Chapter 18 : Chapter 18
Chapter 18
The last chapter Lin Yan had read was the one where Xie Chang’an defeated Zhou Que.
At the time, the predictions on the forum about the upcoming plot had been so dreadful that she did not dare to continue reading. Although the ending of a classic shonen story would certainly resolve the conflict satisfactorily, the frustration along the way could still be unbearable.
Was this kind of manga really good?
Lin Yan felt skeptical.
Yet when she thought about the author, she could not help feeling hopeful again. Yuexia Cao’s previous mangas had impeccable artwork and storytelling.
The newest chapter began in the School Infirmary.
On the hospital bed, Zhou Que stared blankly at the ceiling.
He was reviewing the reasons for his defeat.
In the end, he had underestimated his opponent at the start and failed to seize the advantage immediately.
Most of his previous battles had been against Aberrants, and even his training simulations had used Aberrants as imaginary enemies.
Even when he had experience fighting humans, those opponents had been people like Shao Huayu—fellow Ability users. And sparring between Ability users naturally never involved fighting to the death.
But when he encountered such a reckless ordinary person charging straight at him, he had no experience at all.
“Next time… next time I will definitely win,” Zhou Que muttered quietly.
At that moment, a gloomy-looking black-haired boy pushed the door open and entered.
Liu Mu stood beside the hospital bed and pushed up his glasses with a faintly eerie air.
“You are awake. Good. Now we can go over exactly how much trouble your duel caused for Huayu.”
Zhou Que: “…Sob.”
【I am dying of laughter hahaha】
【Huayu? That is such an intimate way of addressing him. I do not really understand how boys address each other】
【There would definitely be complaints hahaha】
【Settling accounts after autumn—starting with your own people first (laughing)】
【This new character should belong to Shao Huayu’s faction. His attitude toward Zhou Que feels like disappointment】
【Damn, when you put it that way, I suddenly imagine an office worker dragged in by a terrible boss to fix a mess (facepalm)】
【The resentment of a corporate slave.jpg】
Lin Yan’s eyes widened in surprise.
This development was not what she had expected.
She had originally thought that after losing, Zhou Que would shamelessly target Xie Chang’an even more aggressively. Instead, he was the one being held accountable first.
And the timing of that accountability was perfect.
Lin Yan’s impression of Liu Mu immediately skyrocketed.
On the hospital bed, Zhou Que covered his ears with a pained expression.
Just as he was rambling about wanting to drop out of school, he suddenly noticed Ji Qing standing at the door.
Ji Qing stood quietly at the entrance with a gentle smile.
Sunlight shone upon him like a brilliant cloak of light.
【Honestly…】
【I feel like the author especially likes Ji Qing】
【+1】
【Chang’an, I wrongly blamed you. It is the author who has a huge filter for Ji Qing】
【After becoming the protagonist’s white moonlight, Ji Qing has also become the author’s white moonlight (crying with laughter)】
【Wait, does the author not usually like black-haired characters?】
【Did the author change preferences?】
【The protagonist in the last series had black hair and red eyes, the one before had black hair and blue eyes. None of the characters in this series share those color schemes. Maybe the author got tired of it (just guessing)】
【So now he likes white hair?】
“I see,” Lin Yan murmured, suddenly enlightened.
As long as it was not simply the protagonist idolizing Ji Qing too much, it was fine. Having followed Yuexia Cao’s works for a long time, Lin Yan knew the author’s favoritism was temporary. Eventually, a new character would always replace the current favorite.
“But he should still be an important character…”
Lin Yan carefully studied the panel where Ji Qing appeared. The plot had not developed far enough yet, so she could not determine how important he was.
However, with the title of “top freshman,” he must have quite a story.
Lin Yan knew that in shonen mangas, any character capable of overshadowing the protagonist was either someone with a blood-soaked revenge story or someone destined to become extremely dangerous in the future.
Such a person could never be irrelevant.
In the manga, Ji Qing greeted Liu Mu politely.
Outwardly calm, he silently speculated about Liu Mu’s identity.
This one should be Shao Huayu’s subordinate.
Liu Mu briefly introduced his name and said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Zhou Que naturally began complaining to Ji Qing about him skipping class.
The two of them started discussing the whereabouts of the other members of Class S.
【I am dying hahaha】
【Is Zhou Que actually the most obedient one in Class S?】
【Ji Qing feels a little secretly scheming】
【I really did not realize Liu Mu’s identity earlier. He argued naturally with Zhou Que, but the moment Ji Qing appeared he became completely silent】
【Zhou Que should also belong to Shao Huayu’s faction】
【Only these two came to class? Class S seems fun. Zhou Que is even complaining that Ji Qing skipped class without taking him along. No wonder he looked annoyed when the protagonist stopped him earlier hahaha】
Looking at the comments, Lin Yan suddenly recalled that scene.
At the time, she had thought Zhou Que looked as though someone had stood him up. But since Zhou Que usually looked irritated anyway, she had assumed it was just her imagination.
Now it turned out she had been correct.
Lin Yan’s eyes sparkled.
“The author’s drawing skills are incredible.”
What other surprises awaited her?
In the manga, the door to the School Infirmary appeared again.
This time, a white-haired boy with golden eyes gently knocked on it.
His slightly long white hair was tied into a low ponytail with an exquisite dark-blue ribbon. His bearing was noble and elegant.
A refined young master from a distinguished family indeed, Ji Qing thought sarcastically.
【Ji Qing is complaining internally hahaha】
【Well… but he really is a noble young master】
【Going to school with friends, attendants, and a huge amount of luggage. He even sprayed sea-salt perfume before going into Yancheng city. Everyone, appreciate the detail】
【Sea salt because the city is Yancheng (facepalm)】
【Wow, that is incredibly refined】
“Wow, the author hides so many little details,” Lin Yan said with amusement.
Shao Huayu walked toward Zhou Que and looked at him with a complicated expression.
He had not expected that after leaving for only a short trip, things would escalate to this extent.
Zhou Que immediately began explaining himself in a fluster.
At the same time, Liu Mu stepped forward and sent the terminal records of last night’s discovery to Shao Huayu. Shao Huayu then forwarded them to Ji Qing.
【As expected of a noble young master. That move was clever】
【He instantly raised Ji Qing’s impression of him】
【Earlier I wondered why Ji Qing, who came from a civilian background, could still interact calmly with Zhou Que after hearing those remarks. Now I see—it was because of you】
【He might be trying to recruit Ji Qing】
【Zhou Que is not actually that brainless though. Around his own people he seems pretty simple, like a spoiled child】
【I went back to check earlier chapters. Liu Mu’s tone at the beginning sounded very practiced】
【He has probably handled situations like this more than once】
【Honestly, Liu Mu is quite nice. He even explained to Zhou Que exactly what he said wrong】
【Zhou Que also reviewed things himself—but only the duel (dying laughing)】
Seeing this, Lin Yan burst into laughter.
“Hahaha…”
This segment highlighted the personalities of everyone present perfectly.
With visible emotion, Lin Yan murmured to herself, “The author has finally regained his standard…”
In the manga, the group discussed the academy’s meeting records regarding Xie Chang’an.
Liu Mu casually mentioned that he wanted to transfer to Class B at the end of the semester. Immediately, Zhou Que invited him to join Class S.
Zhou Que said, “I refuse to believe that two S-rank Ability users cannot carry you!”
Liu Mu was about to refuse when Shao Huayu spoke first.
“If you join Class S, it will make it easier for me to build connections for you later.”
【Damn, the benefits of hugging the right thigh】
【Shao Huayu treats his own people very well. He directly promised to build connections. We do not even know what kind yet, but it will definitely help in the future】
【Why do I feel like Liu Mu does not really want to accept?】
【Probably because Ji Qing is here】
【Why is no one discussing the protagonist’s meeting record? His strength is at the level of an A-rank Ability user】
【That is normal. He is the protagonist】
In shonen mangas, it was perfectly normal for the protagonist’s power level to fluctuate dramatically like fireworks.
But Lin Yan suddenly fell into thought.
The protagonist had once said he was infected.
Could that be related to it?
However, Yuexia Cao had only mentioned that the protagonist was infected and had not revealed any further information about infection.
Perhaps it would take more time.
In the manga, Ji Qing casually asked about You Xingluo’s whereabouts.
After Shao Huayu answered, he turned to Zhou Que and said,
“I will speak with Song Xiaoran and ask him to clarify this matter.”
He sneered coldly.
“You do not need to show yourself again. I will use public opinion to force him to drop out.”
【……】
【Wait, did they not agree to stop suppressing him if he won?】
【They did stop. They just changed the person doing the suppressing (BUSHI)】
【Uh…】
【Ahhhh I do not want to read anymore. I was about to start liking Class S and then they pull this again】
【So the conflict is continuing?】
“No…” Lin Yan groaned in despair.
Just as she was about to crawl back onto her bed and hide from reality, she remembered what her friend and roommates had said.
Looking up at the roommate who had just defended her, Lin Yan thought firmly,
I should finish reading first. Maybe the plot will change later.
In the next panel, Ji Qing smiled lightly.
“Does he really have to drop out?”
The atmosphere in the School Infirmary suddenly grew heavy.
Shao Huayu frowned.
“Ji Qing, do you know him?”
Ji Qing denied it.
While browsing the meeting records, he gave his reason calmly.
“If Xie Chang’an drops out, where else will I find entertainment like this in the future?”
After thinking briefly, Shao Huayu finally conceded.
“Then handle it your way.”
【AHHHHH】
【From today onward Ji Qing is also my white moonlight (sparkling eyes.jpg)】
【Our savior】
【So this is why the author likes Ji Qing? I like him too (shouting loudly)】
【Chang’an, we do not have to drop out!】
【Finally this arc is ending! This is great!】
“Wow… wow…”
Lin Yan’s eyes filled with tears.
This was the most touching moment she had experienced while reading Ability Hunter.
Finally, the cliché storyline was gone. Once this arc ended smoothly, the manga could finally move on to Volume Three.
Ji Qing was practically an angel.
Lin Yan’s affection for him skyrocketed.
His character design and introduction were already extremely appealing. As long as the author did not ruin him later, he would certainly become one of the most popular characters in Ability Hunter.
With a mischievous grin, Lin Yan said, “Hehehe. Let me become his fan first.”