C30 The Deterrence

"Lee Mengmeng, I was actually tempted to give you a piece of my mind, but I'll let it slide for your brother's sake. Just keep it in check from now on," Niu Li said coolly.

"You!" Lee Mengmeng fumed. She couldn't recall anyone ever daring to talk to her that way. Who did he think he was?

"Don't get all worked up. If it weren't for your brother being tied up with something I actually respect, I'd be setting him straight too. If he can't keep his own sister in line, how's he supposed to be a big shot?" Niu Li's arrogance filled the room, leaving the students trembling with fear.

He was scolding Scarface Lee, the hero of many youths in H City. Did he have a death wish?

"I can't believe how much you've changed in just one day. Do you really think you can run amok just because you've learned a few tricks? I could easily have someone take you out," Lee Mengmeng scoffed, her eyes ablaze with rage at Niu Li.

Niu Li wagged a finger at her. "Save your threats. I despise being threatened. Just yesterday, three people tried it; one ended up dead, another severely injured, and Wei was only spared because your brother intervened in time. Otherwise, he'd be just another body. Consider this a warning, not a threat. I'll let it go this time, but if there's a next time, your brother will be picking up the pieces."

His voice turned icy, sending shivers down the spines of the students in the classroom.

The students exchanged uneasy glances. Was this for real? It felt more like a scene from a movie. He was acting like a bona fide hitman!

"Wei!" Lee Mengmeng's face paled as she stared intently at Niu Li. She might have thought he was full of hot air before, but the mention of Wei's name was a game-changer. Wei was her brother's personal bodyguard, a secret to most. Yet Niu Li knew him, and that was no small matter.

"Anyway, this is a sophomore class. What brings you senior girls down here? Missing the good old days of the curriculum?" Niu Li turned away from Lee Mengmeng, shifting his attention to Miao Tiantian.

When Miao Tiantian realized she finally had the opportunity to step into the spotlight, she flashed a sweet smile at Niu Li. "I've heard rumors about a formidable senior in the second year, so I thought I'd come by to introduce myself. My name is Miao Tiantian. I'm looking forward to your guidance."

"Really? Since when have I been the expert?" Niu Li touched his nose, offering no comment, but his gaze on Miao Tiantian was devoid of any warmth. "Classes have already started, Ms. Miao. Shouldn't you be leading your senior brothers to their lessons? The final year is crucial. Without dedication, how do you expect to get into college?"

With that, Niu Li sent them on their way. His demeanor left no doubt that he considered himself the undisputed leader of Class 3, Grade 2. He showed no regard for the dignity of the seniors.

Yet, neither Miao Tiantian nor Lee Mengmeng dared to utter a word.

Some things instill fear with just one encounter. Niu Li's dominance and tactics had made a lasting impression; he was truly formidable.

"Alright then, we'll be off. I'll be sure to keep in touch," Miao Tiantian said decisively. She understood that future interactions would reveal their respective strategies.

Miao Tiantian quickly departed with her group.

Lee Mengmeng cast a complex glance at Niu Li before leaving with her companions. Her expression signaled her intent to seek the truth from her brother.

Thus, Niu Li's true nature was revealed.

However, Niu Li had no inclination to conceal his identity. He had to continue living in H City, where many already knew him. As a boss, a simple inquiry by anyone would uncover all his details.

By leveraging the message Lee Mengmeng would convey to Scarface Lee, Niu Li was essentially issuing a warning to both Scarface and his sister. "I'm right here, and so is your sister. If you're planning to challenge me, be warned—I'll take your sister down first. I'm not known for my chivalry."

After the two women left, the classroom felt even emptier. In reality, there weren't more than twenty students present—a stark contrast to the at least forty-five typically enrolled in a class. It seemed these students had little regard for their teachers.

Niu Li cast a glance at his peers, noting their uneasy demeanor, and addressed the nearest one, "Go fetch the teacher. Tell him he can start our lesson now."

"Sure thing, Mr. Niu," the student replied, nodding vigorously before dashing off.

Some time later, the student returned, out of breath and wearing an awkward expression. "Mr. Niu, Teacher Hee said he's given us the day off. We're free to do as we please."

"If you're not going to attend class, then don't bother coming back at all," Niu Li snapped, clearly incensed. He had come to learn, and to be given a day off during regular school hours was unacceptable. It was no surprise to him that the teachers of Class 3, Grade 2 had a reputation for being subpar.

Surveying the classroom's vacant seats, Niu Li rose abruptly, his action sending a shiver through the already anxious students.

His gaze swept over the dozen or so students as he declared, "Starting this afternoon, I expect to see every student in this classroom. Anyone who fails to show up, barring exceptional circumstances, can spend their time at the hospital instead."

The gravity of his words was not lost on the students, whose faces turned pale with fear. They knew full well that Niu Li's threats were not to be taken lightly.

"Surely you all know those absent classmates. Pass along my message. No matter who's backing them, absence will not be tolerated—not even Scarface Lee can save them," Niu Li said with a chilling smile, then settled back into his seat and quietly flipped open a book, indifferent to the students' reactions.

The student who had gone to summon the teacher was back, this time silent and offering only a timid, wry smile.

"Take a seat. There's no need to call the teacher now," Niu Li said, sparing the student from further trouble as he bowed his head and immersed himself in his studies.

A hush fell over the classroom. Seeing Niu Li's earnest approach, the other students refrained from any further disruptions and began to study in earnest, though only a handful were genuinely focused on their work.

The classroom was unusually quiet compared to its typical raucous state. Anyone walking by the corridor outside couldn't help but notice the stark contrast. Today, the normally boisterous room was eerily silent. It was downright bizarre.

Even after one class period, the silence persisted.

The entire class maintained this quietude, and word of Class 3 Grade 2's atypical behavior quickly spread throughout Mingxing High School, leaving every student bewildered.

In the principal's office of Mingxing High School, Niu Li sat calmly in a chair, observing the slender figure of Principal Zhu behind his desk.

In both television and literature, a school principal is often portrayed as an enigmatic figure, the true leader capable of effortlessly disciplining unruly students.

Principal Zhu Yaoming of Mingxing High School was a thin man with glasses, exuding an air of scholarly refinement.

Yet, Niu Li, with his potent mental energy, could sense an odd aura emanating from the seemingly unremarkable Principal Zhu. It was as if he could peer into the souls of those before him.

Despite this, Principal Zhu was oblivious to Niu Li's use of mental energy. He was somewhat taken aback by the young man's complexity. It was no wonder Miao Tiantian and Lee Mengmeng refrained from mischief in his presence.

"Principal, you've been staring for quite some time now, and this class period has been squandered. Is there something you needed from me?" Niu Li mused inwardly, feigning ignorance outwardly.

"Just wanted a chat. How do you find Class 3 Grade 2?" Principal Zhu inquired, smiling.

"It's not bad at all. The classroom location is great, and the students are diligent in their studies. However, the teachers leave much to be desired. They didn't show up for class this morning, which I find quite odd," Niu Li replied, feigning confusion.

Internally, Principal Zhu cursed Niu Li's slyness, but his face remained amiable as he responded, "I'm aware of the situation. They'll resume normal classes this afternoon. But tell me, is Class 3 Grade 2 truly as commendable as you've described? Haven't you considered switching to another class, perhaps Class 1 Grade 2?" A peculiar glint flickered across Principal Zhu's features.