Seeing Wang Yuan's utterly bewildered expression, An Yi gave him a hint with a light cough: "You know, like a ding—and suddenly you're rich."
"Huh?"
Wang Yuan swallowed hard, still confused.
Watching this, An Yi fell into thought.
Looks like he’s broke!
That shouldn’t be the case!
His destiny value is only forty!
You could say he’s one in ten thousand!
Something’s definitely off!
This feels exactly like the start of a protagonist’s journey!
An Yi pondered—Could it be that I showed up too early, taught Wang Shengli a lesson prematurely, and messed up his cheat code?
"Bro, don’t sweat it. That kind of woman isn’t worth it," An Yi consoled him.
Wang Yuan shook his head with a bitter smile. "Tell me why my luck’s so rotten. Got cheated on four times in a year. Every girl I date betrays me. Feels like I’ve got a giant green hat weighing me down, suffocating me."
An Yi:
Now I get why his destiny value’s so low.
That green glow is blinding!
But then again, after being cucked this hard, he should’ve awakened some kind of power by now!
Didn’t the heavens reward him with a tycoon system to show off?
Maybe…
He’s just a tiny bit short of the trigger!
---
Donghai University, street-side barbecue joint.
"Come on, drink up!" An Yi slung an arm around Wang Yuan’s shoulder, boisterous.
The table was piled with skewers and beer bottles—plus An Yi’s favorite, grilled lamb kidneys.
Wang Yuan patted his pockets, breaking into a cold sweat. "This must be expensive, right?"
An Yi waved it off. "Who cares about the price? I wasn’t planning to pay anyway."
"Wait, what?" Wang Yuan stared in disbelief.
An Yi coughed lightly, dead serious. "This place is under my protection. From now on, if anyone messes with you, just tell me. I’ll take them down single-handedly!"
Hearing this, Wang Yuan was deeply moved.
For the first time in twenty years, someone had actually treated him this well.
Wang Yuan nodded, eyes glistening. "All my life, the only thing I was good at was studying. Every girlfriend I had cheated on me. You’re the first person who’s ever believed in me."
An Yi gave his shoulder a solemn pat. "Bro, I can tell you’re a hidden gem, like the Sleeping Dragon or Young Phoenix. I’ve got faith in you. All the feelings are in this drink—bottoms up!"
They clinked glasses, the atmosphere electric.
At the next table, a group of shirtless, tattooed thugs were loudly playing drinking games and bragging.
Their leader, a buzz-cut guy with a thick gold chain, casually yanked a young waitress over mid-laugh.
"Oho, little miss, you’re quite the looker. Student, huh?" Big Brother Wei leered.
"Y-yes, I’m a Donghai University student, part-time..." The girl, Xiaomin, paled as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
The table erupted in laughter. "A top-tier uni girl! Big Bro Wei, you hit the jackpot!"
"Tsk tsk, that figure’s a sight for sore eyes. Nice, real nice."
"Greetings, Sister Wei!"
The gang howled with laughter.
Tears welled up in Xiaomin’s eyes as she stood frozen.
The shop owner rushed over to mediate. "Gentlemen, my apologies—Xiaomin here’s just working part-time. Could you please—"
"Who let this old fart out of his pants?" A tank-top-wearing thug cracked his neck, looking ready to throw hands.
The owner blanched.
Big Brother Wei still hadn’t let go. His hand slid lower, giving Xiaomin’s backside a hard squeeze.
"Damn, so tender. And bouncy too!" He smirked, wiggling his fingers.
The thugs roared with laughter.
Xiaomin’s face burned red, tears spilling over.
Wang Yuan shrank into himself, sighing quietly.
He clutched his phone, debating whether to call the police.
But after a long pause, he decided to let it go.
Better not stir up trouble. This is way beyond me.
Just then—
A beer bottle sailed through the air and smashed into Big Brother Wei’s forehead.
BANG!
The bottle shattered, golden beer drenching his back.
The entire barbecue stall fell silent.
Someone actually dared to hit Big Brother Wei?!
Are they insane?!
Xiaomin trembled, her face ghostly pale.
Big Brother Wei staggered, head spinning.
"WHO THE HELL THREW THAT?!" he snarled, wiping his face.
An Yi stood up leisurely. "That would be me."
Wang Yuan gazed at him in awe. This guy’s got nerves of steel!
A true hero!
Then An Yi casually yanked Wang Yuan to his feet. "We threw it."
Wang Yuan:
What the hell?!
You play the hero and drag me into it?!
Big Brother Wei’s face twisted with rage as he glared at Wang Yuan. "So you’re the little shit who did it?"
Wang Yuan stammered, "Uh, well, you see—I was opening a beer, and the bottle just… slipped?"
An Yi raised an eyebrow.
Not bad. He’s taking the fall for me!
"Boys, grab your gear! Beat his ass!"
Big Brother Wei didn’t waste time talking. He swung a fist straight at Wang Yuan’s face.
The gang surged forward, fists flying.
An Yi smirked.
Heroic justice, saving the damsel in distress!
Perfect. This is what a protagonist should be doing.
Not petty stuff like theft, dine-and-dash, or shady deals.
All the conditions are ripe. Now, the protagonist’s halo should activate!!!
Big Brother Wei’s punch connected with Wang Yuan’s eye.
Wang Yuan, a mere college student, stood no chance against these muscle-bound thugs.
In seconds, he was buried under a pile of bodies.
"Think you’re a hero, huh?!"
"Little bastard, playing the savior!"
"Where’s your strength now, beer-bottle thrower?!"
As Wang Yuan took the beating, An Yi fell deep into thought.
The protagonist’s halo still hasn’t kicked in?
Even worse—Wang Yuan’s destiny value just dropped from 40 to 35!
"You’re not getting away either, punk!"
A thug charged at An Yi, fist raised.
Without even looking up, An Yi lifted a foot—his flip-flop planted squarely on the thug’s face.
The guy crumpled to the ground, out cold.
The other thugs gulped and wisely redirected their fury back to Wang Yuan.
An Yi sighed.
Still no halo.
Wang Yuan’s destiny value is down to a pitiful 32!
THUD! THUD! THUD!
Hands in his pockets, An Yi delivered a series of lightning kicks.
Big Brother Wei and his gang went flying, howling in pain.
The diners gasped.
What kind of monstrous strength does it take to send grown men flying meters away with a casual kick?!
"Bro! You’ve suffered!" An Yi helped Wang Yuan up, voice thick with sympathy.
Wang Yuan, face swollen like a pumpkin, forced a smile. "I’m fine… I can take it."
"Y-you’re bleeding. Here." Xiaomin shyly handed him a napkin.
Wang Yuan’s spirits soared.
Totally worth the beating!
"Thank you… for saving me," Xiaomin whispered.
"No problem. Just doing what’s right—"
Wang Yuan wiped his nose—then realized she was talking to An Yi.
"Don’t mention it," An Yi said with a sigh, turning to Wang Yuan. "We didn’t finish our drinks. Let’s change spots."
Wang Yuan shuddered.
Again?!