5 He is not like that (PART 2)

As they entered the kindergarten, Xiaolong was greeted by a sight that both surprised and delighted her. Gone were the usual plastic trays and lukewarm meals. Instead, tables were professionally arranged, adorned with vibrant tablecloths, and filled with the enticing aroma of fresh seafood. Chefs, clad in pristine white uniforms, diligently prepared delectable dishes, while children and teachers alike sat eagerly in anticipation.

"Ah, Ms. Xia, just in time!" boomed a cheerful voice. A tall, handsome man with kind eyes approached, his arms laden with boxes. "Today, I decided to treat these kids to a special feast!"

Xiaolong blinked, unable to reconcile this jovial man with the reserved Xu Feng she had just met. Could this be the same person Aunt Su had praised? Looking at the children's beaming faces, her initial surprise melted into admiration. It wasn't just a meal; it was an experience, a memory they would cherish.

Suddenly, the distance between them closed as Xu Feng greeted a young woman with warm brown hair and friendly eyes. Xiaolong felt a blush creep up her cheeks, quickly averting her gaze. "Mr. Xu, Miss Xia," the woman greeted them with a bright smile. "It's been a while!"

"We met on the way here," Xu Feng explained, a kind gesture of inclusion. "How's the preparation going?"

"Oh, Mr. Xu, thanks to your generosity, we're able to offer these children something they've never experienced before," the woman replied, her smile dimming slightly. "Unfortunately, it might also be their last meal together."

Xiaolong's heart sank. "Why would their last meal be..."

Xu Feng gestured outwards, and Xiaolong understood. The familiar, vibrant buildings surrounding the kindergarten were adorned with construction signs. "The Xi family purchased the land here and surrounding areas to build a 'dream hospital,'" the woman explained with a sigh. "They offered to buy our land, but with our limited resources, a legal battle is impossible. Now we have to find a new location, which is hard for the children who love it here."

Xu Feng placed a reassuring hand on the woman's shoulder, his smile unwavering. "Don't worry," he said confidently. "The Xi family is one of our partner companies. I'm sure there's been a misunderstanding. I'll personally intervene and ensure a fair outcome."

Both the woman and Xiaolong felt a wave of relief wash over them. Hope bloomed in their eyes as they watched Xu Feng, his genuine concern and quick action erasing any doubts they might have had.

"For now," Xu Feng declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "let's enjoy this delicious meal together!" He playfully grabbed their hands and led them towards the empty seats, laughter filling the air as they embraced the moment.

As the last crumb disappeared, the children, satiated and playful, were escorted away by their respective guardians. This left only Xiaolong, her sister, Xu Feng, and his sister fast asleep at the table, drooling adorably. Both siblings gently scooped up their slumbering charges, ready to depart.

"Mr. Xu," a teacher hurried over, stopping him before he could leave. "Can I get your number?" she asked directly.

He readily agreed, a bright smile lighting up his face. He scribbled his number on a piece of paper, leaving Xiaolong surprised by his easygoing nature. Feeling left out, she reached into her purse, blushing profusely.

"Mr. Xu," she stammered, holding out her phone, "could I also have your number?"

"Of course," he replied warmly, and they exchanged digits.

With a final wave, Xiaolong skipped away, her mind buzzing. Today had been so different from what she expected. Xu Feng, the supposedly "incompetent" man, had surprised her with his generosity and kindness. As she walked, a sly smile crept onto Xu Feng's face, hidden beneath his sister's sleeping head. His plan was unfolding perfectly.

Meanwhile, across town, Wei Long, fueled by Xu Feng's manipulation, wrestled with construction workers on the kindergarten site. He believed he was fighting for his harem future trying to make xu feng lose all of his face, unaware he was playing right into Xu Feng's hands. With a determined glint in his eyes, he dialed the police, reporting the "disturbance."

Elsewhere, a dark phone call unfolded. A man in a black suit listened intently as his subordinates reported their "success" in beating an older man and securing the contract cancellation. "Excellent," he declared, his voice cold and ruthless. "Now about the remaining Xi family members..."

But his plan hit a snag. Money, surprisingly, hadn't swayed remaining of the key members. Instead, this individual had exposed the villain's true colors to the Xi family, leading them to cancel the hospital project altogether. Now, the tide was turning against the wei long as criminal who caused a fight , his carefully laid plans unraveling.

As these narratives intertwined, an unexpected hero emerged – a seemingly insignificant teacher at the kindergarten. With a phone call to the authorities, he unknowingly set events in motion that would disrupt the protagonist's operations and protect the future of his life".

A satisfied smirk played on Xu Feng's lips as he watched the kid's disperse from the kindergarden. The carefully orchestrated events of the day unfolded precisely as he envisioned. From his unexpected arrival as a student to his calculated interaction with Professor Wang, everything had served its purpose.

"Wei Long," he muttered, the name laced with a hint of disdain. "You played your part well, but you were merely a pawn in a much larger game."

He recalled the events leading up to this moment. How he had intercepted Wei Long's plans for the construction site, using his influence to intervene and prevent the chaos the man intended to orchestrate. He had then subtly manipulated the situation, ensuring Wei Long appeared as the hero, saving the day in the eyes of Xia Long and the public.

"A fool," Xu Feng scoffed. "He revels in the fleeting praise, oblivious to the strings I pull from the shadows."

He knew the truth. Wei Long, with his brash demeanor and self-serving motives, was no hero. He was merely a pawn, easily manipulated to serve Xu Feng's agenda. By allowing Wei Long to take the credit for the averted disaster, Xu Feng had not only secured Xia Long's trust but also established himself as a silent guardian, a protector lurking in the background.

This act of calculated kindness served a dual purpose. It not only endeared him to Xia Long but also subtly positioned him as a stark contrast to Wei Long, the impulsive troublemaker. He knew the hero complex often resided within the protagonist's narrative, and he intended to exploit it to his advantage.

As the day drew to a close, Xu Feng reflected on his next move. He had successfully infiltrated Xīnrán's world, both as a student and a silent protector. Now, the real game began. He would navigate the complexities of their past, the unspoken tension, and the hidden agendas that swirled around them. His ultimate goal remained shrouded in secrecy, but one thing was certain: the dance between ambition, revenge, and perhaps even something more, had just begun.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the campus, Xu Feng's eyes gleamed with a steely determination. He was no longer the lovesick fool Xīnrán once dismissed. He was a master strategist, a player in a game only he fully understood, and he was determined to emerge victorious.