Chapter 145: School Pulls Another Big Move
Morning, before the first class.
Watching the burly instructor Rott walk up to the podium with a smile, the class fell silent. Xi Nian, sitting toward the back, felt a jolt in his chest.
It seemed to confirm his suspicion.
Instructor Rott rested both hands on the desk, cleared his throat, and went straight to the point. "Starting tomorrow, the school will organize students in batches to visit the Ocean Research Museum in a seaside town. Our class is scheduled for the first group."
"We will depart in the morning, visit the museum, and return in the afternoon. Students only need to make simple preparations—no need to bring much luggage."
Rott patted his solid chest and said in a deep voice, "I and the assistant instructor will lead the trip. Rest assured!"
Reliable? Yeah, right. Xi Nian's eye twitched slightly, feeling a bad premonition. The school was clearly planning another big stunt.
Since this year started, every school trip he took seemed to involve strange, supernatural events.
Especially collective school activities—none had gone smoothly, though he had survived all of them.
What Xi Nian didn't know was this was exactly why the school organized the museum visit.
After the previous outdoor activity, which coincided with the alien invasion during the New York battle, some students still had psychological trauma. Many parents complained that their kids were afraid to go outside.
Then, recently, a lizard monster invasion occurred, further lowering the school's reputation and morale.
To improve student psychology and school atmosphere, the school decided on this museum visit.
It was late February, spring was warming, and the seaside environment was pleasant. Seeing the ocean would lift spirits, and in a few months, the summer would allow swimsuit swimming.
Normally, the class would have cheered at such news.
But after so many supernatural incidents recently, many students exchanged uneasy glances or kept their heads down, finding it hard to feel happy.
Rott smiled and continued, "Almost forgot. Each student may bring one parent along, and the school will cover the travel expenses."
"That's great!"
"Can I bring my brother?"
"My dad is busy on Tuesday… but it's okay this time."
The students' eyes lit up, showing excitement and anticipation.
"Bring a parent?" Xi Nian was momentarily stunned.
Usually, parent participation only happened in elementary school; high school trips rarely allowed it. This must be a special adjustment by the school.
Clearly, the school was willing to invest more to improve student perception.
With a parent allowed, Xi Nian felt completely secure. Kara's group was also easy to manage—as long as it wasn't the end of the world, it would be fine.
Rott glanced at Felicia standing at the classroom door. "Assistant, make sure to communicate with the parents tomorrow. See what they need or suggest."
"Got it," replied Felicia, silver hair shimmering as she pushed her black-framed glasses up her nose, nodding with a smile.
...
The next morning, sunlight bright, air crisp.
The class's trip to the Ocean Research Museum began on schedule.
Four yellow buses lined up in front of the school, and instructors started helping students with parents board.
"Please get on first. We'll depart soon," Felicia said, speaking with some parents while noticing a black-haired boy sitting alone under a tree with his backpack. Her heart stirred slightly.
Just as she was about to approach, a mother and daughter beat her to it.
"Xi Nian!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Xi Nian looked up to see his childhood friend Gwen approaching. Beside her was a poised woman with wavy blonde hair.
"Gwen, Mrs. Mary, good morning!" Xi Nian quickly stood and greeted them.
"Good morning, little Xi Nian. Why are you sitting here alone?" Mary Jane asked, smiling curiously.
"I didn't invite my aunt," Xi Nian replied.
"Why not?" Mary Jane continued, surprised.
"Well, visiting alone is fine too," Xi Nian smiled.
Recently, Aunt Diana had been handling company and Justice League matters, returning home late. Xi Nian, already asleep, hadn't mentioned the school trip.
"Mom." Gwen gently held back Mary Jane, who was about to continue asking. She glanced at Xi Nian and blushed. "Xi Nian, I'll accompany you."
"Yes." Mary Jane quickly asserted her presence again, full of enthusiasm. "We'll be with you! If you don't mind, you can even consider me as a mom… Gwen, I wasn't finished talking. Why are you pulling me?"
"Xi Nian… we're getting on the bus! Come quickly!" Gwen hurriedly pulled Mary Jane along.
Xi Nian shook his head, amused, and patted his backpack. "Time to get on, buddy."
"Meow!"
A faint meow came from inside the backpack.
Since his aunt wasn't coming, Xi Nian decided to secretly bring Xiao Huang. Jarro would continue investigating S.H.I.E.L.D. from home.
...
Xi Nian slung his backpack over his shoulder, ready to board, but paused.
Outside the school gate, a tall, stylish figure leaned quietly. Sunlight and breeze danced across her, making her long black hair shine.
The black-haired woman elegantly lifted her hand, holding down a white sunhat. Her bright, commanding eyes peeked from beneath the brim.
"Aunt?"
Xi Nian rubbed his eyes, thinking he was mistaken.
The woman had already stepped in front of him, tapping his forehead gently. She scolded, "Your wings are growing strong, huh? If I hadn't seen the instructors' tweet, I'd probably have no idea until after the visit."
"Not daring," Xi Nian blinked, unable to hide his joy.
"Let's go. We shouldn't keep others waiting."
Diana extended her hand. Xi Nian naturally held it, his hand slightly larger.
Diana was momentarily taken aback, then sighed softly, "You… really have grown up…"
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