From Bai Ming's perspective, Shen Yuan Yuhu was clearly an outsider. Conversely, in her eyes, he was one too. What did that mean? Simply put, Bai Ming shouldn't have been here at all. Judging by her current attitude, she clearly wanted him gone.

"Listen," he started.

By now, Bai Ming was feeling slightly displeased. If Shen Yuan Yuhu had shooed him away like this before, he'd have danced with joy and run off as fast as he could. But not this time. Not for at least the next hour.

"You're not with the Hero Association, are you?"

He recalled her earlier fight with Li Scar. That reckless, self-sacrificing move—charging in without a plan to save others—wasn't something a Hero Association member would do. Bai Ming doubted there were many fools in the Association with such "noble virtues." If they truly had that spirit, rampant crime wouldn't be so obvious today. In the end, he'd have to save his sister himself.

"Huh? Uh..."

"No way?"

"No..."

Her reply lacked confidence. It was clear how foolish her actions were.

"Then why did you sneak in here? You're not from the Hero Association. No one ordered you, and you have no obligation to be here, right?"

In other words, Shen Yuan Yuhu was in the same boat as him. No one expected anything from them, yet they foolishly did what they thought was "just." So what right did she have to order Bai Ming around?

"I have something I must do..."

Muttering softly, Shen Yuan Yuhu didn't dare look up at Bai Ming anymore.

"Is that so..."

The atmosphere turned awkward instantly. Though things hadn't gone exactly as Bai Ming planned, they were close enough to his goal.

"Miss Shen Yuan, how old are you?"

"Huh? Eigh... eighteen."

Even knowing it was impolite, Bai Ming asked naturally. He wasn't some overly kind do-gooder or a spiritual guide. Just an ordinary resident.

"Just turned eighteen, huh?"

"Mm... mm."

"Then, do you think what you're doing suits a young lady who just came of age?"

At this, Shen Yuan Yuhu froze. She looked up, her ruby-like eyes fixed on Bai Ming, lips trembling faintly. But soon, she calmed down.

"You're right."

Her voice was sorrowful and sad, making Bai Ming frown slightly. He eyed her curiously, wondering if he'd said something wrong.

"Sorry, can you show me your hand?"

"Huh? Oh, sure."

To confirm his suspicion, Bai Ming suddenly made this request. Shen Yuan Yuhu, without any guard, extended her right hand palm-up before him. Years of training had calloused her otherwise tender palms. Especially noticeable on the left side of her index finger near the base. Turning her hand over, a thick callus sat between her thumb and index finger. Imagine—a young, beautiful girl with calluses most men didn't have. What had she been through? Bai Ming didn't want to pry. Even with answers, it wouldn't benefit him. But her situation earned a slight nod of recognition from him.

"Sigh..."

With a soft sigh, Bai Ming finally released her hand, unaware that her face was flushed red.

"My sister was kidnapped here." Realizing that if he didn't tell the truth, Shen Yuan Yuhu would keep pestering him to leave, Bai Ming finally gave in and explained.

"Huh?"

"I don't know the details. Ask the guy behind me, and you'll understand."

Bai Ming tilted his head slightly, casually pointing his thumb behind him. Just as expected, from a shadowy corner no one had noticed, a tall man emerged.