Lin Yu stood still, pondering and feeling a sense of cheer despite being reprimanded by the third female lead when he first met her. Based on her character, he concluded that as long as he didn’t go out of his way to annoy her, the chances of her pestering him were less than zero.
Getting scolded just felt like a scolding. Internally, Lin Yu murmured to himself. After all, with the way he's currently looking, who wouldn't throw a scoff his way? Sometimes, even he wanted to curse his own hair when he saw his reflection. Looks like he and the third lead had something in common, after all.
With a light breath, Lin Yu contentedly made his way toward the mahjong parlor. Scolded by the third female lead on first sight—what a curious thrill!
Taking his time, Lin Yu deliberately slowed his pace, only arriving at the mahjong parlor well after noon. By then, the gang from Black Blood had dispersed. Entering the parlor in search of Li Yuan, Lin Yu wondered about the nature of the summons.
Upon seeing Li Yuan, Lin Yu's throat tightened. The realization hit him—he had always misunderstood Fire Scorpion's intentions. This group was playing for keeps.
Li Yuan was in a wheelchair, his left leg wrapped in a thick cast, and bandages encircled his head and neck. A few more layers, and he'd be ready to play the mummy in an international film.
"Xiao Long, you made it?" Li Yuan ditched his usual stern facade, greeting Lin Yu with a smile.
"I'm here." Lin Yu answered and asked, "Uncle, you wanted to see me for something?"
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Li Yuan nodded, still beaming, "Of course! Xiao Long, come with me. I’ve got a surprise for you!"
Saying so, Black Tiger, standing behind Li Yuan, began to push his chair. Lin Yu followed, puzzled, his curiosity piqued about this so-called surprise.
What sort of 'surprise' could a famously frugal man like Li Yuan have up his sleeve?
They reached the spacious backyard of the parlor where Lin Yu saw an object completely covered with a red cloth. Although the large red cloth concealed the object tightly, it was clearly shaped like a motorcycle from the bulge underneath.
"Go ahead, Xiao Long."
Li Yuan gestured towards the cover with a nod of his head, his face alight with a broad smile as if presenting Lin Yu with a grand opportunity, "Go check out what's underneath."
On the surface, Lin Yu nodded excitedly, but inside, he scoffed. It was clear as day it was a motorcycle—no mystery there.
Facing away so neither Li Yuan nor Black Tiger could see his expression, he approached the red cloth. Lin Yu was convinced that whatever was under there could not possibly be new and revolutionary. No way Li Yuan would spend big when he was so tightfisted.
Bored and skeptical, Lin Yu grabbed the cloth and yanked.
The cloth fell away, and Lin Yu's eyes widened with genuine surprise.
Wow!
Stylish, isn't it?
The motorcycle hidden under the red cloth was far beyond any of Lin Yu's expectations. The paint was a stunning blend of blue and white, the design aggressive with beautiful lines that looked years ahead of any local riding offerings, and seemed to rival even top competition bikes.
In short, it was the dream bike of any motorcycle aficionado.
As Lin Yu admired the fine craftsmanship, he couldn't help but run a hand over its cool exterior. Black Tiger chuckled from behind Li Yuan's wheelchair, "Xiao Long, this bike was specially brought in from a dealership outside the province by Brother Yuan. It's the only one in D City."
"You better thank Brother Yuan properly."
"Thanks, Uncle!" Lin Yu replied, his lips forming the words with an obligatory sweetness.