TNIBFT -Chapter 122 Afraid to Hit Me, Are You?

“Thank you, Master and Sister Ling’er.”

Ye Yunting’s small body stood straight and tall like a young bamboo, perfectly upright, his bow precise and steady.

Tao Ling’er looked at the top of Ye Yunting’s head and smiled in satisfaction.

Tao Lichun had run the academy for ten years, and she had seen all sorts of children. A child like Ye Yunting was one in a million.

His character, talent, and temperament were all outstanding.

Ye Tian had truly hit the jackpot in this lifetime to have such an exceptional child.

Tao Ling’er exhaled slowly as she looked at Ye Tian. Marriage was, at most, a matter of mutual respect. Ye Tian had good character, decent looks, and three children she liked. If she were to marry, Ye Tian would be her first choice.

“There’s been too much going on at the academy recently, and I wasn’t able to visit you when you were injured a few days ago,” Tao Ling’er said, looking away nervously.

“It’s better that you didn’t come,” Ye Tian replied.

Seeing Tao Ling’er’s beautiful eyes widen in surprise, Ye Tian continued, “A few days ago, I almost became braised pork. I didn’t have the face to go out and see anyone.”

Tao Ling’er paused, then realized and chuckled, covering her red lips with a handkerchief. She lowered her head slightly, part shy, part playful, like a blooming red begonia—impossible to look away from.

“I had no idea—we actually have beauties like this in Sifang City!”

“Yes, is she here to accompany her husband for the selection?”

“To marry such a wife, one could die without regrets!”

Around them, the scholars and literati stared at Ye Tian with envy dripping from their mouths.

Comments rose and fell like waves. Shen Jie, standing in the crowd, casually turned his head and happened to see Tao Ling’er gazing at Ye Tian with affection, both of them laughing and talking.

Hearing everyone’s remarks only made Shen Jie feel that he should be the one envied.

Tao Ling’er loved him. What was Ye Tian to her?

Looking at the radiant Tao Ling’er, Shen Jie felt a sourness in his heart.

In the past, no matter where he went, Tao Ling’er’s eyes were only on him. She couldn’t see anyone else. Even if she had to choose between him and Tao Lichun, she would never hesitate.

He couldn’t believe that in just a few days, Tao Ling’er could completely forget him.

It had to be Ye Tian taking advantage of the situation.

“Brother Shen, where are you going?”

Seeing Shen Jie turn to leave, Jiang Yunxi abandoned the men fawning over her and followed behind him.

At this moment, Ye Tian, Tao Ling’er, and Ye Yunting stood together. Tao Ling’er stroked Ye Yunting’s little head, tilting her face up as she spoke with Ye Tian about something unknown. The three of them smiled with pure happiness, a sight that made Shen Jie’s eyes sting.

“Ling’er!”

The familiar voice behind her made Tao Ling’er freeze. Her whole body stiffened, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

She didn’t dare turn her head. The jade hand resting on Ye Yunting’s head trembled slightly.

Ye Yunting’s eyes darkened as he looked at Ye Tian.

Sensing the change in the two people before him, Ye Tian lifted his head and saw Shen Jie, dressed impeccably like a proper young master, walking toward them.

No wonder he’s the main character—wherever he goes, he gets everything served to him, Ye Tian thought coldly.

“Ling’er!”

Shen Jie stepped forward, his eyes scanning Tao Ling’er from head to toe, concern in his tone. “How have you and Master been during this time?”

“I wanted to come back to see you, but… I was afraid you wouldn’t forgive me…”

“Hmph!”

Tao Ling’er’s face went pale, and she didn’t even glance at Shen Jie.

She would never forget how Shen Jie had tricked her into a private room, letting Xiao Tianyi humiliate her—his hypocritical, false facade. He wasn’t even worthy.

“What’s going on here?”

“Isn’t this Shen Jie, the talented scholar from Huichuntang? How does he know this girl?”

“Looks like she doesn’t want anything to do with him!”

Many people started jeering; the topic of talented scholars and beautiful ladies has always drawn attention through the ages.

Hearing the murmurs around him, Shen Jie looked embarrassed. He stepped forward, but Tao Ling’er stepped back, hiding behind Ye Tian.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to force a girl, huh?”

Ye Tian frowned, impatiently staring at Shen Jie.

Seeing Ye Tian, Shen Jie stopped pretending and sneered sarcastically: “Ye Tian, what are you doing here?”

“Why I’m here is none of your business,” Ye Tian retorted.

Jiang Yunxi, who had been following Shen Jie, immediately widened her eyes in anger and stepped forward, ready to argue with Ye Tian. Ye Tian cut her off first: “And you—so young, following a man around, picking fights like an older brother? Is this how your father taught you?”

“Your brother comes running to flirt with others, and you don’t notice?”

“You’re too young to be learning how to be flirtatious. Why not just focus on your studies?”

“You—”

Jiang Yunxi was so ashamed and furious that her finger trembled as she pointed at Ye Tian.

“You ‘you’? What a spoiled brat. You really think all the men in the world should pamper you, huh?” Ye Tian’s contemptuous gaze locked on Jiang Yunxi.

“Enough!” Shen Jie interjected.

“Ye Tian, what are you doing picking on a little girl?!”

Ye Tian shrugged casually, smiling wryly: “Picking on you? Do you think you could even handle it if I did?”

He stepped forward, grabbing Shen Jie by the collar with sharp intensity. “The fire at the hotpot shop last time—was that you? I haven’t forgotten that grudge!”

“What are you doing?”

Seeing Shen Jie about to get hit, Jiang Yunxi immediately rushed forward, trying to pull Ye Tian back to protect him.

“Troublemakers aren’t allowed to participate in the official selection. Haven’t you seen that, Ye Tian?” Shen Jie sneered calmly, confident that Ye Tian wouldn’t actually strike him—he just wanted to scare him.

“Is that so?” Ye Tian sneered. Clutching Shen Jie’s collar with both hands, he looked like he wanted to strangle the man on the spot. “You’re so sure I don’t dare hit you, huh?”

Shen Jie showed no fear.

Ye Tian nodded, gritted his teeth, and slapped Shen Jie hard across the face.

Smack!

The sound was deafening.

The crowd went completely silent.

Everyone froze, staring blankly at Ye Tian.

Shen Jie didn’t react for a long time. His head was spinning, ears buzzing, eyes blurred, completely stunned.

Ye Tian tossed Shen Jie to the ground and looked at the onlookers: “Everyone saw that. This idiot has nothing better to do, already has a fiancée, and still dares to hit on my sister. Serves him right to get beaten!”

“Brother Shen…” Jiang Yunxi rushed over, cradling Shen Jie’s swollen face in worry.

Ye Yunting’s expression was cold as he watched Jiang Yunxi and Shen Jie, his eyes sharp with resolve.

He had heard Ye Tian’s words and realized that it was Shen Jie who had tried to burn Ye Tian alive—the grudge was noted.

Looking at Ye Tian’s tall figure, Tao Ling’er felt a warmth in her heart. Last time too, Ye Tian had saved her. It seemed that as long as Ye Tian was around, she could always hide safely behind him.

“Ye Tian, even with Master Tao’s recommendation, you’ve ignored the city’s rules. Do you really think you can still participate in this official selection?”

Shen Jie looked smug, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.

“Idiot!”

Ye Tian said flatly, towering over the man on the ground: “Which eye of yours saw that I’m even going to take the assessment?”