The Scapegoat

It was already late November, and the chill of the deep night was steadily growing.

Ma Family BBQ enjoyed a constant stream of customers thanks to its fresh ingredients and excellent taste.

The charcoal fire danced, illuminating Ma Jie's busy figure. The skewers on the grill sizzled, giving off an irresistibly tempting aroma.

At the open-air tables outside, groups of friends sat together, their laughter and conversation mingling with the barbecue smoke and scent of spices to create Yuzhou's distinctive barbecue atmosphere.

Pei Yujing wore an icy expression as her tall figure moved between the tables, delivering freshly grilled skewers, beer, and soft drinks.

She drew appreciative glances from many young men.

Deng Xiang watched her figure and clicked his tongue inwardly. What a pity—she did not give him the time of day.

This was no longer middle school. Back then, when Deng Xiang chased girls, all he had to do was put in some effort. But now, he had nothing that could make anyone think highly of him.

Deng Xiang could only drown his sorrows in drink. Duan Shigang was treating them today, and Deng Xiang held a Lamb Skewer as he bragged with the other guys.

The atmosphere was not affected in the slightest by the presence of the unfamiliar Zhang Chi. As long as Zhang Chi had something to eat, he could smile at anyone.

As Duan Shigang got carried away talking, he spotted a little Yellow Dog at his feet, wagging its tail as it darted around.

Interested, he placed a Lamb Skewer by his feet and laughed. "Never had anything this good before, have you?"

The little Yellow Dog finished it in two bites.

Zhang Chi gave him a thumbs-up. "Gang Ge, you're generous!"

Ge Hao said, "Damn, damn, you really can bear to part