CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 32: ROBBERY

"I told you, that little lady’s voice must be something. Damn, just hearing it makes me x."

These three seemed to be waiting specifically to intercept them here. Seeing He Chen’s broad back shielding Ye Manman, they could only glimpse a pair of slender, fair legs, making their hearts itch uncontrollably.

The trio was very cautious, slowly arming themselves as they approached in a surrounding posture.

At this point, Ye Manman finally realized they were being waylaid and robbed.

And perhaps, it might even be for something worse!

Any drowsiness vanished immediately as Ye Manman’s small hands clutched tightly at He Chen’s clothes, her body trembling slightly in fear.

These three looked quite formidable, each with a leering, dangerous grin, and they were much more solidly built than that previous thug, not to mention they each wielded a weapon.

One even held a sickle!

He Chen didn’t make any rash moves; he was also very vigilant, eyes fixed on the three men’s actions, whispering for Ye Manman to get off the bike first.

Even though Ye Manman’s legs were nearly giving way with fear, she carefully got off the bike, her hand never leaving He Chen’s clothes, scared to be separated.

He Chen dismounted as well, tossing the bicycle aside.

"Robbery?"

He asked in a low voice, making the trio laugh in unison.

"What do you think? Going out with such a beautiful wife, you didn’t think something might happen? The three of us have been waiting here all afternoon, just for you two."

"If you don’t want to be missing an arm or a leg, be smart and push this little lady over here. We’ll return her after we’re done, she can still go home and have kids with you, isn’t that right?"

"Hey, why waste so much breath with him, do you think one person can take on all three of us? This woman’s too tempting; even a few days won’t be enough."

While spouting words, they continued to slowly close in on them.

Listening to their words, it seemed they had long planned this, evidently not worried about anyone coming by to interrupt, especially since this area was already remote...

Such thoughts only made Ye Manman more terrified, on the verge of tears.

In the past, she always traveled with drivers and bodyguards under comprehensive security systems, never facing such vile threats.

And now these people, premeditated, armed with sticks and sickles...

Fighting them would certainly result in injuries, possibly even life-threatening ones. Would He Chen hand her over to them?

Instinctively, she looked up at He Chen’s face.

But she only caught a glimpse of He Chen’s expression hardening into one of ferocity, and in an instant, he charged forward.

Ye Manman cried out in fear, frozen in place.

He Chen’s unpredictable move startled all three of them.

They initially thought He Chen, though large, looked mild-mannered and wouldn’t be a match for them. To be cautious, they had brought weapons and figured they could easily subdue him.

Never expecting He Chen wouldn’t even give them time to negotiate, attacking with ferocious speed.

The guy with the sickle, the biggest among them, was He Chen’s first target.

With a direct punch followed by a back throw, he slammed him to the ground within seconds.

The man didn’t even have time to swing his sickle before he was on the ground, face flushed with pain, clutching his chest, unable to get up.

Having dealt with their leader, the two with sticks were easily subdued. Despite being somewhat prepared, He Chen’s strength overwhelmed them. He delivered a blow to one’s face, leaving him dizzy and holding his head, unable to see clearly for a while.

The other was struck in the stomach with an elbow, causing him to vomit up his lunch, bent over and unable to stand.

The issue was He Chen wasn’t satisfied, picking up a wooden stick from the ground, striking the man in the lower back. He went down with only a whimper, his face landing directly in his own vomit.

He Chen’s attacks were precise and ruthless, targeting vital points and pain zones, leaving all three incapacitated within moments.

Ye Manman watched in shock, covering her mouth, unable to make a sound for a long while.

Watching He Chen efficiently collect their weapons and throw them far away, rearranging his expression as he approached her, Ye Manman felt her heart skip a beat.

She clutched her chest, trying to understand what this sudden, quickened heartbeat meant.

In the distance, several figures suddenly ran over.

Initially intending to ask if she was frightened, upon seeing others approaching, He Chen quickly pulled Ye Manman into his arms, watching the newcomers warily.

Still catching his breath, having just exerted himself suddenly, his body emitted faint warmth.

Feeling his heavy arm and the protective hand on her shoulder, so warm it made her feel oddly hot too.

She lowered her head, nestled beside him, her face inadvertently taking on a slight pink hue.

"Oh no, we’re late. It’s all because of that pickpocket, damn it, chose now to come out and steal, almost letting these guys get away."

The arrivals wore police uniforms; they appeared to be law enforcement.

Ye Manman breathed a sigh of relief, while He Chen remained alert, closely watching them.

The lead officer inspected the ones moaning on the ground, his eyes lighting up.

"Such precise and powerful moves, solid, better than some of the guys at the station."

He praised a couple of times, instructing his companions to bind the trio, then approached He Chen and Ye Manman.

Initially taken aback by Ye Manman’s beauty, he quickly wore a knowing smile, commenting.

"No wonder these guys couldn’t keep hidden, your wife truly is beautiful. Comrade, did you take them down? Have any martial training?"

His gaze didn’t linger on Ye Manman but was clearly interested in He Chen.

He Chen responded with a simple "hmm," considering the middle-aged man’s words, he asked.

"Are they habitual offenders?"

"Indeed, these three rapists have been a headache for us. Cunning as eels, they target pretty women, often at night, preferring those alone."

The middle-aged man lit a cigarette, sighing.

"Alone, the women aren’t a match for them, ending up ruined. Not long ago, a girl couldn’t take it and committed suicide, couldn’t be saved even at the hospital."

"Thanks to you, comrade, and your wife, if not for you two, these slippery guys wouldn’t have slipped up. Usually, they’d disappear for a while after committing a crime, but they couldn’t resist your wife’s looks. Your wife is lucky to have a husband like you, skilled; otherwise, others might not handle these three."

"These guys are utterly ruthless; the first crime they committed was ambushing a couple at night. The husband couldn’t fight; both his legs were broken by them, ruining the family."

"By the way, comrade, what’s your name, where do you live? Doing such a good deed, I must apply for a commendation at the station; society needs young people like you!"

The middle-aged man couldn’t stop speaking about them, evidently harassed for too long, meeting someone like He Chen who could handle them—he eagerly wanted to award He Chen right there.

However, He Chen shook his head, turning to retrieve the bike.

"No need, I don’t want this incident to attract too much attention."

Turning down the recognition, showing no pride.

Ye Manman couldn’t help but look at him, just catching his concerned gaze.

"Were you scared?"

"I’m sorry, I didn’t warn you just now... did I scare you?"

His tone was so filled with care and worry, such a large, fierce man, but his gaze so gentle.

Ye Manman felt her heart race again.

Her face blushed lightly.

"I wasn’t scared, I’m fine."