The peaceful atmosphere in the classroom was suddenly shattered by a furious shout.
"You bastard! That's my seat!"
The one yelling was a muscular youth with a fierce expression—Sen Tu, a notorious bully in this class.
Everyone in the room recognized him immediately.
He had a reputation for picking fights and intimidating weaker students.
Most people tried to stay out of his way, fearing the gang he was rumored to be part of.
Without hesitation, Sen Tu stomped over to Ye Chen's desk, grabbed the collar of his shirt, and yanked him up roughly. "Do you know who I am?! How dare you sit in my place!"
Ye Chen calmly looked Sen Tu in the eyes, completely unfazed. "I don't know you. And I don't want to."
His voice was flat, cold, and dismissive.
Gasps echoed around the room.
Everyone stared in disbelief—this new student had just publicly humiliated Sen Tu. Was he suicidal?
Sen Tu's face twisted with rage. For someone like him, being ignored was a slap in the face. "You think you're a big shot? I'll teach you a lesson!"
He raised his fist, ready to punch Ye Chen square in the face.
But just as he swung, Ye Chen moved.
In one swift motion, Ye Chen caught Sen Tu's wrist mid-air. With a slight twist—
"Krak!"
A loud crack echoed through the room.
"AAAHHH!! LET GO!!" Sen Tu screamed in pain, his knees nearly buckling.
Ye Chen's grip tightened as he leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "I don't like violence… but if you ever mess with me again, I'll make sure you regret it."
Then, with a flick of his arm, Ye Chen hurled Sen Tu across the classroom.
BANG! Sen Tu crashed into the wall and slid to the floor, groaning.
The entire class was silent. All eyes were wide with shock.
Sen Tu struggled to get up, cradling his swollen wrist.
His face was pale, and his pride was in tatters. But he didn't dare fight back—he could sense it.
Ye Chen wasn't someone to be trifled with.
Gritting his teeth, he stormed out of the classroom, deciding he'd bring his gang brothers next time to deal with Ye Chen.
Once he left, the classroom buzzed again with murmurs and whispers.
"Ye Chen, are you alright?" Zhao Yanyan rushed over, concern written all over her face.
"I'm fine," Ye Chen replied casually. "Just a bug trying to act like a lion."
Zhao Yanyan bit her lip. "Sen Tu may not be very strong, but he's backed by some dangerous people.
Most students just avoid him... I'm worried he'll come back with help."
Ye Chen smiled reassuringly and gently touched her shoulder. "Don't worry, Yanyan. I can handle it. I'm not afraid of a few bullies."
His confidence made Zhao Yanyan's heart flutter. She nodded, trusting his words.
The two returned to their seats, and Zhao Yanyan resumed studying.
"Why are you memorizing English vocabulary this early in the morning?" Ye Chen asked curiously.
"There's a surprise test today," she replied. "Rouxi-jiejie told me about it."
Ye Chen yawned. "So that's what it is."
"You better take it seriously!" Zhao Yanyan said playfully. "If you get a good grade, I'll give you a special reward."
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What kind of reward?"
Zhao Yanyan grinned mischievously. "It's a secret. But if you do well, you'll find out. If not... the reward's canceled."
Ye Chen smirked and leaned back on his desk. "Then I'll look forward to it."
Without warning, he closed his eyes and dozed off.
"Hey! Why are you sleeping now of all times?" Zhao Yanyan huffed, puffing her cheeks in frustration.
She had hoped he'd study harder for the test.
Little did she know—Ye Chen had already memorized every subject in the school curriculum.
With his divine memory and cultivation-enhanced mind, he could score perfect marks without lifting a finger.
Feeling helpless, Zhao Yanyan sighed and returned to her book.
Time passed quietly until—
"Ye Chen, wake up! Rouxi-jiejie's class is about to start!" Zhao Yanyan shook his shoulder.
"Mmm... What time is it?" Ye Chen asked groggily, rubbing his eyes.
"It's already 11 a.m.!" she said with exasperation. "You've been sleeping for over three hours! You missed two classes already."
Ye Chen blinked in surprise. "Three hours? I only meant to nap for a bit…"
Zhao Yanyan looked away, clearly annoyed. She didn't say anything and started ignoring him.
Ye Chen scratched his head, guilt creeping into his heart. "Yanyan… Did I upset you? I'm sorry."
She turned to face him, her expression soft but serious. "Ye Chen… can you treat this as my personal request?"
Ye Chen's gaze locked with hers.
"In the future, my grandfather will likely enroll me in the best university in the country," she said quietly. "But if you can't make it there too… then we'll be separated. I don't want that."
Her words struck Ye Chen deeply.
Though their relationship was still new, her feelings were real. She didn't just care about him—she wanted a future with him.
He gently took her hand and looked into her eyes. "Yanyan, I promise—I'll work hard and get good grades. I won't let anything separate us."
A warm smile lit up Zhao Yanyan's face. Her eyes shimmered with joy, and she gave Ye Chen a gentle nod.
"Good."
Meanwhile, Zhang Liao's usual seat was empty today, which was probably why he hadn't caused trouble for Ye Chen like before.
As the class prepared for the next lecture, Ye Chen noticed something peculiar—several girls were secretly glancing at him.
Their cheeks flushed when their eyes met his.
Ye Chen smiled inwardly. It seems today's little scuffle made me even more popular.
But his attention returned to Zhao Yanyan.
He had promised her—and Ye Chen never broke a promise.