Burning Desire (1V1H) - Episode 1: No WeChat

Episode 1: No WeChat 

The alley reeked with damp mold. Abandoned wooden crates toppled chaotically. Dim light and shadows flickered. Muffled sounds of fists hitting flesh and low growls were mixed with a faint smell of bl00d. It intertwined with the cold wind. 

A group of aggressive men got beaten senseless by two young guys. One of them held a knife but got disarmed and thrown aside before he could use it. 

“Damn, what a shameless bastard,” 

The leader spat harshly. He was kicking the man in the stomach. 

“Tang Wu, you dared to touch my people?” 

“Brother Jin… ugh…” 

Tang Wu curled up in pain. He was barely able to speak. 

“It was… I was blind, I offended you…” 

Moments ago, Tang Wu brought a dozen men. They were all now beaten flat. Their earlier arrogance was completely crushed. 

“Tch.” 

Jin Yan grabbed Tang Wu’s hair. He yanked him up and slammed him against the wall. 

“Huh? You said you wanted my woman to follow you? You think I’m fucking dead?” 

“Brother Jin, I really didn’t know Han Mengyi was yours!” 

Tang Wu was beaten to a pulp. He begged desperately. 

“Brother Jin, if I knew, I wouldn’t dare touch her even with a hundred guts…” 

“Too late.” 

Jin Yan’s eyes glinted with bloodlust. 

“You wanted to strip her and film it, huh? Which hand touched her?” 

Tang Wu sobbed in terror. 

“Brother Jin…” 

“Not talking?” 

Jin Yan sneered coldly. 

“Then I’ll break both hands.” 

… 

“Trash.” 

Jin Yan wiped his hands. He glanced with disgust at Tang Wu, who lay unconscious on the ground in pain. Still unsatisfied, he kicked him again. 

“Brother Cheng, we can go now.” 

The man in the corner glanced lightly. He casually brushed dust off his clothes. He stepped down from the stairs with long legs. 

He wore a white shirt. He was buttoned just to his collarbone. Pale skin, deep yet carefree brows, a sharp jawline cutting an unapproachable arc. His icy, oppressive aura felt pristine. As if he hadn’t just fought. 

He gave a faint hum. He stepped forward without glancing at Tang Wu or his men on the ground. He avoided all the filthy traces as he left the alley. 

“Brother Cheng, didn’t sleep well?” 

“Sort of.” 

The man pulled out a cigarette, skillfully lit it, and held it in his mouth. 

“And then I ran into your mess, dragging me out here.” 

“Isn’t this bonding time for brothers? What do you want to eat? My treat.” 

“You pick.” 

Huo Cheng exhaled a slow ring of smoke. He looked utterly uninterested. 

Jin Yan was used to his indifferent attitude. He chose a hotpot restaurant. As soon as they sat, two scantily clad girls approached Huo Cheng to ask for his WeChat. 

Blame it on his face—too striking. It exuded charm even with his cold demeanor. His height and long legs drew every eye in the place, no surprise. 

“Don’t have it.” 

“Huh… no WeChat?” 

Huo Cheng sipped water. His gaze was icy. 

“You deaf?” 

The girls’ faces flushed red and pale. They stammered apologies as they scurried off. 

“Those two were pretty hot,” 

Jin Yan chuckled. 

“Brother Cheng, if I had your looks, wouldn’t it be a party every day?” 

“Want me to tell Han Mengyi what you just said?” 

“No, no!” 

Jin Yan laughed. 

“Just kidding. But, bro, I think I’m pretty good-looking too, right? Yet next to you, I’m just a green leaf propping you up.” 

Jin Yan was handsome too. But he lacked Huo Cheng’s mysterious, distant vibe. Talkative and shameless, he somehow stuck to Huo Cheng and became his best friend. 

“Bro’s been good-looking forever, no need to hype it.” 

“…” 

Jin Yan gave a forced smile. 

“Yeah, you’re always right.” 

As dishes arrived, several waitresses’ eyes lingered on Huo Cheng. But he remained oblivious. He calmly dipped meat in sauce. 

“Brother Cheng, with your standards, when will you ever get a girlfriend?” 

Huo Cheng paused briefly. 

“I don’t know what kind, but definitely not some clingy type.” 

“Right, Brother Cheng, you free tomorrow?” 

He glanced up. 

“What do you want now?” 

“Nothing big,” 

Jin Yan grinned. 

“Mengyi and I are catching a movie tomorrow. Come along.” 

“What?” 

Huo Cheng shot him a look like he was an idiot. 

“You and your girlfriend are watching a movie, and you’re dragging me along for what?” 

“Well, Shen Yue’s coming too,” 

Jin Yan sighed. 

“Mengyi said she booked two couple’s booth seats. But we’re one person short.” 

“Shen Yue?” 

Huo Cheng narrowed his eyes. 

“Isn’t that woman preparing for an interview? She’s got time to watch movies?” 

“You can’t just study all the time. Gotta relax sometimes. If you don’t come, I’ll find someone else.” 

He pulled out his phone. He acted like he was finalizing plans. 

“…Wait.” 

Huo Cheng tapped the table. 

“Fine, I’ll go. I’ve got nothing tomorrow anyway.”