#18 — Beautiful Teacher [2]

Ji Feng patted Zhang Lei on the shoulder and laughed casually, "It's fine. The reason Xu Mo dares to target me is simply because I'm a powerless and poor kid. That's just the truth. Besides, I didn't come out on the losing end in this matter, so let's just leave it at that!"

Zhang Lei stared deeply at Ji Feng, shaking his head as he said, "Feng-zi, you're my brother. Even if you were utterly useless, I couldn't stand by and watch you get bullied without doing anything. Leave this to me. If I can't handle something as simple as this, I'll have no face to show you!"

A warm current flowed through Ji Feng's heart. He gave Zhang Lei's shoulder a firm pat and chuckled lightly, "Lei-zi, I appreciate your intentions. But for now, let's just leave this matter alone."

"Why should we let it go?" Zhang Lei asked angrily.

"Because I have family," Ji Feng replied calmly. "If it were just me, I'd fight Xu Mo to the bitter end, even if it cost me my life. But what if Xu Mo decides to harm my mother? What then?"

Zhang Lei froze, opening his mouth but finding himself at a loss for words.

Ji Feng shook his head with a smile, saying, "We're both young, and my temper isn't any smaller than yours. But I can't afford to ignore the consequences!"

"Feng-zi, you're more mature than me," Zhang Lei sighed deeply after a long pause. "I act too impulsively and didn't consider your situation. Brother, I'm sorry."

Ji Feng shook his head and smiled, "Since we're brothers, there's no need for apologies. As long as I'm careful, there shouldn't be any problems. Once I get into university, I'll take my mother with me. By then, even if Xu Mo wants to do something to me, there'll be nothing to fear!"

"Fine, I'll let it go," Zhang Lei sighed softly, though he still seemed unwilling. "But no way are we letting this slide without saying anything. Feng-zi, even if we don't touch Xu Mo, we have to make him understand that not everyone can be pushed around by him. Come with me!"

With that, without waiting for Ji Feng to respond, Zhang Lei grabbed him and pulled him forward.

Ji Feng couldn't help but laugh awkwardly as he freed himself from Zhang Lei's grip, saying, "Alright, Lei-zi, I can walk on my own!"

Zhang Lei huffed angrily, "Seeing my brother suffer like this makes me feel terrible!"

As they spoke, the two arrived beside Xu Mo's seat in the front row. Zhang Lei slapped Xu Mo heavily on the shoulder, and seeing the startled look on Xu Mo's face, Zhang Lei sneered coldly, "Come with me. I have something to say to you!"

Xu Mo noticed Ji Feng standing nearby and immediately understood what was happening. His heart skipped a beat, realizing that today's situation wouldn't end well.

However, Xu Mo's face betrayed no hint of unease as he smiled, "Sure thing!"

Zhang Lei snorted coldly, and together with Ji Feng, they walked side by side out of the classroom. Xu Mo followed behind, his face dark and sullen, his eyes flickering with unknown thoughts.

Tong Lei, who had been packing her bag, saw the three figures leave and couldn't help but furrow her delicate brows. Her captivating eyes revealed a thoughtful expression.

By now, it was dismissal time, and most students had already left the school, leaving the campus quiet and peaceful.

Outside, Zhang Lei glared at Xu Mo with a chilling expression, his eyes revealing a ferocious intent.

Xu Mo's heart leapt in fear, and he stammered nervously, "Zhang Lei, w-what are you planning to do? I'm warning you, don't do anything reckless!"

"What am I planning to do?!" Zhang Lei bared his teeth in a cold smile, "Since you dared to mess with my brother, why shouldn't I mess with you?"

So it really was about this matter!

Xu Mo inwardly cursed his bad luck and hurriedly said, "Zhang Lei, I have no idea what you're talking about. There must be some misunderstanding here."

Ji Feng sneered coldly from the side. If there was any misunderstanding, it was Xu Mo's mistaken belief about the relationship between Ji Feng and Tong Lei. As for other misunderstandings, there absolutely weren't any!

"Misunderstanding?" Ji Feng's eyes narrowed as he recalled the events of last night. If it hadn't been for his quick thinking and encountering Captain Yan, who was at odds with Xu Fu, he would likely have spent the night in a detention cell, possibly even losing his chance to attend school altogether.

Thinking about this, an uncontrollable surge of anger erupted within Ji Feng, and a chilling light flashed in his eyes.

"Uh, Ji Feng, this is all just a big misunderstanding. I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way!" Xu Mo said, his heart pounding as he looked at Ji Feng and Zhang Lei's expressions. Even if they decided to beat him up right here, he'd have no choice but to endure it.

Others might not know who Zhang Lei really was, but Xu Mo was fully aware. This guy, who looked like a small-time thug, was actually the son of County Party Secretary Tong Kaide—the true "prince" of Mangshi County!

Even if Xu Fu, Xu Mo's father, were to intervene, he'd only blame Xu Mo and wouldn't dare say anything else.

A wise man knows when to swallow his pride, and Xu Mo understood this principle.

"Bullshit!" Zhang Lei suddenly roared, "Xu Mo, how dare you call this a misunderstanding? Others might not know about your dirty tricks, but I know everything! I'm giving you a serious warning today: for the next year, if anything happens to my brother Ji Feng—even if he slips on a banana peel—I'll assume it was you who threw it! Remember this: if even a single hair on my brother's head is harmed, you're dead. I mean every word!"

"Brother Lei, what are you saying? How could I ever provoke your brother? This must be a misunderstanding!" Xu Mo said with a forced smile. He had originally planned to deal with Ji Feng after things settled down, but now it seemed impossible.

Though Xu Mo wasn't familiar with Zhang Lei's personality, Zhang Lei's status as the "prince" of Mangshi County was undeniable. Xu Mo could only decide to temporarily avoid provoking Ji Feng.

"Damn it! Enjoy your temporary victory. Once I win over Tong Lei, I'll deal with you and your family!" Xu Mo thought darkly, though his lips curved into a smile as he said, "Brother Lei, rest assured. Ji Feng and I never had any real issues. From now on, we'll be like buddies!"

"That's the best outcome," Zhang Lei snorted coldly.

Xu Mo forced a smile, "Brother Lei, Ji Feng, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. See you tomorrow!"

Watching Xu Mo's retreating figure, Ji Feng sneered silently, saying nothing. Though he didn't know why Xu Mo feared Zhang Lei so much, it was definitely tied to Zhang Lei's identity. Such a conversation was beyond Ji Feng's ability to intervene.

At this moment, Ji Feng felt a burning desire to grow stronger, to become someone powerful and influential. Only then would he have a voice, only then would he no longer be bullied.