C3 Let's Have a Spin!

After freshening up, Westley checked out of the hotel and made his way to the bus station, where he boarded the number 26 bus. He didn't head back to the Aristocratic Villa he shared with Olivia, though; he went in the opposite direction.

A few stops later, Westley glanced at his phone: 11:28 AM, perfect timing.

"Arriving at South District No. 2 Senior High School station. Please prepare to disembark," announced the bus driver.

As the bus halted, passengers shuffled off through the back door and new riders boarded at the front. Westley's gaze was fixed on the front entrance, expectant.

Soon, a striking young woman stepped onto the bus. She was likely seventeen or eighteen, with a tall frame and a ponytail that accentuated her oval face and large eyes, exuding the charm of an Eastern classical beauty. Her youth was undeniable, and it was hard not to admire her vitality.

Her attire consisted of a bleached school uniform and locally made sneakers, and she carried a well-worn backpack. The edges of her shoes bore the marks of multiple repairs, hinting at a less-than-privileged background.

The girl stood somewhat shyly inside the crowded bus, filled mostly with students and lacking any open seats.

"Ivy," Westley called out with a smile.

At the sound of her name, Ivy turned and beamed at Westley. "Westley!" Her greeting seemed to lift the mood in the stuffy bus, like a breath of fresh air.

"Come sit here; I saved you a spot," Westley said as he stood up to greet her.

Ivy, without a moment's hesitation, made her way over and took the offered seat. "Thanks, Westley!" she said with a sweet smile.

"No need for formalities with me," he replied warmly, taking her backpack from her. "The usual at Wood Beef Noodles?"

"I'll add an egg this time!" Ivy nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Westley couldn't help but sigh internally at her cheerful demeanor. She was Ying's younger sister, a member of the Hidden Dragon Squad. The siblings, both orphans, had grown up depending on each other.

After Ying joined the Hidden Dragon Squad as a mercenary, he was always the most frugal with his earnings. His teammates would rib him about saving for a wedding, but he'd quickly set them straight—it was a dowry for his sister.

Before every mission, Ying would spend a long time gazing at his sister's photograph.

More than once, he implored his teammates to look after his sister should anything happen to him.

During a mission, Ying made the ultimate sacrifice for the Hidden Dragon Squad.

Now, only Westley remained.

Assuming a new identity, Westley became the Rogers Family's son-in-law. Partly to heal his own wounds, but primarily to honor Ying's dying wish—to take care of Ivy.

Ivy was a junior at No.2 Senior High School and a standout student, consistently ranking in the top three of her class.

Every Saturday at 11 a.m., Westley would faithfully catch the number 26 bus to pick Ivy up for her brief respite at home before she returned to school on Sunday.

Westley never wavered in this commitment.

They disembarked at Five-dragon Street station and walked shoulder to shoulder, chatting as they went.

"When's your college entrance exam?" Westley inquired.

"In just under two months," Ivy answered, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"You can't afford to slack off now. Aim for a top university," he advised.

"I know," Ivy replied, nodding. Then, with a playful grin, she added, "Westley, you're even more of a chatterbox than my brother."

"Oh, really?" Westley chuckled, scratching his head.

"Yeah. My brother's chatty, but he's always been so good to me. It's been years since I've seen him, though. I have no idea how he's doing now," Ivy said wistfully, a sigh escaping her lips.

Westley felt a lump form in his throat, his eyes stinging.

The poor girl was oblivious to the fact that her brother had passed away abroad three years earlier.

But the truth was something Westley could never bring himself to reveal.

It would be far too harsh a reality for Ivy, not yet eighteen.

Westley decided he would tell her when the time was right.

"Westley, what's up with you?" Ivy could tell something was off about him.

"Oh, it's nothing. Probably just the wind." Westley quickly ducked his head and fumbled for a cigarette, using the action to hide his discomfort.

Ivy pursed her lips, her tone a mix of concern and annoyance. "You're acting weird, Westley."

"Weird? How so?"

"Well, you rent a room here and only show up to stay for a bit on Saturdays. I hardly ever see you around. Ms. Aubree says you sneak around like a thief," she said.

The mental image of a burly woman with a face as round as a pig's head made Westley shiver. He laughed it off. "She never has anything nice to say, does she?"

"So, what is it that you do, Westley?" Ivy asked, cocking her head to one side, her eyes filled with curiosity.

They had become neighbors two years ago when Westley moved into the area and quickly struck up a friendship.

To Ivy, Westley was like the quintessential boy-next-door: witty, humorous, and always looking out for her. Their rapport was easy and comfortable.

But there was something undeniably odd about him. His habits were unconventional, and according to Ms. Aubree, he rarely came home, and when he did, he'd seclude himself in his room, refusing to be disturbed.

The mystery surrounding Westley sparked everyone's curiosity, fueling rumors that ranged from him being a thief to a gangster, and some even whispered he might be a murderer.

"Guess!" Westley teased, winking mysteriously.

"I couldn't possibly guess," Ivy said with a playful pout, sticking out her tongue as she dropped the subject.

In a way, it was better not to know. The air of mystery that surrounded Westley added a touch of intrigue to her impression of him, a bit of romantic whimsy that was typical of girls her age.

Five-dragon Street was nestled in an urban village, its residents hailing from all corners of the country, lending a unique vitality to this bustling lane less than a mile long.

As they reached the street, a rich tapestry of scents greeted them.

The air was alive with the aroma of freshly steamed buns, braised beef, roasted duck... a medley of culinary delights that tantalized the senses without overwhelming them, a reminder that life could be a feast for the senses.

Wood's Noodle Shop continued to thrive.

Wood, the middle-aged owner, was busy braising beef, filling the air with its savory aroma.

Westley was about to step into the shop with Ivy when he caught the roar of a motorcycle speeding up from behind.

It was clear that someone was its target.

"Watch out!"

With quick reflexes, Westley wrapped an arm around Ivy's shoulder, yanking her to safety.

The motorcycle whizzed by, narrowly missing her.

Ivy's face was ghostly white, clearly shaken by the close call.

Westley's gaze hardened, a frosty edge creeping into the atmosphere.

The bike, a model coveted by the youth of today, screeched to a halt not too far away.

A young man with fiery red hair hopped off with a show of nonchalance.

Decorated with garish skull decals, the bike's custom sound system blasted viral tunes at a volume that numbed the eardrums.

The youth, cigarette dangling from his lips, swaggered over with a shaky gait, as if afflicted by malaria.

Catching sight of Ivy, he leered and called out, "Isn't that Ivy, the belle of No.2 Senior High School? How about you join me for a spin?"