Apparently dissatisfied with being caught in the crossfire for no reason, Ziang turned his head and glanced at them with disdain.
"No worries, I've got Xiao Ang under control, so what's there to fear from Baiyue, let's go!" Tangmo said, rubbing his hands together with bursting confidence.
Luo'er silently watched their decision unfold, as the two didn't seem to intend to ask for his opinion, and he had no choice but to remain silent.
The trio arrived at Class Three just as school was letting out in the afternoon, with only a few students left in the classroom. They walked straight in, and although some wanted to say something, they all fell silent at the sight of the menacing Hu Daoke.
Baiyue sat by the window, in the exact same spot as Ziang. She was wearing a school uniform, looking slender and delicate. On her head, she wore a strikingly fluffy hat that covered her entire head, leaving only her small face exposed. Considering their subtropical location and the height of summer outside of the air-conditioned rooms, it was hard to imagine the discomfort she must feel under that hat.
"Is that her?" Tangmo asked, pointing at her.
"Yeah!" Hu Daoke nodded vigorously, confirming it.
School was already out, but Baiyue was still engrossed in solving problems, her desk piled with open books, completely immersed in the academic atmosphere, paying no mind to external distractions. Thus, when the three approached her, she didn't react at all.
"Hello!" Tangmo, not the least bit shy, greeted her enthusiastically with a wave.
Baiyue lifted her head, her icy gaze fixed on the person who had interrupted her studies. Her look was even colder than Ziang's, making Tangmo shiver involuntarily. Baiyue said nothing, merely glared at him before burying herself in her studies again.
"I told you she's weird, at least Ziang gave us a response..." Hu Daoke whispered in Tangmo's ear.
"You, you're Baiyue, right..." Tangmo covered up the awkwardness and continued to make conversation.
"What do you want?" This time Baiyue responded coldly, without lifting her head, still focusing intently on her problems.
"Well... you don't seem to have joined any other team, so... how about joining ours..." Tangmo said, making little gestures, hesitantly.
"Not interested!" Baiyue's response was decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
A dejected Tangmo pouted, unsure of what to say next. Seeing this, Hu Daoke sent a signal with his eyes for Luo'er to step in.
Luo'er walked up to Baiyue, bowed slightly as was his custom, and then spoke in a very respectful tone, "Classmate Baiyue, I would like you to join our team."
"Not interested." Baiyue's reply was as brief and straightforward as before.
"May I know why?" Luo'er continued in the same dignified tone.
"No."
"Why not?"
Apparently annoyed, Baiyue lifted her head to look at Luo'er. But upon seeing Luo'er, her stern expression changed slightly. She stared at Luo'er for a second before looking down again. In the moment she lifted her head, Luo'er clearly saw the silver-white hair hidden under her oversized fluffy hat, a shade close to white.
"Just go, I won't join you," said Baiyue in the longest sentence she'd uttered, promptly rejecting the three once more.
The three exchanged looks and then simultaneously turned to Tangmo. She pouted in frustration and signaled everyone to retreat.
School had already ended for the afternoon, and with no solutions at hand, the trio left for the day, planning to figure out their next move when they returned to school the next day.