Chapter 12: The Bully

He passed him!

On the stretch of winding roads where Li Neng was most confident, Lu Fei unleashed his extraordinary driving skills. Taking full advantage of his car’s unbeatable acceleration, he cut through the inside lane, forcing Li Neng’s car behind him.

The engine’s roar echoed in their ears.

Jiang Meijia, sitting in the passenger seat, looked overjoyed—she hadn’t expected Lu Fei could actually overtake Li Neng.

On the other side, Li Neng’s confident smile froze on his face. Watching as Lu Fei’s car sped off into the distance, he stomped on the accelerator.

“What are you doing? Slow down!”

Jiang Meijia was terrified—if Li Neng kept driving like this, they’d surely end up in a deadly crash.

Once they hit the straight, Lu Fei’s car only pulled further ahead. Li Neng realized he had lost.

He could only pound the steering wheel in frustration.

Champion! Lu Fei!

At the end of the track, the cheerleaders popped open champagne to celebrate Lu Fei’s victory. Though there wasn’t much prize money for this race, it was enough to make a big splash in their circle. Jiang Meijia accompanied Lu Fei onto the podium, making her the center of attention.

“Congratulations…” Li Neng forced himself to speak, feigning magnanimity, though he was far from pleased.

As the gathering drew to a close, everyone got into their cars to head home.

Just as they were about to enter the city, several off-road vehicles suddenly flanked them, boxing in the group’s cars.

From one of the off-roaders, a young man with dyed blond hair staggered over to Lu Fei’s car. He knocked on Jiang Meijia’s window.

“Miss Jiang, do you still remember me?”

Jiang Meijia frowned. “Xue Kun, what do you want?”

In the other cars, several of the girls, including Xu Yunyao, were visibly shaken. Xue Kun was infamous in their circle as a thug rumored to work for a certain big shot in Bianjing City. He’d done plenty of dirty work for his boss.

He was ruthless, and showing up like this in the middle of the night spelled nothing good. Xu Yunyao and the others braced for the worst.

“Nothing much. My brothers here are a bit fired up tonight and need someone to help them let off some steam.”

Xue Kun grinned wickedly.

Around him, a few punks gathered, their eyes glued to Jiang Meijia, practically drooling.

“Kun, you and Meijia take your time chatting. We’ll be off,” Li Neng called out, hoping to drive away.

But two off-roaders quickly boxed him in.

“The guys can go, but the ladies stay. Later, you’ll come with us to the hotel for some fun.”

At those words, Xu Yunyao and the other girls turned pale with fright.

Their fears had come true—Xue Kun was indeed up to no good.

“What do we do, Li Neng? Think of something!” Xu Yunyao clutched Li Neng’s arm. He might not have much power, but in this moment, he was the only man she could rely on.

Li Neng stepped out, trying to muster courage, but before he could speak, Xue Kun sneered, “You want to die?”

Li Neng’s legs went weak, and he retreated.

Xue Kun’s crew cackled menacingly. At Xue Kun’s command, a group of them went to the cars, dragging all the girls from the passenger seats.

The sight of these beautifully dressed girls was almost too much for them.

“Kun, I can’t hold back any longer—let’s have our fun right here,” an impatient youth said, gripping one girl’s arm and reaching out, making her scream.

“Kun, we’re friends of Young Master Qi. On his account, could you just let us go?” cried the boyfriend of one of the girls.

“Young Master Qi? Which Young Master Qi?” Xue Kun asked, intrigued.

“Qi Xiaotian, heir of Wancheng Group!”

Wancheng Group had recently partnered with Hesheng Group, their background formidable. The young man hoped that mentioning Qi Xiaotian’s name would help.

Xue Kun chuckled. “Young Master Qi is a good friend of mine. If you’re really with him, of course I won’t touch you.”

At this, everyone’s spirits soared—Qi Xiaotian’s name had worked. Even if Lu Fei had offended him and driven him away, they hadn’t. As long as Qi Xiaotian said the word, they’d be safe.

It was like a gift from heaven.

“Kun, it’s true. Please, let us go.”

“If it’s true, have Qi Xiaotian call me. If he speaks up for you, I’ll let you go immediately.”

With Xue Kun’s condition, everyone turned their eyes to Jiang Meijia.

Jiang Meijia frowned. “Why are you all looking at me?”

Xu Yunyao said, “Jiajia, Young Master Qi is still smitten with you. You’re the best one to make this call.”

Jiang Meijia gave a hollow laugh. “I offended him today. If I make this call, am I not pushing you all into a dead end?”

“It’s not your fault, it’s all Lu Fei’s—he made Young Master Qi angry. Just apologize, and he’ll forgive us,” Xu Yunyao said, glaring at Lu Fei with resentment.

Lu Fei leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, as if enjoying the performance of these thugs.

“She’s right, Jiajia. You’re the best one to make the call.”

“Qi Xiaotian will definitely forgive you.”

“Brother Xiaotian is generous—he won’t hold a grudge over what happened.”

Everyone urged Jiang Meijia to make the call.

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Meijia finally dialed Qi Xiaotian’s number for everyone’s safety.

“Jiajia, I never thought you’d call me. I’m truly moved.”

“Young Master Qi, I’m in a bit of trouble. Xue Kun is making things difficult for me and my friends. Can you… say a few words for us?” Jiang Meijia pleaded softly.

All eyes were on her.

On the other end, Qi Xiaotian fell silent.

Jiang Meijia grew anxious. “Young Master Qi, I was wrong before. I don’t expect your forgiveness. I just hope you’ll help my friends.”

Qi Xiaotian finally relented. “Jiajia, it’s not about me helping you—it’s just that I’m not that close with Xue Kun. Unless you agree to be my girlfriend, I have no reason to speak for you.”

“Say yes!”

“Jiajia, Young Master Qi is your true soulmate.”

“This is our fate. One day, you’ll be grateful you made this choice!”

Xu Yunyao and the others all urged Jiang Meijia to agree.

Jiang Meijia was torn.

At that moment, Lu Fei snatched Jiang Meijia’s phone and hung up.

“What do you think you’re doing, you country bumpkin?!”

With one press, Lu Fei had dashed everyone’s hopes.

Despair swept over them, and Jiang Meijia stared at Lu Fei in shock.

With that, weren’t they all doomed tonight?

“So, it looks like Young Master Qi has no intention of helping you,” Xue Kun said, licking his lips, his greedy gaze fixed on Jiang Meijia.