Chapter 142: Thinking of Cultivating Zhong Yi

Jiang City is a remote, third-tier town. By ten o'clock at night, most of the shops on the street had already shuttered. The pitch-black sky was devoid of stars, and the road was illuminated only by the faint, orange glow of a few dilapidated streetlights.

Two figures cast long, distorted shadows against the wall, appearing somewhat eerie.

"Stop right there!" a highly arrogant voice rang out from behind.

"I said stop, you damn brats!"

The two men slowly turned around. One was dressed in a floral shirt and black shorts, sporting dyed yellow hair. The other wore a white casual outfit, had short black hair, and looked refined and remarkably handsome.

The redhead, who had a wooden club resting on his shoulder, gestured for a lackey to light his cigarette.

Dongfang Cheng ran a hand through his yellow hair, bumped the shoulder of the man in white beside him, and chuckled softly.

"Brother Gu, who do you think is more stylish between him and me?"

A glimmer of amusement flickered in Gu Ting’s eyes as he glanced at the redhead, his thin lips parting slightly. "Six of one, half a dozen of the other."

Dongfang Cheng: ...

He was actually waiting for a compliment!

The redhead watched the two whispering to each other, his face darkening. Did they think his dozen or so brothers weren't even there?

"Damn it! If you know what's good for you, hand over the money!" The redhead spat his cigarette onto the ground, looking menacing. These two outsiders looked wealthy—they were fat sheep.

"Hahaha..." Dongfang Cheng laughed. A robbery?

The redhead felt his temper flare. Were they looking down on him? Fine, he’d beat them until they called him daddy!

"Damn it! Brothers, beat them until their own parents wouldn't recognize them!"

Dongfang Cheng pressed his tongue against his cheek. "Brother Gu, shall we?"

Gu Ting’s lips curled in a sneer, and just as he was about to make a move, a clear, melodious voice sounded from behind them.

"So noisy."

Dongfang Cheng’s eyes lit up; judging by the voice alone, it was definitely a beauty!

Under the streetlight, a man and a woman walked slowly toward them. The girl had exquisite features and a delicate, palm-sized face. She wore a simple white T-shirt and denim shorts, revealing beautiful, slender legs. She walked with a brisk, natural grace, her long hair blowing behind her shoulders. Her expression was cold and detached, like a fairy who had fallen into the mortal world.

The boy behind her was a head shorter, with refined features but a hint of ferocity between his brows.

"Whoa! That chick is hot!" The redhead and his gang stared, their eyes glazing over.

Gu Ting frowned; these people were utterly filthy.

"Little sister, this is...?" Before Dongfang Cheng could finish, the girl had already charged forward.

"My sister isn't doing this to save you; you’re just too noisy," the boy said, appearing beside Dongfang Cheng. He glanced at Dongfang Cheng and couldn't help but roll his eyes—gaudy and flamboyant, a total peacock.

Gu Ting’s gaze remained on the girl. Her movements were clean and decisive, without a hint of hesitation. Every strike hit the soft spots of her opponents. Within moments, the thugs were sprawling on the ground in disarray.

"Get lost." The girl loosened her wrists, her eyes sharp.

The redhead didn't dare to linger, scrambling away on all fours.

"Zhong Yi, let's go." She glanced in the direction where the boy was standing, her eyes meeting Gu Ting’s. This man had been staring at her from the very beginning; she didn't quite like it.

Zhong Yi flashed a wide grin and trotted over.

"Little fairy, thanks a lot." Dongfang Cheng followed suit.

Shen Qing glanced at him—the yellow hair was ostentatious, and his long, narrow peach-blossom eyes were slightly squinted, making him look exactly like a playboy.

"No need to thank me."

"Can I add you on WeChat?" Dongfang Cheng blocked their path, his smile gentle and polite.

"No."

"Then let me walk you home." Dongfang Cheng was persistent.

Zhong Yi shot him a look as if he were looking at an idiot. With his sister’s combat skills, did she really need an escort?

"Let’s go together; we can provide... protection for each other." Gu Ting stepped up and stood beside Shen Qing. He looked down slightly, noticing the long shadows her eyelashes cast on the bridge of her nose.

Dongfang Cheng was stunned, looking at Gu Ting in disbelief. He had actually taken the initiative to talk to a girl? Had the iron tree finally bloomed?

Shen Qing shifted her gaze. The man beside her wore a plain white tracksuit and a new pair of DL sneakers. His skin was very fair, and his features were handsome without appearing feminine.

"Whatever you want." Shen Qing raised her eyes, tugged on Zhong Yi’s sleeve, and before anyone could react, she had already taken a step forward.

"Are you from Jiang City?" Dongfang Cheng asked.

"Yes," Zhong Yi nodded.

"Brother Gu and I are here for a vacation. Do you have any recommendations?"

"No."

Dongfang Cheng: ...

He let out a dry laugh. "Hahaha, the little one is quite cold, aren't you?"

Gu Ting walked on Shen Qing’s left. As he got closer, he could smell a faint scent lingering on the girl.

"Something the matter?" Shen Qing looked at her sleeve, which was almost touching Gu Ting, her brow furrowing with a hint of distaste.

Gu Ting caught her micro-expression, his gaze stalling for a moment.

"How about we add each other on WeChat? Since we're new here, things are a bit inconvenient." He added the last part after a second’s pause.

Dongfang Cheng clicked his tongue. Was this really Gu Ting, the man who knew everything about eating, drinking, and gambling?

Zhong Yi sniffed; that was a pathetic excuse to get a WeChat contact!

Shen Qing glanced at him and ignored him.

Perhaps the man’s gaze was too intense; Shen Qing grew impatient as they walked. She pulled a thick phone out of her denim shorts pocket—the brand was unrecognizable. Her hands were beautiful, with distinct knuckles and long, slender fingers.

"I’ll scan you, just don't follow me." As soon as Shen Qing finished speaking, Gu Ting held out his QR code, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

Shen Qing smirked—he was fast.

"Add me too," Dongfang Cheng said, pulling out his phone.

"Sister, let's go." Zhong Yi took the phone for Shen Qing and pulled her ahead.

Dongfang Cheng: ...

That brat was definitely doing it on purpose!

Gu Ting accepted the friend request. The profile picture was a yellow rural dog, baring its teeth at the camera.

"Brother Gu, give me the little fairy’s WeChat ID," Dongfang Cheng said, clinging to him with a grin.

"I got it with my own ability; why should I give it to you?"

"…You’ve changed, doggie. Boohoo..."

"Get lost!"

*

The August sun was scorching, making people feel dizzy.

"Sister, the bus is here."

Zhong Yi watched the bus pull up, fished out some change for two fares, and found a window seat. Once seated, Shen Qing opened a game, and Zhong Yi pulled a palm-sized book from his bag. Shen Qing glanced at it but said nothing.

It took them half the morning to reach the Jiang City high-speed railway station. Zhong Yi picked up the two tickets with their IDs, they grabbed a hurried lunch, and it was six in the evening by the time they reached Fan City.

As soon as they exited the platform, Shen Qing saw the sign held by the Yu family.

"Miss?" The middle-aged man looked at Shen Qing’s beautiful face, feeling uncertain; she didn't look like the master of the house at all.

"Yes." Shen Qing nodded.

Having confirmed her identity, the butler, He Zhong, let out a sigh of relief.

"Greetings, Miss. I am the butler sent by the master to pick you up. The master has a business engagement tonight and couldn't get away."

"It's fine, let's go." Shen Qing didn't care whether Yu Fei came or not.

"And your luggage?" He Zhong asked, looking at Shen Qing, who didn't even have a bag. Only then did he notice the boy following behind her.

"No luggage. This is my neighbor, Zhong Yi," Shen Qing introduced him briefly.

He Zhong was stunned. A neighbor was tagging along to Fan City? But he kept a kind smile on his face. "Miss, please follow me."

He Zhong led them to a black sedan. He opened the back door for Shen Qing, but since Zhong Yi was a young man, he directed him to the passenger seat.