Chapter 32
Sakurajima Mai Does this count as indirect kissing?

Flames ignited on his right foot, and the Annihilation Demon was locked in his sights, unable to escape and forced to endure the strike head-on.

However, to deliver such a kick required a robust physique, something the Annihilation Demon clearly lacked.

The moment he was forcefully kicked from the sky by Nexus, his fate was sealed.

That foot, ablaze with fiery energy and carrying immense destructive power, slammed into the Annihilation Demon.

The Annihilation Demon's internal organs were instantly pulverized, and scorching energy ravaged his entire body.

“Boom!”

A deafening explosion shook the sky, its fiery radiance engulfing a hundred-meter radius. Fortunately, the area had been evacuated beforehand, otherwise, the blast's aftershocks would have claimed countless lives.

As the fiery light dissipated, Nexus, who had been kneeling on one knee, stood up, his chest heaving, a testament to his current condition.

Two consecutive battles, against formidable foes, had consumed immense energy and stamina.

However, these battles also contributed to Zhao Hao's Light's advancement.

Back on the rooftop of his school, Zhao Hao leaned against the wall, gazing at the light rain falling in front of him, taking deep breaths of fresh air.

This battle was far more exhausting than his morning training, and he wasn't unscathed throughout. The damage Nexus sustained was mirrored perfectly on Zhao Hao's body.

Looking closely, you could see faint bruises on Zhao Hao's face. They weren't very noticeable, but they were there, and he likely had more hidden beneath his clothes.

No wonder it was called the Light that could kill generations, it had immense potential, but it was a high-risk, high-reward endeavor.

After standing there for a few minutes, Zhao Hao returned to his classroom.

Upon entering, the students barely noticed him, engrossed in lively discussions about the Ultra Warrior.

They had all watched the live broadcast, and were incredibly excited about the Ultra Warrior defeating the Bird Monster.

It was a shame they hadn't seen the Ultra Warrior's battle against the other giant that resembled him.

Seeing Zhao Hao return, Sakurajima Mai immediately said, “Zhao Hao, you're back. Did you see the battle between the Ultra Warrior and the Bird Monster?”

“Yeah, you guys saw it too?”

Zhao Hao understood, from the excited expressions of the other students, he knew exactly what had happened.

It was simply a matter of bold reporters and media broadcasting the event live, it wasn't hard to guess.

Sakurajima Mai said with admiration, “Of course, everyone watched the live broadcast. The Ultra Warrior is truly a hero.”

“Is he?”

Zhao Hao didn't consider himself a hero. Heroes weren't easily made. His thoughts were simple: to endure battles one after another and survive. He was just an ordinary person, with no grand ambitions.

Sakurajima Mai noticed Zhao Hao's dry lips and traces of sweat on his forehead, she said, “You look really tired. Are you okay?”

Zhao Hao licked his lips, smiling, "What could be wrong with me? I was just outside, and it suddenly started raining, so I ran back."

“Is that so? Do you want some water? I brought my own.”

Sakurajima Mai pulled out a pink thermos. It was her personal thermos, one she had used for years, even during her time in the entertainment industry. Now, she still used it in school.

The sight of the thermos reminded Zhao Hao of his parched throat, and his body instinctively urged him to hydrate.

“Thanks, I won't be polite then.”

Zhao Hao took the thermos and opened it, without hesitation, he brought it to his lips and drank.

Watching Zhao Hao drink so heartily, Sakurajima Mai focused on his lips and the mouth of the cup, her heart beating a little faster than usual.

Was this considered indirect kissing?

Although Sakurajima Mai was a star, she had never had a kissing scene or any intimate moments with male actors during her time filming dramas. She was still young, and her popularity was high, so directors naturally arranged appropriate storylines for her, rather than relying on romance as a selling point.

However, she often saw actors shooting kissing scenes on set, and always felt a curiosity about kissing. Was it really that pleasant?

“Mai? What are you thinking about, you're so lost in thought?”

Zhao Hao handed the thermos back to Sakurajima Mai, noticing her staring blankly at him, lost in thought.

“Cough, nothing. I was just wondering when this rain will stop.”

Sakurajima Mai took back the thermos and looked out the window at the damp ground.

“Until tonight.”

Zhao Hao replied bluntly.

“The weather app on my phone says it'll last until tonight too.”

Sakurajima Mai checked the weather forecast on her phone, but Zhao Hao's judgment was based on the sky, making it more accurate than the weather app.

Classes ended at 3pm, followed by a 1.5 hour club activity period.

Zhao Hao and Yukinoshita Yukino, who were both without club affiliations, met in a classroom. Without Zhao Hao having to say anything, Yukinoshita Yukino had already asked a teacher she knew to create a club for them.

Having connections to pull strings was truly beneficial. Otherwise, forming a club would require at least three people, all present at the same time, and there would be various bureaucratic procedures.

However, with a helpful acquaintance, all of this was no issue. They simply had to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Yukinoshita Yukino smiled subtly, “Now that our ‘All-Rounders’ club is officially established, we just have to wait for commissions to come pouring in.”

Zhao Hao looked at Yukinoshita Yukino with a speechless expression. Normally a bright girl, why was she being so naive? He said, "Wait for commissions to come pouring in? Others are unconcerned about being hidden away because they already have a reputation. But our club has nothing to offer, no one knows we exist, so where are these commissions going to come from? You're being overly optimistic."

“Wanting fame, that's easy.”

Yukinoshita Yukino looked at Zhao Hao with a mischievous smile.

She said, “Our Zhao Hao senpai is a legend in the entire school. All we need is to spread the word about your involvement in the All-Rounders club, and popularity will follow.”

“…“ Zhao Hao was speechless. She had a point, but it would be a celebrity effect. Anyone coming for commissions would be out of curiosity, not with genuine sincerity.

“Yo, Yukino, this is the first time I've seen you smile like that.”

A cheerful voice came from the doorway, followed by a young woman in a white lab coat. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, but in reality, she was nearing thirty.

Yukinoshita Yukino quickly suppressed her smile, returning to her usual composed expression. She said, “Hiratsuka-sensei, could you knock before entering?”

Hiratsuka-sensei glanced at Zhao Hao, as if seeing through something. She smiled and said, “If I knocked, I wouldn't be able to see that smile of yours, Yukino. It's quite a rare sight.”