Dreaming

Yu Fuli had always found this part of the original novel somewhat perplexing.

The author constructs a class-divided, dog-eat-dog environment in an aristocratic academy, yet he also veils it with an idealized set of rules that prohibit bullying.

The core conflict and emotional progression of the story rely precisely on the classic pattern of "the protagonist being bullied - the protagonist stepping in to save him".

It's a veritable collection of contradictions.

Yu Fuli looked directly at Director Chen: "I believe that, given Director Chen's consistent style, he would never allow this to happen. Ascertaining the identity and handling the matter according to regulations is not only giving the victimized students an explanation, but also sending a clear warning to all students. At Saint Laurent, there are some bottom lines that cannot be crossed."

"Teacher Yu is right." Director Chen closed his notebook and said in a businesslike tone, "The Discipline Office will formally open an investigation into this matter. First, we'll trace the IP address and account information of the posts using the forum's technical backend. At the same time, based on the characteristics provided by Lin Xun, we'll conduct a preliminary investigation in the relevant grades and classes. Tomorrow morning, I will ask the relevant homeroom teachers to cooperate with the inquiries."

He looked at Lin Xun, his tone softening slightly: "Lin Xun, when you get back, write a detailed statement, including the specific time, place, what the other party said and did, as detailed as possible. Submit one electronic copy and one paper copy to me tomorrow. Also," he pointed to Yu Fuli's phone, "save this picture and the entire post as evidence."

"Thank you, Director Chen," Lin Xun said softly.

"No need to thank me, it's my duty." Director Chen waved his hand, then looked at Yu Fuli, "Teacher Yu, please keep an eye on things as well. Ensure Lin Xun's safety during the investigation. If there is any further harassment, notify me immediately, or contact campus security directly."

"I see."

As I left the administration building, the night breeze carried a chill.

Lin Xun silently followed beside Yu Fuli, and after walking a distance, he spoke softly, "Teacher... thank you."

"I told you, you don't need to thank me." Yu Fuli slowed her pace. "This is what a teacher should do. It's also what the academy should do."

"But... Director Chen seems a bit hesitant?" Lin Xun keenly sensed the undercurrent in their earlier conversation.

Yu Fuli did not deny it: "It may involve some students with connections, which would make the process more complicated. But that doesn't mean the matter will just be dropped."

He looked at Lin Xun, "The important thing is that you've stood up. That in itself is a form of retaliation against the bullies. In the future, if you encounter something similar, don't suffer alone. Tell your teacher immediately, or go directly to Director Chen. You're not alone, understand?"

Lin Xun nodded vigorously.

This time, the fear in his eyes had largely dissipated, replaced by a faint but real light.

Back in the faculty apartment area, Yu Fuli escorted Lin Xun all the way to his dormitory building.

"Go upstairs and get some rest. Classes will proceed as usual tomorrow. You can do the explanation in your spare time; don't let it interfere with your studies," Yu Fuli instructed.

"Yes, teacher, you should get some rest too." Lin Xun stood at the building entrance, hesitated for a moment, then looked up and said earnestly, "Teacher, I will be braver."

Yu Fuli looked at the determination that had been forged through hard work in his eyes, and the corners of her lips curved slightly.

"it is good."

Watching Lin Xun's figure disappear into the corridor, Yu Fuli turned around and walked back.

So he didn't notice that at the other end of the corridor, Lin Xun didn't immediately turn around and go upstairs.

The boy stood silently in the shadows at the entrance of the dormitory building, his gaze piercing through the deepening night, silently following the receding figure.

Yu Fuli wasn't wearing a coat, just a thin white shirt, neatly tucked into her military trousers. The dim streetlights slanted across her, clearly outlining her cinched waistline.

Slender, yet not weak, possessing a supple yet agile and lithe physique.

Lin Xun's gaze lingered there for a long time.

He knew the feel of that section of the waist.

It's warm, flexible, and has a uniform texture. When you wrap your arm around it, it fits perfectly without leaving any gaps.

He had touched it many times, and even through its clothes, he could feel the restrained power hidden beneath. He also remembered that if he happened to brush against certain particularly sensitive spots, that waist would tremble slightly, like the slightest ripple on a calm lake disturbed by a pebble.

However, what haunted him even more than that physical body, and what made him tremble with fear, was the bright and passionate soul beneath it.

It was a light he had never seen in anyone else.

It is not dazzling or ostentatious, but firm and warm, with an almost naive sense of principle, as if it can dispel all gloom and coldness.

It will stand up for injustice, stand up for the weak, and show cunning and wisdom, but also reveal a soft weariness when tired.

Lin Xun thought that perhaps Yu Fuli really was different from those people.

Behind his kindness, his protection, and his seemingly purposeful investments, there may truly be a genuine, untainted sincerity from the heart.

But the difference itself is not important.

The important thing is that he wants this light.

He wanted that bright, warm, and vibrant soul to shine only for him. He wanted to carefully gather that light in his palm, hide it in a corner only he knew, wrap it in the softest velvet and the strongest chains, and make it a sun that belonged only to him, illuminating only his own night.

This yearning is not a naive admiration, but an almost instinctive, extreme thirst for light from darkness, a dependence, a possession, and a deeper desire that even he himself has not fully understood.

The night breeze was cool, but it couldn't dispel the deep darkness in his eyes.

Lin Xun watched quietly as the figure finally turned the corner and disappeared completely from sight before slowly lowering her eyelashes.

All the surging, burning, and obscure thoughts, along with the almost impending impulse to imprison, were forcefully suppressed back into the deepest and darkest cage in the heart, a cage built by reason and pretense.

The door closed silently.