Roaming around the school in search of a barbershop, Lin Yu once again crossed paths with a familiar face—Tang Manman. Stopping in his tracks, he observed from afar the scene unfolding around the girl who seemed to attract trouble with unfailing regularity.
Encircled by a group of abrasive girls, Tang Manman, like unripe fruit prone to bruising at the slightest touch, appeared vulnerable.
The leader, a girl with vibrant purple hair, raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap to Tang Manman's face. She stumbled, a vivid red mark blooming on her cheek, her pale face signaling a swelling to come.
Unlike previous encounters, Tang Manman didn't flee. Instead, she tried to dispel what she perceived as a misunderstanding with tearful explanations.
"I didn't do anything," she pleaded. "I don't even know who you're talking about. It's all a mistake!"
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Her protests were met with threats and further aggression from the purple-haired girl, convinced she was just playing coy. Despite suspecting the situation wasn't Tang Manman's fault, the ringleader's jealousy overrode her sense of justice, her resolve hardened by the sight of Tang Manman's delicate beauty.
As the assault continued, Lin Yu, hidden from view, waged an inward battle, debating his intervention.
Witnessing Tang Manman raising her arm to protect her face, the aggressive girl's finger broke upon the impact, blood seeping out. Even then, as Tang Manman apologized, the situation only escalated.
Phones were drawn, threats voiced, clothes were being viciously ripped—each action an orchestrated effort to demean and humiliate. Polished fingernails turned to blades, seeking to scar her beauty permanently.
When the violence reached its peak, it became clear to Lin Yu: his involvement was inevitable.
Stepping out from his hiding spot, Lin Yu shouted, "What are you doing?!"
His voice startled the purple-haired girl, who span around, her rage-filled eyes encountering Lin Yu's stern figure. Her fury abruptly faded, replaced by visible trepidation.
"Dragon... Dragon Bro?" she stammered, a forced smile creasing her features, her voice betraying her intimidation upon recognizing Lin Yu.