[Main Text] 1098 Hidden Struggles Each with Their Own Thoughts ---------------- 1098 Chapter: Hidden Struggles, Each with Their Own Thoughts Lu Yun, having stepped out of the women's dormitory area, immediately thought of something and dashed off toward the classroom. *** Wang Shiyu's unusual behavior in class had raised Lu Yun's concerns. No matter how skilled Wang Shiyu was in taekwondo, she was still a woman. If truly caught in the crosshairs of someone like Wang Da Bao—such a relatively unimpressive, energetic type—she wouldn't simply be able to shake off with a couple of lessons. With this thought in mind, Lu Yun quickened his pace, arriving at his classroom with the swift momentum of a rushing wind. Taking a deep, steady breath, he didn't rush straight in but instead stood by the window at the back of the classroom, peering inside. There, he saw Wang Shiyu still seated in the otherwise empty classroom—only now, she was surrounded by an increasingly bothersome presence: Wang Da Bao! Man, it turns out I was right—Shi Yu has been caught in the crosshairs of Wang Da Bo! After scanning the classroom and noticing only a few girls still inside, Lun Yun steadied himself and walked in slowly. As soon as he entered, he raised his voice: "Shi Yu, why aren't you going out and having some fun? Staying in the classroom all day isn't doing much for your studies." While walking, he kept a close eye on Wang Da Bo, who sat beside Shi Yu. After class, Lun Yun said nothing and simply went out with Liang Hongyu and Zhao Feiyan. Shi Yu felt deeply frustrated—she had never wanted to leave the classroom in the first place, and now she just lay her head on her desk, staring at Lun Yun's seat, muttering to herself all the while. It was originally thought that as long as Wang Dabao didn’t stay in the classroom, he wouldn’t bother her. Yet this was merely Wang Shiyu’s one-sided hope. After Land Yun had left, Wang Dabao immediately carried his chair over to Wang Shiyu’s side, regardless of her willingness, and sat down with a thud. He then began to chatter incessantly, constantly interrupting her, which drove Wang Shiyu to great frustration. She found herself repeatedly wanting to intervene—first because she had a leverage in Wang Dabao’s hands, and second, because when she transferred schools, she had repeatedly promised her father that she wouldn’t let other classmates know she practiced taekwondo. Thus, Wang Shiyu was now suffering under the relentless, raspy voice of Wang Dabao. Just when Wang Shiyu was on the verge of giving up, Land Yun suddenly appeared in the classroom, and his demeanor clearly indicated that he had everything under control, coming precisely to rescue her. Wang Shiyu, desperate to escape Wang Dabao's incessant chatter, didn't even notice the other girls in the classroom. She simply called out, "Lu Yun," and immediately rose, sprinting straight toward her, plunging herself into Lu Yun's arms and tightly clutching him—the very boy who had been devouring her during class. Wang Dabao was left speechless. As soon as he heard Lu Yun speak, he felt furious. Not only had he been patiently enjoying Wang Shiyu's company during class, but now, after class, instead of going out to spend time with her, Lu Yun was interfering with his own plans! Could it be that while she was eating the meat, he had to settle for just the broth? His resentment surged intensely. Yet he knew deep down that he simply wasn't up to handling Lu Yun. Watching the scene unfolding before him only intensified his frustration. He resolved silently: to endure, to wait for calm, and then strike back when the time was right! After glaring at Lu Yun with lingering resentment from the corner of his eye, Wang Dabao carried his chair back to his seat. Wang Shiyu's sudden warmth left Lu Yun feeling as though he were dreaming—clearly, she had been genuinely intimidated by Wang Dabao's persistent presence, otherwise she wouldn't have made such intimate gestures in front of other girls. Since Wang Shiyu had shown such initiative, Lu Yun naturally didn't want to miss this golden opportunity to embrace her. He looped his arms around her, gently patting her back with both hands, and whispered, "I've always said—just tell me when you need something, don't go through the trouble of finding trouble on your own." Listening to Lu Yun's words, Wang Shiyu felt deeply hurt, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Why don't we go for a walk?" Lu Yun sensed from Wang Shiyu’s slightly trembling frame that she had indeed suffered some real wrongs—otherwise, she wouldn’t have rushed straight into his arms without hesitation, let alone…broken down in tears. Held tightly in Lu Yun’s arms, Wang Shiyu suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of security, murmuring softly, “It’s almost time for class.” Lu Yun smiled gently. “Then let’s go back to our seats. With me here, no one will dare to bother you.” Unbeknownst to him, all of Wang Shiyu’s hardships had actually stemmed from Lu Yun’s own actions. Once they reached their seats, Wang Shiyu’s mind finally settled. Thinking back on her bold actions just now, she felt a deep blush rise to her cheeks, sitting quietly and silent, her head bowed. Wang Dabao glanced sideways at Wang Shiyu, his resentment blazing within him. Honestly, he had thought she was being pressured by Lu Yun or something—now it seemed she was just as helpless. For heaven’s sake, he’d sooner have her suffer at his hands one day. Although Wang Shiyu had already stepped out of Lu Yun's arms, Lu Yun still clutched her hand tightly, unwilling to let go. With such a golden opportunity to deepen their bond, how could he miss it? Watching Wang Shiyu's bashful expression, Lu Yun smiled to himself, yet chose not to break the delicate atmosphere with a sudden remark. Throughout the class, Wang Shiyu's small hand remained securely held in Lu Yun's. The cultivation of feelings, after all, thrived in such quiet, unobtrusive ways—though not dramatic or overwhelming, it carried a profound sense of emotional resonance. As he looked at Wang Shiyu, Lu Yun suddenly asked, "Shiyu, about our duel between us—do you think we really need to carry it on?" Wang Shiyu’s entire spirit was immersed in the chaotic yet sweetly tender sensations. Suddenly, upon hearing Lu Yun’s words, her expression froze, and she exclaimed with crisp clarity, “No way. A gentleman’s word is his bond—once spoken, it cannot be withdrawn. If you’re afraid now, just bow and concede right here. Then the duel will never happen again.” Lu Yun was left speechless. It seemed their feelings had not yet reached the stage of solemn vows and unbreakable commitment. With a sorrowful shake of his head, he sighed, “You’re a girl, yet why must you duel with me? Isn’t it fine just like this now? In a few more days, I might truly win you over and make you my girlfriend.” Hearing Lu Yun’s words, Wang Shiyu felt a deep sense of warmth. It seemed he had never given up on her. But with so many girls already in his life, would she truly hold a special place in his heart? Wang Shiyu was quite suspicious. Glancing at the teacher's room, now filled with students, she slowly withdrew her hand and murmured, "No matter what, we have to fight again. Otherwise, if we're truly going to be together, you'll always think I'm not your match and keep treating me unfairly. Only by defeating you can I truly earn your affection and attention. Unconsciously, the tone of Wang Shiyu's words had shifted dramatically—from her earlier determination to give Land Yun a good beating—now carrying an unmistakable hint of intimacy. "Alright, since you're determined to fight, I'll have to stay and see it through. But I have something in the afternoon, so could we reschedule our duel to the evening?" Lu Yun had originally set the duel for noon with Wang Shiyu, but given the importance of the Dapeng matter, he promptly proposed a change in time. Having recovered from the lingering charm, Wang Shiyu looked at Lu Yun with a puzzled expression. "Evening? Do you have another scheme in mind?" Lu Yun waved his hand. "I promise I won't. This time, I'll fight you fairly and honestly. But as for what happens after the duel—I can't guarantee that at all." Wang Shiyu's cheeks flushed instantly. What could happen after the duel? She was well aware of that, yet as long as Lu Yun didn't play any tricks, she firmly believed he was no match for her. Gave a light sigh, no longer as cold and distant as before, but rather like she was pouting and playing the petulant with Lu Yun: "Get ready to be beaten up in the evening." Lu Yun chuckled, then suddenly noticed Wang Dabao glaring at him with deep resentment. After fixing him with a fierce gaze, he asked, "Shiyu, what's going on between you and Wang Dabao? When I walked into the classroom, I saw him sitting beside you, talking on and on about something..." As soon as the topic came up, Wang Shiyu felt deeply wronged, pouting with a flushed face and saying, "It's all because of you." Lu Yun was puzzled, surprised, "Me? What did I do?" "You..." Wang Shiyu started to speak, then immediately shook her head, sighed lightly, "Never mind. Let's just drop it—don't want to make a fuss." Upon hearing this, Lu Yun immediately grew irritated, shouting, "Good heavens! It seems Wang Dabao is a man who remembers meals but never remembers the beatings—he dares to bully my woman!" "Fire be fire, and Lu Yun still doesn't forget to squeeze a little advantage in his words. Wang Shiyu blushed, pouting, "Who's your woman? Just look after yourself, and don't bother me with your interference!" Wang Shiyu simply wouldn't let Lu Yun get involved in this matter—otherwise, Wang Dabao would surely think she had broken her word, and he'd tell Lu Yun about how he'd treated her as his little brother. The consequences would be... Lu Yun furrowed his brow. It seemed this matter would have to be settled privately. Wang Dabao truly had a bold streak—someone who only remembers the meal but never the meal's aftermath. This time, you'll have to learn to keep your distance whenever you see me. On the other hand, Lu Yun found no fresh information from Wang Shiyu, but he had made up his mind to get close to Wang Dabao on a personal level. As for Wang Dabao, he too was thinking carefully about who to approach, and when to give Lu Yun a good, well-deserved lesson—someone who's always been so full of himself.