C16

"At Ningcheng University, it's clear I'm the most handsome guy around. Heck, I'd say I'm the best-looking in all of Ningcheng. If you doubt me, feel free to have others challenge me to a handsomeness contest," Xiao Ge said, unfazed. "But if you were to go up against Ms. Ruoxi, everyone would agree she's the more beautiful one."

"Don't you dare call her 'mother and sister'!" Qin Feiya struggled to keep her cool, but the nickname clearly irked her. "What does it matter if I'm not as pretty as my mom? I'm not envious of her. Besides, it's common knowledge that I'm the campus belle of Ningcheng University, while you're nothing but the university's rogue."

"I am not a rogue. I'm the picture of innocence," Xiao Ge retorted, then his thoughts took a sharp turn. "Speaking of rogues, do you know someone named Lin Junxiong?"

"Lin Junxiong?" Qin Feiya's face twisted with revulsion. "He's a repulsive guy who uses his family's wealth to toy with girls at school. You're acquainted with that sort?"

"Yeah, he's repulsive alright. He had the nerve to offer me a million to sell my wife," Xiao Ge revealed, finding common ground with Qin Feiya once again.

"What?" Qin Feiya's expression darkened. "You didn't agree to that, did you, you rogue?"

"Of course not. I gave him a thrashing. Also, I want to give you a heads-up: be cautious. If someone invites you somewhere alone, it's better to decline. If you must go, at least give me a heads-up," Xiao Ge advised quickly.

Qin Feiya huffed, "It's none of your business where I go. Why should I have to tell you?"

"Because you're still my fiancée. If anything happened to you, it would reflect poorly on me. If you don't want me meddling in your affairs, then hurry up and persuade Ms. Ruoxi to call off our engagement," Xiao Ge drawled. "I've given you fair warning. If you choose not to heed it and something goes wrong, don't blame me. I'm off to grab some food. Don't come with me; I'm broke and won't be treating you to a meal."

After finishing his sentence, Xiao Ge quickened his pace, leaving Qin Feiya far behind as if he was worried she might catch up.

"Xiao Ge, you jerk! Do you really think I want to follow you?" Qin Feiya couldn't contain her anger, cursing at his retreating figure before turning on her heel and storming off toward the school cafeteria, where she usually had her lunch.

"Lin Junxiong, that repulsive man, is up to no good with me?" she muttered to herself after a few steps. After a moment's thought, she pulled out her cellphone from her purse. "I need to give Mom a heads-up."

Qin Feiya was no fool. Even though Xiao Ge's explanation was vague, she understood that Lin Junxiong was likely plotting something sleazy. She had her fair share of admirers, but this was the first time she'd heard of someone resorting to such low tactics against her. She knew she had to be vigilant.

Once Xiao Ge left Ningcheng University's gates, he made a beeline for the Fat Sheep Hotpot Mutton Restaurant. His mission was clear: to indulge in another round of hotpot mutton after being thoroughly satisfied with yesterday's meal.

Minutes later, the Fat Sheep came into view, and Xiao Ge couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. For a food lover, particularly one who often went hungry, a hearty meal was the ultimate joy.

However, his culinary daydream was abruptly shattered by a commotion.

"Stop, don't run!" A sharp, youthful female voice rang out from behind. The sound was so melodious that Xiao Ge involuntarily turned to look. He saw a skinny man darting through the crowd a few hundred meters away, with a policewoman in hot pursuit, shouting as she ran, "Block him! He's a thief! Catch him!"

The policewoman's cries had an unintended effect. Instead of helping, the crowd parted, inadvertently clearing a path for the thief. People despised thieves, but there's a difference between hating them and physically apprehending them. After all, catching a thief could bring unwanted attention. The old adage holds true: it's not the theft but the thought of being marked by the thief that's truly frightening.

The thief was quick on his feet, but the policewoman, though not exactly slow, couldn't match his pace. The gap between them didn't close; in fact, it widened. It's not surprising, really—many thieves are well-practiced, and their escape speed is top-notch.

In no time, the thief was less than ten meters from Xiao Ge, who stood his ground while everyone else scattered.

"Kid, don't mess with me, or you're dead!" The thief, sensing Xiao Ge's intentions, barreled towards him, issuing a vicious threat.

Accustomed to intimidation, the thief had a habit of threatening anyone who discovered him or meddled in his affairs. His tactics ranged from verbal threats to outright violence, and they usually worked. He was confident that this ordinary-looking young man would step aside after hearing his warning.

Xiao Ge took a step back, much to the thief's delight. It seemed his intimidation had worked; Xiao Ge was avoiding him, which gave the thief the confidence to sprint forward, sure he'd soon lose the policewoman.

But his joy was premature. As he dashed past Xiao Ge, Xiao Ge's leg shot out in a swift kick to the thief's waist.

The powerful kick sent the thief soaring through the air, letting out a pained scream before crashing down heavily, eliciting another agonized shout. Clearly, it was a hard fall.

"This is your own doing!" Xiao Ge shook his head. "I was just going to trip you, but you had to threaten me. So, a kick it had to be."

The disoriented thief hadn't even managed to pick himself up when the policewoman caught up. Seeing him attempt to rise, she unceremoniously planted her foot on his back.

"Nice legs!" Xiao Ge mused, eyeing the policewoman's long legs pinning the thief down. Her legs were the envy of models and had quickly caught Xiao Ge's attention.

He then felt a twinge of regret. "What a waste of such long legs, if you can't even outrun a thief who's under 1.7 meters tall."

Having taken his time appreciating the female officer's shapely legs, Xiao Ge's eyes gradually traveled upward. Her waist was slender, but the pistol and baton that hung there were enough to make many take a step back. Continuing his upward survey, Xiao Ge felt a twinge of disappointment; her figure seemed somewhat underdeveloped in that area. Finally, his gaze reached her face.