Chapter 9

He Tao was startled by Chen Tianming's loud shout of "It's terrible" and hurriedly asked, "What's terrible?" Chen Tianming anxiously said, "I haven't had enough to eat, and it's almost time for self-study class." "I thought it was something serious. You go to class first. I'll save some food for you and you can eat after self-study," He Tao said, thinking it was something major. "Deal. I'll be off then." Chen Tianming looked at his watch, realizing he couldn't keep eating or he'd be late. "Mr. He, are you there?" As soon as class ended, Chen Tianming rushed back to He Tao's place, feeling the pangs of hunger. "Come in quickly, the food is still hot," He Tao said, opening the door and letting him in. "Hurry up and eat. It's my fault you're hungry." She kept blaming herself. Seeing He Tao's self-reproaching look, Chen Tianming comforted her, "It's okay. If you need my help in the future, just call me." "Really?" He Tao asked excitedly. "Of course. But you have to treat me to meals!" Chen Tianming couldn't help but soften his demeanor. After all, she was a beauty. Besides, driving off He Tao's suitors would give him an advantage. "That guy named Ye Dawei is a company boss in the county. Don't pay attention to him. He's a sneaky fellow. Don't take his words to heart," He Tao said. Chen Tianming laughed inwardly, thinking, "I'll definitely remember what that pretty boy said. I have to be more handsome than him so he can't win you over." "So, you're quite familiar with Ye Dawei?" Chen Tianming asked. "I make it a point to know about all my suitors," He Tao said dismissively. "Beauties are different; they always have admirers. If it weren't for you, no one would visit our flat," Chen Tianming remarked. "Are you going home this weekend?" He Tao asked. "Yes, why?" Chen Tianming asked, puzzled by He Tao's question. "You have a vehicle, right? Can you give me a ride home?" He Tao asked. "Sure, if you don't mind riding my motorcycle. But my bike is a two-wheel BMW," Chen Tianming said. "Of course not. Just remember to wait for me after school on Friday," He Tao reminded him. "Got it," Chen Tianming was afraid to look at He Tao any longer, afraid that memories of her bathing scene in the evening would make him lose control. That Friday afternoon, Chen Tianming pushed his motorcycle out even before school was over. He was thrilled to see the bike shining, a result of not napping the whole noon. Thinking about riding with He Tao, he ensured the bike was squeaky clean, like his crafty plans. If he braked a few more times, He Tao's ample chest would surely press against him. Imagining this, Chen Tianming got aroused once more. "Useless thing," he scolded himself. "Brother, I didn't even think about it, how come you react so fast? Embarrassing, isn't it?" "Mr. Chen, are you ready?" Today, He Tao wore tight leggings, and a tight T-shirt, highlighting her curvy figure. "Pervert!" He Tao criticized silently. Today's outfit had an incredibly high return rate. Last time in the county, wearing this, a driver crashed into the car in front because he was staring at her. He Tao didn't know why she wore such an outfit today. Was it to show off to Chen Tianming? She blushed, wondering if she secretly anticipated this ride back. Previously, Chen Tianming hadn't stood out to her, but recently, he seemed more pleasing to the eye. Naturally, she ended up in this outfit. After just a few minutes on the highway, Chen Tianming slammed the brakes momentarily. With a "thud," He Tao lunged forward, hitting him, making Chen Tianming feel a pleasurable jolt. He chuckled secretly but pretended nothing happened due to the rough road, believing He Tao hadn't noticed. "Ouch! What's this hard object?" he planned another "accidental brake," but this time, he hit...Turning, he saw a clenched little fist. It turned out He Tao placed her small fists on his back. "Keep your eyes on the road. Drive carefully!" He Tao had figured out Chen Tianming's trick. She was pleased with her plan, thinking he wouldn't dare brake suddenly again. "Sigh, giving rides for free and hurting myself, what a loss," Chen Tianming grumbled. Suddenly, a van stopped abruptly in front of them. "Get out, get out!" A youth with long hair jumped out of the van, blocking Chen Tianming. "What do you want?" Chen Tianming stopped the bike, nervously asking. Could this really be happening? Usually, this route was safe. The one time he escorted a beauty, he encountered trouble. Time to play hero. "You ask what we want? Great. We're out of cash and need some from you." Meanwhile, several others descended from the van, standing behind the long-haired youth. Oh no, outnumbered. Big and burly guys, this hero act isn't happening today. Robbing small change while driving a van with a crew, was it necessary? "Stall them for five minutes while I call the police," He Tao whispered to Chen Tianming. "Buddies, I'm broke. You got the wrong guy." Chen Tianming aimed to buy time, despite yearning to be the hero. Better safe than sorry. "We want you. Oh no, the girl behind is calling the cops," the keen-eyed youth spotted He Tao's call. "Stop her!" he shouted, rushing over. "Let's talk this out," Chen Tianming dodged the punch, thinking his boxing and fight scenes' practice came in handy now. "Quick, settle it; cops will be here soon," shouted the long-haired youth. His squad surrounded Chen Tianming and He Tao. "Did you finish the call?" Chen Tianming asked He Tao. "Yes." He Tao was impressed by Chen Tianming's calm composure. She underestimated him. But now what? Police were minutes away. She knew Ye Dawei would retaliate but didn't expect it so soon. She swore she'd show Ye Dawei soon. "Only hit the guy, not the girl," the long-haired youth ordered. He Tao realized Ye Dawei must have told them not to hit her. She quickly shielded Chen Tianming. A thug, holding a metal pipe, saw her shield and pulled back his swing. Chen Tianming took this chance to kick the thug away, though he got punched from behind, feeling intense pain. Several more punches landed on Chen Tianming, especially one on his nose, which seemed to start bleeding.