revenge

revenge

Yu Xu's teammates were all surprised and looked at each other with incredulous expressions.

They were very familiar with Ye Fenglin's name; in fact, everyone in the entire Imperial State University circle knew this arrogant and flamboyant young master. Ye Fenglin skillfully navigated various social media platforms, and his posts always garnered a lot of attention, much like a show-off internet celebrity.

Some people may not know Ye Fenglin and only think of him as the kind of college student most often seen in Ivy League schools who comes from a good family, has strong athletic ability, excellent academic performance, and is also good-looking. But if you mention his father's name, everyone will know him.

Besides the California actress murder case that cemented his position as the top law firm in the Empire State, there was also the bank fraud case a few years ago, and the recently sensational FTX Group bankruptcy case… all of which were handled by Ye Fenglin's father and his law firm partners. It's fair to say that the law firm located in that black building was the dream destination for graduates of all top law schools.

Being able to get to know Ye Fenglin and infiltrate his circle would allow one to build an unimaginable network of connections.

Clearly, some people are tempted. The Empire State is currently experiencing a job market downturn; it's difficult to find a satisfactory job after graduation. Rent and the cost of living are high, and many people, like Yu Xu, yearn for a job that goes beyond simply making ends meet, seeking a more respectable income.

"Go ahead," someone said. "Let's just be friends. We played really well, there's nothing to hesitate about."

A single sentence seemed to ripple across a calm lake, and everyone turned to look at the captain.

He nodded, reassuring everyone, "Don't be nervous, let's just treat it as a normal dinner. Besides, even though we didn't get into the top three in the league this year, it doesn't mean we're weak. Just like Ye Fenglin said, if you want to bring your girlfriend, hurry up and call her. We'll take a car over."

Compared to the excitement of those around him, I could tell that Yu Xu was in a difficult position.

On the one hand, Yu Xu, like everyone else, longed to get to know Ye Fenglin, hoping to find a better job. On the other hand, he was worried about me, afraid that I wouldn't be able to adapt to being in such a situation with so many strangers.

I can't speak, although I can understand what others are saying. But many people seem to assume that I am a mute person with a physical disability or problem. Yu Xu hates it when people look at me with prejudice.

"Yu Xu, come on, you're the hero of today's competition." His friend hugged his shoulder from behind. "Let's go, take Xiao Fu with us too. Everyone's girlfriends are going over there, so she'll have a girl to keep her company."

Yu Xu smiled and looked at me: "Xiao Fu, do you want to go?"

I lowered my eyes and suddenly felt everyone's eyes on me. I looked at Yu Xu, not wanting to disappoint him.

I nodded, and Yu Xu patted the top of my head. "Don't worry, I don't drink. Let's just sit for a while. If you feel uncomfortable, we'll go home early, okay?"

"Yu Xu, don't be afraid. I'll have your sister-in-law take good care of Xiao Fu. No one will dare to bully him." The captain also came over to reassure him, and the others nodded repeatedly, indicating that they would not drink alcohol. If Ye Fenglin was all show and no substance and liked ketamine, they would run away as soon as the time was right.

That's not quite it... I want to say that although I don't have a good impression of Ye Fenglin either, I know he is a self-disciplined person who is very strict with himself. In private, he is just like Xie Yong, extremely busy. They don't touch anything in their circle that could harm their health.

Sure enough, several black Mercedes-Benz vans were parked outside the ice hockey arena. The ice hockey team members, who had been making a ruckus in the locker room, suddenly became nervous.

After boarding the bus, everyone sat up straight. There were no partitions on the bus, so we could see the driver, who was driving seriously and not saying a word, as soon as we turned our heads. He was wearing a stereotypical black uniform and had his hair slicked back, looking just like a well-trained bodyguard.

"How is Ye Fenglin going to get there?" Perhaps unable to bear the silence, someone chuckled and asked.

The driver remained expressionless: "Young Master can drive himself, you don't need to worry."

The boy chuckled awkwardly twice. Even as the car drove to the vicinity of the plaza park, the buildings surrounding the fountain and marble archway, adorned with the deep purple flag of the state university, remained bustling with activity, even though it was already evening.

The restaurant Ye Fenglin chose was a well-known barbecue restaurant in the area. It had two floors and resembled a Michelin-starred restaurant. The space was spacious, with dim orange lights shining down from above, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Each table was decorated with works of art.

The restaurant was noisy and bustling, with quite a few people already there. Besides the members of the Imperial University ice hockey team, I also saw the cheerleading girls outside the rink. Ye Fenglin was paying for everything at the restaurant today; he had booked the entire place. As fellow university students, we were more relaxed with each other.

I sat with the girls on the side of the first floor, near the bar.

Some girls were quite disappointed to hear that I couldn't speak, but they were all exceptionally friendly and very gentle with me.

Before long, a sashimi salad of squid and halibut was served as an appetizer. The waiter also helped with grilling the meat throughout the meal. Everyone started chatting, and of course, the most talked about topic was Ye Fenglin.

"Ye Zi is very popular in our team, but everyone knows that he likes Lin Zhi En, so no one has confessed to him."

"He and Lin Zhi'en are childhood sweethearts. He has been pursuing her since he was a child, but unfortunately she has never agreed to be with him."

"Zhi En has always had many suitors. Not to mention Ye Fenglin, Xie Yong is also a good match for her. She is also engaged to the crown prince of our Imperial State. Moreover, the basketball star she recently collaborated with in an advertisement, Xu Ya, I think is also very handsome."

"The leaves are prettier."

I took a sip of the soft tofu soup and, seeing the girls chattering away, I made the same expression as them.

I can't determine the true conditions of the time loop, but I think it must be because I contacted the "male protagonist" without permission and did too many things that were incompatible with the identity of an "NPC" that caused time to restart.

This time, as long as I'm careful, play my role as a passerby, and stay away from the main characters, I'm sure I can marry Yu Xu peacefully.

Halfway through the barbecue, everyone got tired of it, so they drank beverages and chatted as people walked back and forth between the tables.

Some people also tried the shop's specialty rice wine. I put down my plum smoothie and glanced at Yu Xu. I didn't know when he had sat down next to Ye Fenglin, and the two of them were chatting. Was it something work-related? I was a little curious.

Suddenly, Ye Fenglin seemed to notice my gaze. He turned slightly to the side, curled his lips, and smiled at me.

We looked into each other's eyes.

My fingers involuntarily clenched, and I instinctively wanted to look down, but I knew that doing so would only arouse Ye Fenglin's suspicion. After all, who would inexplicably dislike and avoid a handsome and polite guy who was treating everyone to dinner?

I dug my fingernails almost into my palm, and with a look of surprise, I quickly looked away and pretended to be shy as I gently scooped up a mouthful of shaved ice.

Just like those girls who like and admire him.

I thought there was nothing wrong with it, and sure enough, the faint gaze that had been fixed on me quickly disappeared.

I don't know how long Yu Xu and Ye Fenglin talked. The shaved ice made my mouth feel cold and my teeth were a little sore. I was constantly worried that Yu Xu would get into a car accident like last time, so I didn't dare to relax for a moment. I was also afraid that if I kept looking over there, Ye Fenglin would become suspicious, so I could only listen carefully to what they were doing.

"How's the food at this restaurant?" Thank goodness, Ye Fenglin took the initiative to come over and chat with his classmates. He and Yu Xu must have finished their conversation.

"Ye Zi, this is my first time eating Wagyu beef, and I'm so grateful that you treated me."

"It tastes good. I'll bring my parents to try it next time."

"Ye Zi, you're so kind! Last time after our competition you treated us to French food, and this time it's barbecue. I'm already looking forward to the next one!" @Unlimited Good Articles, all at Literary City

Everyone chimed in to Ye Fenglin. He raised an eyebrow slightly, but I knew he thoroughly enjoyed being praised by his classmates and teammates. This casual and lazy demeanor made his profile look even more superior, with a high nose bridge, long eyelashes, and eyes that seemed to have deep emotions at first glance.

Ye Fenglin behaved very politely and smiled happily, which easily won people's favor.

@Unlimited great articles, all at Literary City

"If you like it, that's good. We can go eat something else after training next time." Ye Fenglin smiled. If I didn't know that his attempts to win people over were simply to go against Xie Yong and not want to lose to the very popular Xie Yong, I would have taken his words seriously.

Ye Fenglin seemed to glance at me again, but I imitated the others and clapped happily, without showing any sign of acting.

It was past 11 p.m. when everyone gradually left the restaurant.

On the street, the sky was overcast and a cold wind was blowing. Ye Fenglin instructed that everyone must be sent home. He then turned around and asked, "Who hasn't been drinking? Please take me home. I won't call the driver from home again. You can take the car and return it to me whenever you want."

The boys looked at each other, a little embarrassed. The rice wine in the shop tasted good, and they drank quite a bit. But no one could guarantee the alcohol content; with Christmas approaching, traffic police were everywhere, and nobody wanted to get caught and cause trouble at this time.

"Yu Xu, I remember you didn't drink." Ye Fenglin walked slowly to Yu Xu. "Could you help me walk him home?"

I instinctively grabbed Yu Xu and shook my head at him. Ye Fenglin noticed my action and a mocking smile appeared in his eyes. "My home isn't far away. Don't worry, your boyfriend won't do anything."

His eyes are the classic smiling eyes, appearing gentle and affectionate, easily deceiving people into thinking he has a good temper. I've interacted with him and know that when he's in a bad mood, the rising tone at the end of his voice is a signal.

"Yes, I didn't drink it." Yu Xu answered him frankly. He took my hand, paused, and whispered to comfort me, "It's okay, Xiao Fu. Why don't you get in the car and go home first? I'll take Ye Fenglin home and then take a taxi back later."

How could I dare let Yu Xu be alone with these "male protagonists" in the game, let alone let Yu Xu touch a car again!

I shook my head repeatedly and gestured to him, "Why don't we take him back together, and then go home?"

Yu Xu explained it to Ye Fenglin, who raised an eyebrow but had no objection.

The other students also went home one after another. Ye Fenglin drove a rather inconspicuous Hummer tonight, and he opened the back seat and lay down directly inside. Yu Xu was going to drive, but I was afraid something might happen to him, so I insisted on driving myself. He looked at me helplessly, "I really didn't drink, Xiao Fu..."

That's not what I'm worried about, but I didn't dare say it. I just got into the driver's seat, adjusted it, and turned on the navigation.

The area where Ye Fenglin lives is an affluent neighborhood. The snow on the roads has been cleared clean, making it very safe to drive.

Inside the car, I only turned on the dome light. Through the rearview mirror, I saw Ye Fenglin raise his hand and put his arm on his forehead, but I couldn't see the expression on his face.

"Yu Xu, when did you and your girlfriend start dating?" Ye Fenglin asked.

“Three years ago.” Yu Xu looked at me.

I smiled, then noticed Ye Fenglin silently looking up at me. I slightly suppressed my smile and turned my head away, perhaps thinking about his stagnant relationship with Lin Zhi'en. I think the low mood emanating from him was quite obvious.

The car quickly fell silent again. Seeing the West District apartments right in front of me, I couldn't help but smile. The car slowly drove into the underground parking lot. Ye Fenglin scanned my pupils for verification, and they were quickly lifted, raised, and returned to their proper position.

None of us saw the public elevator at the back of the previously empty parking lot suddenly flicker.

The footsteps behind me were heavy and getting closer. My scalp tingled. I had never heard such heavy breathing before, like the desperate roar of a wild beast. I turned around in fear and saw a man in a wrinkled suit, looking disheveled, holding a gun and pointing it at Ye Fenglin.

"Your father is a real bastard, leaving me with nowhere to go..." The man's voice, like a broken bellows, was still hoarse despite being strained.

Ye Fenglin's eyes widened, and he took a few steps back. The man approached step by step, his smile filled with despair, sinister intent, and a hint of excitement.

The man grinned, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth.

"Go to hell!" he suddenly fired.

"Watch out!" Yu Xu shouted anxiously, seemingly pushing Ye Fenglin aside.

A burst of blood erupted, and it seemed that some blood had fallen onto my cheek.

I hesitated, then touched my face. The dark red blood seemed still warm. I stared at it, motionless… @Unlimited Good Stories, all at Literary City

I watched as Yu Xu collapsed in front of me.