Chapter 34: The Human Shield

At dawn, Yang Fan arrived early at a small grove within the residential community and sat down to cultivate. He was accustomed to coming here every morning, breathing in the fresh air and absorbing spiritual energy as he practiced. Three hours passed before he finished his cultivation. Then, he began to practice boxing, moving the spiritual energy through some of his meridians.

Suddenly, an angry shout echoed from not far away.

Yang Fan glanced over and spotted someone he knew: Mo Chenxi. He had learned she lived in Huiyuan Community when he had once escorted her home. Standing in front of her was a young man of about eighteen or nineteen. Judging by the scene, he was one of Mo Chenxi’s suitors.

Shaking his head, Yang Fan ignored the situation and continued to circulate his spiritual energy while practicing his forms.

Mo Chenxi was truly at her wit’s end; the persistent young man in front of her filled her with disgust.

“Chenxi, I really do like you. Can’t you at least give me a chance?” Ma Dongyuan looked at Mo Chenxi, his face full of sincerity.

Their fathers were friends, and the two had met through their parents. Ma Dongyuan had fallen for Mo Chenxi at first sight, and his father wholeheartedly supported his pursuit, knowing that if his son could win her over, the benefits to follow would be immense. Mo Chenxi was an only child, beloved by her family. Upon marriage, her father’s company would naturally pass into her hands. Marrying Mo Chenxi would be equivalent to acquiring a major enterprise.

Mo Chenxi, fed up and annoyed, suddenly noticed a familiar figure.

“Brother Yang Fan, why is he here?” Her gaze fell on Yang Fan, who was practicing his forms nearby, and delight lit up her face. An idea struck her—a way to shake off Ma Dongyuan.

“Ma Dongyuan, to be honest, I already like someone else. Please don’t bother me anymore,” Mo Chenxi said to him.

Hearing this, Ma Dongyuan was momentarily stunned but then dismissed it outright. He had already investigated Mo Chenxi thoroughly, and she had never been involved with any boyfriends. He didn’t believe her.

“Chenxi, you don’t have to lie to me,” Ma Dongyuan replied.

“The person I like is right over there. If you don’t believe me, come with me,” Mo Chenxi pointed to Yang Fan.

She put on a happy smile and ran over to Yang Fan.

Yang Fan felt helpless. Though some distance separated them, he could clearly hear Mo Chenxi’s words.

“Brother Yang Fan!” Mo Chenxi came up to him, slipped her arm through his, and flashed a sweet smile.

“Girl, don’t tell me you’re using me as a shield again,” Yang Fan said, exasperated.

“Brother Yang Fan, just help me this once. That guy is driving me crazy,” Mo Chenxi clung to his arm, gently swaying and pleading.

Yang Fan could only smile wryly, unable to refuse.

Meanwhile, Ma Dongyuan, seeing Mo Chenxi clinging to Yang Fan’s arm, felt a surge of resentment—especially witnessing such intimacy. The girl he had pursued for so long was being so affectionate with someone else; how could he bear it?

“Chenxi, who is he?” Ma Dongyuan strode over to Yang Fan, demanding an answer. He simply couldn’t believe this Yang Fan was her boyfriend. All the information he’d gathered indicated Mo Chenxi had no such relationship. He assumed Yang Fan was an imposter.

“I told you, he’s the one I like—my boyfriend,” Mo Chenxi looked Ma Dongyuan straight in the eye. “Now you should give up. Please don’t bother me anymore.”

These days of being pestered by Ma Dongyuan had left Mo Chenxi thoroughly exasperated. If not for the friendship between their fathers, she would have lost her temper long ago.

“I don’t believe you. You must have found him just to get rid of me!” Ma Dongyuan protested, becoming agitated. He glared at Yang Fan and threatened coldly, “If you know what’s good for you, get lost. Don’t pretend here, or I won’t be polite.”

“Ma Dongyuan, you’re going too far! Who I like is none of your business,” Mo Chenxi retorted harshly, her face filled with disgust.

Seeing Ma Dongyuan’s behavior, Mo Chenxi’s dislike deepened. She saw through his character and would never like someone like him.

Ma Dongyuan ignored her, focusing his threat on Yang Fan. “Don’t doubt what I say, or you’ll regret it.”

Yang Fan shot him a cold, icy look. For someone to threaten him was to court disaster.

He raised his hand and slapped Ma Dongyuan hard across the face. The force of the blow sent Ma Dongyuan flying to the ground. He hadn’t even had time to react before he was sprawled on the earth, pain searing through his cheek and blood trickling from his lips. He felt as if several teeth had loosened.

“Damn it, how dare you hit me! I’ll kill you!” Ma Dongyuan, blinded by rage, charged at Yang Fan.

Mo Chenxi watched him with a look of pity, hoping he wouldn’t get beaten too badly.

Yang Fan sneered, shot out his right hand, and grabbed Ma Dongyuan by the throat, lifting him into the air with one hand. Ma Dongyuan felt himself suffocating, his face turning crimson as terror filled his eyes. He hadn’t expected this man to be so strong. Only when he was close to fainting did Yang Fan release him.

“Remember—if you dare lay a hand on me again, I’ll cripple you,” Yang Fan said coldly, then walked away.

Mo Chenxi quickly followed.

Watching Yang Fan’s departing figure, hatred burned in Ma Dongyuan’s eyes. “Just wait—you’ll pay for this.”

He knew he was no match for Yang Fan, so he could only find someone else to teach him a lesson. This grudge would not be forgotten.

“Brother Yang Fan, do you live in Huiyuan Community too?” Mo Chenxi trotted along beside Yang Fan, asking cheerfully.

Yang Fan nodded.

Learning that Yang Fan also lived here, Mo Chenxi was overjoyed.

“Why are you following me?” Yang Fan asked, slightly annoyed.

“I want to see your place,” Mo Chenxi pouted, looking a little aggrieved.

Faced with her expression, Yang Fan was helpless. “What’s so interesting about my place? Besides, you’re a girl—what would people think if you visited a man’s home alone?”

“I don’t care. I just want to see where you live,” Mo Chenxi insisted, throwing a little tantrum.

Shaking his head, Yang Fan gave up arguing and let her follow.

As he reached his front door, Li Qiuya happened to come out of her apartment. Seeing the young girl beside Yang Fan, she paused, thinking to herself, “So he likes schoolgirls?”

Mo Chenxi looked young, around seventeen or eighteen, so it was no wonder Li Qiuya would think that. She had thought Yang Fan was aloof, but apparently, this was his preference.

Li Qiuya gave Yang Fan a peculiar look before stepping into the elevator.

Yang Fan understood her odd glance and knew he’d been misunderstood.

“Li Qiuya?” Mo Chenxi exclaimed in surprise.