C22 – Is This Money Easy to Get?
When Wang Xiao spoke, the irate pickpocket’s expression turned stormy. Anger blazed in his eyes. He pointed at Wang Xiao and bellowed, “What did you just say? Dare to repeat it!”
“It appears that not only are you cowardly, but you’re also hard of hearing. I wonder, how did you end up as a pickpocket?”
A look of contempt appeared on Wang Xiao’s face. He cast a disdainful glance at the ragged thief and responded icily.
“You!”
The thief’s reaction to Wang Xiao’s words was a mix of panic and rage. His face turned beet-red with fury. He tightened his fist, preparing to strike.
“Mo, hold on!”
Just then, the blonde-haired young man intervened, gesturing for the thief to calm down.
“Why did you hold me back, Brother Huang Mao? I need to teach this guy a lesson!”
The thief, seeing the blonde youth intervening, couldn’t help but question him.
“Mo, I’ll handle him later. Right now, the priority is the money!”
A chilling smile graced the lips of the blonde youth as he spoke to the thief, who nodded in agreement.
Without delay, the blonde youth shifted his attention to Wang Xiao and Yu Meini, demanding, “You’ve taken up too much of our time. I won’t waste words. Give us all your money!”
Yu Meini’s expression tensed upon hearing this. The money in her bag was for her tuition. How could she just hand it over to these thugs?
“Oh, so now it’s not just theft but robbery too?”
A smirk formed on Wang Xiao’s face as he commented humorously.
“You think I won’t harm you if you don’t comply? Give the money now, or it’ll be the end for you!”
The irate pickpocket glared at Wang Xiao, his voice dripping with menace.
“Alright, alright. I’ll give you the money, okay?”
Noticing the pickpocket’s menacing stance, Wang Xiao raised his hands in a mock show of fear. As he pulled out his wallet, he playfully told Yu Meini, “Better give them the money fast. Can’t you see these gentlemen are in a hurry?”
“Uh...”
Hearing Wang Xiao speak, Yu Meini was taken aback. She had assumed that Wang Xiao would bravely confront these two thugs, demonstrating his resilience, and give her a chance to flee.
Didn’t this turn of events seem odd?
However, in mere moments, she clenched her teeth and cast a scornful look at Wang Xiao.
She had believed him to be unyielding!
Yet, he appeared to be just as fearful!
Hmph!
“Why are you staring? Hand over your bag quickly. Or later, you might find yourselves regretting it. Isn’t it evident that money is less valuable than avoiding harm?”
Wang Xiao quickly took the bag from Yu Meini, his demeanor stern. Had it not been for his earlier assistance in the car, Yu Meini might have suspected that he was in league with the other two.
Seeing Wang Xiao’s actions, both the blond youth and the sneaky thief smirked.
“How did he do that!”
Both the yellow-haired youth and the sneaky pickpocket gaped in surprise, seeing Wang Xiao effortlessly evade their attacks.
“Nothing’s out of reach. I’ve told you, neither of you stand a chance against me. My turn now.”
Wang Xiao’s chilling laughter echoed in their ears.
Panic set in. Both the yellow-haired youth and the pickpocket simultaneously realized the tide had turned and began to back away.
But in an instant, two strong hands seized their arms, yanking them forward.
Thud! Thud!
The muffled sounds of punches were followed by both figures being thrown, landing on the grassy patches on either side.
“Good, very good!”
Observing from a distance, Yu Meini’s gaze, clear and shimmering, rested on Wang Xiao’s towering figure. A peculiar glint passed through her eyes, and she slightly bit her vibrant red lips, letting out a gentle sigh.
Historically, there’s a saying that damsels are drawn to gallant champions!
Any young lady witnessing a lad courageously defending and safeguarding her is bound to experience a flutter of emotions.
“Why push me to this point?” Wang Xiao stretched his arms out, lamenting to the pair, “Having intervened, it won’t be simple for both of you to walk away!”
“Elder one, we beg your pardon. Our actions were misguided.”
The blow rendered the blonde lad and the miscreant pickpocket ashen-faced. Recognizing their disadvantage against Wang Xiao, they hastily scrambled to their feet, imploring him for clemency.
“It isn’t unthinkable to pardon you. But consider the time you’ve squandered of mine. The emotional toll and the fleeting youth...”
Elevating his chin slightly, Wang Xiao issued a disdainful huff, his smile holding a tinge of mockery.
The blonde youth and the rogue pickpocket grasped Wang Xiao’s implication instantly. Swiftly, they retrieved their wallets, offering them to Wang Xiao while chorusing, “Esteemed sir, please accept this modest gesture!”
“Hmm, at least you recognize the etiquette.”
Wang Xiao confiscated over two thousand yuan from their wallets, tucked it into his belt, then handed the wallets back, commanding, “Depart at once!”
“Much gratitude, noble one. We shall take our leave!”
Accepting their wallets, the duo nodded profusely and promptly retreated.
Yu Meini, witnessing this peculiar turn of events, was momentarily taken aback. They were initially the victims of an attempted robbery, yet in moments it seemed as if they were the ones pocketing the money!
“Naive lass, with that look, are you contemplating sharing my earnings? Dream on. This is the fruit of my endeavors.”
Wang Xiao discerned Yu Meini’s scrutinizing look. Her gaze was cautious as he responded firmly.
It took a moment for Yu Meini to gather herself. Hearing Wang Xiao’s statement, she was initially bewildered, then her expression reddened in anger, “Who’s interested in dividing your ill-gotten gains? It’s dishonest money; I’ve no desire for it.”
Without delay, she reclaimed her purse from Wang Xiao.
“Innocent lass, one might be careless in eating but must be careful in speaking. This is compensation for my anguish, not loot!”
Wang Xiao articulated gravely to Yu Meini.
Who are you calling naive? Your entire lineage is naive! Only then did Yu Meini discern Wang Xiao’s reference to her. Her face flushed with irritation as she retorted to Wang Xiao, “I am Yu Meini, not ‘innocent lass’!”