210: When you see injustice, you should speak out!

The next evening

After work, Shen Mingyuan deliberately took a detour to that larger, more professional Reptile Pet Store.

He went straight to the clerk and explained his purpose—he needed to order a professional Terrarium at least two sizes larger than the current model, preferably with more comprehensive temperature and humidity control and climbing space.

After checking the inventory, the clerk showed an apologetic expression:

"Sir, unfortunately, the large professional Terrarium you want has limited stock, and the last set was sold just a couple of days ago.

New stock is already on the way and should arrive at the store in about three days.

Is that acceptable? We'll notify you immediately upon arrival and prioritize delivery for you. As an apology, we can offer you a discount."

Shen Mingyuan thought for a moment; Little Green Snake could probably manage for three more days, so he nodded in agreement:

"Alright, I'll wait three days. Please notify me as soon as the goods arrive."

He and the clerk exchanged wechat contacts for communication, then left the store.

The sky was growing dim, with city lights beginning to glow. Shen Mingyuan chose to walk, passing through several relatively quiet streets and alleys toward his apartment.

Just as he turned into a back alley cluttered with some debris, a commotion erupted ahead—the dull thud of something heavy hitting the ground, suppressed shouts, and a girl's frightened, tearful scream.

Shen Mingyuan's eyes sharpened, and he immediately quickened his pace forward.

Deep in the alley, several young men with flashy clothes and exaggerated hairstyles were staggering to their feet, cursing under their breath, their faces bruised, their gazes toward the front filled with fear and resentment.

In front of them, Wei Ziqing was shielding a girl who looked only about eleven or twelve years old, trembling with fear, behind him.

He was breathing slightly heavily, sweat beading on his forehead, his sportswear sleeves rolled up to reveal tense forearm muscles, his eyes coldly fixed on the thugs, his stance steady and intimidating—clearly having just ended a brief but effective "exchange."

Seeing another person arrive, the thugs seemed even more panicked. They exchanged glances, threw out a threat like "You wait, kid!" and then, supporting each other, fled in a hurry toward the other end of the alley, quickly disappearing around the corner.

"It's okay, they're gone," Wei Ziqing sighed in relief, turning around and speaking as gently as possible to the girl behind him.

Tears still streaked the girl's face as she sobbed and bowed to Wei Ziqing: "Th-thank you, big brother..."

By then, Shen Mingyuan had also approached. "What happened?" He glanced at the fleeing thugs, then at Wei Ziqing and the still-shaken girl, his brow slightly furrowed.

The girl, as if finding an adult she could confide in, pointed tearfully in the direction the thugs had fled: "They... they stopped me and demanded money... and pushed me... This big brother helped me and fought them off..."

Wei Ziqing nodded to Shen Mingyuan in greeting, then looked down at the girl again and said gently:

"Alright, it's over now. Hurry home, and try to take main roads after school from now on, don't go alone into small alleys like this. And,"

he paused, his voice softening further, "don't run off on your own again just because of a small argument with your parents—it's not safe out here."

The girl nodded vigorously, said "Thank you, big brother" again, glanced at Shen Mingyuan, then turned and ran out of the alley.

Watching the girl leave safely, Wei Ziqing finally relaxed completely, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Shen Mingyuan looked at him and asked calmly, "Another case of seeing injustice on the road?"

Wei Ziqing was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Yeah. I saw them harassing that little girl and couldn't hold back." His voice held no particular pride, only a complex calmness.

"Stepping in when needed is a good thing," Shen Mingyuan said, observing Wei Ziqing's expression and sensing a weight beyond his years in the youth. "Your Master taught you well, and you're a promising young man with a sense of responsibility."

"A good person... responsibility..." Wei Ziqing repeated the two words softly, shaking his head, his face not showing pride but a settled complexity. "Lawyer Shen, please don't say that. I probably don't deserve those words."

He looked out at the deep night outside the alley, his voice calm yet heavy:

"You know my story. I used to think that my bit of luck and skills were hard-earned, and it was enough to live a peaceful life with my Master and the martial arts school, avoiding trouble on the streets when possible, pretending not to see it... thinking that way wouldn't cause problems."

He paused, his fingers unconsciously curling slightly: "Until my Master got into trouble because of me, was pushed into the hospital by those people, and almost didn't make it. Those days waiting outside the ICU made me realize completely."

Wei Ziqing turned his head, his gaze meeting Shen Mingyuan's directly:

"Some troubles don't stay away just because you avoid them. Sometimes, if you take a step back, they'll come after the people you care about most.

This bit of martial skill and strength I have was given to me by my Master. If I only use it for 'self-protection' or even 'avoiding trouble,' that would truly be letting him down."

His tone wasn't impassioned, but it was exceptionally firm:

"So, I've changed my mind. From now on, when I see such bullying nonsense happening right in front of me, I can't pretend not to see it anymore.

I might not be able to change much, but at least, I can't let anyone get hurt in front of me again. If I can stop it once, I'll stop it once."

The alley fell quiet for a moment. Shen Mingyuan looked at the youth before him, hearing the clear resolve behind those words.

"If your Master heard what you just said," Shen Mingyuan said slowly, a note of approval in his tone, "he'd feel that the child he saved has truly grown up."

He didn't comment further, just patted Wei Ziqing on the shoulder. "Let's go, don't make him worry. With the competition coming up, focus on what you need to do."

Wei Ziqing nodded, and without another word, the two walked side by side out of the dim alley.

Shen Mingyuan accompanied Wei Ziqing to near the hotel where he and his Master were staying. Wei Ziqing hesitated, then invited:

"Lawyer Shen, my Master is resting in the room upstairs. He's been wanting to thank you in person. If you're not in a hurry...?"

Shen Mingyuan checked the time and nodded: "Alright, I should also greet Master Wei in person."

The room door opened, and the elderly Wei Qingyuan was resting in a chair by the window, a thin blanket over his legs. His complexion was much better than when he was unconscious, but he still looked weak from his recent serious illness.

Seeing Shen Mingyuan behind Wei Ziqing, his eyes immediately lit up, and he struggled to stand up.

"Master Wei, please stay seated, don't get up," Shen Mingyuan quickly stepped forward, gently dissuading him.

"Lawyer Shen! Ah, finally meeting you!" Wei Qingyuan grasped Shen Mingyuan's hand, his palm rough but warm, his voice still lacking strength but filled with emotion. "Ziqing told me everything, in Nandu, thanks to you!

If you hadn't stopped him from acting recklessly and helped us seek justice through proper channels, who knows what state we'd be in now... Our Wei Family Martial Arts School won't forget this kindness!"

"Master Wei, you're too kind. That was all part of my duty," Shen Mingyuan said sincerely, helping him sit steadily. "Seeing how upright and sensible Ziqing is now, not forgetting his roots, shows you've taught him well.

Just now, on the road, he helped a bullied little girl again. Though young, his sense of chivalry and responsibility is rare."

Hearing Shen Mingyuan praise Wei Ziqing, the wrinkles on Wei Qingyuan's face smoothed out, his eyes full of relief and unconcealed pride, though he modestly said:

"This kid, he used to be solitary and quiet, a bit of a loner—I didn't teach him well. After this big setback, he's finally learned his lesson and knows where to direct his energy.

If he can stay on the right path and become a man who stands tall in the future, I can rest easy even if I close my eyes now."

As he spoke, he looked affectionately at Wei Ziqing, who seemed a bit embarrassed beside him.

Wei Ziqing lowered his head and brought a cup of water for Shen Mingyuan.

The three chatted for a while longer, mainly with Wei Qingyuan asking about Shen Mingyuan's work, expressing admiration for the benefits of a society governed by law, and briefly mentioning the martial arts school's Legacy and hopes for the upcoming competition.

Shen Mingyuan, in turn, urged the old man to rest peacefully and fully recover his health.

Outside the window, the sky had unknowingly darkened completely, with city lights filling the streets.

Seeing it was getting late, Shen Mingyuan stood up to leave: "Master Wei, rest well and take good care of your health. Ziqing, do your best in the competition, but remember to take care of your Master too."

"Absolutely! Lawyer Shen, take care on your way!" Wei Qingyuan, supported by Wei Ziqing, stood up to see him off.

"Lawyer Shen, thank you," Wei Ziqing said solemnly at the door.

"Good luck," Shen Mingyuan patted his shoulder, then turned and walked into the hotel corridor.