Chen Cheng looked at his frustrated and angry expression, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly as he walked to Sun Xiang's side.

He reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder, patting it gently to reassure her.

He looked at Cao Yibing with a smile, "What's up, buddy? You still want to lay a hand on my girlfriend?"

Cao Yibing took one look at Chen Cheng, who was half a head taller than him, and immediately lost his nerve, not saying a word.

Chen Cheng's lips quirked up, "Shall we continue?"

"The bank's surveillance shouldn't be broken like a supermarket's."

"According to our country's Criminal Law, for the crime of extortion involving a 'relatively large amount'—between two thousand and five thousand yuan—the penalty is up to three years of fixed-term imprisonment."

"You're quite lucky; you're right on the line between a 'relatively large amount' and a 'huge amount'."

"You've probably secured three years of free meals."

Hearing this, Cao Yibing realized this buddy really knew his stuff.

He immediately grew anxious and stubbornly argued, "Who said I'm extorting? She clearly pushed my mother, and this is medical compensation for her."

Chen Cheng rolled his eyes at him; he really wouldn't face reality until he was at death's door.

"Medical expenses?"

"Did she have surgery in the hospital?"

Without thinking, Cao Yibing nodded, "Of course she did. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to her for compensation, would I?"

"We're all civilized people; it's not like I'd swindle you."

Chen Cheng and Sun Xiang glanced at each other, both letting out a sneer.

Chen Cheng waved his hand, "I won't waste any more breath on you. If you apologize to my girlfriend, we'll let this matter go."

"But if you keep being a stubborn mule, then go home and discuss with your mother who's the principal offender and who's the accomplice."

Sun Xiang's mouth twitched as she turned to glance at Handsome Chen.

How did this guy manage to say such sinister things in such a relaxed tone?

'Discuss with your mother who's the principal offender and who's the accomplice'—that's quite something.

But then again, this guy is really handsome.

And very tall.

His jawline is so nice, and his cheekbones are so full.

Looking at Chen's profile, Sun Xiang unconsciously smacked her lips.

She even felt like pouncing on him and taking a bite.

"Let me remind you, extortion is a criminal charge, not a neighborhood dispute."

"In a case like this, the police will investigate your mother's medical records."

"Whether your mother was injured from a fall or had surgery, the hospital records will show it clearly."

"Of course, you could argue that you didn't have the money and haven't had time to go to the hospital yet."

Cao Yibing immediately agreed, "Right, we don't have the money and haven't had time to go to the hospital yet."

Chen Cheng couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, "buddy, you're so stupid. You jump right into every pit dug for you."

"If you haven't been to the hospital, where did the medical expenses come from?"

"Doesn't this prove even more that you and your mother..." Chen Cheng raised his voice, exerting full pressure, "conspired... to commit extortion!"

Sweat broke out on Cao Yibing's forehead, and he just wanted to flee the scene immediately.

"Brother, I was wrong. Please spare me."

Seeing the man cower, Sun Xiang felt an immediate sense of satisfaction.

Her mouth curved into a crescent moon.

Chen Cheng chuckled, "Don't apologize to me."

"You've got the wrong person."

Cao Yibing immediately turned to Sun Xiang, "Sister, I was wrong. I was blinded by greed."

"..."

Cao Yibing blathered on for a long time.

Chen Cheng suddenly said to Sun Xiang, "Bao, how about we record a video? Just in case he goes back on his word."

Sun Xiang was still enjoying the moment, and her eyes lit up at Chen Cheng's suggestion.

She nodded eagerly, "Okay," and immediately took out her phone, pointing it at Cao Yibing, "Now, recount the whole story from start to finish."

Chen Cheng's lips curved slightly; this girl wasn't that slow after all.

She even knew to gather evidence to protect herself.

After about ten minutes of fussing, they finally got a clear video.

Sun Xiang even sent a copy to her alt account as a backup.

With a fawning smile, Cao Yibing handed the five thousand-plus yuan he had just taken from Sun Xiang back to her.

"Sister, do you think this is okay?"

Sun Xiang took her money back, unable to hide her smile.

Chen Cheng reached into his pocket and pulled out the bentley car keys, holding them in his hand.

He naturally rested that same hand on Sun Xiang's left shoulder.

Sun Xiang's body trembled, and she immediately held her breath.

Her eyes widened as she stared at Chen Cheng's profile.

She was so nervous she didn't dare move.

Chen Cheng casually shook the car keys in his hand.

"Keep your eyes peeled next time. Is such a well-behaved girl like my girlfriend someone you can just bully?"

As he spoke, Scum Cheng tightened his grip on Sun Xiang's shoulder, causing her to lean closer to him.

Sun Xiang's fair face was flushed red. She felt as if the world had stopped, and all she could hear were their heartbeats.

Scum Cheng continued to threaten, "I don't want you harassing my girlfriend again. Can you do that?"

Looking at the car keys in his hand, how could Cao Yibing not know he was being threatened?

With a face full of smiles, "Oh, brother, don't worry. I guarantee I'll never show my face in front of sister again."

"There definitely won't be a next time, definitely not."

Chen Cheng waved his hand, "Go on, get lost."

"Oh, thank you, brother. Thank you, brother."

"Then goodbye, brother," he turned and fawned over Sun Xiang, who was already lost in thought, "Goodbye, sister."

After nearly twenty minutes of trouble, they finally got rid of the little thug.

As Cao Yibing walked away, Scum Cheng didn't let go of Sun Xiang, leading her toward the coffee shop with his arm around her.

After a few steps, Sun Xiang finally realized she was being held by the shoulder and said with a blush:

"Could you let go of me?"

Chen Cheng raised an eyebrow. He wasn't holding her that tightly; if she wanted to break free, a simple twist would have done it.

Scum Cheng immediately understood that Sun Xiang actually accepted his physical touch.

A mischievous smile played on his lips, and the hand on her shoulder didn't move an inch.

"That guy hasn't left yet."

"I just threatened him with the car keys."

"If he realizes we aren't actually boyfriend and girlfriend and that I was just scaring him..."

"He might retaliate against you after I leave."

"Huh?" Sun Xiang shuddered instantly. "He... he probably wouldn't dare, right? I still have the video of him."

Chen Cheng shook his head, "The video in your hand works against gentlemen, not against scoundrels."

"A rogue like him who relies on his old mother to stage accidents—if he finds out you're playing him, there's no telling what he might do."

Thinking about it, Sun Xiang realized he was right and immediately grew a bit panicked, "Then... then what should I do?"

With a mischievous grin, Chen Cheng patted her shoulder gently, "It's fine, just let him be sure you're my girlfriend."

"The car keys I pulled out earlier are real, too."

"That'll do it."

"Oh~" Sun Xiang was dazed and just let Chen Cheng lead her along the whole way.

As they walked, she almost forgot they were acting.

She felt like the neighbors were casting strange looks their way.

At the last corner before the coffee shop, Chen Cheng caught a glimpse of the little thug out of the corner of his eye.

"Don't look back; he's right behind us."