Chapter 105: Returning to School

“You’re quite something, huh? Not even at school, and yet you already have a girlfriend here?” Lu Yu teased.

He had walked a few meters away but couldn’t help turning back to steal another glance. How had he never noticed such a fresh and elegant beauty before?

“It’s not what you think. We’re just classmates,” Yi Chen replied, unwilling to elaborate.

“Classmates? Yeah, right. That girl seems pretty interested in you,” Lu Yu said.

An outsider often sees things more clearly, and Lu Yu, being quite popular with the girls, was sensitive to these subtle feelings.

Compared to him, Yi Chen was like an unpolished block of wood—he didn’t know how to express his true feelings in front of those he cared about.

“Stop imagining things. Nothing’s going to happen between us,” Yi Chen said firmly.

“Why not? Tell me, and I’ll give you some advice,” Lu Yu patted his chest confidently.

Yi Chen was speechless. He couldn’t understand why Lu Yu had suddenly become so nosy and invested in this.

Sometimes, having such sharp hearing wasn’t a blessing. Just moments ago, he overheard Mu Qing and her girlfriends talking.

“Xiao Qing, isn’t your classmate a delinquent? He even dyed his hair white. He looks scary… You should keep your distance,” one girl said worriedly.

Yi Chen remembered this girl had a bob haircut with straight bangs, fair skin, and avoided looking directly at him—probably a good student.

“He’s not as bad as you think,” Mu Qing defended him.

“Yeah, I think he’s pretty cool. Xiao Qing, is he your boyfriend?” another confident female voice asked outright.

The second girl had a ponytail and a tall, well-shaped figure. Her school uniform barely contained her youthful vitality.

“…No,” Mu Qing whispered.

“Why would Xiao Qing choose someone like that? If she had to pick, at least it should be the handsome guy who just came by,” the bob-haired girl said, clearly favoring Lu Yu.

“No way? Then next time, can you officially introduce me? He’s my type,” the ponytailed girl said frankly.

“…Okay,” Mu Qing agreed.

Yi Chen felt oddly annoyed and quickly blocked out their voices. Now was not the time for distractions; he had serious matters to attend to.

“Where are we going to play ball?” Lu Yu scratched his head, asking.

“What ball?” Yi Chen was momentarily distracted.

“Come on, man! Didn’t you say you’d play ball with me?” Lu Yu sounded frustrated.

“Oh, I’ve got some things to take care of, can’t make it… When you head back, swing by my place. I’ll be waiting for your call,” Yi Chen patted Lu Yu on the shoulder—they had no need for formalities.

“It’s not on the way to your place, you know?” Lu Yu sighed, almost wanting to slap him.

A few days ago, after they met, Lu Yu had quickly relayed news to Yi Chen’s family, saying he was fine but busy with work, and couldn’t come home for now due to strict company management.

Yi Chen’s father was rational and said little. His mother, however, got emotional and scolded him in front of Lu Yu, lamenting how grown-up sons shouldn’t be kept at home.

But it was clear that knowing the details of their son’s situation brought them joy. Though they couldn’t meet, it eased their minds somewhat.

These weren’t ordinary times; demanding too much was unrealistic.

Lu Yu had reported all this to Yi Chen in detail. Through Lu Yu's description, Yi Chen felt as if he could see his family’s vivid expressions and hear their longing. He was thankful to Lu Yu, but their relationship was such that saying thanks felt unnecessary.

“How’s Yi Lin these days?” Yi Chen asked, remembering she was unwell and hadn’t been attending school.

“The little girl’s doing fine now. But she can’t stop talking about you—every time she sees me, she wants to know what you’re up to. I’m barely able to keep up,” Lu Yu said helplessly.

“You should hurry back home and come back to school as soon as possible,” Yi Chen said, sounding earnest and serious.

After a few seconds of silence, Yi Chen added, “I’m thinking about it.”

He wasn’t brushing off his friend but weighing all factors carefully.

The infected had appeared near the Ivory Tower—not by coincidence, surely. He had seen their profiles: except for “Assassin Z” Zhang Lei and the one codenamed “Laser Eyes,” the others were all under eighteen.

If they wanted to infiltrate the Ivory Tower, they met the requirements.

But what was their purpose? Yi Chen wasn’t sure yet and had to consider the worst.

The infiltrators had once considered attacking his family; perhaps they now intended to target others he cared about.

Maybe Mu Qing was one of them.

Zhang Lei had taken part in the campaign against the Crawlers and knew Mu Qing risked her life to stop Plan B by escaping the inner city. Yi Chen had been very protective of her—it was obvious to anyone that their relationship was complicated.

Though not quite lovers, having endured life-or-death trials, their bond was far deeper than mere classmates.

Besides Mu Qing, Yi Lin was also expected back at school, along with Lu Yu… and other former classmates and friends.

The more Yi Chen thought, the more frightened he became. He feared losing them all. He hoped he was overthinking but couldn’t afford to take chances.

Those five infected taken by the infiltrators and Ouyang Hong couldn’t be confirmed as enemies yet, but being under their control meant they acted on orders.

The infiltrators were silent, but their subordinates had started moving—what did that mean?

After much thought, Yi Chen decided it was necessary to enter the Ivory Tower for a thorough search. Returning to class was the safest option.

“Hey, did I hear that right?” Lu Yu laughed. Yi Chen had finally made up his mind?

“Yeah. Otherwise, with you nagging all the time, I couldn’t stand it,” Yi Chen smiled.

“I’ll help you pull some strings to get you enrolled quickly!” Lu Yu said.

“No need for you to worry,” Yi Chen declined.

When it came to connections and backing, who could top him?

The Future Group controlled the entire Nan Chuan region. Its top leader, Zhou Shiwen, was Yi Chen’s direct boss. Getting into the Ivory Tower and handling enrollment was just a phone call away.

“I’m in class 1-C. I’ve saved you a seat right next to me. Don’t forget it,” Lu Yu said.

Yi Chen rarely exuded overconfidence about uncertain matters, but he trusted his friend truly had the right connections.

“Alright, you should see me tomorrow.”

“No way so soon! If you really manage to finish the paperwork that fast, I’ll run three laps around the Ivory Tower carrying you on my back!”

“You said that, huh? Remember to wear good running shoes tomorrow,” Yi Chen said, thinking Lu Yu’s mind wasn’t all that sharp. He was just setting a trap for himself—a complete fool.