After leaving the Jiang family, Ye Chu did not rush to collect the remaining payment. Instead, he took his time strolling through Jiangdu City, eventually finding a small eatery for lunch at midday.
Though he now had money, he still preferred the charm of these humble roadside diners.
He had barely sat down when a clear, melodic voice rang out.
"Ye Chu!"
He looked up and was met with a face of exquisite beauty.
Her skin was alabaster, delicate as if it would bruise at a touch. Beneath rimless glasses, a pair of bright, lively eyes shone with intelligence. A perfectly sculpted nose and rosebud lips completed a flawless visage.
With such a striking appearance paired with a tall, graceful figure, she was nothing short of a peerless beauty.
Ye Chu was taken aback—what were the odds that, by randomly choosing a noodle shop, he would encounter someone like her?
Were she at school, she would surely be crowned the campus belle.
Suddenly, her face stirred a faint memory. Ye Chu thought for a moment, and an image surfaced in his mind.
Hesitantly, he asked, "Are you… Sun Yurou?"
The young woman's lips curved into a sweet smile. "I didn't expect you to remember me!"
Once she confirmed her identity, Ye Chu was momentarily dazed. In his mind, he recalled a shy, short girl with black-rimmed glasses, her forehead hidden beneath her bangs.
Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would scarcely have believed that the once-invisible girl could have grown into such a radiant beauty.
Sun Yurou—his middle school classmate. Back then, she had been nearly invisible in the class.
Ye Chu remembered her only because he had once defended her when she was bullied.
That small act had eventually led them to become friends.
"Well, they do say girls blossom with time. The little wallflower from back then has turned into a goddess… I almost regret not making a move sooner."
Ye Chu teased with a grin.
Sun Yurou blushed, huffing softly. "You weren't nearly this glib before."
In middle school, Ye Chu had been withdrawn and taciturn, partly because of the cold treatment he suffered at home. He rarely spoke to his classmates.
It was only after his time in prison that his personality began to change.
"Heh, people do change." Ye Chu chuckled, then asked curiously, "Are you eating here too?"
Sun Yurou shook her head. "No, this shop belongs to my mother. Since it's Sunday, I came to help out."
"Yurou, the noodles are ready!"
A voice called from the kitchen.
Sun Yurou quickly ran over and soon returned, carrying a steaming bowl of noodles.
"To be served by such a stunning beauty—what an honor," Ye Chu said with a playful smile as he accepted the bowl.
"Glad you know your place."
Sun Yurou giggled and sat opposite him, resting her chin on her hands. "Ye Chu, why did you suddenly stop going to school back then?"
"Something happened," Ye Chu replied casually, not elaborating.
Sensing he did not wish to dwell on the past, Sun Yurou changed the subject. "Are you still studying now?"
Ye Chu shook his head. "No. I'm married."
Sun Yurou gasped, staring at him in disbelief.
"You're really married?" She found it hard to accept—Ye Chu was not even twenty yet.
"Of course. We just tied the knot a few days ago." Ye Chu nodded with a smile, then teased, "What about you, Miss Sun? Have you found a boyfriend yet?"
She shook her head quickly. "I'm still in university. I'm not in a hurry."
"That's good. Focus on your studies. Don't follow my example."
Sun Yurou gave a soft hum of agreement. For some reason, hearing that Ye Chu was married brought a faint pang of disappointment to her heart.
Just then, several thuggish-looking men burst into the shop.
Sun Yurou's face darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Why are you here again?"
"Well, well, even the little sister-in-law is here."
The red-haired leader of the group leered, his eyes roaming shamelessly over Sun Yurou.
Her cheeks flushed crimson. "Don't call me that! Who's your sister-in-law?"
A middle-aged woman emerged from the kitchen at the commotion. When she saw the gang, her face turned pale.
"Gentlemen, are you here to eat, or…?"
The red-haired thug grinned. "Boss lady, have you given our proposal some thought?"
Sun Xiuying's expression turned ashen, torn and anxious.
The thug continued, "Brother Jun said that if you agree, you won't have to pay protection fees anymore—and he'll even help you expand your shop."
Sun Xiuying forced a strained smile. "Gentlemen, Yurou is still in school. There's no rush for her to think about dating. Please thank Brother Jun for his kindness, and rest assured—I will pay the protection fee on time."
With a crash, the red-haired thug kicked over a stool, his face twisted with malice.
"Don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink forfeit! Brother Jun fancies your daughter—it's her good fortune! Enough of this nonsense. Either she comes with us today, or I smash this dump to pieces!"
Seeing the escalating situation, the few customers in the shop hurriedly fled.
Sun Yurou shouted angrily, "What you're doing is illegal! I'll call the police!"
The thugs only sneered.
A blond-haired punk lunged forward, snatching the phone from her hand.
"Sis-in-law, stop struggling. Even if the cops come, what's the worst that'll happen? We spend a few days in a cell and come right back. Unless you shut this place down, you can't get rid of us."
The red-haired thug stepped closer, grinning. "Listen, as long as you say yes, you'll live a life of luxury—and no one will ever dare bully you again."
Though terrified, Sun Yurou glared back defiantly. "Dream on! I will never agree!"
Her mother rushed to shield her, pleading, "Gentlemen, we just want to run a small business. Please, have mercy and stop making things hard for us."
Their repeated refusals infuriated the thugs.
"Damn it! These two bitches really don't know what's good for them. Smash this place, then take them both!"
At the leader's roar, the gang went wild, overturning tables and smashing chairs until half the shop was in ruins.
Mother and daughter cowered in the kitchen, hearts pounding with fear and grief.
Instinctively, Sun Yurou glanced at Ye Chu, an impossible hope rising within her—if only he could be a hero once again, like back then.
But she quickly shook her head. How could one man possibly take on so many thugs?
Better if he just left quickly and stayed out of trouble.
The thugs soon noticed Ye Chu.
"Hey, punk! Get lost before you get hurt!" the blond-haired one barked.
Ye Chu stood, sweeping a calm gaze over them. "Looks like you boys are having fun smashing things."
"Didn't you hear me tell you to scram?" the blond spat, swinging a slap at him. "If you won't leave, then you're not leaving at all!"
Ye Chu caught his wrist mid-air and twisted sharply.
A crisp crack sounded, and the blond howled in agony.
Ye Chu released him with a flick, sending him sprawling across the floor.
The others sprang into action, their red-haired leader roaring, "You bastard! Do you even know who we are?"
Ye Chu smiled faintly. "Of course. You're society's trash."
"You motherf—! Get him!"
The red-haired thug pulled out a dagger and lunged at Ye Chu.
"Ye Chu, look out!"
Sun Yurou gasped, terror-stricken. But what she saw next left her utterly stunned.
With just a few swift punches and kicks, Ye Chu laid them all out on the floor.
He made it look as effortless as drinking water.
"You're dead… Brother Jun won't let you off," the red-haired thug groaned, baring his teeth even in pain.
Ye Chu stepped forward, planted his boot on the man's face, and pressed down lightly. The thug howled.
"What was that? I didn't quite catch it." Ye Chu's foot pressed harder.
Pain twisted the thug's features, but he still spat curses. "Bastard! Brother Jun is with the White Wolf Gang—you're dead! Not even God can save you!"
Ye Chu bore down harder until the thug's face contorted, panic finally flashing in his eyes.
"I was wrong! I was wrong! Please, stop!"
Ye Chu withdrew his foot and swept a cold glance at the others.
They all hung their heads in silence.
The red-haired thug staggered to his feet, eager to flee, but Ye Chu's voice stopped him cold.
"Did I say you could leave?"