Chapter 27: Counterattack and Ominous Premonition

「It’s over, it’s over, the gap is just too huge.」

「Compared to Xiao Xi, Lin Zhen is like some slow high ping warrior, way too slow to react.」

「Feels like it’s going to turn into a one-sided massacre.」

Yun Ruoxi’s movements were too fast, so fast that Lin Zhen simply couldn’t keep up.

He only saw a black shadow flash by, then felt a sharp pain on his chin, the impact pushing him back two steps.

Lin Zhen winced, finally understanding the true value of Yun Ruoxi’s four consecutive victories.

With his physical condition and solid martial arts foundation, he couldn’t even touch the hem of her clothes. If it were someone else, it would be even worse—they’d just be toyed with.

He really couldn’t believe it—such a small, short girl possessed such terrifying reaction speed and fighting skills.

“Again!”

Lin Zhen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his thumb, beckoning Yun Ruoxi with his hand. Without waiting for a response, he charged forward once more.

This time, he had clearly learned his lesson.

Once he closed the distance, he didn’t rush to attack.

Instead, his eyes locked tightly onto her legs, taking small steps back and forth to maintain the most advantageous distance.

At this range, his arm span allowed him to strike Yun Ruoxi, but she couldn’t even touch him.

If the girl tried to get close, Lin Zhen could detect the slightest change in her leg muscles and counter in time.

It could be said Lin Zhen was fighting with his brain, truly integrating what he’d learned in class into his strategy.

Whoosh!

The moment Yun Ruoxi stepped forward, Lin Zhen threw a predictive punch aimed directly at her forward path.

It was a deterrent strike.

Like a spitting cobra rising up, ready to strike an enemy who dared enter its territory.

If you obediently retreated, nothing would happen. But if you insisted on advancing, this strike would be lethal.

With this move, Lin Zhen had triumphed over his previous four opponents without fail.

But now, he faced someone different.

Someone like a cat—no, even more agile, faster to react, and more flexible than a cat.

The moment his fist was about to land, Yun Ruoxi twisted her body at an impossible angle, deftly evading the punch.

She grabbed onto Lin Zhen’s outstretched arm, pulling herself up.

She stretched out her body and kicked forward with both legs.

Bang!

A heavy kick smashed into Lin Zhen’s chest.

He staggered back, tasting blood in his mouth. Just as he steadied himself, he caught a black shadow rushing toward him in his peripheral vision.

He could only raise his arms, adopting a defensive guard to protect his vital points, relying on his A-class constitution to withstand Yun Ruoxi’s relentless, storm-like barrage.

「Looks like the male lead really doesn’t understand that the fastest martial art wins.」

「Changed tactics but still can’t win.」

「Male lead: Kids, don’t worry. Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. Don’t underestimate a poor young man. When I take down Xiao Xi, I’ll definitely teach her a lesson in bed.」

As the barrage of comments flooded the screen, suddenly a BGM started playing—a piece of pure music that began plain but subtly hid sharpness beneath.

「Oh no, it’s BGM! Could it be?」

「Wait, could this actually be a comeback?」

Damn it!

「Could it possibly be Xiao Xi’s Execution Song?」

Under the violent storm of attacks, Lin Zhen gritted his teeth, struggling to endure.

He could have admitted defeat a long time ago.

He just needed to make a small mistake, and the fight could have ended gracefully.

After all, his opponent was also his friend, not some stranger. Losing didn’t seem like a big deal.

But he kept holding on.

Even though his entire body ached, blood repeatedly spilled from his mouth, and his consciousness was foggy, he clung to life with sheer willpower.

Maybe… it was because no matter who the enemy was, he never accepted fate, never wanted to lose!

Back on Trash Star.

His opponents were nobles and “scavengers” born under a curse.

He didn’t accept fate. Through hard work, he supported his grandparents and even saved a substantial sum to prepare for the University of Cosmic Studies.

Now, in the war camp, his opponent was this brutal world.

He still wouldn’t accept fate, wanting to live and return home, to seek justice from the high and mighty nobles.

If he gave up just because of pain, then what was the point of going back?

Besides, he might still have a chance to win!

Lin Zhen stared at Yun Ruoxi like a blazing torch.

He just needed one chance—a counterattack that could turn the tide.

Yun Ruoxi’s strength was far weaker than his.

He could endure dozens of her punches, but she might not be able to take even two of his.

Once he found an opening, he could completely reverse the situation!

Such a high-frequency attack would drain her stamina—she couldn’t last long.

The opportunity would come soon!

Lin Zhen held his breath, focusing on that inevitable turning point.

After a few breaths, at a certain moment.

He noticed Yun Ruoxi’s breathing grow rapid, sweat beads forming on her forehead, and her movements lagging by half a beat.

Now!

Lin Zhen seized the gap between her moves, suddenly spreading his arms and lunging forward.

Before her old strength waned and new force emerged, he tackled her to the ground.

The BGM abruptly intensified at this moment.

Yun Ruoxi seemed momentarily stunned, offering little resistance, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.

“Eh?”

Lin Zhen quickly locked his arms around her neck, using ground control techniques to firmly restrain her.

“Sleep now, sleep now, it’s almost over.”

He whispered soothingly, maintaining pressure.

Yun Ruoxi’s cheeks flushed red from lack of oxygen, her vision gradually blurred.

Lin Zhen was prepared for Yun Ruoxi’s resistance.

But unexpectedly, she didn’t struggle like the others.

She gently raised her right hand, resting it on his bicep.

Then she showed a peaceful smile and slowly closed her eyes.

Lin Zhen stood up silently, gazing at Yun Ruoxi’s fragmented figure.

The BGM now shifted to a sorrowful finale.

「Male lead’s comeback was cool! But that finishing move was way too brutal QAQ」

「Virtual space or real? We agreed to have a serious fight!」

「Lin Zhen actually turned it around, not bad for the male lead.」

「Wait, don’t you guys think this is a hint? Listening to the BGM go from passionate to sorrowful, I feel like there’s going to be a knife—like Xiao Xi dying at Lin Zhen’s hands… (scared)」

「Hey, stop saying that or I’ll send you a knife!」

Some things are better left unspoken.

Once pointed out, many viewers reexamined that scene and couldn’t shake a sense of foreboding from the sorrowful BGM.

An inexplicable unease filled their hearts.

In the screenwriting world, there’s a famous “Chekhov’s Gun” theory:

If a gun appears in the story, it must be fired.

With a well-produced series like Starlight, and a star-studded writing team, there can’t be useless plot threads.

Maybe this scene… really hints at something.

Although Yun Ruoxi only appeared in episode two, many viewers had already taken a liking to this pretty, slightly clumsy, and hardworking “female lead.”

Who would want to see her exit the story so soon?