Chen Fan chuckled, a wry smile on his face.
He thought to himself, "A contrarian? They're really pushing it!"
"Suit yourself," Chen Fan said, shrugging carelessly. "Whatever floats your boat!"
Su He declared, "Alright, I won't give up! I'll definitely pull you into my team! Make you one of mine!" The last sentence had a double meaning.
Chen Fan retorted, "Dream on."
Su He glared, crossing her arms with a pout. To onlookers, they appeared to be a couple deeply in love. But that wasn't the reality.
Just as Chen Fan was about to leave, he sensed a growing danger. Meanwhile, Su He remained oblivious, her expression serene. Chen Fan scanned the surroundings, spotting several individuals across the street. He immediately pulled Su He down.
"Watch out..."
The turn of events was so sudden that Su He was still bewildered. She landed on her back, feeling disoriented. "Ow! That hurt!"
"Chen Fan, you..."
Chen Fan interrupted, "There are gunmen!"
Gunmen? Su He's heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she reached for the firearm concealed behind her.
"This is a public place!" Chen Fan stopped her. Su He complied. Chen Fan then pulled her along and they dashed towards a side alley. The moment they darted into the alley, shadowy figures emerged from hiding and rushed in their direction with utmost speed. Nearly a dozen of them, aggressive and armed.
"I never imagined you'd be so quick!" Su He exclaimed as they fled.
"You were slow!" Chen Fan quipped.
...
The two moved as swiftly as they could, exiting the alley and entering an area of unfinished buildings. Soon, the dozen figures, now dispersed, also entered the zone. They were all masked, armed with firearms, clearly prepared.
Chen Fan stated, "They're after you. You handle this. Protecting ordinary people like us is your duty."
Su He felt an urge to throttle Chen Fan for his words. "What kind of nonsense is that? Are you out of your mind?"
"You need my protection?" Su He retorted, incredulous. "Don't be ridiculous!"
"Of course..." Chen Fan replied with mock seriousness.
...
Su He ignored him, drawing her handgun from behind her and attaching a silencer. She was fully ready for combat. Chen Fan, on the other hand, appeared unconcerned, leaning against a wall and playing on his phone. His nonchalance completely deflated the tense atmosphere.
Su He gritted her teeth in frustration. "Can't you take this seriously?"
Chen Fan looked up at her and responded with a blunt "No."
"You..." Su He was utterly exasperated and numb. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. *Don't get angry, don't get angry.* She decided to ignore Chen Fan and face the intruders alone.
Meanwhile, the unwelcome guests downstairs were steadily ascending.
"Su He, we know you're here. Come out!" a voice called from below. "You're surrounded! Give up your resistance! Surrender now, and we can make your death a bit more comfortable!"
Multiple voices spoke simultaneously from the ground floor, making it impossible for Su He to pinpoint their exact locations. Conversely, if Su He spoke, they would be able to determine her position.