Chapter 139: We Live in Dangerous Times

“Shi Ji, you bastard! How could you leave Shi Lin alone? Are you even a man?”

Xing Yuxiu was visibly agitated upon learning that Shi Lin and Shi Ji had split up during the incident. He grabbed Shi Ji by the collar and shook him vigorously.

Lin Xinyan and Chi Yang stood by, smiling, while Shi Lin tried to calm Xing Yu Xiu down.

“Alright, Xing Yuxiu. The situation was urgent, and there weren’t enough people. Besides, the anomaly I faced wasn’t that strong, just a human-level one. I handled it without much effort,” Shi Lin said.

Despite her reassurance, Xing Yuxiu still wouldn’t let Shi Ji off the hook.

“But what if something dangerous had happened?”

Being grabbed by the collar was uncomfortable for Shi Ji. Hearing Xing Yuxiu’s concern, Shi Ji couldn’t help but laugh.

“Heh… haha…”

Shi Ji’s laughter drew everyone’s attention, especially Xing Yuxiu, who couldn’t understand what was so funny.

“Hey, hey, take this seriously.”

“Serious? I am serious.” Shi Ji calmed down a bit and released Xing Yuxiu’s hand from his collar. “You need to understand the current situation. Even though things seem peaceful now, hidden dangers can arise at any moment. This is a dangerous era. To avoid danger, you have to become strong enough to make the anomalies fear you. If you want to be a hero, you need to be prepared. Anyone who is afraid of danger doesn’t deserve to be a hero.”

Shi Ji’s words conveyed an undeniable truth. If one fears danger, they have no place among heroes.

Shi Ji continued, “Shi Lin is from our class, and her strength is limited. I understand that, as the class president, you feel pressured to protect her. But remember, don’t overdo it. Shi Lin is recognized by me as a future hero and shouldn’t be held back by you.”

Lin Xinyan remained silent, her expression thoughtful. She had a different perspective on the matter. Shi Ji could be quite dense sometimes.

Seeing the two argue over her, Shi Lin couldn’t help but intervene. 

“Alright, alright, both of you, stop arguing. You’re both right in your own ways. Now, sit down.”

Indeed, it wasn’t about who was right or wrong. But fundamentally, Shi Ji’s point carried more weight.

Earlier, Xing Yuxiu hadn’t considered Shi Ji’s words. However, after hearing them now, even though he didn’t say it out loud, he acknowledged Shi Ji’s viewpoint.

Because of his concern for Shi Lin, Xing Yuxiu had lost his composure earlier. His pride wouldn’t allow him to openly agree with Shi Ji, but Shi Lin’s words gave him an out.

“Tch! Self-righteous guy. And recognized by you? Shi Lin will definitely become a great hero.”

“Who’s the self-righteous one here? By the way, didn’t you say we were having seafood? Why did you give me a bowl of beef noodles instead? Come on, this is so cheap. There’s not even any meat.”

“Get lost! Eat it or leave it. If you don’t eat it now, there won’t be any left.”

Lin Xinyan kept silent, pondering Shi Ji’s earlier words.

Shi Ji had said before that he wasn’t interested in becoming a professional hero. Yet, despite not wanting to be a hero, he seemed to understand many issues that professional heroes often overlooked and occasionally spouted some profound truths.

Lin Xinyan had a theory. Perhaps Shi Ji was actually a high-ranking S-level hero. Claiming he didn’t want to be a hero could just be a cover because he already was one. Maybe certain circumstances forced him to hide his true identity. After all, there were many heroes whose personal information remained undisclosed.