Novela Logo Small
Back to What Should I Do? My Sexual Orientation is Normal [Gender Bender]

A Display of Force

Chapter 19

“Then you tell me who! Who the hell did it?!” Liu Yucong barked in fury. “I wasn’t even in the dorm, how the fuck should I know? But you’re going crazy over a little water stain? Weren’t you enjoying yourself when you soaked my bed last Friday? Karma’s a bitch; you deserve it.” A look of disdain curled the corners of Fei Cheng’s mouth. He knew saying this would further provoke Liu Yucong, but he truly didn't want to endure it anymore. There had to be a limit to this unreasonable behavior. Was it fun to pin everything on him? “Fuck you.” Liu Yucong was now even more convinced that Fei Cheng had wet his bedding. Feeling his pride wounded, he called on his friends to start a fight. Fei Cheng harbored deep resentment toward Liu Yucong as well. He was just about to strike when Yu Qing held him back. Yu Qing smirked. “Just watch. He’s about to remember the fear of being sanctioned by Brother Cheng.” Fei Cheng had never known exactly what made Liu Yucong and the others so wary of Cheng Yifei. Was it just because he had good grades? Now he knew. Cheng Yifei’s one-versus-four combat prowess made it feel like Fei Cheng was watching an action drama. Usually refined and calm, a person who never even uttered a curse word, Cheng Yifei seemed to transform the moment he moved. He was fierce and cold, every punch and kick laced with a sense of ruthlessness. Fei Cheng felt his heart skip a beat. He even wanted to take a few steps back to distance himself, but Yu Qing’s hand was firm on his shoulder, leaving him nowhere to retreat. In no time at all, Cheng Yifei had given Liu Yucong’s gang a thorough thrashing. He warned them, “I said it: Fei Cheng didn't touch your bedding. Don't go looking for trouble where there is none.” Cheng Yifei turned around. Aside from his clothes being slightly disheveled, his face was as calm as ever, as if he had just returned from a casual meal. Fei Cheng stared blankly at Liu Yucong and the others, who were groaning while clutching their stomachs or faces. Then he looked back at Cheng Yifei, who was straightening his school uniform. How should he put it? He found Cheng Yifei a little bit... terrifying. Yu Qing, having seen this many times, excitedly slapped Fei Cheng’s back. “How about that? Eye-opening, right? Brother Cheng’s skills are top-tier. What’s that saying? A scholar with a pen, a soldier with a gun!” Fei Cheng gave a dry laugh. “He’s definitely impressive.” *So impressive I’m actually a little scared.* He had always had this quirk: seeing scenes of brutal violence would cause a deep-seated sense of panic, even if he wasn't the one being hit. When he had first woken up in this body, he had been the victim rather than a bystander, and his consciousness had been in a daze. Furthermore, the System had repaired his wounds so they didn't hurt much, so he hadn't been left with a lingering shadow then. Cheng Yifei saw through his forced composure at a glance. He remained silent for a moment before picking up his books. “Let’s go to the classroom.” “Ah, right.” Fei Cheng picked up the books he needed. The ballpoint pen tucked inside a textbook accidentally rolled onto the floor. Since he was carrying quite a few books, Cheng Yifei bent down to help him pick it up. Fei Cheng also hurried to reach for it, but his hand accidentally brushed against the back of Cheng Yifei’s hand. He immediately recoiled, taking several steps back with a wary look in his eyes. Cheng Yifei: “...” Yu Qing, who was grabbing his books from the top bunk, happened to see Fei Cheng’s reaction. The air seemed to freeze. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. After four or five seconds, he laughed awkwardly. “Brother Cheng, it looks like your combat power scared Fei Cheng.” This was also giving Fei Cheng a way out. Fei Cheng took it; he knew he had some psychological issues. He moved his stiff body and said apologetically, “Sorry, Brother Cheng. I think I’m having a bit of trouble processing that. Give me a second, I’m going to wash my face!” Fei Cheng turned and ran into the bathroom. Ignoring the cold, he twisted the tap and splashed handfuls of water onto his face. *Idiot, that’s Cheng Yifei, the guy who’s been looking out for you! What are you afraid of!* Only after he had mentally prepared himself did he wipe his face with a towel and head out. “Alright, let’s go.” Fei Cheng followed behind Cheng Yifei with his books. He tried to explain his behavior just now, but Cheng Yifei didn't seem to want to talk much, which made him feel quite distressed. Once they reached the classroom, Yu Qing’s cravings kicked in. “I’m going to buy a Coke. What do you guys want?” Cheng Yifei: “Soy milk.” Fei Cheng: “Pepsi, cold.” “Got it.” Yu Qing stood up and headed for the door, grabbing a classmate on the way out for company. Fei Cheng stared at his book for a while, but not a single word registered. After hesitating for a long time, he couldn't take it anymore! He slapped the table and spoke to Cheng Yifei solemnly. “Brother Cheng, I need to explain my reaction earlier! I really was scared by you. After all, you’re usually so refined; I had no idea you were such a good fighter. And when you were hitting them, even though your face was expressionless, your eyes were a bit... ferocious? At the time, I just thought about how much it would hurt if those hits landed on me. Back in the dorm, I was actually terrified you were going to beat me up, seriously!” Cheng Yifei glanced at him. “Why would I beat you up for no reason? Do you have a persecution complex?” Fei Cheng’s throat tightened. He said somewhat dejectedly, “I don't know when I picked up the habit, but whenever I see such a brutal fight, I start shaking involuntarily.” Cheng Yifei sized him up and stated firmly, “It’s a side effect of being beaten too often.” Fei Cheng: “...” *Bah! I was like this in my past life too!* “I won't hit you without cause,” Cheng Yifei said, twirling his pen. Fei Cheng felt slightly relieved and asked tentatively, “Then... under what circumstances *would* you hit me?” Cheng Yifei flashed him a toothy grin. “Starting from the finals, if you don't rank in the top five of the entire grade, I’ll hit you every time I see you.” Fei Cheng subconsciously shuddered. “Understood. Brother Cheng, don't smile like that. Even though your teeth are very white and straight, it makes my spine tingle.” Cheng Yifei pulled back his smile. He had only done it to scare the coward. When he had first found Fei Cheng being beaten in the back alley, it was simply because he couldn't stand the sight of it; he had dragged him back to the dorm for the sake of being classmates. After Fei Cheng woke up, his words and actions became somewhat interesting. More importantly, Fei Cheng had expressed a willingness to use his methods to solve problems, so naturally, Cheng Yifei felt a certain level of responsibility. Then, after discovering the other’s aptitude for learning, he felt it would be a waste to leave him be. After all that, they had become friends. But the fact that this friend was so afraid of him made him feel a bit disgruntled. Inwardly, he felt he had already shown immense patience in looking after this little seedling, Fei Cheng. Even when Yu Qing bullied him, Cheng Yifei was the one who stepped in. Of course, it was undeniable that every time he heard Fei Cheng cry out for help, an unexplainable sense of satisfaction would bubble up in his heart. Yet this time, when he had finally stepped up to teach Liu Yucong a lesson, instead of earning Fei Cheng’s admiration, he had turned himself into a villain? What a loss, Cheng Yifei thought. Both of them stared at their books, lost in their own thoughts, until Yu Qing returned and slammed two bottles of drinks onto their desks, snapping them back to reality. Yu Qing didn't notice anything amiss. He stood by the side, gossiping. “Who do you think was bold enough to pour water on Liu Yucong’s bedding?” Neither Cheng Yifei nor Fei Cheng were interested, giving only dismissive shakes of their heads. But that didn't stop Yu Qing’s detective spirit. He pulled over a chair and sat down, analyzing the situation with gusto. “We were the first ones back to the dorm, right? And we were gone for about twenty minutes to drop off the quilts. Who entered the dorm during those twenty minutes and splashed water on Liu Yucong’s bed? I think if it wasn't someone from our dorm, it must be someone who visits often! That’s why they knew exactly which bed was his. What do you guys think?” Fei Cheng tapped the table. “I think the fact that they only splashed a little bit shows that this person is a bit of a coward.” “Wow, even more of a coward than you?” Yu Qing teased. Fei Cheng simply told him to get lost. Yu Qing resumed his serious thinking face. “Seriously though, I think it’s very likely someone from our dorm. Even though Brother Cheng showed off his might just now, it doesn't mean Liu Yucong won't hold a grudge. If the truth doesn't come out, won't he be targeting Cheng-cheng again soon?” Cheng Yifei said nonchalantly, “Let him try.” Yu Qing: “...” *Yes, yes, I know your combat power is off the charts and you fear no one.* Fei Cheng, however, took Yu Qing’s words to heart. He began to recall the layout of the dorm at the time. He thought back from the wet spot on the bed to the position of the slippers under Liu Yucong’s bunk. Generally, there are two pairs of slippers under a bottom bunk—one for the top bunk person and one for the bottom. It’s normal for slippers to be scattered randomly. But coincidentally, when Fei Cheng first arrived at the dorm, he had seen a slipper that had drifted into the middle of the aisle. Finding it an eyesore, he had kicked it back under Liu Yucong’s bed. When they returned from dropping off the quilts, the position of the slippers had changed again. He said uncertainly, “Was it Liu Yucong and his friends who accidentally kicked them, or did someone else come in?” Yu Qing didn't follow. “Cheng-cheng, what are you talking about?” Fei Cheng explained, “I think someone must have been in the dorm. It’s very likely Liu Yucong’s bunkmate from the top, because the position of the slippers under the bed changed. But I’m not sure if Liu Yucong and the others just kicked them while moving around.” Cheng Yifei: “...” Yu Qing: “...” Fei Cheng choked. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Yu Qing patted his shoulder. “I’m impressed. You’re the real Sherlock Cheng, actually remembering the position of their slippers! Cheng-cheng, forgive my bluntness, but... are you a pervert?” Cheng Yifei thought for a moment and said seriously and deeply, “The detective industry isn't for you. Just study more.” Fei Cheng: “?” *I was recalling so seriously, you two pieces of trash!* Yu Qing clutched his chest. “The more I think about it, the scarier it gets. Cheng-cheng, what else do you usually remember? Do you even know I have a mole on my chest?” Fei Cheng’s face went blank. “I don't know. Get lost.” Cheng Yifei comforted him. “The weather is so cold now; few people would change into slippers just to come to evening self-study. Those slippers were probably just kicked out of place by accident. Don't overthink it, there’s a good boy.” Fei Cheng: “...” *I get it, both of you shut up.* “Then who was it?” Yu Qing still hadn't given up on the question. “It wouldn't be strange for a classmate to enter the dorm while we were gone.” Fei Cheng said, “Forget it, don't waste time thinking about it.” Yu Qing protested, “No, if we don't find the truth, will he let it go? I’m not afraid of him, but I don't want us to be disturbed every other day.” Fei Cheng waved him off. “He won't disturb you. If he’s looking for someone, it’ll be me.” ***

Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:

    What Should I Do? My Sexual Orientation is Normal [Gender Bender] | Chapter 19 | A Display of Force | Novela.app | Novela.app