Heavenly Rebellion: The Human Race's Rise to Prominence
Chapter 98: Refusal

Chapter 98: Refusal

Hearing Mei Ling’s words was a shock to Lin Feng. Although he was a bit naïve when it came to matters of the opposite sex, he wasn’t entirely ignorant—he understood exactly what she was suggesting.

Is this kind of thing normal? Is Huang Bei also being catered to like this by that other servant?

His gaze drifted to Mei Ling, taking her in more carefully. She was petite, standing just below his chin, with delicate shoulders and a slender waist that accentuated the soft curves of her figure.

Her skin was pale, smooth like polished jade, and her black hair—cut just above her shoulders—framed her face in a slightly messy yet alluring way.

Beneath the fringe that brushed her brows, a pair of dark eyes shimmered with a mix of hesitation and something else he couldn’t quite place.

Her lips, painted a soft crimson, were slightly parted as if she wanted to speak but held herself back. The plain servant robes she wore couldn’t hide the gentle swell of her chest or the graceful lines of her hips.

By any standard, she was a beauty—delicate yet enticing. And yet, when Lin Feng looked closer, something felt off.

She’s nervous.

He noticed it now—the faint tremble in her hands, the subtle rise and fall of her chest as if she were trying to steady her breathing. She was clearly uncomfortable.

Yet here she was, offering herself without meeting his eyes directly. It wasn’t difficult to guess why. She must have heard from her seniors—perhaps even from Yu Miao—that this was something she had to do.

After remaining quiet for a few seconds, Feng finally spoke.

"That won’t be necessary. Just leave some clothes for me to change into outside the bath, and I’ll call for you once I’m finished so you can send me back to my room," he said with a smile.

It was clear he had decided that taking advantage of someone who so obviously wanted nothing to do with such matters was improper. Besides, his mind was already occupied with other thoughts.

Even though I look like this, I’m also someone without any experience!

Feng smiled bitterly, though it wasn’t something that particularly bothered him.

As far as he was concerned, if he just kept moving forward and grew stronger, things like that would naturally fall into place.

Besides, I have a strange feeling that Chen Mei is behind all of this...

Feng had a thought. The only reason he and Huang Bei were even allowed to stay in this place was because of the arrangements made by Chen Mei.

That meant most—if not all—of the servants here were either part of her father’s faction or her direct retainers.

Anything he did in this place would likely be reported back to Chen Mei, and he had a strange feeling that would lead to bad consequences for him.

Let’s just take a bath, head to the dining area for food, and then go back to my room to rest, Feng decided.

His gaze shifted to Mei Ling, whose shocked expression was impossible to miss. Clearly, she hadn’t expected him to refuse her—let alone so easily.

"Is it because I’m not attractive enough, young master?" Mei Ling asked softly. Her voice held a trace of heartbreak, but beneath it, Feng could also sense a hint of relief.

Feng paused, searching for an excuse that wouldn’t raise suspicion.

Obviously, he couldn’t just tell her the truth—that she looked terrified, that Chen Mei was probably testing him, or that he himself was inexperienced and didn’t want to embarrass himself.

"Huang Bei and I took on a few bandits while protecting Old Man Chen, and I’m actually a bit injured right now, so... I don’t really feel like doing those sorts of things at the moment," Feng said, forcing a smile as he tried to act like everything was normal.

Seeing that Feng was truly adamant about not allowing her to help with his bath, Mei Ling finally relaxed.

A genuine, bright smile spread across her face as she said, "Thank you, young master. I’ve... never actually done anything like this before.

But Elder Sister Yu Miao told us to cater to your every need, including... that aspect," she added, her cheeks flushing a deep red as she glanced shyly at him.

Feng was momentarily stunned. Even though he had rejected Mei Ling, he was still a man. Seeing such a beautiful girl act this way made his blood boil despite his best efforts.

I should end this conversation here—unless I want things to get out of hand, he thought, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

"You don’t have to do those kinds of things unless you really want to—and don’t let anyone force you, either," Feng said gently. "I don’t know how you’re being treated here, but if you ever have problems, just tell your big sis Chen Mei. I’m sure she’ll understand."

With a soft smile, he patted her head before walking past her and stepping into the bathhouse.

"Thank you once again, young master Lin Feng," Mei Ling said, her voice warm with gratitude.

Feng’s words stirred a soft flutter in her heart as she quickly stepped aside, hurrying off to complete the task he had given her.

Watching her scurry away, Feng chuckled quietly to himself. He felt that he had done the right thing. With that thought, he turned his attention to the bath ahead.

The bathhouse opened into a breathtaking, private hot spring that seemed more like a secluded paradise. Wisps of steam curled lazily through the air, carrying a faint, soothing scent of herbs.

The crystal-clear water shimmered under the soft lantern light, reflecting the smooth, polished stones lining the pool’s edge.

Warmth radiated from the surface, the gentle sound of bubbling water echoing softly against the wooden walls.

Elegant bamboo poles framed the perimeter, their slender forms swaying slightly with the breeze drifting in from the open-air section.

Clusters of flowering plum blossoms bloomed near the edges, their pale pink petals occasionally drifting into the water, adding a touch of delicate beauty.

Ornamental rocks, carefully placed, created small waterfalls where the spring’s flow cascaded gently into the pool, the sound blending seamlessly with the distant chirping of crickets.

To the side, a row of wooden stools and brass basins offered a place to wash before entering the spring.

Neatly arranged bottles of fragrant oils and cleansing herbs sat nearby, filling the air with a refreshing, calming aroma.

Feng exhaled slowly, letting the warm, tranquil atmosphere seep into his tense body.

If nothing else, at least Chen Mei knows how to enjoy luxury, he thought, stepping forward toward the washing station.