In Lei Zhengyang's mind, Sun Xiaohu's image was vivid, but seeing him in person sent a jolt of awe through him. At seventeen, Xiaohu stood nearly 1.8 meters, his face—meant for youthful innocence—etched with weathered hardship, as if he'd endured a century of trials. His piercing gaze, sharp as a blade, glinted with menace. A shaved head amplified his intimidating aura, commanding fear at first glance.
Dressed in worn clothes, he stood casually, yet his presence was undeniable. That wild, ferocious face screamed danger, broadcasting "stay away" in bold. Zhengyang, though, recognized this vibe instantly—this was the wolf-like Sun Xiaohu, untamed and true.
Xiaohu's eyes locked on Zhengyang, shimmering with a composure no seventeen-year-old should possess. "You're the one who wanted me," he said coldly. "What do you need me to do?"
Zhengyang nodded slightly. "Don't care to know who I am?"
"Don't care," Xiaohu replied. "You dragged me to the capital from miles away—not to introduce yourself, I bet. You got me out, so I'll do one job for you. Then we're square."
Li Yuanfeng chuckled. "Boss, where'd you find this guy? If I hadn't seen his file, I wouldn't believe he's just seventeen."
"Seventeen?" Xiao Dasheng's eyes widened, stunned. "Windy, you pulling my leg? This kid's got some serious edge!"
Zhengyang glanced at Xiao Dasheng. "Monkey, test him. He's got skills."
Xiao Dasheng, a sucker for a challenge, sprang up, grinning. "Kid, I'm impressed—almost jealous. Let's see what you've got!" Raised in a military compound, trained by masters in every fist style, he came out swinging, heavy punches flying. But Xiaohu didn't flinch. His aura was savage, moves lightning-fast, matching Xiao Dasheng blow for blow. A draw—unthinkable.
"Boss, he's a keeper!" Xiao Dasheng panted, stepping back, already sold. For a guy like him, loyalty sparked fast, and Xiaohu's grit won him over.
Li Yuanfeng laughed. "Boss hauled him from halfway across the country. Of course he's staying—think it's for fun?"
Xiaohu's brow furrowed, bristling at the idea of serving anyone. Before he could protest, Zhengyang cut in. "Xiaohu, you don't care who I am, but I'll tell you anyway. One day, I'll be your brother-in-law. I got you out because I promised your sister."
Xiaohu's face darkened, a chilling killing intent flaring. "You used me to threaten her?"
Xiao Dasheng and Li Yuanfeng flinched, spooked by the kid's raw menace. Zhengyang, unfazed, shook his head. "No need for that. Taking you down? One finger's enough. I saved you because I love your sister and won't let her suffer. As for you, stick with me. Don't you want to tear apart the ones who framed your parents? I can give you that shot."
In his past life, before meeting Zhengyang, Xiaohu lived for two things: vengeance for his parents' deaths and love for his sister. Only after joining Zhengyang did he break free of hate, becoming the Wolf General, a legend who shook the East.
Soon, Xiaohu reunited with Sun Xueling. She collapsed into tears, sobbing uncontrollably, clutching her brother like she'd gone mad. She'd poured everything into saving him, never daring to hope they'd meet so soon. Seeing him matured—transformed in two years from a boy to a man—filled her with pride and bittersweet pain.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she wept, turning to Zhengyang, words spilling out.
"From now on, Xiaohu's with me," Zhengyang said. "I'll keep him safe. Xueling, do you believe me now?"
She nodded fiercely. "Mr. Lei, I won't say more thanks. Xiaohu's temper is rough, and he's barely educated. If he offends you, please don't hold it against him. I trust your words—and your dream."
Zhengyang felt a quiet joy. But before leaving, Xiaohu shot him a fierce warning: "I don't care who you are. Hurt my sister, and I won't let you off."
Zhengyang brushed it off. Xiaohu couldn't threaten him, and he'd never harm Xueling. Even if she rejected him this life, he'd protect her. "Xueling, I'm Lei Zhengyang. Call me Zhengyang from now on."
"Zhengyang," she said hesitantly.
"I've got a favor to ask."
"Name it. If I can do it, I will."
"I need you to look after someone."
"I'm in."
He took her to the villa he'd bought days earlier. At the doorstep, Xueling hesitated. Though she'd chosen to trust him, her instinct—honed by a world that demanded vigilance—made her wary of being alone with any man. It was second nature. But she stepped inside.
"You're caring for a girl," Zhengyang said, handing her keys with earnest sincerity. "You two will live here. Please, I'm counting on you."
Xueling stared at the elegantly furnished villa, disbelief washing over her. Just her and another girl in a place this grand? Even before her family's downfall, they'd never lived anywhere so luxurious.
A car screeched outside. "Sister Youran, this is it, right? Lei Bro said Number 8, but where is he?" Shi Luoluo's voice rang out.
Zhengyang smiled. "Xueling, come on. The girl you're looking after is here."
He stepped out, Xueling clutching the keys, half-convinced she was dreaming. "Lei Bro, you're here!" Luoluo squealed, flinging herself into his arms. Her youthful figure, blossoming daily, carried a fresh, tempting charm, her scent intoxicating.
Leng Youran stepped out, eyeing the surroundings. "Nice pick, Lei Third Young Master. Classy, serene—perfect for Luoluo."
Zhengyang ignored her, beckoning Xueling over. "This is Luoluo. She's at Nancheng First High, not far from here. Luoluo, this is Sister Sun Xueling, a Tsinghua student. When I'm not around, she'll look after you. Listen to her, okay?"
Luoluo clung to his hand. "Lei Bro, you said you'd take care of me! Don't leave!"
He chuckled. "Silly girl, I'm not going anywhere. I'll visit plenty."
Leng Youran smirked. "Sharp eye, huh? No wonder you've skipped Yaochi lately—snagged a proper lady to keep, eh? Poor girl, another victim of the world's men."
Her flippant jab irked Zhengyang, who glared, but Xueling, unfazed, relaxed upon seeing Luoluo. This man truly had no ulterior motives—just wanted her to care for this vibrant girl. "Luoluo," Xueling said softly, "if you love someone, you support them. Your Lei Bro's busy with big things. Back him up, and he'll adore you, right?"
Her gentle words worked magic. Luoluo, still holding Xueling's hand, didn't pull away. Zhengyang grinned. Xueling's warmth and wisdom shone through—anyone near her couldn't help but love her, even Luoluo.