Jiangnan was getting ready to head out for dinner with Xia Yao and Zhong Yingxue.
Meanwhile, Wu Liang was at home, buried in studies, skipping dinner.
Wu’s dad, shirtless and in slippers, barged into Wu Liang’s room.
“Son, grab some food. Your mum just cooked…”
Before he could finish, he saw Wu Liang hunched over his desk, working on problems, eyes nearly popping out.
“You… what are you doing?”
Must be doodling in his books. Kids do that.
He stepped closer.
What the hell?
Actually doing problems?
“Son, you gone mad? You’re really studying?”
He glanced at the desk, stacked with thick reference books, *Three Years of College Exams, Five Years of Practice*.
Wu Liang, face dark, said, “Dad, go eat. Don’t bother me. I’m studying. Gotta hit top three in the grade this final.”
Wu’s dad was floored, panicking, “Top three? What about dropping out of high school like you promised?”
“Drop out, do some bad stuff, take over my spot in the streets. That’s how I can rest easy.”
Wu Liang looked disgusted, “I don’t want that smooth-sailing life.”
His dad, worried, asked, “You been hit by something? Tell me who. I’ll send someone…”
Wu Liang stood, pushing him out, “Dad, I’m studying. Leave me alone.”
Outside, Wu’s dad stood, questioning life, “Wife, is our son sick or something?”
Wu’s mum asked, “What’s wrong with him?”
“He’s studying. Says he’s aiming for top three.”
Wu’s mum, face darkening, snapped, “I think you’re the one who’s sick. Get over here and eat.”
On the street, Jiangnan rocked baggy shorts, flip-flops, and a Sailor Moon t-shirt, flashy as hell.
The attention he got was insane.
From 80-year-old grannies to 13-year-old girls.
“My god, this guy’s so handsome. I can’t look away.”
“Ridiculously hot. Is he some celebrity?”
“Celebrities aren’t even this good-looking.”
“Quick, snap a pic. I’m a fan now. That buzz cut suits him.”
“I… I want his WeChat.”
Whispers followed him. Not just girls, even guys couldn’t help glancing back.
By the time he reached Century Square, he’d been asked for his WeChat 17 times, three photo requests.
Jiangnan added them all.
WeChat Moments were a prime source of resentment points. No way he’d pass that up.
“Xiao Nan, over here,” Zhong Yingxue waved under a streetlight.
Today, Zhong Yingxue wore a sky-blue dress, white sandals showing off her delicate toes, black hair in a ponytail, simple yet elegant.
Xia Yao was bolder, in a black tube top, white sun-protective jacket, denim hot pants, her long legs stealing the show.
The trio together drew plenty of stares.
Xia Yao gaped at Jiangnan, rubbing her eyes.
“My god, I thought you had a filter on. It’s been what, a few days? How’d you get this hot? Eating papayas or what?”
Jiangnan blinked, glancing at Xia Yao’s chest, “Your papayas make you prettier? You been eating too many?”
Xia Yao bared her teeth, claws out, rubbing Jiangnan’s face furiously.
[Resentment points from Xia Yao +333.]
Wow.
Such smooth, fair skin. Xia Yao was a bit jealous.
“Spill it. What’d you do? Surgery?”
Jiangnan, dead serious, said, “Nah, just washed my face.”
Xia Yao let go, scoffing.
How long since you washed your face? This big a change? Who’re you kidding?
Zhong Yingxue smiled, “Xiao Nan’s got a good base. He deserves to be this handsome. Let’s go, hotpot time.”
Jiangnan grinned.
Xuexue’s the best. But why’d that sound weird?
Deserves to be handsome?
Hmm.
“Why the sudden dinner? It’s only Monday,” Jiangnan asked casually.
Zhong Yingxue smiled, “Can’t I just miss you?”
Xia Yao chuckled, “That Luo guy took two weeks off. No more school annoyance. Xuexue’s thrilled.”
Jiangnan and Xia Yao exchanged sly glances, high-fiving.
Zhong Yingxue, suspicious, said, “Why do I feel you two are hiding something?”
“Nope. I swear on my conscience,” Xia Yao said, hand on her chest.
Jiangnan rolled his eyes.
Give it up, Xia Yao. You can’t reach your conscience.
Too far away.
He pulled out a “White Rabbit candy” from his pocket, handing it to Zhong Yingxue.
“Here, candy. Eat it at home.”
Zhong Yingxue stared at the candy, memories flooding back, and smiled, “Okay, I’ll eat it at home.”
Xia Yao stretched out her hand, “Where’s mine? I want candy too.”
Jiangnan smirked, “Naughty kids don’t get candy.”
Xia Yao, fuming, lunged, locking Jiangnan in a chokehold, making him roll his eyes.
“You giving or not?”
Jiangnan gasped, “Really, none left. Just one. Next time, next time.”
He whispered to Xia Yao, “Got a shield warrior. If I take first, I’ll bring him to meet you two.”
Xia Yao paused, then grinned, “First place? That confident? Never been to a spirit ruin, have you?”
Jiangnan scoffed, “Pfft. With this face, would spirit beasts even hurt me?”
“Ugh, shameless. Pick a good one.”
Zhong Yingxue turned, curious, “What’re you two whispering about?”
Xia Yao and Jiangnan shook their heads like rattles.
Zhong Yingxue, puzzled, was about to ask more.
Then, a loud “Boom.”
A massive explosion lit up the night sky, bright as day.
The blast shattered nearby building windows.
The Walmart two blocks away had exploded.
Panic swept the crowd, dodging falling glass.
Looking at the mall, flames roared, engulfing two floors.
Thick black smoke stunned onlookers, the air thick with a burnt smell.
The trio exchanged glances, eyes full of shock.
How could a mall have such a massive explosion? It’s not a chemical plant.
With so many civilians, especially at peak evening hours, the consequences were dire.
Jiangnan’s face grew serious, “Let’s go check it out.”
Zhong Yingxue and Xia Yao nodded, faces solemn. While others fled or snapped photos, the three pushed against the crowd.
As spirit martial artists with powers beyond ordinary people, they had a duty to face danger and the unknown head-on. Even if they couldn’t help much, they could do something within their means.
Why was China strong? Even after the spirit energy resurgence, it remained the safest, most peaceful nation.
Because every Chinese heart held national pride and a will to serve.
Socks, shorts, hair ties, cheap deals. Five-star reviews, drop some comments. Snacks and tea coming right up.
