Mature Fantasy Power Invasion

Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Time slipped by like a shuttle. By Wednesday morning the commotion in the Student-Council Office had settled, yet the ripples it sent through Yuanyue Academy were only beginning to spread.

The Doujin Club had been approved, but Spencer was still sealed away on academic leave, quietly messaging An Le on Plane. Classes continued as usual, yet Yan Huan's student council was now frantically preparing for the upcoming Club Wars. Yan Huan attended classes by day, handled council work by afternoon, hit the gym at night, and even pulled a full shift at Tong Yingying's bar on Thursday—energy to spare. Even Tong Yingying, his boss and glamorous personal-trainer, marveled at how indestructible he seemed.

Soon it was Friday, the doorway to the weekend.

Yuanyue Academy, Yuanyue Building.

The Yuanyue Building—once the only schoolhouse when the academy was founded forty-plus years ago—still stood while every other structure had been torn down and rebuilt. Its iconic Moon-Watching Bell-Tower now served as a living museum, chiming the hours and guiding visitors through the school's history.

"Students from every junior high across Linmen, welcome to Yuanyue." Sakuramiya Hitomi, the student-council vice-president, stood in the exhibit hall in full uniform, addressing the crowd of backpack-toting visitors. Her graceful poise drew admiring gasps; even without her, Yuanyue's reputation spoke for itself.

"Four former prime ministers of Linmen graduated from here," piped up a little girl in Sakura-country dress, her black hair fading to cherry-pink at the tips. "After university they were hand-picked by the government."

"Really?" her classmates murmured.

The girl smiled, eyes on Hitomi as she explained the display cases. "Yuanyue gives its student council real power—budgets, rules, even oversight of teachers."

A boy whispered, "My cousin says his school's council just brands kids with cigarette butts."

"That sounds faker than you do," another shot back.

Most of the visitors were simply dazzled. "Seriously?" they asked.

Hitomi nodded. "Students may bring electronics and choose their own clothing. All regulations are drafted and voted on by the council."

"Too good to be true," some sighed—until the Sakura-girl added, "Power in the wrong hands turns into tyranny fast. They'll just rig the rules for themselves."

Hitomi met the girl's gaze, smile unwavering. "That's why only the strongest can become president. After three tests and three votes, the whole school must approve."

She gestured to a glass case holding three bespoke black uniforms—spring, winter, summer—each embroidered in gilt thread: "First President of Yuanyue Academy." A 3-D hologram floated above them: a finely carved golden moon badge.

Below, students squealed. "Every president gets a custom uniform with a motto in their ancestral language. The first president—Prime Minister Li Zewen—has four characters in Longguo script: shàng gēn dà qì—'born for greatness.'"

The Sakura-girl rolled her eyes. "He visited my house once. My mom called him all flash, no substance."

A student raised a hand. "Wait—if President Hitomi is vice-president, who's the current president?"

Before Hitomi could answer, a boy at the back waved frantically. "President Yan Huan—I know him. He went to my junior high."

"Yan Huan? Which school?"

"South District, Jinghe Junior High."

"South District?" Murmurs rippled through the crowd—most were from Jinghe, Beihai, Luoqiao, or the outer islands. Why would the chaotic South produce their president?

The boy flushed. "He's incredible! Last year's first nationwide Linmen exam—only two perfect scores in the whole country. One was our president, the other is now president of Xiuzhi College."

Even the skeptical Sakura-girl went quiet. The exam's difficulty was legendary.

Still, she wiped sweat from her brow and muttered, "Grades aren't everything." When she turned, the girl beside her had slipped away, tired of the commentary.

Watching the visitors buzz, Hitomi addressed the hall. "That concludes our tour. Please exit in an orderly line—no lingering. The school is preparing for Club Wars, so don't trouble your seniors, all right?"

"Okay!" they chorused, filing out in animated chatter.

Hitomi stood smiling until the Sakura-girl passed her, hand covering a giggle. "Enjoying life abroad, sis?"

Hitomi sighed. "Unlike you, who's been in Linmen months without a single friend."

The girl's smile froze. She jabbed a finger. "Hmph! Sakuramiya Hitomi, the strong walk alone—only the weak huddle for warmth. Away from the family this long, you've gone soft. Ha-ha-ha!"

Hitomi watched her theatrical laughter, then said quietly, "If you want to cry, there's no one else here."

"Ha-ha-ha—why would I—waaah..." Tears spilled down the girl's cheeks. "They all ignore me! Months and I'm still alone! I want to go home—this place sucks!"

Hitomi gave an exasperated smile and tapped her forehead. "Fix the sarcasm, the know-it-all act, the stubbornness. Maybe then you'll make friends."

"R-really?"

"Really."

Sakuramiya Hitomi withdrew her hand, her expression shifting into something between a smile and a smirk.

"Also, Cousin Sakuramiya Ryo, remember your manners. Address me properly—don't call your older sister by her first name, understood?"

"!!"

Seeing Hitomi's expression, Ryo sucked in a sharp breath of cold air.

She nodded silently, then backed up several steps. Just as she was about to leave, her face suddenly changed and she stuck her tongue out at Hitomi.

"Not happening!! Dummy Sakuramiya Hitomi!! Just because you're a few years older doesn't make you my elder! Hmph!"

Veins bulged on Hitomi's forehead, but the girl had already spun around and bolted away like a startled rabbit.

Hitomi watched her go, equal parts annoyed and helpless.

She turned toward the observation corridor outside the bell tower. A single lap around it offered a panoramic view of the entire campus.

"That idiot has no sense of direction. After chatting with me for so long, she probably can't find the group anymore."

Leaning against the railing, Hitomi gazed into the distance. The breeze brushed past, silently dissolving her polite, mask-like smile until only cold indifference remained.

As she stood there, a woman's voice suddenly spoke beside her.

"Young Lady Sakuramiya."

Hitomi didn't turn from the Yuanyue Academy scenery below, already recognizing the speaker. She listened as the voice continued.

"Who would have thought the distinguished young lady of the Sakuramiya family would be assigned as a mere tour guide at school?"

"The world bustles, all for profit; the world clamors, all for gain."

Hitomi sighed softly.

"If my cousin weren't in the visiting group, I wouldn't have come personally, Nara."

From the shadows emerged a tall, alluring woman in a tailored suit who came to stand beside Hitomi, gazing down at the campus with her.

"You're family. Surely this isn't about 'profit'?"

"Everything people do is for benefit. So-called family affection is just another form of interest."

Hitomi's face remained expressionless as she reached for the breeze, only to have it slip through her fingers.

"Families unite through blood ties, huddling together for warmth, exchanging benefits, sharing risks. Bloodlines are like an innate covenant—maintaining it, staying in touch, is merely proving the bond remains strong. Even those overseas still follow this."

"Sakuramiya Ryo is my aunt's daughter. While that useless uncle-by-marriage has no real power, my aunt still holds influence. Since I'm here anyway, maintaining the relationship does no harm."

Nara continued watching the scenery without responding.

Dusk approached—the time when classes would end—but they could still see students wearing "Yuanyue Student Council" armbands leading volunteers between facilities: checking equipment, cleaning the pool, coordinating with administrative departments.

The entire student council was in chaos, all for the Club Wars approaching in mere weeks.

As Nara surveyed the scene below, something caught her interest. She turned to Hitomi with a knowing smile.

"Isn't that the child you mentioned—Yan Huan's childhood sweetheart?"

Hearing this, Hitomi's gaze shifted downward to see An Le walking with her head down, backpack slung over one shoulder in the sunset glow.

"Wow, quite the chest."

At this comment, Hitomi's previously expressionless face darkened several shades.

She looked away with disdain.

"What era are you living in, Nara? Still judging by primitive standards. Pathetic."

Nara didn't respond, merely thinking that Hitomi was like the fox who couldn't reach the grapes.

But then she noticed something else and asked Hitomi,

"Does that child have a bad reputation at school? It seems like many people are whispering about her."

"Only because that loudmouth Yua Lina found out about her relationship with the president yesterday morning and spread it throughout the school. That's all."

Hitomi cupped her chin, watching An Le flee awkwardly under everyone's gaze with a cold smile.

"As for having a bad reputation... In my view, it's ninety percent because she's too weak."

Nara looked at Hitomi questioningly.

"How so?"

"Claiming to be the president's childhood sweetheart can be advantageous or disadvantageous—it depends on how you handle it."

Hitomi's face remained impassive as she watched An Le like a judge reviewing a death register.

After a moment of silence, she delivered her verdict:

"The strong treat such gossip as a crown and wear it proudly; the weak treat it like a thorn in their back, desperate to hide somewhere quiet. Look at Ye Shiyu—her sibling relationship with the president is also circulating, but does she seem afraid? Instead, even someone with her personality has made friends because of it."

"Meanwhile, An Le has the chance to use the president's prestige to overcome being ignored and bullied in class, yet she can't even grasp the opportunity. People like her—even if salvation lies before them, they lack the courage to take it, just because they see a few brambles ahead."

Hitomi withdrew her gaze, no longer wanting to watch An Le.

"Such people will inevitably be crushed by external pressure, buried without a grave. They appear to be victims of circumstance, but in truth, they're too fragile to survive."

Nara smiled at this.

"Yet you actively approached her before, fussing over her on Plane and paving her way to join clubs?"

Hitomi looked at Nara.

"If she didn't have this connection with the president, do you think I'd care whether she lived or died? Without mutual benefit, I wouldn't waste my time on charity. Who helps others selflessly in this world? Such people only keep losing until the world leaves them broken."

Hitomi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then changed the subject.

"More importantly, you came to school at this time—have you found what I asked you to investigate?"

"Of course."

Nara pulled two folders from her jacket and handed them to Hitomi.

Hitomi took them and began reading carefully. The first thing she saw was Ye Shiyu's photo.

"Ye Shiyu. Mother Ye Lan, originally from Tianjing, Longguo. After her parents divorced, she followed her mother to Pengcheng in Handong..."

As Hitomi read, her brow furrowed.

"Interesting. The Ye family didn't approve of Ye Lan marrying this Song Chenggong, but they still provided a Tianjing house as their marital home. And yet Song Chenggong still cheated and gambled during the marriage, to the point that Ye Lan kicked him out and left him infertile?"

Nara leaned against the railing, pointing at the documents.

"That's why she and Ye Shiyu left with nothing."

Hitomi remained silent, continuing to read.

Nara looked down at the campus before suddenly asking,

"But Young Lady, isn't that Yan Huan the very person you described—someone who helps others without seeking return? And yet someone like you likes him? Isn't that contradictory?"

Hitomi continued scanning the documents without pause.

"Yes, that's why someone like me must secretly protect someone like him, ensuring he never suffers losses or gets hurt."

Nara was slightly taken aback, then smiled alluringly.

"Just like how someone like me must secretly protect the Young Lady Sakuramiya."

At this, Hitomi visibly shuddered, stepping back while clutching herself and looking at Nara with disgust.

"Old woman, please don't say such nauseating things to me. It's revolting."

Nara suppressed her urge to snap back.

"But in my opinion, Yan Huan isn't a fool. People like him know what they're doing and what they want to do, and have the ability to achieve it. Someone like him will succeed even without the Young Lady Sakuramiya's protection—he doesn't need you watching over him~"

Hitomi didn't respond, focusing instead on the documents.

After finishing Ye Shiyu's file, she moved to Aria Spencer's.

Of course she knew what kind of person Yan Huan was. And the "protection" she spoke of wasn't limited to what Nara understood.

The protection she meant was shielding the president from those mysterious "superpower holders."

"Ye Shiyu, Spencer... Are there others besides them?"

Dong! Dong! Dong!

The wind chimes on the bell tower rang out, their clear notes shattering Hitomi's murmured calculations into fragments that announced the weekend's arrival.

At the same moment, under the sunset at Yuanyue Academy.

Sakuramiya Ryo, still in her Sakura outfit, walked tearfully through the vast campus, clutching her phone.

"Where... where is the exit..."

She was directionally challenged. After losing the group, not a single person had come looking for her.

Probably because everyone had grown tired of her constant bragging about her family's status during the tour, assuming this young lady had private transportation and didn't need to ride back with them.

But Sakuramiya Ryo actually wanted to go back with everyone.

"Wuu... Where am I..."

On her phone screen was a phone number labeled "Sakuramiya Hitomi."

Yes, she had her cousin's number, but after mocking her earlier, asking for help now would mean losing all face.

In the end, she dawdled so long that most Yuanyue students had already gone home, and she was still wandering inside.

"Uu... no, I can't. One more lap. If I still can't find the exit, I'll— I'll—"

Thud!

Just as Sakuramiya Ryou, on the verge of tears, steeled herself to call Sakuramiya Hitomi for rescue, her ankle twisted. The petite girl toppled and landed hard on her backside.

"Oww~"

Ow-ow-ow-ow!!

Her body was delicate; the pain shooting up from her tailbone made her gasp, and tears spilled in an instant.

"Uuu, Sis— Sis— uuu—"

Forget it!

My pride...

I don't want my pride anymore!

I'll call Hitomi and beg her to save me! Worst case... worst case I'll kowtow and apologize!

Sniffling, Ryou pulled out her phone, ready to abandon all dignity and dial her cousin.

But when the screen lit up, a red empty-battery icon greeted her.

"Eh?"

Her sobs froze; the next second she wailed outright.

"Uuu— what— what do I do— save— save me—"

"Save you?"

A boy's puzzled voice sounded beside her.

Without even seeing who it was, Ryou's crying cut off; her crumpled sit instantly smoothed into an elegant side-recline. She hid half her face with a sakura-pattern sleeve and glanced at the newcomer.

A breeze rippled across the lawn, and she glimpsed an exceptionally handsome boy. He wore ordinary casual clothes, a single-strap backpack, and carried a plastic bag.

With a pretty boy watching, Ryou lifted her chin and said from behind her sleeve, "You misheard. I'm merely sitting here, admiring the sunset on the flowers and grass. Do you need something?"

She adjusted her posture to look even more poised.

The boy stared for a second, then laughed.

"Still pretending? A moment ago you looked like you'd die from the pain, and now you're flower-gazing?"

Ryou patted her skirt and rose gracefully, hand over her mouth. "I'm not pretending! I truly am appreciating beauty. Hmph— someone who can't see the splendor of the world is truly pitiful~"

"Is that so? I thought you were a junior-high visitor who got separated from her group and has been wandering campus till now."

He smiled again. "I was about to show you the exit, but since you're enjoying the flowers, forget it."

"."

"See you."

Just as he turned to leave, a small hand shot out and caught his sleeve.

"W-wait a moment..."

"What is it?"

"I... I really am lost. I don't know how to get out... could you help me? And my phone's dead—I can't even call a ride."

The boy looked back at the girl clutching his sleeve and gave a helpless smile. He checked the time and muttered, "Still need to drop by Auntie Ye's place; Shiyu's probably waiting at the door already..."

"I—I won't make you help for free! I'll pay you."

He met her eyes and answered with a grin, "Money's not necessary. Come on—let's borrow a power bank first, then I'll take you to the gate."

"O-okay."

He lifted his bags, pointed ahead, and said, "There's a power-bank station down at the commercial street—this way."

"W-wait! My phone's dead—how am I supposed to scan the code?"

The boy gave her a look reserved for the hopelessly dense.

"I'll scan it for you. You can return it later."

Ryou blinked. "O-okay..."

They walked on. Ryou watched his back, then suddenly said, "Once it's on, add me on Plane. I'll send you money as thanks."

"Forget the money. Just walk faster; I'm in a rush."

"I—I'm trying my best!"

Like her cousin Hitomi, she had a weak constitution and no stamina for speed.

The boy said nothing more and kept leading the way, but Ryou grew restless. She stole glances at him.

"If you don't want money, why help me?"

"You look a lot like a friend of mine."

"Hmph, nice line. But I don't have any relatives in Linmen; don't think you'll get favors from some imaginary aunt later."

He didn't seem bothered. "Fine—let's just say I helped someone who looks like her."

"..."

Ryou stared at his profile, opened her mouth, then closed it. After a moment she asked softly, "W-what's your name, Senior?"

"Yan Huan."

"Y-Yan Huan, Senior... Yan—Yan Huan?!"

She rolled the name on her tongue—and froze. Her head snapped up.

In the glow of the streetlights she saw his profile illuminated.

Yan Huan.

The Student-Council President.

In the next heartbeat she remembered every slander she'd whispered about him in the bell-tower earlier that day. Her cheeks flamed scarlet.

"We're here."

"."

Beep~

"."

"I've scanned it. Just remember to return it."

"."

"Daydreaming?"

While her mind reeled, Yan Huan pressed the power bank into her hand. When she looked up, he pointed ahead.

"Straight down this commercial street to the main gate; taxis and buses stop there. Got it?"

"Y-yes. Thank you..."

He turned back to the still very young girl and smiled gently.

"All right, I'll be going."

"Ah—um..."

Ryou opened her mouth, then lowered her head and gave a small wave at his retreating back.

Only when he was out of sight did she realize her face was burning. She plugged in the power bank; the screen lit up with a flood of missed-call notifications.

All from Sakuramiya Hitomi.

Ryou's cheeks stayed red as she hit the call button.

Ring... ring...

The next second the call connected.

"Hello? Ryou? Did you catch up with everyone and head home? The nanny says you haven't come back yet."

Hearing her ever-annoying older cousin's familiar voice, Sakuramiya Ryou—contrary to habit—didn't fire back with stubborn taunts or snide remarks.

After a brief silence she simply said,

"N-no, I'm still on campus. I got... got lost."

"...Of course you're lost. Wait—just now? Where are you right now?"

"I-I've already found the exit! I'll catch a ride and be home soon!"

"Ah."

"And... s-sorry, Cousin!"

"...Why the sudden apology?"

It was, in truth, for all the times she'd argued and mocked the Yuanyue Student-Council President.

But the next second, the usually sharp-tongued Sakuramiya Ryou flushed crimson, too embarrassed to continue, and ended the call.

On the other end, left holding the phone in the Student-Council Office, Sakuramiya Hitomi stared blankly at the screen, then glanced at Nara, who was wandering around the office inspecting everything, her confusion deepening.

"What on earth is that silly cousin of mine up to..."

Outside the gates of Yuanyue campus.

A translucent black cat materialized on Yan Huan's shoulder, both of them tensing as though facing a formidable foe while staring ahead.

On the asphalt road in front of them stood a discreet yet luxurious black electric car.

Beside it, a tall girl was staring at her phone, face expressionless, ink-black hair cascading like a waterfall.

Sensing his approach, she lifted her gaze to the boy walking toward the school gate.

Click—

The screen went dark. She spoke softly, calling out,

"Xiao Huan, you're here."

"Got held up by something on the way, Sis Shiyu."

Ye Shiyu's face remained unreadable as she eyed the bundle of clothes in his hand—the sure sign he would be staying over for the weekend.

At that thought her breath hitched, just for a moment.

She parted her lips, exhaling a faint puff of warm air, but her voice stayed cool and even.

"Let's go home, Xiao Huan."