Chapter 26: The Hero Discussion

On the way to the city, Lin Xinyan learned the truth about Shi Ji’s expulsion from the Star Hero Academy.

She had been hesitating whether to ask, as such questions could be uncomfortable. She started by casually chatting about the Star Hero Academy, hoping to gradually get closer to the topic of Shi Ji’s expulsion. But halfway through the conversation, she lost her nerve. Bringing up someone’s painful past like that felt very impolite.

Shi Ji wasn’t foolish. He understood Lin Xinyan’s intent. Being expelled didn’t bother him at all. It was what he had hoped for. Seeing Lin Xinyan’s curiosity, he brought up the subject himself.

As Shi Ji explained, Lin Xinyan finally understood the whole story. Shi Ji had never planned to stay at the academy, being expelled was his goal all along. The idea that he just happened to pass by Xiyu, dealt with a struggling anomaly, and then got noticed and admitted to the Star Hero Academy was something she couldn’t believe. She had seen Shi Ji’s formidable strength firsthand yesterday.

Shi Ji revealed that his Star constitution was indeed a Soldier. A soldier-ranked Star with such prowess was unheard of.

“Shi Ji, you’re so amazing. You’re bound to become a top-tier hero someday.”

With anomalies rampant today, people like Shi Ji were desperately needed. Lin Xinyan was also striving, working hard to become stronger.

In truth, Shi Ji was usually quite averse to discussions about heroes. But after the little incident yesterday and genuinely getting to know Lin Xinyan today, he found her to be a nice person who he got along with. And, well, the fact that she offered to treat him to a meal was a major plus.

When Lin Xinyan mentioned becoming a professional hero, Shi Ji smiled faintly and shook his head.

“No, I’m not interested in being a hero. Nowadays, people have an unrealistic view of what it means to be a hero. It doesn’t suit me. Let me ask you, do you think someone who helps a blind person cross the street is a hero?”

Lin Xinyan was taken aback and didn’t respond. Shi Ji’s words struck a chord with her. People nowadays did have a different definition of heroes. After applying, passing physical tests, etc., you were deemed a hero. Among them, some wore the mask of a hero but did shameful things in secret. Calling them heroes was a stretch, they were more like scoundrels.

Seeing Lin Xinyan remain silent, Shi Ji smiled gently.

“It seems you understand. As long as you can help others, you can be considered a hero, right? Whether you become a professional hero or not, what does it matter?”

Lin Xinyan smiled too.

“You’ve taught me something valuable today. Thank you. I understand your point.”

Before hearing Shi Ji’s words, Lin Xinyan hadn’t considered this perspective. Now, she had a new understanding of what it meant to be a hero. She genuinely admired Shi Ji. Not only was he powerful, but he also had unique insights into the concept of heroism. She wondered, was Shi Ji really as simple as he seemed?

“Alright, let’s change the subject. We’ve been walking for a while now. Where’s this place you mentioned? If we don’t get there soon, we’ll be having lunch instead of breakfast,” Shi Ji pretended to complain.

When it was time to be serious, he was serious. When it was time to relax, he did so. Lin Xinyan looked at Shi Ji and found him quite approachable and not annoying at all.

“Look at you being so impatient. Follow me, it’s just in this alley. We’ll be there soon.”

Shi Ji followed Lin Xinyan’s lead. Watching her back, his mind filled with various thoughts. From the moment he first saw Lin Xinyan on the bus, he knew she was different. Meeting her again seemed like fate.

“Such an interesting person. Let’s see what kind of person you truly are.”