Wild Pickup Duo Spotted!
Yumo knew absolutely nothing about cars—not even most logos. Memorizing car models would be easier than cramming organic chemistry synthesis tables. But this ride… looked kinda flashy? Must cost millions. Was splurging millions on a metal coffin really worth it?
"Hey, cutie!" one yelled from the driver’s seat. "Wanna ride shotgun in my i8?"
"Or sit on my lap~" the other chimed in from the passenger side.
Smoke curled from their cigarettes as bass thumped from the speakers. Their slicked-back hair and shiny suits made Tanglingxue frown instantly.
"*This* is it?" She rolled her eyes. "Fake turbo whine and that ugly rear end? Put some effort into picking up girls."
"You’d love it if you tried!"
"Boring this ride? I’ve got a 911 too. Wanna race?"
"Both seats are taken. How’m I supposed to squeeze in?"
"Told ya—my lap’s free!" "Hahaha!"
Yumo just noticed the luxury sports car only had two seats. He’d always thought only trucks had two seats in four-wheel drives. So these million-dollar toys skimped on seating? What a rip-off.
"Sorry, as you can see, I’m with someone."
"*Him?*"
The duo burst out laughing at Yumo’s utterly mismatched appearance beside Tanglingxue.
"This country bumpkin? Lucky bastard!" "Total excuse. Come play!"
"…Are you two drunk?" Yumo frowned at their glazed eyes. "That bold? Not scared of getting busted?"
"Pfft! Wine doesn’t count!" "Hahaha!"
Their laughter grated on Yumo’s last nerve. He wasn’t babysitting drunken idiots—not after Zhangyuanzhou, then A-Jin, now these Bimmer Bros. Why did everyone tangled with Tanglingxue end up being hopeless losers? Seriously, did she attract trouble like moths to a flame?
"Let’s go, Ling Xue. Ignore them."
"W-wait up—!"
Their car screeched sideways, blocking the path. One belched loudly. *Ugh…*
"Don’t run off~ Stay and play!" "Hey sweetheart, make your ‘man’ race us! Got the guts? Hahaha!"
"You’re so annoying…"
Yumo’s hand slipped into his sling bag. A whiff of sweet ammonia fumes might sober them up—
"Fine. Race us," Tanglingxue suddenly agreed.
"*What?!* Are you insane?!" Yumo gaped.
"Deal!" "Let’s go!" The Bimmer Bros whooped.
"But not here. This lot’s too cramped. I’ll pick the track."
"Sure~" "Your call!"
"Follow me then—Yumo, let’s roll."
"But—"
"Trust me."
Tanglingxue swung onto the back of Yumo’s motorcycle, whispering in his ear. Skeptical, he shifted into low gear and followed her directions. The i8 trailed behind, its occupants jeering. After two kilometers, they reached a wide, smooth stretch of road—perfect for racing.
"Whoa—nice spot!" "You know your tracks, babe!"
"I know a thing or two…"
*(Tanglingxue, what’s your plan? There’s no way I can beat them!)*
*(Just follow my lead!)*
The motorcycle idled at the road’s center. Tanglingxue made no move to dismount. Was she seriously riding *with* him? Suicidal!
"Gentlemen," she called, "ready when you are?"
"Heh heh, anytime!" "We’ll spot you a kilometer!"
"Good. Yumo—get set!"
"Hold on!"
Yumo fumbled into position. The i8’s engine roared. Tanglingxue wrapped her uninjured arm around his waist and shouted:
"Ready—three, two, one, *go*!"
Yumo slammed the throttle—
But Tanglingxue slapped his hand away at the last second. The bike died, stranded.
The i8 shot forward like a bullet.
"What—Tanglingxue?! Giving up?!" Yumo gasped.
"Shh. Watch."
The i8’s taillights carved fiery arcs into the night, vanishing around a bend. Only its fading roar remained.
Then—three seconds later—
*Wheee-WOO! Wheee-WOO!*
Sirens shattered the silence. Two police motorcycles materialized, lights blazing.
"That i8! Pull over!" "Speeding violation! Cooperate with inspection!"
"*EEEEHHHHHHH?!*"
Tires screeched. Sirens wailed. Megaphones blared. The Bimmer Bros’ shrieks tangled into chaos. Red and blue lights spotlighted the duo scrambling out of the car, flailing excuses. One officer thrust a breathalyzer at them. They refused—sealing their guilt.
"Drunk *and* speeding?!" "Get in the cruiser. Now!!!"
"*NOOOOOO—!*"
The idiots were dragged off by their ears, sobbing like scolded schoolgirls. Far away, Ling Xue doubled over laughing, tears streaming down her face. Even Yumo—usually so stern—let out a rare laugh. It bubbled up uncontrollably until their sides ached and breath ran out.
Yumo hadn’t laughed like this in years.
"I’ve never seen you laugh before, Yumo."
Tanglingxue ruffled his messy hair, grinning.
"I’m not emotionless… Wait. You planned this? That’s why you agreed?"
"Those jerks didn’t know this road. After constant drag-racing reports, cops patrol here daily."
"Figures. That’s why you were so calm."
"Let’s go. This place is hot now."
"Right. Obey traffic laws."
"Who are *you* lecturing…? One thing—no, a request. Call me Ling Xue. Not ‘Tanglingxue.’ Too formal."
"Always thought your full name sounded ripped from a wuxia novel."
"Don’t you *dare* say that!"
…
…
…
Strange.
After messing around with Ling Xue, his grip on the handlebars felt lighter.
New joy layered over old pain like plastic wrap sealing rotten food—unable to erase it, but at least the stench faded.
"Yumo."
"Hmm?"
"Tomorrow’s my day off. Let’s go on a date."
"…Why?"
"To give you a proper makeover."
