Chapter 2: Unwanted Attention
The night air was crisp, the streets still alive with the usual hum of city life. Tang Rouxi walked with steady steps, her mind already planning her next move—until a sharp cry cut through the noise.
"Ahh! My bag! Someone stop him!"
Rouxi's eyes flicked toward the voice. A young girl stood on the sidewalk, her arms flailing in frustration as a man bolted down the street with her designer handbag.
One glance and Rouxi knew—spoiled rich kid.
The girl was dressed in luxury from head to toe, her long, wavy hair perfectly styled despite the late hour. What stood out the most, however, were her striking blue eyes—sharp, bright, and demanding attention. Her jawline was defined, her features delicate yet confident. A rare beauty, even among the wealthy.
Rouxi sighed. This wasn't her business.
But her feet were already moving.
The thief thought he had a head start. He was fast—but not faster than Tang Rouxi.
In an instant, she closed the distance, her movements a blur. Before he could react, she grabbed the back of his collar, yanking him to the ground with effortless strength. A sharp gasp rippled through the watching crowd.
The man barely had time to struggle before Rouxi twisted his wrist, forcing him to release the bag. The moment it fell, she snatched it up and tossed it back at the girl without a word.
Applause erupted around her.
Rouxi's jaw tightened. She hated attention.
Ignoring the cheers, she turned on her heels and strode away, vanishing into a taxi before the blue-eyed girl could even say thank you.
Home
The familiar scent of home greeted her the moment she stepped inside. The hired nanny was in the kitchen, washing dishes. From the living room, the sound of the television buzzed softly.
Her siblings were awake.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Rouxi's lips—a rare sight. She rarely smiled, except when it came to them.
"Tang Rouxi!"
Two small figures rushed toward her, their laughter filling the room.
Tang Yue, her little sister, wrapped her tiny arms around Rouxi's waist, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Tang Fei, her younger brother, clung to her arm, looking up at her with pure adoration.
"You're back!" Yue beamed.
"You were gone forever!" Fei pouted.
Rouxi ruffled their hair before pulling out two small bags. "I brought gifts."
Yue gasped, eyes wide as she took the little doll from the bag. "She's so pretty!"
Fei, meanwhile, grinned from ear to ear at his anime merch. "No way! This is from my favorite show!"
They both clung to her, chattering away about their day. Rouxi listened with quiet amusement, their voices softening the edges of her normally hardened heart.
"Let me shower first," she told them. "Then I'll listen to everything, okay?"
They nodded eagerly, skipping back to the couch as she headed toward her room.
The moment she stepped inside, her body tensed.
Something was wrong.
Her gaze flicked toward the curtain. It was too still. Too perfect.
She narrowed her eyes. "Come out."
Silence.
Then—movement.
A shadow darted from behind the curtain, lunging toward her with a sharp kick.
Rouxi didn't flinch. Pathetic.
Before his foot could make contact, she sidestepped, spun around, and struck. Her knee slammed into the back of his leg, forcing him to buckle. In the same breath, she grabbed him by the throat, pinning him against the wall.
The man choked, his hands clawing at her grip.
Rouxi's eyes darkened, her voice sharp as steel. "You dare come to my home?"
She tightened her hold, her voice dropping lower. "Who sent you?"
The man gasped, his body trembling under her grip.
Rouxi's patience was thin.
And she was not in the mood for games.