Fatty genuinely cared for Hao Jian, which is why he said that. However, after listening, Hao Jian just smiled and waved his hand, saying, "No need for that, I will handle this matter. Don't worry, just wait and watch the show."

Fatty wanted to say something more, but after hearing Hao Jian's words, he didn't know what else to say, so he just sat down in silence. Hu Lai did the same and remained silent afterward. In the middle of the class, Hao Jian sent a message to Lin Dongyang, instructing him to find him after school.

Soon, class started. The news that Gu Peng, arguably a big shot in the first year, was seeking trouble with Hao Jian for revenge spread quickly among the students. As soon as class started, many students talked about it — some talking about Hao Jian, some about Gu Peng. In any case, this matter suddenly became a hot topic at Yawen.

The main reason was Hao Jian's fame; he had done such sensational things that his name was widely known. Adding to that was the presence of a renowned figure like Gu Peng, making it irresistible for people to discuss.

One major reason the news spread so quickly might be that Gu Peng intentionally leaked the information. He wanted Hao Jian to know and for everyone to know that he was coming to trouble him today, to watch and see his prowess.

He wanted everyone to know, and hoped that Hao Jian would be scared off by the rumor before even seeing him. He hoped that this afternoon, Hao Jian would climb over the school wall and escape from elsewhere, so he could then make a mockery of him.

Soon, a class period passed, and class ended. The students in the classroom quickly dispersed, all leaving except for Hao Jian, Liang Xiaohan, Zhang Danlin, Hu Lai, and Fatty. Liang Xiaohan usually left with Hao Jian, so she naturally waited for him. Hu Lai, Fatty, and Zhang Danlin stayed because they were worried about Hao Jian.

A minute later, Lin Dongyang appeared at the classroom door and walked in. Hao Jian looked at him and asked, "Do you want to become stronger? Today is your chance. Can you seize it?"

With the training from Hao Jian, Lin Dongyang had significantly boosted his confidence. Hearing Hao Jian's question, he nodded confidently without a second thought and said, "Yes!"

Hao Jian smiled, patted his shoulder, and then led him towards the classroom door. Liang Xiaohan walked beside him, while Zhang Danlin, Hu Lai, and Fatty followed behind, accompanying him silently.

Walking down the corridor, even after school, many students chose to linger around since they would have night self-study sessions. So, there were quite a few people in the corridor. At this moment, seeing Hao Jian walking so confidently, some cast disdainful glances.

Some people looked at him normally, but most revealed contempt and disdain in their eyes. To them, daring to confront someone like Gu Peng was sheer folly on Hao Jian's part, an act of seeking death, utterly unaware of the immensity of heaven and earth.

However, Hao Jian looked on, utterly ignoring them, completely disregarding their presence.

Upon exiting the teaching building, he immediately saw a large group of people standing at the school gate. This group was evidently called upon by Gu Peng, waiting there specifically for him. At a glance, there were about twenty to thirty people, all of whom were mingling in the school, casually smoking or shaking their legs, convinced they were the most formidable. Anyone daring to provoke them would be shown a thing or two.

Since Gu Peng had specifically summoned them today to teach someone a lesson, naturally, they needed to put on a show. They wanted to scare Hao Jian just by this display of force.

Once Hao Jian appeared, the group immediately turned their gazes towards him.

They were standing not far from the school gate — neither inside the school nor officially outside — so even if the security guards at the gate noticed, they wouldn't stop it, nor would they meddle — not their business to involve themselves so much.

Unless students were fighting or causing trouble inside the school, they wouldn't concern themselves. So, even if they saw a group of students gathered, smoking and shaking their legs, they wouldn't utter a word. Moreover, they saw Gu Peng among the crowd, who had earlier given them some good cigarettes, so naturally, they turned a blind eye.

Seeing the lineup at the school gate, Hu Lai and Fatty instantly displayed anxious expressions. Zhang Danlin, noticing there were at least twenty to thirty people, hurriedly grabbed Hao Jian, saying, "Maybe I should go notify the class teacher."

Hao Jian, however, lowered her hand, showcasing an assuring gaze, before turning to Hu Lai and Fatty, saying, "I am really happy that you two stayed with me during this time. You don't need to go over there. I will deal with them myself. You don't need to get involved. Just watch the show from here."

Hu Lai and Fatty exchanged a glance and then stopped walking.

In truth, Hao Jian was already quite moved by their not leaving him during such times, proving they were friends worth having. After all, if it were anyone else experiencing such issues, they would have run as far away as possible, who would dare tread the path with him?

He then turned to Zhang Danlin, saying, "You should stop here too. There are too many people there, I can't look out for everyone. It won't be good if you get hurt."

Hearing this, Zhang Danlin initially wanted to argue, but seeing Liang Xiaohan also stop, she swallowed her words and paused.

They all saw Hao Jian striding with Lin Dongyang towards Gu Peng and his group.

Gu Peng stood not far from the school gate, and seeing Hao Jian approaching with an unknown "nobody," he revealed a playful smile. His companions, trudging along with him, also wore mocking grins.

The incident had blown up pretty big; though teachers and officials were unaware, most of the students were in the know. Consequently, many students gathered at the school gate to catch the excitement. If it were anyone else, it could still be just Gu Peng leading a group to teach someone a lesson.

But this time, Gu Peng wanted to teach Hao Jian a lesson. Recently, Hao Jian had amassed considerable popularity at school, stirring waves with the "Goddess" and remarking in class about their class teacher's ample bosom, drawing immense attention. Many wanted to witness this popular figure's demeanor.

"He's here." Seeing Hao Jian with an unknown character exiting the school gate, someone pointed and said.

However, scarcely a few steps out of the gate, the group who had long awaited Hao Jian swarmed towards him, instantly encircling him.

A man stepped out, cigarette in mouth, eyes arrogant as he looked at Hao Jian, saying, "Yo! Finally came out, our boss wants to catch up with you, dare you?" 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Hao Jian nodded, saying, "Why wouldn't I dare!"

The man chuckled, perhaps mocking Hao Jian's foolhardiness, and then walked ahead, leading a large group with Hao Jian towards where Gu Peng was seated.

At this moment, a crowd's eyes were all focused here, watching Hao Jian being led by a group to confront Gu Peng.

Upon halting before Gu Peng, Lin Dongyang's gaze instantly fixated on someone, fury evident on his face. Coincidentally, that person also locked eyes with him, instantly recognizing him.

Immediately, that person laughed. Gu Peng turned his gaze towards him, seemingly questioning what he was laughing at. He then laughed and loudly recounted the incident of Lin Dongyang expressing his feelings to a girl and getting his love letter ripped up in front of everyone. Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in laughter.

The group burst into raucous laughter together.

"Haha… this trash still dares to come over, looking for humiliation?"

"Haha… overestimating himself."

"..."

Seeing this, Hao Jian quickly remembered who the person was — the one who had cornered Lin Dongyang in the bathroom with others that day.

He might not recall Hao Jian, given they only met once, but Hao Jian's memory was vivid, deeply remembering him.

Being humiliated like this, Lin Dongyang couldn't restrain himself and immediately prepared to step forward and retaliate, but just as he moved, Hao Jian held him back.

"Have you forgotten what I told you? Keep calm!" Hao Jian sternly looked at him.

Suddenly, though seething with anger, Lin Dongyang reined it in, standing by Hao Jian's side immovably despite the fury still blazing in his eyes.