Chapter 69: Robbery

Yang Fan glanced at the young man sitting behind Han Ruobing, his brows knitting together. In the youth’s eyes, he saw hostility.

As Guo Xiong spoke up to drive Yang Fan away, the others flashed enigmatic smiles. Especially Zhu Xiaomei, who let out a quiet chuckle. They were all classmates in the same grade, and Guo Xiong had shown interest in Han Ruobing, even confessing openly. Yet he had not won the beauty’s favor. Han Ruobing neither liked nor disliked Guo Xiong.

“I didn’t ask you to speak. You’d better watch your mouth,” Yang Fan stared coldly at Guo Xiong, his tone icy.

Provoked, Guo Xiong grew annoyed and stood up from his seat. At six feet tall and built like an ox, he looked tough and hard to deal with.

“What, you want to start a fight?” Guo Xiong looked at Yang Fan with disdain, his head held high. “My classmates already said they don’t want to sell to you, so stop pestering.”

In Guo Xiong’s eyes, Yang Fan was only five foot nine and seemed slight. Would he, a big guy, be afraid of Yang Fan? Besides, he had two close friends nearby; if it came to blows, he had nothing to fear.

“That’s between her and me. It’s none of your business. Don’t test my limits,” Yang Fan replied coldly.

He was just a mortal; Yang Fan could handle him with one hand. If not for appearances, he would have slapped Guo Xiong outright.

Hearing Yang Fan’s words, Guo Xiong’s two friends stepped forward, their eyes fixed on Yang Fan. Seeing his buddies stand up for him, Guo Xiong felt triumphant, his gaze full of challenge.

Everyone on the bus sensed a fight was brewing.

“All right, stop arguing,” Han Ruobing spoke up, trying to mediate. She addressed Yang Fan, “I said I don’t need money, and I won’t sell the stone.”

Seeing her refusal, Yang Fan said no more. Since she wouldn’t sell, he would have to devise another way to obtain the Cold Jade Stone. In any case, he was determined to get it.

When Yang Fan returned to his seat, Guo Xiong’s lips curled into a contemptuous smile.

“Don’t worry, Ruobing. If that guy dares come again, I’ll make sure he’s driven away,” Guo Xiong promised her.

Han Ruobing nodded, offering no further comment.

Guo Xiong’s intentions were clear, and Han Ruobing understood them. Yet she felt nothing for him.

The bus stopped at a station, and five young men boarded. Yang Fan glanced at them, noticing one had a knife hidden beneath his clothes. Sensing something amiss, he kept quiet and sat calmly.

The five found seats and swept their eyes around the bus, their looks strangely unsettling.

Half an hour later, the bus reached a secluded stretch of road. One young man rose and walked to the driver, pulling out a machete and pressing it to the driver’s throat.

“Turn at the next intersection, or I’ll slit your throat,” he snarled, his gaze fierce.

The driver, terrified by the sudden threat, trembled and nodded, not daring to resist.

“Everyone stay quiet, or you’ll see blood,” another youth with dyed yellow hair brandished a pistol, threatening the passengers. “Relax, we’re only after money. Your lives aren’t at risk. Unless you don’t cooperate—then don’t blame us for being ruthless.”

All five drew their machetes, intimidating the passengers.

Fearful and silent, the passengers stared at the five, realizing they were being robbed.

“You’re lawless! Robbing in broad daylight—aren’t you afraid of getting caught and jailed?” Han Ruobing cried out indignantly.

“Ruobing, are you crazy?” Zhu Xiaomei, shocked to see Han Ruobing speak up, hurriedly tugged at her.

But Han Ruobing ignored her friend, glaring at the robbers.

“Well, well, this girl’s got a temper—and looks pretty good, too. Wonder if she’s still untouched,” the one with the pistol eyed Han Ruobing with interest and amazement.

Han Ruobing’s delicate features rivaled those of famous actresses. Seeing her fair skin, the gunman swallowed hard.

“Shameless!” Han Ruobing retorted, her face full of disgust.

“Heh, you’re right, I am shameless,” the youth laughed, showing a twisted pride. He approached, pointing his gun at Han Ruobing. “Pretty girl, you look like you haven’t been spoiled yet.”

As he spoke, he reached out to touch her face.

“We’re just after money. We’ll give you everything, just please don’t do anything else,” Guo Xiong stepped forward, unwilling to let the thug molest his goddess.

“Damn you! Who said you could talk?” The gunman kicked Guo Xiong hard, cursing fiercely. “Trying to play hero? Know your place, or I’ll shoot you dead!”

Guo Xiong, gun pointed at him, turned pale and trembled.

The others, witnessing this, fell silent.

“Everyone off the bus, or you’ll see blood!” The bus stopped in a remote spot, and the five shouted at the passengers, their vicious demeanor terrifying.

No one dared resist; everyone got off in turn.

Yang Fan remained calm, stepping off the bus quietly. He hadn’t acted yet for a reason—he wanted to wait until Han Ruobing was truly desperate, then offer terms. For her life, she would surely give him the Cold Jade Stone.

“Line up, hand over your money. If anyone holds back, I’ll kill you!” one youth shouted, machete raised.

There were over thirty people from the bus, all lining up and turning over their wallets and phones.

Yang Fan’s money and belongings were all stored in his ring. If searched, nothing would be found.

“Damn it, still hiding money? You’re asking for death!” Finding a middle-aged man concealing cash, one youth kicked him to the ground, while another joined in beating him.

“You’re too much! He’s obviously a worker, not wealthy. Yet you still rob him—do you have any humanity?” Han Ruobing shouted angrily.

The middle-aged man wore a laborer’s clothes, covered in mud and riddled with holes. Beaten, he wept and begged, “Please, this money is for my father’s medical bills. I beg you, don’t take it—I’ll kneel to you.”

He knelt before the robbers, bowing repeatedly.

Men rarely cry, but for his father, he knelt and begged, tears streaming, pleading them not to take his money. His father’s illness depended on that cash; if it was stolen, he had no idea what to do.

“Your dad’s life means nothing to me!” The youth with the pistol kicked the man, showing no mercy.

Han Ruobing trembled with anger at the sight.

Though the others felt pity for the man, they were powerless to help.