Who exactly are you trying to reward

"Get on!"

Lin Yu mounted the motorcycle and shouted toward Gu Yue, who was still frozen in the depths of the alley.

"Oh, okay."

The purple-haired delinquent girl was clearly still in shock. After Lin Yu's call, she hurriedly complied, carefully stepping over the groaning bodies strewn across the ground.

As she passed the obese man in a grimy sweat-stained shirt, whether intentionally or accidentally, her small leather shoe landed squarely on his greasy, pudgy face. She gave it a sharp twist before quickly running over to Lin Yu.

Once Gu Yue was settled behind him, Lin Yu twisted the throttle and sped off with her...

...

Maintaining a steady speed, they arrived at the seaside. Lin Yu parked the motorcycle, removed his helmet, and gazed at the boundless ocean.

It was a little past four in the afternoon, the early hours of dusk. The golden sun had shed its blinding intensity, now radiating a sacred warmth, casting a brilliant shimmer across the sea's surface.

The sea breeze brushed against his face, filling Lin Yu with an unprecedented sense of peace.

"You did well today."

Leaning against the roadside railing, Lin Yu turned to Gu Yue with a bright smile and gave her a thumbs-up.

Gu Yue looked like a ghoul straight out of A Chinese Ghost Story—her heavy makeup had completely melted from tears, smearing into a grotesque mess. The black eyeliner had mixed with her tears, leaving dark streaks down her face, making her truly resemble a ghost.

Yet her eyes were striking. The golden sea reflected in her focused gaze, softening the image of the person she was looking at.

"Since you performed so well today, the matter between you and Tang Manman..."

At this, Lin Yu's smile vanished instantly. His expression turned icy as he said,

"Of course, it’s not just going to be swept under the rug!"

"What’s wrong with you? How could you be so cruel?"

"Huh?"

Lin Yu jabbed his index finger against Gu Yue’s forehead in frustration.

"Bullying Tang Manman is one thing—a little lesson would’ve been enough. But scheming to take nude photos of her? What kind of sick idea is that?"

"You left her no way out."

"Were you trying to ruin her life?"

Gu Yue hung her head, obediently enduring Lin Yu’s scolding, and whispered an apology:

"I’m sorry."

"Listen up!"

"This isn’t over!"

Lin Yu glared at her, his voice laced with a threatening edge.

"From now on, you’re responsible for protecting Tang Manman at school. If anything happens to her, I’m coming for you first!"

Gu Yue gave a small nod. Under the dazzling golden light of the sunset, the brightness in her eyes dimmed slightly, the corners glistening with faint, barely noticeable moisture.

"However."

Lin Yu’s tone shifted abruptly, his warm smile returning as he said,

"I believe in rewarding good behavior too."

"You messed up, so I had to teach you a lesson. But today, you did something great."

As he spoke, he began unzipping his jacket, adding,

"So I’m going to reward you properly."

Gu Yue stared blankly as Lin Yu pulled down his zipper, her mind struggling to process what was happening.

Reward me?

Reward me with what?

Why are you taking off your clothes for a reward?

Who exactly is this reward for?

Are you rewarding yourself?!

...

...

Well… it’s not like I’d say no...

Soon, the bare skin of Gu Yue’s neck—untouched by makeup—turned a faint pink. As the shock in her eyes gradually gave way to a bashful, expectant shyness, Lin Yu suddenly stopped.

With his zipper only halfway down, he reached inside his jacket. When his hand reemerged, it was clutching a thick stack of hundred-yuan bills.

Lin Yu eyed the money that the second female lead, Xia Muzhu, had forcefully shoved at him earlier. Judging by the thickness, it was probably around three thousand yuan. After a brief consideration, he shoved the entire wad into Gu Yue’s hands and said,

"Take this. Work for me, and I won’t treat you unfairly."

"From now on, look out for Tang Manman at school. Make sure no one messes with her."

"But don’t overstep. Don’t interfere too much in her life either."

Lin Yu added the last part with a stern warning.

Gu Yue accepted the cash, her expression unreadable—somewhere between disappointment and reluctant gratitude. Finally, she nodded and forced a faint smile.

"Don’t worry, Brother Long. I’ll take good care of my sister-in-law!"

Lin Yu’s arm, which had been resting on the railing, slipped, nearly sending him tumbling to the ground. Regaining his balance, he shot Gu Yue a glare and snapped furiously,

"She’s not your sister-in-law! Call her that again, and I’ll punch you into next week!"

He shook a clenched fist in front of her face, his menacing expression leaving no doubt about his seriousness.

Gu Yue shrank back, nodding timidly.

Rolling his eyes, Lin Yu ignored her and turned back to the golden sea, letting the cool ocean breeze wash over him as he emptied his mind.

Lin Yu saw only one breathtaking view before him—the ocean. But in Gu Yue’s eyes, there were two. Most of the time, she gazed at the sea, distracted. Occasionally, her eyes would flicker sideways, stealing greedy glances before snapping back to the golden waves in feigned innocence.

And when her emotions stirred again, she’d let her gaze drift just a little longer...