Hangcheng. A city often compared to paradise. Like a refined, elegant lady from a noble family, it possessed a beauty and cultural depth that rivaled the nation's capital.
Hangcheng University was one of the top institutions in Huaxia. Those who studied here were the chosen ones, the future elite.
Yet, right now, parked outside the majestic university gates was a dilapidated tricycle. Squatting beside it was Chen Liuhe, a cigarette dangling from his lips, shamelessly admiring the sea of youthful, long legs passing by.
"Tsk, tsk. Look at those legs. Look at those faces. Who needs dinner when the view is this good?"
Just then, a unique figure appeared at the gates. It was a girl in an electric wheelchair.
She wasn't breathtakingly beautiful—maybe an 85 out of 100 on looks alone. But her aura was extraordinary. Quiet, introverted, yet radiating an unshakeable confidence. She stood out like a white crane in a flock of chickens.
The moment she appeared, Chen Liuhe, the lazy rogue, sprang into action. He tossed his cigarette, frantically exhaled to clear the smoke from his breath, and ran over like an eager puppy.
Rain or shine, he was always there to pick her up.
"Brother, smoke less," Shen Qingwu said softly. It wasn't a complaint, but a gentle command born of care.
"Hehe, okay, okay. I'll cut down." In front of this girl, Chen Liuhe—a man once feared as a killing machine—had zero temper. He was nothing but smiles.
Shen Qingwu. The last surviving bloodline of the Shen family. If the most beautiful woman in the capital was a 95, then to Chen Liuhe, Qingwu was a perfect 100. She was his entire world.
A scruffy scrap collector and a disabled genius in a wheelchair. It was a bizarre combination that drew stares, but neither of them cared.
"Hold on tight." With effortless strength, Chen Liuhe lifted both her and the heavy wheelchair, placing them gently into the cargo bed of his tricycle. He hopped on and started pedaling, his movements smooth and practiced.
"Professor Zhang called me today to complain," Chen Liuhe grinned as he pedaled. "He said you humiliated him in class during a debate? He was furious."
"He was spouting nonsense," Qingwu said calmly, her pride evident. "In a debate, there is only victory or defeat. There is no right or wrong."
"Haha! That old man is cute for trying to snitch on you."
As they rode through the twilight of Hangcheng, Chen Liuhe's voice suddenly softened. "Qingwu... Two years ago, you were the top student admitted to the Capital University. Making you transfer here... I've wronged you."
Qingwu looked at the city lights. "As long as you don't feel wronged, Brother, then I am fine. You coming back alive... that is the greatest gift. Being alive is better than anything."
The atmosphere grew heavy. After a long silence, Chen Liuhe exhaled deeply. "Don't worry. I promised Grandfather. Three years. I will not enter Beijing."
"And after three years?" Qingwu asked. Those four words carried the weight of a mountain.
Chen Liuhe didn't answer immediately. He just pedaled harder.
"Brother... you still can't let it go, can you?" Her voice trembled slightly.
"Let it go?" Chen Liuhe laughed, a brilliant but chilling sound. "The Shen family gave everything! A family of martyrs! And what did we get? Grandfather died of grief a year ago. Seven years ago, your father died on the battlefield. Five years ago, your uncles died for this country!"
His voice was calm, but beneath it lay a tsunami of rage. "The Shen family only has you left. But while I was in prison, your legs were 'accidentally' crippled? They say it was a disease? Heh. Do they think I'm stupid?"
"I may be an orphan adopted by Grandfather, but I will collect the Shen family's debt. The Shen clan isn't dead yet!"
Qingwu reached out her pale arms and hugged his waist from behind. "Brother, the rumors say you made a vow: Three years not entering Beijing. But if you enter, you will kill three people."
"Three people? Heh. Not enough." Chen Liuhe's eyes flashed with cold intent. "The debt they owe us... even their lives aren't enough to pay it back."
Later that night, in their humble rental room.
Chen Liuhe sat by his bed, staring at his Grandfather's spirit tablet.
His Grandfather was a legend. A founding general of the nation who had fought in countless wars. But he was stubborn, righteous, and refused to play political games. He offended many powerful people to uphold justice.
In the end, he died of a broken heart when Chen Liuhe was imprisoned.
"Grandfather," Chen Liuhe whispered to the tablet. "I know why you made me wait three years. You want me to cool down, to survive. You don't want me to end up like you—a tragic hero."
"But I don't have your noble enlightenment. I am just a common man. And a common man seeks revenge."
"I will hold up the Shen family gates. I will collect the blood debt. One year ago, they couldn't kill me. In two more years... I will make them all tremble."
Just as the heavy emotion peaked, a loud, ridiculous ringtone shattered the silence. "Grandpa! Your grandson is calling you! Pick up the phone!"
Chen Liuhe cleared his throat and answered the cheap phone with a professional voice. "Hello! You have reached the All-Round Domestic Expert Hotline. What service do you require? Full package is 800, half package is 350..."