Little Grove

The leader was startled when someone suddenly leapt out and shouted, “Who’s there?” Once he realized it was indeed a person, he laughed and said, “So, there really is someone here.”

Bai Fanhao laughed as well. “Yes, your sense of security is truly impressive—how else could you be the boss?”

At that moment, there was a rustling sound behind them. Mu Qingxi emerged. On seeing her, Bai Fanhao grew anxious. “Why did you come out? Didn’t I tell you to hurry home?”

Mu Qingxi glanced at the group before her. By the faint sliver of moonlight, she could make out several young men, each twirling iron rods in their hands.

Because of Bai Fanhao and Mu Qingxi’s sudden arrival, the small gang carrying the unconscious man stopped what they were doing and eyed the two warily. But when they saw only a boy and a girl, their caution faded.

The leader asked, “What are you doing here in the middle of the night?”

Mu Qingxi looked at him indifferently and replied lazily, “My dear boss, I’m a student. Night classes just ended, and I’m on my way home. Where else would I pass but here?”

The man snorted coldly, “Since you’ve seen what we’re up to, you won’t get past so easily.”

Bai Fanhao chuckled, “Wu Li, what are you doing here in the dead of night instead of sleeping—up to no good again? Are you trying to imitate me?”

So, the leader’s name was Wu Li. He’d been expelled from No. 1 High School for fighting, and since then, his behavior had worsened—brawling, stirring up trouble, committing all sorts of misdeeds. This time, he was beating someone half to death for refusing to pay protection money.

Wu Li’s expression grew wary when Bai Fanhao said his name. “Who are you?” he asked.

Bai Fanhao didn’t answer but glanced at Mu Qingxi. She muttered under her breath, “What a show-off, even now.” Then she looked at Wu Li and said, “He’s my little brother, Bai Fanhao.”

The thugs, who were slowly closing in, burst into laughter. “Bai Fanhao? Who are you trying to fool? He doesn’t live around here. How could he be here at this hour?”

Mu Qingxi laughed along. “Gentlemen, I just said he’s my little brother. He’s here to walk me home. How could he not be here? Frankly, with brains like yours, no wonder you only bully the weak.”

Bai Fanhao continued to smile. “Wu Li, you knew from the start whether I was really Bai Fanhao or not. Why don’t you tell them who I am and what I do, so you won’t have to come back and cause trouble later?”

Wu Li, embarrassed, laughed awkwardly before saying, “Quiet, all of you. This is Bai Fanhao from No. 1 High School, a senior. Don’t push your luck.”

Mu Qingxi was displeased by Wu Li’s words. She sneered, “Wu Li, what do you mean, ‘don’t push your luck’? And what if we did?”

“No, no, you misunderstood, miss. My respect for Brother Fanhao and you is as clear as the sun and moon.”

Hearing Wu Li’s empty flattery, Mu Qingxi was exasperated and hurried to cut him off. “Wu Li, enough with the theatrics. I’m going home now. Take care of your mess and go home yourselves.”

As Wu Li and his crew nodded in agreement, she shot Bai Fanhao a look, signaling him to leave. He understood, and the two of them nodded to each other and walked off toward Green Shade Estate.

On their way, they caught sight of the man who’d been beaten unconscious—a man of about twenty-four or twenty-five, his face covered in bruises, blood at the corners of his mouth and eyes, a truly harrowing sight.

Bai Fanhao muttered, “Don’t look. Let’s go. If we get into a fight, it won’t be worth it.”

Mu Qingxi made no objection, knowing he was right. She agreed, “I know. So you should hurry home now too.”