The Hidden Evil: Villainous Cultivator

She didn't let him off the hook, though. "What are you gonna do when Linger grows up and remembers that you're her hero? You gonna keep brushing it off?" She gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. "I swear, you're like one of those characters in books who's too cool to admit they're soft on the inside."

Ye Feng felt his cheeks warm at the way she looked at him, so full of admiration and affection. He didn't know how to respond to that. His usual response would be to brush it off, pretend like it didn't matter. 

"I didn't do it for attention," he said, regaining his plain tone and added "I don't need anyone's thanks."

Her smile softened, her voice quieter now. "I know you didn't do it for thanks. But it's still something... you know? Not everyone would have reacted the way you did. You're not as cold as you like to think."

Ye Feng turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze. He could see the sincerity in her eyes, and it threw him off balance for a moment. He wasn't used to people seeing him in this way. Not like this. He opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off with a dramatic sigh.

"Well, whatever. You are a hero. And I'm totally telling everyone that you saved my cousin ." She gave him a little wink while saying this.

Ye Feng just stared at her for a second, then grunted, turning back toward the cafeteria. "Whatever."

She just laughed, falling into step beside him. she smiled brightly, knowing full well that, despite his resistance, she'd gotten under his skin. 

Ye Feng, though still lost in his own thoughts, found himself walking alongside Bai Shuang. She had been unusually chatty today, much to his dismay, constantly pestering him about what had happened yesterday. She was, as always, persistent—and cheerful . It wasn't exactly making him feel better about the whole situation, but at least it distracted him from the awkwardness gnawing at him.

As they reached the cafeteria doors, Ye Feng noticed a group of boys clustered by a table near the entrance. Among them was Su Meng, a guy he saw didn't knew .

Su Meng was someone who came from a rich family from Beijing his family had many businesses all over the country. He specifically came to Qingshan High School as he wanted to form a relationship with Bai Shuang . He also took admission this year only and was in 12th grade now, he only had one year before college entrance exam to make his move, he tried to tal with her 3-4 times but she always maintained her distance and only replied casually , his friends also knew about him ,that he was going after Bai Shuang .

He was also in basketball team , he had good build and was 5'5" tall , his face was also good looking. With all these qualities he was sure that he will be able to get into her relationship with her. 

His eyes locked onto Bai Shuang's , and then onto Ye Feng. Ye Feng didn't know it yet, but Su Meng had heard the rumors circulating, whispers about the way he had saved Bai Ling the day before. The fact that he'd grabbed a kid out of harm's way had somehow become the talk of the school. The story had spread fast. Now seeing Ye Feng with Bai Shuang his anger and jealousy rose up.

"Hey, look who it is," he muttered to his friends, narrowing his eyes on Ye Feng and Bai Shuang "

One of his friends laughed. "Yeah, I heard about him. The kid who saved a girl. Guess he's some kind of hero now."

There was something about the way the others were praising Ye feng that got under his skin. Su Meng had always thought of himself as the guy who got attention, and seeing someone else—especially someone like Ye Feng taking the spotlight didn't sit right with him.

Without thinking, he stood up, pushing past his friends toward the cafeteria doors. His fists were clenched by his sides, his jaw tight. As soon as he stepped inside and saw Ye Feng and Bai Shuang approaching a table near the far corner, he walked straight toward them.

Ye Feng didn't notice Su Meng at first, as he was still in the middle of a conversation with Bai Shuang, who was continuing her teasing about the whole "hero" thing. But Su Meng wasn't about to let that slide. He was angry, his voice rising as he finally spoke up.

"Hey, Ye Feng!" Ryan's tone was loud and challenging.

Ye Feng looked up, a little confused by the sudden attention. "What?"

Su Meng's gaze flickered to Bai Shuang, then back to Ye Feng. "What's this, huh? You think you're some big hero now?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Pulling some kid out of the street acting like you're better than everyone?"

Bai Shuang, sensing the tension, immediately stepped in. "Su Meng, what's your problem?"

Su Meng's eyes shot back to her, and his frustration only grew. "My problem? My problem is that you're walking around with him like he's some kind of god or something".

Ye Feng felt a surge of irritation. He wasn't the type to let someone talk down to him, and Ryan's words felt like an unnecessary jab. He stood up straighter, meeting Ryan's glare head-on. "I don't need your approval," he said, his voice low and steady.

But Su Meng wasn't about to back down. He stepped closer, his fists tightening, clearly looking for a confrontation. "Oh, so now you're acting tough, huh? Think you're a hero, but you're just a kid playing at something bigger than you are."

Bai Shuang, now clearly uncomfortable, stepped in between them. "Su Meng, this is stupid. Just leave him alone!"

But he wasn't listening. His words were getting faster, sharper, filled with a mix of jealousy and something else Ye Feng couldn't quite place. "Stay out of it, Shuang. This is between me and him."

Ye Feng wasn't having it anymore. He pushed past Lily gently, his jaw set in a hard line. "I think you should stop now , i am in no mood to bicker with you"

Su Meng's eyes flashed with anger. "I've been waiting for you to say that."

In an instant, he swung at Ye Feng, throwing a punch aimed at his face. But Ye Feng was quicker. He dodged to the side, sidestepping the wild blow, his movements fluid and practiced. Su Meng's momentum carried him off balance, and before he could recover, Ye Feng shoved him hard in the chest.

Su Meng stumbled back, surprised by the strength behind the push. But his anger made him reckless. He lunged again, throwing another punch. Ye Feng ducked under it, grabbing Su Meng's arm and twisting it behind his back with a quick, smooth motion that left him wincing in pain.

Bai Shuang gasped, her eyes wide as she watched the whole thing unfold. Su Meng grunted, struggling against Ye Feng, but he kept him pinned, his arm pressing against his back. It was clear who was in control of the situation.

"You're done," Ye Feng said, his voice low and calm. "Think before you act next time."

Su Meng gritted his teeth, clearly humiliated. He tried to pull away, but Ye Feng held firm, making sure to keep him in check until he finally gave up, his anger deflating into frustration.

"Whatever," he spat, pulling away from Ye Feng's grip and storming off toward the door. His friends followed, whispering amongst themselves, but none of them dared to get involved.