Qian Dapengspoke bitterly, “I’ve always been timid by nature, scared to take action. I feel very upset about it in my heart too.”

Zhao Fengspoke in an annoyed tone, “If you can’t get into a good university, why not join the army and toughen up your courage? Otherwise, once you enter society, even if you find a girlfriend, you’ll have to start over from scratch.”

Qian Dapengnodded and said, “Thank you for your advice, Brother Feng. I understand.”

Bai Jiaxinlistened intently the entire time. She noticed thatZhao Feng’saura was extremely powerful, instantly overwhelming the entire scene. Whether it wasZhu YiqunorQian Dapeng, when faced withZhao Feng, they had no choice but to kneel and respectfully call him “Brother Feng.” This interaction created a strange and uneasy dynamic that was quite unexpected.

In particular...

Zhao Feng’seyes carried a cruel glint, his entire presence radiating a sense of menace, as though he was born for great endeavors.

TheZhao Fengnow was vastly different from the honest, timid person he had been before. These two completely opposite personalities had merged seamlessly, forming an incredibly magnetic and imposing figure.

Bai Jiaxingrew increasingly curious—who wasZhao Feng, really? How could his personality be so variable? It appeared that the formerly timid, obedientZhao Laoshimight have simply been a disguise he used to deceive others.

Zhao Fengsaid, “You still aren’t giving up your seat? Bai, you’ve been standing for so long without the foresight.”

Qian Dapengcame back to his senses, quickly standing up, a playful grin on his face as he said, “Bai, please take a seat.”

Bai Jiaxinhesitated to accept, considering her refined upbringing and her values of helping the elderly or weak. However,Zhao Fengdidn’t care about this at all. He pulledBai Jiaxinto sit, gripping the armrest on both sides of the seat, and said with curiosity, “Scared, huh? If you encounter bad people in the future, just shout for help at the top of your lungs or dial the numberYao Yao Zerowith your phone, and you won’t be at a disadvantage.”

Bai Jiaxintook out herSamsung flip phone, its pink exterior gleaming. The phone was a new model, priced at over eight thousand—a luxurious item akin to the latest iPhone models in later years.

In 2003, when the average laborer earned just three to four hundred yuan a month, an eight-thousand-yuan phone would take almost two years’ savings without eating or drinking. This revealed how affluentBai Jiaxin’sfamily was.

“What’s your number?”Bai Jiaxinasked curiously.

“I don’t have a phone. Quickly put that away. It could attract thieves,”Zhao Fengsaid in a low voice.

“Hmm, you’re so impressive. Zhu Yiqun and Qian Dapeng were scared stiff, and you’re this brave despite your size. Who gave you the courage?”Bai Jiaxinasked, retracting her phone.

“Liang Jing...ru,”Zhao Fengstarted but hesitated mid-sentence. He quickly corrected himself and said irritably, “Wait, what... who says I’m short? My height is 1.75 meters and my weight is sixty kilograms—standard height and weight for boys.”

“Your height is about the same as mine. You’re claiming you’re not short? Not as tall as a girl,”Bai Jiaxinmocked.

Screech!

The two-way bus suddenly braked, pulling to a stop at the station. The driver shouted loudly, “Second Middle School has reached the stop. Students, get off the bus quickly. Don’t waste time.”

Students began getting off the bus, entering the spaciousSecond Middle School campusto head toward their respective exam locations.

Zhao FengandBai Jiaxinshared the same examination hall, walking and chatting with laughter until they found their assigned seats.

The examination bell rang. They had math and language in the morning and English and comprehensive exams in the afternoon.

Two invigilators entered the examination hall, distributing question papers and answer sheets. The bell rang again, signaling the official start of the exams.

Zhao Fengwrote quickly, his movements like wind as he tackled the math problems. They were no challenge for him. After filling in the answer sheet and giving it a quick check, he finished and handed it in within the first hour.

The invigilators exchanged glances, collectingZhao Feng’sanswer sheet and continuing their duties.

Bai Jiaxinlooked up slightly, her expression tinged with disappointment. She wasn’t yet done with her major questions, whileZhao Fenghad already handed in his exam. This was an important test across the city, determining who might have the opportunity to gain entry to prestigious universities.

Zhao Fengleisurely walked out of the school, heading toward the nearby bun shop at the school’s entrance. His stomach had been empty all morning from skipping breakfast in his hurry to catch the bus. Sitting down and eating beef buns with porridge and tea eggs brought much-needed comfort to his empty belly.

He would finish the other three exams just as easily, always being the first to finish and leave without regard for the strange glances from invigilators and other students. He was arrogant, careless even.

As the sunset turned the sky golden and the day gave way to evening,Zhao Fengpaused at the school gate, recalling thatBai Jiaxinhad a hard time navigating the bus home. He lit a cigarette and stood there, waiting as students continued pouring out of the gates.

The school bell rang again as the comprehensive exam concluded.Bai Jiaxinemerged from the crowd, the last to leave the school grounds.

“Bai, finally out?”Zhao Fenggreeted, waving.

“You’re still here waiting for me?” she asked curiously.

“Well, I’m a good person. If I don’t send you home, I wouldn’t feel at ease. Insomnia is a terrible thing,”Zhao Fengsaid.

“Don’t give me that. You’re not a good person. You finish your exams early every time—you must think you’re invincible, huh?”Bai Jiaxinretorted.

“The test was too easy. I double-checked everything and just wanted to get some fresh air,”Zhao Fengbragged.

“You’re just a little bull in a rocket—dream on, you’ll never fly that high,”Bai Jiaxinmocked.

“I’m not boasting. I really did finish the test,”Zhao Fengsaid helplessly.

They had a conversation as the bus arrived.Zhao Fengoffered to give her a ride, and they got into a nearby taxi together.

“Take me home first, my place isWan Hao Mansion,”Bai Jiaxinsaid.

“Driver, firstWan Hao Mansion, then the western suburbs. How much is it?”Zhao Fengasked.

“Ten yuan,” the driver replied casually.

“How about eight?”Zhao Fengbargained.

“Young man, people who live inWan Hao Mansionare millionaires. You’re two yuan short,” the driver teased.

“I live in the suburbs, not a millionaire. Five mao would be enough,”Zhao Fengsaid, handing the driver a cigarette to sweeten the deal.

The driver grumbled and agreed as they drove off.Bai Jiaxin, looking out the window, began to smile slyly. She thought to herself thatZhao Fengwas becoming more interesting with each encounter, with his bargaining antics showing her a side of him that was both amusing and charming.

WhiteJiaxin'ssmile deepened as she leaned back in her seat, her thoughts swirling. She had grown up in a life of luxury, her parents doting on her every wish, and her world was a playground of material wealth. Yet, here wasZhao Feng, a boy from a much simpler background.

[--------------------------------------------]

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com