Chapter 76: Bringing Humiliation Upon Oneself

Lin Feng’s face lit up with delight as he walked toward Bai Xiaoqian.

Compared to this morning, Bai Xiaoqian looked even more stunning this afternoon. Her short skirt perfectly accentuated her long, slender legs, and her fair, delicate skin drew the eye with every glance. Though her beauty couldn’t quite match Su Qinxue’s, she was far more captivating than any other girl in the crowd.

“Brother Lin Feng, let’s go. I haven’t been shopping in ages—you have to keep me company today,” she said, slipping her dainty hand into the crook of his arm with an intimacy that seemed completely natural.

Lin Feng felt a bit awkward and was about to explain when a mocking voice suddenly sounded behind them. “Well, look who it is—what a coincidence.”

“Xu Shaojie?” Bai Xiaoqian turned to see a familiar face. The man wore a designer suit, carried a Hermès wallet, sported two gold rings on his fingers, and a thick gold chain around his neck—a caricature of a nouveau riche.

Lin Feng recognized him as well; he and Xu Shaojie had been classmates. Back in school, Xu Shaojie was infamous as a rich kid, his family owning an auto repair shop. He had money to burn and a penchant for playing around. He’d once pursued Bai Xiaoqian with relentless effort, but she’d never spared him a glance.

A heavily made-up woman stood by his side—her figure was decent enough, but her looks were woefully lacking. Even with all that makeup, she couldn’t hold a candle to Bai Xiaoqian.

“Xiaoqian, what’s wrong with your taste? I went to so much trouble chasing after you and you never agreed, but now you’re with this penniless loser?” Xu Shaojie sneered. “This guy had to survive on the school’s scholarship funds. Oh, and didn’t he have a girlfriend before? Don’t tell me she dumped him?”

He ridiculed Lin Feng mercilessly, clearly familiar with his background.

“Shut your mouth,” Bai Xiaoqian snapped, her cheeks flushed with anger, unable to stand his smugness.

Lin Feng, however, remained calm—he had no interest in stooping to Xu Shaojie’s level. But Xu refused to let up, giving Bai Xiaoqian a scornful once-over before snorting, “So now you’re defending him? What does this loser have that I don’t? You’d rather sleep with him than be with me?”

“Xu Shaojie, watch your tongue.” Lin Feng’s face darkened as he stepped forward to confront him.

“Oh, so you want to challenge me now, you broke nobody? Just look at yourself—what do you have to compete with me?” Xu Shaojie boasted, but before he could finish, Lin Feng slapped him hard across the face.

Blood welled up at the corner of Xu Shaojie’s mouth.

“That slap was on Xiaoqian’s behalf. If you can’t control your mouth, I’ll make sure you never speak again,” Lin Feng said icily, then turned to leave with Bai Xiaoqian.

She was stunned; she had never expected Lin Feng to strike Xu Shaojie so directly. That slap was truly satisfying.

“Damn you—how dare you hit me? You’re nothing!” Xu Shaojie raged. “I’ll make you regret this today.”

He started toward Lin Feng, clutching his face, but the woman beside him scoffed, “Why bother with a broke fool like him? Didn’t you say your uncle is the general manager of this mall? Why don’t we go in as well?”

Xu Shaojie instantly understood her meaning despite the pain. A sly smile tugged at his lips. “You’re smart. Let’s go in and take a look—I’ll make him wish he’d never come.”

With that, they headed into the mall together.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng led Bai Xiaoqian to the jewelry section. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the displays, clearly enamored with the glittering pieces inside. Yet, when she reached for her pocket, she could only sigh in resignation.

“If you like something, try it on,” Lin Feng suggested.

“It’s too expensive. Let’s go upstairs to the clothing section instead,” Bai Xiaoqian replied, quickly shaking her head and gently pulling Lin Feng away.

Just as they were about to leave, Xu Shaojie and the gaudy woman walked over. Xu snickered, “No money, yet you still dare to browse the jewelry counter?”

“Everyone, come take a look! This pauper brought a pretty girl here to show off, but he can’t afford anything. Isn’t that just shameful?”

At his words, many in the crowd turned to stare. Fingers pointed, and sneers broke out all around them.

Lin Feng’s brows furrowed; his expression turned cold and severe.

“Xu Shaojie, what are you doing? What we buy is none of your business,” Bai Xiaoqian protested furiously.

“It may not be my business, but it’s a matter of a man’s pride. If you’re broke, don’t bring a girl here to window-shop. If you do, you’d better buy something,” Xu Shaojie retorted, his mockery relentless. He turned to Lin Feng. “What’s wrong? Can’t even afford the cheapest piece here? Do you want me to lend you some money to buy your girlfriend a trinket? I’ll pay for you, as long as you crawl under my legs.”

“Who told you I couldn’t afford it?” Lin Feng sneered. He hadn’t wanted to waste time with Xu Shaojie, but since Xu was forcing the issue, he would teach him what true humiliation felt like.

“Aren’t you so rich? Want to see who can spend more here?” Lin Feng challenged.

“Afraid of you? And if you lose?” Xu Shaojie puffed up arrogantly.

“If I lose, you can ask anything you want. If you lose, you’ll kneel, bark like a dog, and eat all the trash from that bin over there,” Lin Feng replied coldly.

“Agreed. You’re doomed,” Xu Shaojie said confidently, turning to the gaudy woman with a flourish. “Darling, you have a special privilege today—pick whatever you like, and I’ll pay for it all.”

“Wow, you’re amazing, Shaojie! I love you!” she squealed with delight, immediately darting to the jewelry counter, pointing out anything that caught her fancy for the clerk to pack up.

Lin Feng, meanwhile, remained motionless.

Bai Xiaoqian, worried, whispered, “Lin Feng, why are you competing with him? You can’t outspend him—his family owns a factory, and back in school, he got hundreds of thousands a month for living expenses.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll see soon enough,” Lin Feng replied with a dismissive smile.