Chapter 18: Help Me

Lu Zhiyuan had just stepped out of the airport. After hanging up on his beloved little sister, he got into the car and instructed the driver to head straight for the High Court.

On the way, he spent about ten minutes sorting through the sequence of events, his gaze finally settling on a photograph of Song Mi.

He had been puzzled at first—why would Shen Family’s fourth son suddenly arrange for someone to invite him to a game of basketball? Now it turned out, it was all because of this woman.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

A true femme fatale indeed, to have bewitched Old Master Shen into entrusting her with the entire family business. No wonder the whole Shen clan was beside themselves with anxiety!

But even his friend, the perennial ice-cold figure, had fallen so swiftly for this beauty—now that, truly, was beyond his expectations.

As for his sister’s feelings, he had long been aware and would certainly take them into consideration. Still, being a man himself, how could he not recognize when another man harbored feelings for a woman?

As the saying goes, a melon forcibly twisted from the vine won’t taste sweet. But then again, another saying goes: never give up until you reach the Yellow River!

Thinking of this, Lu Zhiyuan’s lips curved with helpless amusement. In truth, there was nothing to hesitate about—there may be many old sayings, but he only had one little sister.

Soon, he tossed aside the tablet in his hand, pulled out his phone, and replied to the person who had relayed Shen Yanfeng’s invitation: “Seven o’clock tomorrow morning. See you at the court.”

…

Song Mi never expected Ming Hao would choose today to block her at the entrance of the Sihai Tower.

His greeting was, as always, a loud and teasing whistle, “Hey there, pretty lady, care to have some fun?”

Song Mi glanced at him, expressionless, then turned to the person behind her and said, “He’ll be riding with you later.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

After Assistant Lin walked past, she finally strode up to the young man leaning against the glass doors.

Ming Hao’s features and figure were striking—he looked to be about six feet tall, clad in a black biker jacket and jeans, with a pair of dusty sneakers on his feet. He was every inch the image of a rakish young aristocrat.

Before dropping out, he had attended Jin University’s Academy of Fine Arts. Back in school, he’d formed a band with friends and had even been the lead singer.

“If you’re asking me out, don’t you feel the least bit guilty for your girlfriend lying in the hospital?” Song Mi stopped in front of him, her beautiful fox-like eyes tinged with mockery.

He was young, after all, and not good at hiding anything. At her words, Ming Hao instantly became wary. “Did you investigate me?”

Song Mi merely curled her lips in indifference. “I also know your mother was once a famous act—”

“Shut up!” Ming Hao immediately straightened, his brows drawn tight. “Who are you, really? Why are you going to such lengths to get close to me? What’s your purpose?”

“Orphan, dropped out of school, scraping by working nights at clubs, with a girlfriend in a vegetative state lying in the hospital, and now you’ve crossed the wrong people and have a bounty on your head…” Song Mi gave a soft, derisive laugh, leaning in slightly, “If I don’t pay the remaining half a million, do you think you’ll survive the night?”

With that, her interest seemed to fade. She turned and walked toward the Phantom waiting for her nearby.

She hadn’t gone far when a voice called out behind her, “Wait!”

“Help me. I’ll do anything you ask!”

…

That night, Song Mi moved into her new apartment.

She had just come out of the shower when her phone chimed with a new message. Opening it, she saw a photo of herself and Ming Hao together.

Another message followed quickly: Yun Shang, 606.

Impatient already?

But Song Mi had never been one to respond to threats. If someone liked to play petty games, she would let them have their fill.

After all, she didn’t have many days left to bother with such things.

She tossed her phone aside, went to the bed, lifted the thin quilt, and lay down. But in the middle of the night, she was awakened by a ringing call.

“Mi’er, come save me, quick!”