Nian Xifeng strolled toward his sister’s academy with easy steps, unhurried and relaxed.

He savored the roadside scenery, cool wind brushing his face, his heart light as a feather.

Soon, he reached Tianqin Academy’s gates. Yuchi’s class would end soon—he’d wait right here.

True enough, the dismissal bell rang moments later. Students began trickling out of the campus.

Nian Xifeng walked in. Outsiders were allowed entry, though the academy wouldn’t protect them if students decided to throw punches.

He headed straight for Yuchi’s classroom, a steady smile on his lips.

Meanwhile—

The moment the teacher dismissed class, Nian Yuchi rose to leave. But at the doorway, she was blocked.

A figure stood there, one hand braced against the doorframe, eyes locked sharply on her.

Yuchi’s head throbbed. *Him again?*

This was Yutian—average looks, wealthy family, but rotten character. He’d chased every girl until meeting Yuchi. Now he claimed obsession. Who knew if it was real love or just a game?

“Hey, Yuchi!” Yutian grinned, flanked by two leering lackeys. “You refused dinner last time. How about now?”

They were all suitors, scheming to get close. Her strength kept them wary, but she had no powerful backers. One strong fighter meant little against numbers.

“No. I have plans today.” Yuchi refused without hesitation. She’d always hated his arrogance—and he was the most persistent pest.

“Plans? With *who*?” Yutian’s voice turned icy. *Who dares touch what’s mine?*

“None of your business. Move.” Yuchi tried to push past, but he blocked the door.

“Not until you name him.” He wouldn’t budge.

“...My boyfriend. Give up.” Yuchi recalled her brother’s morning words—and blushed prettily.

Seeing her flustered face, Yutian’s blood ran cold. *She’s really in love? Who stole her from me? I’ll destroy him.*

He’d already fantasized about making her his wife. Reality stung.

“Who. Is. He?” Yutian’s voice dropped, sharp with killing intent.

“None of your business.” Yuchi met his glare unflinching. She could’ve beaten them bloody—but she hated fighting. Peace was her creed.

“Fine. Hope I never cross his path. Or he’ll regret it.” Yutian’s face darkened.

Just then—

A young man approached down the hall. Short black hair, warm smile, sharp dark eyes. Nian Xifeng.

Spotting the crowd at Yuchi’s classroom, he understood instantly.

He stopped before them, gaze lingering on Yuchi inside. “Yuchi,” he called, voice layered with meaning. “Ready to go?”

At that familiar voice, Yuchi’s face lit up. She turned eagerly toward the sound.

Yutian followed her gaze. The newcomer was undeniably handsome—and his tone reeked of intimacy. *Her boyfriend?*

He sized up Nian Xifeng. *Just a pretty face. Nothing else.*

Yuchi’s blush confirmed it. Eighty, ninety percent sure.

“Who are you?” Yutian’s voice dripped warning. *Choose your next words carefully, boy.*

Nian Xifeng ignored the threat. “Ah—forgot to introduce myself. Long Aotian. Yuchi’s boyfriend. Taking her shopping today, right?” He winked playfully at her.

Yuchi just nodded, a soft “Mm!” escaping her lips before she ducked her head, face crimson. *So embarrassing! Since when could Brother act like this?*

Their intimate exchange felt like a public betrayal to Yutian. Rage surged through him.

He glared at Nian Xifeng. “You fool. Yuchi’s *my* claimed woman. Touch what’s mine, and you’ll beg for death.”

Nian Xifeng’s smile never wavered. He turned to Yuchi. “Is that true?”

She shook her head firmly, though her cheeks stayed flushed.

“See? She says no. How shameless.” Nian Xifeng’s tone turned pointed. “And *I’m* her boyfriend now. We’re off for some *just-the-two-of-us* time. Kindly step aside.” He stressed the last phrase deliberately.

“Yuchi, let’s go.” He didn’t spare Yutian another glance.

Yuchi slipped past Yutian, head down, face burning. Nian Xifeng pulled her close and walked away without hesitation.

Watching his “woman” embraced by another—and so casually dismissed—Yutian’s fury exploded. He slammed a fist into the wall. Plaster shattered, leaving a gaping hole. Onlookers gathered but stayed silent. *What’s Yutian raging about now?*

“Gather more brothers,” he snarled at a lackey. “If I don’t teach that bastard a lesson today, I’ll eat my name backward.”

He was cautious. Nian Xifeng didn’t seem strong—but better safe than sorry.

“Got it, Boss!” The lackey seethed. He’d also chased Yuchi. What if this “Long Aotian” was a scammer?

“Long... we’ll see who regrets what.” Yutian spat the threat before storming off.

...

Outside the classroom, Yuchi nestled against Nian Xifeng. “Hehe, Brother was so mean back there!”

“Mean? I just wanted them to give up faster.” He shrugged.

“They won’t quit that easily.” Yuchi knew these pests—each more stubborn than the last.

“We’ll see. If they try again...” Nian Xifeng’s voice hardened. “I won’t hesitate to erase them. I held back today as a warning. Next time?” He left the threat hanging.

“How about dinner out?” He squeezed her shoulder gently.

“Won’t it cost too much?” Yuchi worried.

“Nonsense. You’ve lost weight.” He ruffled her hair with a soft smile. “And when have I ever said ‘no money’ when treating you?” His confidence was warm, familiar.

“...Okay.” Yuchi knew the pattern. Brother only splurged after finishing a job. *He must’ve earned well today.*

He always treated her after missions. He’d starve himself before letting her go hungry.

“Trust me,” he promised, pulling her closer. “Even if I go hungry, you never will.”

“That’s not fair! We starve together—or I won’t eat at all.” She turned away, serious this time. No pouting—just quiet resolve.

Nian Xifeng smiled, tightening his arm around her. “Alright, alright. Neither of us will go hungry.”

“There we go!” Yuchi’s frown vanished instantly, replaced by a bright smile.

*(She’d truly been upset. She couldn’t bear him sacrificing for her. Not when he’d given her everything.)*

“You...” Nian Xifeng chuckled, steering her forward. “Enough talk. Let’s eat.”

“Mm!” Yuchi beamed, tucked safely against him.