The Reincarnated OP Protagonist Is Now A 3rd Grade Student (Patreon)

Chapter 27: Friends Who Stood by My Side in Those Years

Summer vacation was approaching.

Looking at the surprised expression of the group leader, Chen An suddenly remembered that these days were a very special time.

Because summer vacation was approaching, the emotions of these human youngsters were much higher than usual. Under the influence of this high-spirited mood, even the most homework-averse kids found these assignments, which took up their TV time, more tolerable. They were willing to spend time diligently completing them. Therefore...

Today, he was probably the only person in the whole class, no, in the whole grade, and perhaps even the whole school, who didn't turn in his homework on time.

Looking at everyone's relaxed and easygoing demeanor, Chen An realized the harsh reality.

"All right, I get it."

With a sigh, Chen An nodded resignedly and walked towards the door.

This independent action attracted the attention of most of the class. Although Chen An knew that these gazes didn't carry any mockery or schadenfreude, as children, their thoughts were pure. But he couldn't help but feel self-conscious about the attention. He left the classroom feeling dejected and took refuge outside, avoiding the curious glances of passing teachers.

It's not that he thought he had done something wrong; it was just that being the only one who forgot to do the homework and was now standing outside was quite embarrassing.

Furthermore, he had never been good at socializing, and he found it most difficult to handle situations that attracted attention.

If there were someone to accompany him, it would be fine, but today, as possibly the only person at northern primary school who forgot to do his homework, he stood alone in the corridor, feeling nothing but a bizarre sense of "loneliness."

"I really didn't expect this."

Chen An's group leader looked puzzled as she watched him walk towards the corridor.

"Chen An usually has good grades. I never thought he would forget to do his homework. I thought only those few playful kids would forget because they were too busy playing. Isn't that right, Lu Li?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

After a long silence, Lu Li took a deep breath and reached out to the group leader, taking her own workbook from the thick stack the group leader was holding.

"Huh? Is something missing in your workbook?"

The group leader was momentarily surprised, then quickly said, "Don't bother making up for it now. The teacher is coming soon, just turn it in as it is. At most, after the teacher corrects it, they'll ask you to copy the missing parts a few more times. It would be more embarrassing to be punished to stand outside."

"No, actually, I was busy playing with some new friends yesterday and forgot to do my homework."

After placing the workbook in her backpack, Lu Li stood up with a clear conscience and walked briskly towards the corridor.

Chen An, who had been praying for time to pass while facing the wall, felt a tap on his shoulder and instinctively turned around.

His field of vision was occupied by Lu Li, who was smiling at him with her hands behind her back.

For a moment, Chen An felt like his heart skipped a beat, and he was stunned for quite a while before reacting. He asked in a bewildered tone, "Didn't you already turn in your homework?"

"I turned in a blank homework. I wanted to take a chance that the teacher's pen was out of ink and couldn't correct the homework. But seeing you being so honest, I felt guilty, so I decided to stand here with you."

Lu Li blinked her eyes. "And if two people stand together, the effectiveness of this punishment should be greatly reduced, right?"

"Indeed."

Chen An shook his head helplessly and lowered the corner of his mouth slightly. "So, thanks."

"If you really want to thank me, you can duel with me during the summer vacation."

Lu Li said with a hint of prayer for the future, "Although I'll be attending various cram schools during the summer vacation, I'll still have a lot of free time each day. What do you want to play then?"

"..."

The smile that had started to form on Chen An's lips gradually faded. He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "Sorry, I'll be leaving this place shortly after the summer vacation starts."

"What?!"

Lu Li stared at him in disbelief.

"Every year during this hottest month, my mom takes me to the countryside to escape the heat. Her writing as a novelist is closely related to the environment, and the cool environment in the countryside helps her feel better. I also turn into a wild child running around in the countryside for these two months."

Listening to Chen An's helpless tone, Lu Li lowered her head in disappointment, but quickly rallied and said, "It's okay, I'm used to summers like this. Besides, it's only two months, it will pass quickly... right?"

"..."

"I'll go to the bathroom."

Unable to bear this strange atmosphere, Chen An found an excuse and temporarily left Lu Li's sight.

"I can't stand it anymore!"

The fairy that had been flicked away by a snap of the fingers flew back, looking at Chen An with indignation. "How can you make such a cute child feel down?"

Chen An gave a sidelong glance at the useless system in front of him. "it's better for me to break her expectations early. Besides, if you hadn't given me abilities that are still dormant, I wouldn't be in this situation. If you really want to help her, then unseal my abilities."

"I can’t do that!"

The system firmly held its ground and asked in puzzlement, "Can't you think of a way to help that poor child?"

"How do you want me to help?"

Chen An hid in a corner, peeking at Lu Li, who was standing alone and facing the wall. "Her parents are obviously stubborn and unyielding, or else they wouldn't have forced their daughter to work at the school newspaper. And me? I'm just the son of an unpopular writer, a third-grade elementary school student at the age of seven. What can I do to solve this nationwide children's dilemma?"

"Then stay with her."

The little fairy spoke with an iron-willed tone. "Doesn't your mom dote on you? You can fake an illness, say you'll die as soon as you go to the countryside, can't you?"

"Then she might as well just stay here with me."

Chen An shook his head helplessly. "My mom is naturally averse to the summer heat. I can't let her stay in this scorching city."

"Faking an illness won't work either..."

The little fairy seemed helpless too, and could only look at Lu Li with pity, who was trying to cheer herself up.

"Well, it seems there might be a way."

Chen An bit his lip and looked at Lu Li's dejected appearance. After a long silence, he raised his head and looked at the system. "I have a question—for the sake of making genuine friends, is it okay to do anything, no matter what?"

"How could that be possible? But... well..."

Seeing that Chen An seemed to have some ideas, the system shook its head. "Stubbornness is a privilege of children, you know. But what do you want to do?"

"For elementary school students, there's only one way to openly escape from studying."

Chen An clenched his small fist.

"Let's help Lu Li get a sick leave. As for how long the sick leave is... How about two months?"