Genshin Impact: Back From Teyvat - The Archon Follows Me Home!

In the days that followed, Lu Chen kept an eye on the situation unfolding outside while helping Barbara complete her school enrollment.

Life had to go on, and missions still needed to be handled. Though the mounting pressure from two worlds weighed on his mind, Lu Chen buried it deep within.

In the sweltering heat of midsummer, the temperature in Class 2's classroom grew increasingly stuffy.

The slow whirring of the ceiling fan was more irritating than cooling. Lu Chen exited the news app, closed his book, and used it to cover his phone.

The next period was English with the homeroom teacher. During the break, the classroom buzzed with chatter—most of it centered around the new transfer student.

"I heard the new transfer student is a girl. Do you think she's as beautiful as Miss Raiden?"

Kenshin Zhou leaned on his desk with both hands, staring expectantly at the classroom door.

His female deskmate shot him a look of disdain. "Do all pretty girls transfer only to our class? What, are we the center of the universe?"

Kenshin Zhou grinned. "You don't get it. According to every anime plot ever, the new transfer student has to be a gorgeous girl... Then she'll have a fateful encounter with the male lead sitting by the window—quiet, ignored, but with a strong inner world..."

His deskmate gave him a once-over, then pointed to Lu Chen sitting in the front row. "You mean him?"

"No, me! I'm the one by the window, alright? And who says that guy doesn't get attention? Just look at the two of them!"

She and Kenshin Zhou both looked forward.

Lu Chen and Miss Raiden were resting their chins on their desks, talking face-to-face. Lu Chen wore a troubled expression, and Miss Raiden appeared to be gently comforting him. Whatever they were discussing, it was enough to make Kenshin Zhou feel like he'd had his fill of third-wheeling for a lifetime.

He slumped onto his desk with a sigh. "Where's my destined encounter...?"

His deskmate finally had enough of his whining and slipped on her headphones.

"Hey, what are you listening to? A new song? Let me hear it too!"

"No."

"Huh?" Kenshin Zhou stared at her, completely confused as to what he'd done to upset her.

...

The break flew by. Hearing footsteps approaching from the hallway, Lu Chen turned toward the door.

The homeroom teacher stepped into the classroom, walked up to the podium, and tapped the blackboard.

"Alright, quiet down. Before we begin, I'd like to introduce our new transfer student."

Everyone looked up. Standing beside the teacher was a girl in Haizhou's summer school uniform. She gave a cheerful wave to the class.

"H-hi, everyone!"

The noisy classroom went completely silent.

Barbara's pretty, doll-like looks drew everyone's attention—especially the boys. Many of them were practically gawking.

After a moment of stunned silence, the room erupted.

"Whoa—she's gorgeous!"

"Didn't I say it? New transfer students are always stunners!"

"She's way too cute!"

"This is unreal. What kind of god-tier class is this...?"

"Quiet down!" the teacher knocked on the board again with a helpless sigh, finally restoring order.

Barbara, startled by the students' overwhelming enthusiasm, scanned the room and quickly spotted Lu Chen and Ei, her eyes silently pleading for help.

Lu Chen gave her a reassuring wink and smiled.

Ei, seeing everyone's reaction, grew a little concerned. "Everyone's being so enthusiastic... Will Barbara be able to handle it?"

After Barbara finished her self-introduction, the teacher assigned her a seat diagonally across from Ei. Lu Chen whispered, "It can't be helped. If she wants to be an idol, this is just the beginning..."

The number of admirers was only going to grow. Once Barbara became famous, this kind of reaction would be the norm.

Compared to rabid idol fans, these students were still pretty tame...

Barbara looked visibly uncomfortable through the entire English class, with glances constantly being thrown her way, both obvious and subtle.

When the bell rang, things got worse—she was immediately swarmed.

"Barbara, if there's anything you didn't understand, I can help you review."

"Hey, Barbara, your name's kinda unusual. Is that a tradition from where you're from?"

"Girl, your skin is flawless! Do you use skincare products? Any recommendations?"

Lu Chen turned around and saw Barbara struggling to respond as a growing crowd surrounded her. At least half the class had gathered at her desk.

Even when Ei joined the class, things hadn't been this dramatic...

He and Ei exchanged a glance. Maybe it was a matter of personality. Most people couldn't even hold Ei's icy stare for more than three seconds. But Barbara was different. Even when being peppered with questions from all sides, she kept her gentle smile and didn't lose her composure.

"We need to do something..." Ei said, watching Barbara struggle. "This won't work."

Lu Chen nodded, just about to stand up when he noticed Zen Zhang fixing his hair, clearly gearing up to swoop in for a chat.

"Hold it!"

Zen Zhang had been ready to greet the little goddess, but Lu Chen grabbed him by the shoulder.

His irritation vanished the moment he recognized Lu Chen, and he gave a dazzling smile. "Master? You need something?"

"Where are you going?"

"I was just gonna say hi. What's the problem...?"

Zen Zhang was confused. He looked at the crowd around Barbara, then back at Lu Chen and Ei, who both had grim expressions.

Then it clicked.

"Ah—she's one of yours... from your side, right?"

He'd long suspected Lu Chen's "relatives" were anything but ordinary in appearance or skill. Lu Chen's comment confirmed it.

"She's your little cousin, Master!!"

Lu Chen nodded slightly, pointed at Barbara, then gestured toward the crowd. "Keep an eye on her. If anyone gives her trouble, take care of it. If you can't handle it, come to me."

"Got it! Loud and clear!"

Now Lu Chen's number-one lackey and chief disciple, Zen Zhang nodded like his life depended on it. Even though he was disappointed he couldn't talk to the new class goddess, his master's orders were absolute.

"Leave it to me! I'll see who dares—"

He cut himself off when he saw Lu Chen and Ei walking over.

Lu Chen was one thing, but when Ei stepped forward, it was like a cold front swept through the room. Her sharp, intimidating gaze alone sent the overly eager students scattering back to their seats.

Whispers spread across the classroom—mostly grumbles.

Ei's eyes swept over the room once more, and the class fell dead silent.

Not a single sound.

Lu Chen stifled a laugh. What exactly had Ei been doing at school... How did she end up with such a terrifying reputation?

Barbara looked at Ei gratefully and seemed about to say something, but Ei's gaze shifted to her seatmate.

The boy looked up at her in confusion, still unsure of what she wanted.

Second period began.

Lu Chen and Ei both switched seats, flanking Barbara from either side.

Since the middle row had four seats, the one to Lu Chen's right was left empty. Zen Zhang, ever loyal, finally got his wish and took the spot next to his master.

Lu Chen covered his mouth, trying to suppress his laughter.

What a beautiful and peaceful Monday...