A boy like this, before being taken abroad by his father for medical treatment years later, had always been insignificant and invisible.
He never spoke, nor did he listen to others.
He was immersed in his own world.
So much so that in her past life, Yun Shifei hadn't even known they'd once briefly been classmates.
Song Yang noticed Cheng Lie didn't say a word, focusing only on the book in his hands.
His anger flared, and through gritted teeth, he snatched the book from Cheng Lie's hands.
He tossed it over his shoulder without a second thought.
Thud—
The textbook landed directly on Yun Shifei's desk.
It startled her.
The book lay open, pristine, without a single written word, cleaner than her own.
Cheng Lie finally reacted when his book was snatched away. He looked up at Song Yang, his gaze straight and emotionless.
"Are you stupid or deaf? I've been talking to you for ages, and you won't even say a word?" Song Yang spoke.
Cheng Lie still didn't respond.
It felt like punching cotton—powerless, yet infuriating.
Song Yang had always been volatile, and being the boss of Class Seven, no one dared to disobey him.
Seeing his temper rise, he grabbed Cheng Lie by the collar, clearly preparing to fight.
Yun Shifei's heart raced; she knew she couldn't turn a blind eye.
No matter how cruel Cheng Lie may become in the future, for now, he was just a helpless boy, easy to bully.
He didn't know anything.
Previously, he had unintentionally helped her, and if she didn't step forward because of fear, wouldn't he feel betrayed?
And her conscience wouldn't let her be at peace.
At that moment, Yun Shifei didn't consider that Cheng Lie might not even remember her.
Seeing Song Yang about to strike, Yun Shifei rushed forward and grabbed Song Yang's hand, shouting, "Stop!"
Somehow, the girl managed to summon the strength to pull Song Yang's hand away from Cheng Lie.
Song Yang froze for a moment and then laughed when he realized it was Yun Shifei. "Transfer student, you dare meddle in my business?"
He grinned arrogantly, but his face darkened—like a poisoned blade ready to strike.
Under his gaze, Yun Shifei felt deeply uneasy.
In her previous life, she hadn't noticed most of her classmates, but Song Yang left a vivid impression. He was the most unruly student in class, often skipping school, getting into fights, and pursuing Yun Sisi.
The story of a troublemaker chasing a top student had played out in nearly every school.
So she knew a little about him.
Yun Shifei bit her lip, trying not to falter.
She was someone who had lived one more lifetime; why should she fear Song Yang?
"Bullying a classmate? If the teacher finds out, it won't end well for you."
Song Yang hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, then burst into laughter. "You think I'm afraid of a teacher?"
The surrounding classmates couldn't contain their laughter either.
They mocked Yun Shifei's naivety. Song Yang's status was well-known—his father had recently donated money to the school to build a new library. Would any teacher dare discipline him?
For the first time, Yun Shifei was ridiculed by her entire class. Her face flushed red, and she felt like she was on the verge of tears.
It was as if all the humiliation from her past life was reawakening again.
She clenched her fists tightly. Since she'd stepped forward, there was no turning back now.
Fueled by rage, Song Yang couldn't take it anymore.
Fine, Cheng Lie was a lost cause; after all, he was a fool.
But what was this sudden meddler supposed to be? Even someone as plain and quiet as her dared challenge him?
Song Yang was not happy.
Glaring fiercely at Yun Shifei, his eyes burned with malice.
Yun Shifei grew nervous, worried Song Yang might actually hit her.
Yet, she kept her stance in front of Cheng Lie, shielding him.
She reasoned that Song Yang wouldn't hit a woman; she'd never heard of him doing so after all.
Even if he did, it wouldn't matter.
He'd pay for it afterwards.
The boy behind her now fixated his gaze on the girl standing before him.
She was small and thin, barely reaching his chest, yet she stood in front of him like a protector.
He remembered her—the one locked in the same room with him that day.
Was this her way of returning the favor for his silence back then?
Cheng Lie thought the idea was faintly ridiculous.
He saw her tightly clenched fists and couldn't understand.
Clearly terrified, yet still choosing to stand up.
But he said nothing, quietly watching the unfolding drama as though observing a play.
In the end, Song Yang didn't hit her, instead growling at her, "Fine, I don't hit women, but today's cleaning duties—you'll be doing them!"
At that moment, the bell rang, and Song Yang returned to his seat.
Yun Shifei pressed her lips together—this was probably the best outcome.
Doing cleaning duties wouldn't be a problem.
Before entering the Yun Family, she had been used to doing chores since childhood.
Yun Shifei handed the textbook back to Cheng Lie, softly consoling him, "Don't be afraid of him; it's fine now."
Cheng Lie's gaze fell on the textbook in her hand and that small hand of hers holding it.
That fragile hand was covered in calluses and scars from years of hard work.
So unlike the hands of anyone he had ever seen—likely because the people around him were all pampered and privileged.
Cheng Lie remained silent, but Yun Shifei didn't feel awkward; she was used to it.
She returned to her seat and focused on class.
After a whole day of lessons, Yun Shifei couldn't help but sigh—perhaps her weak academic foundation was to blame, but everything the teacher said went over her head.
Still, she took diligent notes on the teacher's lectures, planning to review and absorb them at night.
Yun Shifei's earnest attitude naturally caught the attention of the homeroom teacher.
The students in this class were all special cases, mostly uninterested in studying, just aiming for a diploma to go abroad.
There weren't many students who truly listened during lessons.
Someone as hardworking as Yun Shifei stood out.
Previously, the teacher had observed this transfer student zoning out during class, lost in thought.
Unexpectedly, she was now so focused and serious.
After class, the teacher specifically called Yun Shifei to the office.
Yun Shifei felt uneasy, wondering what she had done wrong to get singled out like this.
"Yun Shifei, I observed you in class today—you're very diligent."
Turns out it was praise.
Yun Shifei smiled, "I have a weak foundation, so I need to work harder."
The teacher was impressed. "If there's anything you don't understand, you're welcome to come to the office and ask any subject teacher for help."
"Really?" Yun Shifei's face lit up with joy.
"Of course. I hope by the end of the semester, you can achieve good results and move into a better class."
Ninth grade class placement depended on junior high final exam scores, while placements for grades ten and eleven were determined by semester exam results.
"I'll work hard, teacher," Yun Shifei said with a radiant, obedient smile.
Teachers always liked motivated students.
Having a weak foundation was alright—as long as they were willing to put in the effort, there was always hope.
Returning from the office to the classroom, Yun Shifei's expression immediately soured.
What on earth was this mess?!
The classroom floor was littered with snack wrappers and tissues, with spilled orange juice staining the ground.
It couldn't have been dirtier.
"Hey, transfer student, make sure you clean up thoroughly!" Song Yang said with a smirk, tearing up tissues and tossing them to the floor as he spoke.
His expression screamed troublemaker through and through.