Chapter 241: Can't Wash Clean

The modified motorcycle engines hummed softly as three motorcycles, headlights blazing, approached the food cart stall. Each rider was clad in a black windbreaker and wore a helmet.

Two of them lifted the front wheels of their motorcycles, spinning them in circles with the rear wheels on the ground, while the third performed a wheelie with the front wheel on the ground—a maneuver that would surely astound any young thrill-seeker passing by.

Yang Chen hadn't noticed them earlier but followed Zhenxiu's gaze, only to see the three notorious motorcycle gang members from Zhonghai Police Department.

Zhenxiu's expression turned serious. She swiftly removed her white cooking gloves and said to Yang Chen, "Mister, if something happens, hide behind the food cart. Don't do anything foolish."

"Why? Are they here for you?" Yang Chen asked, puzzled.

"Don't ask too much. Just do as I say. If you get hurt, don't blame me for not warning you!" Zhenxiu said sharply.

Before Yang Chen could inquire further, Zhenxiu walked up to confront the three riders who had parked their motorcycles and removed their helmets, revealing three young, audacious faces with pierced ears and trendy hairstyles.

The leader among them had long hair and a sparse beard, exuding a rugged handsome charm. His neck tattoo of a black shark with its jaws wide open gave off a fierce aura.

Yang Chen, intrigued and somewhat amused, continued sipping his drink while observing the standoff between Zhenxiu and the three men.

"Zhenxiu, finding you is never easy," the leader smirked.

"Shark, I've told you many times. I've quit. I have nothing to do with you guys. Why won't you leave me alone?" Zhenxiu's tone was cold and resolute.

Shark chuckled, "Quit? Xu Zhenxiu, once you're in this game, there's no leaving alive. What's wrong with working with us? We have booze, we have meat. Compared to your small night snack stall here, you'd live much more comfortably."

"That's your opinion. Right now, I just want to live a decent life," Zhenxiu replied firmly.

"You think you can just leave our brotherhood and live your own life? Xu Zhenxiu, don't be naive. Do you think anyone will trust you? The cops? The fools out there? Who would dare to hire you? Besides us, who would be your friend, who would believe in you?" Shark sneered coldly.

"That's my business. You all leave now, and don't come looking for me again," Zhenxiu turned around, a hint of sadness in her eyes that went unnoticed by everyone.

Shark sneered, "Xu Zhenxiu, women I set my sights on have never escaped my grasp. I've given you enough time. Since you still can't figure it out, let me lend you a hand!" With that, he mounted his motorcycle with a roar, turned it around, and aimed straight for Zhenxiu's cart!

Zhenxiu reacted swiftly, almost instantly by Shark's side. Her slender, fair hands grabbed his shoulders and forcefully pulled him aside. Shark's sturdy frame was unexpectedly toppled to the ground by Zhenxiu's action!

"Shark bro!"

Two of Shark's cronies yelled and immediately rushed to confront Zhenxiu.

Zhenxiu's eyes blazed with anger. She charged forward, engaging the two men in a brawl.

Yang Chen stayed back, listening to the exchange between Zhenxiu and Shark. He understood the situation well enough; Zhenxiu was likely once part of their biker gang, maybe even more than just a member. Now, she wanted out, but they weren't willing to let her go.

Watching Zhenxiu fight, Yang Chen could tell she wasn't new to brawling. Despite lacking formal training, her instincts were sharp, seizing every opportunity with ruthless efficiency. However, as a girl, even though stronger than most, facing off against three men was still challenging.

As Shark angrily got back on his feet, Zhenxiu managed to hold her ground for several rounds. But in a moment of carelessness, she was kicked in the back by one of the bikers.

"Ah!" Zhenxiu cried out in pain, falling towards Yang Chen.

He caught her in his arms, holding her close. After confirming she wasn't seriously injured, he addressed the three men closing in, "Don't embarrass yourselves. Is it really fun for three men to gang up on a woman?"

"Who the hell are you? Mind your own business!" Shark retorted angrily.

"Get out of the way, or I'll stab you!"

Zhenxiu found herself held tightly by Yang Chen, her embarrassment and indignation driving her to struggle, yet she couldn't break free from his embrace. She felt a warm arm wrapped around her waist, and in her heightened sensitivity, she nervously sensed her own heartbeat.

"Let go, old man! Stay out of this!" Zhenxiu cried anxiously.

Yang Chen extended his other hand and gently touched Zhenxiu's smooth, elastic cheek. "Fighting doesn't suit a girl. If you've decided to live properly, learn to behave like a girl."

Caught off guard by this sudden intimacy, Zhenxiu stood frozen for a moment, forgetting everything around her.

Shark's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Zhenxiu, is this the new guy you've found? He doesn't look like much."

Zhenxiu's eyes reddened, and she frantically struggled out of Yang Chen's arms, positioning herself in front of him. "He's just a passing guest, nothing to do with me. Whatever issues you have, take them out on me. Today, I'll take all of it!"

"Hmph, whether he's related to you or not isn't for you to decide. Today, neither of you will escape," Shark sneered, moving closer with his two fellow bikers, boxing them in step by step towards Zhenxiu.

Zhenxiu hurriedly turned around to let Yang Chen escape, but to her surprise, he was no longer behind her.

"Ah!" Two cries of pain suddenly sounded. Zhenxiu turned back in panic, only to see the two previously cocky hooligans lying on the ground, thrown down by Yang Chen.

Yang Chen glanced disdainfully at Shark, who hadn't yet thrown a punch, and slapped him across the face with a loud crack!

"Smack!"

Shark staggered and fell to the ground again, thoroughly disoriented.

Dealing with these three young troublemakers was child's play for Yang Chen.

Zhenxiu was momentarily stunned, unable to believe that the kindly old man who had just been calm and composed had suddenly become so fierce and strong!

Suddenly, the sound of police sirens echoed from around the corner of the street. Two police motorcycles with flashing lights zoomed towards them, responding to reports of a brawl from nearby residents.

Zhenxiu turned pale, pushing Yang Chen a few times. "Old man, run! The cops are coming! It'll be bad if we get caught!"

"Why run? This isn't our responsibility," Yang Chen chuckled.

Zhenxiu was too preoccupied to explain to Yang Chen, and her attempts to push him away were futile. She couldn't run away herself, as abandoning her stall was not an option, especially since Yang Chen had intervened to help her. She felt guilty and frustrated, continuously stomping her feet in distress.

As two patrol officers exited their vehicle, they immediately drew their guns and demanded, "What's going on here?!"

Before Yang Chen or Zhenxiu could respond, the two fallen troublemakers yelled out, "Officers, these two delinquents attacked us! Arrest them!"

"That's not true! They started the trouble!" Zhenxiu hurriedly interjected in defense.

The two officers frowned as they glanced at Zhenxiu and Yang Chen, then sneered at the three modified motorcycles behind them. "Enough said. All of you, back to the station!"

Soon, a duty van and a trailer arrived, transporting Yang Chen and the others to the police station. Zhenxiu's handcart and the motorcycles were impounded by the authorities.

About fifteen minutes later, the officers escorted the five of them off the vehicle. Zhenxiu saw Yang Chen being brought into the station and couldn't help but feel remorseful. She whispered softly to Yang Chen, "I'm sorry."

Yang Chen shrugged indifferently and chuckled, "No need to apologize. Just don't let them charge me for dinner."

Zhenxiu, who had been downcast, finally managed a smile. "Thank you, uncle."

In truth, Yang Chen couldn't help but mock himself inwardly. How was it that he found himself at the police station again? It seemed he had an uncanny affinity with law enforcement since returning to the country. In the familiar and overly familiar large office, many officers stared strangely at Yang Chen, clearly puzzled by his frequent appearances.

The three bikers obviously received special attention, whisked away to a dedicated interrogation room with extra care. Even the previously arrogant Shark seemed subdued now that he was in police custody, having apparently learned a lesson.

Meanwhile, Yang Chen and Zhenxiu sat opposite two officers, starting the mundane process of questioning and answering.

At this moment, as a few officers discussed matters, Chief Cai Yan walked back into the office from outside. Spotting Yang Chen and an unfamiliar girl undergoing questioning, she furrowed her brows, instructing the others to resume their duties while she approached them with concern. "Yang Chen, what trouble have you gotten into now?"

Seeing Chief Cai Yan, Yang Chen felt somewhat embarrassed. He chuckled softly and recounted the recent events.

Upon seeing Chief Cai Yan, Zhenxiu appeared as if a mouse had seen a cat. She kept her head low, almost touching her chest. Observing Yang Chen and Chief Cai Yan chatting casually, seeming acquainted, she was slightly surprised.

After hearing Yang Chen's account, Chief Cai Yan suddenly smiled with amusement. She patted Zhenxiu's shoulder, saying in a playful tone, "Zhenxiu, this must be your fourth visit here."

Pouting, Zhenxiu dared not meet Chief Cai Yan's eyes directly. Her eyes moistened as she softly muttered, "Chief Cai, I didn't mean to."

The fourth time? Yang Chen was astonished. It seemed this girl was indeed not to be underestimated.

Seeing the bewildered expression on Yang Chen's face, Zhenxiu thought he was disgusted with her. Her complexion grew even more desolate, her head drooping with lack of spirit.

Observing this, Chief Cai Yan cast a strange glance at Yang Chen and leaned closer to whisper in his ear, "Yang Chen, you can't even let go of a young girl like Zhenxiu? She's just turned eighteen."

"Wasn't she supposed to be twenty?" Yang Chen replied wryly, "What are you talking about? I only met her today."

Thinking that Yang Chen was trying to distance himself from her, Zhenxiu felt a pang of hurt. However, she quickly agreed, "Chief Cai, the uncle was just a passing customer at my stall. He has nothing to do with this incident. Please, can you let him go?"

Both Yang Chen and Chief Cai were surprised. They hadn't expected Zhenxiu to try to help Yang Chen get out of trouble so quickly.

Seeing Zhenxiu's sincere and worried expression, Chief Cai didn't believe Yang Chen's words at all. She sighed softly, giving Yang Chen a dissatisfied look.

Yang Chen could only laugh bitterly. Now, even if he jumped into the Yellow River, he couldn't wash away this misunderstanding!