Joy Zheng went to the supermarket and bought a bunch of groceries to bring home.
While Joy Zheng was cooking, Yolanda Fang and Lynn Chen ran over to help wash the vegetables.
Usually, Lynn Chen always puts on a proud face in front of Evan Lin, and Yolanda Fang, who’s always a bit mischievous and sometimes acts like the big sister, were both standing next to Joy Zheng. They kept sweetly calling her 'Aunt Zheng,' their voices soft and sticky, sounding extra close and affectionate.
Joy Zheng couldn’t help but burst out laughing again and again because of the two girls, and she kept asking them about their studies.
Evan Lin sat there, drinking tea, watching his usually quiet home fill with rare laughter, and seeing the genuine smile on Joy Zheng’s face. Deep down, he felt a kind of comfort he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Harvey Xie, who’d been watching Evan Lin the whole time, finally spoke up once the girls left: 'I heard you’re pretty good at fighting?'
Hearing Harvey Xie’s words, Evan Lin glanced at him. 'You want to try?'
'No need for that. But I’ve met plenty of people who claim they’re tough—most of them aren’t much. On the way here, I heard Yolanda Fang talking about how you took down a bunch of guys by yourself at Imperial Grand Karaoke Club. That might seem impressive to girls like them, but you know how it is—there’s always a higher sky, always someone stronger.'
After saying that, Harvey Xie stared at Evan Lin, and when Evan didn’t respond, he kept going: 'Ever heard of Medicine King Valley?'
'Medicine King Valley?' Evan Lin had never liked Harvey Xie much, and now, hearing him bring up Medicine King Valley, Evan’s face showed a rare hint of amusement as he looked over.
'That’s right, Medicine King Valley!'
When Harvey Xie mentioned Medicine King Valley, he proudly lifted his chin and looked at Evan Lin with contempt. 'My master is the Fire Elder of Medicine King Valley—his power is beyond measure. Naturally, someone as ordinary as you could never understand.'
'Let me remind you—this time, my master came along too. Since you’re so set on following us to Fenghua Mountain, you’d better behave yourself on the road. Don’t cause trouble or make my master angry. If you do, not even Yolanda Fang or Lynn Chen can help you, and I won’t be able to save you either.'
'But if you act respectful and obedient along the way, and if my master happens to be in a good mood, maybe he’ll reward you with a life-extending pill. That’d be a huge stroke of luck for you!'
As Harvey Xie talked, he couldn’t help sitting up straighter, sizing up Evan Lin, hoping to see some shock on his face. But to his disappointment, even after he mentioned Medicine King Valley and the Fire Elder, this kid didn’t react at all!
'Oh.' Evan Lin replied simply.
Harvey Xie frowned and snorted, 'People like you probably haven’t even heard of Medicine King Valley’s reputation.'
'Not surprising. Medicine King Valley isn’t something just any random cat or dog gets to know about.'
On the way here, Harvey Xie kept hearing Yolanda Fang and Lynn Chen talk about Evan Lin. He didn’t show any displeasure on his face, but deep down, he’d been annoyed for a while.
No matter what, Harvey Xie still followed the Fire Elder from Medicine King Valley. Out in society, whenever he met a boss, they’d always greet him with respect.
But the whole drive from Minghai to Whitewood County, Yolanda Fang and Lynn Chen barely said a word to him.
'Finished?' Evan Lin grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds from the table, cracked one open, popped the kernel into his mouth, and looked at Harvey Xie.
Harvey Xie frowned. 'What?'
'Nothing. Just saying, this meal probably isn’t for you.' Evan Lin tossed the half-eaten sunflower seeds back onto the table, then looked up and called out to the people busy in the kitchen.
'Mom, I’m taking this guy out for a walk. I’ll be back soon.'
After saying that, Evan Lin stood up, glanced at the still-dazed Harvey Xie, and said calmly, 'Let’s go. I’ll show you around.'
Harvey Xie, realizing what was happening, narrowed his eyes and stood up too, sneering, 'Not bad. I’ve never been to a place like this before. Owning such a rundown house is rare, I guess.'
As Harvey Xie and Evan Lin were heading out, Joy Zheng reminded them to come back soon. On the other side, Yolanda Fang and Lynn Chen both glanced at Harvey Xie and frowned.
Once outside, Evan Lin headed straight toward a small square ahead, with Harvey Xie following behind, occasionally sizing up Evan as he walked.
As the streets got quieter and fewer people were around, Harvey Xie finally spoke coldly, 'Hey, that’s enough. There’s barely anyone left around.'
After calling out, Harvey Xie stared at Evan Lin, his eyes flickering.
Evan Lin stopped and glanced around. By now, most people had already gone home for dinner, and since this spot was beside the square, at the mouth of an alley between several abandoned bungalows, there was no one else in sight.
Evan Lin turned back and looked at Harvey Xie. 'That’s far enough. I’ve escorted you this far—you can leave now.'
'What’s this? A guest comes, and you’re not even going to invite me in for dinner? That’s not very polite.' Harvey Xie clenched his fist.
'The food at my place isn’t for you. More importantly, I just don’t like you.' Evan Lin shook his head slightly, his eyes full of indifference.
The moment Harvey Xie mentioned Medicine King Valley, Evan Lin had already decided to get rid of him.
If Harvey Xie were just a friend of Yolanda Fang and Lynn Chen, Evan would’ve let him stay—for Joy Zheng’s sake.
But when it comes to Medicine King Valley, Evan Lin really doesn’t have any good feelings. Most importantly, he doesn’t want Joy Zheng to have any contact with anyone from Medicine King Valley.
For Joy Zheng, it’s nothing but trouble.
'Just as well—I don’t like you much either.' Harvey Xie grinned, his golden hair swaying slightly in the wind.
He glanced at the alley, clenched his fist, looked at Evan Lin, and smiled. 'If you want me to leave, sure.'
'I’ve heard them say you’re pretty good in a fight. Turns out, I’m not bad myself. So let’s spar right here.'
'If you can beat me, I’ll leave right away. But if you can’t, then tomorrow you stay home, and when you go back, you tell Yolanda Fang and Lynn Chen you’re not coming. Deal?'
Harvey Xie grinned. He’d already had enough of Evan Lin, but because of Lynn Chen and Yolanda Fang’s invitation, he couldn’t refuse in front of everyone—so this was his solution.
'If you’re scared, that’s fine too.'
'After all, I’m a mid-stage Inner Strength expert!'
A flash of pride glinted in Harvey Xie’s eyes as he laughed, head held high, arrogance written all over his face—his ego reaching for the sky!