Chapter 111: Unexpected Encounters and a Shared Feast

“Damn, they really…”

As Su Yao raised her hand to caress Lin Qing’s cheek, Zhou Lin, standing nearby, couldn’t help but let out a coarse exclamation.

Though he had long been aware of the undefined intimacy between Su Yao and Lin Qing, he had never imagined their relationship had progressed to such a suggestive stage.

‘No wonder Brother Liu gave up.’

‘Given this atmosphere, a third person would only be superfluous.’

Observing the scene from behind, Sister Hua, too, displayed a measure of surprise. ‘Lin Qing’s capabilities are truly remarkable,’ she mused. ‘Considering the apparent value of this car, has he…’

‘Has he found a sugar mommy?’

‘Lin Qing, with his slender and somewhat frail appearance, certainly proved the adage: one cannot judge a book by its cover.’

****

Afterward, Lin Qing did not allow Su Yao to linger. Given that they were within the red-light district, it would be disastrous if the media caught wind of Su Yao, the eldest daughter of Comet Group, being there.

After seeing Su Yao off, Lin Qing put his gloves back on, preparing to resume work. Noticing Liu Hong and the others staring intently at him, he calmly spoke.

“Let’s get back to work!”

Without further acknowledgment, he cheerfully picked up trash with his tongs, the earlier gloom and irritation having vanished.

After her repeated attempts to flirt with Liu Hong failed, Sister Hua discreetly left.

Liu Hong harbored no romantic inclinations, rendering all her efforts futile.

Meanwhile, Zhou Lin, who had quickly changed and returned, tried to speak with Sister Hua but was ignored as if invisible. Even as she departed, she didn’t spare him a glance, leaving Zhou Lin dejectedly aware that he had no chance.

‘Damn it.’

‘When I get back this time, I’m going to start working out and get ripped.’

With all the troubles resolved and no further provocations, the four men significantly sped up their trash collection, quickly completing their task.

This area had been thoroughly cleared.

Despite their swiftness, half a day had already passed.

By the time the four finally finished, it was already afternoon. When Liu Hong suggested they all go to KTV to relax, Lin Qing politely declined the invitation.

This left Liu Hong feeling somewhat disappointed, yet he understood that he couldn’t force it, so he allowed Lin Qing to leave alone.

Lin Qing’s willingness to work alongside them was already a significant step forward.

Everything had to progress gradually; rushing things would only create an unstable foundation.

The trash collection job would last for a considerable time, and with gradual interaction, Lin Qing would eventually grow accustomed to working with them.

With these thoughts, Liu Hong’s disappointment faded. He then led his two subordinates to the KTV, ready to wail and sing their hearts out!

As Lin Qing walked towards the bus stop, reflecting on his day’s work, he suddenly realized he didn’t detest working part-time as much as he once did.

He wasn’t sure if it was the companionship of Liu Hong and the others, or Su Yao’s unexpected encouragement.

Lin Qing no longer resisted the idea of continuing to pick up trash tomorrow.

Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

And once he earned enough from his part-time job, what kind of gift should he buy for Su Yao?

Fortunately, Su Yao’s birthday was next month, leaving him over a month to consider.

“Ah, watch out!”

Just as Lin Qing was contemplating gifts, an unfamiliar voice suddenly rang out.

Simultaneously, a paper cup filled with hot coffee was abruptly flung towards Lin Qing.

Lin Qing watched the cup hurtling towards him without panic. He simply took two swift steps back, deftly dodging the flying cup and avoiding any potential stains on his clothes.

“I am so terribly sorry! I almost hurt you just now. What a relief!”

The woman spoke in a flustered tone, hurrying towards Lin Qing. Seeing that he was unharmed, she paused. Her hand, which had been reaching for tissues in her shoulder bag, now withdrew, the gesture rendered unnecessary.

“It’s fine.”

Lin Qing shook his head at the woman and was about to turn and leave when, unexpectedly, she suddenly raised her hand, attempting to grasp his sleeve.

However, Lin Qing was faster, immediately lifting his arm to evade her outstretched hand.

Apart from Su Yao’s touch, Lin Qing was averse to physical contact with any other woman.

Lin Qing’s swift evasion caused the woman to momentarily freeze, but she quickly recovered, smiling as she spoke to him.

“That was my fault just now. As an apology, allow me to treat you to a cup of coffee!”

After speaking, the woman gazed at Lin Qing expectantly, her beautiful face etched with nervousness, as if she were making a maiden’s confession.

Her eyes were wide, and her made-up face was exquisitely delicate. The youthful makeup further accentuated her innocent charm, making her appear utterly pitiable.

Most men, upon hearing such an invitation from a beautiful woman, would undoubtedly nod in joyful agreement.

Perhaps, a boyfriend might even follow.

Love in modern society often arrived with such speed, entirely without warning.

Unfortunately.

Lin Qing was one of the few.

He looked at the woman’s face, then replied coldly.

“There’s no need. I dislike coffee.”

The true ‘Iron Wall Man,’ Lin Qing, offered no one a chance to breach his defenses. After speaking, he did not linger, but simply turned and walked away.

‘I’ve been tangled up with a strange woman.’

“Hey, are you just leaving like that? My name is Little Fish, make sure you remember it!”

However, after Lin Qing departed without a backward glance, the woman he left behind suddenly called out loudly.

Lin Qing frowned upon hearing this, offering no reply, merely quickening his pace.

This woman named Little Fish felt strangely familiar.

Yet, no matter how hard Lin Qing tried, he couldn’t recall where he had seen her before.

It felt distinctly like déjà vu, as if he had encountered her recently.

Logically, anyone with three white skulls above their head would be considered a dangerous individual, and he wouldn’t easily forget them once seen.

However, regarding this Little Fish, Lin Qing genuinely had no recollection.

He could only be certain that this woman was deliberately approaching him.

Although Lin Qing remained unaware of her true intentions, he had no desire to leave any opening for someone with ill motives to exploit.

He also had no interest in getting entangled with anyone else.

For now, Su Yao alone was enough.

Therefore, cutting off trouble directly was the only way to prevent it.

Pondering these thoughts, Lin Qing took the bus home. To avoid further trouble, he remained indoors after arriving.

After a simple dinner, Lin Qing settled onto the sofa, phone in hand. He opened the A-Friend app, and after a moment’s thought, uploaded his very first post to his feed.

[Commemorating my first part-time job.]

He also attached the candid photo Liu Hong had sent him.

In the photo, Lin Qing was diligently sweeping, while Zhou Lin and Wang Jian, eyes gleaming, watched a woman standing nearby, gesturing with their hands and smirking lewdly. Liu Hong, with a goofy grin, gave a thumbs-up.

After posting, Lin Qing looked at the photo and silently gave himself a like.

However, upon exiting his feed, a notification appeared in the app’s backend.

Two likes.

Liu Hong and Su Yao.

This made Lin Qing’s very first post on his feed especially meaningful.

[Brother Liu: The photographer did a great job, deserves an extra drumstick, *applause*]

A new comment appeared below.

Seeing this self-congratulatory comment, Lin Qing did not reply to Liu Hong. He then placed his phone beside a notebook lying on the coffee table.

This was the notebook Liu Hong had originally discovered in Wang Fanran’s pocket, detailing events that transpired after Wang Fanran’s encounter with Chen Sen.

Lin Qing looked at the notebook, then immediately picked it up and walked to his bedroom. Using a key, he opened the first drawer of his desk and placed the notebook inside.

He then closed and locked the drawer, resolving not to touch it again.

His current life was good, and he had no desire to disturb its tranquility.

‘Let this matter be completely sealed away!’

****

[Brother Liu: Lin Qing, come a bit later today. We have a slight issue here.]

Early the next morning, Lin Qing felt a flicker of confusion as he read Liu Hong’s message.

‘What could have happened at the work site?’

Lin Qing did not disregard Liu Hong’s reminder. Instead, he took his time changing clothes and heading to Red Arc, arriving half an hour later than the agreed time.

Upon arrival, he saw Liu Hong looking radiant, his face flushed with excitement.

His grin stretched almost to his ears.

Clearly, the “trouble” was anything but bad news.

“Lin Qing, come quickly! We’ve made a small fortune!”

Spotting Lin Qing, Liu Hong quickly waved him over, signaling him to join them as he had something to say.

Not only was Liu Hong overjoyed, but Zhou Lin and Wang Jian were equally elated. This left Lin Qing gazing at the three with some confusion, wondering what exactly had transpired.

“Things were a bit rushed just now, so I didn’t get a chance to explain. This morning, Zhou Lin was sought out by the police. We initially thought we’d been reported, but it turns out that wasn’t the case at all.”

As Liu Hong spoke, he felt immensely relieved.

“Thankfully, we weren’t reported. Otherwise, getting fired on our second day of work would have been truly unlucky.”

“Do you remember the drunkard we encountered yesterday? It turns out he’s a murderer who killed his wife and her lover. Whether it was due to being heavily intoxicated or not, he went to the police station to surrender yesterday!”

“During his confession, he mentioned encountering us while picking up trash, which led to his sudden realization and surrender. After verifying this, the police immediately gave us a thousand yuan! They said the victim’s family strongly insisted it be given to us as a reward.”

“How incredibly lucky! We just stumbled upon a thousand yuan!”

As Liu Hong spoke, Zhou Lin and Wang Jian let out a whoop, happily bouncing around.

Ever since Brother Liu stopped taking jobs, they had instantly become penniless.

It had been ages since they had seen any money!

With an extra thousand yuan, given Brother Liu’s personality, they would definitely go out for a good meal.

“Yay!!!”

“Lin Qing, after work, we’ve decided to go to a barbecue restaurant for a meal. Are you coming?”

Indeed, just as the two had predicted, Brother Liu excitedly addressed Lin Qing.

He wanted to share the happy occasion together.

This money was a reward from the police for all four of them; it was only right that they spend it together!

“No.”

However, Lin Qing refused quite decisively, showing no interest in joining the meal.

Just as he had declined the invitation yesterday, he showed no hesitation.

This left Liu Hong with a disappointed expression. Then, meeting the pleading gazes of Zhou Lin and Wang Jian, Liu Hong sternly declared.

“Why are you looking at me? The meal’s off, get back to work!”

Upon hearing the meal was canceled, Zhou Lin and Wang Jian looked as aggrieved as a pair of 250-pound children, thinking this wasn’t fair.

‘If Lin Qing isn’t going, *we* should still go!’

‘How is it that now, in Brother Liu’s eyes, there’s only Lin Qing?’

‘What about us?’

Seeing Brother Liu’s intention to cancel the meal, Zhou Lin and Wang Jian exchanged glances. Their long-standing friendship allowed them to understand each other without words.

‘Absolutely not!’

‘It’s been so many days.’

‘Our stomachs are empty!’

“Lin Qing, we’ve been working together for two days now! This is a meal among colleagues! Even if you don’t want to bond with Brother Liu, you should at least think of your own stomach!”

“Exactly! It’s all about the meat!”

Immediately, Zhou Lin and Wang Jian launched their assault on Lin Qing, vowing to make him agree.

Zhou Lin even abandoned his trash-picking duties, collapsing beside Lin Qing and clinging to his lower leg with both hands, looking as if he’d do anything for a meaty meal.

On the other side, Wang Jian followed suit, attempting to embrace Lin Qing’s other leg.

“Alright, fine, let’s go then.”

However, before Wang Jian could plop down on the ground like Zhou Lin, Lin Qing unexpectedly conceded.

Although he disliked crowded places, seeing Zhou Lin’s determined stance, he knew that if he continued to refuse, Zhou Lin would pester him endlessly.

Furthermore, Lin Qing didn’t want to decline too many times.

Liu Hong and the others had not only found him work but also treated him with remarkable friendliness.

Lin Qing saw all of this and knew he couldn’t remain aloof indefinitely.

No one could be unconditionally kind to another person forever.

Unless there was a benefit to be gained.

However, Lin Qing felt that, apart from his ability to see skulls, he was quite ordinary and couldn’t fathom what Liu Hong and his two companions could gain from him.

‘So, they must want to be friends with him?’

Lin Qing was not adept at making friends; what he knew about it came solely from books.

He understood that if one consistently responded coldly to enthusiastic people, they would eventually give up.

“Haha, did you all hear that? Kids, hurry up and collect the trash! Once we’re done, we’re going for meat!”

“Yay!!”

Originally, Liu Hong had held no hope that Zhou Lin and Wang Jian could persuade Lin Qing, so the sudden turn of events was unexpected.

He joyfully waved his hand. Zhou Lin, no longer clinging to Lin Qing’s leg, went off to happily pick up trash.

Happiness was truly that simple.

Afterward, perhaps spurred by the allure of meat, Zhou Lin and Wang Jian stopped even glancing at women, focusing entirely on picking up trash, their work efficiency increasing severalfold.

Once they finally finished collecting the trash, the four quickly changed their clothes and found a bustling barbecue restaurant nearby, ready to feast to their hearts’ content.

“Come on, come on! Order whatever you want, it’s all on me today!”

Seated in the barbecue restaurant’s main hall, Liu Hong declared grandly. Zhou Lin and Wang Jian immediately cheered, happily demanding various dishes.

It was Lin Qing’s first time dining with so many people. After an initial moment of nervousness, he quickly relaxed, silently perusing the menu and selecting what he wanted to eat.

“My goodness, who is that woman? She’s quite beautiful!”

However, a sudden remark from Liu Hong caught Lin Qing and the others’ attention. Following Liu Hong’s gaze, they saw a woman who had just entered the hall, her face adorned with exquisite makeup.

Upon noticing their gazes, the woman’s eyes widened in surprise and delight.

Lin Qing, however, couldn’t help but frown. ‘Why is that strange woman named Little Fish from yesterday here?’

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