**
Ji Feng spent the afternoon buried in his textbooks, his focus razor-sharp. By evening self-study, though, his mind felt foggy. Rubbing his temples, he realized, *Even with photographic memory, I can't overdo it. My brain needs breaks.*
He considered the knowledge requiring flexible application. With so much to learn, mastering it all at once was impossible. He thought about asking Zhang Lei for help but glanced at his friend's lazy sprawl and reconsidered. Zhang Lei's carefree vibe was too familiar—having him explain problems seriously would feel odd. Instead, Ji Feng decided to tackle more practice problems to hone his skills.
At 9:00 p.m., evening self-study ended. Ji Feng had memorized nearly all the new textbooks, though applying the material flexibly remained a challenge. Packing his schoolbag, he prepared to head home. The classroom was nearly empty, only a few students lingering.
"Ji Feng!"
As he stepped into the corridor, a voice called out. Turning, he saw Tong Lei, the class monitor, still there. *Why hasn't she left?* he wondered, walking over with a smile. "Monitor, what's up?"
Their recent interactions had loosened Ji Feng up. In the past, he'd never have spoken to Tong Lei so casually.
She didn't return his smile, her expression serious. "Ji Feng, be honest. Did Xu Mo confront you this morning because of me?"
Ji Feng shook his head, keeping his tone light. "Nah, he just wanted to chat. No big deal."
"You look honest, but you're a terrible liar," Tong Lei said, glaring with a hint of reproach. Her sudden, unguarded beauty left Ji Feng momentarily dazed.
"What are you staring at?" she snapped, flustered by his gaze. His clear, deep eyes sent an unexpected tremor through her, and her voice softened, almost coy, like a lover's tease.
Ji Feng coughed, averting his eyes. If Tong Lei kept looking at him like that, he wasn't sure he could stay composed. "It's really nothing," he insisted, shaking his head. Telling her the truth would likely spur her to confront Xu Mo, which might deter him. But Ji Feng didn't want that.
He refused to let a girl fight his battles. More than that, Xu Mo's sneer—"a poor boy with no power or influence"—had ignited a fire in him. One day, he'd throw those words back in Xu Mo's face.
"Tong Lei, if there's nothing else, I'm heading home," Ji Feng said, smiling as he turned to leave.
"Ji Feng!" she called, hesitating. "It's late, and I'm… a bit scared to walk home alone. Could you escort me?"
Ji Feng paused. His mother was likely waiting with dinner, and he hated making her worry. But seeing Tong Lei's expectant look, he relented. "What kind of guy lets a beauty walk alone at night? I'll take you home," he said, chuckling.
"You're such a smooth-talker," Tong Lei teased, her smile playful but her eyes sharp.
They left the school gate, chatting lightly. On the road, Tong Lei's tone grew serious. "If Xu Mo bothers you again, tell me. I don't want you getting into trouble because of me. I'm sorry if I caused this."
Ji Feng shook his head, smiling. "We're friends, right? No need for apologies."
Tong Lei giggled, her eyes lingering on his profile. "You really see me as a friend?"
"Of course," Ji Feng said earnestly. "I only had Zhang Lei before. Now I've got you too. It's great."
"I'm happy to be your friend," she replied, her smile soft.
Tong Lei's home was in the county committee's staff quarters, a short walk north of No. 2 High School. Their banter made the journey quick. At the gate, she turned to him. "Thanks for walking me home, Ji Feng. See you tomorrow!"
"See you," he nodded, smiling, then headed off.
As Tong Lei watched him go, a flicker of guilt crossed her eyes.
A figure approached—Zhang Lei. "Not bad, huh, little sis? Ji Feng's a solid guy, right?" he said, grinning. Shockingly, he and Tong Lei were siblings.
She glared at him. "What kind of brother are you, setting me up like that? If Dad knew you were playing matchmaker, you'd be in trouble."
"Hey, chill," Zhang Lei laughed. "With our family's status, we've got power and money. But finding someone who genuinely cares for you? That's rare. Those guys chasing you want your looks or our connections. I don't want you stuck in some political marriage down the line."
Tong Lei sighed. "In a family like ours, do we even get a choice?"
"You do," Zhang Lei said firmly. "With Ji Feng, you wouldn't need to worry about money. If you two hit it off, I'll handle Dad."
She shook her head. "Not now, brother. I'll think about it after college."
"Then why have Ji Feng walk you home?" Zhang Lei asked, curious.
Tong Lei's eyes hardened. "Because of Xu Mo. He threatened Ji Feng this morning, and Ji Feng didn't back down. Xu Mo's not the type to let that slide. I figured he might ambush Ji Feng tonight, so I made sure he wasn't alone."
"Xu Mo," Zhang Lei spat, his voice cold. "Strutting around because his dad's deputy county magistrate. He needs a lesson."
"Don't do anything stupid," Tong Lei warned. "Dad hates you stirring up trouble."
"I won't touch him unless he goes after Ji Feng," Zhang Lei said, smirking. "If he does… he'll regret it."
---
Unaware of the siblings' conversation, Ji Feng walked home, his mind on his studies. Suddenly, three rough-looking youths stepped into his path, blocking the dimly lit street.
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