Chapter One: Seven Viewers at Midnight

Furious, the collector snatched up a ten-kilogram plate and swung at the phone. The night guard, who had been mopping in the corner, spoke without raising his voice. “Don’t retreat with the left foot. Enter outside his lead arm.” Lin Ran obeyed. He stepped inside, connected his forearm to the attacker’s elbow, and turned. The iron plate smashed harmlessly into the floor, while its owner dropped to one knee. Lin Ran backed away rather than striking. Facing the camera, he said between hard breaths, “Tonight’s first lesson: the stronger man doesn’t always win. The person who controls his own power does.” [Public demonstration complete. Deflection Step permanently acquired.]