After a brief rest, Cheng Yu's spirits finally lifted. Linsw Lin, who had been waiting patiently nearby, obediently took his arm. They walked side by side out of Saizeriya.

Cheng Yu wanted to pull away and create distance. But Linsw Lin insisted, citing concern for his health. He had no choice.

They hadn't expected Zhao (?) and Wang Jing to sneak up behind them. The two trailed along, grinning mischievously.

"Bro Cheng, you're heading back to school, right? I am too. Let's go together."

Wang Jing planned to use the walk to ask Bro Cheng for dating advice. His college love life depended on this.

"Yeah, yeah! Hey Cheng Yu, I'm not going home tonight either. I'll head back to the dorm too. We roommates should have a good chat."

Zhao thought: Damn it. I rented a place days after school started. I barely talk to these guys. I didn't know one roommate was such a big shot. I need to dig up info tonight.

Both men schemed selfishly. They didn't notice Linsw Lin's murderous glare—she wanted to slice them to pieces.

What are these idiots doing? Ruining my sweet alone time with Prince Charming?

You're so annoying. I'll kill you.

Can't you see Prince Charming looks troubled? He definitely wants to ditch you two.

Linsw Lin didn't realize Cheng Yu was plotting how to get rid of all three—including her.

He still needed to talk to Shenyufu about tonight's intel on the Azure Blade Society and Blade Brother.

Early winter chilled the capital's streets. Though not late night, few people roamed. Only passing vehicles and motorcycle roars echoed, pulsing with the city's life.

Cheng Yu walked deep in thought. The constant motorcycle noise disrupted him. Frowning, he muttered:

"I didn't expect so many motorcycles in the capital..."

"I heard they're new," Linsw Lin replied. "Especially late at night, speed demons race on empty streets."

"...I can't understand it. What idiot enjoys that?"

"Ahaha, Cheng Yu, you don't look like that type. Of course you wouldn't get it."

Linsw Lin smiled, gazing at the pitch-black sky. She murmured:

"Probably because they yearn for wind-like freedom. They try to become part of it."

Cheng Yu glanced at her. Her expression seemed normal. But her words felt loaded with hidden meaning.

He'd pursued Linsw Lin many times. Yet he knew little about her as a person.

He knew she was beautiful and kind. But she often gave him life-or-death choices.

What else did he know?

That fleeting doubt made Cheng Yu forget his fear. He asked:

"You... understand it that way?"

"Well..."

Linsw Lin stopped with a smile. She answered calmly:

"If Cheng Yu really wants to know, ask me next time. I'll tell you."

"But now isn't the time for this talk."

Only then did Cheng Yu notice ahead. Motorcycles blocked the sidewalk, barring their path.

Young men sat on them, eyeing Cheng Yu like prey. Some whistled at Linsw Lin. Their brazenness made everyone uneasy.

Cheng Yu stepped back slightly. He glanced around. They were completely surrounded by motorcycles. No escape.

The men dressed wildly differently. Only one thing united them.

Yellow scarves wrapped their bodies.

Some wore them as headbands. Others as neck warmers, or tied on wrists and ankles. That vibrant yellow bound them into one group.

"No wonder the motorcycle noise was so loud," Cheng Yu muttered. "We've been targeted."

He frowned. Reborn many times, he'd fought thugs before. But this scale was rare.

He guessed the reason.

"Hey guys, I just want to be friends," said the yellow-headband man. He grinned, palm up.

"But I'm short on cash. Hope you can sponsor me."

"Later, if trouble comes, we're family. Just say 'Yellow Scarves Gang.' No one will bother you."

Just as expected.

Cheng Yu sighed inwardly. "Don't show off wealth" held true.

Zhao (?) flaunting cash at Saizeriya attracted thugs. Cheng Yu wasn't surprised.

Only the gang's size seemed excessive.

"Yellow Scarves Gang?"

Before Cheng Yu pondered, Wang Jing snorted sarcastically.

"Watch too much Three Kingdoms? Zhang Jue died centuries ago. Can Lei Gong strike me dead for you?"

Wang Jing laughed loudly.

No one responded. His laughter died. He shut up.

The headband man sighed. He jumped off his bike. He swaggered to a companion.

Suddenly, he kicked over the companion's motorcycle. Metal crashed on concrete with a dull thud. Wang Jing flinched.

"Listen up! I want money! Hand over all your cash. I spare your lives. Otherwise..."

"You... don't mess with me! This is a law-ruled society. I'll call police. See your arrogance then..."

"Buddy, since you don't know," the headband man said, smiling at Wang Jing's phone. "I just got out of juvie for robbery."

"You're lucky I'm under eighteen. I can still mess with you."

"I've been inside once. A second time? No big deal. You beaten paralyzed before police come. Me jailed a few years. Who loses more?"

Wang Jing's hand froze. He'd dialed police but couldn't press call.

The headband man's smile turned brazen. He squatted on the fallen bike. He licked his lips, eyeing the four.

"Come on, guys. Show me your choice."

"Obey, hand money, become friends."

"Or take a beating. Then... become enemies of the Yellow Scarves Gang."

"Let me hear your answer."