Unfortunately, the protagonist treatment Qin Shi had imagined—some punks causing trouble and forcing him to reveal his second-stage Thug Form, only for him to beat them until they were on their knees—never came his way.
Perhaps the low, humble houses deep in the alley weren't worth much. Things were unusually peaceful on his end.
Every so often, he heard the neighbors across the hall or next door gathering to quietly discuss how some family's man had been beaten yesterday, or how another household had their water and electricity cut off today.
"The redevelopment hasn't even been officially announced, and already all kinds of snakes and demons are jumping out to carve up the land and suck people dry."
Back in the shack, Qin Shi pulled the light cord. The dim glow spread through the cramped, narrow space.
The house felt empty and cold. He had arranged for his youngest sister, Qin Lan, to stay with a female classmate.
The chaos on Old Factory Street had been getting worse lately. Between training with Old Liang during the day and going out to work part-time, he might not be able to look after his sister.
Better to get her out of the turmoil and keep her from getting dragged into trouble.
"Only by nipping danger in the bud can you prevent future problems."
Qin Shi sat inside. Though he'd just wolfed down some Super Protein, out of habit he still heated up a meal and ate a few bites, just to make the place feel a little more lived-in.
"Let's see... Eldest Sister should be back soon."
He lowered his head to shovel food into his mouth, his thoughts wandering.
Although Hengzhou New Star had been extensively developed for several thousand years, its location on the frontier and the sudden isolation from