Chapter 59: Kidnapping

The news of the crime boss's death had already spread throughout River City, causing quite a stir.

Meanwhile, Yang Fan continued his quiet work at the prestigious high school, untroubled by any disturbances. With the crime boss gone, there was no longer any threat of retaliation. According to rumors, the gang's internal factions had begun to vie for leadership, leaving no one interested in settling old scores over minor incidents like Duan Wei.

Since Yang Fan had yet to gather all the materials needed for his formation, he would remain at the high school for some time. Within the school, he had already become a well-known security guard, someone no student dared provoke. The delinquent students, after being taught a lesson, had all settled down. Among the students, it was said that Yang Fan's background must be deep, that someone powerful surely protected him. After all, he had crossed Duan Wei, the notorious second-generation gangster, and nothing had happened to him, which was quite surprising.

"Cousin, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me, I promise I won't do it again," Zhang Meng pleaded, following closely at Lu Yuxi's side, hoping for her forgiveness.

Lately, Lu Yuxi had wanted nothing to do with Zhang Meng, still harboring resentment in her heart. During Yang Fan's absence, Lu Yuxi had been in low spirits, and Zhang Meng's betrayal was a further blow.

Lu Yuxi ignored her, walking onward alone. Seeing her cousin's cold demeanor, Zhang Meng felt both hurt and guilty. She now realized her mistake, but could not obtain forgiveness.

"Hey there, gorgeous. How about making a new friend?" A young man with brightly dyed hair blocked Lu Yuxi's path, grinning lecherously.

"Get lost," Lu Yuxi replied coldly, her face full of disdain.

"Oh, feisty, aren't you? I like that," the youth laughed, his gaze sweeping over her.

He leaned in, intent on taking advantage of her. "Come on, don't be so heartless. Let me show you a good time," he said, reaching out to grab her.

"Move," Lu Yuxi snapped, knocking away his hand.

The students around them stopped to watch. They'd seen this sort of thing before—hooligans often loitered near the school gates, harassing female students, unconcerned about the security guards. These thugs always had connections and acted with impunity; few dared stand up to them.

"Haha, Da Mao, you got rejected! Guess you're not as charming as you thought," another delinquent jeered from the sidelines.

"Tsk, this schoolgirl's got a temper. Makes me like her even more," chimed in another.

Da Mao's pride was wounded, and he grew angry. Just as he was about to grab Lu Yuxi, Yang Fan strode over.

"You have ten seconds to leave," Yang Fan said, eyes fixed on Da Mao.

"You got a death wish, punk?" Da Mao sneered, unhappy that a mere security guard was interfering.

"One," Yang Fan intoned coldly.

The surrounding students watched with anticipation. Many had heard rumors of Yang Fan's skills, but few had seen him in action. Now, it seemed, they would witness it firsthand. Some of the girls gazed at Yang Fan with admiration, their faces alight with hope.

"Kid, you must be new. Don't know who I am, do you?" Da Mao taunted.

"Two," Yang Fan continued, unfazed.

Seeing Yang Fan's defiance, Da Mao's expression turned vicious. "To hell with you! If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll never know the meaning of pain," he cursed, swinging his fist at Yang Fan.

With a dull thud, Da Mao's abdomen took a heavy blow. He was sent flying over five meters, rolling three times before coming to a stop, curled up in agony, bile rising in his throat.

Seeing this, the other two thugs rushed at Yang Fan. Without sparing them a glance, Yang Fan turned and began walking back toward the school, unconcerned.

The onlookers could hardly believe it. The two thugs charged at Yang Fan, aiming a kick at his back. Yang Fan stopped, then, with lightning speed, lashed out with his right foot, catching both men square in the chest and sending them sprawling. They landed hard, gasping for breath.

"If you don't leave now, you'll be carried into the hospital," Yang Fan warned, casting a cold glance at the trio before returning to the security office.

The three scrambled to their feet and fled on their motorcycles.

Lu Yuxi glanced at Yang Fan's retreating figure, a sense of familiarity flickering in her eyes. "Why does his back look so familiar?" she wondered. Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought, thanked Yang Fan, and headed home, with Zhang Meng hurrying after her.

"He's so handsome! I wish he were my boyfriend," one girl sighed, gazing at Yang Fan with adoration.

"Give it a rest. Let's go home before you embarrass yourself," her friend teased.

Young, handsome, and skilled—Yang Fan had become the subject of much discussion among the school's girls, stirring the hearts of many in their blossoming youth.

At the prestigious high school, Yang Fan was now a popular topic between classes. Whenever he stood guard at the school gate, he attracted countless admiring glances, making many boys envious.

"Help! Someone's been kidnapped!"

A scream pierced the air. Not far away, Zhang Meng came running toward the school in panic.

Hearing the commotion, Yang Fan emerged to see Zhang Meng approaching, panic-stricken.

"My cousin's been taken! Please, you have to help me chase them!" Zhang Meng cried, pointing frantically.

Yang Fan looked in the direction she indicated but saw no sign of Lu Yuxi. "Where is she?" he asked.

"They drove off in a white van, that way!" she sobbed, pointing.

"Mazi, call the police," Yang Fan ordered, then sprinted off in pursuit. Mazi quickly dialed for help.

The van was already out of sight, making it difficult to track. Yang Fan ran at full speed in the direction it had gone, circulating his spiritual power to search for Lu Yuxi's location.

He recalled the pendant he had once given her, which bore a talismanic mark left by him. Through this mark, he could sense her position—but only within a certain range. His soul power, still in its early stages, limited the distance he could cover; at best, he could sense within a kilometer.

Fortunately, the van had not gone far, and Yang Fan could still detect the mark. He chanted a formula and raced after his target, closing the gap bit by bit.

The van sped toward the outskirts of River City, showing no sign of stopping.

Inside, Lu Yuxi looked at the three men before her in terror, unable to fathom why they had seized her. Fear gripped her heart, and she was overwhelmed by despair.

Her mouth was sealed with tape, so she could not cry for help.

"Well, well, this schoolgirl is a real gem. Nice figure, too—a rare beauty," one of the men leered, his eyes roaming over her.

Under his lascivious gaze, Lu Yuxi trembled with fear.