"Not now, but that doesn't mean there won't be in the future. What do you think, President Xiao? Interested?" Ye Feng turned back confidently, sensing a glimmer of opportunity.
"This young man has an impressive calmness about him," Xiao Yun remarked with a faint smile.
"So, does that mean you agree, President Xiao?" Ye Feng pressed with a lighthearted tone.
"Alright, let's sign the contract," Xiao Yun said with a resigned nod. He hadn't expected his impulsive decision to meet this young man would result in such a significant deal.
"Oh, by the way, President Xiao, I haven't filed a patent for this yet. I'll leave that in your capable hands. I trust you won't mishandle it," Ye Feng added just before leaving.
Pressed for time, Ye Feng didn't want to deal with the cumbersome patent procedures himself. He figured Xiao Yun wouldn't resort to foul play. Even if he did, Ye Feng wasn't worried—he had only handed over the basic framework; the core details remained safely with him.
As expected, Xiao Yun had no intention of engaging in underhanded tactics. A businessman of his stature had no need for such schemes.
"Driver, take me to Yongxing Restaurant," Ye Feng instructed after leaving Xiao Technology. He directed the taxi to a nearby restaurant he had noticed earlier.
Checking the time on his phone, Ye Feng realized it was nearly noon. The negotiations had taken longer than expected, and it was almost time for lunch. He still needed to bring a meal back for Lin Shiyun.
In short order, Ye Feng had the restaurant owner prepare a selection of dishes, including those requested by Lin Shiyun. With the food packed, he hailed another taxi to head back to school. Though he had joked about not bringing food for Hao Jian and Fan Tong, they were his brothers after all, and he wanted to avoid Hao Jian's inevitable complaints. Thinking of this, a small smile played on Ye Feng's lips.
"Hey, hey, where are you from? The school isn't allowing visitors right now," the gatekeeper called out as Ye Feng's taxi pulled up to the entrance.
"Uncle, it's my sister's birthday today. I just brought her a few dishes to celebrate. Would you mind letting me in?" Ye Feng stepped out of the taxi with a friendly smile, gesturing to the containers in the car.
Luckily, as a newcomer, Ye Feng wasn't recognized by the gatekeeper. Seeing him out of uniform, the guard assumed he was a family member visiting a student, a common occurrence.
"Alright, go ahead," the gatekeeper said, opening the gate.
"That was too easy," Ye Feng chuckled to himself as he got back into the taxi.
"Man, I'm beat," Ye Feng muttered as he lugged the large bag of takeout into the classroom.
"Finally! Thanks, you're the best!" Hao Jian shot up from his seat at the sound of Ye Feng's voice, rushing over to grab the bag. Earlier, Ye Feng had messaged Lin Shiyun, letting her know he'd bring lunch for Hao Jian and Fan Tong, asking her to notify them.
"Sweet and sour fish, pan-fried tofu, boiled greens, stir-fried pork, shredded cabbage, cola chicken wings, braised prawns, stewed pork hock," Ye Feng listed each dish as he pulled them out of the bag and set them on the desk.
"Ye Feng, are we hosting a banquet? There are only four of us—how are we supposed to finish all this?" Fan Tong exclaimed, staring in disbelief at the spread. Fortunately, their desks had just enough space for the feast.
"Don't worry. Whatever's left can go to Hao Jian," Ye Feng joked, glancing at Hao Jian with a grin.
"Exactly, exactly! It's been forever since I've had a meal this good at school," Hao Jian said, practically salivating at the sight. His enthusiasm sent the group into fits of laughter. Fortunately, most of the other students were eating in the cafeteria, leaving the classroom to the four of them.
"Strange, why hasn't Zuo Fei shown up to cause trouble today?" Fan Tong asked mid-bite, his tone puzzled.
"He's probably lying low for a few days," Ye Feng replied, casually placing a piece of fish onto Lin Shiyun's plate.
"What happened? Did his dad die?" Hao Jian muttered through a mouthful of food, his words barely intelligible.
"Show some respect, will you? Don't go around saying things like that," Lin Shiyun said, laughing. "He lost 100,000 yuan to Ye Feng yesterday. He's probably sulking."
"What? How did that happen?" Fan Tong's curiosity was immediately piqued.
"Yesterday…" Lin Shiyun began, her tone brimming with pride as she recounted the story in vivid detail, as though the victory were her own.
Hao Jian and Fan Tong listened in stunned disbelief, their expressions a mix of amazement and admiration.
"Big bro, you're my hero! Teach me how to do that!" Hao Jian suddenly dropped to his knees, clutching Ye Feng's leg dramatically.
"How am I supposed to teach you? This is called luck—don't you understand luck?" Ye Feng replied, exasperated.
"Exactly! So stop dreaming," Fan Tong added with a smirk, delivering a playful jab.
It wasn't that Ye Feng didn't want to teach them—it was simply impossible. The knowledge came directly from the system. Even with his guidance, it would take at least ten or twenty years to master such skills.
"Fine," Hao Jian muttered, crestfallen, before channeling his disappointment into a determined assault on the food before him.
"Hey, fatty, say something while you're eating," Fan Tong teased, watching Hao Jian's voracious appetite.
"Say what?" Hao Jian mumbled through a mouthful of food.
"Anything," Fan Tong replied, smirking.
"Why? Haven't you heard of the saying 'Silence during meals and rest'?" Hao Jian retorted, feigning righteousness.
"He's just afraid you'll eat everything," Ye Feng quipped, laughing.
Hao Jian froze mid-bite, his expression one of comical indignation, which only made the others laugh harder.
"Alright, alright, finish up. We've got class soon, and there's a test this afternoon," Lin Shiyun interjected, bringing the laughter to a close. As she mentioned the test, her gaze briefly flicked to Ye Feng.
"Right, stop laughing and eat," Hao Jian muttered, kicking Fan Tong under the table before resuming his feast.
Meanwhile, in the school cafeteria, Zuo Fei sat surrounded by a group of cronies, his expression dark and brooding. He turned to a lackey across the table and asked, "Any news on Lin Shiyun or that Ye Feng today?"
If Ye Feng were here, he would have immediately recognized the lackey as Yang Kai, one of Zuo Fei's planted spies in their class.
"Not much. Ye Feng slept through two classes this morning, skipped another two, talked to Lin Shiyun once, and even got caught by the teacher," Yang Kai reported dutifully.
If Lin Shiyun knew there was someone monitoring her and Ye Feng's every move with such obsessive attention, one could only imagine her reaction.
"That doesn't make sense. Lin Shiyun despises guys like that. Why would she spend time with Ye Feng?" Zuo Fei muttered, frowning in confusion. After a moment's thought, he dismissed it.
"Alright, you can go," Zuo Fei said, pulling out his wallet and handing Yang Kai a hundred-yuan bill.
"Thank you, Young Master Zuo," Yang Kai replied before quickly leaving the cafeteria.
"Ye Feng, enjoy your little victories while you can. Soon enough, I'll show you your place," Zuo Fei muttered darkly, watching Yang Kai's retreating figure.
Little did he know, the tables might turn in ways he could never imagine.