The Steel Barrier emitted white steam as the towering skies pressed down, and the uneven skyscrapers stood in the reddish glow of the waning sun, blurring into dark silhouettes under the raging heat. In the distance of the crimson sky, large military transport aircraft took off, loaded with arms, heading to unknown destinations.
The roar of fighter jets cutting through the sky came from above, the last sliver of golden sunlight leaping between buildings, spreading over the old alley. Several shadows darted at the end of the alley, appearing frantic, scrambling beneath a rusty old burglar-proof window, soon followed by the sound of body collisions, and backs hitting against walls.
Xu Xiaoyou had both hands in her hoodie pockets, one boot pressing against the chest of a punk in front of her, forcing the young man's chest back down. She nodded her chin, and the punk resignedly handed the wallet he had just snatched to the girl, along with the clenched drug packet in his hand.
