Chapter 2: Provocation

Heroes were now the most dazzling beings in the world, with even lower-ranked heroes possibly attracting a swarm of fan girls. In the current trend, their popularity surpassed that of celebrities and idols.

No sooner had Shi Ji arrived at the station, preparing to take a bus to the new academy’s city, than he encountered such a situation.

Shi Ji was a bit late, so he had to wait for the next bus, which was half an hour away.

He found a seat and waited quietly. A station wouldn’t be a station if it wasn’t noisy. Amidst the general clamor, an even more annoying sound arose.

“Ah! Look, look! It’s B-level hero Xian Ning! I’m going to get a picture with him!”

As soon as that voice was heard, many young and pretty ladies nearby turned their attention to one spot. There, a man in a white suit with a stylish haircut was approaching. Behind him was a crowd of people, likely over a hundred. This didn’t include those rushing over now. Among them, women were the majority, with only a few men.

“Xian Ning! I want to have your babies!”

“Xian Ning, you’re so handsome!”

“Please, sign an autograph for me, Xian Ning!”

“I love you, Xian Ning!”

…

The constant stream of such phrases made Shi Ji’s ears feel like they were growing calluses.

‘Wait a minute! What the hell, just a pretty boy. Why are all these grown men joining the fuss, and what’s with that cosplay guy, hairy weirdo?’

Who knew what was wrong with society these days, where such effeminate people could become so popular? A huge crowd of fangirls shouting themselves hoarse about having babies. If they wanted babies, they could have just asked him. He would’ve helped for free.

Shi Ji had no intention of meddling with commoners or looking down on them. However, he found heroes like Xian Ning quite irritating. A hero should be dedicated to their duties, not indulging in fame and pleasures from their status. It made him want to hit someone.

Shi Ji knew very little about heroes, barely anything, really. So, when people mentioned B-rank hero Xian Ning, he had no idea who they were talking about. 

Xian Ning? Might as well be gibberish. There were so many heroes now. Unless they were world-famous or locally well-known, it was hard to recognize many of them.

Shi Ji turned his face away, not looking at the man. Even though he disliked him, he didn’t dare to start a fight. Because he’s broke.

Seeing the number of fans, Xian Ning eventually had to stop, signing autographs and taking photos for about ten minutes.

Some fans noticed Xian Ning was getting tired and suggested he sit down to rest. Xian Ning agreed.

Shi Ji kept his face turned away, ignoring the strange scene. It wasn’t until someone rudely called out to him that he looked up.

“Hey, move aside, my Ning Ning is tired and needs to sit here.”

Damn, they really know how to pick their spots, huh? What an attitude!

Seats at the station were limited, and they were all occupied.  The middle seats weren’t suitable for the fangirls who wanted autographs, making the front row ideal. The people sitting next to Shi Ji had just left, leaving empty seats, and he became the odd one out.

Shi Ji didn’t respond immediately, turning to look at the “troop” led by the B-rank hero Xian Ning.

Xian Ning approached Shi Ji, “Excuse me, please move.”

With that tone, did he really expect people to give up their seats? Even if he asked nicely, Shi Ji wouldn’t necessarily move, let alone with such arrogance.

Worse still, Xian Ning’s entourage glared at Shi Ji, shouting for him to leave. Some even told him to get lost outright.

“Move it, why are you still standing there?”

“Hey, get lost. Ning Ning is exhausted!”

“If you don’t move, we’ll make you!”

This collective attack was undoubtedly a provocation. Provocation? Shi Ji didn’t want to cause trouble, but now they were bullying him. Swallowing his anger wasn’t his style.

“Where did these nobodies come from?” Shi Ji’s words were blunt and clear.

He looked up at Xian Ning with a cold smile.

Xian Ning’s face darkened.

Now, conflict was inevitable.