Chapter 26: Let Me Help You

Ergou had an inexplicable devotion and passion for King of Fighters. Sometimes, when Li Xin turned to look at the focused young man, it was as if he had merged with K. It was only an illusion, yet it gave Li Xin a sense of blurred reality. Gradually, Li Xin began to understand the design philosophy behind “King of Games.”

In truth, Ergou was unaware that the Leona in Li Xin’s hands was already far stronger than himself. The only reason he kept losing was to hone his close-quarters combat skills, and perhaps pick up a few of Leona’s signature moves in the process. Li Xin wasn’t sure if those special techniques from the game could actually be executed in reality; he’d have to find the right opportunity to test them.

The phone suddenly rang. Ergou, immersed in the heat of battle, answered with irritation, “Damn it, didn’t I tell you not to call unless it’s urgent? I’m busy here.”

Who was calling?

Li Xin was just wondering when Ergou’s expression suddenly changed. He jumped up and flung the controller to the ground.

“Damn it! Let him go, or I won’t be so polite! Wait for me, I’m on my way!”

Almost shouting, Ergou turned to Li Xin and forced a smile. “Li Xin, something came up today. I can’t play with you. Maybe another time. Gotta go, later.”

“What happened? You don’t look well.”

“Don’t ask. My younger brother’s been taken by someone. I have to save him.”

“Your brother!” Li Xin stood up as well. “I’ll go with you.”

“Forget it, what’s it got to do with you? Those guys are tough. You don’t want to get dragged into this.” Ergou gave a simple, honest smile, his eyes surprisingly clear and earnest. In the face of a crisis, he had his own principles and standards.

“No way! It’s too dangerous for you to go alone.”

“So what if it’s dangerous? I can’t let them beat up my brother.” Ergou gave a bitter smile, grabbed his jacket, and rushed outside. His bicycle was still parked by the bridge.

Watching his figure disappear into the night, Li Xin frowned. If that was his brother, why had Ergou sounded so hostile at first? He didn’t seem to care for his brother much. Yet he was now so concerned, risking danger to charge into the lion’s den. Li Xin felt there must be some hidden story here.

After pondering for a moment, he picked up his backpack, left, and drove after Ergou, soon catching sight of him.

“Hey, get in.”

Ergou hesitated, then jumped in. The humid night had him drenched in sweat, breathing hard, cheeks flushed.

“You didn’t have to come.”

“I know,” Li Xin smiled.

“Then why did you come? Are you crazy? Looking for trouble, those guys are dangerous.” Ergou rolled his eyes in exasperation.

“I’ve always been a bit crazy.”

“You...”

“Heh, tell me about you and your brother.”

Seeing Li Xin’s resolve, Ergou shook his head and didn’t refuse any further. He had long sensed this man was a top-tier gamer, seemingly losing on purpose to give him some spending money. Now, he was lending a hand in real life. Such kindness did not require words; it was enough to remember it. Once they got there, he’d figure out a way for Li Xin to escape first if things went south.

Following Ergou’s directions, the SUV sped through the night, and Li Xin learned more about Ergou’s circumstances.

He told people his parents were both dead, but in truth, only his father had passed away. His mother had remarried when he was very young and had another son. Years ago, the man on that side fell from a construction site and was left disabled, unable to care for himself. His mother struggled to raise the younger son and care for her paralyzed husband.

But the man, in his despair, became violent, beating and bullying her daily. In the end, unable to bear it, she killed him and turned herself in, going to prison and leaving behind a boy not yet thirteen. Without parents, and with grandparents old and infirm, the younger boy became like a wild horse, spending his days idling, stealing and causing trouble.

Though Ergou was full of resentment towards his mother, he was still soft-hearted and often brought money to support his half-brother’s family. But he wasn’t wealthy himself, and discipline was scarce; they often ended up fighting.

During the days when Li Xin had been forced to retire from his team in disgrace, he had thought himself the most miserable person in the world, even contemplated suicide, but couldn’t bring himself to do it—he couldn’t let go of his former glory. Only after meeting Ergou today did Li Xin realize how lucky he truly was.

At least when his parents had been alive, their home was full of respect, kindness, and diligence.

The two fell into silence, not knowing what to say. Around eight thirty, they reached the address: Qiyuan Internet Café in the west of the city. The troublemakers were local thugs. Earlier that day, Ergou’s brother Wang Yong had been gaming at the café, gotten into a dispute with someone, and a fight broke out. Wang Yong struck too hard and seriously injured the other, so he was being held.

“Li Xin, just wait for me down here.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“No, stay here. It’s not safe upstairs. If I don’t come out, call the police, then leave. Don’t get yourself involved.” Ergou gave a serious warning, then jumped out and went inside.

“A loyal and righteous fellow,” Li Xin murmured, smiling faintly as he got out and followed. If the situation allowed, he didn’t mind using these thugs for practice. After a whole day studying close combat, it was time to test his skills. He moved quietly through the first and second floors, both packed with rowdy gamers, the air thick and foul. Above, the third floor was lit, faint noise drifting down—it must be there.

“Stop, where do you think you’re going?” Two tattooed, idle men blocked his way.

“I’m here to find someone.”

“To find someone?” The two burst out laughing, sneering as they pointed at Li Xin. “And who the hell are you? Don’t you know strangers aren’t allowed up here?”

“I didn’t know. I’m just here to find someone.”

“Then tell us, who are you looking for?”

“Ergou.”

At this, their laughter stopped. Their tone turned cold. “You here to pay up?”

“Something like that.”

“Come with me.” One of them led Li Xin inside.

It was a large room, crowded with people standing and sitting. In a corner crouched a skinny, filthy-faced young man, bloodied, while Ergou was arguing heatedly with another man, but it seemed to have little effect. Outnumbered, Ergou was clearly no match.

“Boss, someone’s here to pay the ransom.”

Everyone turned to look—a well-dressed, scholarly-looking young man. They were surprised. How did Ergou know such an upscale person? And the ransom was mentioned only a moment ago, how did he arrive so quickly? Was he a cop?

The leader was about to stand up when Ergou rushed over to Li Xin, shouting, “Why did you come?”

“I’m here to help.”

“Leave now, go!” Ergou cried anxiously.

Li Xin pressed down on Ergou’s hand. Ergou tried to break free, but for the first time realized how strong Li Xin really was—he couldn’t move at all. It struck him as odd, but now was not the time for questions.

Li Xin gave him a reassuring glance, then stepped forward. “I’m here to pay the ransom.”

“Well, aren’t you bold.”

“Haha, where’d this fool come from, walking right into our hands.”

“Hey, what are you saying? He’s a customer, right? As long as he’s got money, that’s all that matters.”

“That’s true.”

The group burst into mocking laughter, sizing up Li Xin with scorn. Hardened by life on the streets, their very presence was repulsive, brimming with a swagger that could only be described as petty. Li Xin frowned—he had little patience for this type, and last time he’d already broken Biao’s arm. That guy was a real boss, far more formidable than these small-time punks. So what?

“Your brother Wang Yong beat up one of our boss’s men. So, what are you going to do?” A man with a cigarette dangling from his lips swaggered up, deliberately showing off a green dragon tattoo on his arm, believing it to be a symbol of status that would frighten most people.

People, after all, are generally afraid.

But Li Xin ignored him, looking directly at the leader in the center. “He hurt someone, so I’ll pay compensation. But you beat him up too, so you’ll have to pay as well.”

“Bullshit!” The tattooed man exploded with rage at being ignored.

He raised his fist and swung it at Li Xin with great force, the air whistling as it cut through. The others all sneered—some people just need to be taught a lesson.

“Li Xin, dodge!” Ergou shouted, but was held back by two thugs, unable to move. He knew Li Xin was strong, but fighting isn’t just about brute strength; these guys had years of street brawling under their belts. How could a little office boss like Li Xin stand a chance?

Under a dozen watchful eyes, Li Xin stepped forward and threw a punch. It looked slow, but was actually blindingly fast. To everyone else, it was a blur; but in truth, it had already met the tattooed man’s right fist.

Bang!

Crack!

A chill swept through the room—the sound of bones shattering.

The next instant, the tattooed man let out a scream, flying through the air like a severed kite, drawing a graceful arc before crashing down.