"Zhu Yuan~ Talking to people like that is a waste of breath."
"I understand senior!"
Back at the park, Fu Hua wrapped up her martial arts practice, leaving behind a trail of impressed uncles and aunties clapping and murmuring praise.
"Milk tea sounds good…"
Though phrased as a question, her feet were already headed toward the nearby bubble tea shop.
Meanwhile, the helmeted fugitive spotted a getaway car waiting at the corner.
"Just a little further… If I reach that car, I'm safe—I am safe!"
But fate had other plans.
From around the bend, the white-haired enforcer Seth stepped out, shield raised, blocking the path.
"Hmph! You're not getting away. Surrender now!"
"Damn it! I was so close! Why are you stopping me?!"
The fugitive unsheathed a massive broadsword and charged.
Seth responded in kind—drawing his own blade and bracing his shield.
The standoff was enough to make the helmeted man rethink his strategy.
He darted into the bubble tea shop and grabbed the nearest person—
A petite girl with milky-white hair and wide pink eyes.
That unlucky soul was Coco, the shop's clerk.
"Don't come any closer! My sword doesn't care who it hits!"
Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, and the other officers froze.
"Kidnapping a civilian? That's low, even for you!"
Seth growled, fists clenched.
"Hmph! I don't care. This is my only way out!"
Coco, trembling, stared at the blade near her neck.
Big bro… I was hiding under the counter. You could've grabbed any random bystander. Why me?! What kind of brain damage are you running on?!
She screamed internally, tears welling up.
Qingyi stepped forward, staff resting behind her back, voice calm.
"Helmet guy, it's not too late to stop. You don't want to cross a line you can't uncross."
The fugitive glanced around at the encircling officers.
"Let me get in the car. Let us go, and I'll release the girl!"
The tension spiked.
Zhu Yuan sighed, prioritizing Coco's safety.
"Fine. Seth, stand down."
"Captain!"
"Public safety first. We'll handle the rest."
"Understood. You better keep your word."
Seth reluctantly stepped back.
The helmeted man smirked.
"Ha! I thought you were tough. Turns out you're just—"
He didn't get to finish before a blur of gray-blue flashed past.
Before anyone could react, Fu Hua appeared behind the fugitive.
With a swift knife-hand strike, she disarmed him.
A palm thrust sent him stumbling back.
She pulled Coco into a protective hold, then spun and delivered a brutal kick to his chin.
The force shattered his helmet, sending him flying across the pavement.
His twisted face and the spit flying from his mouth were the only things visible before he hit the ground.
Zhu Yuan and the others rushed in to secure the suspect.
Fu Hua, calm as ever, turned to Coco—still stunned.
"Sorry for the trouble. I'll take a cup of Milk tea, please. And thank you."