🍃 断叶之约 Oath of the Broken Leaf

The classroom was quiet in the morning light. Students sat in their places, most of them half-distracted, waiting for class to begin.

At the back, Xiao Ran was already asleep on his desk. He looked relaxed, almost careless, but there was something sharp about him even in silence—like someone who didn’t fully belong to an ordinary classroom.

A sudden sound broke the calm as something hit his desk.

Xiao Ran slowly opened his eyes.

Professor Li was standing right beside him, clearly annoyed.

Professor Li: “When did you come, Xiao Ran?”

Xiao Ran stretched slightly, still half-lazy.

Xiao Ran: “When did you come, Professor Li?”

The teacher’s expression darkened immediately.

Professor Li: “I was here from the beginning! And you’re sleeping again in my class!”

A few students quietly reacted, used to this kind of exchange.Before the argument could continue, the classroom door opened.

Principal Zhan Guan stepped in.

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Zhan Guan: “A new student has arrived.”

Professor Li straightened immediately, trying to compose himself.

A moment later, the new student walked in.

Gu Lingxiao.

He had a calm presence, blue-black eyes, and a quiet confidence that didn’t match the modern classroom at all. It felt like he didn’t belong there.

His gaze moved across the room—and landed directly on Xiao Ran.

For a brief moment, neither of them looked away.Xiao Ran clicked his tongue under his breath.

Xiao Ran (low voice): “Jerk…”

Gu Lingxiao heard it. His expression didn’t change much, but his eyes sharpened slightly, as if remembering that moment.

He turned to the class.

Gu Lingxiao: “Ni Hao. I am Gu Lingxiao.”

The class responded warmly, except Xiao Ran, who leaned back in his chair, uninterested.

Professor Li cleared his throat.

Professor Li: “Treat your new classmate well.”

Gu Lingxiao began walking through the classroom, passing several empty seats.

He didn’t stop.

Instead, he walked straight to Xiao Ran’s desk.

He stopped right beside him.

Then sat down.

Xiao Ran turned his head slowly.

Xiao Ran: “There are many seats. Why here?”

Gu Lingxiao replied calmly without even looking at him.

Gu Lingxiao: “Not my problem.Silence.

A sharp tension formed between them—small, but undeniable.

Xiao Ran scoffed softly.

Xiao Ran: “You’re arrogant.”

Gu Lingxiao finally turned his eyes slightly toward him.

Gu Lingxiao: “And you’re loud.”

Neither of them looked away.

And just like that, something between them quietly began.