Chapter 86: Chinese Martial Arts, Mere Fancy Moves!

The young woman finally glanced slightly to the side, casting a look at Ling Qiu.

Caught off guard, Ling Qiu met her clear, bright eyes.

In that instant, it felt as if a flurry of snow swept through his heart—cool and refreshing.

Yet, that snow seemed to drift beneath the morning sun, carrying with it a hint of gentle warmth.

"Hello, my name is Chu Mo," the young woman said, offering her hand.

As their hands touched, Ling Qiu felt a softness and warmth—so slender and delicate that one could hardly bear to let go.

"Is your surname Chu?" Ling Qiu paused and asked casually.

"No, no, our Senior Chu Mo is not surnamed Chu! Chu Mo is simply her given name," interjected the tall, thin boy, joined by the chubby one and Zhao Dezhu, who had just finished their so-called "Art of Verbal Sparring" discussion.

"It's just that Senior Chu Mo doesn't like to mention her surname much," he added.

Ling Qiu was taken aback and looked at the girl whose skin was as fair as snow.

His instincts told him... this was a girl with a story.

As if she had read his thoughts, Chu Mo turned another page in her book. "Don't overthink it. I simply believe surnames are of no consequence."

Ling Qiu smiled. "Then may I ask what your surname is?"

Before Chu Mo could answer, the tall, thin boy whispered, "You're Ling Qiu, right? Let me tell you... it's just that Senior Chu Mo thinks her full name doesn't sound pleasant together."

Ling Qiu was puzzled. "Chu Mo is a beautiful, poetic name. I can't imagine any surname that would spoil it."

At that moment, the chubby boy swaggered forward, his thick brows twitching comically. "Our Senior Chu Mo's surname is Xiong—Bear!"

Xiong? The group paused, pondering for a moment, and then understanding dawned.

"Pfft!" Suddenly Zhao Dezhu burst out laughing.

At once, everyone, including Ling Qiu, turned their gaze upon him.

Zhao Dezhu quickly waved his hand. "Sorry, sorry... I have a low threshold for laughter. I'll slap myself."

With that, he gave his mouth a few symbolic taps.

Chu Mo turned another page. "It's alright. If you want to laugh, just laugh. After all, my surname isn't really Xiong."

...

All in all, the exchanges among the members of the Chinese Kung Fu Club were rather entertaining.

Though it was just casual conversation, Ling Qiu found himself surprisingly at ease with these people.

Especially this girl named Chu Mo.

At this moment, he wanted to say only one thing:

Woman, you have truly captured my attention!

...

"Hey, what are those people gossiping about? They seem to be having a good time," came a mocking voice from the other side, where the Taekwondo Club, Karate Club, and several other groups glanced over at Ling Qiu's group, grinning slyly.

Dong Lei sneered, "Trash attracts trash, that's all. Only fools can speak the same language as other fools!"

Zhang Qiang was brimming with impatience. "I can't take it anymore! When do I get to take down that arrogant brat, Ling Qiu?!"

Senior Wu Feng waved a hand dismissively. "Don't rush. In about ten minutes, the clubs will have free interaction—then you can spar or do as you please. I don't need to teach you, do I?"

"No need, no need!"

"Ha, get in line! I know you all want to teach Ling Qiu a lesson, but I, Zhang Qiang, was the first to sign up for the pleasure of beating him!"

By this time, Liu Donghai had changed into his taekwondo uniform and sat cross-legged beside Cheng Youyou.

"Youyou, let me say this: someone like Ling Qiu—no looks, no background, and so rude—honestly, you shouldn't waste your breath on her. It's beneath you. Truly."

Cheng Youyou frowned. Though she always feigned aloofness and composure...

Every few seconds, the corner of her eye would sneak a glance toward Ling Qiu.

Whether it was dislike or resentment...

At this moment, Ling Qiu occupied her every thought.

So, with Liu Donghai persistently trying to curry favor beside her, her annoyance only grew.

"Liu Donghai, let me repeat myself. Stay away from me. I don't want to be your friend, not even your classmate!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Donghai clenched his fists in frustration, a surge of malice in his heart.

He truly couldn't understand...

What was so special about Ling Qiu?

Why would Cheng Youyou rather approach Ling Qiu than say even a word or two to him?

Without a doubt, Liu Donghai directed all his hatred toward Ling Qiu.

Today, he was determined to seize this opportunity!

"Ling Qiu... I don't know what drew Cheng Youyou's attention to you, but today, I'll make sure you're beaten so badly you lose control of your bladder and bowels! I'll have you kneeling before me, begging for mercy! Let's see how someone so pathetic can keep her attention!"

At this moment...

Cheng Youyou was entirely unaware of Liu Donghai's twisted expression. Instead...

Her gaze continued to drift toward Ling Qiu.

Her mood grew darker.

Because...

From earlier until now...

She had counted...

Ling Qiu had taken the initiative to speak to that bespectacled girl with the scar on her face four times!

Four times!

Initiative!

Moreover, Ling Qiu always smiled at that girl.

This, she simply could not bear!

To be honest...

Cheng Youyou almost wanted to take out a mirror and see for herself!

She refused to believe that her looks could lose out to the famously unattractive "Xiong Chu Mo," the girl wearing glasses and bearing a long scar on her face!

...

Finally, after some fifteen minutes, a school official in charge of the open class arrived to give a brief speech. At last...

The "free interaction" segment began.

The official, busy as always, left after his remarks, handing everything over to the student council.

This arrangement delighted Liu Donghai—after all, nearly everyone on the student council was close to him!

Next...

He could arrange things however he pleased!

"Damn, I've been waiting long enough!"

Suddenly, Zhang Qiang shouted and stepped out from the Taekwondo Club's ranks, striding onto the central mat designated for barefoot fighting.

He pointed straight at the Chinese Kung Fu Club and shouted at Ling Qiu, "You cowardly trash, Ling Qiu! Forgive my harsh words, but I've tolerated you long enough. Let me make it clear—you're nothing but a dog, a turtle hiding in its shell! If you want me to take it back, come out here and fight! Otherwise, for your whole four years at university, you'll carry the name 'coward' until you graduate!"