Chapter 27: The Alley

The evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city as Feng Yan walked out of the school. She was met with an unusual number of sidelong glances, and a prickling sensation on the back of her neck told her that something was amiss. She glanced around casually, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any hint of trouble.

"Ning Jue," she said, turning to her friend who walked beside her, "I have some work to take care of nearby. I might be a bit late getting home. Don't worry about me."

Ning Jue nodded, a trace of concern in his eyes. "Alright, be careful. See you later then."

With Ning Jue headed in the opposite direction, Feng Yan veered towards a quieter alley, shrouded in the soft glow of street lamps. The alley was narrow and dimly lit, providing a perfect backdrop for the uneasy silence that settled around her. As she moved deeper into the alley, she noticed the oppressive quiet that seemed to envelop her.

Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. She turned slowly, her senses heightened. A group of men emerged from the shadows, effectively blocking both her path and her escape. They were rough-looking, with hardened expressions that suggested they were not here for a friendly chat. Feng Yan's heart rate remained steady; she had faced danger before and was well-prepared.

"Who sent you?" she asked, her voice calm yet commanding. She took in their features, her eyes sharp as she assessed the situation. "What do you want from me?"

The men exchanged glances, a smirk crossing their leader's face. Despite the palpable aura of danger radiating from Feng Yan, they seemed to dismiss her as a mere teenager who could be easily overpowered. The leader stepped forward, his voice dripping with disdain.

"You don't need to know that," he sneered. "Just know that you're in for a rough time."

Feng Yan's patience wore thin. In an instant, she moved with a speed that belied her age, her actions a blur. She struck out with precision, incapacitating the men in front of her with swift, calculated blows. They crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

Only one man remained standing, visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events. Feng Yan approached him, her demeanor cold and unyielding. She grabbed his wrist with a firm grip and twisted his fingers, eliciting a pained yelp from him.

"Talk," she said, her voice steely. "I won't ask again."

The man, his face contorted with agony, stammered out the truth through clenched teeth. "I—I'm one of Young Master Bai's men. We were sent to... to disfigure you, humiliate you, and take photos. The photos were supposed to be sent to young Miss mobile."

Feng Yan's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint as she absorbed the information. Her mind raced as she connected the dots. Bai Shuang and her brother's involvement made sense—Feng Yue's plan to use Bai Shuang as a pawn was now clear. Bai Shuang had always been a schemer, and her brother's actions were just another facet of the manipulative network she had woven. She had expected retaliation, but this level of cruelty was new, even for someone like Bai Shuang.

With a swift, almost casual motion, Feng Yan knocked the man out, leaving him lying alongside his unconscious companions. A strange glint of satisfaction crossed her eyes as she stood over them, her thoughts swirling with a mix of anger and strategic calculation.

Without another word, Feng Yan knocked the man unconscious, his body slumping to the ground beside his fallen comrades. A strange glint flashed in her eyes—a mix of determination and icy resolve. She took a deep breath, letting the adrenaline settle. This was more than just a petty rivalry; it was a calculated attempt to undermine her.

She turned on her heel and walked out of the alley, her mind already racing with plans. The incident had only solidified her resolve to not only secure her position but also to bring those who sought to harm her to justice. She had more important matters to address, and she knew that this was just the beginning.

The evening grew darker, and the city's lights began to flicker on. Feng Yan's path was clear—she would need to confront Bai Shuang and her brother, but on her terms. She would not be a passive victim in their schemes; instead, she would turn their machinations against them.

The alley behind her was silent once more, save for the occasional rustle of wind. The men she had dealt with would wake up with bruises and broken pride, but the real battle was far from over. The shadows in the alley had only been a prelude to the greater challenges that lay ahead.