C16 Showing off
"So, you've decided to take on the project?"
Ye Feng nodded affirmatively. He was bound to agree, since he was destined to return to the Ye family eventually. If he didn't step up now, how would he face them later?
"Father, rest assured, I will diligently complete this project."
Ye's father gave a nod of approval. He was pleased that Ye Feng was on board. He wasn't pushing for immediate growth; he understood that his son needed time to develop his skills.
Having taken on the project, Ye's father directed his secretary to show Ye Feng to his new workspace.
"Young Master Ye, this is where you'll be working from now on. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me at any time."
The secretary was aware that Young Master Ye had only recently been brought back into the fold. Not having been raised within the Ye family, it was understood that he was nonetheless the heir apparent.
Ye Feng acknowledged the secretary with a nod, signaling his understanding.
No sooner had he settled into his new workspace than the system activated.
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You've taken on this project today, and with your prior actions, the system has decided to award you."
"Award? What kind of award? Can it change how you address me?"
"I can modify how I address you, but your way of addressing me is non-negotiable."
"Ah, okay, so what's the award?"
Ye Feng's interest waned upon learning he couldn't alter how he addressed the system. The title "Little Master" was not exactly rolling off his tongue.
"The reward is knowledge. Any knowledge you currently need, I can teach you."
"That's actually quite helpful. How will you teach me? Can I learn it instantly?"
Ye Feng thought the reward was decent. He had been concerned about how to tackle the project, having no prior experience. Suddenly being tasked with a project was daunting.
Even though his father had assured him that he could seek help anytime, Ye Feng still felt challenged by the unfamiliar territory.
"It's not instantaneous. You'll still need to learn."
"Then what kind of reward is that? Isn't it only a reward if I can learn it right away?"
"Let's not get hung up on the details. Just tell me whether you're willing to learn or not."
"Learning takes time, doesn't it?" Ye Feng mused aloud.
Indeed, she was a Little Master, hard to please with her demanding words. Was it such a big deal to ask a few questions?
"Don't underestimate me," the system retorted. "If I want, I can ensure you learn without wasting any time."
"Really?" Ye Feng's face was a picture of surprise.
"Why the stunned look? Of course, I can control that. What else is a system for?"
"Alright then."
Ye Feng was indeed taken aback, but he was well aware that there was still much for him to learn. Dwelling on trivial matters was pointless; better to focus on his studies.
Yet, Ye Feng hadn't anticipated that even after leaving school, he couldn't escape the clutches of learning.
The adage 'Live long, learn long' truly held wisdom.
The system thus created a space for Ye Feng to study. Time spent there was brief, merely the duration of a meal in the real world, hardly a significant commitment.
Ye Feng understood that he needed to learn these things on his own. Knowledge simply implanted in his brain wouldn't truly belong to him.
He dedicated himself to studying, and after absorbing the new information, he delved into the project at his office, determined to execute it flawlessly.
The Wei family's young master had sent people to corner Ye Feng, but they failed.
For Ye Feng, this was a stroke of luck, sparing him from unwanted encounters.
At the end of the workday, Ye Zhuqiu approached him.
"Feng, have you finished work?"
"Yes, I'm done. What's up, Third Sister?"
"It's nothing serious. I was thinking we could go shopping. Would you like to join me?"
After considering the project in his hands, Ye Feng agreed.
"Sure, where did you have in mind?"
Realizing that fixating on the project wouldn't yield any new insights, he decided a break might do him good.
"Nowhere special, just nearby."
Ye Zhuqiu led Ye Feng out, her concern for his well-being prompting her to suggest a leisurely stroll.
Their simple outing took an unexpected turn when they encountered a thug.
"Hand over your money!" the thug demanded, eyeing Ye Feng. But upon noticing Ye Zhuqiu, his intentions shifted.
"Where did this little beauty come from? Come over here and play with me."
"Show some respect when you speak, or I'll be forced to take action!"
Ye Feng regretted going out today as soon as he encountered this rowdy bunch. How was he supposed to enjoy shopping now?
"Ah! Who's this kid? Do you even know who I am? You think you can talk to me like that? Believe me, I can make you search the ground for your teeth!"
"I don't believe you!"
Even Ye Zhuqiu was taken aback by Ye Feng's bold response, not to mention the thug.
For a moment, everyone was dumbstruck.
It wasn't until Ye Feng spoke up that the thug realized he had been challenged.
"If you've got no business here, then clear out. I don't have time to waste on you."
"Pretty cocky, kid! Do you have any idea who I am?"
"You? Just a petty thug. Why should I bother?"
"I'm giving you one more chance. Say it again!"
"Fine, I'll say it again. You're just a petty thug!"
"You! Boys, get him!"
Even though the thugs were unarmed, Ye Zhuqiu couldn't help but worry, outnumbered as they were.
"Third Sister, just wait over there."
Ye Zhuqiu did as she was told, stepping aside. She knew that getting involved would only complicate things for Ye Feng.
Everyone had assumed Ye Feng was just talking big because of the beauty by his side, thinking he lacked any real fighting ability due to his slight build.
But to their surprise, Ye Feng's skills were formidable.
With swift and decisive moves, Ye Feng dispatched the gang of hooligans in no time.
Ye Zhuqiu watched, eyes wide with astonishment. She had always underestimated her brother's fighting prowess, never imagining he could handle himself so well.
The hooligans, taken aback by Ye Feng's sudden show of force, beat a hasty retreat, though not without throwing out a parting threat.
"You! You'll pay for this!"
Ye Feng curled his lip, feeling that such remarks were utterly lacking in originality. Couldn't they come up with something new?
Ye Zhuqiu was astonished by Ye Feng's skills and found herself momentarily unable to react.
"Third Sister? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I've got a few friends. Would you like to meet them?"