"Sorry," I murmured to Yeping.

"It's fine~ Let's go." She kept walking.

"Where to now?"

"Zero Hour Bar... I'll introduce you to someone..."

"A bar? Who?" I asked, puzzled.

"You'll see... Taxi!" She hailed a cab at the roadside.

"..."

"You pay!"

"Huh!"

Yeping and I took a taxi to a fancy shopping mall. Across the street stood a bar. This one felt different—no flashy neon sign like others. The words "Zero Hour Bar" looked classical. If not for "bar," I'd have mistaken it for a café...

"That one?" I pointed.

"Mm~ Let's go." Her voice softened. After chatting about Xian'er, her attitude toward me seemed warmer.

"Sure?" Across the road, I spotted thugs at the entrance—some squatting, some standing, smoking and drunk. They yelled loudly, cursing every few seconds. Pure troublemakers.

Alone, I'd just get glared at. No big deal.

But Yeping—a gorgeous college girl—would draw serious heat. Today, she skipped her usual queen-like outfit. High heels became simple sandals. Slim pants turned into a plain long skirt.

Her stunning beauty and pure, long black hair made her dangerously attractive.

"Heh~ You beat the city karate champion. Scared of a few punks?" She grinned, sensing my worry.

She crossed the street.

That smile dazzled me! I'd protect her even if beaten to death. She often bullied me, but that's a beauty's privilege~

I rushed after her, fearing she'd get harassed. Though honestly, no one could probably touch her.

Sure enough, the thugs' eyes lit up as she neared the door.

Whistles pierced the air.

"Hey, cutie! Alone? Big bro'll keep you company!" A bald thug blocked Yeping, leering.

"Yo! Baldy, I saw her first!"

"Heh, this chick's fresh as spring."

"Total goddess!"

Yeping, who'd been smiling at me, now glared coldly.

"Ooh, feisty little eyes."

"Got spice~"

Her gaze turned icy. Bad sign. I shoved forward, grabbed her wrist, yanked her back, and shielded her.

"Who the hell are you?!"

"What's your problem?!" The thugs shouted as I pulled her away.

Yeping didn't甩开 my grip. Her expression softened slightly. She watched me silently, lost in thought.

I barely noticed.

"I'm saving you idiots!" I said earnestly.

"What? Punk, begging for a beating?" The bald thug roared, pointing.

"Ah~ Even if you all gang up, I'm not scared." I smirked.

"Damn it! Brothers, smash him!" he yelled.

"What's the noise?!" The bar door swung open.

"Brother Bin!" the bald thug called.

"Brother Bin!" the thugs echoed.

A man in a black suit stepped out—their leader. Unlike the scruffy thugs, he radiated real gangster vibes.

"Boss! This punk started trouble!" the bald thug lied.

"Huh? Know whose turf this is? Dare to—Ah! Miss Yeping!" The suited man froze, spotting her behind me.

"Long time no see~ Little Bin. Boss now? Quite the show." Yeping smiled from behind me.

That smile—I knew it. Sweet but deadly.

"Dare not." Bin bowed slightly.

"Is Coldsmile here?"

"Boss Coldsmile's inside."

"Let's go, Xiaobai." Yeping tugged my arm, leading me in.

"Allow me to guide you—"

"No need." She patted Bin's shoulder as she passed. "Keep up the good work." Pure boss energy.

We slipped inside.

"Brother Bin! Who were they?!" the bald thug asked, stunned.

Bin stared blankly. He unbuttoned his suit, then slammed a right hook into the thug's jaw!

*Crunch.* The thug flew back, spitting teeth, jaw crooked.

"Who is she? My boss answers to hers. Know who Boss Coldsmile's boss is?" Bin roared, kicking him repeatedly. The others didn't dare move.

"Get lost!" Bin yelled when done. They dragged the bleeding thug away.

"Huff~" He breathed deep.

Alone, he pulled his shirt aside. His shoulder—where Yeping patted—was swollen purple-red.

"Terrifying woman," he muttered with a bitter chuckle.

Inside, Yeping dragged me through the roaring crowd to a back room. Two suited guards stood by the door. She pushed in anyway.

"Only you'd barge in like this, Yeping."

The room screamed mob boss lair: a huge desk, plush chairs. A young man sat center—mid-twenties, silver hair. Stunningly handsome, sharp features, cold aura. Dressed in a suit, radiating raw masculinity.

"I need a favor."

"... You two, out. Shut the door." Coldsmile ordered the guards.

"Yes, sir!" They left.

"Miss Yeping. What now?" His stern face relaxed slightly.

"Meet our new partner." She pointed at me.

"Huh? Who's this?" Coldsmile eyed me, still icy.

Guess good looks forced that permanent scowl...

"Li Xiaobai."

"Coldsmile." He nodded curtly.

"He replaces Xiaowu." Yeping explained.

"Uh—" He flinched.

I saw it—a split-second shudder at Xiaowu's name. Clear as day.

He'd been burned by her too.

"What's the job?" He recovered fast.

"Underground boxing match. Sign him up." Yeping smiled lightly.

"Him? Done. Now." Coldsmile agreed instantly. Still cold-faced, but his tone held excitement.

"You... didn't ask me?" I squeaked.

"Follow." Coldsmile stood, ignoring me.

"Come on." Yeping followed, ignoring me too.

I'd boarded a pirate ship... Tricked again...

We reached another door. Coldsmile opened it—revealing an elevator.

We entered. He pressed "Basement." The elevator descended.

*Ding.*

Human sweat and deafening cheers hit me. The underground arena was packed!

A caged ring dominated the center. Two fighters clashed inside—fists thudding, blood flying. Brutal. Unforgiving. Muscle slamming muscle.

"Welcome to my paradise."

Coldsmile turned, voice warm despite his blank face. Yeping looked bored—old news. Me?

Terrified. No doubt now—I'd been tricked again.