Category: Come, Let Me Take You Home

No. 80 Promises Unforgiven

At seven in the evening, I arrived at the rooftop of the DK Arcade as promised.

DK, Dragon Dark Arcade, was the first official entertainment complex under the Black Dragon Group. Its predecessor was the arcade Pai Ge often took me to, a sprawling space filled with arcade games, PC gaming booths, a cafe, and even an amusement park. After a series of acquisitions and renovations, it had become one of the largest entertainment venues in Upper Capital City.

The arcade had five floors, with the sixth floor being a vast rooftop helipad, usually off-limits to the public. Only the original members of the Black Dragon Society and the Pai family knew the access route.

“You came.”

Hua She stood alone by a water tank, his floral shirt fluttering in the evening breeze, his figure a lonely silhouette against the backdrop of the city lights.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

I approached him, the shadow of my cape trailing behind me like wilted flower petals.

The city’s excessive light pollution obscured the stars, even here on the rooftop. The moonlight was tinged with an unnatural, almost eerie glow.

“I told you to come alone,” he said, his voice laced with displeasure.

I lifted my chin, letting the wind tousle my hair. “You said you would be alone. You didn’t say anything about me coming alone.”

“Besides…”

I glanced at the girl standing behind me. “Xiaodie isn’t an outsider. We’ve shared meals, we’ve even gone drinking together.”

He frowned, the crimson glow of the city lights casting his face in a sinister light.

“Why are you dressed like that?”

“This?” I looked down at my revealing yet undeniably cool cosplay outfit. “This is Chloe von Einzbern. I lost a bet to Xiaodie.”

Chloe, from the anime “Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya,” had a complex relationship with the protagonist, Illya. Xiaodie had mentioned cosplaying as Illya, so I hadn’t objected to this particular costume.

But I had to admit, the black pants, boots, and tattered cape were stylish, even if the revealing design made me self-conscious.

Hua She bit his lip, his gaze lingering on my outfit.

“The rumors say you like her.”

“They’re not rumors.”

I smiled. “It’s true.”

He clenched his fists, his frustration palpable in the night air.

“I never imagined I’d be competing with a woman for another woman’s affections.”

“I never imagined my own brother would betray me.”

“I…”

He looked away, his guilt evident. “Yi Yao, is there no chance for us?”

“You should be asking yourself that question,” I said coldly. “You were the one who betrayed us, who proposed running away together, who claimed to want to save the city, to change the world.”

“Doesn’t this city need saving?”

His voice rose, his desperation palpable. “Look at those corrupt officials, look at this society! Have you ever seen a city so riddled with crime and violence? Gang fights, shootings, disease, death… what’s the point of saving a place like this?”

“So that’s your justification for betraying your brothers?”

I chuckled mirthlessly. “Spare me the melodrama. I’m not interested in your grand schemes. If you want to walk this path, go ahead. But was that the only reason you called me here tonight?”

He stepped closer, his gaze intense. “Yes. This is what I wanted to talk about. Yi Yao, don’t you see how dangerous this place is? Can you truly find happiness here?”

“Happiness? Let me tell you something. I told Liang Zhenyi and the others that your uncle took you to another city, that we might never see you again.”

He stared at me, stunned. “What… what did they say?”

“They just asked me to tell you to take care of yourself, to stay in touch, to eat well, that sort of thing. They’re good guys. They didn’t suspect a thing.”

I turned away. “If you called me here to rehash the same tired arguments, then my answer is no. I’m not going anywhere. I believe in Upper Capital City, I believe in Xiaodie, I believe in my parents. I’m happy here. Thank you for your concern.”

“Xiaodie, let’s go.”

I sensed a surge of hostility behind me, a sudden shift in the air.

“Clang!”

I drew my knives, deflecting a flying dagger with a swift motion. Several men in black had materialized from the shadows, surrounding us.

Among them were the one-armed man and the man who had spared me at the train station.

“Uncle?”

Hua She stared at the one-armed man, his confusion evident. “I told you…”

“You’re still a child.”

The one-armed man stepped forward, shielding Hua She. He turned to me, his gaze piercing. “Yi Yao. An interesting name. ‘A long journey tests a horse’s strength.’ Thank you for helping us eliminate Shadow.”

Hua She’s eyes widened in horror. “Uncle, you mean…”

“What else? You think we would expend so much effort just to capture a little girl for your sake?”

It all made sense now.

His uncle had never intended to recruit me. I had been bait, a lure to draw out Shadow and expose them to the authorities.

They could then blame everything on Shadow, preserving their own strength and continuing their twisted crusade.

“You’re doing this to your own nephew?” I asked, my voice laced with disgust. “You’re going to scar him for life.”

A parent’s betrayal was a heavy burden for a child to bear.

Perhaps many parents were unaware of the lasting impact of their words, their actions.

“Get a perfect score, and we’ll buy you a computer.”

How many students achieved a perfect score? Three? “That doesn’t count. Get first place in your class next time, and we’ll buy it.”

“You should be more concerned about yourself,” the one-armed man said, nodding towards the man who had captured me. “Bring those two girls to me!”

“Yes, sir.”

The man stepped forward.

“Whoosh!”

The moon, peeking out from behind the clouds, bathed the rooftop in a silvery glow.

A playing card, the Ace of Spades, its edges gleaming with a metallic sheen, spun towards us at a dizzying speed. It sliced through the man’s hair, then embedded itself in the concrete floor with a resounding thud.

“Well, well, well.”

Pai Ge materialized before us, his appearance as sudden and unexpected as a magic trick.

“Such a large group of men, ganging up on two innocent girls?”

He stood tall, his fedora tilted at a jaunty angle, his black suit impeccably tailored, his movements fluid and graceful as he shuffled a deck of cards.

“You…”

The man in black blinked, then chuckled. “You finally decided to show yourself, Luo Wei.”

“This is DK territory, a Pai family establishment. Why wouldn’t I be here?”

He casually tossed six cards behind him.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Six young men, dressed in similar suits, materialized where the cards landed.

The man in black drew his pistol. “You came prepared.”

Pai Ge shrugged. “You set my little friend free and sent her to me with a message. Your cunning is truly impressive.”

“Enough talk! Where’s your uncle?”

“My uncle? Do you know where he is?”

“Don’t play dumb. You don’t really think you can defeat us with a few playing cards, do you?”

He raised his gun, his finger on the trigger.

“You’re welcome to try.” Pai Ge produced more cards, as if by magic. “But I must warn you, carrying an unlicensed firearm in Upper Capital City carries a life sentence. And I doubt you, a man with such grand ambitions, would risk everything for a few insignificant pawns like us.”

A gentle breeze ruffled his hair, creating a dramatic effect.

The man in black narrowed his eyes, glancing at the one-armed man.

“Is he the obstacle you mentioned?”

“No, he’s ‘that man’s’ nephew.”

“Interesting.”

The one-armed man studied Pai Ge intently for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively. “The Pai family, huh? Tell your grandfather that after we’re done with those Upper Capital City fools, we’re coming for you.”

“Retreat.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

They leaped from the rooftop, disappearing into the darkness with an agility that defied their size. The five-story drop was nothing to them.

The moon emerged from behind the clouds, bathing the rooftop in a silvery light.

“How did I do, Yi Yao? Was I cool?” Pai Ge asked, tossing his cards aside and producing a glass of red wine, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Instead of bragging,” I said, glancing at the young men behind him, “maybe you could explain how you all just appeared out of thin air.”

“Haven’t you seen those movies? Teleportation.”

“Seriously.”

“Seriously, it’s a bit complicated to explain. It’s a form of illusion. Or magic, if you prefer.” He took a sip of his wine. “Like life, don’t take it too seriously.”

“It’s not that I want to take it seriously…” I glanced at Xiaodie, her eyes sparkling with awe.

Her anime-infused brain would be fascinated by this.

“That was amazing!”

As expected, she rushed towards Pai Ge, her voice filled with admiration. “Tell me, tell me, how did you do it? I want to learn!”

You want to stand on a lamppost like Gilgamesh?

“Well…” He cleared his throat, sensing my jealousy. “It’s a Pai family secret. I’ll teach Yi Yao, and she can teach you later.”

He patted my shoulder, a smug grin on his face.

“You have some visitors downstairs.”

No. 79 If Happiness Cannot Be Found

As expected, we crushed the competition.

But for boys, unless a girlfriend was at stake, winning or losing a game wasn’t a big deal. The guys from Class 1 were good sports, and after the match, we played a few other games together. The atmosphere was surprisingly friendly.

“Sorry about earlier,” the chubby boy who had doubted my skills apologized as we prepared to leave.

I smiled. “It’s fine. I wasn’t offended.”

“How long have you been playing this game?” he asked.

“Since my second year of middle school,” I replied, after a moment’s thought.

That was when Yi Yao had first visited an internet cafe. Her memories were vivid, the date etched in my mind.

My sister hadn’t been very good at competitive games. That was one of the many differences between us. She had only started playing League of Legends because of Long Fei, but after a few disastrous matches, she had resorted to playing against bots at home.

“Second year? And you reached Challenger in just a year? You’re a natural!”

The chubby boy stared at me, his jaw slack. “As far as I know, you’re the only Challenger player in Upper Capital City.”

“There might be other Challenger players who just don’t advertise it.”

“No, I’m serious. Do you realize what this means?”

He leaned closer, his voice earnest. “You’re only sixteen. There are very few sixteen-year-old Challenger players in the entire country. And you’re a girl. A beautiful girl. I bet you’re the only one. That’s a huge advantage. And you’re famous now. If you start streaming, playing games every day, you could make a fortune within a year or two.”

“Is it really that lucrative?”

“It is. I’m not exaggerating. I know a few streamers who average around 5,000 viewers, and they earn a base salary of 5,000 yuan per month. You could easily attract over 50,000 viewers. Playing games and making money. What’s not to like?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’d definitely watch your stream!”

“That’s a great idea, Yi Yao! You should start streaming!”

“Maybe later,” I said, my cheeks flushing under their enthusiastic gazes. I gestured for Xiaodie to hop onto the back of my bicycle. “We should get going. My dad will be angry if we’re late.”

I was still unsure about his mental state.

My words the previous night had been harsh. What if he had spiraled further into despair? It would complicate things for Xiaodie and me.

“Alright, be careful on your way home! And teach me some tips next time!”

I pedaled away, their farewells echoing behind me.

“So… are you really that good?” Xiaodie asked, her cheek resting against my back, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist.

“That game is so hard. And those shooting games… I can never see anyone, and my aim is terrible.”

“It’s not just talent. Girls aren’t really suited for competitive games,” I said matter-of-factly. “Actually, I feel like my skills have deteriorated.”

“But how…”

“Do you find it difficult to solve elementary school math problems now?”

“No.”

“Exactly. I’m from ten years in the future. By then, this game had been dissected and analyzed. All the strategies, the team compositions, the meta… everything had been figured out. I learned from the best. It’s not like the early days, when everyone was a noob, running around like headless chickens. You’d feel the same way if you played with beginners from a few years ago.”

“Hmm… do you want to start streaming?”

“What do you think?”

“Do it! Why not make some money?”

“Things get complicated when money is involved.”

I hadn’t intentionally climbed to Challenger. After arriving in this world, I had been overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. I maintained my usual carefree facade, but I needed an outlet, a way to release the pressure. Gaming and training became my escape.

A few ranked matches every day, and within three months, I had reached the top.

Playing for fun was different from playing for an audience. Solo queuing allowed for experimentation, for casual banter with teammates. But streaming was a job. I would have to be at my best, catering to the viewers’ expectations, perhaps even engaging in fan service.

Writing was a dream, but writing for an audience came with its own set of constraints. The same applied to drawing. A childhood hobby could transform into a demanding profession, requiring you to meet the client’s demands, even if you disliked the final product.

“It’s not the right time. We still have unfinished business,” I said, my thoughts returning to the investigation.

I needed answers.

Answers that would shape my future.

“I’m home.”

I parked the bicycle, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. The air was surprisingly fresh, devoid of the usual stench of smoke and alcohol. The living room, usually cluttered and messy, was spotless. Even the dusty windowsills had been cleaned.

“You’re back?”

My father emerged from the kitchen, a smile on his face, wearing an apron. “And Xiaodie. You must be hungry. Dinner will be ready soon.”

His transformation was startling. The haggard, drunken man from the previous night had vanished, replaced by a revitalized, almost youthful version of himself. He had even shaved his beard and gotten a haircut.

“Dad, what…” I walked towards the kitchen, noticing the new appliances and the gleaming countertops.

“Yi Yao, I’ve had a change of heart,” he said, his voice cheerful as he stir-fried vegetables. “Life goes on, doesn’t it? Your mother is gone, but I still have you, my wonderful daughter. And Xiaodie, of course.” He chuckled. “If you both get into a good high school, I’ll work my fingers to the bone to support your education.”

“That’s the spirit! That’s the Yi Yao’s dad I know!”

Xiaodie, with impressive reflexes, threw her arms around him. “Uncle, the teacher praised us today. She said we could get into any high school in the country with our grades.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“It’s all thanks to your guidance!”

Something was wrong…

My father wasn’t the type to bounce back so easily. A slight improvement after my harsh words was understandable, but this was too drastic.

“Did Uncle visit us today?” I asked casually, my suspicions growing.

“How did you know?” He looked genuinely surprised. “They say girls are more perceptive. I guess it’s true. Your uncle came over this morning. We talked for hours, and he even stayed for lunch.”

As I suspected.

“Why don’t you two go do your homework? The kitchen is smoky. It’s bad for your skin.”

“Okay, we’ll be in our room.”

Xiaodie, oblivious to my suspicions, dragged me away.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted. We should get a computer at home. This internet cafe smells awful.”

She flopped onto the bed, her skirt riding up, and grabbed a copy of “Maxims” from the bookshelf.

I sat at my desk and turned on the computer.

“Did you find anything?” she asked, her gaze meeting mine.

She was incredibly perceptive, often sensing my thoughts before I even voiced them.

“Yes.” I stared at the loading screen. “Remember what I told you about my stepmother? That my father knew her before my mother died?”

“Yeah. We even planned a revenge scheme in case she and her son moved in with us.”

“I want to confirm it.”

In my previous life, after my father’s death, our apartment had been repossessed due to unpaid medical bills. But the strange thing was, it had ended up in the hands of my stepmother.

I was curious about their connection, and why my uncle, my father’s own brother, would facilitate such a transaction.

“How are you going to confirm it?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“I’m going to hack into their computer.”

My cousin would be playing games on his father’s computer at this hour. And I had his QQ number. All I had to do was…

Send a large data packet to the target, intercept the response, and extract the IP address… Success.

Load the network sniffing tool, scan for vulnerabilities, bypass the firewall… Success.

Create a user account, elevate privileges… Success.

Access granted.

My uncle was a technological novice. He hadn’t even bothered with a firewall.

I stared at the screen, my cousin’s gaming session displayed in real-time. He was playing CrossFire. I minimized the game window and opened his local files.

Games, games, more games, and some company documents…

Wait, what’s this? “VIP Client Data”?

I opened the folder, my heart pounding. And there it was, a personal profile, neatly organized and easily accessible.

“Who’s that?” Xiaodie asked, peering at the screen as a photo appeared.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s my future stepmother.”

I downloaded the file and closed the remote connection.

A VIP client. It all made sense now.

My uncle and my stepmother had known each other long before that fateful banquet. It hadn’t been a coincidence.

Now I just needed to figure out why my father had cut ties with his brother.

As the download finished, a familiar icon flashed on my screen.

It was a message from Hua She.

“Yi Yao, meet me on the rooftop of the DK Arcade tonight. I’ll be alone. Don’t disappoint me.”

Volume 3: A night of songs and dances, the night is still young.

No. 78 The Cuckoo Sings in the Jungle

“Alright, that’s all for today’s lesson. Starting next week, we’ll be entering the final stage of exam preparation. You’ve all heard, right?”

“Does that mean no more classes?”

“Correct. Until the high school entrance exams on June 24th, there won’t be any scheduled lessons. But!”

The homeroom teacher paused dramatically, savoring the anticipation in the students’ eyes before continuing. “But, listen carefully. If I catch anyone playing with their phones or sleeping during class hours, you’ll face the consequences. Especially certain individuals. I won’t name names, but you know who you are. Behave yourselves. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“One more thing. Tomorrow and the day after, the 6th and 7th, are the college entrance exams. Our school will be used as an examination center, so you’ll have two days off.”

“Seriously?”

“Two days off? Two whole days?!”

“I’ve never been so grateful for the college entrance exams!”

“That’s all. Class dismissed.”

It was a typical Saturday morning at Upper Capital City No. 3 Middle School. Another week of classes had come to an end.

But for me, the familiar classroom felt strangely alien.

Many of the events I had anticipated, based on my memories, hadn’t occurred. It was like living a completely new life, one that defied my expectations.

But perhaps it was for the best.

What would be the point of reliving an identical life?

“Freedom!”

“Two days off! And no homework! Awesome!”

“Hey, any plans? Where are we going?”

“Duh, League of Legends, of course! I’ll be your support Yasuo. I’m amazing!”

“Support Yasuo? What kind of noob strategy is that?”

“You can play support Janna, but I can’t play support Yasuo?”

“Seriously, guys. We’re having a friendly match against Class 1 later. Are you in?”

The classroom erupted in a cacophony of excited chatter as the teacher dismissed us.

Boys and girls alike, even the usually quiet and withdrawn students, were beaming with relief, their faces lit up with anticipation as they discussed their weekend plans.

Two days of freedom might not seem like much, but for these ninth-graders, accustomed to a single afternoon off each week, it felt like an eternity.

“Yi Yao, are you still asleep?”

Xiaodie leaned closer, her mischievous grin teasing. “Maybe last night was too exhausting?”

“Stop it, you little pervert. I’m thinking about Shadow.”

Her words sent a blush creeping up my cheeks. She had been surprisingly… enthusiastic the previous night. I had always assumed she was as innocent and naive as she appeared, but once she shed her inhibitions, she was even more passionate than me.

I had harbored doubts, wondering if her attraction to girls was just a fleeting fantasy, a product of her anime obsession. After all, real life wasn’t a fairy tale. Liking yuri and actually being a lesbian were two different things. So despite our closeness, I had maintained a certain distance, a subconscious barrier.

But after crossing that line, I realized she had been sincere all along.

Her understanding of love transcended gender.

And that night, I had finally opened my heart to her completely.

“What about Shadow? Didn’t Dati say they were all arrested?” she asked, her brow furrowed as she closed her textbook.

“He said they arrested Shadow, but the group that kidnapped me was Fierce. And they mentioned two other branches, ‘Dark’ and ‘Glory.’ I’m worried this isn’t over yet.”

“What are they planning?”

“I don’t know.” The image of Hua She’s anguished face flashed through my mind. “Maybe they’re trying to create some kind of utopia, a world without pain.”

Sometimes, adults were more naive than children.

“Well, if they try anything, I’ll save you,” I said, patting her head reassuringly.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of anymore.”

“Cheesy.”

We were supposed to switch seats after every monthly exam. The top-ranked student got to choose first, and the rest followed in descending order. Naturally, I chose my current seat, and Xiaodie, without hesitation, wrote her name beside mine. We were deskmates once again.

Two girls from the back row approached us, holding beautifully decorated booklets.

“Yi Yao, Xiaodie, can you sign my yearbook? You’re practically celebrities now. If you become famous, this yearbook will be worth a fortune!”

“Me too! Me too!”

Soon, we were surrounded by a throng of classmates, their yearbooks thrust towards us.

It was a familiar scene.

During my last month of middle school in my previous life, my classmates had also clamored for my autograph. But back then, the only person who genuinely wanted me to sign their yearbook was my deskmate.

Gaining something often meant sacrificing something else.

My academic achievements had come at the cost of my social life.

I had dedicated myself to my studies, following my parents’ strict rules, living a monotonous existence—home, school, cram school—with no time for friends or extracurricular activities. It was no wonder I had been so lonely.

“Yi Yao, Xiaodie, are you free later?”

Tan Lijiang and Liang Tong approached our desk after I had finished signing the yearbooks.

“Yeah, we’re free. What’s up?”

“Wanna play some League with us?”

“Huh?” It took me a moment to process his words. “Are you sure it’s okay to ask two girls to play games with you?”

“Don’t be silly. I know you and Xiaodie play. Right?” He nudged Liang Tong playfully. “Your QQ icons are lit up, and you’ve been discussing it in your Qzone posts.”

“Yeah, we were planning to have a friendly match against Class 1, but Luo Yong and the others had to leave early. So we thought of you guys. Don’t worry, Lao Tan is Platinum. He can carry us.”

“Just so you know, I only play support,” Xiaodie said before I could respond.

Tan Lijiang and Liang Tong exchanged knowing glances. “Sure, you can even play support Yasuo.”

…

What have I gotten myself into?

Standing outside the internet cafe, I finally understood what it meant to have a former delinquent as a girlfriend.

I thought I was tough, but Xiaodie was on a whole other level.

She was reserved around strangers, but with people she knew, she was like one of the guys. She had become friends with Tan Lijiang and Liang Tong, exchanging QQ numbers and phone numbers.

She even consulted them on schoolwork and game strategies when I wasn’t around.

She had been a hardcore gamer, and while she rarely played now, she was no stranger to the world of online gaming.

She wouldn’t recoil at the thought of entering an internet cafe, unlike some girls.

But what surprised me most was that our opponents were from Class 1.

The top students in our school, the ones with the brightest futures, were also gamers?

“The owner of this internet cafe is a friend of mine.”

Tan Lijiang somehow bypassed the ID check and led us to a luxurious gaming area, booting up ten computers.

The setup was impressive—high-end PCs, comfortable chairs, a smoke-free environment. This was a high-class establishment.

“Lao Tan, those girls look familiar,” one of the boys from Class 1 whispered to Tan Lijiang.

“You don’t know them? That’s Yi Yao, the girl from the news. Everyone in school knows about her. And that’s Huang Yingdie, the school beauty. Seriously, man, do you live under a rock?”

“No way!”

The boy stared at me, his cheeks flushing slightly, then quickly averted his gaze. “Class 11 has all the luck.”

Xiaodie and I settled down beside Tan Lijiang.

“Haha, you’re going down! We have the top two students from last semester on our team!”

A voice boomed through the speakers, announcing Tan Lijiang’s arrival. “PC number 78, a Gold-ranked god from the Shadow Isles has logged in! Gather round and witness his greatness!”

League of Legends dominated the gaming scene, occupying most of the screens in internet cafes across the country. Themed internet cafes had sprung up, catering to the game’s massive fanbase. Many establishments offered rewards for high-ranked players and announced their achievements, fueling the players’ egos.

“Don’t get cocky. Being good at studying doesn’t mean you’re good at games. I’ve met plenty of girls who are terrible,” a chubby boy from Class 1 said smugly.

His friend elbowed him in the ribs. “Dude, be nice. They’re our classmates.”

“Haha, it’s fine. We’re just playing for fun. It’s a holiday, after all. And I can carry them anyway,” Tan Lijiang said cheerfully, logging into his account.

The announcement system blared again. “PC number 105, a Platinum-ranked god from the Black Rose server has logged in! Gather round and witness his greatness!”

“Whoa, Platinum? Lao Tan, you’ve been hiding your skills!”

“Scared now? I was known as the ‘Girl-Carrying King’ back in the day. I once won a match with four girls playing support.”

“Never trust girls online,” the chubby boy chimed in. “They could be middle-aged men pretending to be cute. All I know is, real girls are terrible at games.”

“You…” Tan Lijiang started to say something, then forced a smile. “It’s fine. We’re just here to have fun.”

“Yeah, it’s just a friendly match,” the skinny boy agreed. “Which server are we playing on? Black Rose?”

“Easy,” the chubby boy said with a smirk. “Let’s play on the girls’ server. They can use their runes, and we’ll create new accounts. That way, it’s fair. I don’t like bullying girls.”

“Huh?” I hadn’t expected them to target me. “I’m on Ionia.”

“Me too,” Xiaodie said.

“I have an account on Ionia!”

“Me too!”

“Alright, Ionia it is.”

Even Tan Lijiang logged out of his main account and created a new one on the Ionia server.

“Yi Yao, log in,” he said, noticing my hesitation. “We’re just waiting for you… Whoa, Xiaodie, you’re Silver 3? Not bad. Did you climb that high yourself?”

“I rarely play anymore. Yi Yao usually plays ranked for me,” she said sheepishly.

“Yi Yao plays for you? Is she Gold? That’s impressive!”

“Yi Yao, come on, log in!”

“Let’s show Class 1 what Class 11 is made of!”

Under their expectant gazes, I reluctantly logged into the game using my only QQ account.

The moment I logged in, the announcement system blared, its voice echoing through the internet cafe. “PC number 104, a Challenger-ranked god from the Ionia server has logged in! A reward of 5 yuan has been added to your account. Gather round and witness her greatness!”

No. 76-77 Every Time You Kiss Me

The roses we’d planted at home withered. These past few months felt like years, each day stretching into an eternity.

The Yi Yao of this parallel world never got to say goodbye to her mother. But as Xiaodie had said, the letter she left behind revealed a heart free of regrets.

“I had hoped to see you find a boyfriend someday, but a girlfriend is just as wonderful.”

In her letter, my mother praised me for my filial piety, my academic achievements, my maturity.

Even though I knew that obedience and conformity rarely led to a fulfilling life, her words touched my heart.

The funeral passed in a blur, the grief this time a muted echo of the pain I had experienced in my previous life.

I remained composed throughout the ceremony, my tears held back, my emotions carefully controlled.

My father, however, was inconsolable.

He blamed himself for her death, convinced that if he hadn’t opted for the surgery, she might have recovered, perhaps even been spurred on by my academic success.

He spent the following weeks drowning his sorrow in alcohol, neglecting his responsibilities, leaving me to handle the household chores, the cooking, even his drunken collapses.

The incident at the train station had made Xiaodie and me local celebrities.

I couldn’t fathom how the security cameras had captured such clear footage. The man who had taken me hostage, perhaps out of arrogance or a misplaced sense of sportsmanship, had allowed me to dictate the fight, making it seem like I had completely dominated him. The video went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of shares. Coupled with the sensationalized news reports and our previous kidnapping ordeal, I became an overnight sensation.

Countless memes, parody videos, and fan edits featuring me circulated online. Someone even unearthed our “dark history” from school, and soon, fanfiction titled “My Yuri Romance with a Delinquent Girl” and “The Taekwondo Girl’s Tsundere Wife” appeared on various forums.

Our Weibo blog, once languishing in obscurity, exploded in popularity, gaining hundreds of thousands of followers. Xiaodie’s cosplay photos, already aesthetically pleasing, were further enhanced by my editing skills, and they spread like wildfire.

I even encountered our photos in some of the QQ groups I had joined in my previous life, with people asking, “Who is this girl?”

I could only close the chat windows awkwardly, setting my QQ status to invisible.

Xiaodie was undeniably more beautiful than me, but for some reason, I received far more attention.

Despite the unexpected fame, life went on.

The May monthly exams concluded, and Xiaodie and I secured the top two spots in our grade.

During the flag-raising ceremony, we were asked to share our study tips.

I recited my daily routine, a monotonous list of disciplined habits. When it was Xiaodie’s turn, she simply said, “I won’t allow anyone else’s name to appear above Yi Yao’s on the results sheet.”

…

I stumbled out of the classroom, my face burning under the knowing stares of my classmates.

Our ambiguous relationship was no longer a secret.

“I’m going home to cook dinner for my dad,” I said, as we left the school grounds, our shadows stretching long and thin in the setting sun.

Xiaodie was now my father’s legal ward, living with us temporarily.

It made my evenings less lonely.

“Okay.”

Her voice was softer than usual, her demeanor more subdued. Had she changed?

I parked the bicycle and unlocked the door. The familiar scent of stale cigarette smoke and alcohol greeted me.

“Dad?”

I waved away the smoke, my nose wrinkling in disgust. “How many times have I told you to stop smoking and drinking? Why don’t you ever listen?”

“You… you’re back…”

My father was slumped in a corner of the living room, a bottle of liquor clutched in his hand. “And Xiaodie… cough, cough… Welcome… home…”

I clenched my fists, my anger simmering.

“How long are you going to wallow in self-pity?”

“Don’t… tell me what to do…”

“I’m your daughter! If I don’t care about you, who will?”

I snatched the bottle from his grasp, my brow furrowed. “How much have you had?”

He held up two fingers, his words slurred. “N-not much… just…”

I glanced at the empty bottles scattered across the floor. “Should we go to the hospital?”

“N-no… leave me alone… I failed your mother… I killed her… Let me drink… It helps me forget…”

He reached for the bottle.

“Slap!”

I didn’t hesitate. My hand connected with his cheek, the sound sharp and clear.

He stared at me, his eyes wide with shock, as if seeing me for the first time.

“You slapped me at the hospital. Now I’m returning the favor.”

He touched his reddened cheek, his hand trembling.

I stood tall, my voice cold and steady.

“Do you really think she would have recovered if we hadn’t done the surgery? That she would have magically healed if we had just waited? Who told you that? The doctors? Some miracle worker?”

“I…”

“Do you know who scraped together the money for that surgery? Who signed the consent form? Tell me, how many surgeries have a 100% success rate? How many illnesses are guaranteed to be cured? Tell me!”

“…”

I grabbed his collar, pulling him close. “We don’t owe each other anything in this life. Not you, not me. She’s gone, but you and I are still alive. You can find someone new. I still have to study, to go to university. If you want to die, there are eight floors in this building. Be a man and just jump.”

I released him and turned away.

“You said I would never be the top student. You called me a failure. Well, I proved you wrong. What about you? Can I call you a failure now?”

He hung his head, defeated.

“I’ll be the top scorer in the city for the high school entrance exams. Where I go to school is up to you.”

I took Xiaodie’s hand, her face pale and bewildered. “Let’s go.”

“Yi Yao?” she asked hesitantly. “What about your father?”

“Leave him. The wise understand. The foolish remain ignorant.”

…

At Xiaodie’s villa, we fell into our usual routine. We went to the market, bought groceries, cooked dinner, sharing a simple yet satisfying meal.

Afterward, we walked in the empty park, played with Xiaobai, then settled down to do our homework.

Xiaodie was a quick learner. She had struggled to differentiate between sugar, salt, and MSG before, but after observing me in the kitchen for a few weeks, she could now prepare edible meals.

She was also diligent with her studies, never hesitating to ask for help, her questions relentless until she understood the concept completely. Perhaps her only flaw was her lack of boundaries at home. On warmer days, she would often shed her underwear, wandering around in just a skirt, much to my embarrassment.

“It’s nice that the teachers didn’t give us any extra homework today,” I said, stretching as I closed my last textbook. Xiaodie was looking at me with a strange smile.

“W-what?”

She had been doing this a lot lately, staring at me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable.

“Nothing. You just look extra handsome today.”

“Why does that sound so suggestive?”

“Hee hee, don’t worry about it. It’s getting late. Time for bed.”

She reached for her pajamas.

“Already?” I glanced at the clock. It was only nine o’clock.

“Early to bed, early to rise. Go take a shower, Yi Yao. I’ll use the other bathroom.”

Although her villa was mostly unfinished, it had all the essential amenities, including four bathrooms. More than enough for the two of us. Xiaobai, thankfully, relieved itself in the garden.

I watched her leave, her intentions unclear, and grabbed my pajamas.

I was exhausted. An early night sounded perfect.

Three months. It was enough time to adjust to anything.

Even the reality of being a girl.

I no longer felt self-conscious about my body. It felt natural, mine. Yi Yao’s memories had seamlessly integrated into my being.

But Xiaodie’s casual nudity still flustered me.

I emerged from the bathroom, my hair damp from the shower, to find her already in bed, the covers pulled up to her chin.

We shared a room, since only one bedroom in the villa was furnished. But… was she naked?

“It’s too early to sleep,” I said, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling out my phone. I wanted to check on my father.

Suddenly, two arms wrapped around me, pulling me down onto the bed.

“Hey…”

Before I could push her away, her lips were on mine, silencing my protest.

The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated her face, confirming my suspicions. She was indeed naked.

Her body was beautiful, her curves soft and inviting.

The warmth of her skin against mine, the intimacy of our embrace, sent a shiver down my spine.

My thin sleepwear slipped down, revealing my shoulder.

“I know you’re hurting, even though you don’t say it,” she whispered, her breath warm against my cheek.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes shining in the soft light.

“It’s okay to let go sometimes. I’ll share your burden.”

She leaned in again, her body pressing against mine.

“W-wait…” I stammered. “This is too cheesy!”

“Is that all you’re worried about?”

“How did this even happen?” I turned away, my face burning. “We were just…”

“How dare you ask me that!” she huffed, her cheeks puffing out in a pout. “Aren’t we dating? What’s so strange about this? Or were you lying? Do you not like me after all?”

“Of course I like you!”

“Then that’s all that matters. You’re not escaping tonight, Yi Yao. I’ve got you now.”

She tossed my pajamas aside.

Our bodies pressed together again, the heat of her skin searing mine.

“See? Your words might be protesting, but your body is saying something else.”

“…”

…

I want to walk hand in hand with you, just like this, no matter how many times, I will call your name.

***

Volume 2 : END

No. 75 A Never-Fading Sea of Flowers

“This is preposterous!”

Ouyang Dati stood rigidly, head bowed, as a man in a stern military uniform berated him in a secret base somewhere in Upper Capital City.

“They’re just children! Exposing them to firearms at such a young age? If anything had gone wrong, you would have been held fully responsible!”

“The situation in Upper Capital City is already causing enough headaches for the higher-ups. And you’re adding fuel to the fire, creating more chaos?”

“Yes, yes, Captain. I was wrong. But it all worked out, didn’t it? Xiaodie’s a natural with that rifle. She’s better than most of our snipers. And they’re not exactly children anymore…”

“As far as I’m concerned, anyone under eighteen is a child. Do you understand? What were you doing at sixteen? Couldn’t even run ten kilometers without collapsing, could you? Do you know how dangerous that rifle is? The recoil alone could have injured her!”

“But I didn’t give her any bullets…”

“Still arguing?”

“…”

While Ouyang Dati endured his reprimand, I was having a heavy-hearted conversation with my father over the phone.

“Don’t worry too much, Yi Yao. Your mother passed away peacefully. She wanted you to study hard, to take care of yourself… I’ll be back tomorrow. You and Xiaodie get some rest. I’ll let you go now…”

I hung up, my gaze drawn to the midday sun streaming through the window, casting rainbows across the pristine room.

The wind chimes on the curtain tinkled softly in the breeze.

My vision blurred, the sunlight creating streaks of white light.

The sky, not yet fully embracing summer, was a brilliant blue, dotted with wispy clouds.

“Yi Yao…”

Xiaodie’s voice brought me back to reality.

“I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile and pulling her into a hug.

“You were right. It’s all over now.”

Yes, it was over. But… my father had lied.

My mother had been unconscious. She couldn’t have told him to tell me to study hard.

I knew this, having experienced it before.

But it didn’t matter.

I would pretend I didn’t know. I would trust him.

I would start over.

If that’s what it took to make everyone happy.

I was no longer alone.

“You’re Huang Yingdie, right? And you’re Yi Yao?”

A man in an unfamiliar uniform approached us, placing two documents on the table. “We wanted to thank you for your… well, while we don’t condone vigilantism, we have to admit, you did a good job. You helped us take down the largest criminal organization in Upper Capital City.”

“Is there a reward?” Xiaodie asked excitedly, still in her Aria cosplay outfit.

“Well… we wanted to offer you a choice.”

He pushed the documents towards us. “We’re recruiting agents to help us clean up the city. You both meet our requirements. If you join us, you won’t have to attend regular school anymore, and your families will be protected. But I must warn you, this job is dangerous. You’ll be facing ruthless criminals.”

“The other option is to return to your normal lives, to pretend this never happened, especially the events in the old city. You must swear to secrecy.”

“Please sign the appropriate agreement once you’ve made your decision.”

I carefully reviewed the documents.

The old city was a dark chapter in Upper Capital City’s history, a secret they wanted to bury. They wanted us, who had stumbled upon that truth, to join their cause.

To be trained as agents, to serve the people.

To face the darkest corners of society, to become the heroes of our own action movie.

To risk our lives for justice, for a world free of crime.

I looked at Xiaodie.

Her eyes held unwavering trust. “It’s your decision, Yi Yao.”

“Then…”

I picked up the document on the left.

“Let’s chase our dreams.”

Keeping a secret about a ruined city was hardly a burden. I had no desire to relive that nightmare.

There was nothing wrong with being an ordinary student.

“Huh?”

Xiaodie feigned surprise, her expression exaggerated. “I thought you, the all-powerful Yi Yao, would choose to save the world. Aren’t gods supposed to love all of humanity?”

“I don’t love all of humanity,” I said, my gaze meeting hers. “But I love you.”

Her face flushed crimson.

“Seriously, you two? Get a room,” Ouyang Dati said, appearing out of nowhere and plopping down on the sofa beside Xiaodie. “Bad news. The government is probably going to confiscate those guns you stole.”

“We didn’t steal them. We acquired them through our own skills.”

“Yes, yes, let me finish. I pulled some strings, and the captain agreed to let Xiaodie keep that sniper rifle as a collector’s item. But no bullets. As for the other firearms, the government will compensate you. Someone will be coming to collect them soon.”

“How much compensation?” I asked, my interest piqued.

He gave me an exasperated look. “Why are you so obsessed with money?”

“Because we’re practically broke! You know our situation. Every penny counts.”

“Aren’t you the leader of the Black Dragon Society? Can’t you even afford food?”

“It’s a glorified kids’ club, not a triad.”

“You didn’t know?”

He blinked, then slapped his forehead. “Oh, right… I forgot to tell you. Luo Wei was just here. He’s in the next room. The Black Dragon Society is officially recognized now. You can use that name to register a company, open a nightclub, whatever you want. As long as you stay within the law, we’ll turn a blind eye.”

Connections to both sides of the law? Since when was Pai Ge interested in such things?

“Don’t overthink it. Luo Wei wouldn’t have achieved anything without my connections. Hmph.”

He stood up, stretching. “Anyway, get some rest. I’m so jealous of you youngsters. When I was your age, I hadn’t even held a real gun.”

“Have you decided?” he asked, gesturing towards the documents.

“Yes.”

Xiaodie and I signed the non-disclosure agreements and handed them to him.

“Alright, you’re free to go. Luo Wei is waiting outside. Take Xiaobai with you.”

“When are you going to reimburse us for Xiaobai’s food expenses?”

“Just feed it like a dog.”

“…”

We returned to Xiaodie’s villa with Xiaobai in tow. I told Pai Ge about my encounter with Fierce.

“A one-armed man and a muscular man in black?”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his usual dapper self in a perfectly tailored suit. “Could it be my uncle? But I’ve never heard of him owing anyone a favor…”

“He said he owed a debt to someone who taught me how to use a knife. And he gave me this.” I handed him the remaining playing cards.

He examined the incomplete deck, his fingers moving with practiced ease as he shuffled the cards. “Maybe it was a misunderstanding?”

This was the only lead you had regarding your elusive uncle, and you’re brushing it off so casually?

“My uncle does things his own way. He’ll show up when he’s ready. You and I can perform a simple Pai family initiation ritual then.”

With a flick of his wrist, the cards vanished.

“Don’t worry about such things. Upper Capital City will be peaceful for a while. Just focus on your lives.” He patted Xiaodie’s head and turned to leave. “Xiaodie, my sister hasn’t given up on Yi Yao yet. If you don’t want to lose her, you better step up your game.”

“You!”

I lunged towards him, but he was already in his car, the engine roaring to life.

“Hahaha! Such a beautiful friendship between two girls…”

His laughter echoed in the wind as he drove away.

“Honestly, that guy is never serious. A typical playboy,” I grumbled, turning to see Xiaodie staring at me with a perplexed expression.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I was just thinking… if Bing likes you, maybe it’s not that different from me liking you.”

Who has been corrupting you?

“Anyway, I made lunch. Come inside.”

“And Xiaobai helped us find you! He’s a hero!”

As if on cue, the tiger cub let out a triumphant roar.

I frowned. “How are we going to afford to feed him when he’s fully grown?”

“We’ll figure it out.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed my forehead, her face flushing crimson. “Yi Yao, my mother… she approved of us.”

“What?”

“In that letter, she said she knew about our relationship. She thanked me for taking care of you. She wanted me to tell you after she was gone.”

“Yi Yao, I know you’re strong, but it’s okay to lean on me sometimes.”

The sunlight painted her face a delicate shade of pink.

“I might be clumsy and clueless, and I often act without thinking, but I promise you, for you, I’ll try my best to be a good girl.”

No. 74 Singing of Happiness in a Dream

I was lost.

Before escaping that building, I never imagined this city could be so utterly lifeless.

It was a place devoid of any human presence.

Burned shop signs, collapsed buildings, crumbling streets, twisted lampposts.

If I hadn’t been flown here in a helicopter, I would have mistaken this place for a city ravaged by a biohazard, a Silent Hill where zombies could lurk around every corner.

The worst part about darkness was the disorientation. I couldn’t even remember how long I had been walking. There were deserted buildings everywhere, but no signs, no landmarks. The moonlight only illuminated the outlines of the structures, making it impossible to even discern the patterns on my playing cards.

My only weapon was the knife. The cards could serve as a distraction, but they wouldn’t inflict serious damage—unless I aimed for a vital artery.

But that was unthinkable. I wasn’t a cold-blooded killer. Very few people in this world had ever taken a life, and I certainly wasn’t one of them.

So… in the end, I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my mother…

Exhausted, I sank onto a bench by the roadside.

This place was perfect for a horror movie, I thought, my gaze sweeping across the desolate landscape.

The road ahead stretched into darkness, its destination unknown. On either side, circular buildings loomed, their shattered windows like vacant eyes staring into the night.

To the left was a residential complex, its metal gates twisted and broken. Vines and weeds had overtaken the grounds, their tendrils reaching out like skeletal fingers.

Judging by the density of the buildings, this city, in its prime, must have been much larger than the current Upper Capital City.

What had happened here? What had turned this bustling metropolis into a ghost town?

My stomach growled, a reminder of my hunger.

I should have finished that takeout before making my escape.

… Why was I even thinking about food at a time like this?

As I stood up, the distant whirring of a helicopter reached my ears.

And the sweeping beam of a searchlight, scanning the darkness.

They’re still searching for me?

I sighed inwardly, their persistence baffling me.

Even if Hua She was one of them, even if his uncle was their leader, why go through all this trouble to capture me? Why risk exposure, why make a scene at the train station?

Love? It was a ludicrous excuse. Hua She was still a minor. Surely, his uncle, a seasoned criminal, wouldn’t indulge a teenager’s infatuation. Unless I held some greater value to them, some strategic importance.

Whether it was love or manipulation, I had to prioritize my safety.

Finding a single person in a city this size, especially at night, was like searching for a needle in a haystack. But I couldn’t take any chances. I needed a secure hiding place.

Residential complexes, shopping malls, office buildings—they were all too exposed, with limited escape routes.

A basement? An underground parking garage? Seal the doors and hide?

It would be perfect for a zombie apocalypse, but I wasn’t sure this city was entirely devoid of zombies or other dangers.

I wasn’t superstitious, but if Shadow could develop a virus that turned people into zombie-like creatures, who knew what horrors Fierce might be harboring in this abandoned city?

The only remaining option, a place that offered both concealment and potential supplies, was a school.

I didn’t expect to find food, but surely there would be desks, chairs, maybe even blankets.

With that thought in mind, I headed towards one of the schools I had passed earlier.

By the time I reached the student dormitory, the helicopter sounds had faded.

They must have realized that searching for a single person with a single helicopter and a handful of men was a futile endeavor.

The dormitory building was old, its circular structure offering four potential exits.

The moon was hidden behind clouds, casting the area in an impenetrable darkness. I could barely make out the outline of the building and the shadowy tendrils of vines creeping down its walls.

I was terrified.

Anyone would be. Alone in the darkness, surrounded by silence, no sign of life, no sense of safety.

It was like a nightmare come to life.

“Please, let me see tomorrow’s sun,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

I stepped towards the stairwell, the only part of the building that seemed intact.

“Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.”

My footsteps echoed in the silence, the concrete stairs littered with debris and dead leaves, whispers of a forgotten past.

It must be past midnight now.

If not for Fierce, where would I be now?

What had my mother written in that letter to Xiaodie?

I had no answers.

I reached the seventh floor and stepped into the hallway, hoping to be out of sight of the helicopter.

I opened a random door, and as expected, the room was still furnished, albeit sparsely. A few empty wardrobes, a couple of chairs, and a pile of dusty books scattered across the floor.

I closed the door, pushing a wardrobe against it for added security, then walked to the balcony, securing the windows and drawing the curtains.

It was a small measure of comfort in a world that had become increasingly hostile.

Becoming a girl had changed me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

I remembered a time when darkness held no fear, when I didn’t crave security or rely on others for comfort.

I hoped Xiaodie wouldn’t do anything rash.

She was the only one in my life who had no past, only an infinite future.

I found a corner of the room and sat down, leaning against a stool.

“Yi Yao… I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess,” I whispered, my voice echoing in the empty room.

“I… I always dreamed of fixing my broken life.”

“The endless sorrow, the regrets, the missed opportunities… I wanted to change it all.”

“But I was a fool…”

“For every regret you erase, another one takes its place. For every dream you fulfill, another longing arises. It’s a never-ending cycle. Life will always be imperfect.”

In this life, I had achieved perfection in every aspect—academically, socially, even romantically. But life had a way of throwing curveballs, shattering my illusions of control.

In my previous life, I had nothing but my grades. No friends, no passions, no real experience of love or family.

And yet, now that I had all those things, I felt lost and helpless.

A facade of strength masking a broken heart.

“I’m sorry…”

“Yi Yao… I’m sorry…”

“I’ve failed you…”

Exhaustion washed over me, pulling me into a restless slumber.

I woke to the sound of a helicopter, its rotors slicing through the silence.

Footsteps pounded on the stairs, drawing closer.

“Search everywhere! She couldn’t have gone far!”

A man’s voice, harsh and unfamiliar.

“Woof!”

A dog barked, and the footsteps stopped outside the door.

I grabbed my knife and retreated to the balcony.

The door burst open.

“Don’t move!”

Several men, their faces grim, stormed into the room, a dog leading the way. They raised their guns, their aim unwavering.

“Well, well, well. Fierce is certainly living up to their name,” the leader sneered, gesturing towards me. “Take her.”

One of the men lunged at me, his foot connecting with my chest.

I managed to deflect the blow, protecting my vital organs, but the force of the impact sent me crashing against the wall.

As they moved to restrain me, two gunshots rang out, and two of the men crumpled to the ground.

“Who…”

The leader whirled around, but another shot rang out, and he collapsed, clutching his knee.

“Team A reporting. Target secured. Securing the area. Over.”

“Team C reporting. Snipers in position. Over.”

Before the remaining men could react, a swarm of police officers in riot gear stormed the room, swiftly subduing them.

“Woof!”

The dog, sensing its master’s injury, lunged forward, but a creature of equal size, its presence radiating an aura of power and dominance, blocked its path, its jaws bared in a silent snarl.

“Roar!”

Xiaobai?

“Yi Yao.”

The crowd parted, revealing Xiaodie. She walked towards me, her face pale but determined, her movements graceful despite the two pistols concealed beneath her skirt. Her black thigh-highs and short skirt created a perfect “absolute territory,” a visual testament to her dedication to the world of anime.

She was cosplaying as Aria from Hidan no Aria, her outfit a perfect replica.

Bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun, she offered me her hand, a faint smile gracing her lips.

“Come, Let Me Take You Home.”

No. 73 Fate, Destined to be Colorful

Life, like the ebb and flow of tides, the blooming and fading of flowers, was filled with disappointments.

Even knowing that my efforts might be futile, I refused to give up.

For what would we be left with if we abandoned even hope?

“Where did they buy this food? It’s awful.”

Clutching the knife, I pretended to continue my conversation with Hua She, my heart pounding as I reached the door. I took a deep breath.

“What? Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?”

The man guarding the living room was bigger, stronger, faster than me. And he had a gun. My only advantage was the element of surprise.

He was probably lounging on the sofa, smoking, his gun out of reach. If I attacked now, I might have a chance to overpower him.

You can do this, Yi Yao. Believe in yourself.

I steeled myself, my movements silent and swift as I slipped out of the room. He was indeed sitting on the sofa, his face illuminated by the faint glow of his cigarette. He was caught off guard, his eyes widening in surprise. “You…”

Sorry.

My knife flashed in the darkness, plunging into his thigh. Blood spurted from the wound.

“Agh!” He gasped, clutching his leg, and rolled off the sofa.

I was upon him in an instant, my other knife raised. I kicked him hard, aiming for his groin.

“Oof!”

He crumpled to the ground, clutching his crotch, his face contorted in pain. He had clearly underestimated me.

“Don’t move!”

I pinned his gun hand to the floor with my foot, my other foot pressing against his chest. I held the knife to his throat.

“The entire country knows you kidnapped me. Even if I kill you right here, it’ll be self-defense.”

I pressed the blade lightly against his skin.

“You…” He gritted his teeth. “What do you want?”

“Tell me what’s happening downstairs.”

“You think… I…” He struggled to speak. “I would betray my brothers?”

He fell silent as the blade pressed closer to his artery.

I retrieved his gun, tossing it aside, then pulled the bloody knife from his leg.

“I’m not asking you to betray anyone. I just want to go home. My mother doesn’t have much time left. And I have no interest in killing anyone.”

“Hah! You burned down Shadow’s warehouse. And you’re telling me you’re not a killer?”

“Yes, I set the fire,” I said coldly. “When they sent that mob to destroy my friend’s home, they should have expected retaliation.”

He stared at me, stunned. “So that’s why…”

I nodded. “They messed with the wrong people.”

He met my gaze, his expression unreadable. “Move the knife, girl.”

I hesitated, my grip tightening.

He chuckled, his voice strained. “You hold a knife just like someone I know.”

“That man…”

His eyes widened slightly, a flicker of fear crossing his face. “Karma… it’s karma. Listen, all those guys from the train station are downstairs. The boss gave strict orders. You’ll never escape alone.”

“How many?”

“Eight.”

“How many guns?”

“Five.”

“What kind?”

“Homemade pistols. But they’ll kill you just as effectively.”

That’s all I needed to know.

With a surge of adrenaline, I rolled away, releasing him. I scrambled to my feet, assuming the defensive stance Pai Ge had taught me, my knives held at the ready.

The man struggled to stand, clutching his wounded leg.

“Why… why didn’t you ask about our plans? Our goals?”

I glanced at him. “Because they’re irrelevant to me.”

Revolutions, betrayals, power struggles—they were all fleeting clouds in the vast expanse of our ordinary lives.

Emperors worried about the rise and fall of empires. Commoners just wanted a decent meal.

We lived in different worlds. Words were meaningless.

And I refused to be drawn further into this darkness.

When you realize you’re on the wrong path, stopping is the greatest form of progress.

“You’re… his disciple, aren’t you?”

He tossed me a deck of playing cards, a wry smile twisting his lips. “Remember, in this world, hesitation is a weakness. If not for the debt I owe that man, I would have shot you already.”

He pulled another pistol from his pocket.

“…”

I watched him warily, my knives still raised.

He looked ordinary, just another family man, except for the menacing glint in his eyes.

I wasn’t a trained soldier. Even with my memories from the future, my past life had never intersected with this world.

I wasn’t some action hero, cool and collected in the face of danger. I was scared.

But he seemed hesitant to harm me.

“Take my advice, girl. Even if you escape, Shadow will catch you. You’re better off staying here.”

I tore open the deck of cards and shuffled them expertly, distributing them among the hidden pockets in my clothing.

“What’s your name?” I asked, ignoring his advice.

“My name doesn’t matter. Call me Ghost. I left it behind when I came here.”

“Then listen to me, Ghost. Whether you believe it or not…”

I turned away, my voice steady. “Ten years from now, Upper Capital City won’t be the wasteland you imagine. Humans are adaptable. We learn, we evolve.”

I pushed open the unlocked door, stepping into the darkness of the stairwell.

I didn’t exhale until I was several floors down.

A debt to that man? He had recognized Pai Ge’s fighting style. And he had mentioned a debt…

Could he be referring to Pai Ge’s elusive uncle?

I had been saved by a complete stranger.

I pushed those thoughts aside. Escaping was my priority.

I descended the stairs cautiously, my knives still in hand.

The first floor would be heavily guarded. I couldn’t risk using the stairs.

The building was like those unfinished apartment complexes favored by wealthy investors, the floors littered with debris and dust. Most of the apartments were empty, their doors missing, their interiors ransacked.

A foul odor lingered in the air, a reminder of the decay hidden beneath the city’s facade of progress.

Was this the true face of prosperity?

I slowed down as I reached the third floor, my footsteps silent as I crept towards the second floor landing.

It was eerily quiet.

People living in darkness usually sought comfort in noise. And with so many men supposedly guarding the building, it shouldn’t be this silent.

“Don’t move!”

A cold, metallic object pressed against the back of my head.

“What do you want?”

I forced my voice to remain calm, raising my hands in surrender.

“Ghost sent me with a message…”

Were these guys ninjas? Where did they even come from?

“Ghost?”

He hesitated, then lowered his gun. “Come inside.”

He opened a nearby door.

“What’s going on?”

Several shadowy figures huddled in a dimly lit room, their faces illuminated by the glow of their phones. They had been playing mobile games, their silence a testament to their discipline.

“Boss, she said Ghost sent her with a message.”

The room was bare, devoid of furniture, the windows stripped of their bars, offering an unobstructed view of the city. Four or five men sat on the floor, smoking cigarettes.

“Ghost? Why didn’t he just call or text? What’s he playing at?”

The leader, a young man with a cigarette dangling from his lips, scowled at his subordinate. “Spit it out. What’s the message?”

“He said…”

I surveyed the room, calculating my next move. I took a step back, my hand darting to my pocket, retrieving Pai Ge’s playing card. I flicked it towards the nearest man, my movements a blur.

“Aah!”

A thin line of blood appeared on his hand, a crimson flower blooming in the darkness.

“You!”

He reached for his gun, but I was faster. I flung the card with deadly accuracy, the sharpened edge slicing through his clothing and embedding itself in his abdomen.

“Lao Liu!”

Chaos erupted. I seized the opportunity, pulling out six more cards, my movements illuminated by the moonlight as I jumped onto the window ledge, assuming a fighting stance.

“Get down!”

They instinctively ducked, fearing the lethal power of my weaponized cards.

Perfect.

Ignoring the scattered cards, I turned and assessed the drop. With a leap of faith, I grabbed the moss-covered drainpipe and slid to the ground.

“Who’s there?”

To my surprise, two more men were stationed at the bottom of the building, their presence a testament to their thoroughness.

They shone their flashlights at me.

I flung the bloody knife from Ghost’s leg, along with two playing cards, watching as the blades found their marks. Then, I ran, my footsteps echoing in the darkness, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Hey! Are you alright? Hey!”

“Target heading towards Xining Road. Requesting backup!”

Unfamiliar with the area, I ran towards the darkest part of the city, hoping to lose them in the shadows.

“Target lost. Repeating, target lost. Awaiting instructions!”

…

No. 72 Their Wings of Freedom

Thirty years ago, Upper Capital City was a prosperous place, nestled against the mountains to the south and bordering the Yixian River to the west.

Throughout history, Upper Capital City, a city neither large nor small, lacking any defining characteristics, had often been overlooked.

I had no memories of the old city. As far as I knew, my family had always lived in the new city. Perhaps my father knew what had transpired, but for me, the current Upper Capital City was my birthplace, my home.

Just as I didn’t dwell on childish misdeeds or past mistakes, I saw no need to unearth the history of a place I barely knew. The present was all that mattered.

“The riots lasted for half a month. It started with a wrongful conviction, an innocent man’s death. His family, seeking revenge, formed a resistance group.”

“Their actions ignited the simmering discontent among the citizens. Social order collapsed. Families were torn apart. People lost everything.”

“And as you can see, most of the residents were forced to relocate to the new city, including the very leaders who had orchestrated their suffering.”

Hua She recounted the city’s history with a fervor that bordered on obsession, his gaze flickering across my face as we sat in a relatively intact room within the dilapidated building. The one-armed man and my captor were lounging on a nearby sofa, smoking cigarettes.

“Yi Yao, to be frank, the Gathering Hall is planning another attack on the new city. A reminder of their past sins.”

The air in the room was thick with tension.

Without electricity, even the moonlight struggled to penetrate the gloom. The only sources of light were the glowing embers of their cigarettes.

You’re talking about that useless virus that causes hallucinations and makes people look like zombies, right?

I wanted to ask, but considering my situation, I remained silent.

These people were no different from terrorists.

If not for my connection to Hua She, I would probably be tied up, or worse, already dead.

“Yi Yao, will you… trust me?”

He stood before me, his gaze intense.

“I know you’re disillusioned with this world. I can take you to a place of freedom, a place where you can have everything you ever wanted.”

I glanced at the two men on the sofa, then back at Hua She, his face now a mask of unfamiliar intensity. “A place of freedom?”

You accuse me of believing in fairy tales, yet you’re chasing one yourself.

How many truly free nations existed in this chaotic world?

True freedom wasn’t a place, but a state of mind.

“I’ve always wanted to ask you something,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Why did you join the Black Dragon Society?”

He glanced at the one-armed man, who was still puffing on his cigarette. “Dragon looked after me back in school.”

He added, “Yi Yao, I know bringing you here at this time might prevent you from seeing your mother. But I had no choice. Shadow is already on the move. I was worried about your safety. This is the only place where they can’t find you.”

“And once the dust settles, you’ll send me back? I can return to school, to my life, and we can pretend this never happened?” I asked, my voice steady.

He hesitated, avoiding my gaze. “I…”

“Hahaha! Excellent! Simply excellent!”

A burst of applause interrupted our conversation. The one-armed man stood up, his face beaming with amusement. “Yi Yao, I’ve never met a girl like you. Intelligent, courageous, and composed under pressure. No wonder I had to defy my own brothers to bring you here.”

His tone shifted, his voice hardening. “But don’t forget, no matter how exceptional you are, you’re still a woman.”

“This is a man’s world. Whether you like it or not, you need to understand your place.”

My place?

I was a pawn in a game I didn’t understand, betrayed by my own brother, not once, but twice.

I didn’t desire wealth or power, nor did I care about their grand schemes or their twisted sense of justice. I just wanted to live a simple life, to find peace as Yi Yao.

I met his gaze, my fear masked by a calm defiance, my mind racing, searching for a way out.

My bond with Hua She was genuine, but the others were strangers. If our alliance crumbled, I would be alone, vulnerable, in a hostile environment.

“So, what will it be? I understand you might not be comfortable with us rough men, but I can assure you, we’ll take care of you. Money, anything you desire, it’s yours.”

“Think about it, girl. Not every woman gets this opportunity. Some would kill to marry into wealth and power. And you know my nephew. He’s a good man.”

I narrowed my eyes, my gaze sweeping across the room.

The moonlight streamed through the dusty windows, illuminating the bare, dilapidated space.

They were keeping me in the dark, literally and figuratively. They wouldn’t reveal the location of their headquarters until they were sure of my loyalty.

We were on the eighth floor of an abandoned eleven-story building. Hua She had hinted at the presence of numerous guards downstairs, discouraging any thoughts of escape.

Their plan was clear. Stage a public spectacle at the train station, drawing Shadow’s attention and leading them astray. Then, bring me to this remote location, where Hua She could convince me to join their cause.

In their minds, I had two choices: join them and embrace their twisted vision of “freedom,” or refuse and be handed over to Shadow.

Such ruthless pragmatism.

“Boss, that girl packs a punch. I bet she could take down half our men,” the man who had captured me said, rolling up his sleeve. “Look at this, and this. All from her kicks. Still bruised.”

“Any news from Wang Qi?” the one-armed man asked.

“He wants an explanation.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah. But ‘Shadow’ wants to meet with you, Boss. They said someone important is coming. A lot of our brothers have been arrested.”

“Those idiots are always causing trouble.”

He stood up, grinding his cigarette butt into the floor. “Keep an eye on her. I have a feeling she’s more than she seems. She reminds me of someone…”

He gave me a knowing look. “Xiao Hua, talk to her. But don’t force her. We can’t win her over against her will. And check her for weapons. Take her phone, just in case.”

“Are you going back, Uncle?” Hua She asked.

“I have some business to attend to.”

He had said “back,” not “out,” further confirming that this was just a temporary hideout.

This was my second kidnapping, wasn’t it?

The butterfly effect was a terrifying force. If I hadn’t intervened in Liang Zhenyi’s life, I would probably be a model student, living a quiet, unremarkable existence.

After the one-armed man left, silence descended upon the room.

“Yi Yao…” Hua She began, but I cut him off.

“Do you have anything to eat?”

He blinked, surprised, then his face brightened. “Yes, but it might be cold. It’s in my room. Should I get it for you?”

“It’s fine.” I placed my phone on the coffee table. “I’ll come with you.”

Like the living room, his room was devoid of any light. Perhaps they hadn’t had time to set up, or perhaps they preferred to operate in the shadows.

A desk, a bare mattress, a few stools. That was the extent of the furnishings.

“It’s just takeout,” he said, gesturing towards a bag on the desk.

The aroma of food wafted through the air, a welcome contrast to the lingering scent of smoke.

“Okay.”

I grabbed a box of food and a pair of chopsticks, opening the container without hesitation.

“You’re not… worried?” he asked, his voice hesitant, as I began to eat the cold food. “What if I…”

“Poisoned it?” I said, my tone casual. “If you wanted to poison me, wouldn’t it have been easier to just force-feed me back there?”

“That’s not what I meant. I just…”

“Just eat a box yourself if you want to prove your innocence.”

My mind was racing, but I had to maintain a facade of calm, to lull him into a false sense of security. For my family, for myself.

I was relying on the future I knew.

Ten years from now, Upper Capital City, while not a utopia, would be a relatively safe and just place. I trusted the authorities, despite their current flaws. I believed in the future.

I didn’t need to rely on anyone. I just had to survive.

The future me had no doubts.

“Yi Yao…”

He looked touched. “Have you made a decision? About us?”

“You…” I feigned anger. “Is this how you pressure a girl into making a decision?”

“Haha, my bad. I apologize. I’ll give you time.”

He picked up a box of food.

“Thank you for trusting me…”

Before he could finish, I struck him on the back of the neck with a swift chop. He collapsed, unconscious.

“…”

I gently lowered him to the floor, maintaining a facade of normalcy for the benefit of anyone listening outside. “Don’t mention it. Let’s eat. The food’s getting cold.”

I drew the two knives from my pants and walked towards the door.

No. 71 Contrails Embracing the Setting Sun

I never imagined my first helicopter ride would be like this.

I never imagined facing an enemy so powerful, so organized.

Calling them a mere “gang” felt like an understatement. From the specialized vehicles to the helicopter, from their disciplined coordination to their military-grade training, they were a force to be reckoned with.

“Are you still wondering how your operation was exposed?”

The man who had captured me sat across from me in the helicopter, munching on a ration bar. He had lowered his gun, his demeanor casual.

“…”

I didn’t know how to respond.

Ouyang Dati had claimed there was a mole within the Black Dragon Society, but I couldn’t fathom who it could be. Unless it was someone like Ouyang Dati or Pai Ge themselves, or some obsessive stalker, how could they have known our every move?

We had only shared our plans with Ouyang Dati.

Besides, the identity of the mole was the least of my worries at the moment.

“Someone was following you that day,” the man said, pulling me back to reality.

“Someone you know very well.”

“Who?”

“Haha, you’ll find out soon enough.” He smirked, enjoying my suspense.

I turned away, forcing myself to focus on the scenery outside.

The helicopter had left Upper Capital City behind, flying over a vast expanse of dense forest. I had no idea where we were heading.

I had my phone and wallet with me. My only potential weapons were the two small knives concealed in my pants and the razor-sharp playing card Pai Ge had given me.

The man hadn’t bothered to search me, but pulling out my phone now would be tantamount to announcing my intention to call for help.

Damn it.

The sun had set, but its fading glow still clung to the horizon.

After almost an hour of flying, a city emerged in the distance, its silhouette hazy and indistinct.

It was a city of ruins, a wasteland of crumbling buildings, piles of rubble, and smoke-filled craters.

A scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie.

When did this happen…?

“You might not know this, but the Upper Capital City you know was just a small village twenty years ago, exploited by those in power,” the man said, pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips. He didn’t light it. “What you see below… that’s the real Upper Capital City.”

The helicopter flew over the desolate cityscape.

“This was once my home. Look at it now. It’s like a lab rat experiment gone wrong. Rampant crime, poverty, despair. There was an uprising, brutally crushed by the authorities. They took everything of value and fled, building a new city for themselves.”

“But we, the Gathering Hall, haven’t forgotten. We have a score to settle.”

The helicopter descended towards a relatively intact building, landing on the rooftop.

The air was thick with the smell of smoke and burning debris.

“Let’s go.”

He tossed the unlit cigarette aside and jumped out.

I followed him, my heart pounding. And then, I saw him.

Hua She.

“Yi Yao.”

His face, usually sharp and venomous, was etched with exhaustion and a strange mix of guilt and defiance. He stood on the cracked concrete, his tall, lanky frame casting a long shadow in the fading light.

It was him. The person I “knew very well.”

I didn’t know his real name.

He had been close friends with Liang Zhenyi and Long Fei when I first joined the Black Dragon Society. I had never questioned his past, trusting Long Fei’s judgment and blinded by Yi Yao’s naive trust.

And now, influenced by my sister’s memories, I had accepted him as a brother, never suspecting that he was the one who had betrayed us, the mole who had shattered the alliance between the Black Dragon Society and the Jiangnan Association.

His greeting left me speechless.

There were five of us on the rooftop: me, the man who had captured me, the helicopter pilot, Hua She, and a one-armed middle-aged man.

“Yi Yao, I know I betrayed you. But please believe me, I did it for your own good,” Hua She said, his voice earnest.

In the name of “love”?

Sometimes, love was more terrifying than hate or jealousy.

“You’re the boss?” I asked, ignoring Hua She and turning to the one-armed man.

“Haha, you’re Yi Yao, right? My nephew has told me so much about you, about your extraordinary abilities. And he was right. You’re the first girl your age who has ever spoken to me with such defiance.”

He took a step closer, his one arm gesturing towards Hua She. “You’re only sixteen, right? Don’t you want to hear my nephew’s explanation?”

I let out a bitter laugh. “You want the truth?”

He shrugged.

“The truth is,” I said, taking a deep breath, “I don’t want to hear any explanations. I want to go home. My mother is dying. If you really care about me, let me go.”

I turned and walked towards the stairwell.

“Yi Yao, you can’t go back now,” Hua She said, his face creased with worry, as he blocked my path. “Shadow is searching for you. They’re everywhere.”

“Oh? And who do you think is responsible for that?”

“I… I’m a member of the Gathering Hall. I couldn’t lie to my brothers…”

“Loyalty. Such a noble sentiment. But if Shadow is already on the move, I need to go back even more. Xiaodie is alone at home.”

“Wait!” He grabbed my arm. “I only told them about you. They don’t know about Huang Yingdie.”

I stared at him, my mind racing. “Give me a reason.”

Weren’t Shadow and Fierce part of the same organization? Why would they stage such a dramatic abduction without informing each other? Were they trying to create internal conflict?

And why was he here?

“A reason… a reason…”

He looked away, his face flushing red.

“The reason is… Yi Yao, I love you.”

“What?”

I had received my fair share of confessions since becoming a girl, but this one was different. It was so unexpected, so bizarre, that it shattered my perception of reality.

“I love you,” he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. “Yi Yao, you can hate me if you want. I’ve loved you for a long time, ever since I first met you. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for you.”

“You bribed those thugs to attack my father’s shop? That’s your idea of love?”

“I just wanted you to leave the Black Dragon Society, to leave that life behind, to be a normal girl.”

“And what about Huang Qinghao?”

“He stabbed you! Isn’t that reason enough to kill him?”

“You’re insane.”

“I’m not insane!” His voice rose, his desperation palpable. “Even if it had been Shadow, I wouldn’t have let them touch you. Yi Yao, come with me. This country is rotten to its core. Let’s go abroad, somewhere no one can find us. We can start a new life together. Wouldn’t that be better?”

“Rotten? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“Can’t you see?”

He walked towards the edge of the rooftop, his gaze sweeping over the ruined cityscape. “Look at this city. Look at these people. This was once Upper Capital City. Thousands of families lived here. And what did the authorities do? They abandoned them, silenced them, and built a new city for themselves, where they could continue their decadent lives. Why do you think we targeted the mayor’s daughter?”

“You…”

I clenched my fists. “Are you saying you were behind what happened to Xiaodie?”

“Yi Yao, I admit that the Gathering Hall was wrong to target her. Maybe she truly was innocent. But her father… do you know what he did to us?”

That explained his calm demeanor during the incident at Xiaodie’s apartment complex.

“All I know is that you weren’t even born twenty years ago.”

“But my father, my mother, my brother… they were.”

I sighed. “You have no faith in this country?”

“We only believe in facts.”

“Maybe… just maybe… in ten years, Upper Capital City will be a truly happy and free city,” I said, clinging to a sliver of hope.

“Yi Yao, this isn’t a fairy tale.”

“I know life isn’t a fairy tale. But no one can predict the future.”

“Unless someone has traveled to the future and returned to tell us that it’s a happy place. But no one can do that, right? We have to live in the present, Yi Yao.”

Silence descended upon us as his words hung in the air.

The last traces of sunlight vanished, swallowed by the encroaching darkness.

“You youngsters are so easily swayed by emotions.”

The one-armed man chuckled, breaking the silence. He walked towards me, his arm resting on my shoulder. “Come on, let’s talk inside. It’s getting cold out here.”

He exuded warmth and concern, like a true family member.

“Uncle…”

“Don’t worry, I’m here for you. I’ve waited a long time for this day.”

“Uncle, don’t say that. You’re still strong…”

“Haha…”

As they chatted, my phone rang.

I looked at the one-armed man, and he nodded, gesturing for me to answer it.

The caller ID showed a picture of Xiaodie in her cosplay outfit.

I pressed the answer button, and before I could speak, her voice, clear and determined, filled my ear.

“Yi Yao, wait for me.”

No. 70 A Touch of Melancholy Emerges

“I need to go back to our hometown.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

“Is everything alright?”

“If I’m not mistaken, no.”

“Yi Yao, is there anything I can do?”

“Focus on your studies and prepare for the May exams. It’ll be our last monthly exam in middle school.”

“…”

The fading sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden.

The sunflowers drooped, their faces turned away from the dying light. The overgrown weeds swayed gently in the breeze.

I packed my phone, wallet, and other essentials, then pulled on the baseball cap Lan Zhuoyue had given me.

“You know how to cook, right?”

Xiaodie stood at the doorway, her eyes filled with worry. She was wearing a simple sundress.

“It’s time you learned to be independent,” I said, slipping on my shoes. “I’ll be back soon. Remember the dreams we talked about? Once this is all over, we’ll make them a reality.”

She wanted to say something, but she simply nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”

Those three simple words were my entire world.

It was six in the evening when I left her house.

I knew this day would come.

I would see my mother one last time, endure the somber rituals of the family funeral, and then, like everyone else, collect her ashes.

I had disrupted the timeline, altering my own future, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

The journey to our hometown was a two-hour train ride, followed by a short car trip.

The train station was deserted, a testament to the weekday evening lull. I purchased my ticket without any hassle.

Such a peaceful world…

After this, my father, following the script of my memories, would find a new wife, a new family.

And then, three years of peaceful high school life.

The thought calmed my anxious heart, a strange sense of resignation settling over me.

But as I sat in the waiting area, a sudden gunshot shattered the silence. A bullet pierced the large announcement screen, sparks flying from exposed wires.

“Aah!”

Panic erupted. Screams filled the air, transforming the once-tranquil space into a scene of chaos.

“My bag! My bag!”

“Forget the bag! Where are our children?”

“Has anyone seen my son?”

“Run, honey!”

“Where are you, darling?”

“Bang!”

Another gunshot. This time, the bullet struck a fire extinguisher, sending a cloud of white powder billowing across the floor.

“Listen up, everyone! Get down on the ground! Anyone who moves will end up like that fire extinguisher!”

A man in black, brandishing an unfamiliar pistol, stood in the center of the waiting area, his voice amplified by a megaphone.

Several men, similarly dressed, flanked him.

What was going on?

They moved with a precision and efficiency that rivaled trained police officers. Each man carried a metal baton, strategically positioned to block all exits. They herded the terrified passengers into a tight circle, their movements coordinated and controlled.

Fear paralyzed the crowd. They obeyed, their faces etched with terror.

I realized I was the only one still standing.

The man in black tossed the megaphone aside and approached me, his gaze fixed on me.

“Yi Yao, a student in Class 11, Grade 9 at Upper Capital City No. 3 Middle School. Am I correct?”

I stood tall, my heart pounding. “You’re looking for me?”

“Yes. Our boss wants to see you.” He smiled faintly, gesturing towards the exit. “This way, please.”

Why… why now?

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have time.”

“Oh?”

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Our boss said you were the most extraordinary woman he had ever met. And he was right. You possess a courage that’s rare even for a grown man. Do you know who we are?”

I hesitated. “Shadow?”

“Hahaha! Not only courageous, but intelligent too! However, your answer isn’t entirely accurate. We are ‘Fierce,’ one of the four branches of the Gathering Hall. Shadow, Radiance, Glory, Fierce. Remember that. We are Fierce.”

“I don’t believe I’ve done anything to offend you.”

“Don’t be so modest. Our boss has taken an interest in you. You’re one of us now. As for how you managed to steal Shadow’s weapons and cover your tracks… well, we can overlook that for now. Just come with us.”

How did they know?

They shouldn’t have known any of this. The plan had been flawless.

“My time is precious, little lady. I’ve said all I need to say. Now let’s go.”

He pointed the gun at me, his gaze unwavering.

I can’t… I can’t go with them…

If I did, I might miss my chance to say goodbye to my mother…

“Mommy, I’m scared…”

“It’s okay, honey. Just stay still…”

A child’s voice, on the verge of tears, pierced the tense silence.

The man instinctively glanced towards the source of the sound.

Now!

I spun around, my leg lashing out, connecting with his abdomen. He gasped, stunned, and I seized the opportunity, wrenching the gun from his grasp.

“What the…”

Unfamiliar with firearms, I opted for hand-to-hand combat. My kicks and punches were swift and precise, but he blocked them all, his movements fluid and practiced.

He’s trained…

I had put all my strength into those attacks, but they had barely fazed him.

“Bang!”

A bullet whizzed past my ear.

The other men, who had been armed only with batons, had drawn their guns, their aim unwavering.

I was trapped, surrounded, outmatched.

“Interesting. The first person to snatch a gun from me right under my nose. And a little girl, no less.”

He retrieved his gun, spat on the ground, and tucked it into his waistband.

“You’re Yi Yao, right? Here’s your chance. I won’t use my gun. Take me down, and we’ll forget this ever happened.”

He stepped back, assuming a fighting stance.

“Come on, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Could I trust his word?

“Don’t worry, I’m not like those Shadow bastards. We Fierce value loyalty. If I can’t even handle a little girl like you, we’ll let you walk away. We’ll even cover your mother’s funeral expenses.”

His words startled me.

“Don’t look at me like that. It wasn’t hard to find out about your little situation. Now stop stalling and fight!”

The setting sun cast a warm glow through the dusty windows, illuminating the rows of worn seats.

A flock of doves soared past, their white wings symbols of peace in a world consumed by violence.

The wail of sirens grew louder in the distance.

“Come on, what are you waiting for? You don’t think those pathetic city cops can touch the Gathering Hall, do you?”

He was growing impatient.

“Fine, I’ll make the first move.”

He lunged at me, his fist a blur.

Instinctively, I raised my arms to protect my chest and lifted my right leg to block his attack. But as his fist connected, I realized my mistake.

“Thud!”

A sickening crunch. His fist had struck my right leg, sending a jolt of pain through my body. I stumbled backward, falling to one knee.

Apart from my taekwondo instructors, I had never fought a trained adult male.

Pai Ge, despite his strength, had always held back during our training sessions. I could take down multiple opponents my own age, but against a grown man, I was outmatched.

“This isn’t the Yi Yao my boss described. Is that all you’ve got?”

You…

His words ignited a spark of defiance within me, a fighting spirit honed by my sister’s rigorous training. Ignoring the pain in my leg, I lunged forward, unleashing a roundhouse kick.

“Thud!”

My foot connected with his arm, the impact reverberating through my body. The pain only fueled my determination. I followed up with a side kick, aiming for his ribs.

My attacks were precise, relentless. Double flying kicks, followed by a roundhouse kick, then a side kick.

He was forced to defend, his playful smirk fading as he raised his arms to block my blows.

“Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!”

He staggered backward under my relentless assault, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. But I could sense he was still holding back.

My reckless attacks were taking their toll. My breath grew ragged, my muscles burning.

I had no retreat.

Fight fire with fire. Meet violence with violence.

The sun dipped below the horizon, the last vestiges of daylight fading from the sky.

My legs screamed in protest, but I pushed myself harder, my speed increasing, my movements becoming a blur.

“You… you have the potential to be a martial arts prodigy,” he said, his voice laced with admiration.

What do you care?

“Join us, girl. This city is rotten to its core.”

Mind your own business!

“Attention everyone inside! You are surrounded!”

A booming voice from outside the waiting area interrupted our fight.

“Team A in position. Over.”

“Team B reporting. Snipers in place. Over.”

Dark clouds obscured the last sliver of sunlight.

Footsteps pounded on the pavement outside, drawing closer. The roar of a helicopter filled the air.

“Hahaha! Interesting! Hahaha!”

The man laughed, releasing his defensive stance and grabbing me, his gun pressed against my temple.

“Nobody move! I have a hostage!”

“Execute Plan C! Retreat!”

He barked orders, and the other men, with impressive coordination, surged towards the ticket gates, smashing through the glass.

He dragged me through the shattered glass, his arm a vise around my waist. A helicopter, which had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, hovered overhead, a rope ladder dangling precariously.

“Farewell, you pathetic fools!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the abandoned waiting area.