Su Cheng Who Left the Club

Nighttime.

After sending Psyduck home, Su Cheng wandered aimlessly through the streets, unsure of what to do. He simply strolled while thinking about tomorrow.

His school life was about to change.

Since he had spent the entire afternoon with President Ji today, he hadn’t had time to submit his club resignation to the student council. So, tomorrow at noon, he’d have to stop by the student council office.

Then, he’d report to the Social Practice Club. In the afternoon, he’d head to the dojo to retrieve his clothes, equipment, and other belongings to take home.

Lost in thought, he found himself reminiscing about the events of the afternoon.

He never expected that his club president would be completely clueless about electronics.

Compared to him, a transmigrator, she might as well have time-traveled from ancient times.

The memory made Su Cheng chuckle.

If given the chance, he’d love to take her out for fun—she’d surely reveal that adorably clumsy side of hers again, right?

What would she be like playing crane games?

Or… visiting an amusement park?

How would that go?

"Ugh, I’m dying of curiosity."

"No, I’ve got to find a way to invite her out!"

Suddenly, Su Cheng stopped in his tracks, his face lighting up with excitement before quickly twisting into frustration.

The sheer difficulty of the task gave him a headache.

Lost in thought, he continued walking until, without realizing it, he entered a park.

The late hour made the park eerily quiet, illuminated only by flickering streetlights casting dim, wavering glows.

A normal person would’ve found the scene unsettling, but Su Cheng wasn’t the least bit afraid of the eerie atmosphere. If anything, he half-hoped something supernatural would appear.

He casually took a seat on a park bench, pulled out his phone to send President Ji a quick "good night," then stood back up and headed home.

…………………………

The Next Day

Early in the morning, he woke up, freshened up, and first sent Da Huang back home.

Da Huang wasn’t a stray—he had an owner, so Su Cheng made sure to return him, assuring the dog he could visit whenever he wanted.

As for Ya Ya, he let her roam freely, allowing her to play outside until she got tired and came home to watch cartoons.

Once he’d settled both animals, he left the house, grabbed a quick bite, and rode his beloved bicycle to school.

The school was as lively as ever in the morning, filled with endless greetings. Pushing his bike leisurely toward the parking lot, he went unnoticed—partly because of his mask, and partly because he didn’t run into any familiar faces.

He no longer assumed people were paying attention to him, so he didn’t bother scrutinizing their gazes.

The old him—before transmigrating—would’ve constantly felt watched, plagued by anxiety. Fear of attention, rejection, and judgment had made him withdrawn, cold, and socially awkward.

But now, armed with more knowledge, he understood.

Normal people didn’t waste energy observing strangers. Everyone had their own lives to focus on—no one had the time to scrutinize others.

People were too busy with themselves, just like him right now.

For example: Was it really okay to eat steamed buns with Li Guanqi again at lunch?

"Hey, is that Su Cheng?"

"Yeah, that’s definitely his bike—it’s super recognizable."

Overhearing the hushed but loud whispers of two girls nearby, Su Cheng’s steps faltered, his lips twitching. He silently sped up, disappearing from their sight.

Not far away, the two girls continued discussing him.

"Did you sense a hint of him fleeing in panic just now?"

"I did, but it must’ve been a mistake. He chats effortlessly with the chaebol princess—why would he run away just because we looked at him?"

"True."

………………

"Whew—"

Su Cheng parked his bike under a tree in the lot, exhaling deeply.

Why had he run?

One of those girls had a "system marker" floating above her head. He was terrified she’d suddenly lose it and confess to him on the spot.

After yesterday’s polar bear incident, he’d realized the school wasn’t just home to the Hero Club—there were other lunatics lurking around!

He didn’t even know that polar bear girl, yet she’d clung to him out of nowhere. And when they passed by the vending machine later, she acted like she’d never seen him before.

Even Ji Qingyi hadn’t noticed anything off.

Conclusion? Either multiple personality disorder or full-blown insanity!

Hmph. But if another nutcase like that showed up, he’d rip off their disguise on the spot and humiliate them!

"Maybe I should switch bikes?"

Su Cheng stared at his old, cheap bicycle—his loyal companion for over a month—lost in thought.

Someone had gifted him a high-end branded bike on his last birthday.

An expensive one, though he had no idea who sent it.

His current bike was too recognizable.

Now that he had options, hesitation crept in.

He was no exception to indecision.

"No, old friend, I won’t abandon you." Su Cheng shook his head, dismissing the disloyal thoughts, and headed toward the school building.

Since his fame hadn’t faded, he still wore a mask when commuting to avoid recognition.

……………………

Class 1-2

When Su Cheng entered the classroom, the black-haired girl in the corner was already seated, reading that book he always wanted to mock.

As usual, the two exchanged a glance and a nod—their standard greeting.

Though, if the room had been empty, Li Guanqi would’ve verbally greeted him instead.

After acknowledging her, he scanned the room, nodding at anyone who met his gaze before finally taking his seat.

…………

"I wanna hug Su Cheng again today!"

Zhao Yan’s phone screen lit up with Xuan Ying’s message, making her freeze in shock. She turned stiffly toward her friend.

Xuan Ying was sprawled over her desk, "asleep"—though the odd angle made it obvious she was peeking at Su Cheng through barely open eyes.

After a moment of deliberation, Zhao Yan sighed, rubbing her temples. "I give up on you," she muttered under her breath.

Then, she typed back: "Where am I supposed to get you another costume? Yesterday was pure luck. If we try again, Su Cheng will get mad."

Beside her, Xuan Ying felt her phone vibrate. She quickly pulled it out, glanced at Zhao Yan, then stole another look at Su Cheng before checking the message.

As a result, the moment she saw it, she froze because the content of the message nearly made her slip off her chair.

She quickly replied, "Su Cheng wouldn’t get angry over something like this, and how could she be mad at something as adorable as a polar bear?"

Watching Xuan Ying’s new pet name for Su Cheng and her roundabout way of praising herself, her lips twitched in exasperation as she typed back, "The point is, we don’t have the costume anymore!"

"Last night, I bought a pink cat outfit. Super cute. It’s in my school locker."

Xuan Ying swiftly sent another message.

Zhao Yan was once again left speechless and could only reply, "Do whatever you want. But I wouldn’t recommend it."

"It’s fine, it’s just for P.E. class this afternoon!"

…………………………

The morning classes passed quickly.

On the lawn…

Su Cheng and Li Guanqi sat on a picnic blanket.

They had already finished their lunch.

Li Guanqi was fiddling with a small electric knife in her hand, carefully peeling an apple.

Her full attention was on the apple, her delicate fingers moving with precision as she ensured the peel remained unbroken.

Su Cheng watched quietly from the side.

He remembered that every time she peeled an apple, she took great care to keep the peel intact.

Soon, the apple was peeled, the skin still in one piece.

She handed the peeled apple to him. "Here, you eat it."

"Only this one?"

Su Cheng blinked in surprise.

"Just one," Li Guanqi replied flatly.

"Then let’s split—"

Su Cheng was about to suggest sharing it, but she suddenly brought the apple to her lips, taking a small bite before leisurely chewing and then handing it back to him. "Here."

"Huh?"

"I can’t finish half, just a small bite is enough."

Su Cheng found her logic impeccable and impossible to refuse.

After all, wasting food was shameful.

The clever Li Guanqi had instantly devised the perfect solution.

"Li Guanqi Eats the Fruit," also known as "Li Guanqi Eradicates Waste," is a classic historical tale from Flame Country, recorded in Volume 336 of "Flame History: The Chronicles of Li Guanqi," compiled by Su Cheng.

Li Guanqi, styled Kongming, was a native of Flame City in Flame Country. Even as a child, she carried herself with the dignity of an adult. Upon hearing lectures on "The Fundamental Laws of Protagonists," she would retreat to explain them to others, grasping their essence with ease. From then on, she was never without a book, often forgetting hunger, thirst, and even the passage of time. One day, while the two played on the lawn, they had but one apple to share. Seeing the dilemma, Li Guanqi took a small bite, and the problem was effortlessly resolved. —Flame Country, Su Cheng, "Flame History"

Su Cheng took the apple, noticing the faint tooth marks on the small indentation where she had bitten.

He lifted his gaze to the person sitting beside him.

Her lashes were long and curled, her skin fair, her lips small and delicate. Though her expression was neutral, the more he looked, the more captivating she became.

"Not eating?"

"I am."

Without hesitation, Su Cheng took a bite from the apple, aligning it perfectly with the mark she had left, then chewed while looking at Li Guanqi. Between mouthfuls, he mumbled, "I’m heading to the student council later. Then I’ll stop by the new club."

"Mm." Li Guanqi nodded and began gathering their things from the blanket.

"I’ll get going, then."

He stood up, the apple still in his mouth, and walked toward the school building.

..................

The apple was long finished, and the whole way, he wondered if he’d run into Li Zhaohao this time.

No—it should just be Li Zhao.

In the student council, she wore her mask. So he decided not to associate "Li Zhaohao the Rocking Horse" with the student council president.

"It’s been a while since I last came here."

He stood before the student council door, glancing up at the plaque. Sunlight bathed the stairwell, making the golden signboard gleam conspicuously.

"Pretty quiet."

Su Cheng noticed little movement inside—only the occasional footsteps—which confirmed that Li Zhao must be present.

Knock knock.

He rapped on the door.

After a moment, footsteps approached from within.

Then, a male student opened the door, looking at him in surprise. "Huh?! Su Cheng?"

At his exclamation, two more students—both girls—appeared behind him, equally startled to see Su Cheng.

One of them, a council member who had once visited his class to deliver an application, recognized him immediately and asked excitedly, "Are you here to join the student council?"

Su Cheng smiled and shook his head.

The girl’s face fell in disappointment. "Oh… no? That’s too bad."

"Come in first," the male student said, stepping aside to let him enter the council office.

"Thanks."

Su Cheng followed him inside, while the two female members exited.

The moment he stepped in, an intense, oppressive gaze swept over him, locking onto his figure.

He looked up, meeting the eyes of the person seated at the desk.

Student Council President—Li Zhao.

Clad in her silver-white mask, she exuded an aura of solemn authority, her dark eyes as deep and icy as the night yet seemingly capable of piercing the deepest corners of one’s soul.

"What business brings you to the student council today, Su Cheng?"

Hearing the male student’s question, Su Cheng paused before handing over his withdrawal form. "Senior, this is my club resignation request."

Uncertain of the other’s official title, he defaulted to "senior."

Everyone present—including the male student and even Li Zhao—stilled for a moment, as if doubting their ears.

They all knew Su Cheng was part of the Archery Club. Rumor had it he was on excellent terms with President Ji. So why withdraw now?

Curiosity was universal, and they were no exception.

The male student quickly scanned the form, visibly relieved upon seeing Ji Qingyi’s signature. "Since your club president has signed off, there’s no issue. I’ll hand this to the secretary later."

"Got it. Thanks, senior."

Su Cheng glanced at Li Zhao, who had returned to her paperwork without sparing him another look. He relaxed slightly.

But just as he turned to leave—

"Wait."

A familiar yet chilling voice suddenly rang in his ears…