Yang Yi’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing the sound. He opened his eyes and cast a calm glance toward the source of the voice. “Heh, I never expected we’d meet again right here.”

“Heh, you don’t have class?” The visitor was undoubtedly Xia Shiyun, a beautiful woman overflowing with poetic grace and tranquility. Beneath her lovely features, there wasn't the heavy makeup common in modern society; it was a very light, sweet, and delicate application.

“Yeah, I skipped class today. Felt stuffy, so I came out for some air,” Yang Yi offered a suitably casual excuse.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen that made you uncomfortable?” Xia Shiyun asked with a light tone. She would have thought such a question from a girl to a boy would be awkward, but coming from her, it sounded utterly natural and harmonious.

Yang Yi was momentarily surprised. He looked at the woman before him, who balanced both beauty and intelligence—a woman he inwardly designated as his own—and a flash of brilliance crossed his eyes for some inexplicable reason. “What, Classmate Xia seems very interested in me? Could it be—”

“Hmm? Could it be what?” A hint of surprise flickered through Xia Shiyun. Indeed, she admitted to herself that she was quite intrigued by this quiet, steady young man. Especially after hearing some minor details about him from Leng Yue, her curiosity and interest had naturally soared.

What she didn't know was that curiosity could be a dangerous thing.

Seeing the expression of burgeoning interest on her face, the corner of Yang Yi’s mouth curved slightly. “Could it be that Classmate Xia has fallen for me?”

“Uh!” Xia Shiyun paused, startled, then a blush swept across her cheeks. Being a young woman, she was inherently shy about such matters, but perhaps to assert her innocence, she forced a smile. “Classmate Yang certainly knows how to joke.”

“Hmm? You think I’m joking?” As soon as he said this, Yang Yi inwardly cursed himself; he had been too hasty.

As expected, a cold expression flickered across Xia Shiyun’s face before immediately vanishing. Yang Yi caught that brief moment, and he muttered to himself, “It seems she’s not some delicate, fragile woman after all.”

Seeing her remain silent, Yang Yi immediately plastered on an apologetic smile. “Sorry, sorry. I took the joke too far.”

“Oh? I don’t accept such an insincere apology,” Xia Shiyun suddenly burst into a bright laugh upon hearing his words.

“Uh?” Yang Yi was taken aback. “How would an apology be sincere, then?”

“Hehe, well, a normal apology would involve serving tea and water, or perhaps kneeling to admit fault. But those are things people in ancient times did. So, for us modern folk, it naturally means treating me to a meal to make amends!” Seeing Yang Yi momentarily stumped, Xia Shiyun chuckled, and this laugh stunned Yang Yi momentarily.

With features that could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky, her entire frame shook with mirth. She almost stole Yang Yi’s soul away. Snapping back to reality, Yang Yi’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, muttering inwardly, “Truly a creature born of heaven’s favor.”

Xia Shiyun seemed to sense his staring and her cheeks reddened slightly. She shot him a sidelong glance and chastised, “You—you pervert!”

“This—!” Hearing her accusation, Yang Yi mumbled, “I am a scoundrel, aren’t I?”

“Hmph! I’m not talking to you anymore.” Hearing his mutter, Xia Shiyun became genuinely annoyed and walked away.

Yang Yi knew this was a sign—a real possibility! He immediately recalled that famous move from Tang Bohu charming Qiu Xiang, chuckled, and waved his hand. “Classmate Xia, what about that meal then?”

After walking for a while, Xia Shiyun finally slowed her steps. She turned back and said, “Meet me here tomorrow afternoon. I’ll give you a chance to treat me to dinner as an apology.”

“Great, tomorrow afternoon. Even if the earth shakes or the heavens collapse, I will be waiting for you here,” Yang Yi said with a smile. His mood had unexpectedly brightened, tinged with excitement. Only after Xia Shiyun’s figure disappeared did he shout loudly, “Heavens, you finally opened your eyes! My virginity streak is over! Cackle—cackle!”

“Fool—fool!” Just as Yang Yi was shouting, two crows flew overhead, cawing “Fool” at him, ha!

“Damn it, you two beasts, keep cawing and see if I don’t pluck every feather off you! Still calling me a fool?” The man seemed a little too overjoyed at this moment, directly cursing the two crows. However, it had to be said, Yang Yi was indeed blessed with a sight; crows, animals near extinction in modern society, were actually visible to him—a stroke of sheer, bizarre luck.

It was already nearing dusk at the headquarters of the Hungry Wolf Gang in City A.

The Hungry Wolf Gang headquarters was an eight-story building surrounded by a perimeter wall. As evening approached, the area was anything but quiet. Black-clad men paced back and forth constantly, their hands occasionally brushing the weapons at their waists, their gazes sharp as they surveyed their surroundings. Clearly, they were on high alert.

“Gang Leader!” Chen Hu walked into Zheng Shen’s office and called out.

“What is it? Any updates?” Zheng Shen asked with a solemn expression.

“Nothing yet, but there is one very strange thing,” Chen Hu said.

“Oh? What’s strange?” Zheng Shen asked, puzzled.

“It seems we’ve lost contact with Brother Bai. I’ve called his cell several times, but it won’t connect. Could the Eagle Gang have found something out?” Chen Hu stated gravely.

Zheng Shen’s face immediately hardened upon hearing this. He frowned and paced a few steps around his desk, then stopped abruptly, turning back. “Call him again. If it still doesn’t connect, send someone to check immediately!”

“Yes!” Chen Hu replied, pulling out his phone and pressing the dial button. “Ring, ring, ring… Hello, this is Lin Bai. I am currently unable to take your call. If you have something urgent, please leave a message…” Hearing the familiar automated response, he frowned. “Gang Leader, it’s still not connecting; it’s gone straight to voicemail.”

“Hmm. Immediately send a few men to try and make contact,” Zheng Shen said, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “It’s possible the Eagle Gang has betrayed us, or perhaps they’ve captured Old Bai. It seems that bastard Cai Jian really couldn’t be trusted.”

Previously, the leader of the Hungry Wolf Gang was Old Cai, whom he addressed affectionately. Now, he was just a bastard—a flip of loyalty faster than turning a page.

[Next update before 6 PM. Trying my best to manage an update. Go for it.]

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