As they strode toward the main university building, students flowed by in bustling crowds. Lee Chen glanced at Yei Feng, curiosity clear in his eyes. "So, what major are you in?" he asked.
Yei Feng responded after a moment, "Economics. What about you?"
Lee Chen's smile widened. "That's great. I'm also an economics major. I guess we'll be seeing each other in class a lot."
"Sure, let's go together. I'm not losing anything by walking with you." Yei Feng spoke casually.
As they drifted into the main hallway, Lee Chen shifted his bag and looked over again. "By the way, I haven't seen you before. It's been ten days since the semester started—were you late?"
Yei Feng kept his voice composed. "Had some things to take care of back home. I only just arrived."
His mind drifted as they approached their classroom. Two months till the apocalypse. I need to start planning, scouting allies, and picking who's worth saving. First, I'll observe—a few people might just be worth the trouble.
As they stepped inside, heads turned their way. The room's atmosphere shifted. Some students stared openly, others whispered behind hands.
"Who's that with Lee Chen?"
"He looks new—and… damn, he's good-looking!"
A few girls eyed Yei Feng's tall, athletic build, black hair, and vivid blue eyes. He could've been in a magazine ad, but he passed by without glancing back.
Lee Chen leaned closer, smirked. "Congrats—you're the campus favorite already, and it's only your first day."
If the stares affected Lee Chen, he didn't show it. His own white hair and handsome features had gotten him attention for years. Now, side by side, they seemed almost like rivals—two standout figures in a sea of faces.
Yei Feng murmured, "It's nothing. Ignore them. What matters is what's coming up—not their opinions. Let's sit down. The teacher's about to arrive."
"How'd you know?" Lee Chen started, then caught himself. "Never mind. With you, I guess that makes sense. Let's sit—this professor doesn't tolerate late arrivals."
They settled in as the classroom fell quiet. The professor entered: an elegant woman in her early thirties, glasses perched on her nose. Her stylish suit did nothing to hide her curves. As she crossed the room with silent confidence, the students hushed, eyes fixed on her.
Yei Feng whispered, "She doesn't look that strict to me."
Lee Chen shook his head. "Trust me. Doesn't matter how she looks—her lectures can destroy you if you slack off."
Their banter faded as class began. For the first time in months, Yei Feng felt almost comfortable—having real conversation, sitting beside someone who might become an ally, maybe even a friend.
AFTER CLASS
Once the lecture ended, students filed out amid buzzing conversation. As Yei Feng and Lee Chen made their way into the corridor, Lee Chen slowed and lowered his voice.
"Feng, I need your help," he said. "I've offended a cultivator recently—and I don't want to bother my family elders over something so minor. If I did, they'd just get angry with me for wasting their time. Could you… deal with him for me?"
Yei Feng considered, sharp eyes scanning Lee Chen's earnest face. This guy knows how to pick his words. He's clever. Maybe not a bad choice for an ally after all. With a shrug, Yei Feng said, "Alright. Take me to him."
ABANDONED BUILDING, K CITY
Evening shadows lengthened around the skeletal structure of an unfinished building. On the exposed top floor, a group of ten men lounged among concrete pillars. One was tall and broad, exuding an aura of command—his presence alone warned that he was no ordinary thug.
One of the younger men checked his phone and reported, "Boss, the Lee family brat just called. He said he'll be here soon to settle things."
The boss let out a harsh laugh, looking out at the city's skyline. "Settle things? All he needs to do is cough up the money we asked for—then we're done."
A stout man in a patched jacket spoke up, worry flickering in his voice. "But boss, aren't some of the Lee family cultivators? If things go south, what then?"
The boss grinned, flashing teeth. "Relax. The Lee family's got two cultivators, mid and late Qi Refining at best. My own backer is at perfect stage Qi Refining—he controls ten cities around here. They won't dare step on my toes."
Another man, sitting cross-legged, glanced up. "What if the Lee kid brings backup? It's said he's stubborn—and rich."
The boss's eyes glinted dangerously, red flecks seeming to ripple in the gloom. "Let him come. If he tries anything smart, I'll teach him what it means to challenge me. Tonight, the Lee family will realise that money isn't all that keeps you safe."
The group waited as the evening deepened, eager to see who would walk into their trap.
As Yei Feng and Lee Chen approached the abandoned building, Yei Feng glanced sideways. Let's see what kind of loyalty Lee Chen truly has. In times of crisis, you find out who stands by you—and who runs.
With measured steps, the two entered the structure, their shadows stretching long across the concrete floor as the confrontation drew near. The line between friend, ally, and enemy would soon become clear.