Volume One, Chapter Eight: Determined to Refuse Joining the Battle Team

When Lu Ning felt she truly could no longer endure it, Qin Xiang arrived, albeit belatedly.

Qin Xiang ran up, apologizing as she went, “Sorry, I was just discussing the match with Sixth Brother and the others, and I completely lost track of time.”

Lu Bei responded calmly, “It’s alright. You’re striving for the family’s honor, which is better than some ungrateful traitors.”

The kindly driver chuckled softly, “No worries, I’ll drive faster next time.”

Yet, despite their efforts, they were still late.

As the two reached the classroom door, their homeroom teacher caught them red-handed.

Qin Xiang’s face was pale as she gasped, “Sorry, Teacher. It’s all my fault for wasting time, and I ended up making Ning Ning late too.”

Lu Ning said nothing, her face stern.

The homeroom teacher glanced at them both, then softened his tone toward Qin Xiang, “I understand; no need to explain further. You go in first.”

“Thank you, Teacher.”

Lu Ning followed quietly, only to hear the teacher’s stern warning behind her, “Lu Ning, don’t hold back and drag Qin Xiang down again. This is your last warning!”

Lu Ning turned back, “Teacher, Qin Xiang just said clearly that she was the one who made me late.”

“That’s enough. I know your usual attitude well. Keep arguing, and you’ll stand outside for class.”

Not wanting to miss the lesson—she was already far behind—Lu Ning kept silent and entered, her mood heavy.

She wished the exams would come soon so she could be free of them all.

During lunch break, Qin Xiang was surrounded by admirers, regaling them with tales of professional team matches, drawing envious glances.

A little follower whispered to Lu Ning, “Someone’s probably jealous of Xiang Xiang and is deliberately making them late.”

Qin Xiang smiled faintly but said no more.

Lu Ning rested her head on the desk, ignoring the crowd.

After school, Qin Xiang feigned pride and said to Lu Ning, “I’m heading to the training camp today too.”

Lu Ning silently packed her books and left the classroom.

Qin Xiang watched her retreating figure, a triumphant gleam in her eyes.

Turning to her entourage, she said, “Help me with the homework as usual, but don’t let the teacher find out.”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got your back while you chase your dreams.”

“Thanks! I won’t forget this favor.”

Happily, Qin Xiang left, determined to crush Lu Ning beneath her feet—she was the family’s truly worthy younger sister.

—

Lu Ning carried her backpack straight to the infirmary.

Ji Chi Qian sat composed in a chair, his refined face touched with a hint of teasing. “Something you need?”

“Cough, cough, I came to do homework. Please take me in!”

Lu Ning entered confidently, knowing as long as he didn’t send her away, she was safe.

Ji Chi Qian was surprised by her boldness; he’d expected her to be timid and avoid coming.

But when she asked him questions, he still scolded.

“Can you stop being such a sieve? Everything you hear just slips right through.”

“Don’t ask simple questions; figure it out on your own.”

Lu Ning didn’t argue, obediently taking notes.

The room was quiet except for her stomach’s rumbling.

Embarrassed, she thought she had eaten a bread roll, yet still felt hungry.

Ji Chi Qian glanced at the time and ordered takeout. “Eat first.”

Sitting across from him, she noticed a scar on his wrist and asked hesitantly, “When did your accident happen? Was it serious?”

Ji Chi Qian quietly opened the food box and placed it on the table.

His gaze clouded over as he replied, “Many years ago.”

“I’m the same. My parents died in that accident. Only my brothers and I were left.”

Recalling her dependence on her brothers, a faint self-mockery flickered in her eyes.

After their parents passed, they endured hard times together, and their sibling bond was strong—until Qin Xiang appeared and everything changed.

Ji Chi Qian clenched his chopsticks tightly. “What are your plans now?”

“I’m aiming for Yunda University. I want to leave this city and start anew.”

“Ambitious, but with your current grades, it’s unlikely you’ll make it.”

“There’s still time. I’ll work hard.”

His eyes fixed on her, then he lowered them, voice cold. “Don’t ask trivial questions anymore.”

Lu Ning smiled—so that meant she could still ask some, right?

For several days after school, she lingered in the infirmary, only leaving once her homework was done.

Meanwhile, Qin Xiang’s focus waned during lessons because of the training games, even falling asleep sometimes.

But favored by the teachers, she only had to say she wasn’t feeling well, and no one pressed further.

Lu Ning saw Qin Xiang flaunting photos of the training camp on social media, and videos of her fighting alongside her brothers in the game, all sharing similar usernames.

The name was the same as in Lu Ning’s past life—except she hadn’t participated.

“Not doing homework seriously, yet wanting to play games?” Ji Chi Qian approached, noticing the game video on her phone.

Lu Ning shook her head. “No, just browsing. Right now, studying is my priority.”

“Next week’s monthly exam—if you rank in the top 100, you’re allowed to game.”

She looked up with a smile, “Will Master play with me then?”

She knew Ji Chi Qian was a player too.

He lowered his brows slightly, still handsome in profile.

He said, “Haven’t played in a long time. Wait until you qualify.”

“Deal.”

Watching Ji Chi Qian’s retreating figure, Lu Ning felt a spark of hope—she had to break into the top 100. After all, he seemed quite skilled.

—

Her past self had been good at gaming too.

Maybe then, she could quietly impress Ji Chi Qian and reclaim some of her self-worth.

The thought stirred an unexpected anticipation in her.

After finishing homework, Lu Ning returned home, but paused in the hall upon seeing her second brother, Lu Nan Feng, sitting on the sofa.

Her heart skipped—why was he back early?

Hadn’t the brothers been at the training camp, usually returning late?

Lu Nan Feng looked up, voice stern, “Where have you been? Why so late?”

Fear gripped Lu Ning; she couldn’t let him discover she’d been doing homework in the infirmary.

She didn’t want the last bit of peace to be taken from her.

She lowered her gaze. “I went to the study room outside. It’s crowded there and has a better learning atmosphere.”

“Give me your backpack.”

Lu Ning handed it over. He flipped through her notebook, noting the dense notes and corrected mistakes.

His face showed suspicion.

The butler had reported she hadn’t been returning on time recently—no one knew where she went.

Turns out, she was really studying.

Lu Nan Feng set down the backpack. “Ning Ning, we need to talk.”

“Second brother, about what?”

Looking at the quiet Lu Ning, he sensed she’d changed a lot, though couldn’t pinpoint what was off.

In the past, she would have cried and complained, feeling wronged.

Now, she said nothing.

He felt she was becoming increasingly uncontrollable.

Lu Nan Feng said, “Xiang Xiang has been making rapid progress. If you trained with her, you’d improve too. You’re talented—you can spend less time at the camp and still keep up with your studies. Wouldn’t it be nice for the whole family to be united? Our eldest brother would be happy to see us get along so well.”

Lu Ning lowered her eyes, her gaze dripping with sarcasm.

She answered firmly, “I don’t want to join the team.”

“Lu Ning, Qin Xiang is part of our family, and so are you. We must move forward together, not exclude her like you do. Remember, her father saved your life!”

Lu Nan Feng couldn’t understand. He’d given her so many chances—why couldn’t she seize them?

They treated Qin Xiang well to repay a debt of gratitude.

The hall fell into a heavy silence, the stifling air making it hard for Lu Ning to breathe.

She clenched her fists, barely holding back.

To hell with it!

She sneered, “Second brother, do you want me to give my life to Qin Xiang to satisfy you?”