C13 Wenn Xuan

Early the next morning, Nie Feng went to work as if it were any other day, but Zhang Menglin was already waiting for him in the security room bright and early.

"Miss Zhang, do you have nothing better to do than to shadow me all day? What did I ever do to you?" Nie Feng complained with a grimace.

While most men would relish the attention of a beautiful woman, Zhang Menglin was no ordinary beauty. Nie Feng preferred to keep his distance until he understood her motives better.

"I'm not going to bite. Why do you keep dodging me? Others would kill for the attention I'm giving you. Count your blessings!" Zhang Menglin stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Fine, fine, fine. You win, okay? But this is a workplace during business hours, and it's not open to non-employees. Please, Miss Zhang, you should really head home," Nie Feng insisted, gently ushering Zhang Menglin out of the security room.

"I'll just wait for you after work then!" Zhang Menglin declared, giving Nie Feng a playful wink before turning to walk back into the residential area.

"Oh, the trouble!" Nie Feng muttered, covering his head as he stepped back into the security room. Just then, someone grabbed his arm.

Turning around, Nie Feng found himself face-to-face with a bespectacled young man who exuded an air of intellect. "Is this the Flourishing Age complex?" the man inquired, adjusting his glasses.

"Yes, it is. What can I do for you?" Nie Feng asked, puzzled.

"My name is Wenn Xuan. I'm here to apply for the security guard position!" the man said, straightening his shirt with a hopeful look.

"You want to be a security guard? Buddy, this is Flourishing Age, not just any place where anyone can become a guard," chimed in the little monkey, who had appeared alongside Lee Erniu, both wearing expressions of skepticism.

Nie Feng's brow furrowed as he sized up the applicant. The man's stooped posture and pallor didn't exactly scream 'security material.'

"I assure you, I'm serious about the job. If you're doubtful, I'm ready to prove myself," Wenn Xuan stated, pulling himself up to his full height.

In an instant, the little monkey delivered a powerful kick to Wenn Xuan's chest, sending him flying three meters before he crashed to the ground, coughing up blood. The little monkey was clearly strong; his kick had taken a toll on Wenn Xuan.

Lee Erniu rushed to Wenn Xuan's aid, helping him to his feet. "Dude, you're just not cut out for this. Our security team requires genuine skill. It's best you head out," he advised.

Just then, Wang San strolled over, hands clasped behind his back. "What's the trouble here?" he inquired.

"Third Master, the lad came for a job, but after a little test, it's clear he's not up to snuff. We were about to send him packing," the little monkey explained with deference.

Spotting Wang San, Wenn Xuan's face brightened. "Third Master, it's me, Wenn Xuan! Do you remember me?"

"Wenn Xuan? What are you doing here instead of at college?" Wang San recognized him and asked, his brow furrowed.

"My dad sent me to you. He said you'd look out for me. I'm at my wit's end, Third Master. Please, I'm begging you to take me in!" Wenn Xuan pleaded, nearly dropping to his knees.

Wang San pondered for a moment before turning to Nie Feng. "Nie Feng, take care of Wenn Xuan for me. Bring him to HR to get registered. You know what to do from there."

"You can count on me, Third Master," Nie Feng replied, albeit reluctantly.

Wenn Xuan was ecstatic. "Thank you so much, Third Master!" he said, bowing deeply to Wang San, who simply nodded and walked away, humming a tune.

Once Wang San was out of earshot, the little monkey approached Wenn Xuan with a grin. "Hey, man, I didn't know you were acquainted with Third Master. You should've said something sooner! I hope you don't hold that rough welcome against me."

Wenn Xuan massaged his chest, offering a shake of his head. "No worries. I'm counting on you guys to look out for me from now on."

"Absolutely, absolutely." Relieved to be forgiven by Wenn Xuan, the little monkey quickly responded.

"Come on, I'll take you to get registered," Nie Feng said, giving the little monkey a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Nie Feng, having worked here for several days, was already well-acquainted with the procedures. He confidently headed to the Human Resources Department and completed Wenn Xuan's registration. After briefing Wenn Xuan on the basics, he escorted him back to the security room.

"Wow, look at Wenn Xuan in that uniform – he really stands out!" the little monkey exclaimed upon seeing Wenn Xuan suited up. Lee Erniu nodded in agreement, catching the little monkey's drift.

Eager to bond, the little monkey chatted with Wenn Xuan, learning that he had been a university student in Farsummit but had returned to Silkwick due to some incident. Whatever it was, Wenn Xuan kept it to himself. Nie Feng could see the panic in Wenn Xuan's eyes when the topic arose – clearly, it was no trivial matter.

Nie Feng, however, wasn't overly curious. Everyone has their secrets, and he was no different.

To show his gratitude, Lee Erniu volunteered to cover Nie Feng's patrol duties, taking Wenn Xuan along. Nie Feng was more than happy to enjoy some downtime, pulling out his phone to play Tetris.

"Feng, I've got a feeling there's more to this guy than meets the eye. He had a good thing going at university, so why come here to work security? And that anxious look earlier... you don't think he's on the run, do you?" the little monkey whispered conspiratorially to Nie Feng.

Silkwick was a mere stone's throw from Farsummit, and while Farsummit was the larger city, Silkwick had become a haven for those looking to lay low.

"Mind your own business," Nie Feng replied coolly. "Even if he is on the run, it's none of your concern."

"Yeah, you're right. But I just can't stand the guy. He's got a whiny voice, and to think he's got Wang San backing him up," the little monkey grumbled.

Nie Feng remained silent, simply smiling and shaking his head. The little monkey meant well but had a tendency to pick on those weaker than himself.

...

"Hey? Isn't it Nie Feng's turn to patrol today? Why is it you guys? Where's Nie Feng?" Zhang Menglin asked, her displeasure evident upon seeing Lee Erniu and Wenn Xuan on patrol instead of Nie Feng.

"Oh, it's Miss Zhang. Feng is in the security room—I'm covering his patrol shift," Lee Erniu explained truthfully.

"Why is that? Tell me, is Nie Feng avoiding me on purpose?" Zhang Menglin demanded, her eyes fixed intently on Lee Erniu.

"You've got it all wrong, Miss Zhang. I volunteered to take over Feng's patrol. He did me a favor, and I wanted to show my gratitude," Lee Erniu responded meekly.

"Hmph, always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Listen here, if you cover for Nie Feng again, you're risking your job! Now go back and get him for me!" Zhang Menglin commanded, visibly irritated.

"Uh... alright, I'm on it!" Lee Erniu said, before turning on his heel and dashing off.

A few steps later, Lee Erniu noticed Wenn Xuan still standing there, gawking at Zhang Menglin. He quickly grabbed Wenn Xuan, urging him, "What are you staring at? Let's get moving!"

"Oh, right." Wenn Xuan snapped out of his daze, shifting his gaze from Zhang Menglin and following Lee Erniu, "Brother Erniu, who was that girl? She seems pretty fiery."

"That's one of our residents, Zhang Menglin. She comes from a wealthy family and sure has a temper. Rumor has it she's taken a liking to Feng. That guy's got some serious luck," Lee Erniu said with a chuckle.

"No way, Nie Feng's just a poor guy, and Zhang Menglin's a real beauty. How could she be into him?" Wenn Xuan said dismissively, shaking his head.

"Feng might not be rich, but he's got skills and looks to boot. Why wouldn't Zhang Menglin be interested? And kid, don't get cocky just because you've got Wang San backing you. If I catch you badmouthing Feng again, I won't hesitate to knock some sense into you," Lee Erniu warned, his eyes narrowing.

Wenn Xuan gulped, realizing his slight frame was no match for Lee Erniu's towering presence.

"Brother Erniu, my bad—I spoke out of turn. Please, let's not make a big deal out of it," Wenn Xuan said, trying to smooth things over with an apologetic grin.

"Hmph, just remember, if I hear you slandering Feng again, you'll have to answer to my fists," Lee Erniu grunted, striding ahead with purpose.

Watching Lee Erniu's retreating figure, Wenn Xuan allowed a faint smile to play across his lips, his eyes briefly flickering with an icy chill.

Back in the security room, Lee Erniu relayed his encounter with Zhang Menglin to Nie Feng, who felt a headache coming on. Zhang Menglin was like a ghost that wouldn't leave him be! Even if he were truly her husband, did she have to be so relentless in her pursuit?

"Feng, you better get moving! It looks like Zhang Menglin has her sights set on you," the little monkey teased with a sly grin.

"No way, I'm not going. Let someone else deal with her," Nie Feng replied, his attention returning to his phone.

"Feng, haven't you heard the saying? 'For a man to long for a woman, mountains stand between them; for a woman to long for a man, only a layer of gauze.' If Zhang Menglin is into you, you should strike while the iron's hot! Win her over, and why would you need to work as a security guard? You'd have everything you want, reaching the pinnacle of life. Plus, Zhang Menglin's got the looks and the figure—she's a real catch! This duck's practically in your hands; don't let her fly away!" the little monkey urged.

"Look, if Feng doesn't want to go, let's drop it. Zhang Menglin isn't all that great anyway," Wenn Xuan interjected, gesturing dismissively.

"You bookworm, you don't know squat. Beat it!" the little monkey retorted, shoving Wenn Xuan aside.

The shove left Wenn Xuan seething, his teeth clenched and fists balled up, his gaze turning dangerously cold. But the little monkey, preoccupied with convincing Nie Feng, failed to notice. Nie Feng, however, caught the subtle shift in Wenn Xuan's demeanor.

There's truth to the adage 'barking dogs seldom bite.' Someone like Wenn Xuan, seemingly gentle and unassuming, with no apparent skills, could be the most devious. People like him, who keep their cards close to their chest and think deeply, are often the most dangerous.

Someone like Lee Erniu might just beat you up, but Wenn Xuan? He'd play you until you were destroyed, potentially even orchestrating your demise without you ever realizing how you met your end.

Noticing Wenn Xuan's expression, Nie Feng was almost certain the man was plotting something. He couldn't help but silently raise his guard.