Chapter Thirty: Do Not Mistake My Humility for Weakness

"Lu Wenhao?" Chen Feng frowned slightly, a memory stirring within him. He suddenly recalled that Chen Ping had once introduced this person to him. This fellow was a student from Seventeenth High, and was to be his 'rival' on the basketball court.

Seventeenth High?

Chen Feng narrowed his eyes. The school's notorious reputation was something he had heard of long ago. It was famously a troubled institution—most students who were unmotivated in junior high, or those who merely muddled through their days, ended up at Seventeenth High. It was, in essence, a haven for delinquents, where students idled away their days, and most would continue drifting in society after graduation.

"Chen Feng, right?" Lu Wenhao looked at him carelessly, his gaze sweeping over Chen Feng before resting on Fang Yue, who stood beside him. His eyes brightened slightly, and he spoke slowly, "You're a bit slimmer than I expected, and taller too."

Chen Feng said nothing, studying the man before him. Lu Wenhao's first impression was that of an arrogant poser, his aura deliberately cultivated. Yet, his unruly manner made him seem almost laughable.

"Hey, the boss is talking to you! Why aren't you answering?" Before Chen Feng could speak, the yellow-haired boy behind him shoved his head roughly, speaking coldly, "Are you looking for a beating?"

"Chen Feng!" Fang Yue grew anxious at the sight.

"Well, I've started playing basketball lately, so with more exercise I've slimmed down. I used to be quite fat," Chen Feng waved at Fang Yue, signaling her not to worry, his face displaying a modest humility.

It was his habit; he disliked flaunting himself, even now when he had some abilities. He preferred to act boldly in deeds but remain humble in person, winning brilliantly yet treating others with courtesy.

Lu Wenhao, observing Chen Feng, sneered inwardly, a mocking smile curling at his lips. He spoke calmly, "Are you aware of the upcoming basketball tournament? I believe the champion will emerge between Seventeenth High and First High."

Chen Feng smiled, "I know. Young Master Lu, do you have any advice for me?"

Though his face bore a gentle smile, Chen Feng was already on guard. Others might see his courteous manner as easy to exploit, but beneath his polite exterior, Chen Feng was sharp and wary.

If anyone truly thought Chen Feng was easy to bully, they'd pay dearly for their ignorance.

Lu Wenhao seemed unconcerned and said, "It's not advice, really. I just want you to do something for me."

As he spoke, Lu Wenhao slid a check across the table to Chen Feng, speaking nonchalantly, "Here’s a check for one hundred thousand yuan. If you play basketball and win the city's Best Player award, you'll get at most thirty thousand in scholarship money. My request is simple—lose to me in the tournament."

Lose to you?

Chen Feng's gaze fell on the check, silently noting that Lu Wenhao was indeed extravagantly wealthy, likely from a rich family.

Truth be told, Chen Feng was tempted.

He played basketball merely to earn some achievement points; the rewards weren't much. But the thirty thousand yuan scholarship mattered greatly. For his working-class family, thirty thousand was no small amount.

To be offered a hundred thousand at once was truly enticing. As for fame, Chen Feng cared little. The city's high school basketball tournament was hardly a major event—few paid it any mind.

His skills were intact; if he wanted, he could enter a sports university and make a name for himself in the future.

Comparing a modest sum and achievement points to a hundred thousand yuan, Chen Feng decisively favored the latter. Besides, Lu Wenhao’s family was powerful; offending him brought no benefit. Losing would mean ten times the reward—why not?

"Alright!" Chen Feng didn't hesitate. After less than half a second of consideration, he agreed, "I'll lose to you in the match."

Lu Wenhao was momentarily stunned. He had assumed Chen Feng would at least hesitate, but he hadn't expected such swift agreement, with not a trace of reluctance. Watching Chen Feng's cautious, timid demeanor, Lu Wenhao only felt more contempt for him.

A cold smile appeared on his face. He glanced at Fang Yue and slowly asked, "Is this your girlfriend?"

Before Chen Feng could answer, Fang Yue spoke up, "Yes, I am his girlfriend!"

Lu Wenhao laughed, and his little gang joined in, all watching him expectantly. Lu Wenhao licked his lips, grinning, "Well, you are lucky. Xiao Wu, you did well, bringing them here. Chen Feng, your girlfriend is indeed beautiful. How about we make another deal?"

"Hmm?" Chen Feng frowned, looking at Lu Wenhao, "Another deal? What do you want?"

Lu Wenhao smiled, speaking slowly, "I'll give you ten thousand yuan. Tonight, lend us your girlfriend for some fun."

Chen Feng's expression changed, anger flaring deep within him.

Pushy to the extreme—this was the definition of overstepping boundaries.

Because Chen Feng had agreed so quickly and spoken politely, Lu Wenhao assumed he was a man without backbone.

Suddenly, Chen Feng wondered if he had been too courteous. The more he tried to avoid trouble, the more others thought him easy to bully. Agreeing to lose the game was one thing, but now Lu Wenhao wanted Fang Yue for a night, offering ten thousand?

If a tiger doesn't show its claws, you take it for a sick cat!

"What's wrong, ten thousand not enough? No problem, I'll give you twenty thousand—just for one night," Lu Wenhao enjoyed watching Chen Feng's expression, relishing the feeling of throwing money at people and seeing them yield.

"Brother Lu is truly generous!"

"This joke isn't funny," Chen Feng sat upright, fixing Lu Wenhao with a cold stare. "Sorry, my girlfriend is not available for anyone."

"Twenty thousand not enough? Fine, I'll give you one hundred thousand—just for one night," Lu Wenhao smiled, his gaze lingering on Fang Yue, "Of course, little beauty, you can rest assured. I'll give you a hundred thousand as well. Just one night!"

Such a price was outrageous—even Chen Feng had never heard of anything like it. One hundred thousand for a single night; even the rumors about certain trades didn't amount to this. Truly, a wealthy fool.

"Chen Feng, let's go," Fang Yue said, worry etched on her face.

Chen Feng didn't move. Fang Yue felt her heart skip a beat. Chen Feng smiled at Lu Wenhao, slowly picking up the check and speaking deliberately, "Lu Wenhao, right? I admit, money is a good thing. Everyone likes it, myself included. But I regret to inform you—"

At this, Chen Feng calmly tore the check into shreds, looked at Lu Wenhao, and said seriously, "I’m sorry, but the Best Player title is mine."

Lu Wenhao's expression changed. The impression Chen Feng gave him now was entirely different. Before, he had seemed like a lamb awaiting slaughter; now, he radiated the aura of a dangerous beast.

Chen Feng rose, gazing at Lu Wenhao, his voice calm, "And, never mistake my humility for weakness."