At the entrance of the inn, Liu Yunqi stood gracefully poised. She had just arrived but, not seeing Zhong Yun, she waited right there.

She was dressed that day in a crisp, white, short-sleeved shirt that revealed a length of her translucent, porcelain-white arm, paired with a pale yellow, floor-length skirt. Her long, beautiful hair was gathered into a single sheaf with a light-blue silk tie.

The nascent morning sun spilled its rays over her, laying a delicate wash of gold across her left cheek. The entire tableau seemed like a breathtaking masterpiece.

The usual clamor at the entrance hushed as she appeared. Everyone instinctively softened their movements, tacitly agreeing not to speak, as if fearful of shattering the exquisite scene.

Yet, in this world, there are always those who spoil the mood. A coarse figure rounded a corner nearby and strode directly toward Liu Yunqi, chest puffed out, a barely concealed smirk playing on his lips.

Before he even drew near, he bellowed with a voice like a cracked gong, shattering the rare tranquility, “Yunqi, what a coincidence.” Those nearby couldn't help but frown, casting glances of distaste at the speaker. A few young men, eager to impress the beautiful woman, started to step forward, but one look at his burly frame instantly cooled their intent.

Seeing that signature buzz cut, their warm enthusiasm plummeted straight into a freezing cellar. Niu Ben was infamous around the school, the undisputed king of delinquents.

He led a gang of hangers-on, stirring up trouble everywhere; no one dared cross him. He was the type who could make even teachers’ scalps tingle.

Rumor had it that his father was the godfather of Mingzhou City, a man influential in both legitimate and underworld circles, possessing connections that reached the heavens. It was even whispered that the Mayor of Mingzhou had to show him deference.

Liu Yunqi’s brow furrowed slightly, and she replied coolly, “It’s you.” Anyone could recognize the rejection in her tone. Niu Ben, however, paid it no mind, letting out a dry chuckle—he knew exactly what he was doing—while his eyes swept toward her chest.

“Where are you off to?” “I’m waiting for someone.” This was her clear hint: I have an appointment. Please don’t bother me.

Go away if you have nothing better to do. “Waiting for someone?” Niu Ben feigned surprise, glancing around.

Those who had been sneaking glances at him immediately averted their gazes when his eyes met theirs. “Looks like you’ve been stood up.” Saying this, he moved a step closer.

Liu Yunqi shifted sideways, increasing the space between them. Without looking at him, she stated simply, “He’ll be down shortly.” “Is that so.” The silence following his reply became slightly awkward.

Niu Ben’s eyes darted, and suddenly he slapped his forehead. “Oh, right.” He asked Liu Yunqi, “Are you waiting for Zhong Yun?” Liu Yunqi nodded curtly, loath to say more.

She found Niu Ben, who constantly pestered her, intensely irritating; if not for the fact they shared the same class, she wouldn't have given him the time of day. Niu Ben declared, “I saw him here just now.

He was standing right here, but after taking a call, he hurried off. He happened to run into me, and he asked me to tell you not to wait, and that I should keep you company in his stead.” Niu Ben was fabricating wildly, and Liu Yunqi was not about to be fooled.

She looked skeptical. “Really?

I’ll call him.” How could Niu Ben let her make a call? That would expose his lie immediately.

He grabbed her arm. “No use calling, his phone is off.” Liu Yunqi felt her wrist grasped and gasped in surprise.

She struggled hard, stepping back a pace, her hand moving to her waist as she watched him warily. “What are you trying to do?” Niu Ben’s patience was wearing thin.

If his old man hadn’t repeatedly warned him against using force on this woman, he would have already acted. He feared nothing on earth, except his father.

He dared not disobey his father’s command. He spread his hands.

“I’m not doing anything. I just mean, don’t wait for that good-for-nothing.” Hearing him insult Zhong Yun, Liu Yunqi’s eyes turned cold.

“Watch your mouth.” Niu Ben drawled sarcastically, “Why are you protecting him so much? Did I say something wrong?

He is a good-for-nothing; his grades are even worse than mine. What else would you call him?” Then he tried persuasion.

“Yunqi, I’m only looking out for you. Someone of your standing, being seen with that trash—it would be such a disgrace.” Hearing him call Zhong Yun a ‘good-for-nothing’ repeatedly, Liu Yunqi’s delicate brows bristled in anger.

“Enough! I never want to see you again.

Get out of here.” At this, Niu Ben felt his pride flare. When had anyone ever spoken to him this way?

His menacing side surfaced. “Don’t be so ungrateful.” Liu Yunqi pulled out her phone and glared at him coldly.

“If you don’t leave now, I’m calling the police.” “Go ahead and call, show me what you’ve got!” Niu Ben was furious. Liu Yunqi pressed the button on her phone; it connected.

“I need to report an incident.” “Damn it…” Niu Ben hadn't expected her to actually call the police. A surge of rage shot straight to his head, overriding every warning he’d been given.

At that moment, all he wanted was to decisively discipline this woman. Watching Niu Ben lunge toward her with a savage look on his face, Liu Yunqi remained utterly unfazed.

“Ah—!” someone nearby shrieked upon witnessing the scene. Just as Niu Ben’s hand was less than half a meter from her, his massive body abruptly froze.

A strong, powerful hand gripped his shoulder, halting his momentum dead in its tracks. “First, you use your size to bully the male students in your class, and now you harass the female students.

Niu Ben, Niu Ben, you truly are regressing.” A voice that absolutely should not have been there rang out. Niu Ben’s face contorted wildly, and he cried out in disbelief, “Impossible!

How are you here?” He turned around and saw Zhong Yun’s faintly smiling face—the face that inspired his jealousy and hatred. “Why shouldn’t I be here?” Zhong Yun retorted with a wide, cheerful grin, though the cold light of a knife gleamed from his narrowed eyes.

Niu Ben was struck dumb, unable to reply. “Beat him!” Suddenly, a voice exploded from the crowd.

This single shout instantly ignited the righteous indignation of the assembly. How dare this brute lay a hand on our goddess!

“Hit him!” “Teach him a severe lesson!” “Mash him good!” Zhong Yun shook his head and said to Niu Ben, “I didn't realize your popularity was this low. We are classmates, so I shouldn’t go too far.” Niu Ben, whose back still ached faintly from being thrown down by Zhong Yun two days prior, wanted to beg for mercy but couldn't swallow his pride.

Hearing Zhong Yun say this, he eagerly nodded, just about to speak. Suddenly, his body felt weightless, and as the world spun around him, he was already airborne.

“No—!” Niu Ben let out a wretched scream. With a dull thud, the scream cut off instantly.

Niu Ben’s vision went black from the pain; he had lost consciousness. Zhong Yun hadn't held back this time; Niu Ben had been slammed down properly, ensuring he wouldn't be getting out of bed for at least ten to fifteen days.

He was genuinely angered by Niu Ben’s audacity in ordering someone to break his hand. If not for the trouble it might bring his family, he would have inflicted some internal injuries on Niu Ben.

As Niu Ben’s large body crashed heavily onto the ground, a cheer erupted. This Niu Ben was always causing trouble and acting like a tyrant; many people had suffered at his hands.

Seeing him disciplined now was truly gratifying.