Chapter Forty-Three

Following the address given by Yang Shuting, Rain Xingyue was preparing to seek out Sun Ying. He slipped into his favorite trench coat before heading out, but first he peered through the door to check if any trouble awaited outside. Rain Xingyue dreaded Rain Chun’s sudden appearances, but since Rain Chun had recently been taken away by the police, there shouldn’t be any issues. With his glasses on, Rain Xingyue looked scholarly; with his hood pulled up, he appeared quite dashing. Unless it was Saturday or Sunday, he rarely dressed this way.

His outfit—a waist-length trench coat, black leather shoes and trousers, glasses and hood—was perfectly in place as he stepped out. The pandemic seemed to be easing, so Rain Xingyue initially didn’t wear a mask. Still, as a precaution, he tucked one into his pocket.

The address Yang Shuting sent was close by; a short walk and he’d arrive. To spare Rain Xingyue the trouble, Yang Shuting had Sun Yao drive Sun Ying to the location, while she herself left with Yang Shuting. But such an arrangement felt improper—what father would leave his daughter alone like that, unafraid of her being kidnapped?

Five minutes later, Rain Xingyue reached the destination—a commercial street. Sun Ying was waiting outside a restaurant, growing anxious. She wondered why her big brother hadn’t arrived yet.

Rain Xingyue scanned the area, searching for Sun Ying, and finally caught sight of her standing at the restaurant’s entrance. Her hair was curled, she wore a white down jacket, black leggings, and short boots, shivering from the cold. Rain Xingyue thought, “She’s so precocious.”

He quickly approached Sun Ying and gently asked, “Been waiting long, little one?”

“Who are you?” Sun Ying replied warily. “I don’t know you.”

Rain Xingyue took off his mask and glasses, smiling, “Is this better now?”

Sun Ying immediately recognized him without the mask and glasses, exclaiming, “Big brother, you’re…so…handsome…” Her words trailed off.

Rain Xingyue observed Sun Ying, thinking she was as shy as when they last met. Just then, his phone rang. Yang Shuting had transferred five thousand yuan to his card, instructing him to accompany Sun Ying shopping and fulfill any of her wishes. This was her directive.

Shopping was easy enough, but Sun Ying didn’t say a word—how was Rain Xingyue to guess what she wanted? He decided not to rush; overcoming shyness wasn’t something achieved in a day.

“Sun Ying, shall I take you shopping for something nice?” Rain Xingyue asked.

Sun Ying didn’t respond at first. Her reaction was delayed, but after a minute, she nodded gently and murmured, “Mm.”

Rain Xingyue put his glasses back on and extended his right hand, smiling, “Let’s go.”

Sun Ying hesitated, then quickly reached out her left hand and grasped Rain Xingyue’s right. For the first time, she blushed.

Her heart thudded wildly—so this was what a boy’s hand felt like? Big brother’s hand was so warm. Sun Ying glanced at Rain Xingyue, catching only his profile, but from her angle, his side view was quite handsome.

Not far away, a black car watched them. It was Yang Shuting and Sun Yao, who hadn’t left. How could Sun Yao let Sun Ying wait alone? If anything happened, he wouldn’t deserve to be a father.

Seeing the relationship between Sun Ying and Rain Xingyue slowly change, Yang Shuting felt reassured. Seated at the wheel, Sun Yao said, “I hope your son takes good care of Sun Ying.”

“Don’t worry. With Rain Xingyue by her side, nothing dangerous will happen,” Yang Shuting replied with a smile.

“You have a lot of faith in your son.”

While they chatted, Rain Xingyue had already led Sun Ying to the heart of the commercial street for shopping. He followed Yang Shuting’s instruction: whatever Sun Ying wanted, he would oblige, confident the money would be enough.

But in the bustling street, Sun Ying remained silent, staring blankly at the crowds. The throng made her uneasy—she feared crowded places and only wanted to go home.

Rain Xingyue felt Sun Ying’s hand trembling, her body shaking as well. He didn’t want to mess up, so he crouched down to focus her attention on him, easing her anxiety.

“What’s wrong, little one? Don’t like it here?” he asked.

---

“Big brother…I’m not little one, I’m…I’m Sun Ying,” she stammered.

“You don’t like it here?” Rain Xingyue asked.

“It’s not that…I just…there are too many people.”

Rain Xingyue stood and held her left hand. “It’s alright, I’m here.”

From Rain Xingyue, Sun Ying felt immense security. Her fear subsided, and her nervousness began to ease.

“Big brother, I’d like a pretty dress…is that okay?” Sun Ying asked timidly.

“Of course. Which boutique would you like to go to?” he replied.

“Um, that one,” Sun Ying pointed to a clothing shop.

“Let’s go,” Rain Xingyue said, leading her toward the store. Though Sun Ying’s body resisted, Rain Xingyue’s warmth won her over, and she cooperated.

…

At that moment, Lin Zimo was also heading out, but for a special reason—her sister was in trouble. Lin Ling wanted to check on Lin Zimo’s sister as well.

“What happened to your sister?” Lin Ling asked.

“I don’t know. She didn’t have time to explain, but I heard a male voice in the background. She must be being harassed by a creep.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Lin Zimo replied sternly, “My sister’s makeup is far too provocative—she’d definitely attract trouble. Last time I had her do my makeup, a crowd nearly swarmed me. If not for Hugo and Xiao Jian, I’d have been in real trouble.”

“I see. How long will it take us to get there?” Lin Ling asked.

“It’s not far from my house. If we run, three minutes tops.”

“Then hurry—your sister must be getting anxious.”

They hurried downstairs, but no need to run—Lin Ling had a motorcycle license and could get there faster. She rode a Kawasaki.

“Wow, I never knew you were a biker!” Lin Zimo exclaimed.

Lin Ling donned her helmet and handed Lin Zimo a spare. “Put it on. We’re leaving.”

With helmets secured, Lin Ling started off slowly, then suddenly accelerated on the straightaway. Lin Zimo clung to her waist, which was impressively slender—a waist she envied. She wondered how Lin Ling maintained it, resolving to ask later.

In under three minutes, Lin Ling arrived at the spot where Lin Zimo’s sister, Lin Xiaxin, was waiting. The area was rather secluded. Upon seeing Lin Xiaxin, Lin Zimo rushed over, Lin Ling close behind.

---

“How are you, Xin Xin? Are you alright?” Lin Zimo anxiously inspected Lin Xiaxin, fearing she might be hurt.

“I’m fine, sis, look,” Lin Xiaxin pointed to a man before her. He had been following her, captivated by her looks. Sensing danger, Lin Xiaxin had called for help; Lin Zimo and Lin Ling had been chatting when the call was interrupted, prompting their arrival.

The man, seeing Lin Xiaxin’s rescuers were girls, felt triumphant—three girls, what could they possibly do to him?

He underestimated Lin Zimo and Lin Ling, and sneered, “These are your reinforcements? Weak, aren’t they?”

Lin Zimo exploded at his words—she couldn’t accept being called weak. Lin Ling pulled her back, cautioning her not to act rashly. Clearly he was provoking them; without knowing his strength, they couldn’t risk it.

“What, you look down on girls? Want to eat a foot instead?” Lin Xiaxin taunted. With Lin Zimo present, her courage soared. Three girls against a lone creep—what was there to fear?

Lin Ling recorded the scene for evidence, just in case they needed to call the police.

“Hey, why are you following my sister? What do you want?” Lin Zimo demanded.

“I want her—so what?” the creep replied arrogantly.

“Damn, how outrageous!” Lin Xiaxin fumed. “Sis, why aren’t you doing something?”

Lin Xiaxin was desperate, and so was Lin Zimo. Yet, since he hadn’t harmed Lin Xiaxin or made a move, Lin Zimo hesitated to strike.

Lin Ling watched calmly—Lin Zimo was unflappable, no wonder Coach Tian Nan favored her. Sometimes retreating was best. Lin Ling whispered to Lin Zimo, suggesting they leave with Lin Xiaxin and avoid further trouble.

“Zimo, let’s leave. Ignore him,” Lin Ling said softly.

“Alright.” Lin Zimo hugged Lin Xiaxin and prepared to depart.

But the creep wouldn’t let them go. The more they retreated, the bolder he became. He ran ahead and blocked their path, grinning dangerously, “Hey, don’t go—let me have some fun first.”

His smile was full of menace. Lin Zimo glanced at Lin Ling, who nodded, signaling her to act boldly. The Tianyuan team forbade fighting outside, except in dangerous situations—this qualified as one. Understanding, Lin Zimo entrusted Lin Xiaxin to Lin Ling and stepped forward to confront the creep.

“Will you let us pass?” Lin Zimo threatened.

“Ooh, I’m so scared. Hit me, why don’t you?” The creep, believing the girls had no fighting power, stuck out his face, inviting a blow. His insolent expression pushed Lin Zimo over the edge.

“Eat dirt!” Lin Zimo shouted, unable to hold back, and delivered a spinning kick to his head, sending him sprawling in terror.

“I thought you’d be tough,” Lin Zimo said, disappointed. “Turns out you’re all talk. Sis, call the police—lock this scum up before more girls suffer.”