Cheng Yi noticed that both Jian Yiling and Hu Jiaojiao were fixated on watching Luo Xiu'en beat up the thugs. Concerned about the impact such violence might have on them, especially on someone like Jian Yiling, he gently advised, "There's nothing to see in a fight like this. Let's head home."
A scene this brutal wasn't something someone as sweet and innocent as Jian Yiling should be witnessing, at least in Cheng Yi's view.
However, contrary to Cheng Yi's suggestion, Jian Yiling didn't turn away. Instead, she walked directly toward Luo Xiu'en and the thugs lying on the ground.
Sensing someone approaching, Luo Xiu'en stopped her punches. Despite her brutal strength, she wasn't completely out of control. She still had the presence of mind to stop when needed.
When Luo Xiu'en saw Jian Yiling coming toward her, she recognized her immediately. She had already seen her picture in the research institute's updated files that morning. There was no mistaking her.
Jian Yiling stopped in front of the four thugs sprawled out on the ground, her gaze locking onto the man who had attempted his ridiculous confession earlier. Without a word, she raised her foot and stomped down on his face.
Although her kick wasn't as powerful as Luo Xiu'en's punches, the intent was clear. She wasn't holding back as much as one might expect. After pressing her foot down, she even twisted it slightly, grinding his face into the dirt. A red mark formed on the man's skin, mingling with the gray dirt now smeared across his cheek.
Hu Jiaojiao, witnessing this, swallowed nervously. *Jian Yiling, you're braver than I thought...*
Jian Yiling's face remained serious as she carried out her action. Her small lips were pursed in concentration, her expression entirely focused on the task at hand.
This sight made Luo Xiu'en's smile grow even wider. In her eyes, Jian Yiling looked both fierce and adorable—like a small, sweet bunny, but with sharp teeth.
*So cute, but also so fierce,* Luo Xiu'en thought, amusement twinkling in her eyes.
Stepping closer, Luo Xiu'en greeted Jian Yiling with a warm smile. "You must be Yiling, right? I saw your picture in the system this morning! I could tell from the photo that you're such an adorable little cutie, but seeing you in person, you're even more precious!"
Looking at Jian Yiling's delicate face, Luo Xiu'en had an overwhelming urge to reach out and pinch her cheeks. The research institute was filled with old men, and even someone like Cheng Yi—who was relatively young—was considered rare. Having a girl around, especially one as clever as Jian Yiling, was a breath of fresh air for Luo Xiu'en.
Jian Yiling gave a small nod in response. After a brief pause, she added, "Thank you."
Her voice was naturally soft and sweet, filled with genuine gratitude. She was thanking Luo Xiu'en not only for coming here today but also for dealing with these troublemakers on her behalf.
Luo Xiu'en waved off her thanks with a grin. "No need to thank me! We're family now! If you ever need anything, just come to me. I've got your back!" She patted her chest with confidence, promising her unwavering support.
Jian Yiling nodded again. Although she didn't plan on troubling Luo Xiu'en any further, she didn't refuse the offer either. Throughout their conversation, her foot remained planted on the man's face, the thug groaning as he inadvertently swallowed some of the dust that had fallen from her shoe. His face twisted in discomfort, but he dared not move.
Meanwhile, in Ji Ming's apartment, Yu Xi watched the live footage with his mouth hanging open. The scene unfolding on his screen was hard to believe. He recalled an old saying: *When a rabbit is cornered, it will bite.*
Just then, he heard a soft chuckle beside him. Startled, Yu Xi turned to see Zhai Yunsheng grinning, clearly amused by the events playing out. Yu Xi hadn't expected this reaction from him.
Before Yu Xi could ask any questions, Zhai Yunsheng suddenly stood up and headed for the door. His bodyguards immediately followed, leaving only two of them behind to keep an eye on Ji Ming, who was still jump-roping as instructed.
Seeing Zhai Yunsheng leaving, Ji Junfeng hurriedly rushed after him, his face pale with worry. He called out desperately, "Master Zhai, I swear, I will discipline my son properly! Please, don't hold it against us. This time, I beg you, please show mercy!"
Ji Junfeng continued to grovel, promising to teach his son a lesson, but Zhai Yunsheng didn't even acknowledge his pleas. He kept walking without sparing him a glance.
The two bodyguards quickly blocked Ji Junfeng from following any further, preventing him from getting close to Zhai Yunsheng. They stood tall and impassive, making it clear that Ji Junfeng was not to approach any closer.
Frustrated but powerless, Ji Junfeng could only watch as Zhai Yunsheng and his team walked out of the apartment, leaving him behind, desperate and terrified about what might happen next.