A burly young man stepped forward, planting himself right in front of Nian Xifeng. He glared murderously at him.

"Hey, punk! You dare hold the goddess’s hand right under my nose? Tired of living?"

He’d seen Nian Xifeng take Nian Yuchi’s hand earlier and instantly saw red. But class had just started then—he couldn’t risk speaking up. Now that class was over? Heh. This was his domain.

The moment the giant appeared, Nian Xifeng felt the world darken. The youth blocked every ray of sunlight, his frame twice as broad as Nian Xifeng’s.

"Huh? What of it? She’s my girlfriend. Got a problem with that?" Nian Xifeng lifted his eyes slightly, shooting the guy a sidelong glance dripping with disdain.

He’d finally grasped just how eye-catching his sister was in this class. This charade was unavoidable—otherwise, trouble would never end. Best to establish dominance now. Scare off any scheming fools.

"Girlfriend?!" The burly youth froze for a second, then snorted. "You’re joking. There’s no way the goddess would ever look twice at trash like you."

The others reacted similarly. To them, this guy had neither strength nor looks. How could the goddess possibly like him?

When Nian Yuchi heard her brother call her his girlfriend, her eyes widened in disbelief. Her cute face flushed crimson.

*Brother actually said that! What do I do now?* Her frantic thoughts betrayed her flustered state—a sight Nian Xifeng caught perfectly. He couldn’t resist teasing her. Who told her to be so mischievous?

Beside Nian Yuchi, Angel nearly choked on her own spit. She’d never expected the usually gentle Xifeng to say something like this. Today was full of surprises.

"Joking? Hah. See for yourself." Nian Xifeng jerked his chin toward Nian Yuchi.

Following his gesture, the burly youth’s expression shattered like he’d taken a critical hit.

The ever-composed goddess was blushing like a schoolgirl. Unbelievable.

Stunned speechless, the giant just stood there.

"Clear now? Yuchi’s my girlfriend. Stay away from her." Nian Xifeng rose slowly, sweeping his gaze across the classroom. Every male student flinched, avoiding his eyes.

When his stare landed back on the burly youth, the guy hesitated—but held his ground after a few shaky seconds.

"Hmph. If you want to be the goddess’s boyfriend, prove your strength. Otherwise, you’ll only bring her shame."

"Oh? And what makes you think I can’t protect her?" A cold smirk curled Nian Xifeng’s lips.

"Pfft. Look at your scrawny arms. You couldn’t take one punch from me. Protect the goddess? Dream on. I’ll make it simple: beat me, and I won’t interfere with you two." The youth sneered at Nian Xifeng’s slender frame.

"Hahaha! Fine. If you can make me take even one step back, I’ll give up your ‘goddess’." Nian Xifeng laughed like it was the funniest thing he’d heard. His eyes turned icy.

If he was making an example, he’d do it thoroughly. This loudmouth would serve perfectly.

"Try it!" The burly youth roared. Veins bulged on his arm as he slammed a fist toward Nian Xifeng’s face—a blow that could flatten a man.

Students winced, looking away.

Silence. No impact. No scream.

When they finally peeked, their jaws dropped.

Nian Xifeng had blocked the punch with a single finger.

The youth’s triumphant grin froze. He felt an immovable force stop his fist dead. Seeing that single finger holding him back, his pupils dilated in shock.

"You—!" He swallowed hard, the word scraping out dryly.

"Now you see my strength? So back off my girlfriend." Nian Xifeng flicked his wrist. The youth stumbled back several steps.

Regaining his footing, the giant finally understood the gap between them. No wonder the goddess chose him.

"I’ll honor our deal." Head bowed, he slunk away.

"Anyone else want to try for Yuchi?" Nian Xifeng’s cold gaze swept the room again. This time, he meant it. Cross him, and he’d have a little chat about life goals.

After witnessing his power, no one dared speak. Even all of them together couldn’t match him.

Silence answered him. Nian Xifeng turned to Nian Yuchi with a faint smirk.

"Let’s go, Yuchi."

"O-okay!" Her cheeks were still apple-red.

He pulled her into his arms right before the heartbroken classmates and strode out. Watching their goddess vanish in his embrace, their hearts shattered. They longed to rescue her—but lacked the strength.

Angel hurried after them. It was lunchtime anyway; no reason to stay.

Nian Xifeng planned to grab lunch with Yuchi first, then head to the Adventurers Guild to meet the others for a mission.

Walking beside Nian Yuchi, Angel leaned in toward Nian Xifeng.

"Xifeng-ge, that was so cool! Blocking that giant’s punch with just one finger!" She’d guessed he was strong, but not *this* strong.

"Heh. It was nothing." Nian Xifeng gave an awkward smile. Hard to respond to praise like that.

"Don’t be modest! I know you’re amazing. But why stay hidden if you’re this strong? Most powerful people show off to scare off troublemakers."

"Fame and glory? They don’t tempt me. That’s not the life I want." Nian Xifeng’s gaze drifted to the horizon.

Angel felt a profound weariness radiating from him—like an old soul carrying quiet sorrow. That depth drew her in. Unconsciously, her own cheeks warmed.

"What life *do* you want, Xifeng-ge?" From that moment, she ached to understand this man.

"A quiet, peaceful life. No disturbances. Just living as I choose. That’s all." His voice held longing. He’d never craved crowds—only freedom with Yuchi.

"I see. No wonder you stay low-key! Otherwise, you’d be famous by now." Angel smiled.

"Eh. Maybe. Who knows?" Nian Xifeng shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yuchi? What life do *you* want?" Angel turned to the silent girl who hadn’t spoken since leaving class.

Nian Xifeng pricked up his ears, pretending not to care. He worried sometimes—was he giving her the life *she* wanted?

"I just want to be with Brother," Nian Yuchi whispered, stealing a glance at him, her face flushed. "However we live is fine."

"Heehee~ Is *that* so?" Angel teased, her tone playful and knowing.