The cycle begins to repeat itself today.

"...It's just that I usually come to school from this side, not this bridge. It's nothing important."

I stood there and looked to the other side. Indeed, there was another bridge on the other side of this road. While it was passable, it wasn't the best option for me. To cross that bridge, I would have to go down a steep slope, then turn back along the riverbank for about several dozen meters to cross the bridge to the other side, and then I would reach the road leading to the school's main gate. Moreover, that bridge was primarily for vehicles, offering little shade. Now that it was summer, crossing it would mean being exposed to the scorching sun for several minutes, even ten minutes or more, so I generally avoided that route.

But it might be a good choice for Lin Yin.

Wait a minute... there's a place over there at the bridgehead, a suitable place.

"Lin Yin, do you and your sister usually come this way?"

"Although I haven't come to school with my sister many times, we usually take that route because it's easier to get there by going down the bridge and crossing the street."

"Really...that's really good."

I couldn't help but laugh.

Chapter 132 Proof of Bullying

"Then let's go this way. It's been a long time since I've walked this way."

I didn't go onto the pedestrian bridge, but continued walking along the riverside path. After seeing me walk in this direction, Lin Yin quickly followed.

Walking along this road, there were no obstructions around, not even many plants. Although this road, along with the nearby houses, had long been included in the demolition and reconstruction area, construction had not started much, or rather, the progress was very slow. Most of the houses in this area had not yet been demolished. Under such circumstances, if road construction were started first, the road surface would probably collapse quickly under the weight of heavy trucks, which would only be a waste of effort.

Although there are no plants, this is still a riverside path. Although many areas on both sides of the river have been relocated for construction to make way for houses or other structures, the overall landscape is still connected to the mountains and water. There are no plants or shelters along the riverside path, but the wind blowing across the river unexpectedly reaches this side of the path, making it quite cool.

"There's no need to go this way..."

"I just wanted to walk here. I rarely walk this way anymore. Although going up the bridge would save a few minutes, once you get off, the area is completely blocked by buildings, so there's hardly any wind. It's actually cooler this way. It's just on my way."

Hearing my words, Lin Yin seemed unwilling to say anything more. Although walking along this path with the breeze was pleasant, that wasn't my purpose.

The Lin family's house is located at one end of this bridge, one of the many new riverside buildings that have sprung up in recent years. The other end connects not only to the still-undeveloped road leading to the school, but also to a small, park-like area right in front of me, on one side of the bridge. It's not small, about the size of a basketball court, surrounded by many trees and bushes. There are stone tables and benches inside. Elderly people used to often come here to cool off and play chess, but during the demolition and reconstruction of this area, most of the elderly people who used to come here regularly have left, either moving to high-rise buildings on the other side of the river or taking their compensation money to other cities.

This place has been preserved to this day because construction was delayed. I could see the dense foliage from afar. In the past, at least I could see the stone table and benches placed inside through the bushes, but because they have been neglected for many years, the branches and leaves have grown wildly and have now completely obscured what used to be visible.

I walked along and arrived at the park. The surrounding area was barren, except for this patch of lush greenery. I prepared to go inside and looked back at Lin Yin.

“I’ll stay here for a while. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I used to play here all the time. This place will probably be demolished soon, right? If you want to go back, you can go back first. Anyway, your home is just across the river.”

Lin Yin shook her head and stood behind me without saying a word; she probably didn't want to go home right now. I ignored her, looking at the somewhat blurred marks on the stone slabs, I pushed aside the drooping branches and squeezed my way into the park. Tangled branches and leaves clung to me, only to be easily snapped off; they couldn't hinder my movements at all.

I arrived at a relatively open area in the middle, where the stone table and benches I remembered were still there, though now covered in moss. The place looked quite desolate.

I stood in the middle and looked around. I didn't see anything that offered an easy view of the outside world. In other words, this place was quite secluded.

I'm not entirely sure about the soundproofing, but even if it's not great, it probably won't cause any problems. Such extreme measures can only be used as supplementary means. Trying to solve Lin Xue's problem using such methods will not yield any results. Lin Xue is the type who will calm down and figure out the current situation before turning around and controlling or even killing me. I have personally experienced this.

Even if there's really no other way in the end, this area is practically deserted due to demolition and reconstruction. The people who used to live here either moved to the building next to Lin Xue's house on the other side of the river, or they moved elsewhere with their compensation money. Walking all the way from the bridge to this side, I couldn't even see many streetlights anymore, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

The method used to restrain Lin Xue… I really wish I could get more detailed information about her parents, but that seems unrealistic right now. So, how about using someone else?

I turned to look at Lin Yin, who had followed me in. Her relationship with Lin Xue seemed good, or even very good; at least, based on the information I had so far, that seemed to be the case. I had also considered using Lin Yin to control Lin Xue, and now it seemed quite feasible.

Since Lin Xue wants to protect her sister, I need to demonstrate that I have her sister under control. She will definitely take action then—either pleading for help or killing me to eliminate any future trouble. I think the latter is more likely. But if I add a consequence to my death, will it make her hesitate?

Lin Xue wants to be a "good girl," so naturally I can manipulate things in that regard. The plan is gradually becoming clearer, and I believe it's feasible and worth trying.

Perfect timing! I need to get something from Lin Yin to prove that I am indeed controlling her.

"Lin Yin, come here. Give me your schoolbag first."

I waved to Lin Yin, and she walked over to me. I had originally wanted to sit on the stone bench, but now it was covered in moss, making it impossible for me to sit down.

Lin Yin came up to me, and I took her schoolbag in one hand and took out my phone from my pocket with the other, opening the camera—I do know how to use this, although I don't use it very often.

How can I make a girl look like she's been bullied? I had no experience with this, so I just went straight for it and reached for her neckline. The moment I touched her, her face flushed, and her body involuntarily recoiled in resistance. Her once-smooth clothes were now noticeably wrinkled by my touch.

"...Should I...should I stay here?"

I shook my head: "I just wanted to take a picture to remember this moment. Just stay still, don't move."

She remained in the same pose, and I captured the image on my phone. That should be enough, right?

Lin Yin looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I patted her head: "Well done."

Chapter 133 Cheap Breakfast

After taking photos of Lin Yin, I led her away from there and walked towards the bridge next to us. Her house was on this side, and I needed to cross the road to reach the uphill section.

I kept a watchful eye on her, standing downstairs watching her go inside. Although I couldn't see which floor or apartment she was in, the information I had gathered about the floors seemed accurate. I turned and started walking along the road towards my home, and soon the road became familiar again.

I made my way home. At least today I don't have to worry about being followed by Lin Xue, because Ye Zi, the center of our conflict, hasn't been rescued by me yet. When I got home, I checked the time; it was almost 7:30. Time really flies.

I wanted to say hello, but no one was home. Neither my parents nor my sister were there. How long has it been since I've enjoyed a weekend? I can't quite remember. I've never been very good with time, and now with this happening, I've completely forgotten it's the weekend.

I didn't know where my parents had gone, nor had my sister. I went inside and returned to my room. The plan was relatively complete; all that remained to be considered were some minor details. These details would simply require flexibility on the spot, rather than devising overly specific action plans. In fact, that would reduce the plan's versatility.

However, this plan involves a choice, a choice that needs to be made in advance: whether to go into that alley or to the abandoned park at the bridgehead later.

Lin Xue's actions are too uncertain for me. Her route home may not be through the abandoned park. She may go back to follow Ye Zi. In that case, the alley is the only option, since the alley is the first place she needs to pass through.

However, while the alleyway is less crowded after school, it's not deserted. Going there would make me more likely to be spotted, and it would be difficult to carry out certain actions. I actually prefer the abandoned garden, where there are very few people, and aside from a handful, no one ever goes that way again. The abandoned garden also has plenty of obstacles to block the view, but at least I wouldn't be spotted.

However, if Tachibana Aya follows Yoko to the pedestrian bridge, this plan will naturally fall through. Once on the main road, although it will be around ten o'clock, there will still be a lot of people on the riverside path. Although it is still possible to make a move, it will probably be more difficult than in the alley.

We need to carefully consider how to choose.

The door suddenly rang, and I heard the sound of a key going into the keyhole and felt it turning. I went from my bedroom to the bedroom door and saw my younger sister changing her slippers in the entryway. She looked slightly surprised when she saw me.

"When did you get back? You left way too early this morning. I was hoping you could bring me some breakfast, but you weren't even here yet. I had to go out and eat by myself."

"There's nothing wrong with going out to eat by myself. I was still half asleep today and thought I had class in the morning, so I left early. When I got to school, I realized it was the weekend. So I came back."

"Hahaha. You're really unfortunate." She laughed, waving her hand. She was holding a small bag. "Do you want some? I went to get breakfast this morning and realized I didn't have enough, so I bought some extra steamed buns. I guess you haven't had breakfast yet."

I nodded and reached out to take the steamed buns from her. She handed them to me directly, saying, "The steamed buns cost three yuan in total. Remember to pay me back later. This is my last allowance for the week."

"Isn't today the weekend? My parents should give it to me, right?"

"Then I'll save the allowance I didn't spend this week. Even though you're my brother, I won't let you take my allowance so easily."

I took five yuan out of my pocket and gave it to her. We both had a fixed allowance, and my sister had more than me. I didn't need any money and didn't care much about it.

After getting the steamed buns, I went back to my bedroom. My younger sister followed me in, went to the bedside, turned on the small fan, and lay down on the bed playing on her phone.

I sat down in the chair and watched her actions, which clearly didn't care much about her image. Although as my sister, I wouldn't have any strange thoughts about her, her unseemly state reminded me of Lin Yin, Lin Xue, and Ye Zi. I shook my head, not wanting such things to interfere with my thoughts.

Although it may just be my own thought, I am acting with a clear and upright purpose. If I were to immerse myself in such things, I would destroy myself.

"You should be more mindful of your appearance. Besides, lying down while using your phone is bad for your eyes."

"What does it matter? Since we're just having fun, why can't we do whatever makes us comfortable? The purpose of having fun is to be happy, isn't it?"

Although what she said seemed to make some sense, I didn't agree with her. I didn't intend to forcefully change her mind; too much interference would only annoy her. She used to be a good child who did whatever she was told, but as she's grown up and developed her own ideas, the influence of others on her has naturally decreased considerably.

Is this what they call the rebellious phase? It's somewhat similar, but it seems a little different.

I turned around, sat down, and started eating steamed buns. She likes sweet things, so the steamed buns she bought naturally had sweet fillings, some with sugar and some with red bean paste. Although I don't dislike sweets, I still didn't really want to eat such sweet things as a main course.

I felt someone press against my back, and my little sister rested her head on my shoulder: "Don't you think we should give our cute little sister a steamed bun?"

"Didn't you already have breakfast?" I took two of the remaining buns and gave them to her.

"You're still hungry. Do you want your money back?"

"Forget it." The buns were only three yuan, but I gave her five, so I wasn't too concerned about the money. Anyway, it's the weekend, and she should get her allowance when she gets home tonight.

"That's great. You really are my brother." She wrapped her arms around my neck from behind, a gesture that made me feel a little uncomfortable.

"Go sit down and eat by yourself."

She took the steamed bun I gave her and sat back on the bed to eat it. I didn't pay any more attention to her and continued eating my breakfast.

Chapter 134 A Heavy Body

After breakfast, I stayed in my room, not knowing what to do, and randomly picked up a book from my summer vacation books to read. My sister teased me a bit, then lay on the bed playing on her phone. When the battery died, she took it to charge, then took my phone and continued playing.

I asked her to leave some battery for my phone, but she just said, "It charges quickly, don't worry," and then started playing with it. I have no idea what there is to do with my phone, which is basically useless.

I read for a while, but quickly gave up. It wasn't because of any distractions; it was simply because I'm not good at reading. I want to skip over the parts I understand, and I have no interest in reading the parts I don't, so in the end, I can't read anything at all.

I spread the book out on the table, and suddenly felt like lying down on it for a nap. Just as I lay down, my sister called out to me, "Wait a minute. Mom and Dad won't be home for lunch and dinner today, so we'll have to fend for ourselves. Is there anything you want to eat? Just so you know, I can't make anything too difficult."

"Just make whatever you like to eat, I'm not picky." I didn't even look up. I don't know why, but I was fine when I was reading, but after lying down for a little while, I started to feel sleepy.

"You're not picky at all. That's not fair. You can go buy some groceries later, and I'll make a list for you."

"Hmm... let me sleep for a while. You can wake me up when you think it's about time, and then I'll go buy groceries. Anyway, the grocery store isn't far from home, and there are street vendors along the way."

"You're so lazy. I'll wake you up later, you go to sleep first."

Sleepiness quickly and firmly eroded my consciousness, making my body feel heavy. I lay on the desk, thinking I should actually go to bed, but I was so sleepy, so sleepy I didn't want to move. Sleeping on the desk didn't seem so bad, so I just left it at that…

I must have fallen asleep, and when I woke up again, I felt someone shaking my body. I gradually became more awake, but my body felt unusually heavy and a little sore. I struggled to lift my head, opened my eyes, and looked to my side. My younger sister was standing with her hands on her hips, looking at me: "How much longer are you going to sleep? I've been calling you for two minutes already."

"I'll go right away..." I tried to prop myself up, but I had no strength.

"You don't look well, are you sick?" My sister's tone was tinged with worry. I carefully examined my body, but my mind wasn't very clear, which wasn't quite like being sick. I felt like I was having some difficulty breathing, but this state gradually lessened as I became more alert, and it almost disappeared once I felt much closer to my normal state.

Is there something wrong with my body? I was a little confused. But I quickly dismissed that question.

If there were something wrong with my body, I should have experienced similar symptoms again in the coming days. Although repeatedly experiencing the next few days made my sense of time a little blurry, I'm someone who rarely goes to the hospital, and that hasn't changed before or since. I can naturally remember whether I've been to the hospital or not. And that feeling gradually disappeared, so it probably wasn't a big problem. It's not uncommon for modern people to have some stubborn illnesses.

"Are you alright?" My sister gently patted my back and placed her other hand lightly on my forehead. "Your temperature is fine..."

"She's probably just still sleepy. It's nothing serious now." I gently removed her hand. "Where's the form?"

“The list is done, but I think you should rest at home.” The younger sister frowned. “Many serious illnesses develop because we don’t pay attention in the early stages. It would be terrible if it really turned into that kind of situation.”

I smiled gently: "Thank you for your concern, but I don't think I have any particular problems anymore."

I shook my hands and stretched my limbs; the heaviness I felt earlier was completely gone. My mind cleared up, and after a period of rest, I seemed to feel more energetic.

Although some doubts remain in my mind, this is not something that should be shown to my sister. It would only add to her unnecessary worries. Even though she already knows, I can still make myself appear better so that she won't worry so much.

"Give me the order slip, I'll go buy the groceries and come back."