Mu Zi sprinted through the streets of Binbei City, his backpack rhythmically thumping against his back with each stride.
His current goal was to enrich his mind and strengthen his body. He firmly believed that, regardless of the profession, abundant knowledge was the most critical weapon. This belief had been clearly demonstrated during the Gecko murder case. Also, as the saying goes, a strong body is the foundation of everything else. Thus, since arriving in Binbei City, he had enrolled in a computer training course, attending punctually at 8 AM each day. After classes, he would spend an hour at the gym, followed by returning to his rental apartment to eat, browse the internet for information, watch movies or listen to music when tired, and sleep promptly at 10 PM. Every weekend, he gave himself a day off to ride his Harley motorcycle, which he had obtained from a black market, indulging in the thrill of speed on remote roads. Like eight out of ten men, Mu Zi couldn't resist the exhilarating allure of racing. Ever since he saw Liu Jie's motorcycle, he became obsessed with Harley motorcycles and racing.
If it hadn't been the weekend, if he hadn't gone out to race, he wouldn't have encountered Li Tian.
Thus, his peaceful life was disrupted. Despite knowing Li Tian for less than twelve hours, Mu Zi keenly sensed that this downtrodden man, controlled by hatred, was actually trustworthy and worth befriending. Sometimes, the feeling of meeting a kindred spirit can be similar to encountering a romantic interest. One is love at first sight; the other is a connection at first meeting.
Mu Zi and Li Tian were such friends, despite Li Tian being nineteen years older.
Mu Zi's decision to help Li Tian wasn't really for the "big share" of money he mentioned. He simply wanted to help and thus chose to do so. It was that simple. And Li Tian's trust and reliance on him stemmed from what? A friend's intuition or the power of hatred?
Hatred indeed is a potent force. It can both unleash a person's potential, making them strong and formidable, as Mu Zi had been, and cloud their judgment, rendering them hysterical and fragile, like Li Tian now. If not for hatred clouding his mind, Mu Zi was convinced Li Tian would be a smart, even exceptionally intelligent person.
Hatred's power should not be underestimated…
Now, in addition to his daily exercise routine, Mu Zi had new tasks, goals, and… challenges!
Mu Zi realized he actually relished the feeling of facing challenges – it was fulfilling, exciting, and tempting. It was the state of being he loved and yearned for in life.
Running, running! Each step was full of spirited determination and unparalleled strength.
The morning sun was infinitely beautiful, and the air was filled with the passionate and unrestrained scent of summer.
He kept running until he reached the end of Binbei Avenue, the city's busiest street. Turning left at the T-junction, he would arrive at his computer school. Mu Zi liked the name of the school - Chaoyang Computer School.
As he was about to reach the end of Binbei Avenue, a girl running ahead caught his eye.
Seen from behind, the girl had a slim figure, her black hair fluttering with each movement, every swing of her arms and step she took was filled with endless grace.
Ouyang?
Mu Zi quickened his pace, overtaking the girl, and saw the familiar, flawlessly beautiful face. Despite being covered in sweat, her beauty was undiminished. Her naturally fair skin made any makeup or beauty treatment pale in comparison. Her clear, melancholic eyes were filled with resilience, yet vulnerable. If Yezi's eyes were like the water of Taohua Pool, then these eyes were a beautiful abyss, tempting onlookers to leap in despite knowing the risks. Her exquisite features were perfectly placed on her flawless face, like a divine creation… She was Mu Zi's computer teacher, mainly teaching network technology. Having attended Chaoyang Computer School for over two weeks, Mu Zi had learned quite a bit about this beautiful computer teacher. Ouyang Liuse, 22 years old, orphaned at a young age, raised by her aunt and uncle in a poor household. A natural computer prodigy, her beauty had shocked the entire school, attracting many students and teachers not for work or study, but just to catch a glimpse of her.
Initially, Mu Zi too was struck by her beauty upon joining the school. He soon realized what attracted him was not just her looks but a unique aura that he couldn't name or describe but definitively drew him in. As a young man, he had had vague feelings for her, much like his feelings for Yezi, but even more intense. Perhaps this was what they called infatuation? Mu Zi wasn't sure, but he quickly decided to suppress these feelings. Firstly, Ouyang Liuse was a proud person, rejecting all admirers, including wealthy heirs, influential politicians' sons, and charming young talents. Mu Zi felt inferior, thinking, "What am I in terms of money, power, talent, or looks?" So, he didn't dare to harbor other thoughts about her. Secondly, he was just a wanderer. Binbei City was just a stop on his journey; he wasn't meant to stay.
So, he decided not to harbor any feelings for her. He planned to continue enriching his knowledge, strengthening his body, and leading a calm and fulfilling life...
"Teacher Ouyang?" Mu Zi slowed down, greeting Ouyang Liuse with a puzzled look. He was curious because she not only looked exhausted and sweaty but was also dressed oddly. She wore a black knee-length skirt, the school's uniform for female teachers, but on her feet were worn women's sports shoes. Her top was a large white work shirt with a cute Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf pattern and the words "Pleasant Goat Dairy Company" on the back.
Ouyang Liuse stopped, noticing Mu Zi's puzzled look. Her sweaty face showed a bit of embarrassment, "I... just finished a part-time job."