Rui led him into the nurse's office. Jian, who had never been to the nurse's, walked in curiously. In his past life, even though he got hurt so much by his grandpa, he never went to the doctors in fear they might separate him from the family. But he should have. Those leeches of a family only sucked him dry and left him with a dead body without a hint of kindness.
There were three beds in there separated by a privacy screen. A young man wearing a white shirt was sitting in the corner eating cup noodles. As soon as he spotted them, he gave a smile filled with noodles between his lips. The nurse suddenly shot up. "My God... cough cough... what happened to your face?" He dashed over to him and cupped his face.
Jian was startled by his sudden action and stepped back, hitting Rui who was right behind him.
"Whoa, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." The school nurse smiled. "Come sit, let me check your bruises." The man gestured to one of the beds.
Jian hesitantly sat on the edge of the bed, gazing up at the strange man. He looked kind, but he still was unable to trust him completely. He knew that his wounds looked worse and if this guy escalated this issue, he might even be separated from his family. Separating from his leeching grandma and Jian was fine, but he did not wish to leave his grandpa.
The nurse gently touched his bruise. "How did—" before he could finish his sentence, Jian hurriedly interjected. "I fell down the stairs... I'm quite clumsy like that," he mumbled awkwardly, trying to hide the truth.
"Oh... I see." The man softly dabbed the bruise with a salve.
Jian hissed.
"He was abused by his family," Rui said out loud from behind.
Shocked, Jian glared up at him. 'What the fuck, why did he say that?!! What is wrong with him. He confided that secret with him, but this guy just said it out loud. What if this nurse complains to the authorities! He would be separated from his grandpa!'
He glared up at him, gritting his teeth.
Rui did not seem to be fazed by this. He continued, "His grandmother hit him. I don't think this is a one-time thing. His arms are covered in old bruises and I think he might have broken bones in the past. I think it's best to have a whole body X-ray." He said, adjusting his glasses.
Jian just gaped at him. "He is lying! I was not abused."
"Shhh..." the nurse cupped his face, making sure he did not move much. "Please don't move, I'm applying medicine close to your eyes."
Jian froze up, still glaring up at Rui.
The nurse gently finished his job and held his wrist up to take a good look at his arm.
Jian tried to hide his bruises, but it was of no use. The man was gentle but reluctant. He quickly pulled down his sleeve and took a look.
He gently felt his bones. "There does not seem to be any breakage… but I think you are right. He might have to take an X-ray." The nurse glanced back at Rui.
Rui nodded.
"Hello? I don't want any X-rays and stuff. I'm fine." Jian shot up, adjusting his long sleeve. "Yes, it's true I'm abused but I didn't take it lying down. I gave it back full force and now I'm staying with my grandpa. He would never lay a hand on me. So don't you dare complain to anyone. If you do so I will… I will..." he didn't even know how to threaten them. He simply glared and walked out of the office.
The school nurse sighed and patted Rui on his shoulders. "Xiao Rui, keep an eye out for him."
Rui bowed to him and rushed out after him.
Jian glanced back at the hurrying figure and made his steps even faster. "Why are you following me? You snitch. I confided in you in confidence but you broke it just like that."
"You should never lie to doctors and lawyers."
Jian paused and gazed back at him in shock. 'Who is this guy! Oh my God...' Rolling his eyes, he decided to ignore him.
But the guy still followed after him like a tail.
"Why are you still following me, huh?"
"Didn't you want to join archery and fencing club?"
Jian paused. "I don't need your recommendation. I can join on my own."
"This is the middle of the year; they won't accept students. But I know both the leaders. I can make sure you get a spot." The guy made his argument very strong.
Gritting his teeth, Jian finally agreed. "Fine... but I still don't like you."
"You don't have to like me."
Rui led him to the school training room. It was a huge room dedicated only for sports. His school really did focus more on extracurricular activities than studies. But since he was such a good student and a shy guy in his past life, he never participated in any sports. That led to him being such a weak noodle during the alien invasion.
The training room was huge as two football fields. Multiple clubs were training at the same time.
"They train early in the morning and after school. The archery club is in the morning. There they are," he pointed to the farthest corner. Ten or so students all held bows and arrows and stood in line, taking shots at the target. "The fencing club is in the evening. It would be easy for you to attend both. Come, I'll help you join."
Jian silently followed behind the guy.
A fuzzy-haired guy spotted them. With a huge grin on his face, he rushed over with his bow still in hand. "What brings you here, man? It's quite hard to see you these days. I heard you're preparing for nationals competition."
Rui fist-bumped. "This is Jian, he would like to join your club."
The fuzzy-haired guy's attention fell on him. But he slightly frowned, spotting his bruises. "We... we usually don't accept admissions in the middle of the school year."
Jian stiffened up, touching the bruises on his arm.
If a student of the club fought outside, the whole club's reputation would be pulled down. Plus, his bruises looked like he fought a gang war. Who would like him to join their club? If he was in this guy's position, he would not allow him to join. His whole body screamed that he was a walking trouble magnet.
"He wants to join." Rui nudged him forward. "Please."
The fuzzy-haired guy scratched his head and nodded. "Fine. I still owe you..." the boy then gazed at him. "I'm Valice. You can call me Val. Welcome to the archery club. We practice every morning from five to eight. The school provides the equipment and if you are any good, the school will sponsor your education as well."
Jian was elated. He happily shook his hand. "I'm already a scholarship student. But the extra money will definitely help."
Val looked taken aback by this. "Oh… that's good. Let's start tomorrow. I'll help prepare your equipment. Be there on time."