Chapter 001: I'm Used to Being Awesome

Feeling something strike his head, Lin Feng knew it was Thunder Tiger's Finger Flick Divine Skill again.

Thunder Tiger was Lin Feng's math teacher and homeroom teacher, whose real name was Lei Xinghui. His teaching style was strict, and students privately called him Thunder Tiger. Like most teachers, he had mastered the ultimate technique of the Finger Flick Divine Skill. Although Lin Feng sat in the last row of the classroom, Lei Xinghui could pinch a piece of chalk and flick it with casual precision to hit Lin Feng dead-on—clearly his cultivation was quite deep.

Having been hit by the Finger Flick Divine Skill countless times, Lin Feng had long since become immune. Without even lifting his head, he just shifted his butt, changed position, and continued lying on his desk visiting Morpheus.

"Heh heh!" Thunder Tiger laughed twice. Though it was a cold laugh, it also revealed a hint of self-satisfaction, clearly quite pleased with his Finger Flick Divine Skill. "Certain students maintain the same sleeping position from the start of class until dismissal, not moving even once. And when you call them out, they remain oblivious. Truly pathetic..."

Lin Feng was a poor student.

And as a poor student, he naturally dragged down the entire class's average score. In the second-year final exam, Lin Feng scored just over forty points on the 150-point math paper. The class's math average fell to second place in the grade by a margin of just a few hundredths of a point, which made Thunder Tiger—who greatly valued his teaching reputation—absolutely furious.

In Thunder Tiger's heart, Lin Feng was a black sheep. Not expelling Lin Feng from school was already an act of extraordinary mercy.

A qualified poor student must be able to withstand storms of criticism. Lin Feng knew Thunder Tiger was talking about him, but he decisively ignored the cold mockery.

***

Hearing the dismissal bell ring, Lin Feng stretched lazily and stood up. Out of habit, he turned around, but didn't see Tian Mengqian's figure.

Without thinking much of it, Lin Feng casually walked out of the classroom.

However, at the entrance to the playground, Lin Feng spotted Tian Mengqian.

Tian Mengqian was a year younger than Lin Feng. They lived in the same courtyard, making them neighbors and childhood friends. Starting from kindergarten, they had always attended the same school and went to and from school together. However, though they attended the same school and were taught by the same teachers, their academic performance was worlds apart. Lin Feng was constantly scolded while Tian Mengqian frequently received praise.

Moreover, the little girl who used to follow Lin Feng around playing in the mud had now blossomed like a willow in spring, growing slender and beautiful. She was considered a top-tier beauty at school. Although Tian Mengqian focused all her attention on studying, many boys still hoped to win her heart.

Right now, a chubby student with dyed yellow hair was blocking Tian Mengqian's path.

"I told you, I'm still in school and don't want a boyfriend." Tian Mengqian's tone carried a hint of pleading, as if she was somewhat wary of the chubby male student.

"Heh, anyway, I've made myself very clear. Think it over yourself!"

Tian Mengqian looked troubled. After hesitating, she said, "The college entrance exam is coming up soon. I don't want to affect my studies. Can we talk about this after the exam?"

Seeing that Tian Mengqian was no longer firmly rejecting him, a hint of joy appeared on the chubby student's face. "You can be my girlfriend first. I promise I won't affect your studies."

Hearing the conversation between Tian Mengqian and the chubby guy, Lin Feng frowned slightly. No wonder Tian Mengqian had left alone today—she knew about this and was worried he would get into a fierce conflict with the fatty.

"Qianqian." Lin Feng walked over and grabbed Tian Mengqian's arm. "Come on, ignore him."

Tian Mengqian hesitated, then lowered her head and followed behind Lin Feng.

"What did you call her?"

The chubby student blocked Lin Feng and Tian Mengqian's path. In his mind, Tian Mengqian was his girlfriend-to-be. Seeing Lin Feng actually call her Qianqian and grab her arm—and more importantly, seeing that Tian Mengqian didn't refuse—he couldn't help but burn with rage and fury.

"Qianqian, what's wrong?" Lin Feng casually glanced at the fatty in front of him.

"Fuck. You're pretty damn cocky, aren't you!" Though standing opposite Lin Feng, the fatty still glared at him with eyes full of hostility.

"I'm used to being awesome. So what?" Lin Feng looked at Zhang Kaiwei without backing down. The other guy looked like trouble, but Lin Feng wasn't exactly a saint either.

"Fuck!"

This chubby student had been pampered since childhood and had poor psychological resilience. Earlier, when he saw Lin Feng call Tian Mengqian by her nickname and grab her arm, his emotions were already extremely agitated. Now, seeing that Lin Feng didn't seem to take him seriously at all, he felt unbearably furious. After cursing, he swung his fist toward Lin Feng's temple.

A trace of contempt flashed in Lin Feng's eyes.

The prerequisite for fighting was speed, precision, and ruthlessness. A chaotic punch like the fatty's—where was the killing power in that?

Lin Feng released Tian Mengqian and viciously kicked toward the other guy's abdomen.

Before the fatty's punch could land, his belly was kicked. Since Lin Feng hadn't held back with this kick, the fatty stumbled backward several steps before tripping over a rock and falling to the ground.

The fatty considered himself a big shot at school and had never imagined this day would come. The psychological humiliation exceeded the physical pain. He stood up, stared at Lin Feng with resentful eyes, and said in a low voice, "You've got guts! My name is Zhang Kaiwei. If you dare, don't come back to school!"

Hearing the other party announce his name, Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat.

Lin Feng had heard of the name Zhang Kaiwei. This guy's father seemed to be some kind of leader in the city's education bureau. He himself was a complete delinquent who usually hung around with some shady students, throwing his weight around at school and causing trouble.

Knowing the other party's identity, Lin Feng understood why Tian Mengqian was afraid—because Tian Mengqian's mother was a Chinese language teacher at an elementary school.

But no matter what, Lin Feng wouldn't regret kicking Zhang Kaiwei. He and Tian Mengqian were both only children, and their bond was deep. He had always treated Tian Mengqian like his own little sister.

Besides, Lin Feng didn't have the habit of considering consequences before doing things.

***

"Brother Xiaofeng, Zhang Kaiwei is a thug. You hit him, so he'll definitely retaliate. This is all my fault." Back at the courtyard, Tian Mengqian looked at Lin Feng with worried eyes, her tone full of self-blame.

Since Lin Feng had kicked Zhang Kaiwei today, Zhang Kaiwei definitely wouldn't let it go. Lin Feng now had only two choices: either drop out of school or prepare to receive Zhang Kaiwei's doubled retaliation.

Dropping out wasn't realistic—Lin Feng couldn't explain that to his parents.

Shrugging his shoulders, a self-mocking smile curved Lin Feng's lips. It was just a beating. As long as Zhang Kaiwei didn't go too far, he could grit his teeth and endure it.

"It's fine. I know some people outside too." Lin Feng reached out and ruffled Tian Mengqian's hair, smiling. "Go home. Just ignore that kind of person from now on."

"Mm." Tian Mengqian lowered her head slightly. Perhaps enjoying Lin Feng's protective care, a hint of a happy smile bloomed on her face. She turned and jogged upstairs.

Returning home, to prevent his parents from giving him the same old ideological lecture, Lin Feng quickly hid in his bedroom after dinner.

He pulled out a novel from under his bed, lay on the bed, and read for about an hour when he heard his family's doorbell ring. His heart filled with slight suspicion.

Though Lin Feng's family had relatives, they rarely visited. Who could it be this late?

"Ah, Teacher Lei, please come in..."

Hearing his father call the visitor Teacher Lei, an ominous premonition surged in Lin Feng's heart. He knew the uninvited guest must be his homeroom teacher, Thunder Tiger.

Proofreader & Editor: Fat Goose 🪶