Jiang Yi ordered a few beers.
Just as he sat down, a flashily dressed bald man walked past holding a glass of wine.
As he neared Jiang Yi, the man slipped on a spilled puddle of liquor—sending his entire drink splashing onto Jiang Yi's clothes.
Jiang Yi frowned.
He expected an apology, but instead, the bald man snarled, **"What, kid? Got a problem?"**
His tone reeked of arrogance.
**"Apologize,"** Jiang Yi said coldly.
**"Or what? You gonna hit me?"** The man sneered.
***Crack!***
Jiang Yi's fist connected with the man's face, shattering his nose bridge. Blood gushed instantly.
**"You're dead, you little shit! Do you even know who I am?"** The bald man roared, eyes murderous.
**"Don't care, don't wanna know."**
Jiang Yi raised an eyebrow. **"Besides, you *asked* me to hit you."**
The entire bar fell silent, patrons staring at Jiang Yi like he was already a corpse.
Clearly, this bald man wasn't someone to trifle with.
**"You won't leave here alive tonight!"** The man bellowed.
Jiang Yi smirked. He was curious to see what this fool could actually do.
Suddenly, a dozen burly blond men stormed in, surrounding Jiang Yi with lethal intent.
**"Kill him!"** the bald man commanded.
Just as Jiang Yi prepared to fight—
***Whoosh!***
A shadow darted past.
In three crisp moves, all the attackers lay groaning on the floor.
The bald man paled, knees buckling as he recognized the newcomer. Sweat poured down his face, his eyes wide with terror.
The woman who'd intervened stood tall—stunningly beautiful yet radiating an icy aura that warned others to keep their distance.
**"You—?"**
Jiang Yi froze.
It was *her*—his senior sister, Ning Yan.
She'd stayed at his castle once before vanishing without a trace. No calls, no messages. He'd been worried sick.
Yet here she was, in Eastmond State.
**"Scram,"** Ning Yan commanded.
The bald man didn't need telling twice. He fled like his life depended on it.
Once gone, Ning Yan sat across from Jiang Yi, downing a shot in one gulp.
Only when facing him did her icy gaze soften—just a fraction.
**"Sis, why was he so terrified of you?"** Jiang Yi asked.
**"Last time I drank here, he tried hitting on me."**
She shrugged. **"I... *educated* him."**
Jiang Yi chuckled, finally understanding.
After a sip of beer, he frowned. **"Why disappear without a word last time? I was worried."**
**"Not telling you was for your own good,"** she said flatly.
**"Once I wrap things up here, come back to the castle with me. I can protect you now. No one will touch a hair on your head."**
His voice thickened with emotion. Seeing her like this pained him.
He had the power to shield her now—no more wandering alone.
**"No."**
**"The forces after me are beyond you."** Her fingers tightened around her glass. **"You're my only family left. I won't risk you."**
Jiang Yi exhaled in frustration.
He knew her stubbornness. No one could sway her decisions.
He wanted to stand with her, yet she refused to even reveal the truth.
**"You've dealt with Jiang Tian. Next is Jiang Wanli, yes?"**
Her sudden shift caught him off guard.
**"That old fox has royal backing. Be careful."**
**"How do you know all this?"** he blurted.
**"I know *everything* you do."**
A rare smile touched her lips. **"You're not that little brother anymore. You'll carve your own empire here."**
**"As your senior sister, I should help... but my involvement would only bring you more danger."**
Regret flickered in her eyes.
Jiang Yi nodded silently.
He understood her intentions, yet the ache to keep her close remained. To him, she was family.
**"That Tracy is trouble. Don't let her fool you—or Dongfang Mei will skin you alive."**
Her warning carried a teasing edge.
As Jiang Yi opened his mouth to reply—
Ning Yan reached over, gently dabbing his hair with a napkin to wipe off the spilled alcohol.
The tenderness of the gesture transported him back to their youth—her shielding him during their medical training, treating him like a beloved younger brother.
Even now, those memories warmed him. His resolve to keep her here hardened.
**"Take care of yourself. I can't watch over you anymore."**
Her voice cracked with unspoken grief.
**"Stay,"** he pleaded. **"Whatever the danger, we'll face it together."**
**"I said *no*."**
Her tone frosted over. **"You're already dancing with vipers—March, the royals. You can't even protect yourself, yet you want to guard *me*?"**
She stood abruptly.
Jiang Yi knew this harshness was her armor—to push him away.
**"Goodbye."**
One last lingering look, and she strode out.
Jiang Yi watched her disappear, heart heavy.
**"No. I won't let her shoulder this alone."**
This time, he vowed silently, he *would* make her stay.