Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 611: Chapter 613: Speechless

After much deliberation, Yang Chen glanced at the security office at the school gate. It seemed unlikely that asking the security guards would be helpful. With such a large school and so many students, how would they know everyone? Besides, the staff might already be off duty.

Calling Guo Xuehua for help seemed futile too; she had never been to Zhenxiu's school and probably wouldn't know either.

Suddenly, Yang Chen remembered that Lin Ruoxi had been very attentive to Zhenxiu's studies. She had brought Zhenxiu to school a few times before, so perhaps she would know.

Feeling anxious, Yang Chen decided to call Lin Ruoxi, regardless of whether she would answer or not.

After several rings, the call was finally picked up.

Lin Ruoxi's clear voice, tinged with weariness, answered, "What is it?"

"Why do you sound so exhausted? Did you work overtime again last night?" Yang Chen frowned. He knew Lin Ruoxi had been busy acquiring various entertainment and leisure businesses lately. He hadn't expected her to work so hard, reminiscent of the early days when they first met.

"If you have something to say, make it quick. I have a meeting soon," Lin Ruoxi said, clearly not in the mood for a long chat.

"Everyone else is off work, and you still have meetings? Your subordinates must have it rough," Yang Chen sighed, knowing now was not the time to press the issue. "Zhenxiu didn't come home after school. Mom asked me to find her. I don't know which class she's in. Do you?"

There was a moment of silence before Lin Ruoxi replied, "Zhenxiu never stays out without reason. She's always so considerate. She would have called if she were late. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" There was a hint of anger in her voice.

Yang Chen felt frustrated. This wasn't something he could control, so why was she getting mad at him? He couldn't help but say, "My dear wife, you're the big boss, always so busy. Mom didn't want to disturb you, so she sent me instead."

"And you still have the nerve to tease me? You don't even know which class Zhenxiu is in, yet she calls you 'brother' so affectionately," Lin Ruoxi said coldly. "She's in Class 2 of the third year, sitting in the second-to-last row. Her homeroom teacher's surname is Wang, a middle-aged woman. The class is on the top floor of the second building, the second room from the east. After you find her, let me know the outcome, no matter what."

After saying this, Lin Ruoxi hung up.

Yang Chen felt a surge of anger. She really treated him like a servant, bossing him around. Just a few days ago, she was sweet and loving at home, playing the role of a virtuous wife. Now, on the phone, she was back to her cold, indifferent self!

Already anxious about Zhenxiu, Yang Chen's irritation towards Lin Ruoxi's attitude dispelled much of his guilt towards her. It seemed they were truly incompatible, constantly clashing. They could never stay peaceful for long before another cold war broke out!

For now, Yang Chen set aside his frustrations and ran into the school, heading to Class 2 of the third year as Lin Ruoxi had instructed.

He had to admit, Lin Ruoxi cared deeply for Zhenxiu, knowing every detail about her. He felt ashamed that he, as her brother, knew so little in comparison.

When he arrived at the classroom, Yang Chen found it empty except for a chubby girl with glasses, sitting in the front row quietly doing her homework.

Yang Chen approached and asked, "Little girl, is there a student named Xu Zhenxiu in your class?"

The chubby girl looked up, blinking her small eyes in surprise. "Uncle, are you here to chase after Zhenxiu too?"

Yang Chen felt a bit conflicted. Why was he being called "uncle" again? Both Zhenxiu and Tangtang called him that. Did he really look that old?

But then, what did she mean by "chase after Zhenxiu too"? Did many boys chase after Zhenxiu?

"Uncle, don't be shy. Lots of boys are after Zhenxiu. You have to try harder. Mature men like you have potential," the chubby girl said knowingly.

Yang Chen forced a smile. "Let's set that aside. I just want to know if Zhenxiu has gone home."

The chubby girl glanced around cautiously, then leaned in and whispered to Yang Chen, "Uncle, I actually don't know if Zhenxiu went home. I saw Jiao Yanyan taking her away after school, but I don't know where they went. Jiao Yanyan is very intimidating, so we didn't dare ask. But it's likely she's bullying Xu Zhenxiu."

A chill ran down Yang Chen's spine. He asked, "Who is Jiao Yanyan?"

"She's... oh," the chubby girl pouted. "I'm too scared to say anything more. Uncle, please don't tell anyone I mentioned her. I shouldn't have said anything at all! Just go after Zhenxiu and make sure she doesn't come to school anymore. She's so pretty; she should just get married early! Studying is so hard, and who knows what good it does. Once she's married, she won't have to worry!"

Yang Chen felt embarrassed. Why did this girl keep talking about marriage? Were high school girls nowadays so forward-thinking? They were already pondering the relationship between studying and getting married.

From the information he gathered, Yang Chen deduced that Zhenxiu hadn't gone home likely because of this Jiao Yanyan. The chubby girl's fearful demeanor suggested that Jiao Yanyan was a school bully.

But Zhenxiu had long ceased to be a rebellious girl. Why would she be involved with a bully?

Unable to fathom the situation, Yang Chen grew increasingly anxious. He realized that searching class by class or asking more people would take too much time. Suddenly, it hit him—he was practically a "mobile radar." Why was he relying on others?

With his current cultivation, his perception abilities had vastly improved. Scanning the entire school would be effortless.

Stepping out of the classroom, Yang Chen closed his eyes and extended his spiritual sense, swiftly enveloping the entire school to search every corner.

Such a level of perception, if witnessed by someone knowledgeable in martial arts, would undoubtedly be terrifying. It was a mystical ability beyond martial arts comprehension!

Yang Chen himself didn't fully understand the nature of his abilities or their limits, having attained them through self-exploration and insights.

In just a matter of seconds, Yang Chen opened his eyes, a flash of anger in his gaze, and clenched his fists tightly.

Turning on his heel, he headed straight to the western end of the hallway.

At the westernmost point of the floor were the boys' and girls' restrooms, separated by a wall that divided their entrances.

Yang Chen didn't head towards the boys' restroom. Instead, he went directly to the entrance of the girls' restroom!

A yellow "Cleaning in Progress" sign and a bucket blocked the doorway.

Yang Chen kicked these obstacles aside without hesitation and stepped into the girls' restroom!

The restroom was eerily quiet. Given the after-school hours and the blocked entrance, no one would be using the restroom on the top floor.

Yang Chen walked to the innermost stall, took a deep breath, and pulled the door open.

Inside, a trembling, delicate girl sat on the toilet. Her black, shoulder-length hair was wet, as if recently washed but left to drip dry. Water droplets were still visible, sliding down.

Her blue school uniform was soaked, clinging to her body. The cold, damp air made her shiver uncontrollably.

Her hands and feet were tightly bound with ropes and duct tape, making it impossible for her to free herself.

Even more distressing, her skirt was missing, leaving her in only a pair of white underwear, exposing her pale legs. Her knee-high socks and sneakers were also soaked.

In this state, even if she could hop out of the restroom, she wouldn't dare to, fearing the shame of being seen without her lower garments.

Bloodshot veins appeared in Yang Chen's eyes, his facial muscles twitching. He had to muster all his inner strength to suppress his overwhelming rage. Zhenxiu dared not lift her head, stifling her sobs but unable to stop her shoulders from shaking. When she realized it was Yang Chen who had come, she tried desperately to remain silent, hoping he wouldn't notice her or see her in such a state.

But Yang Chen saw everything. Zhenxiu's mind went blank, wishing it was all a nightmare. She would rather be back on the streets selling snacks than face this moment of self-loathing.

Yang Chen said nothing. He patiently untied the ropes and tape binding Zhenxiu's hands, then knelt to free her feet. He even removed her wet shoes and socks.

Due to being tightly bound for a long time, Zhenxiu's fair calves and ankles showed signs of bruising.

Zhenxiu dared not move. Being handled so closely by Yang Chen, her two slender legs completely exposed, she felt a bit shy, but even more so, she was overwhelmed with a complex and indescribable sadness.

Yang Chen took one of Zhenxiu's cold hands, and a warm, powerful surge of true energy flowed into her meridians.

Zhenxiu felt all the chill in her body dissipate instantly. Finally, she looked up in surprise, her tearful eyes red and swollen from crying, staring at Yang Chen, unable to speak.