Catching a bird

Li Yue turned toward her friend, her expression puzzled. She knew Ye Feng was a troublemaker, but how did Ningxue know he was lecherous? She looked at her suspiciously, wondering if there was something she wasn't aware of.

Noticing her friend's questioning gaze, Ningxue quickly explained, "He took advantage of me in class—placing his hand on my thigh."

Li Yue's eyes widened in shock. "You should file a harassment case against him!"

Ningxue shook her head dismissively. "If he tries something similar again, I will."

Ye Feng, listening to their conversation, sighed inwardly. He had expected this reaction before even approaching them. Ningxue was playing a clever game—by 'forgiving' him, she was subtly positioning herself as the bigger person, ensuring he felt indebted to her while also maintaining a positive image in her friend's eyes. It was a common manipulation tactic, often used unconsciously by women in daily life—phrases like "I know you did something wrong, but I'll forgive you this time" worked to increase the guilt of the other party, making them more eager to earn back the girl's favor.

As they spoke, a figure nearby had been paying close attention. It was Harold, a student who had spent his childhood in the USA and had recently returned for further studies. He had always admired Ningxue, one of the most beautiful girls in the university. When he overheard their conversation and learned what Ye Feng had done, his insides burned with anger. This was a golden opportunity to impress her.

Harold had once confessed to Ningxue but was rejected. Now, with a chance to prove himself, he wouldn't let it slip away. Flanked by two lackeys—one burly, the other lean and athletic—he confidently approached them.

"Is this guy harassing you, Xue?" Harold asked, flashing a smile.

Ye Feng smirked. "Here comes my next victim," he thought, amused as he recalled his encounter with Su Meng.

In truth, Ye Feng had been aware of Harold's presence from the beginning. But he had intentionally lured him in—after all, a little entertainment never hurt in his otherwise boring life.

"Why are you smiling, fool?" Harold snapped.

"Why does it matter to you? I'm a free citizen, so I can smile whenever I want," Ye Feng replied nonchalantly.

Harold clenched his fists. He wanted nothing more than to teach this arrogant bastard a lesson, but he couldn't act too aggressive in front of Ningxue.

"Fine, smile all you want," Harold said, forcing a grin. "But stay away from her."

"And why should I listen to you?" Ye Feng challenged.

"Because if you don't, I'll make sure you regret it," Harold threatened, his grin turning sinister.

The burly lackey, impatient with the verbal exchange, growled, "Why are you wasting time talking? Just teach him a lesson already!" Without waiting for approval, he swung a heavy fist toward Ye Feng's face.

Ye Feng could have easily dodged, but instead, he allowed the punch to land. Simultaneously, he regulated his Qi to ensure he took some superficial damage, making the hit appear more severe than it was. Stumbling back,he took support of table, blood trickling from his lips. The second lackey joined in, giving him a punch on his gut.

"Harold, stop them! It's not that serious!" Ningxue protested, frowning.

Harold let them continue for a few more seconds before raising a hand. "Enough."

Ye Feng now had small cuts on his face, blood seeping from his wounds. Of course, all of this was intentional—had he not suppressed his strength, they would have broken their own limbs trying to hit him.

Harold leaned in close, whispering menacingly into Ye Feng's ear, "Know your place, bastard. Otherwise, you'll die a dog's death."

Straightening up, Harold turned to Ningxue and smiled. "Don't worry, Xue. He won't bother you anymore."

Meanwhile, Ye Feng slowly got up, staggering slightly. Feigning weakness, he reached out and placed a hand on Li Yue's shoulder for support. Li Yue, caught off guard, remained frozen in place.

Harold clenched his jaw. To him, Li Yue was another beauty he had considered pursuing after securing Ningxue. And now, Ye Feng had taken advantage of both of them in a single encounter.

Ye Feng straightened himself and turned to Ningxue, giving her a knowing smirk before taking a step forward. Suddenly, he pretended to collapse. Li Yue, instinctively reacting, caught him by the waist. Ye Feng, in turn, wrapped an arm around her neck for balance.

"Thank you for your help," he said, coughing up a little more blood. "I'll manage from here."

"Don't be stubborn. I'll help you to the infirmary," Li Yue insisted, a slight blush dusting her cheeks.

"Xue, I'll meet you later after helping him," she added.

Ningxue was confused—why was her friend assisting someone she barely knew? But she simply nodded in response.

"I'll take my leave as well," she told Harold before walking away.

Harold stood frozen, seething inside. Ye Feng had played him for a fool.

After reaching the infirmary, Li Yue helped patch him up. "Can you walk now?" she asked.

Ye Feng feigned weakness. "I think I still need some help."

"If that's the case, I'll help you get home," she offered without hesitation.

"Are you sure?" Ye Feng asked, as if reluctant.

"There's no harm in it," she replied.

Little did she know how much trouble it would bring her.

A familiar voice echoed in Ye Feng's mind. "You are truly sinister, Master."

It was Nyx, who had been observing the entire scene unfold.

Ye Feng smirked. "You misunderstand. It's for her own good. Where else would she find a man like me? If she can't handle someone like me, how will she survive in a world full of real predators?"

Nyx was speechless. In her mind, her master was one of the most wicked men on Earth—perhaps even topping the list. But she dared not voice that thought.

"You are… very kind, Master."

"Of course! And I'll be very kind to you as well."

Nyx fell silent. She had no idea what kind of 'kindness' he was referring to, but she had a gut feeling she didn't want to find out.

Soon, they arrived at Ye Feng's residence. He pulled out his keys, unlocking the door. Li Yue helped him inside, guiding him toward his bed. As they neared it, he exerted slight pressure, causing them both to tumble onto the mattress. In the fall, Li Yue twisted slightly, ending up on top of him, her face inches from his.

Her heartbeat pounded in her chest, her breath quickening.

Lying beneath her, Ye Feng smirked. "Interesting…"