The campus was quieter than usual that afternoon. The golden sunlight filtered through the large library windows, illuminating the aisles of books like rivers of warmth.
Su Wanqing sat at a corner table, a stack of art history books beside her. She had deliberately chosen the spot far from prying eyes, yet her mind was elsewhere. Ever since the exhibition, she could not stop thinking about Lin Feng.
The boy who had saved her — twice — without flattery, without arrogance.
Her fingers traced the edge of a page, but she barely read a word.
Why does he remain so calm… so untouchable…
---
Meanwhile, Lin Feng entered the library from the opposite side. His footsteps were soft, measured. He carried no sign of yesterday's battle at the art exhibition, only the quiet confidence of someone who had survived chaos and emerged stronger.
The System whispered faintly:
> [Target Detected: Su Wanqing. Proximity: 50 meters. Favorability Mission Active.]
Lin Feng's lips curved. Seems she's curious. Good.
He noticed her immediately — silver gown replaced by her casual university attire, but the aura remained. She was still the ice goddess of Huaxia University: calm, composed, but now… there was a flicker of something softer in her eyes.
---
As Lin Feng approached, Su Wanqing subtly shifted in her seat. She didn't rise. She didn't smile. Pride held her back.
Yet when he reached the table, she met his eyes.
"You…" she said softly, but it wasn't a greeting. It was a question.
Lin Feng tilted his head slightly. "You've been busy?"
Her lips pressed into a faint line. "Observing. Art history… and certain… peculiar incidents."
Lin Feng's brow quirked. "Peculiar incidents?"
Her gaze narrowed just slightly. "…You know."
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, though he said nothing. Instead, he sat opposite her, careful to respect her space.
> [Favorability Progress: +5% – subtle interactions increase bond]
The library was silent except for the soft turning of pages. Su Wanqing studied him quietly, curious about this ordinary-looking boy who had accomplished the impossible.
He's not just lucky… he's precise. Calm. Strong, yet restrained.
---
Their conversation unfolded in fragments. She asked about the exhibition — never mentioning the danger directly, but carefully probing.
"Those paintings… quite valuable, aren't they?" she asked, her tone neutral, hiding the underlying question.
"Yes. And yet the chaos of a careless person can ruin them in a second," Lin Feng replied evenly, eyes meeting hers. "People tend to focus on appearances, but real danger is subtle."
She blinked, impressed despite herself. He notices everything… even the invisible threads of danger.
The words hinted at gratitude — no praise, no acknowledgment — just observation, calm and honest.
> [Favorability Progress: +10% – first meaningful private interaction]
---
Elsewhere, across campus, Chen Hao's rage was boiling.
"Lin Feng… after humiliating me at the banquet, ruining my reputation at the exhibition… I won't forgive him!" he snarled, pacing the corridor outside the student council hall.
His cronies followed nervously. "Shao… what will you do now?"
Chen Hao's eyes glinted dangerously. "If he wants to play with Su Wanqing, he'll pay. I've already contacted someone… an old family ally. Martial training, discreet… enough to make him regret ever saving her."
> Hint of hidden threat: Chen Hao isn't just rich; he has connections to the hidden martial world.
---
Back in the library, Su Wanqing finally looked away from Lin Feng, her curiosity growing. She didn't know why, but her thoughts kept returning to him — to the calm, quiet confidence he carried even in the face of chaos.
Lin Feng noticed the subtle signs — the lingering glance, the slight tightening of her hands around the book. He didn't speak, simply let the moment exist.
> System Notification:
[Target Reaction Detected: Curiosity + Subtle Trust. Favorability increased by 10%.]
Lin Feng quietly stood. "I should leave. You have your studies."
Su Wanqing's eyes followed him, a flicker of longing barely visible. She didn't speak, but she didn't look away either.
> End Interaction: Progress saved.
As Lin Feng exited the library, the sun dipped lower, shadows stretching across the campus. He sensed the calm before the next storm. Chen Hao would not rest. And the System's earlier warning about danger to Su Wanqing lingered in his mind.
> [Warning: Target Danger Imminent – Prepare for next encounter.]
Lin Feng's expression hardened. Chen Hao… whatever you plan, I'll be ready. And Su Wanqing… I won't let anything happen to you.
High above, on the library balcony, Su Wanqing leaned lightly against the railing, watching Lin Feng's retreating figure. Pride still kept her from approaching, but the curiosity in her eyes burned quietly.
Lin Feng… who are you, really?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a shadow passing behind Chen Hao in the distance — a hint that the next challenge was coming.
> Next Chapter Hook:
Lin Feng's growing reputation and cultivation powers will collide with Chen Hao's hidden martial connections.
Su Wanqing's subtle attachment deepens.
-