"You... say that again?" Liu Li pointed a trembling finger at Yingning, disbelief flashing across her face.

The quiet, studious girl who never swore and lived only for books had just openly defied the teacher before the entire class—and shouted, "I quit! I'm done with school!"

Something seemed to break free from within Yingning’s small chest.

She tilted her chin slightly and gently slipped the hair tie from her ponytail.

Jet-black hair, smooth as silk, swept through the air—transforming her from prim and proper into effortlessly cool and radiant.

A faint upward curve touched her lips, like winter sun melting ice. "I don’t repeat myself."

Around her, boys and girls alike felt hearts pounding, scalps tingling, blood surging.

Damn... she’s... so... freaking... cool!

Coolness of spirit—gender-blind charisma!

Wait... am I dizzy?

Did this little girl just tear up her own persona?

No... she did this for me. To keep me from feeling wronged.

Subtle as it was, a trace of moisture glistened at the corner of her eye.

Maybe it was the gap between ideals and reality... or guilt for not protecting me sooner.

Sigh... silly girl.

Leaving me behind while she stayed? Never an option in her mind. She chose to walk out with me—standing tall, shielding my pride, leaving in style.

She had her convictions. Her dream of justice.

But between that dream and me? Not a flicker of hesitation. She chose me.

Yingning hadn’t changed. Still the same Yingning—stubborn, naive, the kind who cries when hurt.

Before today, watching her chase justice with overflowing kindness always made me smile... because I never wanted her walking my path.

That road? Once stepped on, no turning back.

And even now, her kindness still warms me.

"If what I believe in won’t uphold justice," the girl declared, voice crisp and clear, "then I’ll uphold it with my own hands!" It might sound a little *chuunibyou*—but everyone knew she meant it.

And she was already doing it.

Tiny as an ant shaking a giant tree—yet she acted. No hollow words. No fake saint.

Silly girl. If you need strength, I’ll lend you mine.

This is my thanks for what you carried today.

Heaven didn’t send me to be your brother just to watch you suffer helplessly.

Maybe... becoming your strength is why I’m here.

Right or wrong? I’ve never cared. I’m just an assassin.

Paid to handle troubles.

And in this life? I’m your personal assassin.

After all... this collar around my neck already bears your name, Ningbeibei.

You love justice? I’ll give you justice.

The day you tire? I’ll walk into the abyss with you.

Who am I to argue? I’m your brother... and your pet.

********************

"You silly girl," I said, pushing the bike toward the gate. "Ever consider what Teacher Liu *actually* meant to say? What if it wasn’t expulsion—but the Xiang Siblings apologizing to *me*?"

Yingning pouted. Her eyes were still red-rimmed, but relief softened her face.

"No way! For someone like you, Brother—zero presence in class—why would Teacher Liu mention you unless it was expulsion or major punishment?"

What could I say?

"...Actually, I sent Xiang Ling’s mom’s photos to her dad." I confessed.

"Pfft! Yeah right! C’mon, let’s go home and game~ I swear! I’ll make the Gunfire Rose Guild stand tall on the Yader Continent!"

I tucked her backpack into the basket. "Alright. I’ll help you kill."

"Brother, just be a life-skill player! Maybe one day you’ll hit Grandmaster—that’d be huge!"

"Mm... then I’ll aim for Grandmaster first!"

Laughing, we stepped through the gate—just like any other school day.

"Wait!"

A familiar voice called from behind.

"Wu Ming?" Yingning blinked in surprise.

Wu Ming bent over, hands on knees, gasping—he’d clearly sprinted here.

He straightened sharply into a military stance, still breathless.

Then bowed deeply.

"I’m sorry! But... please let me join the Gunfire Rose Guild!"

"Huh?" Yingning froze.

He looked the same ordinary boy—but something in him was quietly shifting.

"For so long, I admired how you, Yingning, *act* on your beliefs! I wanted to too... but I was scared. Weak. Worthless..."

"But that means burning bridges with Xiang Ling and Xiang Renhe..."

"I don’t care anymore! If they come again, I’ll fight!" His eyes burned bright. Another deep bow. "Your words woke me up. Cowardice will never reach dreams. You leave—I’ll carry the burden. Until you return. Until we’re strong enough to uphold justice!"

"Our guild’s been through so much... *Chasing* is a critical Second World. Are you sure? You’d be betting your future!" Yingning wavered—wanting members, yet fearing to drag others in.

"I’m sure."

Wu Ming’s voice held steel.

Tsk. Another one gone mad...

******************

"Which gear?"

"Fourth... no, second. No rush. We left early—Einstein and Miss Lu Xun probably aren’t at the spot yet..."

"That’s *why* you’re silly!"

"Again with silly?! How am I silly?!"

"Kindness is a drug. Once they feel it, they crave that warmth forever—people, cats, dogs. From the first bite you give them? They’ve already decided to stay."

"No way?!"

"See? Look~ Miss Lu Xun’s beating up Lao She again!"