Chapter 7: The Courageous Fu Siqiao

Fu Siqiao walked along a somewhat secluded path, flanked on both sides by walls covered in mottled moss, exuding an air of antiquity and solitude.

The afternoon sunlight filtered down but was mostly blocked by the towering buildings on either side, casting long, narrow shadows on the ground.

With her head bowed, Fu Siqiao’s thoughts drifted distractedly, replaying the unpleasant incidents at school in her mind.

Suddenly, she felt her right foot abruptly caught by something, causing her to lose balance and lurch forward.

Instinctively, her hands reached out to steady herself, but she still fell heavily to the ground.

Her palms scraped against the rough surface, sending a sharp sting through her skin, and her knees throbbed painfully from the impact.

Struggling, she lifted her head to see a tall, burly boy standing behind her.

His hair was short and wildly tousled, each strand sticking up as if shocked by electricity.

He had a broad, low forehead and thick, unruly eyebrows that resembled overgrown weeds.

His eyes were narrow and sharp, glinting with malicious intent as he looked at Fu Siqiao with a mocking smile.

Beneath his prominent nose, a large mouth stretched into a crooked grin, revealing a set of uneven, yellowed teeth that sent a chill down her spine.

He wore a tattered, grimy black T-shirt, stained with unknown smudges, and his muscular arms bulged slightly with his movements, showcasing brute strength.

His faded blue jeans hung loosely at his waist, frayed and dust-streaked at the hems.

The boy laughed harshly at Fu Siqiao on the ground, “Haha, isn’t this the Fu Siqiao everyone at school shuns? You can’t even watch where you’re going.”

He laughed while crossing his arms and leaning back slightly, as if enjoying a ridiculous spectacle.

A surge of anger welled up inside Fu Siqiao, but she forced herself to stand, brushing off the dust from her clothes.

Her brows knitted tightly, her eyes blazing with a mix of fury and defiance. “Why did you trip me?”

Her voice trembled slightly but carried a resolute strength.

The boy showed no sign of restraint; he stepped forward, closing in on her. “What, you dare question me?”

A cruel expression crossed his face, his gaze threatening.

Fu Siqiao instinctively stepped back but found a cold wall pressing against her back.

Her heart raced, a deep unease rising within her.

The boy advanced further, trapping her in the corner.

Her back pressed tightly against the wall, she felt its chill and hardness, mirroring her dire situation.

The boy extended a thick arm, propping it beside her ear against the wall, hemming her in.

He leaned close, his breath foul and heavy in her face. “Who do you think you are? No one likes you at school, and it’s the same out here. You’re just someone easy to bully.”

His low, hoarse voice cut into her heart like a blade.

Fu Siqiao’s anger ignited fully; she pushed his arm away forcefully. “I may be weak, but I am not someone you can bully!”

Her eyes locked onto his, flames of rage burning bright, her body trembling with the intensity of her defiance.

The boy was taken aback by her resistance, momentarily stunned, then seethed with humiliation. “Hmph, you dare fight back?”

He swung his arm, trying to grab her.

Fu Siqiao dodged swiftly, slipping beneath his reach.

Before he could react, she bent low and slipped out from under his arm.

The boy turned and lunged at her again as she ran, searching for something to use nearby.

Suddenly, she spotted an abandoned wooden stick on the roadside. She grabbed it quickly and faced him.

The boy hesitated upon seeing the stick but soon regained his arrogance. “You think I’m scared just because you have a stick?”

Though he sneered, a flicker of caution appeared in his eyes.

Fu Siqiao gripped the stick tightly, standing firm. “Don’t come any closer, or I won’t hold back.”

Her voice was steady and strong, her gaze resolute.

No longer the timid girl bullied at school, she was now a warrior bravely standing to protect herself.

Heart pounding fiercely, breathing heavy, she stared unflinchingly at the malicious boy before her.

Despite the fear gnawing inside, her eyes shone with unprecedented determination.

The boy’s steps faltered for a moment as he eyed the stick warily, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face before his arrogance surged back.

He crouched slightly like a predator ready to pounce, eyes fixed intently on Fu Siqiao, searching for a weakness.

“You think I’m scared of a stick?” he snarled, voice trembling slightly, betraying his inner unease.

Fu Siqiao said nothing, focusing entirely on his every move.

She knew she could not afford to let her guard down for a moment; any opening could bring disastrous consequences.

Adjusting her stance, she held the stick horizontally before her chest, feet planted firmly like a guardian of her ground.

As their standoff stretched on, footsteps echoed from afar.

A spark of hope lit within Fu Siqiao. She shouted loudly, “Help! Someone’s bullying me here!”

Her voice rang out through the silent alley, filled with yearning.

The boy’s face drained of color upon hearing her cries.

He glanced around nervously, anxiety surging within him.

Afraid of being caught and shamed, he glared viciously at Fu Siqiao before turning to flee.

But Fu Siqiao was not about to let him go easily. Summoning her courage, she charged, swinging the stick with a whoosh toward his back.

Caught off guard, the boy was struck on the shoulder and screamed in pain, stumbling forward.

Seizing the moment, Fu Siqiao advanced, pointing the stick at him. “Don’t think you can run! Today, you owe me an explanation—why did you bully me?”

Her voice was hoarse from anger but filled with power.

The boy lay on the ground, terrified, staring at Fu Siqiao in disbelief. He had never imagined the girl he saw as weak and easy prey could be so brave.

“I... I was wrong. Please, spare me,” he pleaded, voice cracking with desperation.I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.