"Let's go, we're here," Ye Feng said, tugging Lin Shiyun gently by the arm.
"We've arrived already?" Lin Shiyun asked, sensing the car coming to a halt.
"Where else did you think? Planning to ride all the way to another country?" Ye Feng teased her with a chuckle.
"Hey, where is everyone? I don't see any barbecue stalls here," Ye Feng muttered as he scanned the surroundings, spotting only elderly folks taking leisurely strolls. Not a single barbecue stand was in sight. He pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Hey, where are you guys?" Ye Feng barked into the phone, his irritation from earlier still lingering.
"We're here. Did you just arrive?" Hao Jian's cheerful voice came through the line.
"Yeah, but I don't see you anywhere," Ye Feng replied, his tone slightly more restrained.
"Don't worry, give us three minutes. We'll be right there," Hao Jian reassured him.
"Fine, hurry up," Ye Feng relented with a sigh. Though annoyed by the interruption, he decided to settle the score later over dinner.
Moments later, he spotted Hao Jian and Fan Tong waving energetically from a distance.
"There they are," Ye Feng said, pulling Lin Shiyun along as they approached the two.
"I've been starving, waiting for you guys!" Fan Tong complained dramatically as they drew near.
"Don't worry, you'll get to eat soon," Ye Feng said, smirking at Fan Tong before jokingly chiding him. "But you ruined my moment earlier. You'd better foot the bill tonight to make up for it!"
"Fine, fine. Whatever makes you happy," Hao Jian said with a sheepish laugh, knowing full well his untimely call had been poorly timed.
…
"Boss, give us twenty skewers of meat, twenty fish balls, twenty skewers of leeks, twenty squid skewers, and a plate of snails…" Hao Jian rattled off the order like a seasoned pro.
"Wow, looks like you come here often," Ye Feng teased, watching Hao Jian expertly place the order.
"Of course! There isn't a barbecue stall in Beihai I haven't tried, but this place is the best. I'm practically a VIP here," Hao Jian declared proudly as he carried a crate of beer back to their table.
"Don't rush. The food will take time; let's start with some drinks," Fan Tong suggested, pulling out a few bottles from the crate.
"Is it okay for Ye Feng to drink?" Fan Tong suddenly remembered Lin Shiyun's presence and hesitated.
"Do I look that controlling? He can drink if he wants," Lin Shiyun replied, rolling her eyes at Fan Tong's cautious tone.
"Well then, let's toast! Here, Ye Feng," Fan Tong said, handing a beer to him with a grin.
"Cheers! Tonight, we drink big and eat heartily!" Ye Feng laughed, clinking bottles with them.
As the men drank, Lin Shiyun nibbled delicately on a skewer, her small bites and dainty demeanor captivating to watch.
After a few rounds of beer, Fan Tong leaned in with a cheeky grin. "Ye Feng, how on earth did you manage to win over our ice goddess Lin Shiyun?"
"Simple—one sincere heart," Ye Feng replied with a playful wink at Lin Shiyun.
"Yeah, right," Fan Tong and Hao Jian scoffed in unison, clearly unconvinced by his words.
"You guys talk, I'll go grab more food," Lin Shiyun said, shaking her head at their antics as she stood up and walked toward the barbecue stand.
As time passed and Lin Shiyun didn't return, Ye Feng began to grow suspicious. "It's been a while. Why isn't she back yet?"
"I'll go check. Maybe the food's not ready yet," Fan Tong said, standing up and heading toward the stand.
Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air. "Let go of me, you pervert!"
Ye Feng's expression darkened immediately as he leaped to his feet and stormed toward the commotion.
"You have five seconds to let go of her, or you won't leave here with both hands intact," Ye Feng said coldly, his voice like ice as he arrived to see a blond-haired thug gripping Lin Shiyun's wrist.
"Ye Feng!" Lin Shiyun cried, breaking free from the thug's grasp and running tearfully into his arms.
"I've got you," Ye Feng whispered, patting her back gently. Then, his gaze turned steely as he locked eyes with the thug. "You dare lay a hand on her? Prepare to pay the price."
"What's going on here?" Hao Jian and Fan Tong arrived just in time to hear the tense exchange.
"So what if I touched her? She should feel honored," the thug sneered, trying to mask his fear with bravado.
Ye Feng's lips curled into a cold smile. "Honored? Let me show you the real meaning of that word."
Before the thug could react, Ye Feng moved like lightning, landing a resounding slap that sent him staggering backward.
"You little punk! You'll regret this!" the thug spat, clutching his stinging face.
"Bring whoever you want," Ye Feng said dismissively, his gaze unwavering. "One punch for every man you bring. Let's see who runs out of luck first."
Lin Shiyun tugged at Ye Feng's sleeve nervously. "What if he comes back with more people?"
"Then I'll take them all on," Ye Feng replied with a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's go back to our table and finish eating."