When the word "deal" was spoken, Mujin froze for a moment, then shock washed over her.

Her best bro was actually selling her to a businessman for cash?

Mujin expected anger, but felt not a trace of it—only despair and a chilling numbness.

Betrayal by a friend was heart-wrenching and draining, so draining she couldn’t even summon rage.

No, she had to speak up! She had to spill everything!

Just as she opened her beak, hurried footsteps pounded outside the shop door.

"Brat! Sorry, Mr. Luo—we lost him. He slipped inside!"

Mujin turned to see three or four men in black suits blocking the entrance.

Tall, crew-cut, sunglasses on—they screamed trouble.

"No worries. He’s my business partner too. Let him stay," Mr. Luo waved dismissively.

His earlier confidence wasn’t just about the high price. His men stood guard outside. If the kid refused, he’d force compliance.

True confidence meant being prepared. Otherwise, it was just arrogance.

Mujin sized them up, then glanced at Zhou Ruiyang. His calm gaze locked straight on Mr. Luo. A new thought sparked.

Was he acting?

Zhou Ruiyang looked down, gently pinched her plump little body, and gave a sly wink.

Mujin’s eyes brightened instantly.

Of course! Her son would never betray her that easily!

Zhou Ruiyang pointed outside. "You’re Mr. Luo, right? Let’s talk out there."

Mr. Luo nodded, but Lao Zhang behind him yelled, "Mr. Luo! I brought you this deal! You owe me the Sparrow back!"

Mr. Luo frowned, eyes narrowing. "You stole this Sparrow. You’re a thief and a fence. The owner’s here now—how dare you ask for help?"

"W-well, after all our deals, you owe me a finder’s fee at least."

"Hmph." Mr. Luo sneered. "Think I don’t know how you ripped me off before? I just ignored it. Push further, and your safety’s at risk."

Business had no permanent friends—only permanent interests. Zhou Ruiyang was key now. Sacrificing Lao Zhang was easy.

Lao Zhang fell silent, watching them leave helplessly.

He’d wasted five grand, hurt his hand, and lost his patron.

This deal had cost him a fortune.

Outside the market, Zhou Ruiyang scanned the area.

The roadside stall was flanked by tangled residential alleys. A Mercedes idled nearby.

"Talk in the car?" Mr. Luo gestured to it.

Zhou Ruiyang calculated: running on open ground meant capture. Only the alleys could lose them. But four burly guards surrounded him—he couldn’t fight them all at once.

His eyes flickered. "Skip the car. Let’s walk. Oh, could your men step back? This Sparrow holds trade secrets. I can’t risk exposure."

Mr. Luo paused, then waved the guards away. They obeyed.

"Good. They’re gone. Talk—I’m curious."

"Sure." Zhou Ruiyang opened his mouth, then pointed behind Mr. Luo. "Wait—Lao Zhang’s back for you!"

Mr. Luo whirled around, ready to scold—but no one was there.

"Where’s Lao Zhang—hey!"

He turned back. Zhou Ruiyang had already vanished into the alleys.

He’d been tricked!

Mr. Luo’s face darkened. "Catch him!"

The guards sprinted over and charged into the maze.

Minutes later, they emerged slowly, one scratching his crew cut.

"Sorry, Mr. Luo—he got away."

Mr. Luo’s jaw tightened. His men knew he was seething.

"Find his background. If he refuses the wine of respect, he’ll drink the wine of punishment."

...

On the bus, Zhou Ruiyang slept soundly in the last-row corner, head against the vibrating window.

Most couldn’t handle the engine’s violent shake—it felt like a concussion.

This was his special skill.

A fluffy head peeked from his hoodie pocket, staring at him silently.

Thanks to Zhou Ruiyang’s fake surrender, decoy tactics, and strategic retreat, Mujin was rescued.

He’d truly mastered Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

But Mujin was still puzzled.

Why was he at the market? Why refuse a million dollars?

She’d thought their bond was unbreakable—saving her was natural. But a million was life-changing. Zero effort: just hand her over.

He didn’t fear her betrayal either. No one believed a talking sparrow.

This money was free. His family was poor—he’d relied on her help freshman year. Refusing made no sense.

It left her utterly confused.

"Passengers: Jiujiang University station approaching. Prepare to exit rear doors..."

The announcement startled Mujin. She wriggled out, climbed his neck, and pecked his cheek.

"Xiao Yang! We’re here! Wake up! Hey! Hi! Ha!"

She shouted in his ear. Zhou Ruiyang jolted awake, eyes snapping to the window.

"Whoa—station!"

He leapt up, striding smoothly down the speeding bus to the rear doors.

They opened just in time. He stepped off, sighing in relief.

"Phew. Almost overslept. Thanks, Mujin—Mujin?!" He patted his empty pocket.

He stared at the departing bus.

"Oh no!"