American homeless people, surviving in the city

When Lin Qi slowly walked down from the ring, the area around the Razor Gang erupted in chaos.

Cheers surged forth like a tidal wave, mixed with whistles, table-banging, and boisterous shouts. Some even smashed beer bottles on the ground and jumped onto tables, yelling "Lynch, King of the Boxing Match!" The exaggerated reactions made Lynch even begin to doubt whether he and that guy had really met for the first time just a few tens of minutes ago. If an unsuspecting person saw this, they might suspect that he and Lynch were brothers.

Even Sanjar walked over excitedly, his ugly face beaming with uncontrollable joy. He stopped beside Lynch and patted him hard on the shoulder:

"Good job, lad! You're a lifesaver for the Razor Gang today!"

"With these two wins, even if Boss Vesalio asks again later, we won't have much to say!"

However, despite hearing these cheers and praises, Lynch remained completely unmoved.

He could only gasp for breath, feeling the soreness in his limbs as he gripped the hilt of his hunting knife tightly, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Jenkins is a respectable opponent. Although he used unexpected tactics during the fight, he also possesses formidable strength and a magnanimous heart.

If he were ten years younger, Lin Qi estimated that he definitely wouldn't be able to beat him.

Compared to Jenkins, who followed moral principles, the Razor Shields...

Lynch stood before Sanjar, slowly raising his head with a serious expression. He spoke in a low voice, but his tone carried an undeniable chill:

"Let's not talk about unimportant things first."

"I heard I'm getting another fight, against Choi Seung-ho again. Is that true?"

Sanjar's smile froze instantly. He looked into Lynch's tired yet still sharp eyes, sighed, and nodded helplessly.

"...Yes."

Hearing this, Lin Qi frowned even more deeply. Seeing this, Sanjar quickly explained, his voice tinged with apology:

"...That is indeed my fault. When I asked you to replace Leo, I forgot to explain this rule to you."

"But even so, I still hope you can go up and finish this last game."

Lin Qi's face was ashen, and he remained silent.

Sanjar's voice became more earnest: "...I know this request is excessive for you. You've already played two matches today, and the opponents you faced were not easy."

"But this wasn't in my plan either. It all started because of Leo's sudden departure, and I didn't want it to be like this."

"Of the three players who have already competed, the only one who might still be able to challenge that kid surnamed Cui is... you."

Seeing that Lynch remained silent, Sanjar sighed helplessly:

"...Of course, you've already helped us a lot, doing far more than we agreed on beforehand. So, if you really don't want to play, or if you feel physically unable to continue, I won't force you to play."

"After all, our Razor Clan's goal is just to win this match, not to torture you. If you can't play in this match even if you go up there, I can't force you to go up and fight."

"On the other hand, I can't bring myself to force a newcomer who has just made a contribution to go up and take a beating."

"But...if you feel you still have the ability..."

Sanjar lowered his voice: "I still hope you can give it a try."

"If you feel something is wrong after you take office, just surrender. I'll explain to the boss that this responsibility will never be left to you."

"And if we can win this..."

Sanchez gritted his teeth: "I'll allow you to add anything beyond the previously agreed-upon compensation! Just tell me what you want!"

"As long as your request is reasonable, I'll report it to the boss, and he'll definitely be able to fulfill it! Even if he can't, I'll personally make up for it! I mean what I say!"

Upon hearing Sanjar's words, Lynch remained silent for a few seconds.

He naturally didn't believe that Sanjar would be so selfless as to give him his own money as a reward for the match.

But he also felt that since Sanjar had already said such polite words in front of so many people, he should at least not treat himself too badly.

After all, these street hustlers care most about their reputation. At least during the time Lin Qi interacted with them, he never saw them lie.

Lin Qi looked down, raised his hand, and glanced at his still slightly trembling arm. Leaving aside the muscles in his arms, he felt sore all over.

Two consecutive high-intensity battles had greatly depleted his physical strength, and his breathing was somewhat uneven.

But he knew all too well what backing down now would mean.

Sanjar made his boast in front of everyone not only to motivate himself to take the stage, but also to build momentum for him in front of the Razor Gang members.

If he continues to play, win or lose, he will be the hero who took on the task for the Razor Claws tonight.

But if he insists on refusing to play in the final tiebreaker despite the fervor, his reputation in the Razor Claws will vanish instantly, and it's uncertain whether he can even fulfill the favor he gained by playing in the previous match.

A jumble of thoughts flashed through Lin Qi's mind, and he felt a little agitated, but now that things had come to this, there was no turning back.

He slowly raised his head, looking at Sanjar with a calm yet resolute gaze:

"Since you've put it that way... then I'll hit you."

"Really?...That's great!"

Sanjar's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of approval flashing in them. He patted Lynch on the shoulder:

"Good lad, I knew you could do it! Leo's last-minute desertion tonight really caused us a lot of trouble. Looks like I owe you a favor now."

"Then let's go! Don't worry about winning or losing, just do your best and prioritize protecting yourself."

Lin Qi nodded, said nothing more, and just gave a tired smile.

...I've given so much, I hope the Razor Gang can give me enough in return.

At least in this cult case that remains shrouded in mystery, I just need to protect myself; I'm not asking for anything else for now...

Before the competition started, Lin Qi quickly found an empty seat and sat down to rest and recover his strength.

Some people eagerly brought Lin Qi Red Bull, while others offered to massage him, but he refused them all.

He didn't want to be served by these burly, rough men; it felt strange.

Lin Qi simply closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and pricked up his ears, waiting for the signal to start.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching from afar and stopping beside him.

Lynch opened his eyes and saw Sanchez standing beside him.

The once arrogant young man was now pale, his eyes were lifeless, and there was a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.

He looked at Lin Qi with a complex expression, a mixture of resentment and awe.

"What? Trying to make fun of me again?" Lin Qi laughed.

"...No more."

Sanchez quickly shook his head; it seemed that Choi Seung-ho's kick had completely sobered him up.

He simply patted Lynch on the shoulder:

"Kid, I underestimated you. You're very capable, and you also have... courage."

"I am not as good as you."

His voice was hoarse:

"...So, keep it up. Don't embarrass the Razor Gang."