The farcical scene was over, yet envy and speculation lingered, for such is the nature of human hearts. Jealousy, long a dormant desire in some, often fuels achievement or dictates failure; it proves the adage that success or ruin hangs on a single thought.

However, this very spectacle had been witnessed by two beautiful women heading toward the cafeteria. One heard a familiar voice laced with a hint of doubt. The other saw a familiar figure framed by a touch of curiosity.

“Yueyue, do you know that person?” Xia Shiyun felt that back was impossible to forget after a single glance.

Leng Yue seemed to sense something and, dropping all pretense, replied, “Oh, him? He’s a student in your grade. I’ve only met him once.”

“I see.” Xia Shiyun responded coolly. “Shall we go?”

“Mm-hmm.” Leng Yue nodded and followed her away.

Yang Yi’s heart was a complex mess. As to why, he felt like an immature man whose methods still fell slightly short. A silent sigh escaped him; perhaps this wasn't the path for him, and he needed to break through his current limitations, or troubles would surely pile up.

The three following Yang Yi had no idea what churned in his mind, but they felt it. For the first time, they sensed a change emanating from his silhouette. Sometimes, a single detail reveals a person's transformation.

After walking a short distance, a long, black car approached them. Once inside, Yang Yi instructed, “Let’s go eat somewhere first!”

“Yes, sir.” Han Zhong, who was driving, was still at the wheel. His driving skills were undeniable; after several turns and a stretch of road, the car stopped outside a Western restaurant.

The meal that day was steeped in silence. Xu Ming, usually jovial and talkative, seemed subdued, eating quietly. He was preoccupied with Lin Hai’s matter. Ye Xiaohou, however, was silent simply because no one else was speaking. As for Fatty Lin, he rarely engaged in boisterous chatter anyway, so his quiet demeanor was typical.

Their collective silence, however, perplexed Feng Shi, who sat beside Yang Yi. How could a group usually full of laughter be this subdued?

The meal concluded in this quiet atmosphere. Once back in the car, Yang Yi finally spoke, “Are they all ready?”

“Yes!” Feng Shi confirmed.

“Then let’s depart!” Yang Yi said lightly, closing his eyes.

Ye Xiaohou, seemingly unable to endure it any longer, burst out, “Good heavens, I can’t take it! Why is everyone suddenly so quiet? It’s depressing!”

“Uh!” Xu Ming and Fatty Lin stared at Ye Xiaohou in surprise.

Seeing their gazes fixed on him, Ye Xiaohou asked, “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Heh heh. I know why the third brother is quiet, but I’m still a little baffled by your silence!” Yang Yi chuckled.

“But—Boss, we just saw you all being quiet, so we kept quiet too,” Ye Xiaohou complained with frustration.

Just then, Fatty Lin chimed in, “Usually, it’s you and the third brother who never shut up. Who knew you’d both go silent like dead fish?”

“Damn it, that’s not—” Ye Xiaohou started, then trailed off, looking curiously at the silent Xu Ming. “Third brother, what’s wrong with you?”

“Ah, nothing,” Xu Ming replied, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face.

“Third brother, if I’m not mistaken, this is about Lin Hai. And it seems you have a grudge against him, don’t you?” Yang Yi asked, a smile playing on his lips.

“A grudge? Lin Hai? That kid from just now?” Ye Xiaohou asked.

“Boss, Lin Hai really shouldn't be underestimated. His father, Lin Fei, is a titan of A City’s business circles, and he even has ties with the Provincial Party Secretary in A City…”

Before Xu Ming could finish, Yang Yi cut in, “Old Third, just tell us what grudge you have with him!”

“Well, I do have a history with him. I mentioned it on your first day at school, Boss. Lin Hai is a conniving schemer. He framed me once before; if it weren’t for my father’s connections, I might be in a prison cell right now,” Xu Ming recounted.

“Oh? There’s such a thing?” Ye Xiaohou asked, genuinely astonished. He was practically inseparable from Xu Ming, yet he’d never heard this story.

“Fourth brother, don’t you remember our second year of high school? The guy who tried to frame me for murder,” Xu Ming prompted.

“What? The guy who framed you for murder was Lin Hai?” Ye Xiaohou exclaimed in shock.

“Yes. It happened like this: I accidentally saw him bullying a girl, and my hot-blooded nature kicked in, so I went over and beat him up. That’s how I crossed him. After learning about me, he used a trick to frame me for murder. The police showed up to question me that very day,” Xu Ming said, his face darkening with anger. Raised in a military family and guided by his father’s discipline, he held a deep disdain for the collusion between officials and the powerful.

“That’s how society works. If you are strong, people won’t dare bully you; if you are weak, they will crush you. It’s nothing strange. I suspect Lin Hai realized you had powerful backing, which is why he didn't press the issue after that incident?” Yang Yi speculated.

“Yes. Once he found out I had connections up high, not only did he stop bothering me, but he even came to apologize personally. Of course, I refused him then, and I didn’t retaliate, as I didn’t want to escalate things,” Xu Ming stated calmly.

Yang Yi paused, a sudden realization dawning in his mind, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. He closed his eyes for a moment, pondering deeply before speaking, “Old Third, the road ahead of us might become very difficult. Have you truly decided? Are you prepared to have your hands stained with blood, just like me, regardless of the cost?”

Hearing this, not only Xu Ming but also Ye Xiaohou froze. They knew well that those who walk the path of the underworld either end up with bloodied hands and countless kills or are consumed by it. Their lives would irrevocably change; the laughter and carefree days might vanish, their very destinies pivoting at that moment.

“Heh heh, Boss, we never go back on our decisions. I told you, if you go to hell, your brothers will follow. If you ascend to heaven, your brothers will accompany you. Even if our hands are soaked in blood, even if we lose that previous identity, we brothers will never part ways,” Xu Ming declared earnestly.

“Very well. Later, I’ll have you meet some people. Perhaps you will find them quite interesting,” Yang Yi smiled faintly, thinking to himself, Yes, brothers never abandon each other, but how could I allow my brothers to fall into hell?

[Huhu, brothers, I trust you are also unwavering in your support of this humble author. Keep boosting, keep collecting, keep recommending—not a single one should be missing. Let’s go!]