They are still close to me today despite their negative feelings

"Wow, that's so cool." I looked at the masked man and shrugged. "You're absolutely right. My biggest principle in dealing with people is to be pragmatic and know exactly what I can and can't mess with."

Walking back to Chu Qingya, I slightly blocked her way.

"But it's a real shame. Where is that thing you said you couldn't afford to offend?"

I said with a smile.

"You're not secretly pleased that I'm so talkative, which allowed you to call your accomplices over, are you? Coincidentally, I was also thinking you're a really honest person—guess how many of your peripheral accomplices have been dealt with so far?"

The other party's gaze sharpened instantly, and as I had predicted, upon hearing the news, he immediately decided to abandon the fallen man, and while retreating, he threw a dagger at Chu Qingya's position at a tricky angle.

That fits my suspicions about this kind of despicable guy. His companions are irrelevant; the escape is a diversionary tactic to distract the hunters—why, you ask? Because if I were in his position, I would have made the same choice.

I hesitated to let Chu Qingya leave rashly because I was worried that something might go wrong on Uncle Gold Tooth's side, who hadn't yet formed an encirclement, causing Chu Qingya to fall into their hands and putting us at a disadvantage. However, doing so also meant that, at least in this alley, the other side had a clear countermeasure that I had no way to deal with.

Although it was only for a moment, the other party certainly did not let him go.

"Ning Ruoyu!"

Chu Qingya saw me blocking the flying dagger, unaware that I had already deflected the opponent's throw with the dagger I had just picked up, and instinctively cried out in concern.

however.

"Ning Ruoyu?!"

The masked man's reaction after hearing my name surprised me.

So, you're also a member of the anti-Ning organization from Linwai High School?

However, his next sentence made my eyes widen in surprise.

"Ning Ruoyu, the 'King of the Silver Night'?"

I...I...I never thought I'd hear that damn nickname here in my entire life!

……

"Sorry, Brother Ning, we've caught most of them. But that guy wearing the mask..."

"Ah, I can understand. That guy is not in the same league as the rest of the group who are just there to make up the numbers."

On the phone, I comforted the man with the gold teeth.

"If I had to say, I would also be considered one of the culprits who let him escape."

"...No, this is a huge favor I owe you." The man with the gold teeth said so solemnly, which was rare for him. "If it weren't for you, my senior would have been in danger because of me. I promise you, no matter what forces are involved, I will personally investigate this matter to the death."

Even though I didn't show up or come to the hospital, this guy probably still really wants to know the news. So I sighed.

"Don't worry, Miss Chu Qingya is fine... but those people's things seem to be more than just beginner level."

"Yes, although it seems like they're just growing soft raw materials, it looks like they're doing a lot of hard business behind the scenes."

The man with the gold teeth smacked his lips.

A prime example is the newcomer who collapsed on the spot. He had probably taken some of their own stuff, and was acting somewhat manic and violent. Although I rushed over immediately after hearing from Sister Zhang that the boss and the others had gone out, I was still a little too late and couldn't stop them from entering that alley.

"Speaking of which, about that guy—he survived, but the doctor said his genitals are in a bit of a mess. Do you have any leads?" the gold-toothed man asked me.

"Ah, that guy once said he wanted to defile Miss Chu Qingya."

"I see, I understand completely now. What do you mean by 'a little bad' in the lower body'? It's clearly a devastating blow to the lower body. I will correct the doctor properly."

Haha, Uncle Gold Tooth is quite humorous.

—He was joking, right?!

"Also, regarding the personnel involved in this incident, perhaps..."

"Ning Ruoyu! I've finished checking everything on my end... Oh, sorry, am I on the phone?"

Chu Qingya's voice interrupted the man with the gold teeth on the other end of the phone. Seeing the somewhat apologetic landlady, I nodded slightly.

"...Never mind, it's not a big deal. Just like you said, these things are our responsibility, we'll handle them." After hearing Chu Qingya's words, Uncle Gold Tooth quickly ended the conversation.

"I'm entrusting my senior's safety to you; it's really not convenient for me to get involved here. As for those people and the organization behind them, leave that to us. Things have developed to this point, and we must communicate with White and the others."

"Perhaps we could discuss this with Black and the others—I don't think Black and the others would be happy to see things in this situation either."

"...You're right. Let's leave it at that for now."

There was a busy tone on the other end of the line.

Did I interrupt your conversation with your friend?

"We're not exactly friends, and you know the landlady too."

"Oh..." Chu Qingya quickly understood who I was referring to. "Speaking of which, I should thank him this time, but I was implicated because of him. Hmm, never mind."

"Haha, I feel like Uncle Gold Tooth is going to cry."

"Please try to understand my situation a little. I'm already quite old, but I'm being forced into a romantic relationship like a high school student. What kind of nonsense is this? It's so annoying! He and I aren't in that kind of relationship at all. Why are you trying to force me into this?"

Chu Qingya puffed out her cheeks slightly, "And Ning Ruoyu, you just called me 'boss lady' again, didn't you? You clearly said you would call me by my full name in private."

"Is that the point? It seems like you're being a bit unreasonable, Miss Chu Qingya..."

"I've been dragged into this mess, can't I even be unreasonable?" Chu Qingya widened her eyes. "I've already been very virtuous by not lying down and rolling around demanding to be carried back."

"What's with lying down and rolling around? Haha, Miss Chu Qingya, you're being too childish!"

"Ha, still adding 'Miss'? Fine, I'll call you 'Mr. Ning Ruoyu' from now on too." Chu Qingya said unhappily. "Oh, but speaking of which, what were you talking about just now, all that black and white stuff—what did you mean?"

"And that one, 'King of the Silver Night'. That's what the masked guy called you, I think."

"Why would he call you that? Does he know you?"

Chu Qingya's words immediately gave me a headache.

[Next chapter preview: "'Dream Violet,' doesn't that fit my theme color perfectly?"]

"Isn't it cool? Silver Night, it sounds like the elegance of a vampire and the ruthlessness of a Blade Runner."

"Xiao Ning, what will you be called from now on? I'm really looking forward to it."

"Brother, do you prefer to sleep on your left or right side at night?"

Chapter 110: As long as there is love, that's enough, right?

“Senior, senior!”

I saw my colleague, who had dyed his hair yellow and was wearing a uniform, excitedly running towards me.

While I was transferring money, I silently closed the interface, looked at him with a frown, and didn't say anything.

Although he is actually older than me, if we consider the time he entered the industry, I really don't need to correct the term "senior".

However, it sounds too much like "senbei" (rice cracker), which makes it seem a bit strange.

"The boss said there's going to be a popularity vote for the whole street soon, and everyone should come up with a cool nickname! Senior, have you thought of one yet?"

"Whatever. Have you thought it through?"

I was just asking casually, but the other person looked smug.

"'Dream Violet', doesn't that fit my theme color perfectly?"

Good soil.

"Are you sure that writing this out won't sound like some kind of champagne brand?"

"Hey, isn't that cool?"

Forget it, let's not communicate anymore.

I sighed and forced myself to speak.

"It's really good, quite nice."

"Right, right? Compared to those guys, isn't mine pretty artsy? They all have names like 'Night Splendor,' 'Emperor Caesar,' and 'Divine Blessed Cherry Blossom.' Seriously, it's just not good enough."

"..."

"senior?"

"...Hmm? Oh, it's nothing, I was just spacing out." Actually, he was thinking about how to get rid of this silly activity.

"Haha, I guess the senior doesn't want to participate in this activity?" the colleague said with a laugh. "The boss said that if he sees the senior looking thoughtful, he must remind him that participation is mandatory. If the senior can't think of a name, he'll come and come up with one himself."

"fair enough."

"Huh? Is it okay?"

My colleague was startled. "This is the first shot in making a name for yourself in the industry! Shouldn't you give yourself a powerful and imposing nickname? It might even increase your table-order rate!"

What do your nicknames have to do with being imposing and powerful? I sighed.

"It doesn't matter. I don't care about that. Instead of worrying about it, let's get ready—we're opening soon."

……

"...How should I describe your taste?"

"Isn't it cool? Silver Night, it sounds like the elegance of a vampire and the ruthlessness of a Blade Runner."

"...That sounds a bit R-rated." I rubbed my temples. "Boss, have you really not forgotten what industry we're in? Do we really need to go to such lengths to come up with nicknames for people in the industry?"

"First of all, you've got one thing wrong. This isn't a 'nickname,' it's a 'title.' Secondly, why not? This is also your starting point in your career in the industry."

The boss smiled and said, "Xiao Ning, you are the successor I have high hopes for—at this time, a man should have a resounding title, just like a tie and watch for formal occasions."

"Forget it. Making money is one thing, but you should find someone else to take over." I shook my head. "I have no interest in things above me, except for self-preservation."

"...Then it seems you must be interested. Because in our industry, everyone is just trying to protect themselves." The boss, usually a seemingly honest and unassuming businessman, only revealed the languid air of someone accustomed to his high position at times like this. "I look forward to the day when the entire industry is abuzz with your name."

"I don't want to..."

The boss interrupted me.

"Many people's nicknames are modified based on their reputation. Just like the 'Grey Rat' who sells information, he is generally called 'Big Rat' in the underworld; the assassin 'Crow' upstairs is mostly called 'Nine-Headed Bird'."

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how your nickname will be passed down in the future. Will it be 'Dark Silver Night,' 'Greedy Night Watchman,' or 'Pretty Boy'?"

"The last one has nothing to do with the original title anymore, right?" I said helplessly.

"Hahaha, what you give yourself is called a title, what others call you is a nickname," the boss said with a smile.

"Xiao Ning, what will you be called from now on? I'm really looking forward to it."

……

"Brother, brother~"

I opened my eyes.

"Hmm, you're finally awake. If you want to sleep, go to your room."

Ning Ruoxin looked at me with some concern.

I hummed in agreement and rubbed my temples. After taking the proprietress back to the shop from the hospital, I learned that the coffee shop was temporarily closed for the day due to what had happened. After safely sending the two senior employees home, Qiu Luxi, who had tried to sneak into my house, was solemnly taken away by someone sent by the old man.

Even Qiu Luxi has been implicated this time, so it seems like there will be a lot of chaos and turmoil to come.

Having not worked, I returned home much earlier than expected. I had just fallen asleep unconsciously while pondering the meaning behind the nickname the other person used.

How lazy I've been. I sighed inwardly, finally feeling much clearer-headed.

"...Wait, my wooden bed should be fixed by now, right?"

"Brother, what are you talking about? There's no such thing." Ning Ruoxin, who had just taken a blanket from the storage cabinet, said matter-of-factly, "Brother, do you prefer to sleep on your left or right side at night?"

"Wait a minute... I'll sleep on the sofa."

What kind of outrageous drive is this?

"..."

Ning Ruoxin silently brought the quilt into the room, placed it on the bed, and then came out.

"Does my brother really not want me to be by his side?"

She sat down next to me, her voice tinged with sadness, her watery eyes holding a hint of sorrow.

"No, KFC, brother." I tapped her forehead with my finger.

"I don't care. Lately, besides working, my brother seems to be busy with a lot of other things, but he hasn't told me anything." Ning Ruoxin was unusually stubborn. "I... I told my brother everything. This is so unfair!"