Chapter 126: Hero, or Murderer?

When the fire broke out, Sister Ying, much like Yuan Yifei’s other friends in the entertainment industry, had only been concerned with her own escape and had completely forgotten about her. It was only after she reached safety and realized Yuan Yifei was missing that she panicked and began searching everywhere. She had never imagined that Yuan Yifei was trapped inside the inferno.

Seeing Yuan Yifei now, Sister Ying let out a long sigh of relief. Yuan Yifei was currently a top-tier star in the country and the company’s biggest cash cow; if anything were to happen to her, her career as an agent would effectively be over.

Leading two assistants, Sister Ying pushed through the crowd and crossed the police cordon, rushing toward Yuan Yifei. The police officers maintaining order immediately closed in.

"I am that lady's friend!" Sister Ying hurriedly pointed at Yuan Yifei and negotiated with the officers. Finally, having received permission, she and her assistants rushed to Yuan Yifei’s side.

"Feifei, how did you get trapped in that fire? You scared me to death!" As she spoke with concern, she and her assistants helped Yuan Yifei off Li Sichen’s back, hugging her and checking her over. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt? Tell me, were you burned anywhere?"

Yuan Yifei shook her head and replied, "Sister Ying, I’m fine. I just sprained my ankle, which is why I was trapped in the fire. But thanks to this student’s rescue, I was able to make it out alive."

Sister Ying’s gaze finally landed on Li Sichen. She nodded and said, "Student, thank you so much. Which school do you attend? In a few days, I will definitely have a silk banner made and sent to your school so they can properly commend your heroic act of saving someone!"

Although she spoke words of gratitude, her attitude was dismissive. After tossing those words out, she didn't even wait for Li Sichen’s response before ordering her two assistants to hurry and take Yuan Yifei away.

"Wait, Sister Ying, I haven't thanked this student yet," Yuan Yifei said urgently. Unlike her cold, ice-queen persona on screen, Yuan Yifei was actually a very kind and gentle woman in reality. She only adopted that aloof image because her company demanded it.

Sister Ying, however, would not give her the chance. "It’s fine, I’ll get his contact information later. You can express your gratitude another time. Right now, you need to leave immediately. You have always projected an aloof and cold image to the public. If reporters photograph you in this bedraggled state and print it in newspapers or on television, the image the company has painstakingly built for you will be ruined!"

With that, she urged her assistants to hurry Yuan Yifei away.

Yuan Yifei was reluctant; she felt that since Li Sichen had saved her life, she owed him a proper thank you. After all, a life-saving grace was the greatest of debts! But she was no match for the strength of two assistants, and with her injured ankle, she could not break free even if she struggled, leaving her no choice but to be carried away.

Still, she called out a loud "Thank you" to Li Sichen.

"Student, what is your phone number? In a few days, I will arrange for someone to contact you, send you a gift of appreciation, and go to your school to commend you..." Although Sister Ying was perfunctory toward Li Sichen, she knew what had to be done. If she angered Yuan Yifei, she wouldn't fare well either.

"No need," Li Sichen said, waving his hand in refusal. Strictly speaking, Yuan Yifei’s entrapment in the fire had been caused by him. Rescuing her was merely an act of redemption; how could he accept a reward for it? If he did, he feared it would have an adverse effect on his newly reshaped destiny.

"No need? Are you sure?" Sister Ying paused, appearing quite surprised.

"I am sure," Li Sichen replied.

Sister Ying’s mouth hung open in astonishment. *Turning down a reward? Is this kid a fool?* After a few seconds, she finally regained her composure and nodded. "Fine, if that is your decision, I won't try to persuade you further."

With that, she turned and left.

Watching her retreating figure, Fang Yi felt a bit indignant. "What kind of attitude is that? You risked your life to charge into the fire and save her, and even if she doesn't want to offer a reward, she could at least say a few words of thanks! Instead, she just turned and walked away."

Li Sichen smiled and said, "The person I saved was Yuan Yifei, not her. Yuan Yifei expressed her gratitude to me, and that is enough. Besides, I didn't save her for a reward; I only did it for peace of mind."

"A fine sentiment—not saving someone for the sake of a reward!"

Led by Ouyang Long, the captain of the Yongcheng Fire Brigade walked over. Having overheard Li Sichen’s words, he couldn't help but applaud.

"You must be that remarkable young man Ouyang mentioned, right? A hero indeed! You deserve the highest credit for rescuing the victim from the fire today! Our fire brigade has decided to apply to the city for a 'Distinguished Youth for Bravery' honor on your behalf..."

Having already learned of Li Sichen’s extraordinary abilities from Ouyang Long, the captain trusted his subordinate's judgment. Despite Li Sichen’s young age, he had already decided to find a way to hire him as a consultant for the Yongcheng Fire Brigade.

However, before he could finish his offer, a roar filled with resentment suddenly erupted nearby. "Wrong! You are all wrong! This kid is no hero who acted with bravery! He is the culprit! He is the arsonist who set fire to the KTV!"

A heroic savior turned into an arsonist? What was going on? Everyone was shocked by this sudden accusation. They all turned their heads in unison to look at the person shouting.

Across the street, Lin Siyu and Tan Xiaoxiao, who were in a cafe on an upper floor, were furious once they saw who was shouting.

"It’s the KTV manager! That scoundrel! He managed the place poorly and let the fire start, and now he’s trying to frame Li Sichen! It’s absolutely despicable, the biggest jerk ever!" Lin Siyu gritted her teeth, wishing she could rush over to Cheng Peng and give him a hard kick.

"Damn it! How can there be such a shameless, low-life person in this world? I wish I could take this soup spoon and chop his privates off!" The hot-headed Tan Xiaoxiao began to curse loudly, completely disregarding her composure. Of course, she didn't consider how one could possibly chop anything off with a mere soup spoon.