Next morning rolls in, and honestly, the air's got this sharp, wake-you-up quality—real crisp, almost chilly, with that subtle scent of dew and someone's lawn freshly mowed. You know how it is, when the world feels kinda clean and new, at least for five minutes? Li Wei's drifting through the school courtyard, and he can feel that jade pendant under his shirt, gently pulsing away. It's like having a secret, except it's literally buzzing against his skin, reminding him he's not quite the same Li Wei he was before. It's funny how something so small can sneak into your life and settle in, become this little heartbeat you start to lean on.
He's walking lighter these days, carrying himself with this confidence that just sort of happened, not something he had to force. But he's not zoning out—nope, his mind's always on, scanning the scene, catching every little weird vibe floating around. If there's tension, he's clocking it, even if nobody else is picking up on it.
Right up front, there's Chen Guang, standing like he owns the place, but you can tell something's eating him. He keeps flicking his eyes over at Li Wei, and the look is complicated—frustration mixed with that "I'm plotting something" calculation. You ever see someone and just know they're building an evil plan in their head? That's Chen Guang right now. And you can't miss it—there's little groups forming, kids whispering like they're extras in a spy movie. It isn't just the usual rivalry nonsense; it's got layers, like drama lasagna.
Then, just when Li Wei's brain is about to spiral, up pops Zhang Jie, bouncing over with a massive grin, like he's running on pure caffeine and nerves. "Wei! I've got a bad feeling about today… Chen Guang looks like he's plotting something seriously nasty. Be careful." That's Zhang Jie for you—worried half to death, but always there, the best kind of backup.
Li Wei just nods, feeling the pendant's gentle warmth. It's a comfort thing, you know? Like a hand on your back. "I'll be ready. Let's just get through the day carefully. Stay close." Not exactly Shakespeare, but it gets the job done. Sometimes you don't need fancy words, just someone to stick by.
The morning drags on—nothing wild happens, but Li Wei's still keyed up, senses dialed to eleven. Every glance, every whisper, every tiny shift in the room, he's logging it all away. He's kinda surprised at himself, honestly. The pendant's making him sharper, and it's weirdly addicting. By lunch, everyone can feel it—something's about to pop off.
Right on cue, here comes Wu Jian, swaggering out of a side hallway with his usual entourage of troublemakers. He's got that look, all sneer and squint, like he's itching to start something. He spots Zhang Jie, and for a second, Zhang Jie just freezes, like a rabbit in headlights. Li Wei's hand lands on his shoulder, steady and calm—like, "I got this, don't worry."
Li Wei locks eyes with Wu Jian. "Leave him alone," he says, quiet but totally unshakable. There's no fear, just this calm confidence, like he's seen worse and isn't about to back down now.
Wu Jian gives him this cruel grin. "Oh? You're going to stop me, little Li Wei? Or are we finally going to see who's faster when it comes to fists?" He's trying to provoke him, but Li Wei's not biting.
Here's the thing: Li Wei's not just moving on instinct anymore. He's got weeks of training under his belt, and the pendant's humming like a lucky charm on steroids. Every twitch, every little hint in Wu Jian's posture—Li Wei's reading it all, like subtitles at the bottom of the screen. But today's not about throwing the hardest punch; it's about outsmarting the other guy, keeping your cool when everyone else is losing theirs.
Wu Jian lunges, but Li Wei just glides out of the way—like, honestly, he barely seems to touch the ground. He redirects Wu Jian's momentum, and for a second, it's almost like a dance, except with fists and kicks instead of music. They clash, trading blows, but Li Wei's got this endurance now—he can take hits that would've left him gasping a month ago. Every bruise fades quick, the pain just melts away, all thanks to the pendant's steady pulse.
Zhang Jie, meanwhile, is half-hiding behind a pillar, eyes wide as saucers. He whispers, "Wei… you're… incredible!" like he's witnessing something out of a comic book.
Wu Jian and his goons start to realize they're out of their league—not just in terms of skill, but Li Wei's got this stamina that shouldn't be possible. Eventually, the thugs back off, grumbling and rubbing sore arms, but Li Wei's not celebrating. His mind's already racing ahead. He knows Chen Guang's involved. This whole thing was too organized to be random—a test, maybe, or a warning.
After school, Li Wei's hungry for answers, so he heads to that dusty old bookstore. The place smells like a weird mix of old paper, incense, and something metallic—honestly, it's kind of comforting in a mysterious way. The owner, this old guy with the thickest glasses you've ever seen, sizes him up before fishing a worn cloth from a drawer.
"The pendant," he says, almost like he's been expecting it. He wraps it up, holds it to the light. "You're aware it is not merely jewelry, yes?"
Li Wei nods. "I've felt it… it's changing me. Helping me endure, recover, and even fight better than I ever could." He's not bragging; he's just laying it out. You could tell this to a stranger on the bus and they'd think you were nuts, but here, it makes sense.
The old guy's face gets serious—like, this isn't just a cool story, it's important. "It has chosen you, but it is not without purpose. There are ancient families, long-hidden knowledge… threads of destiny you are only beginning to understand. Control it, or it will control you. The world is changing, Li Wei. Your path is just beginning, and shadows are gathering."
Li Wei holds the pendant tighter, feeling it pulse. It's not just power; it's responsibility, and maybe that's scarier than any fight. "I understand. I'll be careful. But I won't run. I'll face whatever comes." His voice is steady, but inside he's buzzing with nerves and curiosity.
The bookstore owner softens a bit, gives him a look that's almost proud. "Good. But remember, knowledge and strength are only part of the journey. The heart must guide your actions as much as your body or mind."
Walking home, Li Wei's mind is a storm—plans, questions, little flashes of worry, but also hope. He thinks about Chen Guang's alliances, Wu Jian licking his wounds, and all the mysteries still waiting out there. The pendant's warmth is a comfort, but it's also a reminder: this is just the beginning, and the real adventure's only just starting. And hey, with friends like Zhang Jie and a pendant that won't quit, maybe—just maybe—he's ready for it.