcomer. She recognized him immediately.
"So, you're the one who's been hassling Xu Jing? Let me introduce myself—"
Before Yuh Wenming could finish, Chen Rulu interrupted with a sneer. "Your reputation precedes you. I'm sure there's no one who hasn't heard of you."
At school, Jiaang Han was Yuh Wenming's arch-nemesis, always mocking him for being poor.
Ironically, Jiaang Han's cronies had picked up their leader's habits, inadvertently spreading Yuh Wenming's name even further.
Xu Jing had expected Yuh Wenming to feel inferior, but instead, he simply nodded, unfazed. "Exactly. Now that you know who I am, I expect you'll stop bothering Xu Jing."
Chen Rulu's response was a derisive laugh. "You really think you're in a position to make such demands?"
Yuh Wenming didn't bother arguing. He subtly shifted, showcasing Xu Jing's arm as a clear message for Chen Rulu to back off. "Is there anything else you need me to spell out? Xu Jing has no interest in you. It's time to stop pestering her."
Without waiting for a response, Yuh Wenming firmly took Xu Jing by the arm, and they made their way out together. It was clear from Xu Jing's relieved expression that Chen Rulu was the source of her fear.
With no opportunity left, Chen Rulu's chance to cause trouble had dissipated.
Reaching the staircase, Yuh Wenming finally relaxed his grip and offered Xu Jing a reassuring smile. "There, he won't bother you anymore."
Glancing back at the field, they saw Chen Rulu staring at the ground, evidently on the brink of collapse.
Regardless of the circumstances, he had no right to stand in their way.
Having resolved the issue with Chen Rulu, Yuh Wenming was about to depart when Xu Jing caught hold of him from behind, turning to face him with determination.
"Hold on a second. You've really helped me out, and I can't let you walk away empty-handed. Follow me," she insisted, without leaving room for Yuh Wenming to interject.
She led him to a nearby convenience store, where, to Xu Jing, the idea of purchasing snacks held no sentimental value. Instead, opting for small keepsakes seemed like a better choice for a lasting memory.
After much deliberation, her gaze landed on a crystal ball. "I'm getting you this gift. You've been a big help, and it's only right that you're rewarded," she declared.
Before Yuh Wenming could get a word in, Xu Jing promptly paid for the crystal ball, sealing the deal without any further discussion.
Resigned, Yuh Wenming accepted the crystal ball and held it in his hand. The school had a designated area for packaging such items, so there was no concern about transporting them.
"Alright, the gift's yours, and I won't keep you any longer. I've got my own matters to attend to," she said with a slight nod, ready to leave with her belongings.
Yuh Wenming recalled that he needed to meet with his old friend Gong Qian, who possessed something of great importance. The challenge now was figuring out how to convince Gong Qian to hand it over.
With Wenn Zheming's memories in his possession, yet in a different body, approaching Gong Qian with the truth risked being mistaken for a madman.
Lost in thought as he walked, Yuh Wenming was unaware that Qiao Siya and Hu Yanyong had followed him, their expressions laced with scorn.
The incident at the cafeteria was still fresh, and they approached the school entrance with an air of confrontation.
The school had its fair share of administrators who had learned from past experiences. There was no justification for unnecessary actions.
Yuh Wenming lingered at the school gate, preoccupied with thoughts of Gong Qian. According to his memories, Gong Qian was associated with the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, and gaining entry required the correct passphrase.
"Wow, I never anticipated this would be so complicated. Fingers crossed that everything goes off without a hitch this time."
He glanced at the crystal ball in his hand almost instinctively, resisting the urge to toss it into the nearest trash bin.
After all, the present from Xu Jing was a token of her thoughtfulness, and keeping it in hand was the ultimate sign of respect.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out on her own, determined to locate the Treasure Gathering Pavilion as quickly as possible.
Within just a few short minutes, she found herself standing at the entrance to the Treasure Gathering Pavilion.