***
Ji Feng clapped Zhang Lei on the shoulder, forcing a casual smile. "It's fine, Leizi. Xu Mo only targeted me because I'm a nobody with no power. That's just how it is. Besides, I didn't get hurt, so let's drop it."
Zhang Lei stared at him, shaking his head. "Crazy, you're my brother. Even if you're down, I can't stand by and watch you get bullied. Leave this to me. If I can't handle it, I don't deserve to call you my brother!"
Warmth spread through Ji Feng's chest. He patted Zhang Lei's shoulder firmly. "I appreciate it, Leizi, but let's leave it for now."
"Why?" Zhang Lei snapped, his voice sharp with frustration.
"Because I've got my mom to think about," Ji Feng said calmly. "If it was just me, I'd fight Xu Mo to the end, even if it cost me everything. But if he goes after my mom, what then?"
Zhang Lei froze, his mouth opening but no words coming out.
Ji Feng gave a faint smile. "We're young, and I'm just as hot-headed as you. But I can't ignore the consequences."
After a long pause, Zhang Lei sighed. "Crazy, you're more mature than me. I was too impulsive, not thinking about your situation. I'm sorry, brother."
Ji Feng shook his head, grinning. "No need for that between brothers. If I stay careful, there won't be trouble. Once I get into university and take my mom with me, Xu Mo can try whatever he wants—I won't be scared."
"Fair enough," Zhang Lei said, though his tone carried reluctance. "But we can't just stay quiet. Even if we don't touch Xu Mo, he needs to know not everyone's his punching bag. Come on!"
Before Ji Feng could protest, Zhang Lei grabbed his arm and dragged him toward Xu Mo's seat in the front row. Ji Feng pulled free, half-laughing, half-exasperated. "Alright, Leizi, I can walk myself!"
Zhang Lei grumbled, "It pisses me off seeing my brother take this crap."
They reached Xu Mo, and Zhang Lei slapped his shoulder hard. Xu Mo jumped, startled, as Zhang Lei sneered, "Come outside. We need to talk."
Xu Mo glanced at Ji Feng, realization dawning. His heart sank, knowing this wouldn't end well. Still, he plastered on a smile. "Sure thing."
Zhang Lei snorted, striding out of the classroom with Ji Feng beside him. Xu Mo trailed behind, his face dark, eyes flickering with hidden thoughts.
Tong Lei, packing her bag, noticed the trio leaving. Her brow furrowed, a thoughtful glint in her captivating eyes.
---
School was over, and the campus was quiet, most students already gone. Zhang Lei stopped, glaring at Xu Mo with a predatory edge.
Xu Mo's heart raced. "Zhang Lei, what's this about? Don't do anything rash!"
"Rash?" Zhang Lei smirked coldly. "You mess with my brother, but I can't mess with you?"
Xu Mo groaned inwardly, scrambling. "Zhang Lei, you've got it wrong. It's a misunderstanding."
Ji Feng watched, a cold smile on his lips. *Misunderstanding? The only misunderstanding is you thinking I'm close to Tong Lei.* Last night, if he hadn't thought fast and met Captain Yan, who clashed with Xu Fu, he'd likely be in a cell right now, not standing here.
Anger surged in Ji Feng, his eyes glinting with ice.
"Ji Feng, really, it's a misunderstanding," Xu Mo said, his voice shaky as he saw their expressions. "I don't even know what you're talking about. If there's nothing else, I'll head out."
He wanted to bolt. He knew Zhang Lei's true identity—the son of County Secretary Tong Kaide, the real prince of Mangshi County. If Zhang Lei beat him, even Xu Mo's father, Xu Fu, would only blame him, not retaliate.
A smart man avoids a losing fight, and Xu Mo knew it.
"Bullshit!" Zhang Lei roared. "You still call it a misunderstanding? I know your dirty tricks, Xu Mo. Listen up: for the next year, if anything happens to Ji Feng—even if he trips over a watermelon peel—I'll assume you put it there. If he loses a single hair, you're done. I mean it."
"Brother Lei, come on," Xu Mo said, his face twisted in a forced smile. "Why would I mess with your brother? It's a misunderstanding."
He'd planned to bide his time and deal with Ji Feng later, but Zhang Lei's status made that impossible for now. Xu Mo decided to back off—temporarily.
"Damn it," Xu Mo thought bitterly. *"I'll let you strut for now. Once I win Tong Lei, I'll crush you and your family."*
Out loud, he said, "Brother Lei, don't worry. Ji Feng and I have no beef. We'll be like brothers from now on."
"That's what I like to hear," Zhang Lei said, his voice icy.
Xu Mo forced a laugh. "Alright, Brother Lei, Ji Feng, I'll head out. See you tomorrow!"
As Xu Mo walked away, Ji Feng sneered silently. He didn't know why Xu Mo feared Zhang Lei, but it had to be tied to Zhang Lei's background. Ji Feng stayed quiet, knowing he had no place in that exchange.
A fierce desire burned in him—to grow stronger, to become someone with real power. Only then could he speak for himself and never be trampled again.
---