After dinner, Xu Ling made up an excuse to go to a classmate’s house for homework, changed into more mature clothes, and sneaked out. With Yan Ge not present this evening, Xu Ling went to the VV Bar near Taohua Road and met Huang Li as planned.
Huang Li is 35 years old with a protruding beer belly and thinning hair. He transformed into a confident and charming figure as soon as he got on the dance floor. He dances here and there without knowing that girls near him were avoiding him.
Xu Ling, observing from a distance, couldn’t hide a hint of disdain.
After a sip of his drink, Xu Ling opened the gift box Huang Li gave him earlier, revealing a watch. Though not extremely expensive, it was worth over twenty thousand in the market. Xu Ling wore it on his right wrist feeling satisfied.
His father was really upset that Xu Yin didn’t come home but stayed at school, which had caused a mess at home. Fortunately, Xu Ling was still in a relatively good mood.
Spotting someone, Xu Ling quickly called out, “Hey, Xiao Li!”
The waiter stopped, nodding at him.
Xu Ling eagerly asked, “Is Long Xiaolong here today?”
Xiao Li smiled and said, “Mr. Xu, as I’ve said before, Mr. Long rarely comes here and when he did come here, he was always locked in the boss’s office doing some work.”
Disappointed, Xu Ling muttered, “He didn’t come today?” Xiao Li innocently shook his head, and Xu Ling sighed, “Okay…”
Xiao Li nodded again and stuck out his tongue as soon as he turned around. Fortunately, Mr. Long didn’t come today, otherwise he might get entangled again.
Xu Ling lowered his head while fiddling with his watch, unhappy, when his chin was suddenly pinched and lifted by a hand.
Xu Ling was startled and was forced to look up. The smell of the alcohol hit his face and Huang Li was already in front of him at some point. The man with the poor taste of wine was unhappy as he said, “I-I saw you stopped Xiao Li again. Why are you still asking for Xiaolong?”
Despite his disdain for Huang Li, Xu Ling was somewhat afraid when faced with his temper. He denied it tearfully, insisting it wasn’t what Huang Li thought, “I didn’t…*sob*… Brother Li, don’t do this.”
“Really?! I’ve seen it all!” He then pinched Xu Ling’s chin harder which made Xu Ling wince in pain.
“Why did you ask Xiao Li for Xiaolong?! I gave you so many things but you still keep on thinking about another man! Is it because I’m older than you?!”
“No! It’s really not about that!” Xu Ling struggled in pain, tears welled up in his eyes.
His chin might end up with a bruise!
Huang Li, this madman!
Not far away, Xiao Li, having finished delivering drinks, hesitated when he saw the scene. Just as he was about to approach, Huang Li fiercely shook off his hand, causing Xu Ling to fall onto the sofa.
With this fall, Xu Ling’s cheekbone also hit a nearby decoration, made of steel. The impact brought tears to his eyes, and he felt the pain in his jaw, face, and a dizziness in his head. For a moment, he truly wanted to leave in frustration.
But seeing the watch on his wrist, Xu Ling held back.
Despite his father being wealthy, he was miserly and reluctant to give any valuable items to them. What he got from Huang Li surpassed what he received from his father.
Before getting involved with Mr. Long, Xu Ling had to endure Huang Li’s side.
Thinking of this, Xu Ling took a deep breath, turned around, tears shimmering in his eyes, looking pitiable.
He gazed at Huang Li in silence, eyes filled with resentment. Huang Li, falling for the act, froze, cleared his throat, sat down, and patted Xu Ling’s shoulder, saying, “Do you know that your brother Li gets jealous? Long Xiaolong, as far as I know, is only 18. What can a little kid like him be worth thinking about?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Xu Ling pretended to be clueless.
“You still don’t know? This Brother Li was giving you so many gifts, and you pretend not to know?” Huang Li chuckled, leaned in, and said, “Xiao Ling, how about going home with me tonight?”
Xu Ling got goosebumps, whispering, “My dad will be angry.”
“What nonsense! You’re 24, and your dad still controls you so much? Is he sick?” Huang Li scolded.
Hearing “24,” Xu Ling felt guilty but also relieved, rubbing his chin.
Ouch, definitely a bruise!
—
In the dark alley, the situation was clearly three against one. The one being attacked could only protect his head and endure the blows, shouting, “How dare you hit me! I’ll have my brother settle the score with you!”
“Come on, you have a brother, and I don’t. Who’s afraid of whom? Let’s fight!”
One tall young man picked up a nearby wooden stick to swing, but suddenly couldn’t move. Turning around, he saw a hand tightly gripping the stick, freezing it in mid-air.
The tall young man was surprised, he looked along the hand of a guy.
The guy had a slender figure, a handsome almost enchanting face. Half-concealed in the lamplight, his calm and cold eyes sent an inexplicable chill down the tall young man’s spine. But damn it, he was wearing a summer school uniform, just like the guy they were beating up – was he also a student?!
The tall young man shouted, “Get lost and mind your own business!”
Xu Yin tilted his head, “So, you won’t stop, huh?”
“Stop my ass!” The tall young man, unable to swing the stick, kicked directly towards Xu Yin!
These conversations happened within seconds. The tall young man’s two companions, catching their breath from their “battle,” turned around just to see the tall young man soaring through the air.
Yes, he really flew!
His feet were at least ten centimeters off the ground!
Then, he crashed heavily back facing the wall!
The two companions: “???”
They stopped their actions immediately, staring in disbelief at the composed guy standing in the backlight.
On the ground in front of them, a non-mainstream guy with a streak of dyed yellow hair in his bangs was crawling up, his face bruised. Through the gap between the two in front, he looked up at Xu Yin, raising his hand to shield the lamplight, his face full of bewilderment.
The tall young man was now on the ground, moaning and struggling to get up. His two companions, realizing what happened, immediately turned to face Xu Yin.
One of them yelled, “What- are you the brother, Long Xiaolong called for?!”
“…Don’t call me by my full name,” the non-mainstream guy still had the mood to angrily shout, “I’m called the Young Master Long!”
“Xiaolong, you big-headed demon!” After cursing Xiaolong, they charged towards Xu Yin!
Long Xiaolong staggered to his feet, shouting, “Be careful!”
The next moment, Xu Yin swept his leg, knocking one down. He grabbed the other’s fist, twisted it behind his back with a forceful snap, accompanied by the sound of bones cracking and the man’s pig-like squeal!
The man on the ground quickly got up, roaring in anger, throwing punches at Xu Yin. He casually dodged, then used his long leg to kick the man away!
…This was simply a one-sided brutal beating!
Long Xiaolong swallowed, internally shocked… This, this is a freaking god!
At this moment, he had a sudden realization, crawled to the side, picked up his previously shattered phone from the corner, and made a call.
In the arcade, Wang Feifei was enthusiastically playing games when the guy next to him suddenly stopped and answered the phone, shouting, “Hello? Xiaolong? What happened? You got into trouble, fvck, where are you? I’m at the arcade on the pedestrian street, just wait for me, I’ll be right there! Ha? There’s a Class C student being bullied?… You don’t know him? Okay, okay, I’m coming right away!”
As soon as he heard “Class C”, Wang Feifei stopped and exchanged a glance with Yan Ningchuan.
Wang Feifei wiped his hands on his pants and whispered, “Let’s go and check it out.”
Yan Ningchuan furrowed his brows slightly, and Wang Feifei pulled him along, saying, “We’ll just sneak a peek, it’s one of our schoolmates after all. If he’s getting bullied, it won’t look good…”
—Five minutes later
In the alley, Xu Yin delivered a final kick to the thug’s knee, causing him to cry out as both knees hit the ground, and with the force of a pouncing tiger, he slammed onto the ground… and couldn’t get up again.
So, Xu Yin stood alone in the middle of the alley, three thugs moaning, scattered like fallen petals in all three directions—one lying, one prone, and one huddled against the wall, their eyes devoid of soul.
Xu Yin calmly adjusted his breathing, clapped his hands neatly, scanned the surroundings, made sure everything was resolved, and the points were immediately in his pocket.
Very well, no feeling of nausea, the chicken legs in his stomach remained intact.
He nodded and, looking up, met the dumbfounded gaze of Wang Feifei at the alley entrance… and the utterly astonished Yan Ningchuan.
Xu Yin: “…”
Aiya.
Long Xiaolong snapped back to reality, excitedly crawled out of the corner, started “throwing flowers” around Xu Yin, and exclaimed, “You, you’re amazing, brother, big brother! From today, you’re my big brother!!”
His recruited underling walked in and asked in surprise, “Is it over already? Did you… solve all of them?”
He looked at Xu Yin.
He knew Long Xiaolong’s combat capabilities; he was basically a battle noob, couldn’t even handle one, let alone three!
“Yes! You don’t know how awesome he is, one kick for one, one punch for one, one kick for one, one punch for one!” Long Xiaolong, lacking adjectives, gestured enthusiastically, his eyes shining.
However, his description left Wang Feifei even more dumbfounded, and Yan Ningchuan’s face started turning slightly dark.
Sensing trouble, Xu Yin cleared his throat, quickly interrupting Long Xiaolong’s enthusiastic gestures. Wang Feifei and Yan Ningchuan walked in.
Wang Feifei, looking bewildered, said, “Xu Yin, why are you here? Aren’t you in the dorm?”
“…I wanted to buy something at the electronics city, so I came over,” Xu Yin sighed as he noticed Yan Ningchuan’s twisted expression. “It was just a coincidence, I happened to see him in trouble. What about you guys? What are you doing here?”
What kind of luck was this, bumping into them while doing a random task?
In the previous world, Xu Yin’s Lao gong had witnessed him beating people from the very first time they met. Therefore, even if he beat someone in front of the other, Xu Yin was quite calm. Of course, the other would worry, but sometimes, when faced with a random task, as 018 had said, Xu Yin couldn’t ignore it. So, according to the agreement, as long as the other was around at the time… Xu Yin would let the other watch him complete the task peacefully.
So now, whenever Xu Yin secretly fought without his Lao gong knowing, he always felt a sense of guilt, just like now.
“We’re just out for a stroll,” Wang Feifei was still a bit confused and asked, “Did you beat all these guys?”
He had fought before, and although he had toned it down a lot now, he still had a rough idea of Xu Yin’s combat abilities. How could someone take on three, especially when all three looked like university students!
And it was Xu Yin who beat them??
Looking frail and skinny, eating a bit more would make him vomit. Did Wang Feifei almost treat him as “Sister Lin”???
Wang Feifei felt like his worldview had been overturned, staring blankly at Xu Yin.
Xu Yin rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit awkward. Yan Ningchuan, with a darkened face, asked, “What if you’re injured?”
“I’m fine, really,” Xu Yin reassured, “I can take care of myself.”
“Yeah, yeah, if Big Brother is in trouble, I’ll definitely help,” Long Xiaolong chimed in, “It’s because Big Brother is too powerful, he absolutely fights violently.”
Xu Yin smiled, using one hand to cover Long Xiaolong’s face and forcibly silence him.
Yan Ningchuan’s face remained stern as he pointed at Xu Yin’s left hand. “You have a scratch.”
Xu Yin lifted his hand to check. There was indeed a small scratch on the back of his left hand, but the bleeding had already stopped.
“You didn’t protect yourself,” Yan Ningchuan said stiffly.
“Sorry, I won’t let it happen next time. I promise,” Xu Yin said softly.
The thug who had been battered, like Long Xiaolong on the side, whimpered, “Yiyiyiyi…”
They not only had scratched skin but also their faith in life was shattered!
Wang Feifei suggested, “Hey, should we call the police?”
The thugs: “…”
The thugs: “Ouch, Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!”
They cried and crawled away from the alley, still wailing, “Devil, he’s a devil!”
Xu Yin: “…”
He met Yan Ningchuan’s deep gaze, shook his head decisively, and said, “They’re not talking about me.”
Yan Ningchuan glanced at the direction the thugs escaped, solemnly nodding in agreement.
After nodding, he wore a serious expression again. “Since you came here, why didn’t you just walk with me this afternoon? And why didn’t you call me when you encountered such a situation?”
“I just didn’t want to bother you and your family… As for just now, it happened too quickly, and I didn’t know you were nearby,” Xu Yin coaxed, “Don’t be angry, okay?”
While Xu Yin was coaxing, Wang Feifei was astonished. “How did you end up getting cornered in a place like this?”
“We’re arch-enemies with their gang,” Long Xiaolong cursed, “Those idiots! I’m going back to complain to my brother! A bunch of people in their twenties bullying someone my age, they have no shame!”
Long Xiaolong was also outspoken. After cursing, he got excited again. “By the way, are you guys my big brother’s classmates? You must be from Class C, right? I can tell by the school uniform that you’re seniors from there. Which class are you in? What are your names? And big brother, big brother, what’s your phone number?”
Yan Ningchuan, who was only halfway soothed, immediately turned around. “No.”
Long Xiaolong immediately began clamoring, “Why not! Meeting my big brother here is fate. What’s wrong with leaving a phone number!”
“No means no,” Yan Ningchuan pressed on Xu Yin’s shoulder, turning him around and blocking the way. He cautioned, “Let’s go.”
Xu Yin obediently followed Yan Ningchuan’s push, walking ahead.
“Ah, big brother!” Long Xiaolong hopped over but was stopped by Wang Feifei.
Wang Feifei earnestly said, “Hey Hey, we’re still high school students and we don’t interact with adults.”
“I-I’m also a high school student!” Long Xiaolong stared wide-eyed.
“Huh? You can still dye your hair in high school?” Wang Feifei was also puzzled.
Long Xiaolong’s little brother burst into laughter. “He hasn’t entered school for a week, not even daring to go home, afraid his parents will drag him to the barbershop!”
Long Xiaolong quickly protected his precious yellow hair.
Wang Feifei understood and continued with a serious tone, “Oh, then we won’t associate with people with strange aesthetic views.”
Long Xiaolong: “Huh?!”
He wanted to jump on Wang Feifei in frustration, but Wang Feifei successfully dodged with a sidestep, twisted his waist, and ran out to catch up with Xu Yin and Yan Ningchuan, leaving Long Xiaolong hopping in the background.
After chasing for two steps, Long Xiaolong gave up. He knew it was meaningless to pester them today. He gritted his teeth and muttered, “Hmph, since we now know they’re from Class C, it’s easy to find my big brother!”
“Do you still want to send a banner?” his little brother asked.
Long Xiaolong’s eyes lit up instantly.
His little brother: Damn, I regret my big mouth. I didn’t even know the name of that big brother!
Long Xiaolong immediately picked up the phone and dialed a number. It didn’t connect the first time, but the second time it did.
“Hey, Xiao Li, Xiao Li, is my brother at the bar today?”
On the other end, the waiter Xiao Li whispered, “No, and Xiaolong, don’t come over today. Xu Ling is here, Mr. Huang is also here, and these two just…”
Xiao Li gossiped for a while, and Long Xiaolong shivered after listening.
Come to think of it, he found it strange. Why did Xu Ling keep bothering him? He knew Xu Ling liked guys, but even if he, Long Xiaolong, was a straight guy, he heard that Xu Ling was 24 years old. How could this society person have the audacity to make a move on a high schooler like him who hadn’t even graduated!
Also, isn’t Xu Ling in a relationship with that Mr. Huang? Coming to bother him—does that mean wanting to have the best of both worlds?
In short, it’s hard to put into words. Long Xiaolong didn’t know what was going on in Xu Ling’s mind, but he avoided him whenever he saw him.
With a sigh, Long Xiaolong said, “If my brother isn’t there, then forget it. Listen, Xiao Li, help me get a banner with the four words ‘righteousness and courage’ on it!”
Xiao Li: “???”
After leaving that alley for some distance, Wang Feifei was still assessing Xu Yin’s physical condition. “I can’t believe it… so push-ups and squats actually work?”
At this moment, Wang Feifei began to contemplate the feasibility of joining Xu Yin in a fitness regime.
Xu Yin facepalmed.
He really didn’t want to continue discussing this matter with Wang Feifei, so he forcibly changed the subject, saying, “Is it just the two of you hanging out? What about Lin Jia?”
Yan Ningchuan asked, “Have you been in fights like this before?”
Xu Yin: “…”
Wang Feifei: “Considering Xu Yin, this can be considered a heroic act. Brother Yan, don’t be too hard on him.”
Yan Ningchuan said seriously: “Even if it’s a heroic act, you should act within your means. What if something goes wrong?”
Xu Yin sighed.
The conversation circled back to this point, and of course, he knew Yan Ningchuan’s underlying concern in bringing up this matter.
After some thought, he directly called his name, “Ningchuan.”
Yan Ningchuan was momentarily stunned, and then his ears turned red instantly.
Looking uneasy, he shifted his gaze and said seriously, “What?”
Xu Yin said earnestly, “I will act within my means. I won’t force myself to do things I can’t handle. If you’re worried about me…”
He sincerely said, “Then, in the future, if I encounter such a situation again, as long as you’re with me, I’ll call you and let you watch me from the side.”
Wang Feifei: “???” Can you do that?
Yan Ningchuan was at a loss for a moment. After regaining his composure, he pondered seriously, then straightened his face and said, “I can’t just watch.”
“No, don’t get involved. I can handle it,” Xu Yin reassured.
“No.”
“Be obedient.”
Not listening, Class Leader Yan straightened his face.
How familiar this scene is.
Xu Yin had wanted to continue speaking, but seeing Yan Ningchuan’s expression, he couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Wang Feifei looked utterly confused. What were these two discussing, and why was Xu Yin laughing again?
Seeing Xu Yin laugh, Yan Ningchuan was taken aback, a strange feeling creeping into his heart.
He didn’t know what hit Xu Yin’s funny bone, but at this moment… he seemed to suddenly be unable to maintain his seriousness. Involuntarily, he also found himself slightly lifting the corners of his lips.
As if there had been such a scene before, familiar but with no identifiable origin, as if it had happened in a dream.
The guy in front of him was laughing, shoulders trembling with amusement. Standing amidst the vibrant lights, he seemed to have taken on various warm colors, enveloping the surroundings in a sense of warmth.
Yan Ningchuan became lost in thought and extended his hand.
Halfway through his laughter, Xu Yin felt a hand gently patting his head.
The hand was broad and powerful.
Xu Yin raised his gaze.
Yan Ningchuan gazed at him and said, “Don’t go back to school. Come home with me.”
Amidst the passing pedestrians, Xu Yin felt helpless and momentarily couldn’t find words.
The two gazed at each other, while Wang Feifei stood in between them, glancing from one side to the other, wondering why the atmosphere was suddenly so peculiar.
After some thought, Xu Yin smiled and said, “But my homework is still in the dormitory. What should I do, Leader?”
Yan Ningchuan whispered, “I remember you finished English and Chinese.”
Xu Yin raised an eyebrow, “Are you observing me so closely?”
Yan Ningchuan continued in a soft voice, “There are still four sheets left, untouched.”
Xu Yin chuckled.
Wang Feifei felt the atmosphere becoming increasingly bizarre. What were these two doing? Why was Brother Yan sneakily observing Xu Yin’s homework progress?
Yan Ningchuan continued, “…Wang Feifei’s four papers are also blank.”
Wang Feifei: “???”
Suddenly cued in, Wang Feifei was pleasantly surprised, covered in question marks. He hadn’t expected there would be something for him.
Anticipating a reaction, Yan Ningchuan confidently concluded, “So, as long as we make a copy of Wang Feifei’s blank papers, everything will be fine.”
Wang Feifei: I’m now a tool, huh?
