But as those people got closer and closer to Du Wanrou, his anxiety surged like wildfire.

    Kang Youyi might have a hard time holding off so many people.

    Qin Hao steeled his heart and rushed outside, swinging the baseball bat with all his might.

    It knocked the bats from the hands of the two people in front, but he had no time to worry about what was behind him.

    Because he needed to hurry over and protect Du Wanrou.

    If he didn''t worry about Du Wanrou, he could take down those ten people in a bit of time, but he didn''t have that luxury.

    Although he was fast, the two people closest to him had already swung their baseball bats.

    "Bang bang"

    The sound of bats striking flesh rang out, and Qin Hao grunted, feeling a fierce pain in his back.

    His brow furrowed in pain, but his pace didn''t slow down as he charged toward Du Wanrou.

    By now, Lin Kang had already engaged in combat with those people, protecting Du Wanrou in front of him.

    His moves were quite good, and in the blink of an eye, two men lay on the ground, but the attackers all wielded weapons.

    Before long, Lin Kang had taken several hits, and his movements slowed down considerably.

    Behind him, Du Wanrou''s face was pale, deeply frightened by the commotion.

    Seeing Lin Kang nearing his limit, Qin Hao unleashed his full strength, moving incredibly fast.

    After Lin Kang had taken down six people, he could no longer hold his ground and fell to the ground after a bat struck his leg.

    Then a group swarmed and mercilessly beat him.

    These people did not aim for Lin Kang''s head, otherwise, his chances would be slim.

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    With Lin Kang down, Du Wanrou lost her last line of protection.

    The leader glanced at Du Wanrou and commanded, "Beat her up, teach Du Hongfeng a lesson."

    Three young men charged at her, showing no mercy or chivalry.

    Their baseball bats aimed ruthlessly at Du Wanrou''s shoulders and head, clearly targeting her.

    Du Wanrou, terrified, went pale and quickly covered her head with her hands.

    "Bang bang bang"

    Three sounds echoed, but Du Wanrou didn''t feel any pain, looking up curiously through her arms.

    A figure stood before her, none other than Qin Hao.

    Du Wanrou was stunned for a moment, staring blankly at him.

    All three bats had struck Qin Hao''s back and head.

    Before he could finish his sentence, Qin Hao collapsed to the ground with a thud.

    Stunned, Du Wanrou stood there, her mind going blank, not knowing what to do.

    Lin Kang quickly said, "Miss, call for emergency help, and then call Mr. Lin."

    Snapping back to reality, Du Wanrou hurriedly took out her phone, her hands trembling uncontrollably.

    ...

    First Hospital in Jiangshan City.

    Qin Hao slowly opened his eyes, now wrapped up like a mummy. Moving his body, he winced in sharp pain.

    The hospital room was full of people: Du Wanrou, a middle-aged couple, Kang Youyi, and Li Bao.

    Seeing Qin Hao awaken, Du Wanrou''s face lit up with joy, "Qin Hao, you''re awake? How do you feel?"

    "It''s fine, just a bit painful."

    Qin Hao noticed her reddened eyes, clearly showing she had cried.

    He felt the beating was worth it.

    Since childhood, he had been beaten up because of Du Wanrou twice now, the first time being in the grove, and this was the second time.

    This was also the first time in three years he had seen Du Wanrou with tears in her eyes.

    Upon hearing his words, Du Wanrou''s tears poured out again, uncontrollable.

    On the way to the hospital, she had been with him in the ambulance while the doctors provided simple first aid.

    As they cut Qin Hao''s clothes and saw the purple marks from the beating, even the doctors were shocked.

    If it had been any ordinary person, they would have probably fallen after a few hits.

    He had over a dozen bruises from the beating, not just on his head, chest, and back, but even his legs were covered in contusions.

    Even two of his ribs were broken.

    Du Hongfeng looked at Qin Hao and said, "You''re Wan Rou''s classmate, aren''t you? Thank you for today. The outcome would have been unthinkable without you. I''ll cover your medical expenses; just focus on healing."

    "What do you mean? Does my bro Hao need your money?"

    Li Bao, upon hearing Du Hongfeng''s offer, couldn''t contain himself and spoke up in retort.

    Feng Yun quickly said, "We mean no offense; he got hurt because of our daughter Xiao Rou, so it''s right that we cover the medical expenses. If you''re after money, just name your price."

    "Mom, what are you doing?" Du Wanrou was also losing her patience.

    Li Bao wanted to argue further, but Qin Hao quickly interjected, "Li Bao, step outside."

    "Bro Hao," Li Bao looked at him, anger and confusion in his eyes.

    His anger wasn''t directed at Qin Hao, but at Du Hongfeng and Feng Yun.

    Qin Hao glared at him, "Get out."