****
"Leizi, thanks a lot!" Ji Feng said, clapping Zhang Lei on the shoulder with a grateful smile.
Zhang Lei shook his head. "Madman, you're getting all polite on me? That's not like you!"
Ji Feng chuckled, shaking his head. "You jerk. Alright, it's getting late. I'm heading home."
"Ji Feng!"
A clear, melodious voice cut through the air, as soothing as a gentle breeze. It belonged to none other than Tong Lei, the school beauty of No. 2 Middle School.
Zhang Lei's face shifted instantly. "Uh, I just remembered—I've got something to do. Gotta run!" Before Ji Feng or Tong Lei could react, he bolted like he was escaping a fire, leaving Ji Feng dumbfounded.
"This guy…" Tong Lei muttered, half-amused, half-exasperated, as she watched Zhang Lei disappear. She turned to Ji Feng. "What were you and Xu Mo talking about just now?"
"Nothing much, just a quick chat," Ji Feng said with a faint smile. He didn't want Tong Lei to know the details. His pride, already battered, couldn't handle her stepping in to fight his battles. Zhang Lei's help came from brotherhood, but having Tong Lei confront Xu Mo would sting too much.
"Really?" Tong Lei's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "I know my brother's temper. Zhang Lei wouldn't drag Xu Mo out for no reason. Did Xu Mo mess with you?"
Ji Feng barely registered her words, his mind snagging on one detail. "Wait, squad leader, did you just say Zhang Lei's… your brother?!"
Tong Lei's expression faltered. "Ji Feng, don't get the wrong idea, I just—"
"He's your brother, isn't he?" Ji Feng cut in, grinning. "No wonder Xu Mo's scared of Leizi. That guy's been hiding this from me!"
Tong Lei rushed to explain. "Ji Feng, don't be mad. He didn't mean to trick you!"
"Why would I be mad?" Ji Feng laughed. "I'm thrilled! The prince of Mangshi County is my brother? That's awesome!"
"Prince?" Tong Lei pouted, then giggled. "He's just a lazy bum. You're really not upset?"
"Everyone's got their secrets," Ji Feng said matter-of-factly. "Some you share, some you don't. I've got things I keep to myself too. It's normal."
"You're so level-headed," Tong Lei said, admiration in her eyes.
Ji Feng grinned. "Not really. I've just been through enough to see things clearly."
Tong Lei studied his carefree smile, catching a fleeting glimpse of something weathered in his eyes. *How does a high schooler carry that kind of weight?* she wondered, puzzled.
"Squad leader, anything else?" Ji Feng asked, oblivious to her scrutiny.
She shook her head, her bright eyes sparkling with a smile that left Ji Feng momentarily dazed.
---
It wasn't until he left the campus that Ji Feng's racing heart calmed. But Tong Lei's radiant smile lingered in his mind, stirring his pulse again.
"Ji Feng, get a grip," he muttered to himself. "Your job is to grow strong and stand on your own. Tong Lei's from a different world. Let it go."
Yet, her image—especially the glimpse of her flawless figure he'd seen through the intelligent system that morning—clung to him, impossible to shake.
He wandered aimlessly, lost in thought, when something soft collided with him. A startled cry followed. "Ah!"
"Who's there?!" Ji Feng jumped back, instantly wary, his mind flashing to Xu Mo's hired thugs.
It was too dark to see clearly, with no streetlights nearby. He retreated a few steps, eyes narrowed.
"Ouch! That hurts!" A soft, feminine voice groaned.
*A woman?* Ji Feng stepped forward cautiously, spotting a figure struggling on the ground. "Are you okay?" he asked hesitantly.
The figure's voice trembled. "Who… who are you?"
Ji Feng scratched his head, embarrassed. "I'm Ji Feng, a student. I wasn't paying attention and bumped into you. Sorry! You alright?"
"My ankle hurts. I can't stand," the voice said, softening with relief at hearing he was a student. "Can you help me up?"
"Of course, my fault!" Ji Feng nodded, stepping closer in the dim light to help her up.
The girl gasped in pain as she stood. Ji Feng frowned. "We should get you to a hospital. That sounds serious."
"No, it's just a sprain. I'll be fine after resting," she said quickly. "Can you help me to No. 2 Middle School? It's nearby."
"You're from No. 2 Middle School? I'm so sorry—I'll get you there," Ji Feng said, supporting her as they started walking.
As he held her arm, a delicate fragrance wafted from her, light and intoxicating. Her soft voice and scent stirred something in Ji Feng, making his heart race.
He shook his head, pushing away the distracting thoughts, and focused on guiding her toward the school.
At the school gate, under the glow of a streetlamp, Ji Feng finally saw her clearly.
*Stunning.*
She was in her twenties, tall and slender, with eyes that sparkled like moonlight. Her white dress hugged her figure, revealing smooth, flawless arms and a graceful neck that seemed carved from ivory. A mature charm radiated from her, captivating and almost overwhelming.
---