CHAPTER #24

As the first semester of senior high school came, Lu He was told he'd be going to a different high school than Qihe, by his mother. It was explained that he'd be going to a school that was more prestigious and frowned upon bullying. Fighting was forbidden and would get you immediately transferred. Lu He didn't mind as much as he thought he would, because Chyou was going to the same school as he was. No one there would blame him for the crap his brother always brought with him. Lu He also liked that the principle had no issues making exceptions for him, due to the acting. Turned out majority of the staff were fans of Lu He, partially due to his academic record. The students were excited to have Mask Man at their school, but some were disappointed that he had a girlfriend like Chyou. S he had fans too, because the photos she'd taken had been published in a magazine and online. At first Chyou was overwhelmed by the fans, but adjusted to always being the centre of attention, thanks to Lu He's help.

Meanwhile Qihe also was pleased with the senior high he was attending, because he'd beaten their leader of the delinquents a long time ago. He was already King there. The teachers liked that even though he was a fighter, his academic achievements improved their educational status too. The principle agreed to give him exceptions if the e-sports team had a tournament during school hours. Qihe had not yet moved out, as he had originally planned, because of the e-sports team taking up all his time. However he still had the money saved for it and continued to do so. Mey was going to a different senior high school that was in the district, but it made meeting up with Qihe even harder. After too many broken dates and promises, she let go of Qihe. They met in person and mutually agreed to break up.

"If you ever need me, just call." Qihe hugged her.

"I know and thanks for saying that. I hope you stay safe and are happy going forward. Thanks for the fun times," Mey smiled and gave him a kiss good-bye. Her heart had pulled away from him a while ago, so it wasn't as hard to end things as she'd thought.

Qihe was single again and preferred to stay that way for a while. However as soon as the girls at school heard he had broken up with his girlfriend, the flirtations escalated. Just like in junior high school, Qihe became popular fast.

"Hi, I'm Suyin."

He ignored her and turned his head, propping it up on his arm, so his back was facing her. The girl sitting in front of them, who use to go to junior high with him, explained his behaviour and he found it amusing.

"Don't mind Mafia Boy. He is on an e-sport's team, so often sleeps through morning classes."

"Mafia Boy?"

"Yeah look him up on Instagram. Also don't get on his bad side, he's the school's King of the delinquents."

"Okay, thanks. Are you his girlfriend?"

"I wish, no. As far as the gossips here say, he's single. I use to go to school with him when we were juniors."

"I appreciate you giving me the low down, but I'm not interested. I prefer girls." Suyin secretly was thrilled to be his seat mate, but wasn't going to make it obvious. She knew that guys liked a challenge, that way reward was much more appreciated.

Qihe almost opened his eyes when she made that confession. The girl that had gossiped to his seat mate, sucked in a surprised breath and turned around. Maybe this day wouldn't be so dull. However he never took anything said at face value, only actions proved validity of words.

Suyin hadn't lied, she did like girls, but she liked guys too. Being bisexual gave her lots of interesting options. "The school forum hasn't posted a hottest girls and guys list. Any idea who makes the top five?" She asked the guy across the isle from her.

"Mafia Boy is top guy, especially since he has an identical twin at another school. I'd say I'm second…." The guy began to give his opinion, but suddenly stopped when Qihe sat up.

Qihe listed the names. "Top five girls, in no particular order: Fang, Yan, Min, Hua and Chun. The school forum will have their pictures eventually, but you can find them faster online."

"Oh I see, I found Fang already. Not bad, but I like girls that aren't so flat."

The guy across from Suyin laughed. "You and I should have a discussion about girls later."

"Why, what's your type?"

"Chun is the all around package. She even has nice teeth and gorgeous legs… . But from what I see, you have nice legs too."

Suyin gave him a disgusted look. "Just in case you get any stupid ideas, my brother is at this school too. My desk mate probably knows him."

Qihe raised an eyebrow, "do I now?"

"Bohai is my brother."

"Shit… hey I meant nothing earlier, it was a harmless compliment is all," the guy said.

"Let's just keep it civil and there will be no problems or misunderstandings," Suyin said sweetly.

The girl that had told her about Qihe earlier, turned around again. "Your brother could be on the top five hottest guys list. He's tall, muscular and gorgeous!"

"I'll let him know you're a fan." Suyin then met her seat mate's eyes. "So you won against my brother… interesting."

"One of the better fights I've had and the only guy that could walk away afterwards."

"I didn't know it was you who beat him. He respects you, which says a lot."

"Do you do his homework?"

"That falls under sibling confidentiality." She winked at him.

Bohai had become one of Qihe's crew, as he had been this school's King and was an exceptional fighter. His size also could intimidate a lot of people. Qihe decided to text Bohai and find out if what this girl was saying was true. The smirk that accompanied the return text, as usual was hidden by his mask. Suyin apparently had given a half truth, because she was bisexual and not simply lesbian. Did she not like Qihe, out of some misguided loyalty to her brother? He wouldn't let on that he knew her secret, until the most optimal time.

The teacher arrived, took attendance and began the class. Qihe went back to sleep, when he woke up after class had ended, Suyin was gone. He wondered why Bohai hadn't told him about having a sister. When he saw his enforcer, he asked exactly that.

"I didn't think it mattered. And you really don't want to get involved with her."

One of the other guys in the gang asked, "why not, is she ugly?"

Bohai turned and slapped the guy. "No shit talking about my sister or else."

The slap was hard enough it made the guy's lip swell. "Sorry dude."

Qihe could see that discussion about Suyin, was making Bohai agitated, so he put a stop to it. "She likes girls, not guys, but even if she did, she's off limits."

As he walked away from the gang, Bohai called, "Mafia Boy… Boss… wait up." He jogged forward and fell into step slightly behind Qihe. "Thanks for that."

"I get the feeling that you're hiding something else about your sister."

Bohai stopped walking. "I… I can't tell you anything more."

"Your warning has been received."

"Boss… just know you can trust me."

Qihe let him off the hook. "We're fine. Loyalty is rewarded."

Suyin was talking to her brother in hushed tones after school. "What did you tell him?"

"Nothing, don't worry. And because he's boss, the guys won't be bothering you."

"Why?"

"Qihe said you're off limits. Word will get around school fast."

She sighed. "Bohai, all I need is for you to have my back. No one in their right mind would bother me, knowing you're my brother."

"Just be careful. Qihe is smart and dangerous."

"I know and soon everyone will see I'm hunting girls, not guys."

"Who's your target?"

"Hua."

"I should've known. Do you really think you can seduce a popular girl like her?"

Suyin laughed, "I'm a pro seductress. Just watch and see."

Qihe had overheard the entire exchange, because he was leaning against a pillar near by, but out of sight. It made him question with whom was Bohai's true loyalty.