Li Scar was a man, a criminal, and above all—a scoundrel.

Scoundrels like him defied society’s rules. They lived for themselves, caring nothing for others’ lives. Look at this scar-faced thug before them: slicked-back hair, flashy floral shirt, movements dripping with arrogance. His eyes narrowed to slits after his last remark.

Earlier, he’d radiated brute authority. But as the situation unfolded, his true nature bled through.

*Leopards don’t change their spots.*

"Yes, little girl," Li Scar drawled, his gaze locked on Shen Yuan Yuhu’s chest. "Strip yourself bare, and I *might* spare them."

"You… scum…"

Clutching her bleeding wound, Shen Yuan Yuhu pushed against the wall. With her last ounce of strength, she staggered upright. Even disheveled and bloodied, her beauty struck like a blade—porcelain skin, eyes clear as mountain springs. That unyielding grace made men shrink in shame. Yet such women only fueled Li Scar’s hunger.

Money, wine, women… For a man like him, women were two-thirds of desire itself.

"I’m *generously* offering you a chance, little hero," he sneered. His hand shot out, clamping around her throat. He lifted her effortlessly into the air.

"*Ugh…*"

Choked and trembling with pain, Shen Yuan Yuhu couldn’t struggle. She hung limp as a doll in his grip.

"Know why I want *you* to undress?" His face loomed close, grin vicious. "When I strip weak women begging for life? That’s *force*. But you, Miss Shen Yuan—you’re different. Your family’s pride runs deep. Even if I *forced* you, your spirit would never break. That’s why your name’s infamous in our world."

A scoundrel’s ultimate shame: a victim who never surrenders.

"So this way—no threats, no force—you get to play the *hero*. Isn’t that fitting? And let’s be honest…" His breath reeked of liquor. "A woman undressing herself? Far more enticing."

Disgusting. Yet true to his kind.

In mere minutes, Bai Ming had glimpsed humanity’s rotten core.

*How vile…*

He bit back the words. He had no right to judge. Not while standing idle.

If Li Scar embodied greed and lust, Bai Ming reeked of apathy and cowardice.

*Cold-blooded. Heartless. Pathetic.*

He wouldn’t deny it. Let them call him that. This wasn’t his fight.

Shen Yuan Yuhu would be defiled. The police outside remained silent. After Li Scar eliminated the undercover officers, the door stayed shut.

*Hmph…*

Helpless? Or waiting? That bearded thug had hinted at someone powerful outside—someone who could stop Li Scar.

*Why haven’t they moved? Why wait after all this noise?*

*"I’ve no right to judge others… Leave it to them."*

Just thoughts. Excuses. Pretending it was his duty, his burden. No need for answers—he’d slip away now.

*Heh… heh heh heh…*

A laugh cut through his thoughts.

Strange. Unnerving.

It came from Shen Yuan Yuhu—still gripped by the throat.

"Shocked you can still laugh," Li Scar growled, loosening his hold just enough to hear her. "I thought you’d lost your voice."

"You said… the Shen Yuans have unbreakable pride?" Blood trickled from her lips as she twisted her head. Her eyes—burning, defiant—locked onto his.

Li Scar knew that look.

She wasn’t afraid. Not even now.