While Lin and Old White were soaking in the bath, Alice was rinsing her delicate body in the adjacent women's bathhouse. Still in the early stages of adolescence, her figure was youthful and undeveloped—lacking both Ivy's voluptuous charm and Kelly's mature allure.
As the warm water cascaded down, Alice glanced at her reflection and mused silently, "When will I possess a figure like Ivy's? Once I do, Brother Xiaofeng will surely never look at her again."
After washing, she changed into the new clothes Lin had prepared for her. Alice had never worn such attire before—form-fitting slacks, a crisp white shirt, a thick wool sweater, and a beige trench coat that elegantly complemented her frame. Standing before the mirror outside the bathhouse, she admired her appearance with satisfaction and giggled to herself, "Brother Xiaofeng will definitely fall for me now."
Just then, three or four burly men swaggered in, cigarettes hanging from their lips, ready for a bath. They wore uniforms of the Alliance military, each bearing the rank of Sergeant First Class. Upon seeing Alice—radiant and angelic in appearance—they were momentarily stunned; such beauty was a rare sight even in Blackwhale City.
One of them stepped forward, brazenly eyeing her freshly bathed skin and innocent expression. The faint fragrance lingering on her body stirred lascivious thoughts within him.
"Hey, sweetheart," he said with a leering grin. "You here alone?"
His comrades snickered not far behind him.
Alice had already noticed the man in the mirror and smiled sweetly. "No, I'm not alone. I have lots of friends—and my father is inside, taking a bath too."
"Oh? Your dad, huh?" he sneered. "Still soaking, is he? How about keeping us company in the meantime?"
Alice shook her head and replied meekly, "You'd better behave. My father is very powerful."
Her words only seemed to excite the soldier further. He burst out laughing. "Your dad? Powerful? I could knock him out with a single punch, believe it?"
Alice smiled back, unfazed. "I don't believe that. But I do believe my father could knock you out with one."
That remark angered the man. "Where is he? Bring him out."
But before he could finish his bluster, a calm voice echoed from the men's bath: "I'm right here. If you have the guts, come in and try your luck."
The soldiers stiffened at the voice of Old White. Enraged, the ringleader shouted, "Damn it! Who the hell is courting death today? Let's go, boys!"
The four of them stormed into the men's section.
Inside, Old White had just finished tying his polished black shoes, wearing neatly pressed black trousers. Rice and the others lounged lazily on a large sofa, towels draped across their waists, casually puffing on cigarettes, eyeing the newcomers with disdain.
To Old White, these soldiers weren't even worth acknowledging. His companions, knowing his strength well, didn't even consider getting involved. After all, basking in the post-bath comfort of a cigarette and beer was a small pleasure not to be disturbed.
The soldiers barked, "Who was it just now? Step forward!"
Old White stood before them, tying the last knot in his laces. "You worthless scum, you've lived long enough, haven't you?"
The soldiers hesitated, taken aback by the sheer size of the man. But seeing he was alone, their arrogance surged again as they surrounded him.
"Looks like someone's asking for a beating."
"An old geezer with no manners, huh?"
"Teach him a lesson—make sure he remembers!"
They lunged. But Old White didn't flinch. With one hand, he seized a soldier by the collar and effortlessly hoisted him into the air. The others landed a few punches—but to Old White, it felt no more irritating than mosquito bites. Swinging his captive like a club, he slammed the others to the ground, sending them sprawling. Then, as if discarding garbage, he flung the dazed soldier aside.
The other bathers, shocked by the display, stared in disbelief. Only Lin, Rice, and their companions continued smoking and chatting, unfazed. None had expected such brutal, effortless power from the old man.
Calmly, Old White buttoned up his pristine white shirt, fastened his tie, and turned to the others. "Are you all planning to lie there forever, or should I force you up myself?"
Lin exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Whoa, that scared me to death. I better hurry up and get dressed!"
The group quickly changed into the matching black suits and leather shoes Lin had bought for them, each man exuding an imposing aura. Under the astonished gaze of the other bathers, the five of them walked calmly out of the lounge.
"Who are those people?"
"They look so formal... and so formidable. I bet they're bodyguards from one of the four major corporations."
"They must be. No ordinary bodyguard would dress like that..."
"And that old man—he's truly something else."
Outside, Old White saw Alice waiting for him. He stepped forward with concern. "Are you alright, Alice?"
Alice smiled brightly. "I'm fine. Those guys couldn't touch me. If one of them tried, I'd have broken his wrist."
Given her psionic abilities—strong enough to tear through an E-Class magical beast's defenses—she wasn't bluffing.
Old White nodded thoughtfully. "Let's go. We'll find something to eat. Then tonight, we'll look for Xiaofeng ourselves. We can't rely on that useless Lin."
Lin, overhearing, pouted. "Hey, old man, who are you calling useless?"
Rice chuckled as he passed Lin. "He was talking about you, of course. We all understood it—except you. You really are useless."