Hana snorted. "It doesn't matter what you believe. Those loan sharks from before didn't believe your beau was that strong either, but reality gave them a right smack in the face, no? "Trust me. People are either the kindest or the worst—the so-called moral gray areas are all just those artists' self-indulgent philosophy."While Rina could see Hana's point, she still did not believe Arya would go that far."It's alright. We're not that sleepy—we could just wait here," Frank said just then.Rina did not refuse just because Frank asked, perhaps because she wanted some form of shelter.She was tired and wanted protection, and no one was more suited for the job than Frank.Five minutes later, Arya called out from behind the door that had just been repaired."Coming!"Rina went to answer the door to find that it was just Arya and thought to herself that she was right—Arya would never do anything to hurt her!Still, as she ushered Arya in, Rina asked coolly, "Now explain yourself. W
Seeing that, Arya stopped pretending and pushed herself to her feet. "Last chance, Rina. Either slap her, or we won't be friends anymore!"Rina laughed. "That's the easiest choice I've ever had to make. I'd never turn against my savior for you—my upbringing wouldn't allow that!"Arya snorted. "Savior? Bullshit! Just you wait—there are plenty of people who would help me even if you won't!"Rina ignored her even as she kicked her door open on the way out and strode up to Hana. "Sorry, it's all my fault!"Hana laughed, shaking her head. "It's alright. You didn't back down when it mattered, and that's enough!"Bang!The door was kicked open again just as she finished, and Arya entered with two fearsome, burly men.It had barely been a minute after she left, so she obviously was ready for a fight!Even so, Rina could not help tearing up. "You're even worse than I thought!"Arya simply laughed. "You deserved it! I have no reason to keep you around if you don't believe me, and I woul
Hana smiled in wry amusement. "Dream on. He's the one who knocks—those small fry friends of yours are not on his level at all!"Arya laughed coolly. "Really? Well, I warned you—can't do anything when my advice falls on deaf ears. Don't worry, though—I'm sure they'd teach you the definition of savagery!"Frank smiled and nodded. "In that case, I'd actually like you to live a little longer, just so that you can understand true power!"Arya snorted. "Quit yapping. Let's see if you'll win first."Frank smacked her across the face right then, knocking her out before turning to Rina. "Are you interested in disappointing your bestie?"Rina frowned. "It's alright. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. A little beating is more than enough."Hana chuckled. "You still have no idea what he's like, huh? No one ever changes his mind once he decides on anything, though there's nothing he can't handle anyway."They headed downstairs, and Frank gathered a bucket of water to splash Arya awake.
Arya snapped, "There's no misunderstanding at all. Call up your boss—tell him it's me!""Fine." The manager had no choice but to call the karaoke bar owner just then.Soon, an Audi A4 stopped outside the karaoke bar and a stout man alighted.Two tall goons followed, clearly working for him.The karaoke bar owner then asked, "Where's Ms. Crass?"Even if Arya paled in comparison to Rina and Hana, she was still the most beautiful in the area and indulgent at that.The karaoke bar owner naturally liked her a lot and had yet to tire of her."Right here!" Arya snorted, scowling."Oh, what happened? Which blind fool dared to lay their stinking paws on you?!" the karaoke bar owner asked in concern as he hurried to her.Arya pointed at Frank and Hana, and the karaoke bar owner studied them before turning back to Arya.He liked her, but also knew her well enough that she got beaten up for screwing with those people.They only had a one-night stand—affection aside, he would not get int
Arya hung her head in silence—truth be told, the karaoke bar owner was the most powerful man in her social circle.She just did not expect him to be suddenly so amicable despite his usual bravado."You don't get it, do you?"Hana read her mind just then, and chuckled coolly. "Take a good look at his business. He may not be rich or important, but his business at least earns him wealth and freedom in this district."Sure, things can get unruly, but he had no reason to stoop to that level. All the money that he's earned thus far will be gone once he goes to jail!"Heck, his true nature doesn't even matter in this equation. In business, it's fundamentally important to know when to make peace. Would he get customers if fights erupt at his bar every other day?""Impossible!" Arya argued. "He's not like that… He said that he's sold people to third-world countries as slaves, and that I should introduce him to some nice girls if I ever meet any!""Oh, girlie…"Hana smiled in wry amuseme
Despite seeing that, the manager smirked. "Don't get so full of yourself, Arya Crass! It's over for you if the owner comes!""I don't care. Call him here already, or I'll break this place!" Right as she finished, the front desk splintered into pieces.Paling in fear, the manager promptly called the karaoke bar owner, while Arya sat down on the floor, closed her eyes, and waited.That was Hana's plan after all—she had told Arya to provoke the karaoke bar owner despite her reluctance!Considering that she would make Frank pay, however, she went with it despite the risk of being sold to some third-world country. After all, she could really tell that Frank would really kill her otherwise!She would rather be a slave than die. At least she would be alive, and with the government's frequent crackdowns over recent years, she would most likely be saved anyway.-Ten minutes later, the Audi A4 returned and the karaoke bar owner alighted once more. "Did you think I was going to play nic
The karaoke bar owner's men carried Arya into a large compound while he knocked on the door.The door soon opened, and a man in his forties stepped out. However, he was a head shorter than the karaoke bar owner and wore rags, looking no different from a beggar.Arya woke up just then and flinched when he saw the beggar. "You?!"She had seen him before—he often begged for alms outside her apartment compound, and she had even kicked him while passing by once because she was in a foul mood.But it turned out that he was in this?!Still, it made sense when one thought about it—this business requires secrecy, and who would ever suspect a beggar? No other identity was better suited for this job!Then, remembering what Hana said, Arya snapped at the karaoke bar owner, "You own a bar! Why would you do something like this? Wouldn't you just lose a fortune over spare change?"The karaoke bar owner laughed. "You still don't understand me! One can never earn enough money, and I like this jo
The karaoke bar owner looked between Arya and Frank, bemused. "Why would you do this? Are you some sort of vigilante?"That made sense—youngsters were really different these days, each of them strong and keen to perpetuate justice. They must be keen to be the good guys and bask in the public's praise.Laughing, the karaoke bar owner started to gloat. "Shame you're too naive to understand the world has changed… to be precise, there's a gap between the reality in your mind and what's really happening in the world. No one would shoot the riot shield instead of the leg, and there's no armor that can stop bullets."Wait, that's wrong. There are things that could, but they won't stop the impact. Ever heard of Kevlar? It's not actually weaved from steel but something with optimal durability—""Yap, yap, yap…"Frank snorted impatiently. "All you rogues only ever run your mouths. Start shooting already, and cut the crap—you're talking my ears off.""You asked for it!" The karaoke bar ow