Superhumans of the Dome City

Chapter 1511: Chapter 3: High Schoolers’ Snippets (Part 1)

This is the story of when superpower users were still high school students—

"Look, look, this is a bewildered expression. Why is someone as perfect as me historically unprecedentedly unsuccessful in romantic relationships?"

"..."

It was five in the afternoon, and the sun was still scorching. The early summer sun burned the branches and leaves, casting dry shadows by the road accompanied by the sound of cicadas. Ah Ce focused intently on the bark, as if he had received inspiration from some heavenly intuition, naturally ignoring the sharp gaze from the girl beside him.

Alright, keep it going like this, avoiding dangerous topics by focusing on oneself. Just five minutes ago, they had left the bookstore, and his backpack contained a free manga magazine given by the owner. By using the magazine to attract the young lady’s attention, this after-school dusk could pass peacefully...!

However, his desk mate, neighbor, and close friend lacked the tolerance to give him time to contemplate, and in less than three seconds, she posed in a stance ready to punch. If he continued to ignore her, he would receive a heavy blow. Just before the last moment arrived, Ah Ce turned his head with a harmless sheepish smile.

"Oh oh, I remember now. We agreed to eat the new dessert after school today! To avoid lining up, let’s head out now, whoops-!"

Thunk!

The delicate fist sunk into his abdomen, and the second attempt to divert the topic ended in a miserable failure. Ah Ce clutched his stomach and squatted down, his gaze crossed over the dark blue school uniform pants and the featureless white uniform, meeting the girl’s inorganic gaze.

"Look, look, this is an annoyed expression."

"Having made such a move, is there still a need for this unchanged expression to exist?!"

Qin Qianbai threatenedly clenched her fist: "If Ah Ce tries to change the topic again..."

"What, want to fight?" Ah Ce didn’t back down.

"I’ll go a week without talking to Ah Ce."

Ah Ce sneered, clapping his hands together loudly: "Very sorry, please forgive me."

"In terms of being unremarkable, you truly deserve to be Cangdu’s first."

"You wouldn’t understand, this is me, Mr. Gongsun, being magnanimous and not stooping to petty arguments with women."

Qin Qianbai withdrew her arm slightly, letting half of her school jacket sleeve hang down, the cuff landing right in front of Ah Ce. Ah Ce twitched his eye as he realized she was playing at an ancient anecdote barely considered a trope: A Buddha lowering a spider’s silk to hell, only the sincere repentant with no evil thoughts can climb up on it.

The two years of Cangdu education changed the girl’s lifestyle, but her way of thinking remained as quirky as ever. Ah Ce made a grimace, grabbed the sleeve and stood up, earning a satisfied nod of approval from her.

He cleared his throat, feeling a bit helpless: "Let me think about how to answer this question... Just now, what was I talking about?"

"Look, look, this is an expectant expression." Qin Qianbai poked her cheeks with her fingers, "You said Ah Ce decided to treat me to a large cup of new desserts."

"How strange, a memory that doesn’t exist in my mind is spoken by you so naturally."

"The school legend says if you treat a cute and charming female classmate to desserts, you will someday receive the good fortune of a handmade lunch."

"A legend so detailed is rare indeed, looking forward to your return gift."

Walking side by side, the two formed a stark contrast. Qin Qianbai stood straight, properly carrying her backpack, wearing a thin school jacket even in summer, covering herself well with long sleeves and pants; Ah Ce wore shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, his backpack casually slung over one shoulder, exuding a laid-back attitude.

At a glance, anyone would think they were the typical "good girl and bad boy," where the mischievous boy constantly teases his partner, while the honor student corrects his actions seriously. Only those involved know that the truth is completely contrary to assumptions: the quiet good girl not only teases frequently but also enjoys hands-on antics, while the unlucky gray-haired boy continually cleans up her messes.

Ah Ce more than once thought he had an unusually good temper; if it were anyone else, even someone with a good disposition like the older brother or the President would struggle with the young lady’s antics. But he’s never been truly angry with her, partly because they are partners through thick and thin, and partly because it fulfills him. Ah Ce rarely gets to be on the "caring" side, no longer the bad boy who needs caring.

If the self from back then knew he would one day play the magnanimous elder role, the deceptive persona would likely laugh out loud. And if the "good student" in his life saw this scene, what expression would they have...

"—Ah Ce, you’re lost in thought again."

"Sorry, I was recalling some interesting memories."

In just a few words, the unique big signboard of the dessert shop appeared in their view. The sign resembling a dark brown giant salamander is said to be a peculiar creature of the northern continent. Embracing a mood shift, Ah Ce briskly stepped forward and greeted the familiar female shop attendant.

"Good afternoon, Miss Attendant, any new recommendations?"

The voluptuous attendant enthusiastically introduced and offered a buy-one-get-one deal with a thirty-percent discount. During checkout, he felt sharp needle-like gazes from behind, perhaps a hallucination induced by memories.

This season’s new product, a high-calorie cold drink, looked muddy like chocolate, filled with ice cubes, topped with a towering white vanilla ice cream. Ah Ce used telekinesis to hold it like a coaster as he walked and drank, occasionally using the corner of his eye to observe his friend’s actions.