They are still close to me today despite their negative feelings

I'm very sorry, but in my past life, I greatly admired this kind of yakuza culture. Simply put, it's a bit melodramatic and individualistic. So some of the underlings, especially those who genuinely want to climb the ranks in this so-called underworld, are very particular about these nicknames and grandeur.

I don't care about these things, so I'm pretty casual. But maybe that's exactly what hit this guy's sore spot.

"Have you finished complaining over there? Now it's my turn, right?" I said with a smile.

"...Alright. Since you've chosen to call me out for a talk, then according to the rules, we won't start a war today."

I already said it was too far away to catch. But it's good that you misunderstand.

"Then I'll get straight to the point." I suppressed my smile.

"You've started making sushi, haven't you?"

Let me translate. This refers to colluding with outside businesses. Fried fish represents Britain, pizza represents the Italian Mafia, and sushi... well.

"Black sesame sushi, right?"

Black sesame seeds refer to the color black, white sesame seeds refer to the color white, and in the gray industry, they are called yellow-white sesame seeds. This is because gray sesame seeds generally refer to building materials…

"..."

After a moment of silence, Wu Sui'an finally sighed and let out a cold laugh.

"What can I do? The security in Jiuhua Kingdom is really good; even for black goods, it's very difficult to find relevant supply channels and methods. But it's such a waste to just let this huge market go to waste, isn't it?"

The man spread his hands, looking completely at ease.

“Hey, hey, hey, there’s no way to cooperate with outsiders in this situation, right? If we can’t even seize this kind of business opportunity, it would be a real waste of the wonderful opportunity we had to come here. From this perspective, you’re the one who understands me the most, Mr. Ning Ruoyu.”

"Compared to our world, this world is so 'wonderful'. Everyone lives in peace and contentment, and the daily trending topics are all about the statements and behaviors of those inexplicable people. Haha, it's really incomprehensible how laid-back it is."

What "Wu Sui'an" said was probably my first impression of this world.

Even the gray market is showing a lack of ambition.

“Look at the troubles of people our age. Even if it’s not about going to school or choosing a career, they seem to have countless paths and choices. They are so leisurely that the troubles of life become trivial matters.”

"What do you mean, whether he likes me or not? What do you mean, she didn't reply to my messages? Hey, listen to this, 'Ning Ruoyu,' is this the kind of trouble a human being has?"

“It’s so damn hard to even survive back home! If God has really given us this opportunity, then it would be such a waste of all the suffering we’ve endured if we didn’t make the most of it here! Isn’t this what we were sent here for?! This is God’s permission for us, isn’t it?”

"...At least this kind of trouble is more human than we look."

I shrugged and replied to this guy's rambling with disdain.

All that whining and chattering, isn't it just that they feel they've suffered too much in the past, so it's only natural for them to do bad things?

Just as I was about to do something to end the conversation, Wu Yuehua next to me seemed to stir slightly. I turned my head and met her gaze. The girl looked like she wanted to say something, but then glanced at me with concern.

"...It's okay, you can say whatever you want. I'm here." I said with a smile. "This time it's not like in a karaoke bar; he's the one who should be worried."

Wu Yuehua nodded and took a deep breath.

"Trying to prove one's own sophistry by refuting others' irrationality is nothing but sophistry," Wu Yuehua said firmly.

"Even if you cite examples of how loose and boring the world is, that's no excuse for your evil deeds! In the end, you're just a bastard who treats other people's happiness as his own misfortune and uses that as an excuse to do evil!"

Wow, that's quite a proper and logical argument. But indeed, this proper argument is the only way to counter those endless sophistry and rambling.

The man's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Wu Yuehua with a half-smile.

Is this how you see me, 'little sister'?

"Shouldn't you stand on my side and keep your distance from that guy who's wearing your classmate's face, but whose identity we don't even know?"

"Just like in that debate. In this situation, you would choose me again, right?"

...I instinctively tried to block the man's gaze from looking at Wu Yuehua.

Ah, I knew it. If I were the other party, I couldn't possibly not play the family card.

Although it's not very useful, I still hope that Senior Wu Yuehua can listen to less of it right now, so as not to get too excited and cause me trouble.

"Oh, you want to protect her again?"

Uh, it's a misunderstanding... Okay, fine. I'm too lazy to explain.

"Tsk, I had no idea you were this kind of person over there, Ning Ruoyu. As fellow imposters, who can you protect? Does she know what kind of person you used to be? And will she really be grateful for what you did?"

"You should know that here, I am the highly trusted and well-regarded 'Wu Sui'an.' What are you? Just an ordinary high school boy?"

"I need to correct you on that. Six months ago, I was a male high school student that everyone hated. Now, everyone hates me." I replied with a smile.

Ugh, I'm so lucky to have such an easy start as an ordinary high school boy.

Hmph, I'm really something—I'm consistently being disliked.

However, just as I was still mocking him, Wu Yuehua's actions took both of us by surprise.

The girl didn't stay hidden in the shadows any longer, but took a step forward and stood beside me.

After glancing at me and nodding, the girl said firmly.

"...Although I don't know what you're saying, as the most useless relative of my father and brother, I at least know one thing."

"Someone like you, a fake, could never be my brother! Even if he becomes a great hero in the end, what are you? Don't say such things while pretending to be my brother, and don't try to sow discord between me and my junior, you stupid bastard!"

—This seems to be the first time I've heard a senior student use such an impolite form of address.

But it really felt good. And it's true, terms like "idiot," "moron," "fool," and "fool" are all too gentle; with the times changing, they're becoming more and more like flirting and being coquettish.

Only the idiot remains consistent, always representing anger and disdain.

[Next chapter preview: "I don't even know how I came to like myself, let alone reciprocate your feelings."]

"Tsk. Damn it. I wish I had that opportunity."

After all, in this world, the passing of life is no different from the sounds of cars, dogs barking, or horns—nothing particularly noteworthy.

"Wow, I really hope you can refute me in a slightly more tactful way at times like this."

Wu Sui'an, whom many people still think about.

Author's Note: It's July! Ugh, I owe 37 chapters from last month so far, I'm dying... I'll have to pause the extra chapter activity this month until I pay back my debts. I really didn't expect to owe so many (tears). As you can see from Volume 4, the subject matter is sensitive, and I'm genuinely worried about not writing it well. I can only say I'll do my best! There should be a 4.5-volume side story between Volume 4 and Volume 5, to adjust the atmosphere and write about the daily life that wasn't covered due to advancing the main plot, as well as multi-perspective narratives from different characters. Because of the special nature of the opponent in Volume 4, I personally feel the overall atmosphere is constantly tense, like the deteriorating security situation in Lucheng, and characters like Ling Chuqing and Chu Guyin don't even have a chance to get involved... It's also preparing for the turning point in Volume 5~ That's all for my monthly ramblings. Thank you for your support, bye~

Oh, by the way! The Jiang Group and the female head of the Jiang family that's been mentioned a lot—that's an Easter egg from the previous book, hehe~ She's not the main female lead. If she actually appeared, it would be too overpowered and invincible. The previous book has absolutely no connection to this one except for the shared world-building; they're also completely different in style. As my first book, it's quite messy and off-topic, so there's no need to specifically read it. I'm just explaining it here for those who are speculating.

Interlude: A secret shared only with each other

The world he lived in was a complete and utter garbage. Wu Sui'an had long understood this.

Just like the ever-present gloom overhead, the place where I am is forever shrouded in the darkness and sorrow of an ordinary person's life of hardship.

People like "Black and White Wings," "Enchanting Diva," or "King of the Silver Night" could probably thrive even in this darkness, right? But those who can make a name for themselves are no ordinary people. Compared to them, ordinary gang members like myself have no choice in how we live our lives.

"Wu Sui'an" stood on the street corner, lit a cigarette, and squinted. From the nearest shop came sounds of smashing and cursing; his accomplices were extorting "service fees." They were on their way to trade a type of "flour" they had recently developed, carrying several large bags, and had stopped by to earn some extra money.

Occasionally, while smoking, he would fantasize, imagining himself as "Wings," a figure who wielded influence in both the legal and illegal worlds, acting with unbridled ruthlessness, or as "Silver Night," a low-profile but universally known figure, rumored to be admired by many female powerful figures and their daughters. At this moment, although he was merely a lookout, his thoughts had already drifted far away.

"I don't even know how I came to like myself, let alone reciprocate your feelings." Recalling the classic line that "Silver Night" used to reject a certain female boss, "Wu Sui'an" felt as if he had become a legend himself, now indulging in unrestrained and flirtatious behavior with a group of heartbroken women.

So fucking cool. This is what a man should do.

Occasionally, when he returns from his fantasies, "Wu Sui'an" will see this cold and desolate street again, realizing that he has become that useless "little brother" again. The warm and soft beauty in his arms is now just a lonely breeze, and the once charming and ruthless self has become an ordinary mortal again.

"Tsk. Damn it. I wish I had that opportunity."

"Wu Sui'an" muttered under his breath. Compared to the unbridled "Black and White Wings," he preferred the life of the "King of the Silver Night." It was said that with just a glance, that man could turn women of all ages back into innocent, naive girls, still yearning for their first love. The female tycoons of the three industries often vied for his attention.

Anyway, that's what everyone's saying.

"Damn it, we're both men, so is his 'private area' particularly large? Or is he using ice cream?"

Wu Sui'an clicked his tongue and turned his head away. He wanted to check on how his accomplices were doing.

But the next second, he saw a group of men in black enter through the back door. Each was armed and moved swiftly. One of them, upon seeing him in the doorway, raised his gun without hesitation.

"No, it's me!..." Before "Wu Sui'an" could even begin to argue, the gun muzzle flashed, emitting the most ordinary sound in the street. Yes, for this chaotic street, this sound was no different from the noise of cars, dogs barking, or horns. Even though its sound represented the passing of a life.

After all, in this world, the passing of life is no different from the sounds of cars, dogs barking, or horns—nothing particularly noteworthy.

……

When he woke up again, Wu Sui'an was somewhat bewildered.

According to his own plan, he should be in hell right now. After all, he had committed so many evil deeds, treating the old, young, sick, and disabled indiscriminately—so what was going on? Hell was actually more wonderful than his past world?!

But soon, both the hunger in his stomach and the soreness in his body made him realize that he hadn't really gone to that kind of place. After all, if it really was the soul going to hell to be tormented, then what was with the contraband in his pocket? Could that thing go to hell with him?

Since it's a new environment, survival is the top priority. "Wu Sui'an" lies in wait in the alleyways, deciding to first "friendly solicitation" of donations and resources from the passersby in this world, gradually figuring out the situation.

As time went on, he increasingly felt that the world was too wonderful—so wonderful that someone like him could be manipulated at will. In the past, robbery was a tough job because you never knew if the person you were robbing would pull out something even bigger than you, and then force you to start your life anew.

Here, even a small, not-so-sharp dagger can instill fear in passersby, rendering them unable to move. If it weren't for the fear of leaving bodily fluids and being discovered, "Wu Sui'an" would almost have taken the opportunity to relieve himself.

This growing arrogance and desire reached its peak one day—when a woman with an elegant demeanor, whose age was completely unpredictable, appeared to possess both the maternal grace and gentleness of a mature woman, and the naiveté and innocence of a young girl.

Wu Sui'an swallowed hard, deciding to take a risk. Even if that woman had a boy with her, what was there to worry about in an ordinary high school student from this world?

And this was the beginning of his nightmare. To this day, the look in the eyes of the high school boy next to the woman still wakes him up at night—along with the image of the dagger that pierced straight towards his heart.

This madness and morbidity sent a chill down his spine. This decisiveness, so similar to his own world, also made him behave himself for a while. The sense of danger he'd developed in that world made him much less arrogant.

But once human greed is satisfied, it's hard to stop. "Wu Sui'an," who hadn't earned any money for a long time, felt something in his pocket while smoking cheap cigarettes one day.

This is something that hasn't been made in this world yet. Even the raw materials are easier to obtain, coming from basic crops.

This behavior was quickly discovered by a group of rats who were also lurking in the shadows. The rats, who were suppressed and had no clue what to do, and "Wu Sui'an," who was struggling to fight alone, hit it off. In this way, the rats who could not see the light of day banded together and tried to stir up some waves.

— Relying on the group behind him and finally becoming the "big shot" he had always longed for, Wu Sui'an boldly stepped into the sunlight for the first time, and at that moment, he discovered another identity of his in this world.

Wu Sui'an, whom many people still think about.

……

"I'm sorry, juniors. I lied to you before and said that Wu Sui'an was a distant relative of mine. He is actually my older brother."

On the way home from the mountain, Wu Yuehua lowered her head and said to Ning Ruoyu.

"Hmm, oh? It's nothing. If we're really talking about it, there are probably more things I've been hiding from you, aren't there?"

Ning Ruoyu shook her head indifferently.

"Ah."

"Wow, I really hope you can refute me in a slightly more tactful way at times like this."

“You’ve been hiding a lot of things. But now I know that most of it, no, all of it, was for our own good,” Wu Yuehua said softly. “Before, I blamed you for all sorts of things, but actually it was all because I misunderstood things without understanding them. I’m sorry.”

"It's turned into an apology ceremony. Is the theme of our candlelit stroll tonight 'repentance'?"

The boy said with a wry smile.

"I'm not one to explain myself, so it's not really a misunderstanding—let's just call it even."

"……Thanks."

Wu Yuehua didn't say "okay" because she understood that the boy simply didn't want her to feel guilty. She was actually the one who started the incident at the KTV, and even if the other person didn't care, it didn't mean she could truly pretend nothing had happened.

But for now, all she can do is express her gratitude.

"You're welcome, after all, you're willing to tell me secrets related to life and death. Well, I also have some things here that you might not understand. Could you keep them a secret for me for now? I hate trouble, and it's quite difficult to explain them."

"Is it a secret similar to that of the person who looks exactly like my brother?"

"Haha, sorry, I'm not really sure how to say. If you could refrain from asking and keep it a secret, that would be a huge help."

Regarding the conversation between Ning Ruoyu and the imposter who called himself "Wu Sui'an," Wu Yuehua had some guesses. Although these guesses were so bizarre that she wouldn't dare to make them up even in a novel, the girl ultimately nodded.

"Hmm. I won't ask, and I won't tell. It was just a strange dream I had tonight when I was drunk."

"Haha, senior, you're actually a rebellious girl at heart. No wonder you like rock music."

Wu Yuehua smiled, then suddenly turned her head to look at Ning Ruoyu, who was teasing her.

"So, does that mean we have a special secret? And this secret is only known to each other, right?"

The girl's eyes were so intense that even the chill of the night seemed to melt away.

"The fact that we're neighbors is actually a secret, isn't it? If that's the case, we've been a secret group for a long time."

The boy's smile, however, carried a hint of coolness, as if he always remained detached from the unspoken meanings of others, like a gentle breeze.

"...They all say I'm immune to romance, but I feel like you're the one who's completely unyielding," Wu Yuehua complained with a smile. "The moonlight is so beautiful tonight."