This is getting troublesome.

Just by their posture—especially the ringleader’s attitude—if they didn’t get paid, they’d likely cross legal lines without hesitation.

But actually giving them money?

Cheng Yu knew better. These weren’t petty thugs to brush off. If they’d seen Zhao (?) casually pull out five million yuan back at Saizeriya… they’d demand a fortune.

Even if he reported them later and got them arrested, the money would be long gone.

*Headache.*

All Cheng Yu wanted was a normal college life. Why did every day bring either a *machete* or street punks after him?

Before Cheng Yu could strategize, a figure beside him darted forward under everyone’s gaze.

Wang Jing sprinted to the headband-wearing thug, awkwardly pulling out his phone. He flashed his WeChat wallet balance with a strained grin:

"Bro, look—I’ve only got this much. Let’s be friends. Take it all… just let us go, yeah?"

The thug glanced at the screen, stood up, and smirked wider. He pointed at Cheng Yu’s group:

"Let *you* go? Fine. But *them*? Not happening.

"This barely covers my buddy’s motorcycle repairs. Show some real sincerity—cough up more."

*Damn it, you kicked that bike yourself!* Wang Jing cursed inwardly. Facing the mob, he gritted his teeth:

"...Alright! Let me leave first. Next time we meet, I’ll pay extra. Today… this is all I have."

"...Hah."

The thug saw right through Wang Jing’s act. If this was truly all he had, why hand it over so willingly? Who knew what lurked in his bank accounts or Alipay?

*Whatever.*

His real target wasn’t this small fry—it was the bigger fish.

He flicked his eyes toward Zhao (?), then shoved Wang Jing’s phone forward: "Transfer *everything* now." A sharp kick sent Wang Jing stumbling back. "Get lost! Don’t block my view after paying."

"You bastard—"

Shoved out of the circle, Wang Jing yelled toward Cheng Yu without looking back:

"Cheng Yu! Hold on! I’ll get help!"

Cheng Yu heard only fading footsteps—no pause, no hesitation.

Cheng Yu sighed heavily. Beside him, Linsw Lin curled her lips in disdain:

"After he leaves? He won’t even call the cops. Forget about coming back."

"Some things… those who know, know."

Cheng Yu shrugged. He’d long seen Wang Jing’s true colors. But now, his escape left the rest trapped.

Not only were they one person short—Wang Jing’s bribe had slammed the door on any peaceful resolution.

He’d sacrificed them to save himself.

*What now… really pay these thugs…?*

**【Cornered by the Yellow Scarves Gang, your choice is:】**

**【Option A: Fight to the end. Reward: Harley-Davidson STREET 750】**

**【Option B: Negotiate alternatives. Reward: Huawei P50 Pro】**

**【Option C: Pay obediently. Reward: 10-year interest-free Ant Huabei loan】**

**【Option D: Stall. Hard. Reward: 1 random SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE point】**

S—Y—S—T—E—M—

As the familiar paralysis seized his body, Cheng Yu felt no panic—only deep relief.

For once, the system’s timing was perfect. Not forcing a choice… but offering an escape from hellfire.

*Though… Option D?*

Had Wang Jing actually called for help? Could stalling really turn the tide?

But how long to stall? And the reward—another SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE point. This would be tougher than usual.

*Fine. Trust the system.*

Time and again, its suggestions proved optimal.

Silently selecting D, time resumed. Cheng Yu faced the thugs, silent.

Linsw Lin stayed quiet too, not a flicker of tension on her face. She simply kept her arm looped through his, smiling faintly.

Zhao (?) remained utterly silent—last time taught him to trust Cheng Yu’s instincts in crises.

Thirty seconds passed. Three figures stood motionless.

The headband thug kicked the fallen motorcycle again, voice icy:

"Decide *now*. My patience has limits.

"Keep stalling, and I’ll decide *for* you—"

"What if—"

Cheng Yu cut in smoothly, derailing the thug’s threat. "—we join the Yellow Scarves Gang? What do you think?"

Silence. The thugs exchanged confused glances. No one expected *this*.

"...Hah. Clever." The ringleader whistled, almost impressed. Then his tone turned glacial.

"Too bad it won’t work.

"You think joining us means we’ll go easy on you?

"Fool. ‘Yellow Scarves Gang’ is just a name. See this?" He tugged his yellow headband, then gestured to his buddies’ yellow scarves. "Wrap this on, and *anyone* can claim the title. The barrier to entry? Almost nonexistent." His sneer deepened. "So even if you join—you’re still nothing to me. This gang won’t protect you—"

"Good."

Cheng Yu interrupted again, exhaling as if relieved. A genuine smile spread across his face.

"Then you’re clearly not a core member.

"If *you’re* what passes for elite in this gang… it’ll collapse days after I join."

The thug’s smirk froze. His face darkened. Teeth clenched, fury boiling over:

"Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?!

"Fine. You’ve made your choice.

"Hope you’re ready when I beat you bloody."

"Beat *me*?"

Cheng Yu’s smile didn’t waver. His gaze locked onto the thug’s—suddenly sharp as a bayonet.

"*You?*"

An invisible pressure radiated from him. Every thug flinched, a primal chill slicing through the air.