C43 Smart Fool

Yi Lanyou stepped out of the small shop and immediately noticed a puppy squatting at the restaurant's entrance. It was wagging its tail and cocking its head, its adorable expression making it instantly endearing.

"You're so adorable!" Wang Xiaoman exclaimed, squatting down to inquire, "What breed is this?"

"It's a husky," Bai Yiming answered. "Also known as a Siberian Husky. It's still young now, but it will grow quite tall eventually."

"It's a bit dirty, but its eyes are really bright," observed Zhang Ya, eyeing the husky. "It looks like it might be lost."

"I'd love to take it home with me!" Wang Xiaoman bit her lip, pondering the idea before the thought of her unforgiving landlord made her dismiss the notion. "Never mind, I can't keep dogs at my place."

"This dog is exceptionally clever," Yi Lanyou reminisced. "There are plenty of dogs around here, usually squabbling over territory, but this one's different. It just stations itself by the restaurant door at meal times, putting on its cutest face to beg for food."

"It's so smart!" Wang Xiaoman admired.

"Youyou, are you well-acquainted with this area?" Zhang Ya asked, intrigued.

"Not really, I've just heard about it from others," Yi Lanyou replied with a smile. "A Senior Sister I was close to also attended City No.1 High School."

Zhang Ya nodded in understanding.

"Hey, boss, I'd like to order a chicken leg for the husky outside," Bai Yiming called back to the shop owner, handing over seven yuan.

The waiter brought out the chicken leg, accepting the money with a chuckle. "It sure knows how to charm for a treat, and it eats better than we do," he joked.

They watched the husky enjoy the chicken leg provided by the waiter, sharing a few laughs before climbing into Bai Yiming's car to leave the school grounds.

Bai Yiming engaged in light conversation as he drove. Suddenly, something occurred to him, and he mentioned, "Oh, by the way, there's a sports meet at the end of September. Each class needs to sign up for events. Class Monitor Youyou, you'll have to handle that when the time comes. As class monitor, you should get to know your classmates better soon."

"Okay," Yi Lanyou nodded thoughtfully. A sports event, huh?

That event had been the catalyst for her first conflict with her classmates in her previous life. Not adept at running, Yi Lanyou had been persuaded by Lin Xiaorou to sign up for a long-distance race. When the participant list was released the day before the competition, Lin Xiaorou claimed she hadn't registered and even encouraged Yi Lanyou to give it her all. With great determination, Yi Lanyou managed to complete the race, finishing in last place. At the time, her classmates didn't blame her; they even consoled her. She was quite content, feeling the warmth of the group. But later, she discovered her name had been added to the sprint event—a race she was even less skilled in—at the last minute.

Once again, she came in last. The mockery from other classes made Grade One (B) students uncomfortable. Still, they didn't fault her, though Yi Lanyou herself felt deeply embarrassed.

Returning from the restroom, she sensed a shift in their gazes, now filled with hostility. It was only later, amidst an argument, that she learned they believed she had boasted about her athletic prowess, claiming she didn't take the school sports meet seriously and hadn't run her best, which was why she finished last.

Yi Lanyou had never made such a claim and repeatedly tried to explain, but to no avail—they simply didn't believe her.

At the time, Lin Xiaorou had been there to console her, quickly becoming the person Yi Lanyou trusted most. Yet, it never occurred to her that Lin Xiaorou was the one responsible for registering the events.

In her past life, Lin Xiaorou had been the class monitor, the one organizing these activities. But now, in this life, Yi Lanyou held that position, and she wondered what Lin Xiaorou might be planning next. With this in mind, she asked Bai Yiming, "Teacher, why did you choose me to be the class monitor?"

"Because you're very helpful," Bai Yiming answered. "I believe that being a class leader isn't just about academic performance; it's more important to be willing to assist your classmates. Just today, when a student mentioned she couldn't see the blackboard clearly, you offered to switch seats with her. That's why I think you're well-suited to be the class monitor."

Youyou has always been full of enthusiasm," Wang Xiaoman said with a smile. "Today, she even shared with me the saying that there's a blessing in every loss."

Zhang Ya nodded in agreement, "I met Youyou when someone tried to steal my wallet. She courageously warned me, and that's how our friendship started."

"See! I knew I was right about her," Bai Yiming said with a laugh, nodding with confidence. "Class Monitor Youyou, don't worry. You have my support. What's there to fear? Plus, this is closely linked to joining the student council in your sophomore year and securing a spot for the college entrance exam. Do well, and there will be many more benefits to come."

The compliments made Yi Lanyou feel too embarrassed to admit that she just didn't want to sit too close to Lin Xiaorou, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.

She hitched a ride with Bai Yiming to Xindong Pedestrian Street. After shopping and enjoying some desserts, they went their separate ways home.

Upon returning home, Yi Lanyou was stopped by Fang Fang as she passed through the living room. "Lanyou, why didn't you have the driver take you home today? Where have you been?"

"Is Auntie interrogating me?" Yi Lanyou asked, looking into Fang Fang's eyes.

"I'm just concerned about you," Fang Fang replied with a smile, her only intention being to pinpoint Yi Lanyou's whereabouts to facilitate the assassin's plan.

"Auntie, there's no need to worry. I won't get lost," Yi Lanyou said before heading to her room. Just then, a small figure darted out from a corner and lunged at Yi Lanyou's feet. She quickly sidestepped to avoid it.

"Candy," Fang Fang said with a smile, beckoning the little dog. "Come here."

Candy strutted over, tail in the air, and leaped onto Fang Fang's lap.

Yi Lanyou clenched her wrist, a painful memory of a bite flashing through her mind.

"Lanyou, this is my dog, a purebred Maltese," Fang Fang said, her voice tinged with pride. "It was entered in a competition recently and even won an international prize."

Yi Lanyou replied, "Then you'd better keep a close eye on your dog."

"Don't worry, Candy is very well-behaved," Fang Fang said with a hint of malice. If Yi Lanyou were to be bitten to death by the dog, it would serve her right.

"That's good to hear," Yi Lanyou said, giving the Teddy dog in Fang Fang's arms one last glance before turning away. As soon as she did, the dog began to bark chaotically.

The sound of the barking started to irritate Yi Lanyou.

Fang Fang watched Yi Lanyou ascend the staircase, noting the stiffness in her posture. A smile then played at the corners of Fang Fang's mouth.