After taking a moment to enjoy the pleasant night air, Zhou Yi stuffed his hands into his pockets and cheerfully whistled as he continued walking.

  Just then, the system's voice echoed again.

  "B-rank target detected."

  "Where? It's late. Who would be around?"

  "Left alley, around the corner."

  "Got it."

  Zhou Yi's eyes lit up as he headed toward the alley.

  For him, these encounters meant both money and attribute points.

  As he turned the corner, he spotted a girl.

  She was surrounded by several men, clearly cornered by some delinquents with no way out.

  One of the thugs, with bright red hair, had grabbed the girl's wrist. She was softly crying, her voice hoarse from repeatedly calling for help.

  "Don't waste your breath, sweetheart. No one's coming to save you. Just have some fun with us," the red-haired thug sneered.

  Hearing the cries for help, Zhou Yi was startled. He rushed over and shouted, "Let her go!"

  The system, 077, warned him, "Host, your combat power is only 30. Are you sure you want to confront them head-on? I suggest calling the police instead."

  Zhou Yi raised an eyebrow. "The original host may not have had combat skills, but in my past life, I trained in Taekwondo. A few thugs won't be a challenge."

  That was also why Zhou Yi had easily taken down the yellow-haired punk earlier.

  If it hadn't been for Xu Rong's sneak attack in his past life, he might not have died.

  At the sound of Zhou Yi's voice, everyone turned around.

  The thugs burst into laughter when they saw Zhou Yi's lean frame.

  "You think you're some kind of hero, pretty boy? I'd advise you not to mess with us, or you might end up dead," the red-haired thug taunted.

  Zhou Yi had taken off his glasses and pushed back the bangs that obscured his vision. To the thugs, he looked like a classic pretty boy.

  A hint of jealousy flashed in their eyes.

  Hearing Zhou Yi's voice, the girl raised her head, her brows furrowed. Zhou Yi was momentarily stunned by her beauty.

  Though her face was pale, her features were delicate and pure, her eyes like clear pools of water, filled with vulnerability.

  She looked at him with a fragile, pleading expression, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Please... save me..."

  Zhou Yi narrowed his eyes, clenched his fists, and strode toward the thugs.

  The red-haired leader, seeing Zhou Yi ignore his warning, shoved the girl to one of his lackeys and grabbed a steel pipe from another. He swung it at Zhou Yi.

  If that blow had landed, Zhou Yi would've been seriously injured.

  Fortunately, Zhou Yi's reflexes were sharp. He dodged the attack, kicked the thug to the ground, and stomped on him a few times for good measure.

  The red-haired thug groaned in pain, completely unable to fight back.

  The others, realizing Zhou Yi had some skill, abandoned the girl and charged at him with their steel pipes.

  Zhou Yi picked up the pipe the red-haired thug had dropped and took them down one by one. The thugs howled in pain as he struck them.

  Even together, they were no match for Zhou Yi.

  Zhou Yi looked down at the groaning thugs, a cold smirk on his lips. "Weren't you just saying you'd kill me? Is this all you've got?"

  His tone was dripping with mockery.

  Zhou Yi stood under the streetlight, hands in his pockets, the light casting a dramatic glow behind him.

  Qiao Xi felt her heart race as though a scene from a movie unfolded before her eyes.

  So handsome...

  Even though the boy was just wearing a simple T-shirt and looked young, his charisma was undeniable.

  [Qiao Xi Affection Level +20, Wealth +$100,000, Attribute Points +100.]

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  A hero saving a damsel in distress—any girl would develop feelings for the man in such a scenario.

  Especially when Zhou Yi had effortlessly taken on multiple opponents, coupled with his handsome face. Qiao Xi's eyes practically sparkled with admiration.

  Zhou Yi, of course, noticed the clear adoration in the girl's eyes.

  "Get lost," Zhou Yi said coldly.

  The thugs, terrified of being beaten again, scrambled out of the alley, leaving only Zhou Yi and the girl facing each other.

  Zhou Yi walked toward Qiao Xi, backlit by the streetlight. He crouched down, gently patting her head, and asked softly, "Are you okay, little girl?"

  Hearing him call her "little girl," Qiao Xi blushed even more. She bit her lip, her face flushed with shyness, and whispered, "I'm fine. Thank you, big brother."

  Zhou Yi helped her up and asked gently, "Can you walk?"

  Qiao Xi's legs were still weak.

  The girl was clearly shaken. She tried to take a few steps, leaning on Zhou Yi's arm, but nearly stumbled.

  Zhou Yi quickly caught her, and in the process, she ended up in his arms, her face turning even redder.

  Zhou Yi glanced down at the girl in his arms and smiled. "If you don't mind, I'll carry you on my back. Where do you live? I'll take you home."

  Just then, Qiao Xi suddenly winced in pain, gasping for breath as if she couldn't get enough air. She clutched Zhou Yi's shirt tightly.

  Zhou Yi frowned with concern. "What's wrong?"

  Qiao Xi's eyes darted toward a bag nearby. "My medicine..."

  Zhou Yi held her with one arm and reached for the bag with the other. He found a bottle of pills inside, opened it, and poured one out.

  "Do you have the strength to take it? Let me help you," Zhou Yi said, carefully bringing the pill to her lips.

  As Qiao Xi took the pill, her tongue accidentally brushed against Zhou Yi's finger, sending a shiver through him.

  Qiao Xi seemed to realize the intimacy of the accidental gesture and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

  "It's fine," Zhou Yi replied, his gaze lingering on her delicate features. She looked up at him just then.

  [Qiao Xi Affection Level +1.]

  The system's voice interrupted their moment, and Zhou Yi quickly averted his eyes. Qiao Xi's face flushed again.

  For some reason, even though this was the first time she'd met the boy, she felt lost in his gaze.

  Her heart raced inexplicably.

  The warm breeze of late summer brushed against her heated cheeks.

  Zhou Yi held her for a while, waiting for her to regain her strength.

  Since it was still summer, the close proximity caused both of them to sweat slightly.

  Zhou Yi caught a whiff of the girl's fragrance, and he felt a bit restless. He unbuttoned the top button of his school uniform.

  Qiao Xi, nestled in his arms, felt oddly safe against his chest.

  She glanced up at Zhou Yi secretly. The boy showed no impatience, simply holding her quietly and politely averting his eyes.

  Her white dress had a slightly low neckline, and his considerate gesture made her feel even more grateful.

  [Qiao Xi Affection Level +1.]

  Zhou Yi knew that any lewd or inappropriate behavior would drastically lower the girl's opinion of him.

  For a sweet, innocent girl like Qiao Xi, being a gentleman from the start was the best way to win her over.

  Qiao Xi looked up at him and said softly, "Thank you, big brother. My name is Qiao Xi. What's yours?"

  The girl looked petite and spoke in a soft, endearing voice, like a cute little sister from next door.

  Zhou Yi smiled gently. "I'm Zhou Yi. It's nothing, don't mention it."

  [Qiao Xi Affection Level +1.]