The disguised assassin didn't hesitate, lunging at Lei Zhengyang with lethal intent. Though skilled, he knew he couldn't outrun bullets. His only chance was to keep the pursuing Lei family guards from firing.
As he charged, a three-fold knife appeared in his hand, extending to two feet with a flash of deadly steel. The blade's killing aura was palpable. Lei Zhengyang's eyes narrowed. This killer was no amateur. A billion-yuan bounty on his head? Only the Yangs would splurge like that.
The knife moved with terrifying speed, its edge honed for silent slaughter, radiating menace.
"Lei Zhengyang, watch out!" Two small heads popped up, Xiao Ziye's voice ringing with panic.
Lei Zhengyang didn't turn, but his hand gripped the book he'd been reading—3D Programming. The assassin's blade pierced the thick volume, a testament to his strength, but the knife lodged. Seizing the moment, Lei Zhengyang unleashed a fist infused with the Golden Dragon's power.
The assassin raised an arm to block, hoping to reclaim his weapon. But he underestimated the punch's force. A sickening crack echoed—his arm snapped. Reacting with uncanny speed, he pressed his left hand against a seat, vaulting through the half-open window, shedding his disguise in a flurry of fabric.
The carriage gasped as the truth hit: the "stunning" female officer was a man. The would-be hero, nursing a slashed abdomen, muttered through gritted teeth, "Damn it, I'm blind—fell for a bloody impostor."
Lei Zhengyang's earlier quip now made sense to the stunned onlookers.
He didn't pursue, raising a hand to stop the Lei guards. "No need to chase. Coordinate with the train conductor to calm the passengers."
The train roared on, the assassin long gone after leaping off. Lei Zhengyang knew his guards were no match for such a foe. He wasn't worried—the killer's skill marked him as a known figure. They'd meet again.
He hadn't let the assassin escape out of mercy. The window was directly above the girls' seats. Stopping him was possible, but it would've endangered Ziye and Bingbing. For a mere hired blade, it wasn't worth the risk.
Seeing Lei Zhengyang safe, Xiao Ziye and Li Bingbing sprang forward, their faces alight with excitement, awe, and lingering fear.
"Lei Zhengyang, you're incredible!" Bingbing gushed, her flushed cheeks glowing. "I'm volunteering to be your girlfriend—how about it?" Her boldness, fueled by adrenaline, cast aside her usual shyness.
Ziye stepped closer, her voice soft with concern. "Are you hurt? That was terrifying."
Lei Zhengyang sat back, waving off the Lei guards to handle the aftermath. "I'm fine. Just a few pests—dealt with."
Train security flooded the carriage. After inquiries, it was clear: no ticket check had been ordered. The announcement targeted their compartment alone. The injured were rushed to the train's medical bay, and the conductor personally reassured the shaken passengers. Per Lei Zhengyang's instructions, no formalities were directed his way. His Lei family status smoothed everything, quelling the chaos.
"Lei Zhengyang, who are you?" Bingbing pressed, eyes wide. "That was insane! How'd you spot that 'woman' was a guy? Even my eagle eyes missed it!"
Her barrage of questions left Lei Zhengyang bemused. How could he explain? A year in the hellish training camp had honed his instincts to a razor's edge. Spotting disguises and threats was child's play. Survival had demanded tenfold effort, unlocking his potential in life-or-death moments.
He might've been a playboy, but he was no fool—just unmotivated until now.
"No need to guess," Ziye chimed in. "He's gotta be special forces, right? Those were criminals they're hunting—too dangerous for regular cops. Only elite soldiers could handle them. I heard special forces can take ten guys at once."
Lei Zhengyang raised an eyebrow. Where'd she hear that? Special forces weren't super soldiers, but they shared roots. Jincheng's Xiao family was a military powerhouse—could Ziye really be one of them?
Bingbing's eyes sparkled with adoration. "You're amazing! I've decided—I'm chasing you, whether you like it or not. Ziye, don't steal him! He's the first guy I've fallen for, and I'm all in."
Lei Zhengyang's heart gave a wry twist. Falling for a stranger this fast? Did this girl have no sense of caution? Still, her sunny enthusiasm warmed him. Back when women only feared or avoided him, a vibrant beauty like her throwing herself at him was a new thrill.
Ziye stared, stunned, as Bingbing's resolve seemed genuine—not just a fangirl whim. Their bond was deep, forged in the same neighborhood, not just at school. Bingbing wasn't a knockout like Ziye, but she had her own charm and suitors. She'd just been overshadowed by Ziye's radiance.
The old Lei Zhengyang would've scooped up a girl like Bingbing, kept her as a plaything, then discarded her. Now, he had no desire to hurt anyone.
He patted Bingbing's head lightly, smiling. "Little lady, you're young. You don't know what loving someone costs. If we meet again when you're grown, and fate allows, I'll give you a shot."
Ziye flashed him a grateful look. Bingbing's fiery streak made her stubborn—even Ziye might not sway her. Falling for a guy met on a train was reckless. Ziye suddenly regretted insisting on the train for "life experience." A flight would've had them home by now.
"Small? I'm almost nineteen!" Bingbing huffed. "Think I'm not pretty enough? If Ziye said that, you'd jump, right? No matter—I'll hold you to that chance, and I won't give up!" She clenched her fist, waving it with determination.
Lei Zhengyang didn't take it seriously. He'd been young and impulsive once, too. These fleeting sparks often faded with distance, like a breeze scattering leaves. He let her words amuse him.
Time flew, and the girls' stop arrived. Their moods flipped from before. Bingbing, now bold, said simply, "I'll remember you. When I'm truly grown, I'll find you."
Ziye, suddenly sentimental, looked at Lei Zhengyang. "It was great meeting you. If you're ever in Jincheng, call me. And… don't take Ice too seriously. She might forget in a few days."
Lei Zhengyang didn't stand to see them off, just waved. "Goodbye."
They were ships passing in the night, tangled by the assassin's chaos and a whimsical promise. He found it faintly amusing. At the next station, they'd likely forget each other. No need to dwell.