《Crimson Instinct》 Chapter 1: Prologue: Little Fu Meili Chapter 1: Prologue: Little Fu Meili ''Is this how death looks like?'' "I want to go to mommy and daddy" I''m crying and crying a lot. My hands and feet hurt badly. I don''t know why one of the uncles tied me. This ce is so scary! It is dark, and I don''t like it at all. Because monsters hide in dark ces, and then they eat you up! That is how it is in every story that mommy tells me at bedtime. I looked at all these uncles. They are bad, they are really bad. They were beating up a pretty sister, and I started crying for her. Daddy says it''s bad to hurt others. But then they caught me. "Mommy...DaddyI want Mommy and DaddyI want to go back home" I cried hard, but the uncle is smiling, but it is not like how Daddy smiles at me. "Sorry, dear, we cannot send you back home." I think I have seen this in a movie before. The bad guy wouldugh and look happy when he wants to hurt the good guy. Is he going to hurt me? But it is really painful! I don''t want to get hurt! "No, I want to go back. Why can''t I?" "Because you have seen something you shouldn''t have." I understood because I''m smart. One day, my ssmate, Qingyu, hit me on the head. I told my teacher, and she punished him for it. Qingyu was mad at me that I told my teacher. "I won''t tell anybody, I promise!" "We cannot do that little girl. You have to die." "Die?" I have never heard of that before. "Didn''t your Mommy tell you? It is when you go to heaven." I remember my neighbor''s kitty who didn''te to my house one day. She said, "She is resting in heaven, dear. She is living in a better ce so she won''te anymore." I cried harder. I don''t know where heaven is, but I know that you nevere back again. "Mommy...DaddyNo, I don''t want to go there. Take me to Mommy and Daddy!" Then a light hurt my eyes. I see someone standing at the top. It is dark, and I cannot see that person clearly. But, there is a thing shining brightly, something at the side. I cannot make out its shape. "Uncle, are you the king?" I have seen this in cartoons. "Uncle King, I want to go to Mommy and Daddy, please!" But he didn''t say anything. "Nobody will help you here." I am scared. I want to run away. Even the king is a bad guy! But then I remembered what Daddy said. Every story has a hero who defeats the bad guy. And as the princess captured by them, I have to help him. I quickly and quietly drew the image of the thing shining I saw on the dirt. I''m not good at drawing, but I hope my hero will understand. The bad uncle was walking towards me, smiling, and he had a knife in his hands. I am scared because knives hurt! "If you don''t send me back to my Mommy and Daddy, then my hero will beat you up!" But everybodyughed. "It''s the truth! One day, my hero wille and beat you all." I am trying to be brave, just like my hero. But it is hard, and I''m still crying. The bad uncleughed loudly. "I will wait for him." He raised his hand. "You are a monster. Home... Mommy...Daddy..." I am shaking badly. Suddenly, I feel pain, lots and lots of it, even more than when I had scratched my knee, even more than when I had identally bumped my head on a wall. I am scared. In my mind, I saw my mommy and daddy. They were smiling at me. Everything was spinning. I got more scared. I want to go to Mommy and Daddy... Then I saw the tall figure of a man. He looked big and strong, just like a superman. I couldn''t see his face, but I felt happy, very, very happy. I know who he is. ''My hero.'' Chapter 2: A choking first meeting Chapter 2: A choking first meeting *Bai Li* ''I''m not any hero.'' "Major Bai Li!" The man standing before me roared in anger, and I heard the sound of him loudly banging his hand on the desk, and the faint noise of him gritting his teeth in irritation. I sensed deep anger from within him. I stood my ground, undeterred. "Do you know what crime you havemitted!?" General Song Xiaosheng asked the question, which he shortly answered himself. "You killed a civilian on duty. Do you understand the gravity of this situation?" "General Song Xiaosheng." I said, "I have said this before, and I will say it again. I had full confidence in my shot. It was Rodey I meant to shoot, not the civilian." "And so how did the civilian appear out of nowhere instead of Rodey? The man died with the bullet you fired and you still deny it!?" From my right, I heard the voice of mymander, Major General Shi Jianguo. "General, that may be the case, but this needs a proper investigation. We all know about Major Bai Li''s excellent marksmanship. Something had definitely gone wrong." A man who talks sensible and practical things. Thumbs up to mymander. "It was Rodey." I said with absolute finality. "But, somebody else was there too who pushed him out of my bullet''s harm and dragged an innocent man in it." Personally, that is a critical jab to my pride. I couldn''t detect the presence of another man hiding in the shadows. "No excuses! Not only a civilian got killed by a member of the armed forces, but we also lost the trail of the gang behind the mysterious disappearances of so many victims. It was so difficult to get hold of Rodey, but now we have nothing! I want answers! If word got out of these two blunders, then how will I answer the authorities!" Then I sensed himing near me as his footsteps grew closer. "We will do that during Bai Li''s court-martial. Get ready, Major Bai Li. The blood of an innocent civilian is on your hands. I hope you are ready to face the consequences." I heard him stomping his way out. I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Don''t worry, Bai Li. I trust you. There is something fishy about this whole thing." Major General said. I shrugged. "Well, tell that to the esteemed General who seems hell-bent in wanting to prove me guilty." I heard a sigh. "We will conduct a detailed investigation to dig out the truth. Until then, you know what to do. Not a word about this to anyone." Well, I couldn''t exactly advertise a failed mission either, so yes, I was cool with it. I felt a head nudging at my leg. I bent down and ruffled Cocoa''s fur. "I''m fine. Are you with me?" Cocoa responded by licking my cheek. I smiled. "Good boy." --- Rodey walked into a bar and nodded to the bartender. He had a certain charm in him that attracted women. Like how a woman at the corner was sending meaningful nces at him. He nced back at her and then went on to climb the stairway. Rodey opened the door to a room situated at the farthest corner. He saw a fat man with a big belly with two female escorts at his side. "Close call aye, Rodey?" He smirked. Rodey sat on the couch and poured a whiskey for himself. "It was alright. What about the woman?" "My men are on it. Soon, they will catch her." "They better do. She is a loose end." "I know." "What about the next request?" "We have got quite a few. Sally is working on segregating them." "And the payments?" "Already got them." "Good. Don''t entertain any client without the full payment. I don''t want to deal with the shit likest time." He lit a cigarette. "Don''t worry. We have tightened the rules now. And it seems to work." Rodey crushed the half remaining cigarette and walked out. He saw the same woman. He grabbed her chin and kissed her hard. The woman clutched his hair and returned the kiss with the same passion. They entered a room, and soon, clothes were crumpled on the floor with the loud moans her echoing throughout. An hourter, Rodey stepped out and said to the bartender. "Deal with it." The bartender sighed. He entered the room and, as usual, saw a woman lying naked on the bed, a hole in between her brows. *Xin Lei*, --- Two dayster. "There! That woman over there!" ''Shit! They found me!'' I quickly climbed out of my bedroom window, clutched onto a pipe, and started going down. I heard those men''s footsteps growing closer and closer. The pipe ended up in a small alley. I finally jumped on the ground and ran for my life without looking back. Bang! The loud sound of a gunshot ricketed close to my left ear, but it hit the electric pole instead. It gave a weird sensation as I felt my ear ringing with the almost-close impact. ''Thank God!'' "Don''t let her get away!" I heard their orders loud and clear. ''Damn bastards!'' The adrenaline in me was in full swing. I was breathing raggedly. I don''t know where I was heading, but I wanted to be out of their sight. Soon, I saw the end of the alley opening into a street, one way going to the left and the other to the right. I dashed towards the right. I was thinking of my next move when I bumped into a broad chest. I panicked as I thought he might be one of the goons, but when I saw him, I felt relieved. ''Finally, some help.'' But apparently, my savior didn''t think so. He suddenly grabbed my neck and squeezed it. I coughed as I choked on my breath. "Who are you?" Chapter 3: Not interested in your job Chapter 3: Not interested in your job *Bai Li* ''Can this day get any worse?'' Wasn''t not getting a cup of coffee enough that I bumped into a woman trying to pick my pockets? I gripped her neck and asked, "Who are you?" I sensed her failing her arms, and I heard her taking rapid, short breaths. I smelled a sweet scent. But then suddenly I couldn''t pay attention to her. Because then I heard a soft sound of something metallic, clinking against another metal, probably against a pole. I heard a click that I have listened to at least a thousand times in my whole profession. I instantly knew what was going to happen. It was unmistakable. Fourteen years in the army had taught me to save my ass. Somebody was going to shoot. And then I had a second before the bullet could hit the woman or me. I grabbed the woman''s arm and jumped onto one side. Bang! The shot missed, but it was a close call. Then I heard footsteps, rapid and urgent, closing in on us. I focussed and shunned all the other noises I could listen to, concentrating solely on the distinct sound of the footsteps. Two? No, three. Three men. Which was not a bad fight necessarily. "Stay where you are, or I will shoot." One of the men spoke first, which I understood as the leader. The leader is this mysterious sort of creature who always liked to establish his dominance, so he was the one who always talked first. I didn''t hear any sound of breathing behind my back, so the three men most probably were standing in front of me, with the leader standing in the center. He was the leader, so the other two are his minions, which means that if I beat the shit out of him, then the other two would automatically back out, sparing me the effort to beat them up too. I sensed himing closer and closer towards me. "You woman! Come here, and nobody will get hurt." I felt that she tugged my shirt, which I considered as she was anxious. The man spoke again, "Heh! Do you think that this man can save you?" I gathered he was talking to the woman, but I didn''t hear her speak. Strange. "He is just one, and we are three. Is there even any chance of winning?" There you said it. Thanks for confirming that you were three people. "Come here, or I will shoot this guy." That''s it. He was close enough for me to attack, standing almost in a straight line like me. Do it first, and do it fast. Now, I''m going by the statistics that ny percent of the poption is righty. So, I raised my right hand and grabbed his wrist. I lowered it and pulled him forward towards me. Smack! I headbutted him full in the face. At the same time, I squeezed his wrist hard, hearing a ''crack.'' "Ah!!!" He groaned painfully. I took this moment to snatch his gun. Good. Now I had a weapon. But I didn''t stop there. With the gun in my left hand, I grabbed his neck and bent it down. I lifted my right knee and smashed straight up at his facea solid knee uppercut. With the headbutt and now this uppercut, his face must have caved inwards by now. I thrusted another knee kick right in his gut, and he tumbled down like a fallen domino. The leader was out. I swung my arm, roughly aiming the gun right at his two minion''s faces. And as expected, they didn''t fire a shot because they were simply too dumb. They might have never seen their leader lose, and now it all happened in a split second. Now, if they were smart enough, they should know not to mess with me, but from my left, at roughly forty degrees, I felt a gust of wind passing me. Which meant a minion was preparing to attack. So, I didn''t waste any time and shot him. I didn''t aim, and as long as blood was spilled, the work was done. I knew because I heard his painful cry. Now, only one minion was left, but by now, he must have definitely understood who is faster among both of us, and I was absolutely sure that he wouldn''t make the same mistake as his fellow minion. Which proved to be true when I heard him running away, his footsteps were growing farther and farther away from me. I turned my head to the left, roughly estimating where the woman should be standing. "You are wee." I turned to leave and started walking in the other direction. I had to destroy my fingerprints on this gun and dump it somewhere where it would never be found. Then I suddenly felt a small hand holding onto my wrist, stopping me in my way. I aimed the gun on that person''s forehead. "Who?" But I didn''t hear anything. I guessed she was the same woman. "Are you the woman from the before?" No answer. Then I heard her fumble. She was going through something. I had no idea what it was. A few secondster, I heard a robotic voice. "Yes, I''m the same woman. Thank you for saving me." It was a secondte, but I realized what was going on. "You cannot talk?" A wait of a fraction of a second. "Yes." I figured she was using her phone, converting text to speech. "I see. I understand now why the goon was replying to you, but I didn''t hear you talk. You must be signaling me." "Yes." Once again, I heard the robotic voice. "I guess you cannot see?" "For five years." Five seconds. "But how did you fight so well? Against three men? It didn''t look like all that you cannot see." "Life in an army has its advantages." "You are a soldier?" "Was. As of two days, I''m not." Then there was silence. I heard the voice again. "What was your rank?" "Major." "What kind of work did you do in the army? "Is this an interview for a job?" "Kind of." "Thank you so much for seeing me as a potential candidate, but no thanks because I''m not interested in your job." I said, "Well, it was nice meeting you. Bye." "Please wait." Even though the robotic voice failed to convey it, I sensed an urgency in the tone. "I need your help." Chapter 4: Shitty principles Chapter 4: Shitty principles *Xin Lei* The first notion that came in my mind when I bumped into this guy was ''savior.'' Then it soon changed to ''dangerous'' when he suddenly strangled me. His grip had just that perfect pressure to stop someone from attacking yet give him the room to talk. He asked me who I was, but I was mute. I couldn''t say anything. But, even the distress on my face failed to get me any reaction from him. I didn''t understand why. Then he suddenly jumped to the side, pushing me with him. And then how he fought was simply remarkable. My notion changed to ''strong.'' I realized he wasn''t any ordinary man. He knew how to fight. He had done this before. I knew because I had seen this before as well. He did the job beautifully, and he left. I snapped out of my stupor and chased after him. But then he pointed the gun at my forehead. "Are you the woman from before?" It caught me by surprise. I waved my hand in front of him, but he said nothing. Then it struck me. He couldn''t see. Then the fight reyed in my mind. And the notion changed to ''admirable.'' I started to respect him. I took out my phone, typed out my message and hit the speaker button. Maybe he knew signnguage? But personally, I thought this method was faster. This was the only way I couldmunicate with him as I wanted to ask him questions. He said, "Life in an army has its advantages." I knew it! He belonged to either the police or military forces. He was an officer, just the kind of help I needed. "I need your help." The man nodded. "I understand that very well. You are their target. They either want something from you, or they assume that you know something that can potentially harm them. In the first case, they will keep you alive until they get that something, and in the second case, they will simply shoot you. Either case, you are dead, which is not a very favorable oue for you, I suppose." I must say he had a peculiar way of saying things, which wasn''t necessarily bad. The more fitting word was blunt. I typed on my phone and hit the speaker button again. "It is neither. I don''t have anything they might want from me, nor I know anything about these people." "Which makes it interesting, doesn''t it?" He smiled. "Is it a case of mistaken identity? Or is it that you ''think'' you know nothing? Because obviously, those goons didn''t share your sentiments." "That is why I need your help." I typed it out. "I think the more fitting people to help you in this situation will be the police." "I cannot ask for their help." "Why not?" I typed a long message. "Because before my brother disappeared, he sent a message to me. It said, ''Don''t contact the police.''" He squinted his eyes and went quiet. "...I see." "Will you help me?" I hoped that he would agree. "What do you need my help with? To fend off the goons chasing you or to find your brother?" Would asking him to help me with both be too much? I wondered. I once again typed a string of words. "For now, the goons." He tilted his head. "For now?" I didn''t know why, but the way he tilted his head looked damn attractive to me. No. Focus! "I might need your help in finding my brother too." "Hmm." "And my father too." "Your story is getting interesting." "So, will you help me?" "How much are you going to pay me?" The corner of my mouth twitched involuntarily. "You are going to charge me?" I typed, hoping to express my dismay. "Why do you think anything should be for free?" "You said you don''t want a job." "No. Think again. I said I wasn''t interested in your job. That doesn''t mean that I don''t want a job. I need money to live by." "I''m low on cash." "Card or Alipay works for me too." "No, I meant I''m short of money." "So, why should I help you?" "Moral obligation as an ex-army officer?" "You see, that was my old job. So, officially my moral obligation ended since I''m not an officer anymore. Now I prefer to stay out of messy things." No, please I typed. "Can''t you be a little kind and give a leeway?" "I prefer to be practical and realistic, not kind. That word is not in my dictionary." "But you saved me from the goons." "You dragged me in the middle of gunfire. I want to live a little longer, so I saved my ass. You are a coteral who got saved in the process. There is a difference." Somehow, I found talking to him both interesting and frustrating. I couldn''t help but smile. I sighed. I typed. "Alright. I will be on my way then. Thank you again for helping me." Well, he was a stranger so I had no right to force him. I walked away, thinking what to do next. *Bai Li* I sensed the woman''s footsteps growing farther. Then I heard someone running towards me, and he pounced on me. Cocoa was biting my shirt and I sensed his dismay. "How will I feed you if I don''t have money?" I shrugged. He growled. "Grrrr." "Like I said, I''m not kind." He licked my cheeks and rubbed his head against it. I snorted and felt a headacheing. *Xin Lei* I was still thinking of that man whom I met just now. I couldn''t seem to take him out of my mind. In my daze, I crashed into someone. "Hey, are you blind!" A chubby man snarled. I bowed as an apology. "Are you dumb too? Say your sorry!" I moved my fingers in signnguage. That man grew furious. He raised his hand to p me. "You bitch!" I got in the position, but somebody grabbed his hand and twisted it. He screamed in pain. I saw the same man who saved me. The chubby man got scared, seeing his tall stature and cold gaze and said, "I''m sorry! It was my fault!" "Even if someone is impaired, talk and behave with respect, you bastard." "Y-yes!" My savior released him, and the chubby man ran away. I smiled and typed. "You said you are not kind." "Cocoa has some shitty principles." "Cocoa?" Suddenly, out of nowhere, arge body jumped on me. Chapter 5: Code Chapter 5: Code *Xin Lei* I fell as a big ball of furnded on me and knocked me off bnce. It looked at me with its big ck eyes. They felt so warm and affectionate. It licked me on my cheek, and Iughed as it tickled me. I picked up the phone I dropped when I fell. I typed and pressed the speaker button. "So, this is cocoa?" I asked as I looked at the German Shepherd dog in front of me, rubbing its head on my cheek and furiously wagging his tail. "Yes. The dog with some shitty principles." The man said. Cocoa was ring at the man clearly offended by his remark. It softly howled. Iughed at the duo. "He is so cute! At least a lot cuter than you." "Army or ex-army officers are not meant to be cute." He retorted. I rolled my eyes. I got up and typed again. "So now Cocoa also wants you to help me just like how I want it too. Two against one. You lose." He made a sour face like his opinion didn''t matter at all. "Is it a he or she?" I asked. "He. Girls are troublesome." Now it was my turn to make a sour face. He said, "Well, why don''t you tell me your interesting problem over a cup of coffee? I really need a cappino right now." --- I took him to one of my other old, shabby apartments. If he could see, then he would have definitely refused to step inside. It was that dpidated. On the way here, I found Cocoa and the man''s...wait a minute. I still didn''t know his name! And neither did he know mine. I sighed. We talked so much, yet we didn''t introduce ourselves. So, where was I? Yeah, Cocoa and him. At first, I thought he would need my help with the directions. I tried to put my wording in the message as politely as possible. But he said, "No need. Cocoa is a military dog and a guide. At first, he wasn''t, but then he got the training for helping in navigation when I lost my sight." Cocoa was following me and perfectly guiding him along the way. It didn''t look like he cannot see at all! What an excellent rapport. I opened the door to a small living room. I was embarrassed at its condition. I quickly typed. "Wait for a minute." I cleaned up a bit and made space on the couch. "Come in now." He sat on the couch, and Cocoa swiftly jumped on it, sitting beside my savior. "I will bring some coffee." I hoped I hadn''t run out of it. Five minutester, I brought two cups of cappino and some snacks. I typed. "Sorry, I don''t have proper dog food." He shrugged. "We have survived worse. And now I think we should really introduce ourselves." I chuckled and typed. "Yes, Let me start. I''m Xin Lei. I''m a doctor and a triple MD in Anaesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, and Surgery." "Too studious." Hemented dryly, and I resisted the urge to twitch my mouth. Then he continued. "I''m Bai Li, an ex-army officer of the Chinese army. Last rank, Major." I typed. "You are quite young to retire." "Thirty two years old, forcibly discharged, not retired." It took me by surprise. He looked smart and intelligent. "Why, if I may ask?" "Apparently, we had quite a lot of differences in opinions in our rtionship, so the army broke up with me." "..." I think making someone speechless was his innate ability. "He is Cocoa, my military friend trained inbat and search, and oh yes, also in guiding and navigation." Cocoa barked as he heard his name. He jumped from Bai Li''s side, onto myp and rubbed his head on my cheek. His soft, furry paws were too cute, but also lethal. It was heaven. I yed with him and asked. "Why is his name Cocoa?" "I was drinking Cocoa when we first met, so Cocoa." I finally twitched my brow. ''Not so thoughtful.'' "So, tell me your interesting story." I sighed. I typed. "Actually, even I don''t have a clear idea about these people." "What do you mean?" I typed a long string of a message. "Last week, I returned from New York that held a medical conference. But, when I came back home, I didn''t see my father or brother anywhere, not at home or not in the office either. I called them, but they didn''t pick up. They are still not. And then suddenly, some goons started chasing after me. I don''t know what they want, but since then, I''m living in hiding. They have crashed my apartment from where I escaped today and also my office in the Lifeline hospital." He asked, "Did you have any altercation with anybody in New York?" "No. The conference went without any hups." "Then this is something to do with your brother or father. What do they do?" I typed. "My father, Xin Nianzu, is a defensewyer, and my big brother, Xin Zhen, works in the Intelligence Service." He slowly raised his right eyebrow. "Quite the careers to make some bad enemies. " "I know." "Any new cases they were working on?" I paused and thought. I typed it again. "I think my father was working on some case. A man was arrested for a crime, and he imed he was innocent. But, I don''t know the full details." "And your brother?" "I have no idea about him." He said, "Where is the note your brother sent to you?" I took out a small piece of paper and handed it to Bai Li. He carefully stroked his fingers on the paper, which I thought of as examining it in detail. It seemed as if he was feeling the texture. "Cocoa." The German Shepherd perked up his ears and immediately jumped from myp. Cocoa went near him and nudged his leg. I curiously looked at them. Bai Li held out the paper, and Cocoa started to smell it. Right! Dogs have a strong sense of smell. He asked, "What is written in this letter?" "I lose. Candy not out. Please open thest inner cubicle at e507 to get your reward." Chapter 6: Not alone this time Chapter 6: Not alone this time *Xin Lei* "It''s a cipher." Bai Li said. I typed. "Yes. Brother Zhen and I used to y a lot using secret messages during childhood. He always loved to give me puzzles." "Right. Since he knows that, he would rtively give a simpler message for you to decode since he has already disappeared, and he has yet to warn you about the danger. There is no time. At the same time, it should also be difficult to crack the code if the letter falls in another''s hands, or it should at least look useless at a nce, which is exactly what Xin Zhen has done." I nodded. "There are three sentences. Ciphers are a y with the letters. If you take the first letters out, we get I, L, C, N, O, P, O, T, L, I, C, A, E, T, G, Y, R. In the second sentence, Candy sounds more like a nickname to me. Is it yours?" I smiled and typed. "Yes. He always teases me with the name Candy because I have a sweet tooth." "I could also guess because when you crashed into me, I smelled something sweet like caramel from your mouth. It was probably a caramel vored candy. So, when I heard Candy in the message, it clicked to me." Gosh, it was so embarrassing! Damn my mouth! "I tend to eat candies when I am stressed." I awkwardly typed. Bai Li nodded. "Right. Coming back to the code. Since it''s a name, we take Candy as the full word, not just it''s letter C. Now, we club the letters together ording to where the full stops are ced. So, it bes - IL. Candy NO. POTLICAETGYR. The message starts with Candy because from there, he addresses you. So, IL is of no use. It''s just window dressing. In POTLICAETGYR, remove both T''s and A because ''the'' is an article and ''to'' and ''at'' is a preposition. They are only for grammar not to make it look abrupt. So, we are left with Candy. NO POLICEGYR. With ''police'' as the first six letters, the message is clear. ''GYR'' as ''Get your reward'' is just to mask it in a proper sentence, same as ''I lose'' - just a window dressing." I looked at him, dumbfounded. Even I had to take five minutes to decode it, but he did it just by listening to it once. Brother Zhen would have mocked me for being so slow. He asked, "Is it handwritten?" "No. It''s typed." "What else is there apart from the message?" I once again took a good look, turning the paper back and forth, but found it empty. "There is nothing." I saw him slightly squinting his brows together. He seemed to be in deep thought. I typed. "Is there something on your mind?" "I thought that perhaps Xin Zhen would give a hint about his location." I nervously worded my message. "What if he is kidnapped?" Bai Li put the coffee cup down on the table and said, "Possibly. Or he might be in hiding. What about your father?" "No, he didn''t leave me any message." Bai Li said after a pause. "Alright, we have a note given by your brother, and your father was working on a case. We have to know the details of that case to get a direction here." I typed a long message. "The goons have smashed our house in Chaoyang where we all three lived together. I don''t know about his office at the Central business district because I never got the chance to go there. I was in hiding." Bai Li said, "So, let''s go there. And before that, do you have any clothes or personal items of Xin Nianzu? Cocoa will register his smell. The note has already given him Xin Zhen''s." I gave one of the shirts to Cocoa, and he smelled it just like the note. "Let''s go." As Bai Li said that, I felt a strange nervousness but also excitement surge in me. I felt the fear of the unknown, but when I looked at his tall, muscr figure and his broad back, it gave me a sense of security. Cocoa barked and looked at me. I giggled. I bent down and kissed his head. And of course, Cocoa too. --- The third minion who ran tail in between his legs from Bai Li was kneeling in front of a fat man with a chubby belly. Everybody called the fat man as Gen Gen. Gen Gen punched the minion in his face. "Useless bunch of craps! You three men can''t even handle a woman? Just how difficult it is! She is just a woman, and you are still cannot drag her out her fucking hiding!" "B-boss" the minion stuttered. "The woman wasn''t alone this time." "What?" "A man was with her. He was the one who beat them up." Gen Gen gnashed his teeth. "Now who is this man? There was never a man before! When did he pop out?" "I don''t know" "And you still lost even when you were three against him!? You are fucking three men, and he is just one!" He roared and kicked him. "Useless!" "Fan! Fa!" The two men came forward. "Yes!" "Go get the job done. I want that man and woman dead!" Fan sneered. "Yes, boss." *Bai Li*, --- Central business district. I stood in front of Xin Nianzu''s office and from the message that Xin Lei just said, it didn''t seem to be how an office should look like. Naturally, I had expected that. Whoever they are, are really thorough. I heard a faint pitter-patter of Xin Lei, knocking her fingers on the phone and then a robotic voice. "The office ispletely messed up. All files and papers are thrown here and there. Even theputer is broken. Now what?" Chapter 7: We have company Chapter 7: We havepany *Bai Li* I sensed the anxiety in Xin Lei''s voice. I said, "We don''t have the time to fix that. We have to rely on papers or notes or scribblings to tell us which case he was working on recently. This blind man cannot be of much help in looking for it, so you have to search thoroughly without leaving anything. Talk to me through everything." I rubbed Cocoa''s head and said, "Go." Xin Lei messaged, "Got it." I sensed Cocoa and Xin Lei looking through the room with the sound of rustling and shuffling of papers. Meanwhile, I walked around, feeling the walls and objects and mapped the office room in my head. "This case is dated three years back, and this one is five, and this one is eight months." "Look for a more recent one, about a month should be enough." "Arf!" Cocoa barked. He nudged my leg, guiding me towards the corner. I stopped as he stopped. I heard Xin Lei''s footsteps behind me. I heard the robotic voice. "This is the trash can, and Cocoa has toppled it." "There must be something in it." "Arf!" Xin Lei said, "Wait, Cocoa is pointing at something." I heard her shuffling the papers and then the sound of her typing. "I found it. This is a button, perhaps broken from Dad''s shirt. Doesn''t it seem..." Strange. And in a case, when something seems or sounds strange, there is always a hint hidden in it. One understands a lot of things when you serve fourteen years in the army. I said, "If it''s identally broken, then people keep it to sew it back, or if it''s broken during a fight, then it should be lying on the floor. Nobody will bother to throw it in the trash can. Search the trash." I heard her. "I thought so too. Dad knew I woulde looking for clues." Her father amused me just like her brother. "Right. Xin Nianzu understood that those people ransacking his office wouldn''t pay attention to the trash. Because it''s precisely trash, so he threw something in here and his button to point at it. Your brother and father are really interesting." "I know." I could picture the pride and the smile on her face even if the voice was robotic. I wondered what Xin Lei looked like. After a minute of searching, there was silence and then the voice saying, "This is it! It''s a small note. The date is April 25, almost three weeks back and two names. Fu Ting, arrested for kidnapping his eight-year-old daughter, Fu Meili." "I have heard about it before in a coffee shop. I-" But then I stopped. "Grrrr" Cocoa let out a quiet growl. I heard a creak on the floor. It was faint. "We havepany." Then I heard a click. "Cocoa, hide." I sensed him immediately jump into hiding. "So, there you are." I heard a man say. Xin Lei stood at my side. I felt it. Then I heard another voice. "So, you are the man who beat up Chang and his weaklings." It wasn''t a pleasant voice to hear, which kind of ruined my mood. I said, "Pretty much." "But we aren''t that easy to deal with." I heard the one who stood on my left side. "Which means that it may be a tad difficult for a normal guy but definitely not impossible for me." I heard the man on the right taking a sharp breath, which told me that I sessfully provoked him, which also said to me that he was impulsive and impulsive goons were easy to deal with because they were dumb. "How is your buddy, by the way? I hope he is not too scared." I incited further. "He was a loser." The right-hand man said, apparently trying to prove that they are not. "You are going to be the same in a few seconds time unless, of course, you take the smart decision to back off. Nobody gets hurt." With their voices, I figured that the lefty was probably twenty degrees off to my left, and the righty was close to thirty. I know what I had to do. Beat them up before they take out their guns. The lefty said, "Quite confident-" But I didn''t let himplete it. "Cocoa." And with that said, I abruptly took a big step towards the lefty and punched my fist straight at his jaw. That must have broken a few teeth in his lower jaw. It was an element of surprise. He was supposed to think that we were still talking while I already delivered my hit. I heard Cocoa pounce on the righty as he painfully groaned. "Ahhhh!! Get him off me!" Cocoa must be biting him off to death. The lefty tumbled as I heard him trip, but then I felt a gust of wind. It was a punch back at my face. I grabbed his hand, pulled him forward and downwards, and with my right elbow crushed his neck, severing the spinal cord connection. Then it was silence. I heard a mechanical voice. "They are dead, right?" "At least mine is definitely dead." She said, "The other one is dead too. Cocoa was wing out his throat." "Good job, Cocoa." "Arf!" I bent down and ruffled his neck. "I thought I could help, but you two didn''t give me a chance. I know Karate a little." "A little?" "...I was never interested in fighting or defense lessons" I could feel her embarrassment and chuckled. Then I covered my hands with my handkerchief, felt the pockets of the lefty and found his wallet and gun. I took the gun for myself and grabbed the money bills. Guns were always useful, and so was money. "Search the righty''s wallet too. Take the cash and his gun too. Remember, no fingerprints." "We are stealing?" I said, "How else are we going to get the money for food, clothes and hotel rooms? Spoils of war. We don''t exactly have the time to do a part-time job and also solve the case, Xin Lei. Not like this is some honest money either." "What about the police?" "Do you think the police have the time to serve justice for some pathetic goons who are running some shady and illegal business? They might even award us for lessening their job." "You are really positive, aren''t you?" "Life is too short to be negative." --- Somewhere in Langfang outside Beijing city, a cleaner was cleaning an alley. "It smells so shit! Is there a dead mouse somewhere?" He lifted a big garbage bag, and a hand came out. "Ah!!! A dead body!!!" Chapter 8: Disappearances Chapter 8: Disappearances *Xin Lei*, --- I was a doctor in three specializations, so it wasn''t difficult to tell that the men were dead, even without taking a pulse. Witness to a felony. And now I was stealing. I, who am a reputed doctor, the daughter of awyer, and a sister of a brother working in the Intelligence Service, was stealing cash. Another felony. But now I was a part of it. We were not rich, but at least considerably well off, financially. I never thought that a day like this would befall upon me. I typed. "This is my first experience in stealing money." Bai Li shrugged. "Everything has a first time. Wee to street life. I hope you enjoy your stay." I sighed. I looked at Cocoa and remembered how he ruthlessly dug his ws in the man''s neck. He was a cute dog. He was lethal too. I typed a message. "So, now, our next destination is Fu Ting''s home." He smiled. "So, now, let''s head straight into the case." *Duan Deming*, --- "Officer Duan Deming!" A police officer saluted as I stepped down from the car with my poker faced colleague, Tian Song at the crime scene. Lang Fang police had called us officers from the police department in Qianmen, Dongcheng district to assist them in the case where the cleaner found a woman''s dead body in an alley. They had immediately sealed off the area. I nced at Song. Seriously, he was no fun. He had always such a dead expression on his face as if he was a cold-blooded murderer. "Lighten up, Song. You will scare the cleaner away." But he ignored me and walked on. "Hey, you are my only friend, you know that? After my lovely wife passed away-" "The case, Duan Deming." I hate it when he cuts me off like that! I feel so lonely when he still calls me by my full name. I sighed. I entered the crime scene going past the yellow ''No entry'' tapes. The cleaner was standing at a side, shaking and trembling. Poor guy. Then I saw the dead woman. Her condition was terrible. She was beaten, all ck and blue. Her hands and legs were hanging like a broken doll. Not even a little mercy. The junior officer, Peng Bao, came. "Sir, the woman is Liao Chuntao, thirty years old. She lives in Dongcheng. The cleaner discovered her body at 9.20 am today among the pile of garbage. She was a regr office worker. A week ago, she didn''t return home at night, and her sister, Liao Huifang, registered aint the next day when she couldn''t reach her." Tian Song asked, "The statements of her colleagues?" "Sir, she had left the office on time, and there was nothing unusual." I asked, "CCTV?" "Sir, she is seen entering a cab. It took her to the Andingzhen district, and from there she entered another car, but we couldn''t make out the te number. After that, there is no footage." This is bad, I thought. "Andingzhen is on the outskirts of Beijing and on the way to LangFang that is outside Beijing." I said. Song nodded. "She must have-" Suddenly, Song''s phone rang and I saw him staring at it for a second before he excused himself. Seriously, just who calls him, I wondered. *Xin Lei*, --- Bai Li, Cocoa, and I stood in front of the Fu residence, whose address we painstakingly found in the Beijing phone directory, calling numerous families with Fu Ting name. Finally, we found the wife, Fu Biya, who recognized my father, Xin Nianzu. Bai Li said, "Carefully observe." I typed. "Okay." I pressed the doorbell. A woman opened the door. She was Fu Biyu, probably in herte thirties. The skin under her eyes had faint dark circles. She looked terribly worn out and exhausted. Bai Li said, "Mrs. Fu Biyu?" "Yes." She said. "You must be the ones who called me. Are you Xin Nianzu''s daughter?" I nodded. "Come in." "Can I bring my dog in?" Bai Li asked. Fu Biyu carefully looked at Cocoa and nodded. "Just dust him a little." Bai Li took a brush and quickly dusted him. We entered, and I immediately liked the ce. It was a modest size apartment where a typical middle-ss family resides. We settled on the couch, and she poured us some tea. Bai Li cut straight to the chase. "What exactly happened?" I saw Fu Biyu trying to control her tears, but she failed. She sniffled and said, "It all happened a week back. My daughter, Fu Meili, and my son, Fu Jun, had a school trip to the Natural Park in Langfang, Hebei. Ting is a teacher in their school, so he was also with them. But then one day he called and said that Meili was gone. They searched for her everywhere in the whole park, but they couldn''t find her. They called the police, but even they didn''t find her." Strange. Bai Li asked, "Where did she disappear from?" "Ting said that all the children were in the group together, but during lunch break, Fu Meili was nowhere to be seen. We asked her friends, but they didn''t know when she got separated from their group." She was covering her mouth, trying to hold back her sobs. Bai Li asked, "Why was Fu Ting arrested?" Fu Biyu sobbed. "It''s all a misunderstanding! I don''t know how but they found Meili''s handkerchief in Ting''s room. It had blood on it, and after the test, it was confirmed that it was Meili''s. So, they arrested Fu Ting on the charges of kidnapping her, but I know Ting cannot do anything like this!" From the corner of my eye, I saw somebody peeking at us. I turned my head and saw a little boy. He got startled and stepped back. ''That must be...'' But before I could ask, Bai Li said, "Is there someone else in this home?" I looked at him wide-eyed. His instinct isreally spot on. Fu Biyu said, "Oh, there is my son, Fu Jun." "Can you call him here?" Fu Biyu nodded. "Jun. Come here." I saw him hesitating in the corner before he slowly stepped out. He was walking by taking small steps and then hid in his mother''s embrace. "He is six years old. Meili and Jun''s sses were taken together for the trip." I see. Fu Jun looked alert for some reason. He was nervously shifting in his ce. But his eyes sparkled when he saw Cocoa. "Jun." Bai Li called him and stretched his hand forward. "Come here." Chapter 9: R Chapter 9: ''R'' *Xin Lei* I was dumbfounded. Seriously, there was no love in his tone. Jun was only six years old. "Answer some questions, and you can y with Cocoa." Bai Li said. "Arf!" Cocoa agreed. I twitched my brow. A bribe. But it seemed to work. Jun got out of Fu Biyu''s embrace and went near Bai Li. Bai Li felt the boy''s presence and held his hands in his. Fu Biyu looked at me doubtfully. I nodded, and she understood. Bai Li asked, "Were you in your sister''s group with her?" Fu Jun looked here and there as if thinking something. "Yes" I thought about it. They are siblings, so it wasn''t strange to be together. "Were you always beside her?" "Yes." "Where did you go with your sister? What ces?" Once again, it seemed like Fu Jun was thinking. "I saw pandas, zebras, giraffes, and a big, big park. There were many big trees. There was also an ocean!" I think by ocean he meant a smallke. I had heard about Natural Park. It''s like a forest in itself but with many attractions for children, nice lodging ces for resting and a good rxing atmosphere. It had ake at its center for boating. Bai Li asked, "Did you go to any ce where you got separated from your friends?" He frantically shook his head. "No." "When was thest time you saw your sister?" He darted his gaze at the right. "I don''t remember" Bai Li stared at the boy. Even if he couldn''t see, I thought that he could still see right through him. I tugged him. Bai Li let go of the boy. I could have used signnguage to ask Fu Biyu, but then Bai Li wouldn''t know what I asked, so I typed. "When did you contact my father?" *Duan Deming*, --- I saw Tian Songing back from attending his call. I grinned, "Have you got a girlfriend? I see you are getting quite a few calls frequently." Tian Song said, "Case, Duan Deming." I pouted. The cleaner already gave his testimony. We talked to some nearby shop owners. One vehemently said, "Everything is legal here!" I rolled my eyes. He was a small liquor shop''s owner. Dude, nobody was using you of it either. Seriously they always imagined everything for the worse when they saw the police. "You know a woman was found dead, right? Did you see anybody hanging around that alley with a big bag or some sort of a sack? Around early morning?" "No, I open my shop at ten." The woman was found at 9.20 am. "Any suspicious person? Maybe yesterday? Maybe he was aimlessly walking in front of it?" "No." Tian Song asked. "Think carefully." "I''m sure." He sounded confident. We talked to some other shop owners, but the result was the same. Nobody had seen anything. Soon, the forensics team arrived, and we left them to do their job to find any evidence. Tian Song said to the junior officer, Peng Bao. "Check her call records and send me the photos of the body." I nodded. "Alright, guess I will check the CCTV and her route from when she entered the unknown car in Andingzhen." I sat back in the car with Tian Song. "Until all the records and evidence arrives, why don''t grab some lunch? I''m damn hungry." "I have some work." Song said. Not again. "Come on-" Once again, his phone rang, and I thought this other person was really an enemy of our friendship. I tried to see this damn person who was calling him, but Song quickly moved his phone away. I sighed. The only thing I managed to see was that the name started from ''R.'' *Xin Lei*, --- Fu residence. Fu Biyu said, "Immediately after, Ting was arrested. We had heard of Xin Nianzu. He is a famous defensewyer. I met him and told him everything about the case I knew. He told us that he would take up our case. I think he was investigating as well. But, suddenly, we lost contact. And now three dayster, it''s the preliminary hearing. What will we do without him?" She was sobbing. I felt utterly sad. Dad will never abandon a case once he takes charge of it. Now, I was getting more anxious. Bai Li asked, "What are the cops saying about Fu Meili?" "They are continuing with their search, but they haven''t found any clue about her whereabouts. My poor daughter...What state must she be in? It''s been seven days now. She is only eight. Please save her...My Meili..." She was choking in between her sobs. Perhaps, she didn''t want to worry Fu Jun. "Since how long are you not able to contact Xin Nianzu?" Fu Biyu said, "For about five days, I think." Almost about the same time when I returned from my trip. Bai Li nodded and got up. "Thank you for your time." She asked, "Will everything be alright?" Bai Li paused for a while and said, "We will try our best. Don''t talk to any strangers about this case." She nodded. Cocoa came to his side after ying with Fu Jun. The boy looked unhappy. As we came out, I typed. "The police found a bloody knife in Fu Ting''s room. But why would he harm Fu Meili? He is her father." Bai Li shook his head. "There are many cases where the father has sexually assaulted or beat his own daughter. So, whenever a case like thises where a little girl is kidnapped or hurt, the first suspicion is usually towards the father." I anxiously typed. "So, is Fu Meili really hurt?" He said, "Can''t say. That''s why we have to be quick. Also, that boy is hiding something." Chapter 10: Easy suspect Chapter 10: Easy suspect *Xin Lei* I thought about it and nodded. Fu Jun''s reactions and expressions said that he was scared of something. But Bai Li couldn''t see them. "How do you know?" I typed. "Fu Jun''s hands. Whenever I asked something that he was nervous about, he would mildly clench his hands in mine. If he wasfortable, then I felt him rx, but if I tried to pry further, his hands trembled. He was fine when he said where they visited, but about when they got separated, or thest time he saw Fu Meili, he wasn''t as rxed as before." Ah, so Bai Li gauged his reactions with his sense of touch. He further said, "He is still on guard. We have to break down his walls so that he tells us everything. If Fu Ting is innocent, then this whole thing is very fishy." He nced at my direction. It took a few moments before it struck me what Bai Li meant. I widened my eyes. I typed a long message. "So, maybe the culprit knew that it was easy to frame Fu Ting because he was her father. He must know that in such cases, the police generally suspect the father. Just one evidence against him, and the case is as good as closed." Bai Li smiled. "And this proves?" What my brother said. My heart was racing as I typed again. "That people inw enforcement know about this notion. He is using it to pin the me on Fu Ting and brother Zhen said not to contact the police." He nodded. "Good to know that the sister is just as smart." I couldn''t decide if I should be offended or not. Was he thinking this whole time that I was stupid? Bai Li continued. "Crimes against women are sensitive, and our justice system isn''t exactly that patient either with thousands of pending cases piling up. So, they want to resolve it and quickly move onto the next case. Sad truth. The evidence plus notion is enough to throw Fu Ting behind bars no matter how much he pleads not guilty." I was now getting worried about Fu Meili''s safety. "What should we do now?" Then I suddenly remembered something. I quickly typed. "My father knows one investigator. Maybe he would know something. His name is Rong Zhengsheng. He is a retired cop." Bai Li nodded. "Lawyers have connections with retired cops or investigators to find evidence in the case. We have to meet him and Fu Ting." "But won''t we alert the cop who is in all this?" Bai Li slowly raised his hand, I guess, trying to find my head. I stepped closer. He rested his hand on my hair and felt my forehead. *Ba-dump* I felt something strange in my chest. I suddenly got nervous as he touched me, and I darted my gaze away in embarrassment. I didn''t know why I did that. A slight warmth came over my cheeks. But it felt nice. Then he flicked my forehead. "..." I didn''t feel so nice anymore. "You leave that to me." He withdrew his hand, but I felt my forehead still incredibly hot. It was as if I got a fever. I cleared my throat and typed. "What are you going to do?" "Well, I will have to trouble an idiot friend of mine." --- Central Military Commission, Beijing. Major Lin Zihao was mercilessly dumped with stacks of paperwork. He wanted to cry butcked tears to shed. As if that wasn''t enough, Captain Su Weiyuan brought some more. Lin Zihao whined. "If you brought any more, I will take discharge from the Army and join Bai Li to be a NEET!" Su Weiyuan shrugged. Since Bai Li was discharged from the Army after the court-martial, Lin Zihao felt the Army suddenly looked very empty. They were brothers in arms, who had dealt with many missions together. They wererades who always had each other''s back. And the court-martial left a bitter taste in his mouth. Bai Li had a dry sense of humor; he got on people''s nerves, was blunt to the point that Lin Zihao sometimes wished to puke blood; nevertheless, they shared a great camaraderie. Bai Li, Lin Zihao, Su Weiyuan, and Zou Huan - these four were more like brothers to each other than friends. They were a unit. They were family. He was reminiscing their good times when his phone rang with an iing call. Lin Zihao sighed and picked up. "Hey, goofball, what''s up?" Lin Zihao widened his eyes. "Bai Li, you bastard! Where are you? And don''t call me a goofball!" "Since I''m away from the goofball, my sanity is up and running just fine. But my absence must have made you the epitome of a goofball, isn''t it?" Lin Zihao gnashed his teeth. "Bai. Li!" Su Weiyuan was also surprised. He plugged in the chords in Lin Zihao''s phone and inserted one of the earpieces in his left ear. Bai Li said, "Goofy, I need one help." Lin Zihao dryly said, "And is this how you ask for it?" Su Weiyuan said, "What is it, Bai Li?" They heard him chuckle. "Su Weiyuan, always to the point. I want you to arrange a meeting for me with Fu Ting. He is in jail arrested for kidnapping his daughter." Lin Zihao raised his brow. "I have heard of that case. Why the sudden interest?" Bai Li said, "I will tell you everything. Meet me with all the things ready." Su Weiyuan said, "It will be done." "No police." "Got it." Lin Zihao said after a pause. "Bai Li, the police have found Liao Chuntao''s body in Langfang." Chapter 11: Questionable character Chapter 11: Questionable character --- Inside Xin Nianzu''s office, Rodey was looking at the two dead bodies of Fan and Fa, who the chubby man Gen Gen had ordered to finish off Xin Lei. Fan was hit at the back of his neck, but it didn''t seem like the force of any blunt object. It was purely physical. Fa''s throat was wed out. It was most probably an animal, a dog. Their guns and cash were taken away. But the credit cards were still there. Smart. No cards, no tracing. Only one man appeared in his mind who was capable of this. Gen Gen was dumbstruck. "Fan and Fa had never failed any task." He gritted his teeth. "Just who is this woman!? And who is the man!?" Rodey raised an eyebrow. That woman was alone until now, but she seemed to get somepany. If that man were involved in this, then they would have to tread carefully. After all, only Major Bai Li had ever managed to reach so close to him. Though he didn''t understand how he must have got connected to the case, but if he was, then they had to be alert. He was blind, but not to be underestimated. Rodey smiled. ''This is going to be fun. I hope it''s you Bai Li. It would be so interesting to meet you again.'' Gen Gen''s face was red in anger. "What should we do now! I will send someone else after them." Rodey raised his palm. "Don''t bother. It''s of no use. Our opponent is not someone your measly men can defeat." ''Measly!?'' "If they were here in Xin Nianzu''s office, then I know where they would head next." Rodey called a number. "Keep an eye on who meets Fu Ting in the next few days." *Bai Li*, --- It was hardly a few days since I was kicked out of the Army, but Liao Chuntao''s case reminded me of how close I had reached to Rodey, and how easily I lost him. I lost my honor too. I wanted to get it back. "Get the details about that case too." "Roger." Lin Zihao said. "How is the old General Song Xiaosheng? Is he still alive?" "Why won''t he?" "I thought my curse would have worked by now. Apparently, it didn''t." "Don''t you think a gun would be much better? Since when did you believe in superstition?" "Since I came to know that a respectable General at such a high position in the army can make such a stupid decision." Lin Zihao chuckled. "He doesn''t seem so tragic by your exit." "He should. The Army has lost a great officer." "Narcissistic son of a bastard." "I take that as apliment." "Su Weiyuan will work on your request. Oh, and you are going to treat us tomorrow." With that said, he hung up. Sure, if he didn''t mind washing the dishes after the meal, he was weed for my penniless treat. I smelled the sweet scent of candying again from Xin Lei. It was kind of growing on me now. I liked it. I shifted a bit to have a better smell of it. "Arf!" Why did you have to interrupt doggo!? I heard Xin Lei type. "Why is he barking at you?" "He must be hungry." Though, that wasn''t the case. He was questioning my character. On that note, I said, "We have to find a ce to stay." A few seconds of silence, and then I heard the same mechanical voice. "Those goons have crashed my apartment." "Which is also not a safe ce to stay either. So, a hotel. Let''s go." *Xin Lei*, --- Bai Li, Cocoa, and I reached a small hotel, three blocks away. Just as we were about to enter the door, Bai Li looked down at Cocoa. "Hide." I furrowed my brows as I didn''t understand. Cocoa disappeared in the shadows. I typed. "Why did you tell Cocoa to hide?" He said, "In your father''s office, Cocoa had killed a man. So, our next group of friends will find it easy to find a man and a woman with a dog. It would be better to hide him as much as possible." He had a point. I typed. "Then where will he stay?" "You will see. Now just lightly tug my arm." Huh? Wait. Were we going in as a couple? I don''t know why, but with the thought, I was really looking forward to it. Somehow, I imagined a lot of not-so-pure things happening between us. I noticed an olddy looking at me like I was crazy. I saw my reflection on the windowpane. ''Why am I smiling like an idiot? Did I always have such a questionable character?'' Bai Li said, "Who will guide me inside? I''m blind." "..." Stupid me! Why did I think of that!? I lightly held his arm as told. "Just guide me, subtly." We stepped inside the hotel and stood near the reception desk. A man was standing, writing something in a file. He alternatively looked at me and then at Bai Li and said, "Room for one? I coughed. Before I could correct him, Bai Li said, "Yes. One night." I suppose I had to control my shock reaction, and it was difficult not to jerk my head in bewilderment. Were we going to stay in one room? He never told me that! "100 Yuan for one night." I thought of it as reasonable. "50." Apparently, Bai Li didn''t. And from 100 to 50? Cut by half? "100." The man didn''t budge. "You understand the difference between one night and one whole day?" The man said, "Nights are costlier." "How can six hours be costlier than eighteen hours? Stealing in broad darkness?" My eyebrow twitched. "90." He finally reduced some of it. "60." "85." "65." "80." "70." "75." "Deal." Bai Li said. I admired his bargaining skill. I thought this was never going to end. "Write your names." The man said. I took the pen and wrote the names just as Bai Li and I discussed. Kim Tang for him. Bao Che for me. Fake names. I took the key and slightly tugged his arm again. As we opened the door, Bai Li opened the window and softly whistled. I saw Cocoa jumping in. Chapter 12: A friend or a foe? Chapter 12: A friend or a foe? *Xin Lei*, --- I had no words to say to Bai Li. The hotel wasn''t big and tall. There were some cardboard boxes down at the backside of the hotel. Cocoa jumped on them, then to the small balcony of the room below us and then inside our room through the window, with absolute silence and finesse. I typed and hit the speaker button. "If the owner catches Cocoa, we will be in trouble." Bai Li nced at my side. "Are you going to tell him?" I typed. "No." "Neither will I. So, we are good." Then I typed. "You never said that we are going to share one room." He shrugged. "You seem to have too many friends chasing after you. We should stick together." So he really didn''t have any impure thoughts? "Arf!" Cocoa seemed to agree. He said, "Let''s order some food now. I''m damn hungry." *Duan Deming*, --- The forensic doctor Guozhi called Tian Song and me to tell us about his findings after he did the autopsy of Liao Chuntao. He said, "Somebody really hates this woman. She was hit with a bat repeatedly all over her body, and I also found the marks from a blunt instrument like a metal rod." Guozhi shook his head. "She is beaten up so much that I feel that the criminal was finding pleasure in doing this to her." I looked at her cold body, the bruises on her pale skin, and agreed. You can say that again. Tian Song asked, "Sexual assault?" "No. She wasn''t sexually assaulted, but beaten to death." I asked, "Did you find any DNA on her body?" That was an important question. Guozhi said, "Yes, I have. It is a tiny drop of sweat I found on the nape of her neck. I''m going to run it through our criminal database tomorrow morning." I frowned. "On her neck?" He nodded. "It might be when he was carrying her body. It''s hot these days, so a drop of sweat must have trickled down on her skin." I nodded. "Any other thing?" "Yes. I also found some traces of grease on her skin here and there. This can help us in finding the location where she was kept. It''s an industrial oil. So, there are high chances that she was kept in a factory or an oil refinery of some sort." Tian Song said, "We will look into such ces in Langfang." I nodded. We got a head start. "Send us the report of DNA analysis as soon as it''s out." "Roger." We bid him goodbye and went out. Tian Song then asked me. "What did you find in the footage where she boarded the cab in Andingzhen?" I sighed. There was not good news there. "Negative. It was too dark in the night. The driver''s face isn''t visible. But her body is found in LangFang, so I''m sure that she crossed Beijing''s border through Andingzhen and headed to Langfang." Tian Song hummed. "Hm. There is no unknown number in the call records too. It''s only her sister Liao Huifang and her office colleagues." "Well, we can only hope on the DNA test now and that factory sort of ce." I don''t know if I imagined it, but Song looked in a daze. "Song?" "Nothing." He brushed me off. But I found it a bit odd. "By the way, did Fu Ting admit to his crime? Did he say where he has hidden Fu Meili?" "No." I sighed. "We are losing time, Song." "I understand. You know our team is looking for her. We will find her soon." I said, "We could have talked to hiswyer, Xin Nianzu, but he hasn''t met Fu Ting in thest few days. Has he given up his case?" He narrowed his eyes. "I don''t know. It''s indeed doubtful." Well, I could only hope for the best. --- Somewhere, in a dark room, a man was tied on a chair. The ce was terribly dirty. There were some empty boxes lying here and there. There was not even a window. The walls were covered in spiders. A bulb hung above to shed light on the man. His face looked a little haggard and tired, but his mind was alert. He heard footsteps from a distance, and he quickly closed his eyes. But the door to his room where he was kept tied didn''t open. Instead, he heard the loud voice of a man yelling and shouting. "Damn that woman! I lost five men because of her!" Gen Gen...That man who had kidnapped him from office. ''Lei Lei, my daughter'' Xin Nianzu immediately put his concentration in listening to their conversation. "It''s just a woman! And it''s been a whole week, but she is still slipping past us!" Xin Nianzu smirked. ''That is my daughter for you.'' "As if that wasn''t enough, God knows who is the man with her now who beat my men! Five men!" Xin Nianzu narrowed his eyes. ''Man?'' "I don''t care! Send more men after them, but I won''t give up until I catch her!" He heard one of his underlings say, "But Rodey has said not to send-" "I will talk to him. And you work under me, not Rodey! So, listen to my orders, you bastard." "Yes, boss!" "And keep an eye on that man inside. As long as he is here, nobody can save that man, Fu Ting. The case must be closed with his sentence!" "Yes!" One of the men opened the door. Xin Nianzu quickly closed his eyes and drooped his head, feigning unconsciousness. The underling then closed the door and locked it. Xin Nianzu slowly opened his eyes. He thought about the man who was helping his daughter. He wondered about the man. ''Did Lei Lei find the man, or did the man find my daughter?'' If it was thetter, then there could be a chance of him being a spy. But it was all a conjecture. Was he really helping or trapping her instead? Was he a friend or a foe? Chapter 13: The stain on Bai Li Chapter 13: The stain on Bai Li *Bai Li*, --- It was a sumptuous meal; I had to admit. And it tasted even more delicious buying it with the stolen money of those goons. My troubled, hungry stomach was finally at peace. I heard Cocoa also grunt in satisfaction. I wiped my mouth and asked Xin Lei, "How are we going to find Rong Zhengsheng?" I heard the familiar tapping sound. "I have dropped him a message. He said to meet in Micro Pub in Dongsi 10th Alley. He has also said to be cautious." Then I got a jarring question in my mind as I focussed on another point. "Your phone is working? Don''t you think your friends can trace you if you use a sim card?" Silence. "Big brother Zhen keeps many unused sim cards for his investigation purposes. I grabbed some of them. I already threw my original card away." I nodded. A sound n indeed. "We will throw that card once we meet him and use another if we need to contact." After two seconds, "Yes, it is safe that way." I asked, "What else do you know about Xin Zhen? It''s strange. His warning rightly fitted in the context of Fu Ting''s case. So is he helping Xin Nianzu? Or did he mean in regarding another case altogether?" Once again, I heard the pitter-patter. "Missions in the Intelligence Service are confidential, so he never tells me about his cases." I know about how different branches of public service works, so I already had a hunch. "Alright. We will figure that too. For now, let''s have a good night''s rest." I got up and felt my way towards the couch. I had already mapped the room and the general location of the bed, table, couch, bathroom, and the window. Then I felt a tug at my left arm followed by Xin Lei''s robotic message. "You are sleeping on the couch?" That was a good question with a straightforward answer. "Yes." Truth to be told, I didn''t suggest the same room only for us to stick together. I liked the sweet candy smell she gave. It was now really growing on me. I liked her near me. Call me selfish. "The couch is small." ''Naturally, it is for me with my six feet two inches height. I will have to cramp.'' I said, "I have slept in all kinds of ces and on all kinds of things, big and small. Life in the army is all about adjustment and flexibility." Xin Lei said, "I will sleep there. I''m average, and it won''t be a problem for me." I had kind of forced her to share a room with me. I should man up and sleep on the couch. "Thank you for the offer, but I''m fine. And you are the doctor among us. You need to stay fit for all three of us." "Arf!" Cocoa agreed. At least you could have tried to pull my leg towards the bed. You seem to have no problem dumping me on the couch. Even Xin Lei was more sympathetic than you doggo! I sensed a long silence and felt that she was thinking about something quite deeply. Then I heard her message again. "We can share the bed and sleep at the edges. You are here for me. I''m not feeling nice about you sleeping on the couch." ''That will be a big problem. I think your sweet candy smell won''t be too nice for my peaceful sleep or my heart.'' I waved my hand. "I''m fine. Like I said, I''m very flexible." The discussion was over. Xin Lei said that Cocoa could sleep on the bed beside her. Lucky bastard! He got a nice, fluffy bed and also a woman''spany. I settled on the couch, and as expected, it was a tight fit but couldn''tin. Time ticked by, but I found myself unable to sleep. I was only turning and tossing. Then I heard Xin Lei''s message. "Can''t sleep?" I said, "You can''t sleep either?" I waited. "No. I''m hoping tomorrow will be a good day for us." "If your friends don''t bother us, then it surely will be a good day." But if they do, then this time I will ''nicely'' ask them about their boss who is sending his men one after the other, seemingly crazy about catching Xin Lei. One shot in between his brows and problem solved. Then she asked, "If you don''t mind, then can I ask you something?" I figured it must be personal, either rted to my blindness or my army discharge. I was hoping for the former. "Shoot." "Why did you have to leave the army?" ''I''m not in luck today.'' "I killed a civilian on duty. I failed a mission. I got a dishonorable discharge. Fourteen years in the army but I left with a stain on my uniform." I didn''t know what got over me, but I told her. What answer was I searching for? ''Will she still want me to help her? Will she still want me beside her?'' There was a long silence. I heard her typing again. "I know it hasn''t been much time since I met you, but my instinct is telling me that you cannot be at fault." I could finally breathe. I see. I wanted to hear that answer all along. Wait, was I holding my breath all this time? ''Cannot be at fault, huh? The army sure didn''t think that.'' Iughed, not sure about what. Was it about the irony that an unknown woman trusted me whom I met just a few hours ago more than the army where I gave my fourteen years? I said, "You shouldn''t trust people so easily." I heard a continuous tapping sound. "I feel safe with you. And a person who can give that feeling will not harm anyone unnecessarily." "Mistakes happen. Human nature." "Alright then, tell me. Do ''you'' think that it was your fault?" "What I think doesn''t matter. Only evidence does. And evidence said that it was my bullet that hit the man." "Why shouldn''t it matter what you think? Dad says that every defendant has the right to prove himself innocent. Answer me. Do you think that it was your fault?" I kept quiet. She didn''t probe. "No. It was not my fault." I heard her again. "Then, you should strive to prove that. Life in the military is about keeping your life on the line to protect the country. It''s about sacrifices. And after serving fourteen years in the army, constantly gambling with death, you should leave with pride, not with a stain." My lips curled into a smile. "I''m going to do just that," I said. A few seconds of silence, and she said. "And this time, I will help you." Chapter 14: Liability Chapter 14: Liability *Bai Li* I felt an urgent need to hug Xin Lei, but it was better to stop myself rather than turning my cheek red with her palm print. I snorted. "You are knee-deep in your own problems." I heard her tapping quickly. "So are you, but you are still helping me, right? Then I can too." She was learning to give goodebacks. I shrugged. "Your father and brother would kill me if something happens to their baby daughter/sister." "They won''t. They both work for justice, so they understand the meaning of standing on justice''s side." I gave up. "Do whatever you want." I don''t know if it was my imagination, but I heard a soft chuckle. I closed my eyes. Perhaps because Xin Lei asked me why I had to leave the army, I dreamt about that day of my court-martial. I was standing in the defendant''s box. "Major Bai Li." I heard the stern voice of the military judge. "You are used of killing a civilian in the line of your duty. You also missed the trail of the criminal named Rodey after whom we were chasing for a long time, resulting in the trail going cold. What do you have to say in your defense?" I stood straight, unperturbed. "Your Honour, I chased Rodey in the container terminal. It was all ording to the n. There were supposed to be no civilians around there because I had mapped out that ce after careful thinking knowing that gunfire was inevitable. Rodey being cunning, I couldn''t afford to have coteral damage." The judge said, "Yet, your shot hit a civilian. So that means a civilian was present, and your n failed." I was silent. "My n was full proof. There were no chances of any civilian being there." I heard Major General Shi Jianguo''s voice. "Your Honour, it is possible that Rodey may have got an inkling to his n. And it is suspicious how a civilian got there in the first ce." The judge then asked, "What did you find about the reason for Tan Ye''s presence?" Immediately after, I heard General Song Xiaosheng''s voice. "Your Honour, I have investigated and questioned Tan Ye''s family. They said that he was there to unload a cargo truck. He was on duty." I said, "This isn''t logical. How can a single man be on duty? It is not a one-person job to unload a big cargo truck of its goods on his own. If he was on duty, then there should be at least two other workers on duty too." General Song said, "Negative on that Major. We have also checked Tan Ye''s phone records. He indeed got a message from his boss to be present at the time." "Is the boss here to give his testimony?" Soon, I heard his name called out. "Your Honour, it is true. I told Tan Ye to visit the container terminal that day." I narrowed my eyes. "That terminal hasn''t been used for like months." "No. It''s in use; though I do admit that there was a period where it was at a standstill. The market was down, so it affected the supply and demand chain of goods. That''s why, for some time, we didn''t have much work." "Why only Tan Ye?" The judge asked. "We got an urgent requirement from a customer. It wasn''t something that required two or more men, so I thought Tan Ye was enough." I heard the judge say, "Major Bai Li, although you might have been well nned, you should have checked thetest status of the container''s operations." I said, "And there was no mistake. If there were even the slightest chance of it being operational, I would have immediately dropped my n." I heard a sigh. It was the General. "Major, it is not only about your failure in executing it, but also that you shot Tan Ye. With yourtest psychology report that I see, you are still suffering from PTSD." Bullshit! I took a deep breath. "I don''t suffer from PTSD anymore." "You are. The mission where you lost your eyesight in the bomb st is still affecting you." "It is not." I was adamant. The judge said, "Major Bai Li, an army officer killing a civilian, even if it is idental, is a serious crime. It will wreak havoc among the citizens if they know that the army which is supposed to protect the citizens is responsible for a death." Iughed. "What do you want to say, Your Honour?" There were a few moments of silence, and then he said, "You have be a liability, Major Bai Li. The fact that you cannot see will hamper all your missions. You have trained hard to ovee it, and I admire that, but we cannot afford to lose lives. If you had your sight, you might not have killed Rodey, but you wouldn''t have killed Tan Ye, either." Liability. Fourteen years of service and I was a liability now. I suddenly felt cheated. But, I said nothing. Major General said, "Your Honour! Bai Li is an exemry soldier. The injuries that soldiers get during their mission is like a medal to them. How can you be so insensitive in ming him?" "Major General, please control your emotions." I couldn''t hear what the Major General said. Maybe they were expecting me to throw a fit, to get mad about insulting me, but I kept quiet. "I have nothing to say," I said. The judge said, "Tan Ye''s family already knows that you, a soldier, killed him. We have to give them justice. So, we cannot be lenient on you." I smiled. "Say it, Your Honour." I knew what was going to happen. The tone, the tension in the voice, gave it all away. "Major Bai Li, on ount of killing a civilian, losing our enemy''s trail, and considering your PTSD, this court finds that you are not fit to stay as a soldier anymore. The court strips you of all the rights to serve the Chinese Army. The court doesn''t give you a sentence, taking note of the fourteen years of your dedicated and loyal service to our country. So, the court has decided to give you a dishonorable discharge." Chapter 15: The man named Bai Li Chapter 15: The man named Bai Li *Xin Lei* Lifting the cover up a little, I looked at Bai Li, who was shifting a little restlessly on the couch. ''Is he having a bad dream?'' I thought for a second. I got out of the bed and slowly tip-toed to his side. His forehead was a little wet with sweat. The middle of his brows was creased into thin lines. I stretched my hand, but then I stopped. ''He won''t wake up, right?'' Bai Li was looking a little ufortable. I kneeled beside the couch. I took out my handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat. Once again, I lifted my hand. ''Umm...Uh...Dang! I will just do it!'' With my thumb and index finger, I slowly eased his thin creases. I gulped. ''Please don''t wake up.'' He didn''t. ''Phew!'' Then I pressed my palm on his forehead and ran my fingers through his hair. I was now really close to him. Something was wrong with me. My heart beats felt too erratic. ''I need a checkup.'' ''Okay, Lei, this doesn''t mean anything. I am just patting him to make him feelfortable.'' I didn''t realize it, but I was staring at him. As the quiet night turned a shade darker, I finally observed this man. Bai Li was tall; there was no doubt. The couch looked so small against his tall frame. He was literally spilling outside the couch like how water does out of a ss. I wasn''t quite sure if Bai Li was suffering or the couch. As much as he was tall, he had quite a broad chest too. I felt it when I had bumped into him. His arms were long and strong. I wondered what it would feel like to be embraced by them instead of them squeezing my throat. He wasn''t particrly drop-dead handsome or attractive, definitely not like those gorgeous male leads in CEO romance novels that my friend in high school forced me to read. But the contours of his face had a tough and rugged charm in them, which made him look more masculine and which can make a particr popce of females crush over him. ''Am I one of them?'' I flicked my forehead. ''Not the time to think about it, Lei!'' He was blunt and sarcastic. He had no qualms in stealing cash from the goons, which *cough* to be honest, I found it a little exciting too. He bargained, which was the first time for me, seeing a man doing it. And above all, he cannot see, yet he was so alert. He carried such an air of confidence andmand, his gaze so sharp that I don''t think the goons ever realized that they were talking to a blind man. I was born mute, but he wasn''t born blind. I wondered how he would have felt to realize that he suddenly couldn''t see. Wasn''t waking up to a ck pitch world seem frightening, even for a tough man like Bai Li? I wanted to ask, but perhaps I already raked his wounds by asking him about the Army. I felt guilty. But I couldn''t help it. I wanted to know more about him. As if sensing my mncholy, Cocoa softly rubbed his head against my cheek and licked my chin. He looked at me with his ck orbs. I think he was assuring me that everything was fine. I smiled and ruffled his fur. A few minutester, I was back to the bed, hugging Cocoa to sleep. --- The next morning, Bai Li, Cocoa, and I reached the Micro Pub in Dongsi 10th Alley exactly at ten am. It didn''t feel like it was daylight at all outside. The neon lights were shing in the darkness as if it was still in the middle of ate-night party. Suddenly, from the corner of my eye, I saw a woman behind the bar counter stare at me. She was wlessly shaking a bottle of a drink between her hands, jumping it from left to right, while keeping her eyes at me. She had worn a uniform of a bartender, so clearly she was a barmaid. I tugged Bai Li. It was too loud, so I typed my message and brought my phone near his ear. "A barmaid is looking specifically at us." I saw him slightly squinting his eyes. "Then let''s ask her about her interest in staring at two strangers." "Arf!" Cocoa barked. "...Three strangers." We made her way to the counter, and the barmaid never left her gaze away from us. She faintly smiled and acknowledged our presence. Bai Li nced in her direction and said, "Nice to meet you." The woman blinked her eyes as if thinking of something. Perhaps she was thinking as to why he was looking at her and not looking at her at the same time. I understood. It had happened to me too when I first met or... bumped into him. Then as if the barmaid realized the fact, she slowly raised her brows. She smiled. "Same here." Bai Li said, "I''m pretty sure I personally don''t know any barmaid and guess my friend here doesn''t either. Care to share your reason for staring at us?" "Can I not look where I want?" "More than two seconds of looking and it bes staring and being the subject of your staring gaze, you must either want to tell us something or want something from us. What is it?" "You are observant." "Pretty much. I had no choice considering the line of work I was involved in." "You are the guests of uncle Rong." She said. ''I see. This woman and uncle Rong know each other.'' I typed. "How do you know it is us?" "You are not the usual guests in this pub." "You know every guest by sight?" "Pretty much." I was genuinely impressed. She must have a great photographic memory. Then I observed a sort of mark on her neck. It was partly covered with her hair but was still visible. Was it a... I looked at Bai Li and felt as if he was concentrating on something. "Grrr." Cocoa quietly growled. She pointed her finger. "Corner room in the end." Bai Li and I both understood and set off in that direction. --- A man from the shadows stepped out. The barmaid felt him standing behind her. "Who are they?" "Uncle Rong knows the girl. The man is with her." In the darkness, it was impossible to decipher what expression the man had on his face. "That man... isn''t so simple. He isn''t any ordinary person. He cannot see, but he felt my presence." Chapter 16: Cutting off all the ways Chapter 16: Cutting off all the ways The barmaid said, "I know. That man slightly tilted his head in your direction." She then saw the maning into the light, and his handsome face with his bluish-grey obsidians came into view. His eyes were twinkling in amusement, and his lips were etched into a faint smile. "It would be interesting to meet him. Even without the dog, he detected me." The barmaid smiled, tiptoed, and kissed his lips. "Right. I have a feeling that we are going to meet again soon with that duo, sorry trio. For now, what do you want to drink?" The man pulled her waist and deepened the kiss, entangling their tongues. "A drink is more enjoyable after some good exercise." He seductively rubbed her lower lip with his thumb, and his gaze was filled with desire for her. The barmaid brushed her index finger along his jawline and whispered in his ear. "Then what are we waiting for?" *Xin Lei*, --- We were walking towards the end of the corridor as the barmaid directed. Cocoa was walking in the front, guiding Bai Li. I observed that he was focussing on something as he was talking to that barmaid. I typed. "You were looking a little strange." Bai Li turned his head slightly towards me. "There was somebody else standing behind that barmaid, maybe hiding because you didn''t say or ask anything about the presence of any other person." That was right. I didn''t see anybody. I furrowed my brows. "How do you know?" "The loud music diminishes a little at the bar area. It was slight, but I heard a ''clink,'' probably it was his wrist-watch against something. When you lose your sight, your other senses be stronger and sharper, plus serving years in the army also helps." I thought about it. I typed. "It was a man, I guess. Because I''m pretty much sure that I saw a hickey on the barmaid''s neck, the man could be her boyfriend." "Possible." We reached the end. I knocked on the door - three times and then tap, as he had said in his message. The door slowly opened, and I saw a man stepping out of the dark. I recognized the familiar figure and jumped into his hug. It felt so long after I met uncle Rong Zhengsheng. After Dad and big brother disappeared, I couldn''t think what to do next. It felt so alone, and I constantly worried about their safety. I wanted to call out his name, but my mute self wasn''t able to do it. It brought tears to my eyes. Uncle Rong patted my head. "Aish, little girl, don''t cry." He looked at Bai Li and Cocoa. "You must be the same man about whom Lei was talking." Bai Li nodded. "I hope it was all about good things about us." "Arf!" "Nobody followed you, right?" "As much as Cocoa and my senses could detect." "Come in." I typed a message. "Uncle Rong, you must know about Dad, right? Where is he?" He shook his head. "No. We were working on Fu Ting''s case. He told me to investigate Fu Meili''s disappearance." Bai Li asked, "Did you find anything?" "I checked with my friend in LangFang police. There is something very wrong about the case. Fu Meili disappeared in the woods of the Natural Park. There is no sign of her leaving that ce, yet the police searched the entire park, but didn''t find a trace of her." He continued. "Fu Meili disappeared around three in the afternoon. Around that time, Fu Ting was with some teachers, but some remember that he slipped out for some time." "So, they think of that as the time frame." I typed. "Yes. But I secretly talked to a kid who was in Fu Meili''s group a few days ago." "I hope nobody saw you were doing that, or you could bebeled as a pervert." Bai Limented. I twitched my eyebrow. "Thank you for your concern, but I''m fine." Uncle Rong said dryly. I asked, "What did the kid say?" "That she doesn''t remember Fu Meili carrying her handkerchief. It''s because it was pretty, and she wanted to see it again, but Fu Meili forgot to bring it the next day." It struck me. Bai Li said, "If Fu Ting kidnapped her, then how did her handkerchief get in his room? It should be in Meili''s room, and she disappeared from the woods, meaning outside. It doesn''t make sense. So, Fu Ting brought her back to her room, something happened to get her blood on the handkerchief, and then he took her away outside and then kidnapped her? And somehow, her handkerchief made its way in Fu Ting''s room?" We both shook our heads. Uncle Rong said, "Even if they found a bloodied handkerchief, but, what about the weapon? He disposed of the weapon but forgot about the handkerchief? And now, after he is arrested, he isn''t telling the police about her location." I typed. "How can he not crumble under their questioning? He knows it is futile to hide her anymore." Uncle Rong said, "An ordinary school teacher won''t be able to keep up anymore, correct." I typed. "But like you said, Fu Ting is an ordinary school teacher. Who and why are they targeting his family? It doesn''t seem like he would have any enemies." Bai Li said, "How about we ask those next minions who woulde for you?" I shrugged. "And what about Xin Nianzu?" Uncle Rong said, "Somebody wants to close this case tightly. They have trapped Fu Ting, and they don''t want anywyer to interfere. And they are also sending his men to kill Lei." Whoever they may be, are closing off all the ways. I typed. "The preliminary trial is in three days. If Dad doesn''t appear in the court, then the prosecution can convince the judge to take the case into arraignment where Fu Ting would have to plead guilty." Bai Li said, "If that happens, then the day is not far when he would be standing before the rope, waiting to be hanged." Chapter 17: The memory of something similar that happened before Chapter 17: The memory of something simr that happened before *Duan Deming*, --- "Hey, Song," I called out to him. He slightly nodded. "Guozhi is going to run the DNA today. Has he said anything about the report?" Song said, "No, Duan Deming." I sighed. Then I recalled something. "I remember, were you workingtest night?" I asked. He stared at me, which I felt to be quite piercing. "I was going through Fu Ting''s files." "Ah" Well...but I remembered that I saw his silhouette outside the evidence department where Guozhi kept all the forensic samples. I wondered what work he had in the evidence room. And why didn''t he say about his trip over there? *Xin Lei*, --- Micro Pub. As we discussed the case, I felt this whole thing was bing more and more bizarre. Just who would go to the lengths of kidnapping my Dad to frame a school teacher of potentially harming his daughter? I rubbed my hands. Was Dad okay? And big brother? The longer they were kept hostage, the more I got worried. I typed. "Do you know if big brother is involved in this?" Uncle Rong shook his head. "I know he isn''t in contact either, but I get the feeling that he is not a part of this case." Bai Li rubbed Cocoa''s head. "Yet he disappeared within the same time frame as Xin Nianzu." I nodded. That cannot be a coincidence. I typed. "And Fu Ting''s son, Fu Jun, seems to know something more, but he is scared of telling it. We have to make him talk." Uncle Rong smiled. "I will handle that." Bai Li said, "Xin Lei and I are going to meet Fu Ting in prison." "Without hiswyer, aka Xin Nianzu, how will you do that?" "I have my methods." Uncle Rong looked at me, raising his eyebrow. I shrugged. He looked at Bai Li, and I felt him contemting something. "Why are you helping us? Do you personally know Nianzu or Zhen or...Lei?" I coughed. Can he not know that I dragged him into it, who was practically a stranger when I met him? Bai Li smirked. "Please ask this question to the woman sitting on my right and this doggo sitting on my left." "Arf!" I think Cocoa seemed angry at being called a doggo. I quickly typed. "We should get going. We will meet again after we find something out from Fu Ting and Fu Jun." I pushed Bai Li up and hurriedly went out with Cocoa. He snorted. "Scared of being exposed?" I hit him on the shoulder. As we came back, I didn''t see the barmaid at her counter. We stepped out and walked in the alley behind the pub. Suddenly Bai Li said, "Stop." Cocoa also got on guard. "Grrrr." I saw five men ahead of us. Oh, dear...This again. Bai Li had to crack a joke. "Theree your friends. How many?" I wrote the number 5 on his arm that I was holding. He nodded. One of the men came forward and looked at me after checking me out from head to toe. I understood his intentions and narrowed my eyes. ''Bastard! I will dig your eyes out!'' "So, you are the reason which has made our boss so furious and edgy. You both don''t seem like much of a problem." He snickered, and I felt like giving him one of my injections to make him thoroughly contort in pain. If I could save people, I could kill too. That is the beauty of being a doctor. Bai Li said with a hint ofziness in his tone. "Which your previous buddies made the same mistake, but some people just don''t like to learn their lessons." He smiled. "But you made our work easier." "How so?" "I will kill four of you, and the one left alive can happily tell me about your boss and then happily die as well. And then I can have a nice talk with your boss and straighten things out with him." Anotherughed. "Five against two? Oops, sorry, one. We cannot count the woman." I sneered. Let''s see if you don''t regret saying that. *Bai Li* Now, the principles behind fighting a group of five men are the same as that of fighting a group having any number of stupid men. Don''t stand around, waiting to be hit. Take the leader out. Hit first, hit hard. I already calcted the distance and angle from where he was standing away from me by listening to his voice and his pitch. Like a sh, I turned about thirty degrees to my left, northwest, raised my leg, kicking him hard on his gut. "Attack." I sensed Cocoa leap from my side. He must be bending in pain, so I struck his head with my foot and smashed it on the ground. I heard a painful scream from a man, which I figured was because of Cocoa''s lethal bite. I knew two men would swing at me from left and right, one at my face and one at my gut, and I precisely caught their hands in the air and pulled them to knock them against each other''s heads. *Crack* They went down. "Stop! I have caught the woman! I will shoot her." That must be the fifth man. I immediately took out that goon''s gun from Xin Nianzu''s office and aimed at him. ''When did Xin Lei get away from my side?'' "Put your gun down!" He said. I knew her height. She must be pressed against his chest. I raised my gun upwards to aim at his head. I was ready. "Major Bai Li, you have be a liability." The gun shook in my hand. "You may not have killed Rodey, but you wouldn''t have killed Tan Ye either." ''Am I sweating?'' "You are still suffering from PTSD." ''No, I''m not.'' ''Why is my heart pounding so fast?'' "You killed a civilian." ''I didn''t know he was there.'' ''Why is my breath stuck at my throat?'' "What if your shot hits Xin Lei just like him?" *ck* "AHHHHHH!" Chapter 18: His pain, her hurt Chapter 18: His pain, her hurt *Xin Lei* I watched the gun drop from Bai Li''s hand. He screamed with his hands holding the sides of his head, his forehead furrowed into thin creases sweating a lot, his chest heaving up and down in deep breaths and his entire body trembling a little. He was there just a moment ago, standing with confidence with his gun aimed at the goon, but now his face was distorted in anxiety. I was a doctor. I knew the signs. Bai Li was having a panic attack. And at that moment, I wanted to rush towards him and take him in my arms. The strong, tough, and blunt man whom I met forty-eight hours back was reduced to such a pitiful state. I wanted to pat his head. I wanted to pacify him. I wanted to say that everything was alright. His state triggered a whole lot of emotions within me for him. I just wanted to get to his side. But the minion - as Bai Li says, had his arm tightly wound around my neck. I didn''t sense when he crept behind me. With that struggle, I dropped the phone. Then I saw the leader, clutching his abdomen, was staggering to stand. "You bastard!" Then heughed. "What? Did you give up? Weren''t you so cocky just a minute ago?" But it was as if Bai Li heard nothing. Cocoa jumped to his side and was walking and stuttering around him anxiously. He raised his paw and touched Bai Li on his hand, I think, patting him. He started licking his cheek. ''Bai Li...no...'' I had to go to his side. In the hem of my skirt, I had a pocket where I kept some needles with a strong dose of anesthesia and sleeping medicine. I quietly grabbed one as they were focussed on Bai Li. I poked it hard on the goon''s arm. "Ouch!" He groaned. His grip loosened. I grabbed this chance and quickly ran away from him. "You bitch!" The leader rushed towards Bai Li, and the goon came after me. They were close enough to catch me but then... *Bang* Huh? *Bang* I turned. Both the men had a hole in between their brows. They tumbled down. "Hey!" The voice came from above. A woman was waving at me with a smile on her face. She was the same barmaid. There was also a silhouette of a man beside her in the darkness, and I was pretty sure that he was holding a gun. "Kid, you alright?" Uncle Rong asked me from another side. "Damn, they are already dead? I wanted to make the shot." I stared back at the barmaid and bowed. I couldn''t thank her enough. "Your wee." She smiled again. I dashed towards Bai Li and took him in my arms. His broad chest seemed so small in my embrace now. At that moment I felt that I could see no one else but Bai Li. I patted his back to calm him down. "It-It was not...my fault..." He was mumbling. I could feel his ragged breath on my neck. ''Bai Li is the one in pain, but why is it hurting me? Why do I feel the need to cry?'' ''Bai Li, I don''t want to see you so weak.'' I desperately waved my hands to show him that it was over. But he couldn''t see. ''Bai Li, you''ll be alright.'' ''Bai Li, stay calm.'' ''Bai Li, I''m here with you.'' I wanted to say these things, but nothing came out of my mouth. I was mute. No word, no sound. And for the first time, I felt utterly helpless. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted my voice. "I didn''t know he was thereI''m not suffering anymore." Bai Li mumbled again. A memory must have triggered this attack. I snapped out. I had no time to waste. I checked his pulse. His heartbeats were erratic. I had to inject him with the anti-anxiety drug. But I would have to go to a chemist. Uncle Rong said, "I will look-" "Bai Li?" I raised my head and two men whom I never met called out his name. They were dressed in casual shirts and jeans. "Arf!" Cocoa leaped towards them, who just entered the alley. "Cocoa!" They patted his head. Who were they? But they seemed to know Bai Li and Cocoa. They looked at the goons, sprawled on the ground, and shared a nce at each other. Our gazes met, and they looked at me curiously. Then it shifted towards Bai Li, and worried, they rushed towards him. "Hey, Bai Li, what happened?" One of them was checking him. The other one squinted his eyes and softly said, "Panic attack." I didn''t have my phone with me. I waved my hands, indicating at Bai Li. I hoped that they would understand my signnguage. The man on my right frowned. Uncle Rong came to my rescue. "She is a doctor. Bring him inside. She needs to bring the medicines." --- "Xin Lei, here." Uncle Rong called me out as I came rushing after buying the medicine. Inside the same room where we talked just a few minutes ago, Bai Liid on the couch with the two men on his side, who I guess were his friends. Cocoa was sitting near his head, licking his cheek. Bai Li was still sweating a little, but thankfully he was not breathing as heavily as before. He seemed to be in a daze. Good. It meant that he was slowly calming down. I took out a small bottle and an injection. It contained the anti-anxiety drug, benzodiazepine that helps in rxing the nerves and depression. I filled the injection with the exact amount of it needed. I pulled over his sleeves, applied a small dose of anesthesia, and injected him with the drug. I checked his eyes. He looked a little unfocused. Slowly, his breathing became steady, and his body eased up that was stiffened due to tension and stress. I looked up at his two friends and Uncle Rong and nodded. I gestured with my hands. ''He is fine now.'' They were finally relieved as their furrowed brows loosened up. The man on the right spoke first. "Thank you for treating him. You did a good job." I nodded. "Oh, right, we haven''t introduced ourselves. My name is Lin Zhihao." The other man bowed slightly. "My name is Su Weiyuan." "We are Bai Li''s friends andrades from the Army." Chapter 19: Closed off Chapter 19: Closed off *Xin Lei* "I''m Xin Lei." I wrote my name on a piece of paper. Lin Zihao nodded and asked me, "How did Bai Li get a panic attack?" Su Weiyuan said, "I understand signnguage." I carefully observed them. Their build and height were almost simr to Bai Li, but I guess he was a tad bit taller. I nodded and gestured my hands in signnguage to act out what had happened. Their expressions turned grim. I looked back at Bai Li, who was peacefully resting. I recalled how he had said that he killed a civilian in his mission, and now he got a panic attack just before he was about to shoot the goon. In the medical condition, it usually meant one thing. I raised my head and signaled four letters in the air. "PTSD." I didn''t need to ask as I was absolutely sure. I was startled when Lin Zihao widened his eyes. I couldn''t understand what he was so shocked about. "Shush!" I could sense the desperation in his tone. Su Weiyuan, on the other hand, was impassive. The corner of my mouth twitched. I didn''t really ''say'' per se that he told me to be quiet. I coughed dryly. Uncle Rong, too, shot a re at him. As he realized that, he awkwardly smiled. "Sorry" Lin Zihao nervously darted a nce at Bai Li and whispered. "That word is his nemesis." I frowned and waited. He sighed. "Well, he does get some attacks like that once in a while. They are not that frequent, but they aren''t absent either. It started since he lost his sight five years ago in a mission at Baghdad." I already had a hunch that his loss of sight may be rted to one of his missions. As a doctor, I hade across many army veterans who had lost an arm or a limb or had injured themselves heavily in their missions. Serving the nation at the border was a noble job, but it also required sacrifices. A dull ache enveloped my chest as I imagined Bai Li getting injured. I didn''t even realize when the corner of my eyes stung in tears. I gestured. "What happened after that?" Su Weiyuan stared at me for a few seconds. "You have to ask Bai Li. We ''know'' what happened, but only he can tell you what he had gone through. Because after a certain point, we, who can see the world, cannot possibly understand the pain of someone who doesn''t." I faintly smiled. It was the same as those people who felt pitiful for me and who extended their sympathies. They could never truly understand how it felt to be mute. "And maybe" He looked at me. "He will finally open his heart to you one day. You both understand that pain." I hoped that he would. I really did. "If this sentimental talk is over, then can you leave my hand? You will break it. Being blind is enough for me." Huh? I looked down and saw that I was holding onto Bai Li''s hand, more like I was squeezing it. Bai Li slowly shifted and got up. Gosh, was I holding his hand this whole time!? In front of everybody? Uncle Rong coughed and shrugged. I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself in it. I quickly withdrew my hand. "Heh! After taking liberties with me, you are shaking me off so rudely now?" He sneered. Liberties? Somehow, that irked me. Give me those feelings back where I felt terrible for you! I noticed the sympathy in Lin Zihao''s gaze. I guess I wasn''t the only sufferer of his blunt remarks. "Hey Goofy shut it with your unnecessary trash. Weiyuan." I thought Bai Li''s tone was slightly nice for Su Weiyuan with just a bit of warning aspared to Lin Zhihao. He shrugged, whereas Lin Zihao cried. "That is so unfair! Why don''t you use that nice tone for me too!?" "Because you are a goofball." I ignored their banter and quickly checked on Bai Li''s pulse. But he suddenly withdrew his hand. "I''m fine." Was his tone a little...cold? He also seemed a bit angry. Perhaps...he never wanted anybody to know this side of his. But hey! Why should I listen to you? I''m the doctor! I puffed my cheeks and held his wrist again. "I said, I''m fine!" It was harsher this time. It hurt me a little when he brushed me away like that. It felt like there was a sense of distance between us. Like he had closed his heart from sharing anything, and that there was where he built his walls, not allowing anyone toe inside. And I didn''t like it at all. "Bai Li." Su Weiyuan was rather calm, "She is just checking you." That''s right! "I don''t need it." Yeah, sure you don''t! But this time, I didn''t let go of his hand. I so wanted to smack him on the head! I looked at Lin Zihao and gestured. "Your phone." He looked at me doubtfully, nevertheless he gave it to me. I furiously typed in with all the pent up nervousness and stress I went through for the past thirty minutes. I hit the speaker button. "Bai Li, if you don''t let me do my job, then I will seriously beat you up! Now sit straight and shut your mouth!" Silence. Lin Zihao cracked intoughter. "Ah-Ha Ha Ha! That was... awesome,.Xin Lei. Hmph, you deserve it, Bai Li." "This is not how you talk to a patient" He mumbled, but I clearly heard it. He made a sour face, which I didn''t care about. His pulse was fine and breathing steady. His gaze also looked focussed. I typed. "You are fine now." "What did I tell you?" Bai Li snorted. I finally smacked him on the head. Lin Zihao asked, "Who were those guys?" Bai Li said, "They are after Xin Lei." Both of us alternatively told the whole story. Su, Weiyuan nodded. "We understand now. Here are the things you asked for." He kept a paper bag on the table. I peeked into it, and there were two sets of police uniforms. I instantly understood. Disguise. Since someone in the police was crooked, there was no way we could just directly meet Fu Ting. "There is a prison guard, surnamed Wu. He has a scar below his left eye." Bai Li asked, "Codeword?" "Thunder." I got curious. It all seemed like a break-in nning in a movie. I tugged Bai Li''s sleeve, and perhaps he understood. "We will say ''thunder,'' and the guard will recognize us. He will take care of letting us in and then out." Could army officers really do that? I wondered. Bai Li seemed to think about something, and I sensed unease in his bodynguage. He finally asked out, "Did you find anything about Rodey?" Chapter 20: The next target Chapter 20: The next target --- In another pub at Andingzhen, Rodey reached almost five hourster from Dongcheng to personally check on thetest status. Sufi, the co-ordinator, was working on theputer as usual. "When is the weapons consignment going out?" "Four dayster." She said. "They will be shipped from Tianjin Port. I have recorded the request in the database." "Have the party given the advance?" "Yes. A full fifty million dors." Rodey nodded. "See to it that there is no problem. Boss has specifically said that this is an important order. We cannot afford to make any mistakes. This is some serious money." "Roger. We have to be careful about the Intelligence Service." He spat. "Those dogs are sniffing around everywhere. Tell our guys to be extra careful." She nodded. "Did you work upon our next target? Sally must have sent you the list. Our other boss is getting anxious." He smirked. She smiled. "Yes. He is a seventeen-year-old boy. His name is Chu Jie. I was just chatting with him. He is so cute. I think he is in love with me." Rodey snorted. "Whatever. Convince him to meet you at the usual point. Neal will take it from here to Langfang. " "Roger." Sufi looked at him. "Is the woman caught? Thatwyer''s daughter?" "Not until now. But soon, she will be caught. And not only her; someone else too who I am dying to meet again." Rodey smirked. "Neal is there to wee them." *Xin Lei*, --- Rodey. Who was he? I wondered. As Bai Li said that strange name, Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan shook their heads. The tension was apparent on their faces. "No, but we are trying to trace his movements after the showdown you had with him in that terminal." Showdown? Gunfire? "Liao Chuntao''s dead body is found in LangFang, dumped in a small alley." Lin Zihao said. "She was beaten up pretty much badly." I wondered who she was. Perhaps she was the victim. Bai Li asked, "Details?" "She was found at 9.20 am by a cleaner. Nobody had seen anyone in that alley the night before or early that morning. The post mortem is done. The forensic expert has found a drop of sweat on her neck, and he is going to run the sample today, it seems." Su Weiyuan spoke. "They also think that she was kept in an oil refinery or some sort of simr ce." Bai Li tilted his head. "But we never found any other victims who disappeared. And Rodey is smart and thorough. How can Liao Chuntao slip from him? What changed?" I was dumbfounded. There were other victims too? Was it serial kidnapping and murders? "That is the question." "Do you have the crime scene photos?" Bai Li asked. Lin Zhihao took out a few and handed it to me. I was horrified as I saw the woman''s condition. Beaten up was an understatement. Just who hated her to this extent? I typed. "This is horrible." Lin Zihao nodded. Bai Li said, "Keep me updated on her case." Su Weiyuan added, "Major General Shi Jianguo is also investigating Tan Ye''s presence in the container. He does it secretly, but we all know. He hasn''t given up on your innocence, and neither have we." Innocence...They must be talking about the case where Bai Li killed the civilian. He must be Tan Ye. I wanted to know more about it too. Bai Li chuckled. "That old man. He won''t listen. Just give him a friendly reminder not to be caught by our great General. Same goes for you too." Lin Zihao scoffed. "General Song is very busy. There is going to be an election for the National People''s Congress. The candidate Zhang Chao, who has not lost his seat for five years, is going on in his rallies, and he has requested military protection for his safety. Word is he would win the seat of the Chairman of the Central Military Commission this time. So, being a big political figure, General Song has stepped in." I had heard about the election. I had seen many banners of Zhang Chao''s party office to vote for his representative, who would, in turn, vote for him. Apparently, it was a huge deal this time. Bai Li shrugged. "Xin Lei and I should get going. The sooner we meet Fu Ting, the better." I agreed. I just hoped not to deal with those goons again. "Just one more thing before we leave." Bai Li said. We went outside where two of the goonsid dead, and the other three were groaning in pain. Uncle Rong was keeping an eye on them. Suddenly, Bai Li clutched the man''s neck who was bitten by Cocoa. His body was covered with Cocoa''s w marks. Ah, those must be so painful. "Who''s your boss?" The man raised his head, and he was huffing in anger. "Bastard! You won''t get anything from me." It was to be expected. Then the man''s face was contorting into uneasiness and pain. He was trying to move but couldn''t. Wait, what happened? I took a step forward and realized that Bai Li was tightening his grip on his neck. I did not doubt Bai Li''s strength. He would crush it in seconds. "Gen Gen! His name is Gen Gen!" The man eximed. "See?" Bai Li was smiling. "It was very easy, wasn''t it?" I twitched my eyebrow. "Where is his so-called base?" "X-Xiachen district, near 8th Alley." "What does he want from her?" "She is Xin Nianzu''s daughter, thatwyer, and they don''t want anyone rted to him to know anything about Fu Ting''s case or interfere with it." I really had no information about his case, but yes, I was interfering in it. "Where is Fu Meili?" "I-I don''t know- Ah!!!!!" Bai Li was ruthlessly crushing his neck single-handedly. I felt a lot better, thinking that he was on my side. "It''s true! I don''t know the inside details! We only know bits and pieces that this woman could be a hindrance to us. So we had to get rid of her." "And Xin Nianzu? Where is he?" Chapter 21: Caught? Chapter 21: Caught? *Xin Lei* Dad "Xin Nianzu is also kept over there." The goon said painfully, trying to resist Bai Li''s crushing hold. We finally got to know where he is! He is safe! It was almost ten days without any news of him or brother. And what about brother Zhen? "And Xin Zhen?" Bai Li asked. But he shook his head. "I have heard about him, but we don''t know where he is. That''s not got to do with us!" Damn it! They are chasing after me but know nothing about my brother! What kind of goons do work under this Gen Gen? I felt like throwing him under a bus! "You know nothing about Fu Meili?" "No! I swear!" Su Weiyuan, who was standing at one side, said, "I think these men are not up in the hierarchy to know about Gen Gen''s secrets. They are just minions used to silence their targets." He had a point. Bai Li threw that man away. "Tough luck. But no problem. After meeting Fu Ting, our next n of action is to meet Gen Gen. He will spit our everything." I had returned to Lin Zihao''s phone, so I wrote it on Bai Li''s palm. "Why?" "I will ask nicely." Bai Li cunningly smiled I saw the state of the man again, lying crumpled like a broken piece of furniture. His cervical vertebrae must be in a pathetic state beyond repair. "Well, if you need any help, then we are just a call away." "Right, Goofy." It seemed that Lin Zihao wanted to protest. Bai Li turned his head at me. "Let''s go?" "Arf!" Cocoa was ready too. I took a deep breath and pressed his palm. ''Let''s go." --- Gen Gen was getting anxious as he heard no news from his men. Xin Nianzu, tied in the same room as before, was listening to his conversation. "What are these idiots doing!?" He roared. "Why haven''t they called yet? That bitch must be dead by now!" Xin Nianzu narrowed his eyes. ''Calling my daughter bitch and wanting her dead. You will have to pay a heavy price.'' No matter how much Gen Gen tried to reach them on their cell, every number came as unavable. "Five men, five phones, and all unreachable! What stupid people have I hired!?" ''That means Lei Lei is safe.'' Xin Nianzu thought. ''I hope it continues being that case.'' The more Xin Lei and Bai Li slipped from Gen Gen''s hands, the more he got anxious. At first, he underestimated that she was only a woman, but he couldn''t catch her even after seven days had gone by, and now even if a man was with her, so what? What can two people do against his entire gang? But nobody returned after they went after them. He remembered what Rodey said. ''That man isn''t so simple.'' Inside, Xin Nianzu was thinking about how to escape from this ce. He had to get out of there to meet his daughter. He didn''t even know about that man who was helping Xin Lei. He had to do something. *Xin Lei*, --- Bai Li, Cocoa, and I reached one block away from where the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau was located in Dongcheng district. We changed into the uniforms that Lin Zhihao had brought for the disguise. There were also false nametes on them. I looked at him again and found that he seemed to be quite healthy. He didn''t show any signs of tension or stress. It didn''t even feel like that he just had a panic episode an hour ago. But, I was a doctor, and even though I wasn''t any psychology expert, I knew that Bai Li was clearly avoiding his problem. It was evident when heshed out at me. Outwardly, he wanted to feel and make everyone else feel too that he was okay. He mumbled that time that he wasn''t suffering anymore, but the truth was otherwise. PTSD still gued him. I still remembered what Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan said to me before we just left. "Take care of him." I was going to do just that. As a doctor and as his... friend? Was I his friend? It didn''t matter. But I vowed that I would never leave his side. Bai Li and I walked the short distance until we reached the Bureau at one pm, which was the time for the lunch break. "Hide." Cocoa immediately went out of sight. I looked here and there to find the Guard Wu. "Do you find him?" I typed on my phone that I finally found after much searching the alley behind the pub. "No." But then I saw a maning out from a gate. He had a scar below his left eye. I tugged his arm. "Found him?" I typed out. "Yes. He ising towards us." He nodded. I also kept an eye on the surroundings to see if any officers were hanging around. Bai Li looked alert too. The man''s bodynguage was casual as if he was out for some usual work. He approached the corner where we stood. "Thunder." He said. Bai Li also said, "Thunder. Last name Chu?" I had to admit that Bai Li was very thorough. It took me a second to realize that he was still cross verifying the guard even after we said the same codeword. It was a dangerous path we were treading on, and our enemy might be nning to trap us. The man smirked. "Wu." Now we were sure that he was the right guard. "Where is Fu Ting?" Guard Wu pointed at a window. "Room 3C. I will take you there, but you have to be quick." We entered the Bureau that probably had eight floors in it. There was not much crowd, thanks to the lunch break. The desks were empty. Guard Wu was guiding us through the corridor. But, then suddenly came a man''s voice. We stopped, and I panicked. Are we caught already? Weren''t all gone for the lunch break? I nced at Bai Li. He was calm. Right. We cannot give ourselves away. I stood straight. The man came closer and closer. He stood in front of us. Guard Wu bowed. "Sir Tian Song." Chapter 22: A private interrogation (1) Chapter 22: A private interrogation (1) *Bai Li* Great. Xin Lei and I were happily about to reach Fu Ting''s room, but someone just had to interrupt. Well, trials and tribtions were thew of nature. How can anything seed in one simple attempt? There had to be obstacles. I just hoped that Xin Lei was not panicking. I had been involved in numerous secret missions throughout my fourteen years in the army, and the first thing we were taught in training was that when the circumstances turn unfavorable - don''t panic, especially if we were in disguise. Don''t blow the cover. Guard Wu acknowledged that man as Tian Song. But I didn''t hear any reply from him. He must be observing Xin Lei and me. Then came his voice. "I have never seen you before." Naturally, I thought. With his tone, I sensed that he must be quite a serious type. He didn''t seem to be so talkative. I had to say something. With his pitch and direction, he seemed to be of my height. I turned to his side. "We are new recruits transferred from the Xiachen district headquarters." My tone was confident. I didn''t stutter. I only said what was necessary. Because if you talk too much, then it''s a sign of saving your ass, and there is a high possibility that you would expose rather than hide yourself. It didn''t matter if he tried to verify from Xiachen headquarters. We would be long gone by then. I heard Guard Wu say. "Yes, sir. I was showing them around." That was a good response. He wouldn''t ask why we were heading to the detainee area. "Hm." After a few moments of silence, he simply hummed. But somehow, that pause made me uneasy. I got the feeling that he was sharp. He would ask more questions, but I sensed him going away, and Xin Lei breathed out, definitely in relief. She took my hand. Her fingers felt soft on my skin. She traced 4 letters and wrote, ''Nice.'' My palm felt cold when she withdrew her hand away. I wanted it tost a little longer. Guard Wu said, "Hurry before someone else catches us." Well, that was a great n, indeed. *Xin Lei* Soon, Bai Li and I stopped as Guard Wu said. "This is Fu Ting''s room." He took out a key and twisted in the lock. *Click* We went inside. As soon as we entered, I saw a man wearing the detainee uniform, handcuffed to the desk. He might be about the same age as Fu Biyu, or maybe a year or two older? He also looked the same as Fu Biyu did when we visited their home; the same tired expression and the same faint lines under his eyes. I noticed his eyes were slightly red too, and his eyelids seemed a little wet. He must be crying. Then he suddenly turned his head towards us and eximed. "Meili! Did you find her? Where is she? Where is my daughter!? Is she okay?" He was so eager and hopeful. He looked as if he was desperately waiting for good news, and he was - about his daughter. Fu Ting didn''t yell to let him go, or that he was innocent. His first question was to ask about Fu Meili. And that said that he genuinely loved his daughter. It didn''t matter to him if he was arrested as long as Fu Meili was found. So, how could he have kidnapped her? There was no doubt. I believed that he was innocent because of the reaction like what he gave cannot be faked. I nced at Bai Li and found that he was quiet. Maybe he was thinking along the same lines as me. "Who are you?" Fu Ting asked as he frowned. "You are not those officers I met until now." I nodded. I typed on my phone and hit the speaker button. "We are not officers. We came here to meet you. My name is Xin Lei. I''m Xin Nianzu''s daughter." Fu Ting widened his eyes. "Xin Nianzu? Mywyer?" I nodded again. "Where is he? He hasn''t met me in thest few days." Bai Li said, "That''s what we came here for. He has disappeared." He was shocked. "What? W-why, and how?" "Because apparently, Fu Meili''s case is not so simple." "Meili" Fu Ting teared up. "My daughter...Where is she?" I hesitated and typed. "She isn''t found yet." Now he was angry. "What are the officers doing!?" He spoke in a loud voice. I panicked. I kept a finger on my mouth, indicating him to be quiet. "Quiet." Bai Li warned. "I understand your worry, but calm down. Tell me everything you know." Fu Ting rubbed his temples with his fingers, clearly in distress. "What should I tell you when I don''t know anything!" "For starters, where were you at three pm? Around the time, Fu Meili disappeared? The teachers gave testimony that you left somewhere at that time." "I went back to my room. It was Biyu''s birthday in four days, and I had bought a gift for her. I remembered that in a hurry, I didn''t keep it properly in the cupboard, so I got worried that the servicing staff would throw it away thinking of it as trash." I typed. "Wasn''t it gift-wrapped?" He shook his head. "I wanted to do it myself and add a special note to it. I was going to do that night." Bai Li asked, "Didn''t the police find your gift?" "That is what I don''t understand! I kept the gift box in the cupboard, but they didn''t find it. They searched my entire room, but it was nowhere. How can that be possible!? And that is why they are refusing to believe me." Maybe the perpetrator threw it away to destroy the proof of his innocence. "And Fu Meili''s handkerchief?" "I don''t knowI really don''t know how it came there." He was sobbing. "It was her blood. Who can be so cruel to hurt her? She is only eight..." I couldn''t help but tear up. I only hoped that Fu Meili was safe. Bai Li asked Fu Ting, "Fu Jun was also in Fu Meili''s group. Did he see or say anything?" Chapter 23: A private interrogation (2) Chapter 23: A private interrogation (2) *Xin Lei* Fu Ting denied. "No, I had asked him since I thought that he would be tagging along with her. He always follows wherever Meili is. But he said that he saw nothing." I remembered how Fu Jun looked a little jittery when we met him. I typed. "Was he scared or nervous when he spoke to you?" Fu Ting thought about it. "...Yes, I think. Now that you ask me, I remember he seemed really afraid of something. But I couldn''t pay attention that time because I was too worried about finding Meili." Bai Li asked, "Did nobody see youing back to your room at three? There must be some staff wandering here or there." Fu Ting gritted his teeth. "There was a woman who was watering the nts. On my way, we politely greeted each other. She was a witness." "Did she give her testimony?" Fu Ting frustratedly eximed. "She lied! I told the police officers that she had seen meing to my room in the afternoon, but she refused to acknowledge it. She said that she wasn''t even there at that time!" I knew what was happening. Somebody must have bribed her. The one witness who could have testified in his favor also turned her back. Then I asked, "What did Dad say?" Fu Ting pressed his hands together. "He had hired his investigator to find more about it. He said that even if they found her handkerchief in my room, it wasn''t sufficient evidence to convict me." I slowly nodded. Dad was awyer so he would sometimes discuss cases with me. I knew what type of evidence needed for a defendant to be convicted in different scenarios. Bai Li also agreed. "He is right about that. But the prosecution won''t leave it." "But then for thest five days, Xin Nianzu suddenly stoppeding here." Dad and brother''s disappearances always reminded me of how they were in danger every passing second. An unease gnawed my heart. Fu Ting then alternatively nced between Bai Li and me. "But why did you twoe here in disguise?" Bai Li said, "That''s a long story. But now listen carefully. Three dayster is your preliminary hearing and we will try to find Xin Nianzu before that so that he appears in court. But if he doesn''t, then remember, whatever happens, don''t plead guilty. The prosecution will try to pressurize you but only the evidence of her handkerchief is not enough and the court won''t dere it''s judgement solely based on that. So, don''t plead guilty." Fu Ting nodded. Once again he teared up. "Please save my Meili. They are wasting time, keeping me here while the real culprit is on the loose. Before he harms my daughter, please save her" He broke down into sobs. I patted his hand, trying to console him. Guard Wu entered. "Are you done? Let''s leave from here. The officers would being back to their stations any moment." Bai Li nodded. "Remember Fu Ting. Don''t plead guilty at any cost." He nodded. "Let''s go." *Duan Deming* After a heavy lunch with Song, I went back to my desk. There were still many things to do regarding Liao Chuntao and Fu Meili''s investigation. Walking along the corridor, I looked sideways, trying to see if Song was back. He wasn''t. As usual, he must be calling his mysterious girlfriend. I sighed. Here I was a widow and single. Suddenly, someone bumped into me. It was a woman. I steadied myself and saw her and another man with Guard Wu. They had worn police uniforms. I looked at Guard Wu and asked. "Who are they?" "Sir Duan Deming. They are new officers from Xiachen headquarters." "But I didn''t get any intimation about new recruits." Before Guard Wu could say anything, the tall man said, "Sir. It was ast minute call and our chief Meng Bao also sincerely expresses his apologies for the inconvenience. The transfer was a sudden decision." I had met Meng Bao once when I had visited Xiacheng headquarters. I nodded. "Alright. Which department?" "Traffic department, sir." "But that department is on the fourth floor. This is the third floor where detainees are kept and where the forensicb is." "Yes, sir. We have already reported over there. Guard Wu was just showing us around the building." "Alright then. d to have you both join us here." The officers nodded. We went our opposite ways. As I was about to reach my desk, the forensic expert, Guozhi called out. "Officer Duan!" I turned and saw him running towards me. He seemed nervous and panicked. "What happened? Why are you running? You are sweating." "Officer Duan, there is a big problem!" I got alert. "What?" "The D" He was huffing and puffing, inhaling deep breaths. "The DNA sample from Liao Chuntao''s body...the sweat sample of the culprit" "Yeah?" "It has disappeared. The sample is not at the ce where I had kept it." "What!? Did you search theb?" "Yes, I have looked for it everywhere. Somebody has stolen the sample right from under our nose!" "But how is it possible? Who can break in in the police headquarters? Who has the guts? Wait a minute." "What?" I quickly took out my phone and dialed Meng Bao''s number. "Hello." I heard his slightly rough voice. "Hello, this is officer Duan Deming from Dongcheng district." "Ah, yes Duan Deming. I remember you. What happened?" "Did you send any two new recruits from your branch to ours? A man and a woman?" "Huh? No. I didn''t send any officers." Damn! "Thank you Chief Meng." "What happened?" "I will tell youter. There is no time now. Thank you for the information." "Anytime." I cut the call and pulled out my radio. "Alert! There is a man and woman disguised as police officers. Guard Wu is with them. They have stolen important evidence from the forensicb. Catch them right now!" Chapter 24: Run! Chapter 24: Run! --- Tian Song was standing in a corner where he quickly dialed a number. The name started from R. He said, "They are here today." "Did they meet Fu Ting?" "Yes." "Did Fu Ting say anything new?" "No. He said the same things that he told us during interrogation." "What did they say, especially the man?" "The man said that he would try to find Xin Nianzu, and until then, Fu Ting must not plead guilty in the court. He also knows that there isn''t sufficient evidence." There was a pause. "...I see. As expected, he is smart. What about the forensic evidence?" "I have it with me." "Good. Also, you must know that a weapons consignment will be off from Tianjin Port two dayster." "Hm. I will be in my position." Tian Song then saw the officers inside rushing towards Bai Li and Xin Lei. "There is amotion going on. The officers are trying to catch them. I''m sure it''s because of the evidence. They are being suspected." "This is a good chance. They will surely try to escape. Take advantage of it and bring them to me." "Yes." *Xin Lei* Bai Li and I quietly followed Guard Wu. I walked closer to his side to hide my presence as much as possible. He also did the same. We reached the ground floor, and the exit door was just a few yards ahead of us. Suddenly, I heard the urgent steps of police officers rushing towards us. "Stop, guard Wu, and those officers!" We halted. Wasn''t everything going fine? Why are they stopping us? I felt a small bout of adrenaline rush inside me. It always happens when one faces a situation of fight or flight. At my side, Bai Li was calm. I took the strength from the fact that I wasn''t alone and took a deep breath. The officers closed the exit door. Damn! We got exposed. But how? Some officers surrounded us. Then came running the officer who we had just met a few minutes back. I think his name was Duan Deming. Bai Li whispered. "Hold my hand." I nodded. Duan Deming looked at us, alert and hostile. He narrowed his eyes. "Tell me, who exactly are you two?" Guard Wu replied. "Sir Duan, they had already introduced themselves as the officers of Xiacheng district headquarters." "Then how is it that Chief Meng Bao says that he didn''t send any officers for transfer to Dongcheng headquarters?" Did he verify it? But didn''t he believe us at that time? Duan Deming took a step forward. "What are your motives? Where is the evidence?" I frowned. What evidence? Bai Li spoke, "Sir, we don''t understand. What evidence are you talking about?" "Don''t act innocent! I''m talking about the evidence that you stole from the forensicb and for which you came here, disguised as police officers." What? He continued. "The evidence was a DNA sample which we retrieved from Liao Chuntao''s body." Liao Chuntao? The woman who was found dead in LangFang? Wasn''t that the case Bai Li was working on in the army? ''We are used of stealing evidence from a case where Bai Li was previously involved, not any other case but Liao Chuntao''s. Is it a coincidence?'' Bai Li didn''t seem fazed by it. But, I knew he must be wondering about the same thing in his mind. Duan Deming looked at one officer. "Check their pockets. They must be hiding the evidence with them." We couldn''t stop him. The more we resist, the more he would feel that we were thieves. A male officer came to Bai Li, and a female officer started going through my pockets. I was okay about it since we had nothing to hide. The female officer checked my right pocket, and she took something out. I didn''t show any shock or even twitched a muscle on my face. But inwardly, there was a whole different battle going on. I was pretty sure that my pockets were empty. "Sir, Duan! I found something." The female officer took it out in full view. It was a small ss strip wrapped in a small stic case. There was a tag hanging at the corner - LC#02. LC... Liao Chuntao. I knew one thing for sure at that moment. We are screwed. Once again, Bai Li was in full control of his emotions. He must have had excellent training in the army. But the slight narrowing of his eyes told me that he must be already trying to figure out the big question - ''how.'' Duan Deming took the sample in his hands and observed it. "This is it. Last night I had seen the sample along with Officer Song." Then he looked at us. "What do you have to say now? Still trying to act innocent?" We said nothing. He grabbed Guard Wu''s cor. "You are with them, aren''t you? They don''t have any official papers from Xiachen headquarters, yet you didn''t check such a basic thing and allowed them in." ''What are we going to do? We cannot afford to be caught and waste our time in their custody, answering his baseless questions about a false crime.'' I looked at the door. ''Come on! The door is not that far away.'' *Click* Was it an answer to our prayers? The door opened. I saw the officering in that we had met before Duan Deming. He was officer Tian Song. "Officer Duan, what is going on?" He asked. Then it all happened in a split second. Guard Wu pushed Duan Deming away. Bai Li pulled my hand. "Run!" Chapter 25: Potential suspects on the loose Chapter 25: ''Potential suspects'' on the loose *Bai Li* "Run!" I yelled as I grabbed Xin Lei''s hand. Thankfully, she understood it quickly as she matched my pace to dash towards the exit. Something fell and I heard the sound of a ss breaking. It was quick and short. Was it the forensic evidence sample? But I had no time. As soon as I had heard the door open, I knew this was the only chance. Now or never. The seconds ticking by were as precious as gold, while everyone was unable to react. Somebody wanted to trap us so that there would be nobody left to sniff the case trail. I knew how such cases worked. It was a series of endless questioning with the case leading to nowhere. They would say that the investigation was going on, but actually, they would be eating popcorn, enjoying andughing at us from outside the prison as if aedy movie was going on. Xin Lei and I would have been forever behind bars. I was only 32, and Xin Lei was even younger than me. I was pretty sure that our feelings were mutual; that is not wasting our youth in between the prisoners for the rest of our lives. I already knew that the door was just a few yards away before this mayhem happened, so it took only four big steps to reach over there. Now about the person who opened that door, Tian Song? He was an obstacle. From my side, I was on the right side, so I stretched my left arm to reach his left shoulder. I grabbed his shoulder, used my strength to bend him, and quickly pushed him away towards my back opposite to my direction. I sensed Xin Lei adeptly shift towards me to not bump into him. "Officier Song!" That almost arching position would cause him to trip or at least take a while to steady himself. "Hey, stop!" Like hell, we would. "After them!" The guy shouted. "Cocoa!" I called out my buddy. "Arf!" I heard Guard Wu''s voice as we ran. "Cocoa is there and I will also say out loud all the directions and the obstacles along the way." Lin Zihao must have told him, plus he would have noticed it too. "Got it." "Still a few yards away from the main gate." He shouted. "I will get us a few more seconds." With my other free hand, I took out the goon''s gun and fired a shot towards the sky. It worked because I didn''t hear their steps. They must have halted with the sound of the sudden shot. That was enough for us to get out of the gate. "Right in 3-2-1!" Guard Wu said. In three seconds, we had to turn right, and so we did. Xin Lei was with me, holding my hand tightly. I heard the police sirens ringing loudly behind my back. ''Alright. Let''s do this.'' *Xin Lei* We ran from those police officers with Guard Wu and Cocoa guiding Bai Li with the directions. I would also tug him to a side if there were any obstacles. I turned my head a little and saw three police cars from afar. Damn! We ran along the footpath. The road was busy with cars. If I remember, there was a crossroad just up ahead. As we dodged the people, Guard Wu said, "A right turn at the crossroad. There is a hot pot shop which is busier at this time of the day. We can use the crowd to hide." "Arf!" "Obstacle two steps, right!" He said. There was amppost ahead. Bai Li and I swiftly turned around it. The pedestrians stayed out of our way, thank God for that. Bai Li said, "Farther to the hotpot shop, there is also Ditan Park when we take a left. It''s a huge park to hide." "Roger." ''Right. That''s a good ce to lose these officers.'' We took a right at the crossroad. I saw the meat hot pot shop signboard. Just then, a crowd of people came outside the shop. ''Lucky!'' "Arf!" "Crowd at the front!" He said for Bai Li. Just then, I heard the siren. No time! I quickly pulled him in between the crowd, following Guard Wu and Cocoa. Bai Li said, "Follow the crowd." The crowd was quite dense with people. We slowed down, trying to surround ourselves with people. "Look straight." ''Will we be alright?'' Bai Li softly squeezed my hand. "Don''t worry. Stay calm." I felt his warmth seeping in my skin. His hand was much much bigger than mine. I pressed his palm in return. Just from the corner of my eye, I saw the police cars stop. "Look inside the shop! They must be hiding in the crowd. Don''t let them get away." I recognized Duan Deming''s voice. There were hurried footsteps of police officers rushing inside. ''Oh God, please don''t look over the crowd here.'' A woman in the crowd looked at us. "Oh, you are police officers too?" I forgot that we were wearing police uniforms. ''What if she calls them?'' "Yes, mam. We are officers." I shot a look at Bai Li. "There are some used on the loose who we suspect as thieves." Guard Wu added. "We have to nab them as soon as possible." "Oh, how responsible is our police!" She smiled. I twitched my eyebrow. We were the ''potential thieves.'' We walked on. "Left in 3-2-1." Some parts of the crowd walked straight, and some took a left with us. Bai Li said, "We need to get rid of these uniforms." Guard Wu said, "I will bring some clothes. There is a small alley, and a small room is at the corner hidden in between the nks. But we cannot stay there for much longer. The police wille searching for you." "Look over there!" I heard an officer''smand. "Quick." Bai Li, Cocoa, and I entered the alley. As Guard Wu said, wooden nks were resting on the wall. He went away to fetch out clothes. I typed. "I found the nks." "Take me over there." Bai Li ran his hands over them and picked up one. I tried to help. I lifted one side of the nk. So heavy! "I will do it. Stay alert with Cocoa." I coughed. Cocoa rubbed his head on my thigh. Bai Li lifted the nks. Meanwhile, I was keeping a watch on the road. A few minutester, Bai Li called. "I found the door. Come inside." Chapter 26: One of them Chapter 26: One of them --- Tian Song was in the other car, giving orders to the officers. "Search over there. You go straight and check." "Yes, sir!" He was now alone in the car. He dialed a number. "They have escaped. We are on their trail." There was silence for a beat. "How?" "I was nning to take them with me on the pretext of interrogation, but in just a fraction of a second, they were already running towards me. Bai Li pushed me aside. I think they were just waiting for the moment for the door to open, and they grabbed the chance." "It was such a small time frame, yet they managed to take advantage of it. Interesting." "Hm." "Use all your resources, but get them as soon as you can. I don''t want them to interfere in all this." *Xin Lei*, --- We entered the small room in the alley, which I was assuming to be the living room, kitchen, and the bedroom altogether at once. There was a single bed at the side and a bulb hanging above from the ceiling. At the other end was a small kitchen sink and a two-story cab having some bottles of spices and sauces. Needless to say, the condition wasn''t quite good. And it smelled terrible. "Grr" Bai Li said, "Ah, Cocoa doesn''t like the smell. I am of the same opinion." I sighed. I couldn''t believe we were fugitives from the police. I typed. "I don''t understand. How did the evidence get in my pocket?" "It''s one of those two officers, Tian Song and Duan Deming. One of them must have quietly slipped inside without you noticing it. And those two are the only ones we met on our way and were close enough to do that, plus, both were standing at your side." Now that I thought about it, yes...both were beside me when they were talking to us. He went quiet. "What are you thinking?" "I am thinking about Tian Song. He sounded to me as a quiet but sharp guy. But he didn''t ask questions like how Duan Deming did. He wasn''t suspicious...or he already knew who we were but didn''t pry into it because he had already nned to trap us." I nodded. Duan Deming behaved and asked questions about our identity, like how any police officer did. Tian Song did too, but it seemed very shallow, like just one answer from us, and he was satisfied. "We cannot get caught." I typed it again. Bai Li nodded. "No doubt about it. He framed us to stop us from meddling in the case. There is no use trying to prove ourselves innocent since the police itself is in it. That is just a waste of effort." Then someone knocked on the door. "Wu here. I brought our clothes." Bai Li put the finger on his lips. ''Don''t move.'' There was silence for a few seconds. Then Guard Wu said, "Thunder." "Thunder." Bai Li said. He then signaled to open it. "Cocoa would have growled if there was anyone else with him." I looked down at Cocoa and patted his head. Guard Wu came inside, holding two bags. He was already wearing a new set of clothes. He handed me one. "This is yours." He said to Bai Li. "I will stand outside." "I wille, as well." Bai Li said. "Let Xin Lei change first. Cocoa, stay." "Arf!" I couldn''t help but smile. A brave soldier with a sharp tongue, but also a gentleman. Five minutester, we all three were inside the room. I typed. "Guard Wu, you shouldn''t stay with us anymore. We already brought you so much trouble. Now, you cannot work there." I felt guilty for dragging him into this. Now, he had definitely lost his job because of us. Guard Wu looked unaffected. "It''s alright. I was going to retire anyway." Well...You cannot exactly live a peaceful retired life with cops running behind you. Bai Li asked, "Do you have a ce to hide?" He nodded. "I have one acquaintance. I will crash at her ce for the time being. What will you two do?" "Arf!" "...Three." I typed. "We should go with Bai Li''s n to lose the cops in Ditan Park." "And about Fu Ting''s case?" Bai Li said, "I know what to do. Gen Gen. He sent his minions three times already. It''s high time to visit him now. He must also know about where Fu Meili is kept." I typed. "We can also get a clue about Dad." "Sounds good. Be careful. I have heard about him. He has his own gang and does a lot of illegal stuff." "Thanks for the warning." "You are going to need a gun and lots of ammunition. The gun you have is no good." "I know. What can we expect from a minion''s gun? Do you have any kind connections to lend us some?" "The same acquaintance of mine. She knows this stuff." "Under the table?" "Obviously." "Great. Guess we are tagging with you a little longer, and then you can enjoy your retired life." Guard Wu shrugged. I typed. "Where does she work?" "In a tea house." Bai Li asked, "Do they serve only tea?" "Yes." "But, I like coffee." I facepalmed. "There is a first time for everything." "I am a coffee person ever since I was able to understand this world; any type of coffee. I am thirty-two. I cannot change my habit at this point." "Drink water." It was hard holding myughter in, not that he could hear it but still. "Yes, you canugh, Xin Lei. I will not get offended." ''Sometimes, I really wonder if he cannot see.'' Guard Wu asked, "When will we leave?" "Right now, before they start circting our sketches everywhere, showing our beautiful faces in ck and white." Oh God...my *cough* our pictures as wanted criminals. Fugitives. What more turns will this case take? Chapter 27: A small act Chapter 27: A small act *Xin Lei* We entered the Ditan Park through the North Gate. It was a long time back when I had visited it with Dad and big brother. I think I was seven at that time. Ditan Park is the secondrgest altar and once served as a site to worship Gods in ancient China. There is a famous Gingko path or Gingko Passage lined with tall Gingko trees, which is even more beautiful when it''s the autumn season. The leaves are a shade of brilliant golden color. Walking through the passage at that time feels magical as if a golden light was shed on us. Right now, we depended on this giant park to cover for us from the cops. Thankfully, the cops had still not made their way here. Guard Wu said, "We will quickly exit through the West gate, passing through the Bell Tower." As we walked through the park, I saw some people were out for a stroll, and some were doing exercises. Then on the other side, some were gathered, practicing martial arts from a master and a group of children ying tag. Cocoa seemed to be just as excited. We reached the Bell Tower. Guard Wu asked, "Do you want to rest a bit?" I shook my head. Bai Li said, "I will get some water for Cocoa, and then we can leave." I typed. "I see a drinking water area in the front. I will bring a bottle." As I reached the shop and asked for a bottle, from the corner of my eye, I saw a cop at a far distance. He was talking to a group of people. Shit! I ran back and hurriedly typed. "Cop! Let us leave!" "Damn!" Bai Li cursed. "Hurry before they barricade the West gate." From the Bell Tower, we took a left, and at a crossroad, it was a right turn, all the way straight till the West gate. As we approached the gate, I heard one guard say, "Did you hear? The cops areing. Apparently, some criminals have escaped, and they are suspicious that they can be here in Ditan Park. So, they have ordered to look out for two men, one of which is an older man and the other is blind, one woman and a German Shepherd dog." We stopped in our tracks. "Don''t they have sketches of the criminals?" "Not right now." Bai Li said, "We need a n to get out of here." "Damn right, we do!" "Well, if they are looking for the four of us together, then we have only one option." I typed. "We have to act separately." "But we have to be quick. The cops will being at any moment." --- I held Bai Li''s arm, and we walked towards the gate. I saw two guards standing in front. I tugged his arm and signaled him. As he got the cue, Bai Li smiled at me. "Honey, isn''t this park so beautiful?" Honey!? It surprised- no shocked me when he said that. We were supposed to act like a couple, but that still...took me aback. Hearing the endearment from him, I felt a fuzzy feeling in my chest. I smiled and nodded. We were approaching the gate, and the guards looked at us. They seem to observe us. Before they could question us, Guard Wu started with the next step. "Ahhh!!!" We stopped and turned. The guards also looked that way. Guard Wu feigned to copse on the ground. "ChestIt pains" He was clutching his chest, showing a troubled face. Bai Li and I rushed towards him. "Are you all right, old man?" Bai Li''s sight of direction was on Guard Wu. I feigned to press his chest with my palms. I took his pulse. "Hey, what happened?" The guards also came running. Bai Li said, "I think it''s a heart attack." I nodded. "What? We need to call the ambnce." "No, it''s alright. My wife is a doctor. Her hospital is nearby. We will take him in our car." The guards shared a look at each other. "Are you sure?" "Yes, My wife can treat him for temporary relief. Calling the ambnce will take too much time." We did not give them time to mope on and supported Guard Wu on our shoulders. He coughed. "Ah...it painsIs this myst day..." "No. Don''t worry, my wife is the best doctor out there." The guards nodded. "Okay." We quickly passed the gate. The cop car was still nowhere in sight. ''Thank God.'' When we were far enough from the guards, Bai Li said, "Cocoa." From around the corner, Cocoa jumped out. It wasn''t difficult for him to find another passage for a dog to go through. "Nice acting, old man. For a second, I thought you really got a heart attack." "Heh! Weren''t you such a loving couple too?" Guard Wu sneered. I coughed and looked away elsewhere, embarrassed. *Xin Lei*, --- We reached the tea house that Guard Wu talked about. There were only two customers. We stood at the counter, and Guard Wu rang the bell thatid at the side. Then I saw a familiar figure. A woman stood at the other side of the counter; only this time, she was wearing a waitress uniform aspared to the bartender uniform that day in the Micro Pub. The same woman, aka barmaid, aka a waitress now. She smiled. "Good to see you...again." I was at a loss for words. ''She seems to be everywhere. So, she knows Guard Wu too.'' I nodded. Bai Li said, "So, it''s you...again. Nice to meet you. What exactly is your job?" "There are too many. Which one are you interested in?" I think she was finding all this really amusing. "The kind that gives us some really nice powerful stuff, no questions asked." The woman smiled. She took out two guns and ced it on the counter. If she was keeping this so openly, that meant the two customers knew all about this ''under the table'' thing. They were not any innocent customers. Bai Li took the guns and moved his hand through them. "Glock 17 and Sig Sauer P226. I like it. Great choice you have there." "My pleasure." "We need ammo too." "No problem." "Where do these guns trace to?" "Nowhere. That is the beauty of how I work, isn''t it?" "No doubt about it." Guard Wu said, "Let me crash at your ce, will ya''? I''m kind of in a tight spot." The woman shrugged. Bai Li said, "Well, Xin Lei." I looked at him. He handed me the Sig Sauer and smiled. It took my breath away for a second. "Let''s visit Gen Gen." Chapter 28: Attacking Gen Gens base (1) Chapter 28: Attacking Gen Gen''s base (1) *Bai Li* We were now in Xiachen district, 8th Alley, where that minion had pointed as the base of Gen Gen. We took a long cut to that alley so that we didn''t alert his men. Xin Lei said that it was a hardware shop on the outside. It wasn''t umon for bases to look like proper shops on the outside. The inside was a whole different story. I said, "How big is the shop?" I heard the tapping sound of her typing. "Three floors. There are two men stationed outside." I nodded. "Another two to three men will be on the second and third floor too. Gen Gen should be on the third floor. It''s the psychology of the boss liking to sit at the top." "Do you think Dad will be here?" "Possible. And if he is, then he would be on the third floor too." Then she said nothing. I sensed she must be worried about him. I wasn''t very good at consoling people. But still, I had to try. I felt my way to her head and patted her. "If he is there, we will definitely save him." I heard Xin Lei typing again. "En." "Perfect." Then I didn''t hear anything. There was a pause. I sensed that she wanted to say something more. "Bai Li." "Yes?" "You will not like this, but as a doctor, I have to be honest with you." Oh O. I squinted my eyes. I knew where this was going. "We will talk about itter," I said. "No. I want to say it now. If anytime you feel any sort of panic, then promise me that you will let me know about it. You will not keep it to yourself." I said nothing. What could I? I thought I could never break down like that. But I did, in her embrace, when she tightly held me in her arms. I clearly remembered what I mumbled before her, and to be honest, it took me by surprise. It was my pain that I never wanted anybody to know about it, especially Xin Lei. Why? Perhaps...I didn''t want her to feel less of me. I wanted to be a strong and tough man that she had met, not a weakling who copsed, who failed to protect her, and who couldn''t make that shot because of a past memory. I felt pathetic. And ashamed. So, when I blurted it out about my deepest fear to her, I couldn''t help but p her hand away when I woke up. I knew it was not her fault. I couldn''t even say sorry, even more pathetic. I didn''t want her to ask me any questions for which I had no answers. How did she realize that I had decided to keep everything to myself? "Promise me." Then she paused. "You won''t be able to hide it anyway. I''m a doctor." "Then why are you making me promise?" "No more questions." Women were truly difficult species to understand. I said, "Alright. Let''s get to the task in hand. As you said, there are two people outside. Let''s finish them off first. Ready?" I heard the robotic voice. "Yes." I put on the silencer on my Glock 17 barrel and said Xin Lei to do the same. We were on the same side, left to them, standing a few yards behind a shop that was closed and unused. "How tall are they?" She said, "About 5''8. Both are almost the same height." I nodded. I knew my height. I raised my gun at an angle and height in rtion to me. Their heads must lie roughly at a height between my chest and shoulder area. I fired once. The first man must have fallen. Then I fired again. I heard the second man fell too. "Let''s go." Cocoa guided me, and we walked quickly through the entrance. I could hear no voices or scream. Was there nobody inside? But then, a secondter, I listened to the soft footsteps of someoneing in. It was probably a woman. Cocoa was sniffing around the room. Before she could raise the rm, I felt cold air brush past my side. I understood that Xin Lei pointed her Sig Sauer at her. "Quiet," I said. "W-who are you?" I sensed the fear and disbelief from her voice. "How many men?" "What happened to those men outside?" She asked me instead. "In hell. Now answer my question." "Who are you? Why are you- You! You are thatwyer''s daughter!" She probably recognized Xin Lei. "Yes. The same woman for whom your boss is sending so many minions. Look, we are here now." "You made a big mistake bying here. You aren''t leaving alive from here." "We''ll see about who lives to tell the tale. Right now, we are in a little hurry, so just answer me." Then I heard someone''s stepsing from upstairs. "Hide." Cocoa jumped behind at a distance. The footsteps grew louder. "Hey Sally, why are you taking so long? Boss Gen Gen is-" The man suddenly stopped. He must be shocked that we came uninvited. I heard the shuffling sound of him taking his gun out of his holster. I already had my Glock in my hand. So why waste time? I heard his voice at almost in a straight line from where I was standing, not from any angle at the side, so the staircase must be in front of me. I shot again, which must havended right in the chest, hopefully through the heart. He fell from the stairs as he made a thud sound. The woman gasped. "Is this enough?" I asked her, "Or you need one shot too? Now tell me. Where is Gen Gen?" Chapter 29: Attacking Gen Gens base (2) Chapter 29: Attacking Gen Gen''s base (2) *Xin Lei* The woman standing before me was shocked. Her hands were up in the air, and she didn''t look like she had a gun with her. "B-boss" She stuttered. Bai Li pointed his gun at her. "Third floor!" She blurted out. "How many men are on the next floor?" "T-three." "And where is your boss?" "Three again." "You are not lying, right?" "No!" "Good. Because if we find that it is 3+1 or 3+2 or 3+n then I will ruin your maths forever." I coughed. "Is Xin Nianzu here?" "...Yes." Dad! I will finally see him. We found him! I was finally relieved. At least he was safe. The past days were so difficult for me. Dad and big brother were my only family. And now I would finally meet at least one of them. Bai Li nced at me. "Is there any rope or a wire? Tie her hands." I quickly found one in a corner. I took it out and went to her. The woman red at me and tried to struggle, but I pointed my Sig at her head. I tied her hands against a pole and stuffed a cloth in her mouth. I typed. "Done." "Guard." He said. Cocoa quietly stood beside the woman. We started going up the staircase. Bai Li was in front. Then we heard someoneing. The adrenaline was pumping in me in full swing. I was a doctor, not an officer who went on secret missions. I only prayed that I didn''t screw up. He signaled me to stand at the other side of the staircase. We got into our position. Bai Li looked like he was concentrating really hard. As soon as someone stepped out, Bai Li grabbed his neck from behind and choked him with the immense pressure he exerted on it. The man was gasping for air, and his face turned pale. He was iling his arms and legs, struggling to free himself from his grasp. He couldn''t even scream. Bai Li pressed harder, and soon, his eyes rolled upward. He was dead. The next two were also dead soon enough. I shot one, who wasing out of a room, and Bai Li shot thest one who was inside. The room looked like some tech-savvyb. There was aputer and wires all around. The first and second floors were clear. "Hey, where the hell is everybody?" We heard someone yelling from thest floor. I was sure it was Gen Gen. Bai Li nced at me. "Let''s go." From the third staircase, we saw Gen Gen walking with another minion. "Take me behind the door. Which side is minion?" I tugged his arm, and Bai Li and I hid behind it that opened down to the staircase. I traced an L, 30 on his hand, to indicate the left side and thirty degrees. Bai Li shifted his aim at that angle and shot the man. Gen Gen was utterly horrified and dumbfounded. The man suddenly toppled down. We slowly came in front of him, aiming our guns at him. Gen Gen tremblingly pointed his finger at us. "Y-you you are Xin Lei! And you must be the man with her." He was a really fat man with a big belly bulging out of his pants. He was wearing an expensive watch and shoes. His clothes were branded too. Not the kind of money which looked like it came from a hardware shop. "Ding ding. Correct answer." Bai Li smiled. "You! You killed my man! How dare you?" "Weren''t you dying to meet us? You sent so many of your friends to escort us here. So, here we are." "Boss-" One man came outside. He was also shocked just like Gen Gen. But he quickly took out his gun. "Don''t make that mistake. Your boss will be dead this instant." "No, stop!" Gen Gen shouted. He anxiously waved his hand, stopping him. The man reluctantly put his gun down. Gen Gen was furious. "What did you do to my other men?" "Ah, they must be already in hell by now." He widened his eyes. "They were six!" "But pathetic. And not alert." Bai Li smiled. "Your gangsters must be some lowly thugs beating and stealing from the innocent people on the streets in their teenage days. Can theypare to a man who has learned how to kill for fourteen years in the army?" Gen Gen''s face was not a good sight to see; I had to say. He looked even more ugly. "Just like this." Bai Li suddenly moved his arm at the back and fired a shot. I looked back, and a man fell with a hole in his forehead. He was nning a sneak attack. Bai Li said, "That was a nice try to keep me engaged in useless talk. Experiencees handy here. Now first things first. Take us to Xin Nianzu." "Never! You- Ahhh!!" Bai Li had shot down at his left thigh. He blindly made that shot. Since Gen Gen was so fat with mass everywhere, it was bound to hit somewhere. "Boss!" But I kept my Sig aimed at him. "Take us NOW. Or it will be your right thigh next." Gen Gen was groaning in pain. "Bastard." He spat. "I take that as apliment." "T-that way" He pointed his finger towards a room. I scoffed. Did he think we were so stupid to leave him here and go on our own? "We will follow you." Bai Li said. "I''m hurt!" "Does it look like that we care?" I shrugged. "What are you standing there for?" Gen Gen screamed at the minion. "Help me!" "No. I will be behind you and Xin Lei behind him. Walk on your own." Gen Gen cursed some more. We followed them towards a room in the end. I was looking forward to meeting Dad. I hoped that these men didn''t torture him. I was worried and excited at the same time. Gen Gen opened the door. We walked inside. It was quite dark and dirty with piles of trash here and there. But my excitement died down. All my anticipation washed away. There was a chair at the center with ropes fallen on the floor. But Dad wasn''t there anymore. Chapter 30: Attacking Gen Gens base (3) Chapter 30: Attacking Gen Gen''s base (3) *Xin Lei* ''Dad'' I looked at the empty chair, dumbfounded. Dad was supposed to be here, but now he wasn''t. All my hopes crashed. Bai Li said, "What happened?" "What!? Where is he? Where did he go?" Gen Gen was just as aghast. I jerked my head towards him, shocked. Bai Li narrowed his gaze. "If this is all a trap then I tell you-" "No! He was here. We had kept him here! He escaped!" He looked at his minion. "Weren''t you keeping an eye on him!? Then where did he go!?" I saw the man sweating hard. "Boss, he was here. I checked an hour ago myself." "Then, did he disappear into thin air?" Gen Gen yelled. What? Dad escaped? Did that mean he was safe? Knowing Dad, he must have definitely tried to find his way out. He wouldn''t just sit here and do nothing. But I hoped that wherever he was, he would be safe. If there were any more minions of his then Bai Li said, "How did he escape? Is there any passage or some sort?" I looked around. There was a venttor shaft up at the wall. The small iron fence was hanging at one side, supported by thest screw. It was big enough for an adult to pass through; maybe a little bit cramped, but manageable. "Damn! You fools! You cannot even keep an eye on one man! Useless!" "Enough." Bai Li warned him. "We don''t have time. Now tell us. Where is Fu Meili? Why did you kidnap her?" "That" Gen Gen was angry and nervous. His fingers were clenched into a fist. Bai Li pressed his gun harder. "Fu Meili...she saw something that she wasn''t supposed to." I frowned. She went for a school trip in LangFang. What did she see there? "What?" Gen Gen wasn''t saying any more. "I think you need another shot." Bai Li shifted his aim at Gen Gen''s chest. "No! Don''t kill me! I will tell you! Fu Meili saw the woman-" "Arf! Arf!" I heard Cocoa barking loudly. Suddenly, a shot fired, and a bullet pierced through Gen Gen''s head. And then through the other man too. Both of them fell. I turned my head in shock, and a man was holding a gun who was quickly escaping through the corridor. I could only catch a glimpse of his side profile. "Shit!" Bai Li cursed. He went after him, and I quickly ran with him, guiding him along the way and following the killer. We passed the second floor and then to the first. Cocoa was about to jump on the killer, but he managed to shake him off. Bai Li was also about to shoot, but with Cocoa there, he couldn''t act recklessly. I was stunned. Nobody had managed to escape from Cocoa''s grasp before. The woman I had tied against the pole was also dead. Damn! He killed everybody! "Arf!" We ran after him. But he was already nowhere to be seen. We looked in the nearby alleys, but it was as if he magically disappeared. I typed, a little breathless. "How did he enter?" Bai Li paused. "I think he saw Cocoa from afar and knew he would catch him, so he climbed in through the second floor from the pipes. Then he came on the third floor, shot Gen Gen, and while escaping through the first floor, he shot the woman dead on the way." "But how did he escape so fast?" "There are many alleys here, and he must know this ce well enough to disappear into one." "Now, what should we do?" Then it struck me. "There was aputer on the second floor. Maybe we can get some clue from there." Bai Li said, "Let''s go back." We went inside the room. Theputer was switched on. I navigated through the folders. The folders were named with a number. One was named 112, and the other as 78. There was a list in both. They had the names of some people in it. Then on another list, I saw some more names. On the top, it was written, Chu Jie, age - seventeen, and the name was highlighted. I typed. "There is a list of names in all folders. But it is not written what it means. The folders are numbered like 112, 78. I think it is the count of the names on the list. Oh, and one name is highlighted, Chu Jie." "Anything else?" At the taskbar, there was an application opened. I looked through it. The app was dark in theme. "It looks like some kind of online forum or chatting website." I searched for some more. I typed it again. "There are some mails in the sent box. The sender''s name is Sally." "I think she was the woman we met downstairs." I nodded. "And the receiver is someone named Sufi. Sally had sent the same list to Sufi that I saw here. Then there are some receipts in her inbox from Sufi. One of them is billed as fifty million dors as an advance. It is written ''Consignment scheduled on the 23rd from Tianjin Port.''" "That is three days from now. It is some kind of a deal. Gen Gen was giving them illegal stuff, and he got fifty million bucks as the advance." "Drugs?" "It can be anything. What is the name of the forum?" "FriendsChat." "Never heard of it. Is it a popr social media app?" I typed. "No. I am also seeing it for the first time." Then I heard police sirens from a distance. Shit! "We got no time. Print the list of all names, fast." The printer was already connected. I quickly printed the two lists and the receipt. There were many other receipts too. I printed them too. I grabbed the papers and typed. "Done." "Let''s go from the second floor. We will be caught from the front." I climbed on the pipe and then a little further, I jumped down. Cocoa got on Bai Li''s back. He was also then down in a minute. We heard the car stopping in front of the shop. "Let''s go!" Chapter 31: Escape Chapter 31: Escape *Xin Lei* Bai Li and I closely ran together behind the alley, hand in hand. Cocoa was at his side, guiding him. I tugged him and we took a right turn, which opened into a road, having a series of small local shops. I was starting to feel a little breathless. We stopped, and I typed. "Can we stop for some water?" "Okay. But be quick," Bai Li said. We went into a general store, and I asked for a bottle of water. I fed some of it to Cocoa first. Bai Li shook his head when I offered him. Then as I turned to give the money, the shopkeeper suddenly screamed. "Ah! You two! You two are the ones who escaped from the cops, right?" I froze. "The cops have circted your sketches!" His loud voice alerted the whole nearby area. They started peeking at us from outside. "Yes, they both are the same people!" "Hey, I heard police sirens from nearby." Damn! Can we not take a minute of rest? Bai Li calmly said, "No, there is a grave misunderstanding. We are not criminals." "Every criminal says that!" "No, we are being trapped. Just look at my wife and me. We are in the prime of our youth and our married life with our dog. Why would we waste our time for the cops instead of getting busy with our honeymoon?" I coughed hard. I couldn''t believe he just said that! Honeymoon My mind was wandering off to a lot of not-so-pure scenes between us... mostly in bed. But somehow, I didn''t feel particrly ufortable. The shopkeeper frowned. "There are many couples who are partners in crimes." "We are not one of them." "You are lying!" Bai Li nced at my direction. "I tried, but we got to run." I rolled my eyes. Bai Li roughly pointed his gun at the crowd. "Ah! Run! He will shoot." I also raised my gun as Bai Li did. The crowd took several steps back. "We really don''t want to do this, but we cannot waste any more time in making you understand. So, goodbye. Your water is on us. We will pay you soon." "Arf!" Cocoa was barking and growling. The people didn''t retaliate or oppose. They feared the gun and Cocoa too. "Police!" One of the men screamed. We ran as fast as we could. As we went on, people automatically gave us the way. "Hey, stop!" A cop shouted from the very back. As we were thinking of our next step, a car stopped in front of us. "Hop in!" It was Uncle Rong! Bai Li asked, "Rong Zhengsheng?" "Yes." "Great timing!" We rushed inside the car and took our seat. Uncle Rong quickly zoomed away the car out of sight. I saw the cop chasing behind us, but we were already very far away. *Duan Deming* "Sir, Duan Deming!" I turned to see an officering towards me. "Sir, the used were found running in the next alley where one shopkeeper recognized them from the sketches. But they ran away." "Damn!" I cursed. So close. "One car suddenly came in front of them, and they hopped in it." Tian song asked, "Did you see the driver? The te number?" He shook his head. I said, "We will check the footage to find the car." Song and I were inside the hardware shop where I could only see dead bodies everywhere. Eleven dead bodies. 10 males, 1 female. The whole gang was annihted. All had bullets through their foreheads. I got a tip that a man had seen the used entering this 8th alley, so we quickly rushed here. Song and I went on the second floor and found theputer was switched on. Song asked, "Why do you think they killed Gen Gen''s gang? What beef do they got with them?" I shook my head. I looked through the files and found the printer was still warm. I frowned. I said, "Not that Gen Gen was any cleaner. But now they are murderers on the loose. We have to tighten our search." Song looked through the folders in theputer and printer pages and said, "I will look into Gen Gen''s illegal business dealings." I sighed. "I will look into it. Your hands are already full with Fu Ting and Liao Chuntao''s case." He was silent. It looked like he wanted to protest, but he kept quiet. I thought he would be happy. Didn''t I lessen his job? I said, "I will check with the cybersecurity expert what we can find here." *Xin Lei*,--- In the car, I asked Uncle Rong, "How did you find us?" He shrugged. "Well, I knew you were going to be here, plus your sketches are already spread everywhere." "And now we are doubly wanted because we have killed an entire gang." Bai Li dryly said. "You got that right. So I thought this old man could be of some help. But wait, why is Nianzu not with you?" "He escaped." With all the confusion, I forgot about Dad. I typed. "How will we find him now? Or how will he find us? He doesn''t even know which number I use now." Uncle Rong said, "Don''t worry, Lei Lei. I will also look for him with my method. He will definitely try to contact us." "Where are we going?" Bai Li asked. "A tea house." "Where the barmaid works." "Oh, you know about her!" "Apparently, someone else knows her too." He shrugged. "Well, she has many contacts." We arrived at the tea shop and found the barmaid standing at the same ce. Bai Li felt the counter with his hands and put the guns on it. "Worked like a charm. Do you have coffee?" "This is a tea house." "Is there a rule that there cannot be coffee?" Alright alright! I pushed Bai Li to walk in the front. This coffee maniac will not let it go. Uncle Rong said, "I found something from Fu Jun, Fu Meili''s sister." I typed. "What?" We settled on a table. Bai Li said, "I knew he was hiding something." "He said that they had wandered off to a ce. He didn''t know where but what he and Fu Meili saw was truly horrific." Chapter 32: That lady in the picture Chapter 32: Thatdy in the picture *Xin Lei* I widened my eyes in shock. What could have Fu Meili and Fu Jun seen so horrible? Bai Li asked, "In Natural Park?" Uncle Rong sighed. "Well, he thinks it is Natural Park. They ended up somewhere in a deste ce, but he cannot be sure whether they were still inside the park or not. I have asked Fu Biyu toe here with her son. I saw your sketches being circted, so in a hurry, I left and couldn''t ask in detail." Then I saw someone opening the door. Bai Li and I got alert. But it was Fu Biyu carrying her son Fu Jun in her arms. The barmaid chuckled. "Don''t worry. This ce is safe from cops." Well, that relieved me a lot. Fu Jun seemed still a little afraid. Uncle Rong said, "Ah there they are. Fu Biyu and Fu Jun." I smiled at Fu Jun and waved my hand at him. He stared at me with his big ck eyes and slowly smiled. Once again, he was thrilled to see Cocoa. Fu Jun wriggled from his mother''s embrace and hopped onto myp. Guess he was a little more open to Bai Li and me now. I pinched his cute cheeks. Fu Biyu apologized. "Sorry for that" I smiled and shook my head. Fu Biyu said, "What happened to you two?" She looked at Bai Li and me, "Your sketches are everywhere. An officer had asked me if I had seen you two." I could see that she was worried about us. But wait I anxiously typed. "You didn''t tell him about us, right?" Fu Biyu shook her head. "No. I knew something must have gone wrong." Thank God. Bai Li also nodded. "So let us hear what Jun was going to tell us." Fu Biyu looked at her son. "I didn''t even know that he was hiding something so big. He never told me that he and Meili saw something like that." Uncle Rong said, "It is alright. He must be scared to say anything. Jun." Fu Jun slowly looked up at him. "Can you tell us what happened?" He was very jittery and nervous. He instantly seemed in panic. He vehemently shook his head and buried his face in my neck. I felt his tears on my neck. "Jun" Fu Biyu looked anxious. Uncle Rong sighed. "He was afraid the same way when I had asked too in their house. But I gently urged him, so he told me the crux of it. But we have to know the full details." Witnessing a scene something as cruel and horrifying would definitely scare any child and even more to retell it. It could scar them for a long time. As a doctor, I had studied a little about psychology too. I held his hand and pressed his palm in mine. He raised his head and looked at me. I typed. "You see, Cocoa?" "Arf." He barked in response and leaned a little towards Fu Jun. I typed again. "Cocoa is our really really strong friend. He fights all the bad people with his sharp ws and defeats them, even if they are tall or big or reaaaaaly scary and protects everybody. But Cocoa doesn''t back out. Cocoa is really brave, right?" Fu Jun furiously nodded. "Cocoa is like Scooby Doo!" I chuckled. "Yes. Do you want to be as strong as him?" "Yes" I typed. "En. If you tell us what happened that day, then you will help us in catching the bad guys and protect your sister just like Cocoa. Don''t be scared. Cocoa, and we all are here with you." Cocoa also raised his head. He licked Fu Jun''s cheek and rubbed his head against it. Fu Jun giggled. I saw Bai Li nce at my direction and smile. Good job, he mouthed. I felt a lot happy when he praised me. Fu Jun seemed a little rxed now. He slowly said, "That day sis and I got lost in the park...We walked and walked but didn''t find our way back. Then we saw a big building. But-but it was very dark inside." "Then?" Bai Li asked. "Sis said that we can ask someone to help us to take us to Daddy. Sis held my hand. But the door was locked. Then sis said that we will find a window." Fu Jun seemed to fidget a little. "Sis and I turned around the big building. We found a window at the back." "Go on, child; you are doing great." Uncle Rong reassured. "Then...then we heard something. It felt like someone was crying. I...I was really scared. I wanted to go back, but sis said that we should check if someone is hurt and help him." Cocoa lifted his right hind leg and put it in his hand. Fu Jun clutched it tight. Dogs could feel the emotions, especially with kids. They were very sensitive. I also patted his back. "We peeked inside the window, and then we saw" He looked frightened at that moment. His body was trembling and tears pooled his eyes, "some bad uncles were beating ady..r-really bad..S-she was crying a lot...She was telling them to stop but the bad uncles didn''t listen to her. The ground under her was all r-red in color." Blood, I thought. "Sis said, "Jun, we should tell about these bad uncles to daddy! She is so hurt! We have to save her!"" "But I got scared and fell on the ground. Then someone shouted from inside. Sis pullled me and we ran but her dress got stuck in a tree" He started crying at that point. "Meili" Fu Biyu also sobbed. I urged him to go on. Fu Jun darted a nervous nce at Fu Biyu and seemed hesitant. He cried even harder. He lowered his head. "The bad uncles wereing. Sis said to me to keep running. I-I ran and hid behind a tree and saw those uncles catch sis" Fu Biyu broke down in tears. "Oh God...my daughter...is she alright?" Now I understood why he was hiding it. Maybe he didn''t understand it himself, but he might be feeling guilty for getting scared and leaving Fu Meili alone. Fu Jun wriggled a little ufortably and his leg hit my side pocket. Something fell from it. I looked down to see the photos of Liao Chuntao that Lin Zhihao had given it to me. At the same time, Fu Jun''s expression was as if he looked at a ghost. His face had turned pale. "Waaaaaaaa" He cried loudly. We all were shocked and looked at each other in confusion. "Jun, why are you crying?" I quickly typed. He pointed his shaking finger at the photo. "Thatdy in the picture...she was thatdy who was beaten up." Chapter 33: The connection Chapter 33: The connection *Xin Lei* I widened my eyes in utter shock. Fu Jun was sobbing in my embrace. I patted his back to calm him down. Cocoa was also helping me. Bai Li asked, "Wait a minute. Is he talking about Liao Chuntao''s photos?" I typed. "Yes, he is." Uncle Rong said, "Isn''t she the woman who was found dead in LangFang? That was the case you were talking with your army friends." Not in my wildest dream had I imagined that Fu Meili and Liao Chuntao''s cases were connected. For the first time, I saw that Bai Li was also dumbfounded. He seemed to think about something as he went quiet. His expression turned grim. But then it struck me. I quickly typed. "Bai Li, the evidence that was found in my pocket, that was also Liao Chuntao''s forensic evidence." Bai Li snapped his head in my direction. "Yes. Does that meanRodey is also a part of this?" I remembered Rodey when Bai Li had asked about him to Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan. I typed. "You had talked about him in the pub too. Who is Rodey?" Bai Li was unusually quiet. He was silent for a long time. Uncle Rong said, "It must be a confidential case, right?" "It is." Bai Li nodded. I understood his plight. Not only was it a confidential case, but I was sure that Rodey was the reason why Bai Li was dishonorably discharged. Sharing that part of his life must be emotionally difficult for him too. I pressed my hand on the back of Bai Li''s hand to give him strength. He wrapped his fingers in return, and faintly smiled. Our intertwined fingers felt as if it tugged a string in my chest. Bai Li said, "We cannot dy. We have to find Fu Meili as soon as possible. Rodey is a criminal. From drugs to sex rackets, he is involved in everything. We have been getting quite a few cases of mysterious disappearances of some victims. Liao Chuntao was one of them." I typed. "Ransom?" He shook his head. "It is not kidnapping. They were not forcibly abducted, nor there was any call for ransom. Wherever the victims went, they went over willingly, but they never returned. There is also no definite MO." Fu Biyu frowned. Uncle Rong exined. "Modus Operandi. The criminal''s working habits or any patterns in their crimes." "Oh." Bai Li continued. "There is not even a specific age group or gender of victims. People from all sses, male or female, young or old, have disappeared. Their families also know nothing. After much investigation, I finally found a name - Rodey. He is not the boss. He is kind of a right-hand man, an important part of whoever sits on the top." Uncle Rong asked, "And Liao Chuntao?" "When I was in the army, Liao Chuntao''s name was newly added in the list, almost ten days back. Thest she was seen was when she left her office towards Andingzhen. But we didn''t get any lead after that. We don''t know why she had gone to Andingzhen, which is on the outskirts of Beijing. So, Iid a trap for Rodey. I knew he only interfered if their n was threatened. So within the underworldwork, I spread a false rumor that I got a major lead on Liao Chuntao, and I will get my information on the criminal''s identity in the isted container terminal that was not in use. That was my setup to capture Rodey. But...well, that didn''t work out as nned." That must be when the civilian was killed. I signaled Uncle Rong not to delve into that part. He understood and nodded. "Before I could investigate further, I was out from the army." We were silent for a moment. Fu Biyu worriedly asked, "What will we do now?" I looked at Bai Li, and he also nced at my direction. I typed. "We have got something from Gen Gen''s base." Uncle Rong asked, "What?" I took out the printouts from my pocket. Bai Li said, "There are two lists and some receipts. The list has some names in it, and one of the receipt is something of a deal. Fifty million dors advance. We will have to find out. Xin Lei. What names are written?" Iid out the printouts. Uncle Rong took one, and I took another. I typed. "Kang Xue, Yu Yan, Qi Chao" Uncle Rong also said, "Chu Jie - his name is highlighted, Wei Yong, Ma Xiaoli" As I went through it, almost at the bottom of the list, I found Liao Chuntao''s. "There is Liao Chuntao''s name too!" Bai Li squinted his gaze. "These are all those same victims that have disappeared. But we never found them." I looked at him, wide-eyed. I typed. "So 112 and 78...There are 190 victims!? So with Liao Chuntao, something was different. And that thing was that Fu Meili was the witness to that crime." Bai Li nodded his head. "Something changed with that. Something happened that forced the culprit to dump Liao Chuntao''s body somewhere else." Uncle Rong said, "Yes, they wouldn''t have expected the kid to bump into that ce, wherever it is." I connected the dots. I typed it again. "I think while dumping her body, some kind of forensic evidence attached to her body." Uncle Rong asked, "Maybe his skin?" Bai Li and I both shook our heads. "That is not possible." He said. I agreed. I typed. "Liao Chuntao was beaten pretty badly. I saw the photos. It cannot be possible that she was alive to resist or struggle with the injuries and blood loss." Bai Li said, "Right. They framed us with the evidence. Somehow, they knew that we were going to meet Fu Ting. And you know what happened with the evidence. I''m pretty sure it cannot be used anymore to trace the criminal. They have skillfully destroyed it and will now pin the me onto us." I had seen that the ss strip fell from Duan Deming''s hand and break into pieces. Uncle Rong looked at the list in his hands. "Okay, so who is Chu Jie?" Chapter 34: Chu Jie Chapter 34: Chu Jie --- "Jie! Come down for breakfast!" Chu Jie''s mother, Chu Xi, called him from the kitchen downstairs. But as usual, Chu Jie didn''t give any answer. Chu Xi sighed. She was tired of her son, who only liked to lock himself in the room. Chu Xi removed her apron and climbed up the stairs. She opened the door to Chu Jie''s room, and there he was, sitting on his desk with his eyes and ears only focussing on theptop. Chu Xi walked towards him and looked at theptop. She suddenly stepped back in horror. It was a video where a man was boiling in a pot of hot water, and another man was putting spices and other condiments in it as if he was really cooking him. The man in the water was screaming in extreme agony as his skin was scalding. "Chu Jie!" Jie finally heard his mother''s voice and startled, he took out his earphones. "Mom." "What horror movie are you watching? That was so terrible! You shouldn''t watch things like that." She reprimanded. "Ah...that... nothing." He quickly closed the window. Chu Xi put her hands on her waist. "Jie, You still aren''t ready! Why are you idling by watching a horror movie?" Chu Jie looked downcast. "I don''t want to go to school today." Chu Xi frowned. For a few months, Chu Jie refused to go to school quite a few times now. Naturally, she asked what was going on, but he didn''t mention any problem. But then again, she saw him smiling to himself many times while he was on his phone, so she thought that nothing was wrong. "Jie, you already stayed at home Thursdayst week. How can you take a day off again? You will miss so many sses, and it will be difficult for you during the exams. You know how you scored less marks during thest. I want you to be in the top three this time, and you need to work hard for that." Chu Jie stayed silent. He looked away. "Come on now, get ready." Chu Jie felt tired all of a sudden. His head started aching. *Ding* It was the sound of a message pop up. Chu Jie opened hisptop, and his face brightened. It was a message from the girl that he met on this forum a month back. After bing good friends and exchanging back and forth chats, he began to like her. She was the only one with whom Chu Jie shared his worries. They were now dating online. OFluffy - Hey! Rise n shine! I missed u soooooo much! Chu Jie blushed a little. He started typing. TroubledTeen - Hey! I missed u too. OFluffy - So what''s up? Oh, did u see the video I shared? TroubledTeen - I did. My mother almost freaked out. :D OFluffy - Ahahha! Well, it is a little messed up. But I really love horror things n I''m so d that u don''t mind it. All my friends stay away from me :( To be honest, Chu Jie was also a little ufortable with it, but he didn''t mind it. He quickly grew close to her when he realized that she was also alone in the school and had no friends. TroubledTeen - I understand. I don''t have any friends either. And it''s school time, but I don''t want to go. You know how those seniors bully me, right? OFluffy - Aww, my baby. Let me cuddle you ~~ Just stay safe and don''t mess with them, ok? He grinned. She really cared about him. TroubledTeen - I nearly forgot. Did your dad say anything about your marks? OFluffy - He was really mad at me :-( I failed in two subjects. He shouted and yelled at me sooooo much!!! Chu Jie''s heart ached. TroubledTeen - My mom also scolded me just now. She wants me in the top three next time. OFluffy - Really, our parents are so bad! They don''t understand us! I think they hate us! I hate them! Chu Jie pursed his lips. He couldn''t deny that he had also started to dislike his mother. OFluffy - Hey, I have an idea! Why don''t we run away? Chu Jie widened his eyes. R-run away? TroubledTeen - What do you mean? OFluffy - Darling, I mean run away from home. Once we are gone, only then will our parents understand our value! Chu Jie blinked his eyes. Was she serious? TroubledTeen - No, how can we do this? OFluffy - Why not? Our parents take us for granted. If we run away, then they would repent for mistreating us! And you won''t have to go to school either. This way, u can avoid the bullies too! Chu Jie hesitated a little. OFluffy - And darling, don''t u think that we should meet in person? It''s already a month. We are dating now, and we understand each other so well! I want to meet my boyfriend. Chu Jie''s cheeks flushed red in shade. OFluffy - I see. U don''t want to meet me. I think I was the only one serious about us :( Chu Jie panicked. TroubledTeen - No! I like u! I''m serious! But what if they call the police? OFluffy - Oof stupid! We will call them and say that we are safe, but don''t try to find us. We wille back on our own. Chu Jie was in deep thought. OFluffy - And I''m not saying forever dummy. It''s just for a few days. And when wee back, our parents wud be apologizing to us. They wud start treating us better! This way we''ll also get to meet each other! The more she said, the more Chu Jie started to like the idea. "Jie, you still aren''t ready!?" Chu Xi called him again. "Coming!" TroubledTeen - I like the idea. Let''s meet as u said. OFluffy - My darling is the best! I knew u loved me too. You live in Dongcheng, right? TroubledTeen - Yes. OFluffy - I live in Langfang. How about we meet in Andingzhen? It''s almost equidistant from both sides. Andingzhen? That was on the outskirts of Beijing. Chu Jie was a little afraid. He had never traveled that far all alone. But he was going to meet his girlfriend for the first time who liked and understood him so much. He felt it was worth it. TroubledTeen - Ok OFluffy - This is the address. We will meet here. Oh, how will we recognize each other? Chu Jie thought for a while. TroubledTeen - I will wear a red tee and jeans. OFluffy - Cool! I will wear a red dress. Isn''t it romantic, darling? Chu Jie felt embarrassed and grinned. TroubledTeen - Yes, it is. OFluffy - Then let''s meet tomorrow! It''s weekend, right? Just say you are out to get some study materials. TroubledTeen - ok Chu Jie was giddy with excitement and nervousness at the same time. Tomorrow was finally the day and he couldn''t wait. Chapter 35: Plan to go LangFang Chapter 35: n to go LangFang *Xin Lei*, --- Uncle Rong asked, "Who is Chu Jie?" The way it was highlighted only meant one thing. I typed. "After Liao Chuntao, maybe he is the next target. But what do they do with them?" Everybody was silent. Then I remembered. I typed. "Uncle Rong, have you heard of the FriendsChat forum?" "If you youngds don''t know about it, then how would we old men do?" It wasn''t Uncle Rong who spoke. It was Guard Wu. "Nice to meet you all again." I smiled and nodded. Bai Li also recognized his voice and said, "Enjoying your retired life?" He grinned. "It has been just a few hours, but it''s awesome." "So, what is this about FriendsChat?" Bai Li took over. "We don''t know as well. It was some sort of an application opened in theputer in Gen Gen''s base." "Why don''t you search it in the app store?" I typed. "I already did. There is no such app in Android or IOS app stores. It looked like a chatroom." I looked at Fu Biyu questioningly, but she also shook her head. "So, what now?" "Langfang." Bai Li said. I typed. "Langfang." Well, that was the only option left. Fu Meili disappeared from there, and Liao Chuntao''s body was also found there. Bai Li smiled. "Yes. And through Andingzhen because that''s where Liao Chuntao wasst seen alive. Maybe we can get a clue." Then my phone buzzed. It was a number I didn''t see before. I got alert. Wait a minute. Is it Dad? Oh God, I really hope that it is him. I held my phone in anticipation. Bai Li said, "Keep it on speaker." I picked it up. "Hello, is it Xin Lei? Is Bai Li there?" I recognized the voice. It was from Lin Zhihao. I sighed. I thought that since Dad escaped, he would be trying to reach me. "Yes, Goofy." "What the fuck Bai Li!?" His loud voice gave a ringing sensation in my ears. Bai Li said with a poker expression. "I can hear you even if you don''t shout that loud." "Shut up. What did you do? Your and Xin Lei''s sketches are circted everywhere! It wasn''t difficult for the cops to trace that you were in the Army. Major General and General were shocked to know that the cops wanted your information." "The cops have framed us. This call is not being traced, right?" "Obviously not. It is a secure line." Bai Li told everything we got to know about this point. Lin Zihao said, "Alright. You go to Langfang. Su Weiyuan and I will have your back here." "Thanks. I need you to do a thing." "Shoot." "I have got some payment receipts here. While we check in Langfang, you and Su Weiyuan try to find out about these consignments. What is this payment for? What is the nature of the deals? Thetest receipt is an advance of fifty million dors. Something is going to be shipped off from Tianjin Port." "It''s an advance, so that means it''s notpleted yet. We will look into it. Send the receipt photos." I nodded. "Xin Lei will send it. And also find out about Chu Jie." "Who is he?" "We think he is the next target. Find out if any Chu Jie has recently disappeared." Lin Zhihao said dryly, "There are thousands of Chu Jie in Beijing, you do realize that, right Bai Li?" "Yes. I leave it to you." Bai Li said without much emotion. AhI felt bad for him. I heard him sigh. "Alright. And I don''t have to tell you that you have to be careful while traveling. They have issued an arrest on sight order." Damn, they went this far? "We will be careful." I cut the call. Guard Wu said, "It''s already going to be dark." I typed. "We can leave tomorrow early in the morning." Bai Li nodded. "Sounds like a good n. We need to find a ce to stay." Uncle Rong snorted. "Do you think you will find one when you are hunted like this? Stay here." Guard Wu looked at the barmaid. "We have some rooms, right?" My mood dampened just a little bit. Why did I think that Bai Li and I were going to stay in the same room again? That was just one time. "We have only one room avable," she said. But I noticed her eyes smiling at me. I brightened, but I realized that it would look odd. I coughed. "But Lei Lei can stay-" Uncle Rong was going to say something, but then he suddenly stopped. His face was contorted in pain. Eh? What happened? Guard Wuughed. "We indeedck rooms. Your Uncle and I are staying in one. Fu Biyu, Jun and," he pointed at the barmaid, "will stay in another. So you have to share with Bai Li." I could only awkwardly smile. I sneakily looked at Bai Li, but he seemed expressionless. I frowned. Really? Was I overthinking? It doesn''t seem to affect him that much. Bai Li turned his head towards where the barmaid was standing. "Are you sure you aren''t pulling our legs?" The barmaid mysteriously smiled. "Do you want me to pull yours? Literally? I don''t mind." "No, thanks." For some reason, I looked away. I don''t know why but I didn''t like Bai Li talking to her now. Was she hitting on him? She seemed a little... flirtatious. I felt annoyed. She always had that provoking smile, especially when talking to Bai Li. Did she have a thing for him? I wondered. But then why was I feeling so anxious about it? --- Rodey climbed down the pipe onto the ground after escaping from Gen Gen''s base. His phone buzzed. The voice on the other end said, "Gen Gen''s gang is-" "I know. Dead. I just finished off Gen Gen." "You?" It sounded clearly shocked. "What else could I have done? Let Gen Gen spill all the beans? He had to be dead." There was a beat of silence. "This will surely reach the boss''s ears." Rodey said, "I know. The boss is not going to be happy with this meddling." "I think Bai Li and Xin Lei know something. It seems that they have printed some papers." "Follow them, Neal." "Roger. What about Xin Nianzu?" He squinted his eyes. "He had already escaped. But I will find him. Don''t worry about that." Chapter 36: Restlessness Chapter 36: Restlessness --- Xin Nianzu was huffing breathlessly as he stopped near amp post. He leaned on it, taking deep breaths. It was quite a difficult task to climb up the shaft, go through the narrow passage, and then again climb down the pipe. I must hide somewhere until the case hearing and contact Lei Lei. He slowly walked along the way among the crowd. His hair looked messed up, and clothes were ragged with creases and dirt. He was hungry. But he had no money and a cell phone. People were murmuring and muttering, and some mothers kept their children close to them. Xin Nianzu didn''t bother. He thought about the most immediate concern. His apartment was not a safe ce to stay. But he needed a ce to spend the night. Were hotels a safe ce? He thought that he could alter his appearance a little. He already looked like a wild bear. But money? He looked at the wristwatch in his hand. It didn''t look like it, but it was a little expensive. Maybe I trade it for one night. This would definitely cover the amount. He couldn''t look for a high-end hotel because of the money constraint, plus they also needed ID proof. Naturally, he couldn''t give it. Too risky. So he went for a moderate ssed hotel which took care of both of his concerns. And then, I have to think of a way to contact Lei Lei. --- The barmaid, aka the tea waitress, was on a call with the same mysterious man who was with her in the bar. She said, "The little girl''s kidnapping and the woman''s death in LangFang are connected. She saw her getting beaten up." The man said in a deep voice. "I see. They must be nning to go to Langfang now." "Yes." There was silence for a beat. "They and I have the same goals, although for different reasons." The barmaid picked a ss and swirled it in her hand. She smiled. "If you uncover the truth behind the gang, then your name would rise and shine in the Underworld." "Yes. I would be a step closer to my goal." "What is going on over there?" "Unrest. Everybody is jittery. Everybody is looking for a chance. But such fools they are. They are looking at it in the wrong ce." The man chuckled in amusement. Sheughed softly. "And while you are struck with gold. Aren''t you a wolf in a sheep''s clothing?" "Right. Once I uproot that gang, it will be like a walk in the park." "I will call you once I know more. Oh, and" She looked like a seductress, her voice husky, "Come back before the hickeys you gave fades away. I don''t like a spotless body anymore." The man''s tone was equally sexy as he whispered. "Just a little more, honey. I will mark your entire body once Ie back until you are satisfied." "I''m waiting." *Xin Lei*, --- I came out from the shower, drying my hair. The room was modest andfortable, and the bath was rxing. Bai Li was with Cocoa, ying and rubbing his head. "I will have one now." Bai Li stood and went inside. Cocoa jumped to my side. I bent on my knees and kissed on his head. Cocoa touched my cheek with his paw. Really he was too cute! It calmed me down a little. I was feeling quite annoyed for a while. Perhaps the barmaid was dating the man who we sensed in the bar that day. And so all the more I disliked her for hitting on Bai Li. I was grateful to her for helping us at this time, but her smile and her expression still irked me. I knew that it was wrong, but I felt relieved that Bai Li couldn''t see her. Had he got smitten with her if he could see? I felt threatened. I wasn''t unaware of my feelings for Bai Li. It wasn''t love yet...but I was definitely attracted to him. It was hard not to. Even during the time we stayed at that hotel, I was feeling restless. I didn''t know what took over me when I asked him to sleep on the bed. I felt disappointed, just a little when he was adamant about sleeping on the couch. The more we spent time together, the more I started to like hispany. I wanted his strong arms to embrace me. I wanted hisrge hands to caress my face. Just once...I wanted his lips on mine. And now I was nervous as fuck. Once again, we were staying in the same room. A giddy feeling arose in my stomach. Was I hoping for something? Did I want something to happen? Idiot Xin Lei! Don''t do anything that will get you in trouble! I couldn''t sit still now. I got up and started pacing back and forth in the room. Cocoa was following me all the way, looking at me concerned. Damn it! What is happening to me? I turned, and suddenly my nose hit something hard and muscr. I stumbled a little, but Bai Li''s arm caught my waist. I froze. I heard Bai Li taking a sharp breath. When did hee outside? I didn''t even hear the sound of the door opening. I opened my eyes and saw his broad chest greeting my sight. We were practically hugging now. His chest was warm and moist, with water droplets still dripping down his abs. It made him look even sexier. I gulped. This was not good. Bai Li asked, his breath fanning my face, "What are you doing?" Chapter 37: Diminishing distance Chapter 37: Diminishing distance *Xin Lei* Bai Li asked, "What are you doing?" My mind went nk. My eyes were still glued onto Bai Li''s firm and muscr chest. His breath kissed my forehead, and I could literally feel my cheeks burning hot. Damn, he has such a good body! Which woman wouldn''t drool over it? Men in the army train and exercise a lot to stay fit. I could see that very well. Should I cry? Or should I thank God for this idental chance? I wanted to be in his arms, and that''s what exactly happened. I felt a tickling sensation on my waist where Bai Li had held me with his arm. His fingers were slightly pressed on it, and I swore that my heart woulde out of my chest at any moment. I knew I was attracted to him, and this situation wasn''t helping! No, it was adding oil in the fire! Then my sight went onto his abdomen, where there was some sort of marks. I looked at them carefully. No, not marks. They were his injuries. One was a wound clearly he must have got from a sharp object. It was quite big, stretching from the lower right side of his abdomen till a little upwards towards his chest. I could see the faint marks of the stitches, and as a doctor, I could say that they weren''t done with much excellence. It was literally crisscrossed across the skin. I felt hurt. And angry too. Couldn''t the doctor have done a better job? If it were me, then I wouldn''t have let that injury be even visible! I gritted my teeth. But I could do nothing now. Then there was another wound on the left side, but it wasn''t that big as the right one. It was a small circle. A gunshot wound. There were two injuries on his body, but it just made Bai Li look all the more masculine. As if in a trance, my hand automatically lifted itself. I traced his right injury with my fingers. It felt like a shot of current coursed through me when my fingers came in contact with his skin. "You" I heard a low growl. I looked up at Bai Li. I stiffened as I felt his piercing gaze. Even though he couldn''t see, at that moment, I felt as if he could. His eyes were squinted, and I heard him grinding his teeth by how his jaw slightly moved. His gaze looked like there were some hidden emotions that he was trying not to let them out. It was dangerous. But I didn''t withdraw my hand. I pressed my palm on it. It was bold of me to do that. But I couldn''t help it. Maybe this was the chance? I wanted to change something in between us. I sensed he might want to say a lot of things but didn''t know what to say. This time I didn''t want the help of that robotic voice to talk to him. I raised my right hand. I traced a question on his chest with my fingers. How? And then I pressed his injury to make my point. I wanted to know the story. I wanted to know more about him. Bai Li shut his eyes and exhaled a long breath. He was silent for a moment. "It was the same mission where I lost my sight in Baghdad. It was a bomb. It was too close. It blew off the car near to it, and a huge chunk of it just flew to my side and stabbed me. Some of it hit my eyes. I was even lucky to get medical aid. It was a mess and a lot of blood. It was enough for me that the skin was stitched back. My sight wasn''t that lucky enough, though." I was breathless. I couldn''t even imagine the pain he must have gone through. I wanted to cry, but I held it in. It was hard to do it, though. I bit my lip and then traced my fingers through his other wound. Bai Li said, "Seven years back. A drug dealer was escaping, and in the crossfire, his bullet hit me, though my bullet hit in between his brows too, okay?" A softugh escaped my lips. Even now, he could tell it off as a joke. Serving the nation and getting hurt in the process... I wished I could be there at those times with him. I didn''t ask him anything more, and he said nothing else either. It was so quiet that I could hear the sound of the clock ticking by, second by second. Now I was supposed to move away, right? But I didn''t want to. I wanted to stay like that. And I so wished that Bai Li wanted it too. God heard my prayer. Because then, Bai Li tightened his grip on my waist, and it pulled me even closer to him. My breasts were practically pressed on his chest. Our heads were just a few inches away from each other. With his left hand, he pressed the back of my right hand that was resting on his wound. He slowly lifted it for which I was fully cooperative as well. He brought it and ced it on his cheek. I cupped it and brushed my thumb along the cheekbone. With my fingers stretching at the back, I could also touch his silky hair a little. My gaze met his. My heart was racing as I looked at his facial features in great detail; his clear eyes, his sharp nose, his well-defined jawline, and his thin and pink lips. Bai Li was slowly leaning towards me. Am I imagining it? He held my face and slowly felt his way to my lips. His thumb slightly brushed against my lower lip, and it stopped there. It lingered as if it didn''t want to leave. His touch was enough to send butterflies in my stomach. The distance between our lips was slowly diminishing into nothingness. As if an invisible force was pulling me, I, too, leaned towards him. He was tall, so I had to step on my toes a little bit. Our lips were just centimeters apart now. I instinctively closed my eyes. And then I felt a soft sensation slowly starting to take root on my lips. Chapter 38: Contemplation - Xin Lei Chapter 38: Contemtion - Xin Lei *Xin Lei* I was in Bai Li''s arms, and our chest were pressed together so close. His thumb was gently caressing my cheek. Our lips had barely started to feel each other. It was a light brush at the beginning, which was slowly pressing on further and deeper. *Knock Knock* "Lei Lei, Bai Li. Dinner is ready. Come down both of you." I froze. Jolted in shock, I abruptly opened my eyes. It was Uncle Rong outside the door. All the anticipation that built up until now just vanished into thin air. The interruption snapped me out of my stupor. It felt as if my heart woulde out of my chest. Bai Li stiffened, and he retreated. He withdrew his arm from my waist. He took a step back and stood like a frozen statue. Suddenly now there was this distance between us. I said nothing. Bai Li said nothing either. We were at a standstill. "Lei Lei?" Bai Li spoke, "We areing." "Alright. Come soon." It was silent once again. And now all sorts of thoughts finally came rushing in my mind. What just happened? I thought back to just a few moments ago when we were standing so close together in each other''s arms. We were going to kiss. Yes, we were definitely about to kiss. I sped my hands, feeling the nervousness and tension. Shit! Now what? I nced at Bai Li, and it seemed that he really wanted to say something. I could see that he was trying to work out what to say first. The silence was growing really awkward and equally heavier as well. I picked my phone but was mindlessly fumbling with the keypad. My mind was absolutely devoid of any thoughts. What should I type? I cannot think of anything. "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa broke the silence. Finally, it seemed like Bai Li was going to say something. "We will talk about it. Let''s go for dinner first. Everybody is waiting for us." I slowly nodded, still being overwhelmed with everything that just transpired between us. I typed. "Okay." We went down. Uncle Rong and Guard Wu were seated on the table. Fu Biyu and Fu Jun were also there. We all came to a consensus that it was safe for them to stay here for now. Who knew when those mysterious people would target them. Guard Wu asked, "Xin Lei," he frowned, "Why are you walking like a robot?" I stopped. Was I that stiff? I typed. "Nothing. I am just a little tired." My sight went onto the barmaid. She was mysteriously smiling at me once again. I quickly looked away. We ate our dinner while chatting a little. Uncle Rong and Bai Li asionally talked about the army and cop life. They discussed some cases where they were previously a part of investigating it. I talked a little about my doctor''s life. Guard Wu shared stories about his youthful time. Fu Biyu also talked about Fu Meili and Fu Jun. She couldn''t help but cry a little while reminiscing their memories. The whole time, Bai Li and I didn''t directly converse. Hell, we didn''t even look at each other. Coming back to the case, Bai Li asked, "Andingzhen is forty-five minutes from Dongcheng. Can we get a car for the drive?" Uncle Rong shrugged. "You can take my Toyota. It is modest andfortable." Guard Wu said, "Public transport is risky anyway." We nodded. "When will you leave?" "Seven." We soon finished our dinner. Bai Li and Cocoa headed upstairs. I saw the barmaid cleaning the counter. I typed. "I wille back in a few minutes." Bai Li quietly nodded. I went up to her. She smiled at me. "Care for a drink?" I shook my head. She rested her head in her palm, her elbow leaning on the table. She stared at me, apparently waiting for me to talk. I typed. "Are you interested in Bai Li?" I came straight to the chase. There was no point in going around in circles. The barmaid quirked her right brow and chuckled. "What if I am?" I carefully observed her expression. "It''s not so difficult not to like him, and you understand that, right? He is not bad looking. He is tough, strong, and blunt, but it''s funny in its own way. And anyway, army men have a different charm to them, don''t you agree?" I typed again. "Isn''t the man I saw in the bar with you, your boyfriend?" "Are you trying to guilt-trap me?" I typed. "No. I''m merely reminding you." "There isn''t a need to remind me. Because technically, he isn''t my boyfriend," and then she looked at me meaningfully with a hint of yfulness in her gaze. It took me a second to realize. I see. Friends with benefits, in short, sex friends. The barmaid said, "So we are in a rtionship, yet at the same time, we aren''t. So, if I''m serious about Bai Li, I''m free to break up with that man and pursue Bai Li." I took a deep breath. Even if she said that I didn''t sense any kind of malice from her. Because I understood that she is really not serious about Bai Li. Maybe she said all that just because she was finding it all very interesting. She was provoking and messing with me, but only for her amusement. But what did I think of Bai Li? Was I only attracted to him, or did I like him more than that? I knew that deep down, I wanted that kiss to happen. I liked it so much when he held me in his arms. It felt so warm and so safe. But what did that feeling mean? Was it only physical? The barmaid tapped on the table, bringing me out of my daze. "So, are you dering me your rival?" She leaned in as if she was really looking forward to my answer. I typed. "No." I had to figure out my feelings before I had the right to say that. I said nothing more and left. "A very wise man once said," I stopped in my way as the barmaid spoke, "To know if you are in love with someone or not, just ask one question to yourself and answer it honestly." I waited. "Will it affect you if that person, one day, disappeared from your life?" I stood there for a few seconds. I didn''t answer and walked away. --- As Xin Lei went back to her room, Guard Wu stepped out from the shadows and grinned. "Why didn''t you mention that the wise man who said that is yours truly?" The barmaid rolled her eyes. He asked, "By the way, you still didn''t answer that question yourself. I had asked you a long time back." She stopped working with the dishes and quietly stared at him. She narrowed her gaze with clear warningced in it. "Hey, don''t look at me like that. It scares me, you know." The barmaid took the sses and went inside. Guard Wu could only sigh. *Xin Lei*, --- I was standing in front of the door. I held the knob and twisted it. Okay, let''s do this. Chapter 39: Contemplation - Bai Li Chapter 39: Contemtion - Bai Li *Bai Li* What was I thinking? I was lying on the couch, hand behind my head on the armrest, and seriously questioning my sanity. Why did my before and after shower scene suddenly change so drastically? How did the dynamics between Xin Lei and me get to that point? She bumped into me. Or no wait, I bumped into her? And then the fresh smell of shampoo came wafting from her damp hair and hit my nostrils. As if that wasn''t enough, her soft breasts, her hands...well, her whole body was pressed on my naked chest, and it simply short-circuited my brain. What the fuck was I thinkinging out half-naked? I guess I was too absorbed in my momentary happiness and relief of not letting my anxiety get the best of me while we were attacking Gen Gen''s base. I forgot that Xin Lei was supposed to be outside. I assumed she would step back. But she didn''t. Not that I wanted it either. I was perfectly happy in that position. And then things spiraled out of control when she touched my scar. First, the right and then she slowly brushed her way along the left one. The contact of her fingers on my skin jolted me hard as if I was struck by lightning. For the first time, I was nk. Her sweet scent, her touch, the sound of her soft breathing; everything was intoxicating. Neither she went back, nor I wanted to let her go. It felt nice, actually really good to the point that I wanted her to continue touching me. But at the same time, it was also provoking some not-so-pure thoughts in me. Her soft fingertips felt so gentle as if she was scared of hurting me. Then she asked me about them and I told my short stories behind those scars. And I really hoped that they impressed her. Because after how I failed to protect her outside Micro Pub that day, I thought this was a good chance to redeem myself and show her that I was not a coward who couldn''t make that shot. I was pretty sure that she didn''t think of me that way, but my heart still felt unsettled. The way she carefully pressed my scar made me feel that perhaps she thought that the injuries were still painful. I sensed the anguish and helplessness. Maybe she didn''t want to see me like that. And that thought and expectation that she cared about me evoked the need and the feeling within me to kiss her. I just couldn''t help it. I leaned in and felt her delicate and opulent lips with my thumb. They were slightly parted, and I could feel her soft and warm breaths on my thumb. It was so addicting that I wasn''t satisfied with just the touch of it anymore. I wanted her lips on mine. Even though it was just a light brush, Xin Lei''s lips were so soft. It felt as though our lips perfectly fit each other like some sort of a missing puzzle piece. It was pure bliss for only a second, but the first contact of our lips made me hungry for more. I wanted to delve deeper. What color her lips would be? Pink? Peachy? Or perhaps rosy? What would she taste like if I put my tongue inside her mouth? And then amidst the building anticipation, Rong Zhengsheng just had to interrupt to break that moment. God, I felt crazy! It was like someone dragged me from the realm of heaven and dropped me in the hell of ice-cold water. I instantly snapped out of it. I felt Xin Lei stiffen in my arms, and I stepped back. I couldn''t say anything at that time. My head was in a mess, and so was my heart. I needed to sort things out because I didn''t want to utter any stupid crap that could, by mistake, make her feel humiliated. The dinner was hell awkward as well. I couldn''t talk anything to her. Now, the most important question was - How would she react? I screwed up big time. Was I in for a p? Well...she didn''t exactly stop me so Did she want it too? And then there was another question. Do I like her? I thought that with my big, fat zero experience in rtionships for thirty-two years, I would be a monk for the rest of my life, but damn Xin Lei was barging in like a storm, knocking down everything in the way. I didn''t even realize when my feelings grew to that extent. She was shouldering everything from being chased for her life to handling the disappearances of her father and brother. Any other person would have broken down. But she was holding it together. She was tough. I liked it. She cannot talk, but she never let that weakness be her helplessness, just like me. I sensed my reflection in her. She was strong and confident. I liked that. I felt Cocoa nudging his head against my hand. "Grr" "What do you think, buddy? Is she going to throw me out of the room tonight?" "Arf!" He licked my hand, apparently trying to assure me that I won''t suffer such a harsh fate. I sighed and ruffled his head. "I hope so too." *Click* The knob turned, and I heard the door open. I straightened and sat up. I heard Xin Lei''s soft footsteps trotting in. I didn''t hear her tapping on her mobile. Maybe she was quietly sitting on the bed. How was she looking at me? Angry? Perplexed? Distressed? Damn I so wish that I could see now! My blindness felt like a curse to me. Well, for one, she didn''t p me. So I felt really grateful to her. That was a positive sign. Maybe she was not that angry after all. There was silence for a few minutes. It was time. I had to say something. I didn''t want to pretend that it never happened. So let''s just be honest with it. I never liked toplicate things anyway. "Xin Lei." I heard her taking a sharp breath and sensed a trace of anxiousness from it. Out with it, Bai Li. "I think I like you." Chapter 40: Un-Official Chapter 40: Un-Official *Xin Lei* I came in prepared to face the fact that I messed up. I should have backed out, but I didn''t. Did I make everything awkward between us? How will we work together now? I didn''t want us to act like strangers. But then what Bai Li saidpletely blew my mind away. "I think I like you." What? I thought I misheard it. Maybe this was my mind subconsciously trying to dream that the situation was in my favor. I was still processing it when Bai Li called out. "Xin Lei." His voice shook me off my trance. I quickly typed. "Yes." "I know you heard what I said." I bit my lip. I typed. "Yes." He nodded and then said nothing. He didn''t ask me anything else. I knew he was giving me time to process it. It was clear. That one sentence exined what happened between us and why it happened. To be honest, I was only praying really hard all the way that he shouldn''t apologize. Because that moment gave me hope that even if a little, he felt something for me too. And he didn''t. Instead, Bai Li said that he thinks that he likes me, which meant that he was also figuring things out. And that wasn''t bad. I was also figuring out my feelings, as well. It wasn''t necessary to know everything about each other right at the beginning. We could see where this would take us. But somewhere, my instinct told me that our rtionship would turn out to be just fine. When I finally realized that what Bai Li said meant that his and my feelings were on the same page, my lips automatically lifted into a big, wide grin. This was the first time after everything hell broke loose that I had genuinely smiled from my heart. I finally got an answer to the restlessness and tension between us that I felt for him. A giddy feeling took over me. It felt as if a swarm of butterflies was tickling all over my stomach. I nced at the mirror, and it showed how silly my face looked with that stupid grin. I let out a deep breath. I slowly walked towards him and sat beside him on the couch. I carefully observed Bai Li''s every reaction. His right brow twitched just a little. He was tapping his fingers on his right knee. But he was acting like he was really patient. Bai Li looked so cute! I felt like he was a teenager who just confessed to his crush and was nervously waiting for an answer. A thirty-two-year-old tall, tough, and strong man who served in the army and who mercilessly beat the shit out of goons could actually be so adorable! Damn, I wanted to pinch his cheeks! My heart was drumming as I typed. "Bai Li." "Yes." "..." The response was almost immediate, just a fraction of a secondter. I typed again. "I think I like you too." Then I watched him again. I saw his eyes slightly widen in surprise. He seemed to be in a daze just how I was a moment ago. And then he nodded. "Good. I mean great. No, I mean...it''s really good that you also" I burst out intoughter. Now it was his turn to wonder whether his mind was ying any tricks on him. His expression gave that away. He nced at my direction. My heart was going *badump badump* as I looked straight into his eyes. "Say that again," he softly said. I smiled and typed. "I think I like you too." Bai Li asked, "Okay, so it is confirmed that you will not p me? Right, got it." "..." Was he thinking that the whole time? Was that his concern? I shook my head. So did that mean we were boyfriend-girlfriend now? I seriously gave it a thought and concluded that we could wait till we officially came to that stage. Because like I said before, we were figuring things out. Right now, it would just seem a decision made on the spur of the moment. Bai Li said, "I will officially ask you out when I will be crystal clear about my feelings for you." Was he an esper? How did he know that I was thinking that exact thing? My impression of him just rose to another level. I grinned and typed. "I think we will be fine because you just read my mind." Bai Li smiled. "I think if this works out, then we would be a hell of a couple, don''t you think?" Couple... That word was already giving me goosebumps. I looked forward to that day. I hoped that it woulde soon. Oh, my God! This was the first time I was feeling this way, and I loved every second of it! I typed, a little breathless. "No doubt about it." "Arf Arf!" I widened my eyes. Cocoa was so quiet all this time that I didn''t even notice he was there. He was silently sitting at the back. As if Cocoa understood the good news, he put his hind legs on myp and leaned in to lick my cheeks. I hugged him tight in my arms. I was on cloud nine. Bai Li smirked, "Aren''t you smart?" "Arf!" He raised his hand and felt his way towards my head. He softly patted it. "It''s going to be a long day tomorrow. You need a good sleep." I pursed my lips. I held his hand. I typed. "I won''t let you sleep on the couch tonight. I know it''s difficult for you." "No its-" I pressed his hand. "No buts," I typed again. This was a bold step, but I didn''t mind it. I couldn''t see Bai Li sleeping and suffering in that crazy posture. I cleared my throat and typed again. "Cocoa can sleep in between us." He mumbled something, but I couldn''t quite get it. "Well, if you don''t mind," he said. Cocoa jumped in the middle, and Bai Li and I climbed on either side of the bed. My heart was still racing like crazy. Even though we were in the corner, I felt a whole lot closer to him now. "Feel free to kick me if I snore," Bai Li said. I chuckled and typed. "I won''t mind that chance." "You should have said, ''I won''t do that.''" I typed. "Why not? Actually, I''m itching to take my revenge for when you almost strangled me the first time we met." He coughed hard. "Good night." I giggled and closed my eyes. And that night, I had the most wonderful dream. Chapter 41: A distant memory Chapter 41: A distant memory --- Where Xin Lei was having a wonderful dream, somebody else was not in their best mood. Rodey was on a call with someone who was not at all happy with losing Gen Gen and his gang. The certain someone gravely said, "This is not done. I don''t like it." Rodey cursed his luck. He wanted to call his boss informing him about the situation personally, but apparently, the boss already came to know about it. "Forgive me, boss." Silence. Even Rodey felt it too eerie. "Didn''t we take care of that soldier Bai Li before? Then why is he involved again? Why is he interfering again?" "It is because of Xin Nianzu''s daughter, Xin Lei. Somehow they met each other, and he got involved in finding her father." "Which also reminds me that not only we lost Gen Gen, but Xin Nianzu also escaped." Rodey gulped. "Xin NianzuI hate him." Rodey sensed the hatred and displeasure from the tone. He already knew that there was some beef between his boss and Xin Nianzu. He didn''t know the details, but there was some personal resentment. That was why the boss didn''t order to kill him when he was captive. "Also, he is a capablewyer. If he shows up at Fu Ting''s preliminary hearing, then he can get out. And I don''t want to let my scapegoat set free." "I won''t let that happen, boss." "Hm. You are my right-hand man, Rodey. That is why I''m letting this slide. Otherwise, you know what the consequences ofmitting such errors and that too, two of them are." Rodey took a sharp breath. He very well knew about the punishment. "And." Rodey straightened up. "He is just one blind man. She is just one mute woman. They cannot possibly think of solving anything concrete. Don''t waste time on such weak people anymore and finish them off." Rodey didn''t say it, but inwardly he disagreed. He didn''t know much about Xin Lei. But he knew Bai Li. Surely, he was blind, but not to be underestimated. By no means, he was weak. Whether blind or not, Bai Li was a threat. "Yes, boss." *Xin Lei*, --- The next morning, Bai Li, Cocoa, and I got inside Uncle Rong''s Toyota. I got in the driver''s seat while Cocoa sat in the back. Guard Wu said, "Be careful on the way." I nodded. Uncle Rong patted my head. "I will do my best to get in touch with Nianzu." Bai Li said, "Let''s go." As I drove, I thought aboutst night. We weren''t officially dating, but we acknowledged that there was indeed something between us. I grinned. I stopped the car at a signal and checked if there were any police cars. Thankfully there weren''t. On the left side of the pedestrian walk, I saw a little boy urging his mother to buy a toy for him. I recalled the time when I was little, about nine years old. Big brother and I went shopping with Mom, and I, too, had simrly clung onto her to buy a doctor''s coat for me. There was a children''s size coat, and I was fascinated by it. I waved my hands in signnguage, saying, "Mommy, buy the doctor''s coat for me please, please!" Mom warmly smiled at me. "So, my daughter wants to be a doctor?" I furiously nodded. "Why?" I felt sad. I raised my hand and pointed at my neck. I waved my hands. "I want to help people like me." Then I saw Mom stiffen. Her eyes were shining in tears. I panicked. "Did I say something wrong, Mommy?" I frantically signed. She shook her head. She bent on her knees and took me in her hug. She gentlybed her fingers through my hair. I didn''t hear her sobbing, but I felt her shoulders trembling. When she looked at me again, there were no tears, but I saw her cheeks still slightly damp. "En. Be a good doctor who helps people in need, okay?" She whispered, "Who knows...maybe one day, God would bless your voice back as a reward for those good deeds." She gazed at me with such strong emotions as if she was desperately hoping that to be true. My voice? I snapped out of that memory. I nced at Bai Li and noticed that his head was slightly tilted in that boy''s direction with aplicated expression. I wanted to ask him, but the signal turned green. Bai Li stirred. "There are no police cars, right?" Uncle Rong had fit my phone on the sideboard so that I could quickly type. "No." "Good. Be alert." I faintly smiled. His tone sounded a little lost. Perhaps, the little boy''s whining made Bai Li recall something simr as well. I kept on driving, only hoping not to run in cops. --- Beijing Military Commission. General Song Xiaosheng was sitting on his desk with a grave expression on his face. Major general Shi Jianguo, Major Lin Zihao, and Captain Su Weiyuan were standing in front of him. General Song said, "This cannot go on. We have to find Bai Li." Silence. "Do you have any leads? Did he try to contact any of you?" Lin Zihao said, "No, General." He squinted his eyes but said nothing. "An ex-army officer''s sketch is circted everywhere. Wasn''t it enough how he got a dishonorable discharge and now this? Do you have any idea how it would affect the Army''s reputation?" He nced at Shi Jianguo. "Major General Shi, I leave it to you to find him." Major General quietly nodded. "There is Zhang Chao''s election rally going towards Andingzhen today. I have to be there for his protection." They saluted, and General Song left. Shi Jianguo looked at them. "Bai Li must have contacted you two." They kept quiet. "No use hiding it from me." They nodded. Su Weiyuan said, "And there is a problem. Bai Li is going to Andingzhen too." "We cannot let our esteemed General Song see him," mocked Lin Zhihao. Shi Jianguo said, "Inform Bai Li. He must be aware of the General''s presence today. He cannot be caught." Chapter 42: An accidental encounter Chapter 42: An idental encounter *Xin Lei*, --- A whileter, into the drive, we were about to reach the crossroad where it was the Jinsong subway station. But there was a problem. I saw a cop car just up ahead if we went straight. And ording to the map, we had to go straight. I couldn''t type and drive and at the same time. So, I stopped the car on one side. Bai Li asked, "Is there a cop car?" I typed. "Yes. Just up ahead if we went straight." "Where are we now?" "Jinsong station." "We cannot go straight." I typed. "Yes. We need to find another route." "Check the map." I opened the maps application and saw our current location. Then I traced a path if we could take a U-turn. I typed. "If we take a right, there is Jinsong road." I paused and checked again. I typed. "There is again a crossroad where we take a left at Jinkelong supermarket and then again a left where we meet at this main road,pleting the square circuit." Bai Li nodded. "If we take that long route, then we don''t have to face the cops." I typed. "It will take a little longer than usual, but we will be safe." "Let''s go." I let out a deep breath. Being on the run was so dangerous. It felt like a knife was constantly hanging around our neck. God, let this n work. I saw Bai Li raising his hand, trying to make his way towards me. I held his hand. "You are too stressed. Just be calm. Only then does the braine up with the ns to save our ass. I''m here with you, and we are in this together." He firmly pressed his hand. It was as if magic because then I wasn''t so nervous anymore. Hisrge hand was warm and reassuring. I wanted him to keep on holding to my hand forever. It felt so nice. "Look at the bright side. We are so famous now. Isn''t it everyone''s dream at one point in time?" "..." Not for good reasons! Annoyed, I shook my hand away. Bai Liughed, although I couldn''t feel the same for such dry humor. But hisugh was infectious. I couldn''t help but smile as well. "Thank me for lifting your mood." I typed. "I am not smiling." I lied. He sneered. "Hah! Bai Li''s jokes never fail. Don''t underestimate me because I am blind. You cannot fool me." I rolled my eyes. Just as decided, I took a right at Jinsong road. There was no checkpoint. At Jinkelong supermarket, I took a left. A little straight and then a left again. We were finally on the main road. Now when I looked back, I saw the cops from a distance. We had sessfully cheated our way. It took fifteen minutes more, but it was better than getting caught. "Good job." "Arf!" I grinned. So let''s go to Andingzhen now. --- Almost forty minutester, we finally reached Andingzhen in the Daxing district. Thankfully we didn''t encounter any more cops. We decided to grab a quick lunch, so we stopped at McDonald''s. Before stepping out, I took a paper bag that I had kept in the back seat. Cocoa promptly shifted to aside. In it, there were some things for disguise. I checked again, and there was a wig and scarf for me and a beard and mustache for Bai Li. I was going to need them now since we were going for a takeaway. We had to minimize our public appearances as much as possible. Bai Li said, "I will bring lunch for us. Come Cocoa. Give me the beard and mustache." I quickly typed. "I will bring it." "No need. If you saw a cop car, you can just start the engine and zoom the car away." "..." As if I was going to leave you alone! But he already snatched the bag away from me. He felt his way and rummaged inside it. He slowly took out the mustache and beard in his hands and then put it on his face. I had to admit that he looked even hotter than before. It added to his manliness. Or was it just me being biased because I liked him? "Stop gawking. I know I must be looking even more handsome than before." He smirked. I take that back. Bai Li and Cocoa went outside, and I anxiously looked everywhere to check if there was any cop. Five minutester, I saw himing back carrying a bag, and then only I could let my breath out. I typed. "Did anybody see you suspiciously?" "Nope. The disguise worked." I unpacked my cheeseburger and took a big bite. Yummy! God, I was so hungry! Bai Li said, "We will head to the ce where Liao Chuntao wasst seen, climbing in a cab." I nodded. Then from the corner of my eye, I noticed something red in color. I nced that way and saw a boy, maybe sixteen or seventeen years old, anxiously standing at a spot. He had worn a red tee and jeans. He was fidgeting with his fingers, then sping his hands together, which told that he was anticipating something. He then took out a burger from the bag and started eating it. I chuckled. I typed. "There is a teenage boy nervously standing at a distance from our car. He is so cute. I think he is waiting for his date." Chapter 43: Their young times Chapter 43: Their young times *Xin Lei* Bai Li shrugged. "Kids these days. But then again it has be quitemon to be in a rtionship at just what, fifteen? The ssic high school love." I looked at him, curious. This was a good chance to know about the young Bai Li. With one hand, I dipped my burger in the sauce, and with the other, I typed. "So you never crushed on anyone when you were a teenager?" Bai Li raised his eyebrow. I got worried. Did I touch any painful part of his past? I was about to type that it was okay not to answer, but he spoke. "After I lost my parents in a terrorist attack when I was eleven, I became very unruly as a kid. There were my Aunt my mother''s sister and her husband, who took me in, but we never got along. Apart from a little bit of studying in school, I spent my time picking up fights with thugs and beating them into a pulp until I was seventeen. Then one day, I met a man who beat me into a pulp. And then, at eighteen, I joined the Army. So yeah, no teenage love for me." My jaw dropped as I listened to him, who was calmly exining his teenage years as if it was one of his happiest times. "You see, I would go on looking for fights, not girls." I was dumbfounded. Wasn''t his parent''s death and those years how he survived supposed to be a serious talk? He just casually said everything in the flow. I sighed. He was really too blunt, even regarding his own past. So, Bai Li also lost his parents at a young age. Just like how I lost my mom. I felt a little closer to him than before. And I understood why he picked up fights with thugs. An eleven-year-old boy unjustly losing his parents... I typed. "Were you venting out your anger?" He was quiet for a moment. "Do we know each other from before? Were you spying on me?" I rolled my eyes. Stupid. I typed. "I can empathize. Because when I lost my mom, I had be quite withdrawn too." He said nothing. I continued and typed. "I didn''t respond to anybody, and I got often irritated for the smallest of things. At first, my friends let me be, but then they started to ignore me. Some had even started bullying me." I recalled those days when everyone slowly started to give up on me. "I didn''t pick up fights as you did, but I unnecessarilyshed out at anybody when I was in a bad mood, which was almost all the time." We were both silent. Bai Li said, "I see. It must have been hard on you." I faintly smiled. It was at first, but then I got used to it. He made his way towards my head and patted it. "d you lost those idiots. You actually got saved." I widened my eyes. "Losing a parent is the biggest loss for any child, and if they didn''t have the patience to stay by your side, then you are better off without such toxic friendship." I am so stupid. If I had thought like that at that time, then maybe I wouldn''t have felt so bad. I typed. "And you?" Bai Li said, "Well, I was tall and strong even I was only eleven aspared to other boys my age. And then I had a lot of pent up energy. My parent''s death flipped that switch in me. I was angry. I had no direction. And then before I knew it, I was already punching the next boy on the ground." A pang of sadness overcame my heart. I typed. "Is that why you joined the Army? Because of your parents" "For revenge? No. It was seven yearster when I joined the army. The terrorists were already dealt with by then. Who would I take my revenge on? Dead bodies? I joined because I didn''t want any young kid to lose their family in a terrorist attack ever again." I finally couldn''t hold back tears. Damn, my hands were filled with breadcrumbs. I wanted to hug him so badly. I crossed my arms at my wrist and brought over his head. I pulled him towards me, and his face got buried in between my neck and shoulder. I saw him widen his eyes in surprise. Then a tear slid from my eye. "It''s been too long, Xin Lei. You really don''t have to feel bad." I hit hard on his back with my elbow. "Alright, I will shut up." I never thought that Bai Li and I went through the same pain at one point in our lives. There was so muchmon between us. We both knew the pain of being physically impaired and then...the sorrow of losing our parents young. I slowly felt his arms hugging my back as well. We were like that for a while. It tickled when his breath hit my neck. His lips slightly brushed on my skin, which made my breath stuck at my throat. After a few moments of silence, Bai Li said, "This feels...nice." I couldn''t help but blush. I liked it too. "By the way, I always wanted to say this to you that I really like your sweet smell." I blinked my eyes. Sweet? Do I give off a smell like that? I also wondered if it was alright to kiss him on the cheek, just a light peck, maybe? Bai Li slowly raised his head from my neck. My heart just went *bathump* because I felt his piercing gaze in my direction as if he could really see through me. Alright, I should go for it. While I was dealing with my drumming heart, I felt him nting a soft sensation on my forehead. I widened my eyes as I realized it. Bai Li had kissed on my forehead. Chapter 44: Crossing paths Chapter 44: Crossing paths --- As Rodey was busy in trying to make a n to catch Xin Nianzu, he got a call. "Yes, Neal. Did you find them?" Neal sighed. "No. They somehow bypassed the checkpoint I set in Jinsong station. I had set up at some other ces too, but I guess they took a long route." "Don''t waste time, Neal. It''s an order from boss to quickly finish them off." "I am on it." "Order our men who are in Andingzhen too to look for them and take them out if they find them." He said that to Neal, though, Rodey felt that Bai Li was like a parasite. He was not going to die so soon. In fact, he thought that they were quite simr in that sense. Both were smart, stubborn, and not so easy to take down. "And don''t forget about that, the boy - Chu Jie. Sufi is going to meet him today." "Yeah, I know. We will take him to our base like always." "Good." Rodey hung up the call. "Now, Xin Nianzu. How should I make youe out of your hiding?" *Xin Lei*, --- I was stunned for a few seconds. Did Bai Li kiss me? Oh...oh God! He really kissed me! Even though it was a light peck on the forehead, I could hardly contain to squeal in excitement. I still felt his lingering sensation on my skin. He took me by surprise. And damn it, he beat me. I was going to kiss him on the cheek first! So bad! I didn''t know whether to pout for snatching my chance away or be happy that he kissed me. Bai Li cleared his throat. "I hope you don''t mind." I blinked my eyes. He seemed a little nervous. Seriously? Why was he so cute when it came to things to like that? I smirked as I got an idea. I typed. "No, I am angry." He stiffened. "I am so-" I bent and softly kissed on his cheek. He froze. I typed. "That''s your punishment for taking the lead. I was going to kiss your cheek, but you beat me to it." Bai Li came out of his stupor and grinned. "Well, I like this punishment. I think I should make more mistakes and make you angry." That wouldn''t be a bad idea. "Arf!" Aww. I guess Cocoa was feeling left out. I giggled and kissed him on his head too. He seemed happy now as he furiously wagged his tail. I looked ahead and saw that the teenage boy wasn''t there anymore. Maybe he met his date. Good luck. Bai Li said, "Let''s go. Thest Liao Chuntao was seen was near Dalongke, where she entered an unknown car." I nodded and started the car. --- We were almost ten minutes away from the Dalong river now. Up ahead, I saw a crowd gathering near the roadside. In the middle of it was an open type of car where a man stood on it, waving his hands at the crowd. There was quite noisy and loud announcements going on. I recognized the man whom I saw many times in the posters. He was Zhang Chao. Then there was a woman too roughly about my age who was standing by his side, smiling at the crowd. I had heard that he had two daughters. Maybe she was one of them. Then there was a small unit of the army too where some men stood in front of Zhang Chao and the woman and some on the back. I took a sharp breath. Army? What if anybody recognized Bai Li? Bai Li asked, "Is there some kind of rally going on?" I quickly typed. "Yes. It''s that politician Zhang Chao''s rally. I see some army men stationed for his protection." "Do you see a grizzly, old man with a light grey beard on his face?" I craned my neck and faintly recognized a middle-aged man with a grey beard. He was looking stern and serious and standing in attention, observing everything. I typed. "Yes. He is standing beside Zhang Chao." "That is General Song Xiaosheng. We need to get out of here." Suddenly my phone rang. It was Lin Zihao''s secure line. "Bai Li, General Song ising to -" "Andingzhen," Bai Li interrupted him, "Well, we are already in his line of sight." "Fuck! Leave now." "On it." I already started the car. "Did you get any information on Chu Jie?" "Not until now. Su Weiyuan is checking. We are also closely following up on the police in case if anyoneins about any missing Chu Jie." "Call us immediately if you find any lead." "Roger." I cut the call. We had to take a turn for which I had to drive a little towards the crowd. As we reached nearer, I heard people screaming with slogans. "Vote for Zhang Chao!" "Vote for Zhang Chao!" I was driving a little slower, so I quickly typed. "Duck down, Bai Li." He said, "Cocoa, hide." Cocoa jumped from the seat and hid behind it. As we reached nearer, my gaze identally met with General Song, but I quickly looked the other way. Damn, I hope that he didn''t recognize me! Chapter 45: Questioning Chapter 45: Questioning *Xin Lei* My heart raced in my chest as I felt General Song trying to peek inside the car. I sensed his piercing gaze looking in our direction. Though we were in our disguises, I was still quite nervous. I thought it would still be safe if Bai Li ducked down. I heard that General Song was quite sharp, and he and Bai Li have known each other for years, so I didn''t want to take the risk, at least in front of him. But thankfully, the turn came at the right time, and I quickly drove the other way. The slogans and cheers were on full swing, and they were slowly diminishing as we went farther away. I heaved a sigh of relief. Bai Li asked, "Did the General see us?" I was driving a little slower so that I could type. "It was a close call. Our gazes met for just a second, but I quickly looked away." "He could have still recognized you since your face is also pasted in ck and white. He is sharp. We should get away as quickly as possible. How much more time until we reach the Dalong river?" I typed. "Ten minutes." --- We reached the spot where we Liao Chuntao wasst seen. There was a bus stop near the river and a little farther away there was Xueying hot pot restaurant. Bai Li said, "The car stopped around here when Liao Chuntao got in, so let''s ask in the hot pot restaurant. And we need to be indirect about what we want to know. We are not the police, so nobody would say anything." Bai Li had a point. People other thanw enforcement would unnecessarily garner attention if they pried in the case. "And by the way, we had lunch, but I guess we would have to stuff our stomachs with some hot pot too. My mistake. We should have eaten here." I frowned. A small bell attached to the restaurant door rang as we three stepped inside. There stood a middle-aged man behind the counter, wearing his white chef apron. I assumed him to be the owner of this restaurant. "Yes, youngds!" He said with a bright grin. "What kind of hotpot would you like? Would you prefer the spicy Sichuan hotpot or a seafood one? Or how about Yunnan hot pot? You will love the mushrooms!" Bai Li looked over at his direction and said, "Let thedy here decide." The owner looked at him a little perplexed, though. It was the same as Fu Biyu looked at him when we first met. The owner seemed to realize it that Bai Li couldn''t see finally. "Ah, how gentleman you are!" he nodded in appreciation. Then he slid the menu card towards me and exined all the items. Well, I was full of MC D''s cheese-burger, but I got no choice. The owner asked, "Are you two new in the district? I never saw you around here." Bai Li said, "Yes. We are tourists. We are actually heading to the Natural Park in Langfang. I heard that it''s a beautiful ce." "Oh, it is! It is a beautiful and gigantic park indeed," he sighed, "but I heard that some major incident took ce over there a few days back. I think that a little girl disappeared, and the investigation is going on." I feigned to look shocked and widened my eyes. The owner sadly shook his head. "Yes, it''s true. I feel pity for her mother. I hope that she is found soon." Bai Li probed. "There must be some rumors, right? About any conspiracy? Theories?" "The cops have arrested her father, so I heard. I cannot believe what this world hase to now. Daughters aren''t safe in their own homes." I typed. "But his crime isn''t proven yet." The owner was surprised, perhaps, to see me talk with the help of my phone. "Well, that''s true, but the cops have some evidence against him, so I think it''s only a matter of time before that father is put behind bars. He should be punished! We think that maybe he thought that this was a good chance toy his dirty hands on the little girl since they were away from home." The owner was clearly agitated and furious. I typed. "You think he had designs on his own daughter?" The owner snorted. "What else would it be? There are many men who hide their true selves from this world. They act normal on the outside but are disgusting beasts on the inside." I was sure that this was one of those wild theories. Because we met Fu Ting, I can say with confidence that he wasn''t anything like that. "Ah, did you decide on the hotpot?" I smiled and pointed at the Sichuan one. Bai Li looked solemn. "That''s sad, indeed. I heard that a woman''s dead body was also found in Langfang." He was hyped up now. "Yes. Poor woman. She was found in an alley. I heard that she was beaten very badly. Don''t know what is happening in Langfang. And do you know what? I had seen just the same woman one night standing near the bus stop." This was it. Bai Li had efficiently maneuvered the conversation in Liao Chuntao''s direction. People liked to share stories, especially more when they were a part of it. We both looked very interested in knowing further. I typed. "Really? What did you see?" He was nowpletely into storytelling mode. "Well, she seemed like a white-cor worker. She had worn an office suit. It waste around 9.15 PM when she stepped out of a cab. I know because I was serving a customer and then I saw the cab through the window. I thought she might be a customering here. But she didn''t. She was then standing at the bus stop." Bai Li casually asked, "Then?" "Then, at 9.45 PM, I went outside to close my shop shutter. At that time, she was still there. I was wondering why she didn''t get on any bus. It was hot outside, so I thought to offer her to sit in my restaurant, but just then, a car stopped in front of her." Chapter 46: The younger sister Chapter 46: The younger sister *Xin Lei* It was just like how Lin Zihao told us. A car had stopped in front of Liao Chuntao. Bai Li asked, "Oh? A car?" "Yes. There was a man, I think. But I didn''t get a nice feeling. The windows of the car were tinted in ck. And you know that isn''t allowed anymore. They should be transparent." I typed. "I guess he would havee out and apologized to her for making her wait." "No. He didn''te out of his car at all." Bai Li said, "He didn''t? That is so rude." "Isn''t it? I thought the same! It was so hot outside and she waited for half an hour but he didn''t even have the basic courtesy. He simply rolled down the window and rested his arm on it. The hand definitely looked masculine. The woman bent towards him and talked a little. Then she turned and walked around the other side, opened the door to the passenger seat, and sat inside. Then the man drove the car away." It matched with the footage photos that Lin Zhihao had shown us. Bai Li leaned in and had a curious expression on his face. "I see, I see. Do you think perhaps that man murdered her?" I was really impressed with Bai Li''s questioning style. He was totally pulling the owner in the story. The owner was also deep in thought, "Possibly. But the woman looked really happy when she met him." I typed. "He could be her boyfriend..." The owner nodded. "It is my spection too. She seemed excited when she got out of the cab. She was smiling too, when she was talking to that man. Hmph! Never trust a man who uses tinted sses for windows. These days rtionships are so fickle." I twitched my eyebrow. Bai Li also kept silent about thatment. He said, "Right. But you are so sharp. You must have definitely seen something." The owner sighed. "Not much. They were still a little far away to see anything clearly. Although I do remember that he wore a watch because it was shining a little under the light of themp post." I typed. "Oh? These days silver ted watches are quite popr. It must be that!" He frowned. "Really? I am behind the trend. I can''t say if it was gold or silver. The yellow streetlight was making it look like that it could be copper or gold, but it could be silver shade too." I sighed. Bai Li said, "Wow. You are an eye witness. The cops must have questioned you a lot, right?" He seemed annoyed now. "Don''t even ask! I have been brought in for questioning so many times. I say the same thing over and over again. Especially those two officers from Dongcheng. And then that woman too!" Was he talking about Tian Song and Dong Deming? But wait. Woman? Who? Bai Li asked, "Eh? Which woman?" "She said that she is the dead woman''s younger sister. I don''t remember her name, though." Wait..what was her name again? Liao... Huifang right? I typed. "I really wonder was her sister doing here...I mean the cops are doing their job." The owner looked troubled. "The cops are investigating but she still came here. She always asks the same question whether I remember something about that man or not. But I already said about the watch, and I don''t know anything else. And now this is the nth time that I am telling you everything. But I feel bad for her. She seemed heartbroken by her sister''s death. That said, I should go back to make your hotpot." He left for the kitchen. Bai Li said, "First, the ck tinted windows and then the man doesn''te out. He is cautious not to let anybody see him." I agreed. I typed. "What about Liao Huifang?" "I guess she isn''t much satisfied with the cop''s progress in the case. So she is investigating it herself. But she is reckless. If she gets too nosy, our dear friends hiding in the dark will not like it much. And they will have to add her in the ''kill-list'' like you and me." What Bai Li said was true. I typed. "If we can find her, then we can get to know more about Liao Chuntao." He nodded. "Right. I hope we find her before they do." Fifteen minutester, the owner made all the preparations of the hotpot at the table. Frankly, I had no space in my stomach, but Bai Li and I could only put up with it. As we dug in our second lunch for the day, from the corner of my eye, I saw that same teenage boy wearing the red tee and jeans, standing at the bus stop. He seemed nervous but happy too. First, he was at Mc D''s and now here. I guess he went there for lunch just like us. Then I saw a girl wearing a red dress approaching him. Her back was to me. She had worn a scarf around her head. She had long, ck hair down until her waist and her skin was fair. She was a little bit taller than the boy. The boy seemed really excited to meet her. He had a wide grin on his face as they started talking. I guess they had decided on wearing the same color dress today. I felt happy for him, as well. Ah, teenage crush...I chuckled and shook my head. I went back to having lunch. --- We finished our lunch and headed outside towards our car in the parking lot. "Arf!" "Stop," came a voice from behind us. I stiffened. I had heard that voice before, from Dongcheng police headquarters. We slowly turned and found the man standing. Yes, I was right. It was Tian Song. Chapter 47: Civil escort Chapter 47: Civil escort --- Rodey was pacing back and forth in the base. He got a call from Neal a while ago that everything was going on as nned with Chu Jie. That was good news. But everything was not going well in regards to catching Xin Nianzu. Rodey knew that he had no money. And he would need it to buy even a loaf of bread or a single shirt. So, he was keeping an eye on whether he was withdrawing any money from his or Xin Lei''s bank ount. Their ounts were tapped. But it was negative. No transactions. He knew Xin Nianzu was smart and would not risk doing that, but Rodey was cautious. There was one other thing. It was not so easy to check his son Xin Zhen''s ount. He was in the Intelligence Service, and they have their ounts tightly secured from hacking, on the whole, another level. It wasn''t easy to get into their database. That was a loose end. He could use his son''s ount. As far as he knew, Xin Zhen wasn''t in contact. But anything was possible. If he couldn''t track him with the money trail, then he would have to find a different way to catch Xin Nianzu. He also personally checked the footage from hotels, and found a man with a simr build as him, renting a room. He was looking different, but Rodey was sure that it was him. But Xin Nianzu had already escaped by then. "Damn!" Tomorrow was Fu Ting''s preliminary hearing. If Xin Nianzu appeared in the court, and if he managed to bail him out, then the court would order to restart Fu Meili''s investigation for finding the real culprit. And he couldn''t let that happen. The boss would not like it. And he knew the consequences if he failed this time. Rodey narrowed his eyes. There was one way. And he had to act sooner. *Xin Lei*, --- Bai Li and I slowly turned. Cocoa was on guard, fully alert. We were in our disguises, but how did Tian Song recognize us? Tian Song wasn''t holding any gun in his hand. I shifted my gaze to look around and found the police car. But apart from him, I saw no other officers. "Nice to meet you again, new traffic police recruit officers." He said that with a deadpan expression on his face. There was no mocking or sneering in his tone, but I still felt the taunt directed at us. Considering our deadlock situation, I didn''t find his joke funny at all. Bai Li turned his head in his direction and said, "I think there is a misunderstanding." "Not at all. Your disguise is perfect. Though how I recognized you is none of your concern. And it''s not because of the dog." Silence. This was not good. Bai Li said, "Nice to meet you too. Isn''t it such pleasant weather? Shouldn''t you be patrolling the streets of Dongcheng?" I had noment. Tian Song was quiet for a beat. He stared at us and said, "Let''s not waste time. I have to take you somewhere." "Like jail?" "No." I frowned. If not back to Dongcheng police headquarters, then where? Tian Song said, "I cannot answer any more questions. I am just told to bring you with me. There is somebody who wants to meet you." I felt his gaze linger at me for a second more. I frowned. Bai Li asked, "Did you slip the evidence in Xin Lei''s pocket?" Tian Song nced at Bai Li. "Noment." Silence. "Did you manipte the evidence in Fu Ting''s room and that worker too to shut her mouth who saw Fu Ting entering his room when Fu Meili was kidnapped?" "Noment." "Are you taking us to meet your boss?" "Noment." Oh,e on! Why is his tape stuck at only those two words! He said, "I cannot answer your questions, but I must say I am impressed with how you escaped from the headquarters. I nned to take you to meet the person in question when we take you in our custody, but I couldn''t." "Thanks for the appreciation. But if you cannot help us with my questions, then we cannot help you either." "I have to take you to meet him." "What a nice escort service. But tell whoever that person is toe himself. Why should three people take the effort to meet him, taking the time out of their busy schedules? Vice versa is more logical and efficient." "Let''s be civil. Don''t force me to take out my gun." "And now we are really scared." Tian Song seemed unaffected. "Let''s go now. She will drive the car. You and the dog will sit with me in the passenger seat." Did we really have no way out? "They are not going with you," came a stern voice. Who said that? Bai Li whispered as he cursed. "Great. Here is another pain in the ass." I froze when I saw the man who was stepping out of the military jeep. Around five to six army officers surrounded the area. The man looked in his early fifties with an air of presence andmand. He was wearing an army uniform with many badges pinned on his shirt. I saw the shoulder insignia that confirmed his rank in the army. General Song Xiaosheng and the one who holds the highest rank in the military. Also, the one whom I thought we missed him in that rally. Guess he somehow saw Cocoa? Or found Bai Li hiding? The other army officers stood straight in position. General Song walked his way to us. Tian Song silently looked at him. General Song carefully sized Bai Li and narrowed his eyes. "It''s been hardly a few days, Bai Li, but you have already got yourself in deep trouble." Chapter 48: Clash Chapter 48: sh *Xin Lei* Bai Li smiled. "What do I say, General Song? Guess troubles have unrequited feelings for me, so it doesn''t seem to want to leave my side." I twitched my eyebrow: he and his sarcasm. "Arf! Arf! Arf!" Cocoa was barking more than usual. He was restlessly shifting from side to side. "Arf!" "Cocoa." Bai Li said his name, and he patiently stood at ce. General Song said, "I see Cocoa still doesn''t like me very much." He looked at Bai Li, "I guess the discharge would have changed your attitude, but your sharp tongue and overconfidence seem to be still in its ce." I red at him. I didn''t like the way he talked to Bai Li. Wasn''t he just rubbing salt on his wounds? I looked at Bai Li and hoped that he was okay. He smirked. "Evidently, General. My sharp tongue and overconfidence are the only things I have now. Because thanks to a certain someone who didn''t investigate a certain case properly, I had to lose my position in the army." General Song said nothing and quietly stared at Bai Li. "And those are exactly the things that havended you in trouble again. First, a dishonorable discharge, and now an ex-army officer is on the run from thew as fugitives? What does it say?" "It exactly says what it means. You see, fighting for justice is not so easy. Some people want to pull you down to keep their closets shut forever. You must very well know, once being a part of so many missions." He said nothing and looked at me. "You are Xin Lei, right? I have heard about your father, but shouldn''t you think the cops are much better people to help you?" I darted a nce at Tian Song. He seemed impassive. I raised a brow and stared straight at the General. I typed. "Thank you for your concern, esteemed General. But I know what I am doing." "You want him to help you? Even if Bai Li causes you trouble?" I smiled and typed again. "I was already knee-deep in troubles even before I met him. His support has only eased my situation. So, I''m pretty sure that I want to stick with him." From the corner of my eye, I saw Bai Li''s lips curve into a faint smile. "But you are now a fugitive. I''m sure that hadn''t been the case if he wasn''t with you." I typed. "It is a misunderstanding. Just like how you and the Army misunderstood Bai Li." He smiled. "I can clearly see Bai Li''s effect on you. You are awyer''s daughter. I shouldn''t be the one to tell you to follow thew and hand yourself to the police and let the officers do the investigation. If it''s a misunderstanding as you say, then they will find that as well." I stared at him and typed. "Really? How? Just like how they are trying to investigate Fu Meili''s case? Just like how they are not able to prove Fu Ting innocent? If it''s like that, then I can very well see my future." He got silent. I saw him taking a deep breath. "Investigation is not so easy." I typed. "It would be if.." I paused and looked at Tian Song. I typed again. "Some people are not hell-bent in using their power to hide the truth. And if there are officers like you who do a half-assed job in investigating things as I saw with Bai Li''s case, then you pretty much don''t leave any option to me other than to run and take the matters in my own hands to prove myself innocent." Bai Li chuckled from my side. "That was badass," He whispered. I grinned. General Song really pissed me off, so I was d that I could let out some steam. General Song shook his head. "Let''s save that talk forter, but right now, you have toe with us." He looked at Tian Song. "Bai Li belonged to the Army. So we take his matters into our hands. You can take Xin Lei since she is a civilian." Bai Li suddenly said, "No. Whether it be with that cop or you, Xin Lei and I are staying together." I know this wasn''t a time to go gaga over what he said, but I still felt my heart flutter. General Song paused. "Alright." Tian Song interrupted. "With due respect, General Song, aren''t you being too quick in taking matters in your hands? They have stolen an important piece of evidence from our headquarters. And we cops have already been after them. I think they should be answerable to the cops, not the Army." One of those times when the cops and army sh against each other. General Song smiled and seemed unaffected. "It''s alright, Officer Tian. I have already talked to Officer Duan Deming. We discussed it, and he agreed to let me handle their case. Although we agreed that I will send Xin Lei to the cops. I will talk to him about the change in n." Tian Song narrowed his eyes. "You can call him if you don''t trust me." Tian Song quietly said, "Well, if the General says so, then it must be true." "d you understand," He smiled. It felt as if we were out of the well and into the fire. General Song said, "Let''s go, Bai Li. I never thought that you would so soon return to the army base." Bai Li shrugged. "I think the army has some unrequited feelings for me as well." I got worried. If we are held captive in the base, then how will we investigate? I tugged his sleeve. Bai Li whispered, "I understand your concern. But right now, we got no choice. I heard the footsteps of five to six army officers. We cannot fight their bullets. We have to go along with it." I slowly nodded. Then the phone vibrated in my hand. It was Lin Zihao''s secure line. Chapter 49: Realization Chapter 49: Realization *Xin Lei* I felt the phone vibrate in my hand. But how could I pick up Lin Zihao''s call in front of General Song? General Song said, "Let''s go Bai Li and Xin Lei." He looked at Tian Song and said, "It was nice to meet you, Officer Tian Song. I apologize that we couldn''t ry the message in time." Nobody could understand what Tian Song''s inscrutable gaze meant. The call kept ringing and it finally stopped after a few rings. Two sergeants took position behind us. They led us towards a simr jeep like General Song. Bai Li, I and Cocoa took our seat with three officers watching over us. General Song sat in the main jeep. One sergeant saluted. "Orders, General Song!" General Song said, "Let''s go to the temporary camp we have set in Andingzhen. That is nearer. Then we would leave for Dongcheng tomorrow." "Yes, General!" --- The whole way Bai Li and I didn''tmunicate, more like we couldn''t. The officers were tightly keeping an eye on us. Fifteen minutester, we reached the entrance of the camp. The guard saluted as he saw General Song. "General!" General Song nodded in acknowledgement. The guard nced at us and I could see the surprise and shock evident in his eyes as he recognized Bai Li. We drove further inside as the preliminary checking was done. We entered the main building and the sergeant took us inside a room. The sergeant said, "Miss, please hand over your phone and any othermunication devices you may have." I was stumped. What will I do without my phone? We had to get back to Lin Zihao. He must have got some information. And more importantly, how will I talk to Bai Li without my phone? I hesitated. Bai Li asked the sergeant. "What is your name?" "Sergeant Qian Shihong, Major!" Bai Li seemed to be in thought. "Sergeant Qian...Are you the same Qian Shihong who was under mymand two years back? And I am not a major anymore so you can drop that title." Sergeant Qian smiled. "Yes. I am the same. It is my fortune that we met again. And for me, you would always be Major Bai Li in my heart. It was my fortune, once again, to be under your leadership." "I was just doing my job." "You were but it was crazy difficult for you with your blindness. And I have seen your struggle and hardships. I have great respect for you, Major." I smiled as I heard him praising Bai Li. Even if he was dishonorably discharged and his reputation should be in ruins, there were some soldiers who still followed Bai Li. I could imagine how Bai Li must have worked hard to gain that recognition that went beyond the outward discharge. "Didn''t you hear the news that I was dishonorably discharged?" Sergeant Qian was unperturbed. "The court decided what it had to and I will decide who I have to follow." Bai Li scratched his head. I chuckled as I understood that he was embarrassed. "Alright,ing back to the topic, do we really have to hand the phone?" "General''s order, Major." "Like I said, I am discharged." "Apologies, but I hold you in high regard. You are one of the finest soldiers our army ever had. I cannot drop the rank." The men under him were as stubborn as Bai Li. He sighed. "Alright. The phone?" Sergeant Qian said, "We have no choice. General Song is going to check if all thems has been retrieved." Bai Li said to me, "Erase his secure line number. General Song cannot see it." I nodded and already deleted all the records. I handed my phone to him. "Can you do me one favor?" Bai Li asked him. Sergeant Qian stood in attention. "Yes. I understood it." Bai Li wanted to protest. "Like I said it''s a favor... forget it." Sergeant Qian bowed and left. Silence. I wanted to ask what favor Bai Li was going to ask and what did Sergeant Qian understand, but I sighed. Bai Li said it himself. "From your sigh, I see that you didn''t understand what we talked about." I scooted closer to him. I held his hand and wrote on his palm. "Yes." He said, "Sergeant Qian knows Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan. He also knows that we were the closest in the army and we rely on each other asrades whenever we need help. So, he would pay attention to any messages thate from them and secretly ry it to us." That was awesome! So we could count on Sergeant Qian for helping us out of this situation. "By now, Lin Zihao must have also understood our predicament. He would surely send a message." Fifteen minutester, I saw an envelope slip inside our room. I shook Bai Li''s arm. "What happened?" I didn''t know what to do so I got up and quickly took the envelope. I pressed it in his hands. "Lin Zihao sent the message. Look what is inside." I tore the envelope. There was a paper and a photo slipped outside. On the paper, it was written Chu Jie. It was the next victim''s information. When I saw the photo, I froze. He was the same teenage boy who I saw outside MC D and the hotpot restaurant. What! Chapter 50: A talk with General Song (1) Chapter 50: A talk with General Song (1) *Xin Lei* I felt sweat trickle down my forehead. Chu JieHe was that teenage boy!? Cocoa was nudging his head against my thigh. Bai Li asked, "What happened? I sense Cocoa is restless." I shook his arm hard. "What?" Bai Li also looked alert. Damn, how will I tell him! My phone is not with me! I felt I would go crazy. I saw that boy twice! We could have saved him! "Xin Lei?" I let out a deep breath. Okay, this is not the time to panic. How should I tell this to Bai Li? I don''t have my phone. So what are the other methods? Well, there were a few. There was tracking. Bai Li would lightly ce his hands on my wrists to help him track the signs as I move around in space. But the downside was that it can only be used if the person still retained a limited field of vision. So that was out. Then there was tactile signnguage that is read by touch, and words were spelled out manually. This was the method with which Anne Sullivan used tomunicate with Helen Ker. The most popr form is American Sign Language or ASL, where words or letters were represented using hands, also known as fingerspelling. I sometimes used ASL formunicating with others if in case I didn''t have my phone. But since others could see me, they don''t need to touch me, whereas Bai Li would have to. There was a tracing or print-on-palm method where I would write letters on his palm or his body. I had done that before. Braille signing was one method, but I wasn''t familiar with it. So that was out as well. There were also others like the Tadoma method. He would put his hand on my throat and on my lips to understand the vibrations as I speak. And then there was lip-reading almost simr to the Tadoma method. Bai Li said, "It''s fine if you got no phone. I understand signnguage." I snapped out. "Well, when I got blind, I learned all forms ofmunication as much as possible." I wrote on his palm. "ASL?" "I know that." That was great. I took his hand in mine and started moving his palm and fingers. C - Palm forward, thumb bent out. h - Palm in, index and middle finger stretched out sideways. u - Hand straight up, palm in and index and middle finger stretched up. Then I paused. J - Slightly tilt hand, palm in, only little finger stretched out. i - Same as J but hand is straight. e - Four fingers on the thumb like a w. Bai Li said, "Chu Jie." S - Make a fist, thumb on top of fingers. a - Make fist, thumb stretched sideways. m - Surround thumb with four fingers. e - Four fingers on the thumb like a w. B - Palm open, thumb touching base of the little finger. o - Four fingers and thumb make o, opposite to body. y - middle three fingers in, thumb and little finger stretched out. M - Surround thumb with four fingers. C - Palm forward, thumb bent out. D - Index finger out. Bai Li asked, "Chu Jie is the same boy you saw outside MC''D? The one who was waiting for his date?" Simrly, I signed other letters with his hand as well. We decided that I tap once on his hand if yes and twice if no. I tapped once. H-e, w-a-s, o-u-t-s-i-d-e, h-o-t-p-o-t, p-l-a-c-e, t-o-o Bai Li looked surprised. "What was he doing there?" M-e-t, a, g-i-r-l. "Wait. The same bus stop?" Y-e-s. Bai Li said, "Damn! If he is the target, then she wasn''t his date. Just like how that man picked up Liao Chuntao, that girl must be a trap too." I said nothing. I felt guilty for not saying it to Bai Li in the hotpot restaurant. I am so stupid Slowly, Bai Li leaned forward and pulled me in his embrace. I was surprised for a moment. I couldn''t help but rest my forehead on his chest. "Hey" his voice was so soft and gentle. I felt as if it would wash away all of my guilt and worries. "why does my palm feel wet?" Through my blurred vision, I saw the teardrops on his hands. "Xin Lei. It''s not your fault. Stop ming yourself. It wouldn''t have struck me at that moment either even if you had told me about it." Liar. Bai Li would have surely noticed something. Oh God, now I felt like crying even more. Bai rubbed my back and tightened his embrace. "Okay, you are crying more than before. I am clearly not good at this." "Arf!" Cocoa suddenly jumped on myp and started licking my tears. "See? Even Cocoa agrees with me. Trust me, Xin Lei. It''s not your fault. And we can still save him. It''s not a lost cause. Now is the time to take action as soon as possible." I sniffled and wiped my tears. That was right. We couldn''t waste more time. I tapped once. Bai Li smiled. "Now that''s the Xin Lei I know. We need to get out of here." Somebody knocked on the door. It was one other soldier, not Sergeant Qian. "General Song wants to meet you. I am here to take you to him." Bai Li said, "How about you say to the General that we catch upter, and you let us go for now?" "We cannot do that, sir." We had no choice but to follow him. We entered the General''s cabin. There was a big desk at the center with a globe miniature model on one side and some stacks of papers on the other side. There was a bookshelf at the far end corner with stacks of books neatly piled in them. There were two Chinese gs hung on the wall behind his chair on the left and right. "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa was barking a lot since we came here. General Song sighed. "Have a seat, both of you." I took a seat on the left. Cocoa stood alert on my side. "Grr." "Cocoa." Bai Li called out his name, and Cocoa quietened down. He didn''t bother to hide at all how grudgingly he was tolerating all this. "Such a nice escort." "So, impatient, Bai Li." Bai Li cut to the chase. "How long are you going to keep us here?" "Depends on what you are going to do next." General Song alternated his gaze between both of us. He slightly narrowed his eyes. "What''s in it for you? For Xin Lei''s father, she can take the help of the cops. Why are you investigating on your own?" The cops weren''t trustworthy. But we said nothing. "We were just freely exploring ces." "Dongcheng police headquarters and Gen Gen''s basees under freely exploring?" "We were going toin Xin Nianzu but coincidentally met Fu Ting, and so we just chatted a bit as fellow citizens of the country. But then we couldn''t lodge it because of a bizarre urrence like a stranger nting evidence in her pocket to trap us. And Gen Gen started the whole thing by sending his friends after us. So we just visited him." "Is that your story?" "That''s the truth." "And then you ran away?" "Nobody likes jail." General Song paused. "Are you two together?" I raised my brow. He said, "That is irrelevant. If you think I''m here because it''s all personal for me, then you are partially wrong." "What is the full correct answer, then?" "Apparently, while on our exploration, we came to know that I can find a certain old enemy of mine if we continue this journey." "Rodey." "Whatever you think." "You want to settle scores?" "I didn''t give fourteen years to the country to leave with a stain on my uniform." "We are investigating." "How far have you reached?" Bai Li asked back. Silence. General Song asked. "Bai Li, you have caused enough trouble. Our reputation is already at stake." "And that is not because of me. Kindly let us leave. You may not like me very much, and the feeling is mutual, but even you know, General, that I didn''t do it. No point in keeping us here." He was quiet for some time. "Alright, I will let you go, but only on one condition." Chapter 51: A talk with General Song (2) Chapter 51: A talk with General Song (2) --- Outside the hotpot restaurant, near the parking lot, Tian Song dialed a number. "The General came at thest moment and took them away." "Why both of them?" "Bai Li insisted on staying together with her. He wasn''t ready to send her to me. General Song had no issues, and he ''politely'' said to me not to have any issues either." There was a long stretch of silence. "How didn''t you know about General Songing to arrest them?" Tian Song was expressionless. "He discussed it with Duan Deming. They decided that Bai Li would go with the General and Xin Lei with the cops." Silence. "Duan Deming didn''t inform you about it. Is he starting to be suspicious of you?" "I am always careful." "But not enough. He is dangerous." "I understand." "Keep following them. I''m pretty sure that they would find a way out of it." "Okay." *Xin Lei*, --- General Song agreed to let us go but on one condition. Bai Li asked, "What?" He said, "I am the General, and I am not supposed to be doing this, but Bai Li belonged to the army so I can give a little leeway but not forever. If you think that you cannot go to the cops, then you have to at least prove it to me that you didn''t steal the evidence. It doesn''t matter what I know or not. You have to give physical proof. Then I can help in lifting the orders on your arrest, even from the cops." I was a little skeptical about it. "How much time?" Bai Li asked. "Seven days. If not, then I will bring you both back here, and at that time, there would be no negotiations." "You won''t interfere in our exploration?" "Under the circumstances that you don''t run into any more trouble for which the army will have to intervene." "Deal." General Song nodded. "What do you suppose I should say regarding your disappearance?" Bai Li said, "Not disappeared. We both got a bad stomachache and had to be admitted for treatment. They are not going to make rounds at the hospital." That was a usible excuse. "Both of you at the same time?" Bai Li shrugged. "If we ate the same food, then why not? Stomach upset can be pretty harsh too. Ask Xin Lei. She is a doctor," He waved his hand in my direction. I rolled my eyes and nodded. "Only you two?" "For special effects, we can add a soldier or two to make it look real." General Song raised his brow as if he was very amused. "Is that your story?" "As real as it gets." "Alright." I heaved a sigh of relief. At least we didn''t have to run away from here or the cops and the army behind us at the same time would have added double pressure on us. Things would have gotten moreplicated. We got up and turned to leave. But General Song said, "Are you sure you can do it, Bai Li? We know what happened with Tan Ye. Your PT-" "I am fine, General." Bai Li cut him off mid-sentence. Damn, did he have to say that? I worriedly looked at Bai Li. I held his hand and assured him that everything would be fine. I knew Bai Li was in denial about his PTSD. General Song was wrong about Tan Ye, and I just felt it, but he wasn''t wrong about Bai Li''s condition. But as a doctor and his potential future girlfriend, I had to make him realize that. I never want to see Bai Li like that ever again how he was outside the Micro Pub. I turned and smiled. I used signnguage. "Don''t worry. I am with Bai Li. I won''t let him lose his way, neither personally nor professionally." General Song was impassive. "Well, I hope so. Good luck." --- Dongcheng. Rong Zhengsheng quietly stood at a distance from a nearby phone booth. There was a method with which he sometimesmunicated with Xin Nianzu if the investigation turned dangerous in any of his cases. He dialed his number through one of the many phone booths scattered in Dongcheng. And they had decided on a particr phone booth if ever Xin Nianzu was in trouble and had to call Rong Zhengsheng. They had also decided on the hour slots of the day. It would start with ten to eleven in the morning and four to five in the evening. If Xin Nianzu couldn''t call in between any one of the two hours, they would shift the hour by one the next day. So it was eleven to twelve and five to six the next day. Xin Nianzu knew how to hide well, but this would go on for only two days; otherwise, it meant that the circumstances were not in his favor. So, if Xin Nianzu didn''t contact today or tomorrow, then it was certain that he must be in trouble again. And right now, if Xin Nianzu were still free and unharmed, then the phone in that booth would surely ring. There were still fifteen minutes left for the clock to strike eleven. And at precisely 10:46 AM, the phone in the booth rang. Rong Zhengsheng casually walked up to the booth. He looked around as if he was unsure what to do with the call, questioningly ncing here and there. He seemed to think for a moment and shrugged. He went inside and picked the call. "So, you still remember." Xin Nianzu''s voice came from the other end. Rong Zhengsheng said, "I haven''t gotten that old yet. It''s your memory that must be rotting away." "Whatever. Come at this address quickly." Rong Zhengsheng quickly memorized it and cut the call. They had to be careful that they didn''t spend too much time on the call. Further talk could wait. Rong Zhengsheng came out of the booth. "Why don''t you take me there too?" Rong Zhengsheng stopped. He narrowed his eyes. He turned around and looked to see Rodey smiling at him. Chapter 52: A threatening entry Chapter 52: A threatening entry *Xin Lei*, --- We came out of the camp, where we met Sergeant Qian. He saluted at Bai Li. "I am d that the negotiation went well with the General. I wasn''t really expecting him topromise." Bai Li shrugged. "We are notpletely out of the loop yet, but it''s a great start." Sergeant Qian handed my phone back. Ah, finally, my phone! "Where will you be heading to, Major?" "First, we have a little work at Andingzhen, and then we are off to Langfang and that too quickly. Somebody is already heading towards the danger. We have to save him before it''s toote." "Please don''t hesitate to call me if you need any help." Bai Li nodded. He felt his way in the air and reached his shoulder. He patted it and smiled. We saluted and left the premises. The officers had done the courtesy of bringing Uncle Rong''s car here. When we sat back in the car, I typed. "Bai Li. If they trap their victims here in Andingzhen, then they would surely have a base somewhere here." Bai Li said, "It is possible that Chu Jie could have been taken there first." I typed. "How will we find it?" We both thought for about a minute when Bai Li smiled. "We don''t need to. Remember, Gen Gen?" It struck me. They would send some men after us again to silence us. But then there was a significant w. I typed. "Bai Li, they want to kill us on sight. Why would they take us to their base, especially after they know what happened with Gen Gen?" "Well, we have to make them take us. We have to make a sort of leverage here. We just have to reach their base anyhow." I thought about it and got an idea. I smiled and typed. "I think I know what to lie about." --- Dongcheng. Rong Zhengsheng met face to face with Rodey. "What are you talking about?" Rodey sneered. "It was difficult, indeed. You really made me use my brain cells to find you." "I don''t understand what you are saying." "I am not speaking any foreignnguage here." Rong Zhengsheng paused for a beat. "You have got the wrong guy." Rodey raised his right brow. "Oh, rest assured, you are the right guy. I mean not exactly, but you are the means to find the right guy. If I cannot find Xin Nianzu, then I have to find someone who can take me to him." "Who is Xin Nianzu?" Rodey smirked. He slowly took out his gun. But Rong Zhengsheng was unperturbed of the threat. Rodey raised his arm and aimed his gun at him. "Are you taking me to him or not?" Rong Zhengsheng said nothing. But then, Rodey suddenly turned his arm towards the sky and fired a shot without batting an eye. A woman''s shrill came from a distance. "Ahhh!! He has a gun!" Rong Zhengsheng jerked his head towards the scream and saw a woman trembling in ce. The grocery bag fell from her hands, and she was looking at them in horror with her hands covering her mouth. Rong Zhengsheng wanted to tell her to keep going, but Rodey didn''t let him. "No. Just stay and answer my question, or should I shoot a bullet through her?" Rodey was calm. His expression told Rong Zhengsheng that he had threatened like this many times before. The light crowd that was spread across the area started gathering around the woman, hearing her scream. The crowd saw the two men in a face-off and had the same reaction as that of the woman. "G-Gun! Run away!" There was chaos all around. Nobody had guts to call the police. Rong Zhengsheng gritted his teeth. "Fine! I will take you to him!" Rodey sneered. "That is a good choice you made. Now get going." Without any choice left, Rong Zhengsheng started walking ahead with Rodey following behind him. The crowd didn''t move an inch as they left the area. The same woman asked fearfully. "W-what should we do?" "Call the police?" Another man vehemently protested. "Are you crazy? That man holding the gun looked like a loan shark! It must be that the other man didn''t pay his debt." "Yes, yes! He must want his money back, so he was threatening him. Let''s not get into it." "No kidding or his gang might target us!" Reaching a consensus, they quickly scurried away from the scene. *Xin Lei*, --- It was three in the afternoon, and I was driving along the road to a ce in Andingzhen, where there was a ck market. Bai Li said that with his experience in the Army, he was sure that something would definitely happen. We talked to Lin Zihao on the way, and with his contacts, he gave us the location of that ck market. Our presence would stir the people there, and they will quickly gossip about us two strangers entering their area in theirwork. It will soon reach the ears of our enemy, which is exactly what we wanted. We didn''t get the time to talk about Chu Jie because Lin Zihao had to leave for an urgent task. I hoped that we reach Chu Jie in time. As I kept driving, a woman suddenly jumped in front of the car. What!? I quickly pressed the brakes hard. The car jerked forward with a sudden stop. One secondte, and I would have hit her! Damn, it was a close call! What was she thinking!? Bai Li asked alert, "What happened?" "Arf! Arf!" I quickly typed. "A woman just jumped out of nowhere in front of the car." "Wait. Let me get down first." Bai Li and Cocoa went out. "Cocoa. Find." Cocoa immediately started sniffing around our car and then a little distance farther away, but still close. Cocoa came back and obediently sat. Bai Li nodded. "Come out. There is nobody else here. Let''s check on her." The ce was rtively deserted. I stepped out and rushed to the woman''s side. Cocoa guided Bai Li, walking in the front. The woman was lying on her side, her back to me. Was she hurt somewhere? Did she want to jump to suicide? As a doctor, I couldn''t waste time. If she needed medical help, then I had to be quick. I didn''t see any injuries on the side visible to me. I bent and shook her shoulder to know if she was still conscious. But then the woman suddenly turned, grabbed my hand, and aimed a shiny object at my neck. It was a knife. Chapter 53: We are on the same side Chapter 53: We are on the same side *Xin Lei* I was utterly shocked when the woman waved that knife at me out of nowhere. What happened? A thief? Like seriously, now of all times!? She squinted her gaze. "Don''t move, or I will hurt you." I didn''t move an inch. "Grrr... " "Cocoa, stay," Bai Li instructed him, and Cocoa obediently listened to him. But I sensed Bai Li stiffen a bit. I could see that his breathing was a little ragged and unsteady with the way his chest was heaving up and down. He was roughly ncing down at our direction. His fingers were slightly twitching as if he was ready for action the moment he got a chance. It was the same situation as to how the goon caught me outside Micro Pub. He didn''t want to show himself as weak, but I felt how he must be worried about me. His anxiety was showing up again. My heart ached to see him helpless just like that day. Damn you, woman! You are making my Bai Li hurt! Bai Li asked, "What do you want?" The seriousness in his tone was unmistakable. The woman firmly grabbed my right arm, with the tip of the knife in her other hand, pointing at my neck. She turned to nce at Bai Li. As her attention was on him, I slowly and quietly crept my free left hand in my pocket, where I still had some needles coated with anesthesia while she was busy looking at Bai Li. The woman looked a little agitated. "That is what I want to ask you. What do you want?" Huh? You were the one who jumped in front of the car! Bai Li said, "I am not in the mood to joke with you. Release her." His voice was so low and certain that it could make one''s skin crawl in goosebumps out of fear. I felt the woman jolt a little, but she didn''t budge the knife. "No. First, you give me answers, and only then, I would set her free." "What answers?" The woman stared at both of us and narrowed her eyes. "Why were you at the hotpot restaurant asking the owner about what happened in Langfang?" Wait, was she there? I didn''t see her in the restaurant. Bai Li didn''t immediately answer. "We were just normally chatting with him. Can we not?" The woman smirked. "Sure, it was only chatting. I think the part where the officer and the army both wanted to take you two with them also was a part of just chatting, I guess?" This woman saw everything! My hand was in my pocket now, and my fingers felt the shape of the metallic needles. Just a little more. I hoped that she continued to busy herself in talking to Bai Li. Bai Li said, "Why are you so interested in our talk?" "Because what happened in the parking lot confirmed my suspicion that you deliberately gossiped about the case to know more." "So?" I was just about to take out my needle. "I am interested in the woman you were talking aboutter." I stopped. Wait Bai Li also seemed to realize it. "I see...you must be the younger sister that the owner talked about." The woman was surprised for a moment. "Yes, I am Liao Chuntao''s younger sister, Liao Huifang." I knew it! I noticed Bai Li''s distressed expression ease up a bit. He said, "Well, then, you can withdraw whatever you are pointing at her." "Why?" "Because we are all on the same side here." "Why should I trust you?" "Because you heard us, right? We also want to know what happened with the little girl and your sister. They both are the victims." Liao Huifang wasn''t still ready to let her guard down. "You understand why I am interested in this case. But why are you two?" Eh? Didn''t she see our sketches? "I think you still haven''t seen the news and our photos being circted as the wanted criminals." Liao Huifang frowned. "We are in the same boat. Xin Lei''s father was also kidnapped. He is Fu Ting''swyer." It looked like she finally realized it. "I see. So you are thewyer''s daughter." I nodded. "And you? Why are you involved?" She asked Bai Li. "Your sister''s case was thest case that I handled before I left the Army. I want answers just like you." She looked surprised. "I see." I nced at her arm, holding the knife at my neck and signaled her. Liao Huifang withdrew the weapon. Phew! I took my phone and typed. "You came at the right time. We were also looking for you. We wanted to know about Liao Chuntao to get any clue with this case." Liao Huifang slowly nodded. "Okay." I stood and went beside Bai Li. He felt my hands and asked, "You okay?" I pressed his palm in return. The crease lines on his forehead now finally eased as if a great burden lifted off his chest, though I was still a little mad at Liao Huifang. Liao Huifang asked, "Can we talk?" I shook my head, and she frowned. Bai Li said it. "Right now, we got no time. The people behind your sister''s death have kidnapped another victim. He is a teenage boy, Chu Jie." I typed. "And we think that they might have taken him to their base somewhere in Andingzhen. "We got to find him. So you stay somewhere safe until we deal with it. And then we will talk about her." "No," Liao Huifang shook her head. "What do you mean?" "If Chu Jie is a victim like my sister, then I wille with you as well. I will help you. I can''t sit here knowing that there might be a lead about" She choked a little. I felt the grief in her voice as she found it difficult to talk. But she looked determined. "...my sister. I am looking for answers, and if I could find them in that base or wherever, then I wille with you." Chapter 54: Hit a jackpot Chapter 54: Hit a jackpot --- Dongcheng. On Rodey''s imminent threat, Rong Zhengsheng took him to the address. He asked, "Why do you want to frame Fu Ting for the crime?" Rodeyughed. "Nice try, but you will get nothing out of me." Rong Zhengsheng narrowed his eyes. "You are going to kill me, I know it. You will take Xin Nianzu. But I would be of no use to you anymore, so I am better off dead, that is you think. At least let me know before I die." Rodey''s gun was still touching the back of his waist. "Well, you got that right. But you will still die knowing nothing." They kept on walking until they reached their destination. Rodey had already secretly stationed some of his men near the area to guard. The apartment was quite dpidated with some broken tiles on the roof. The walls were quite old that were already started to cken, and the ster was scraping off from many areas. Rodey wasn''t worried about Xin Nianzu escaping because he had already sealed off the area with his men. Even if he tried to, he would be caught no matter what direction he took. They reached the door, and Rodey quickly shifted to the side. But the gun remained aimed and this time on the side of his waist. He didn''t want Xin Nianzu to get suspicious, seeing the shadows of two people standing at the outside through the little gap between the door and the floor. But it didn''t affect Rong Zhengsheng. Rodey signaled him to call Xin Nianzu. Rong Zhengsheng quietly raised his hand and tapped thrice on the door. Silence. No answer. Rodey narrowed his eyes. There was no way that Xin Nianzu woulde to know that I am with him. Why isn''t he opening the door? He had an earpiece fit in his ear. He pressed on a button that emitted a signal. One after one, he got his men updating on the current situation. "Clear. I didn''t see Xin Nianzu." "Negative." "Negative." "Clear." Rodey didn''t want to talk and alert him. So he signaled again. ''Why isn''t heing out?'' He simply shrugged. Rodey had the urge to shoot him right then and there. Wait. That knock! He tapped thrice. Was it supposed to be a sort of signal? Rodey stepped forward and suddenlynded a strong punch on Rong Zhengsheng''s abdomen. He coughed and was tipped off bnce. But he quickly leaned on the wall for support. "You bastard!" Rodey didn''t bother to stay quiet now. He wanted to but didn''t kill Ring Zhengsheng because he was still an important wager to get Xin Nianzu in exchange for his life. He ryed the message. "Look for Xin Nianzu! Right now!" --- *Xin Lei* Liao Huifangmitted herself in helping us to find the base and save Chu Jie. "No." It was Bai Li, who wasn''t in favor. "You may have tricked us with that stunt, but it won''t fool those men. Do you know how to fight?" Liao Huifang pursed her lips. "I don''t..." "Then you are just unnecessary baggage to us. We cannot fight them and save you at the same time." Bai Li was blunt as always. "I understand your emotions, but you are signing up to be the fodder for coteral damage. What should we do? Fight those idiots or look after you?" She pointed at me andined. "But isn''t she apanying you?" I typed. "I know martial arts a bit." Her shoulders slumped. "But I want to help you!" Bai Li didn''t give her any chance to refute. "Yeah, so help us by staying alive. It is not a pic." Liao Huifang''s expression turned sour. "You-You are so rude!" I coughed. Well, I understood that many people wouldn''t like Bai Li''s bluntness and sarcasm. However, I didn''t think that way. For me, it was a part of his charm and who he was. I sighed. Liao Huifang looked quite young. Twenty-one or twenty-two, maybe? Well, she was an adult, but that age was still brash and reckless to head on straight into a mess. Bai Li was unaffected. He shrugged. "I am not rude. I am knocking some sense into you." I was thinking if she could still help us without getting in our way when suddenly a van braked and stopped in front of us. "Arf!" Cocoa barked and looked ready to attack. I pulled Liao Huifang and quickly stood beside Bai Li. Four men stepped out and surrounded us, aiming their guns at us. Just like we thought, that Rodey or somebody else sent his men for us. That meant that, indeed, there was a base in Andingzhen. One man carefully looked at Liao Huifang. "You are the woman who is snooping around, asking questions. We found you and look, we also hit a jackpot! We found you two as well," he sneered and nced at Bai Li and me. The other minionsughed as if it was hell of a joke. So these people already got wind of it, and they came for Liao Huifang. She said nothing, but I sensed that she was a little nervous. He looked at two of his men on his left side. "Smash the car!" It was to be expected. Bai Li was strangely quiet all this time. But I understood it. They wanted to kill us, and we wanted them to take us to their base. We didn''t want to provoke them. The two men started thrashing and breaking the car, and it''s windows with hockey sticks. "H-Hey! What are you doing!?" Liao Huifang eximed, but I quickly held her hand signaled not to say anything. "Quiet bitch, or I will shoot you right now," one of the men yelled. Bai Li whispered. "We need them. Don''t make them shoot a bullet through us." Liao Huifang pursed her lips. I looked at the car''s pitiful state. Sorry for the car, Uncle Rong. Liao Huifang shuddered and took a step back. Her mouth dropped wide open, and I saw her trembling. I sighed. And you wanted toe and help us in their base. You would have already dropped dead. I nced at Bai Li and noticed that he looked...a little uneasy. What happened? Was his anxiety acting up? I didn''t like Bai Li to see so weak. Every time I felt as if it was me who was getting hurt. I wasn''t able to reassure through words, so I stretched my hand and intertwined my fingers with his. Bai Li, it''s okay. You are doing good. Please, I hope you understand me. I saw Bai Li smile. "Nothing. I am fine." Chapter 55: Lets strike a deal Chapter 55: Let''s strike a deal *Bai Li* I heard the loud smashing and thrashing and breaking of the car. I could sense how badly they must be destroying it. Damn, there, we lost our ride! The wind carried the faint smell of petrol up my nostrils that said the gas was leaking out from the car, and it was now really out of order. On top of that, we were stuck with the younger sister. And she was reckless. I said that with utter surety seeing how she jumped in to investigate Liao Chuntao''s case without having the faintest idea of the danger she was getting into. And then she had held Xin Lei hostage. I didn''t know what to get angry about. The fact that I was stupid to let Xin Lei approach a stranger or Liao Huifang, whose one slight movement by mistake could have caused irreparable damage. I let my anxiousness overwhelm me, and the pitch ckness surrounding me made me feel useless. And I mustn''t because enemies were only looking for weaknesses. One slip up, and you were as good as dead. Once again, I felt helpless. Xin Lei was hostage, yet I couldn''t think of how to save her. My mind was nk, yet muddled with thousands of thoughts at the same time. How should I talk to the woman? How should I negotiate? What if she was psychotic? What if my talking only worsened the situation for Xin Lei? Why! Why, why why was I always so useless whenever it concerned Xin Lei! It was the same as the day outside the pub. Nothing changed. Thankfully it was Liao Huifang. What if it was a real enemy? I questioned myself. Was I really...right for Xin Lei? I always failed to protect her. How could I forgive myself if something happened to her because of me? No, focus Bai Li! There is Fu Meili. There is Chu Jie, whose fates were unknown. There were Liao Chuntao and those countless other victims that need answers. I cannot get so weak at this stage. Then I felt Xin Lei''s warm fingers intertwining with mine. She firmly pressed her palm, and her soft touch calmed me. Damn, did I show the thoughts on my face? Was I looking anxious again? How was Xin Lei looking at me? Questioningly? Worried? She might be wanting to ask me, but we were in a tight spot. I smiled. "Nothing. I am fine." I hoped that did the trick. The men continued to beat the car. I guess it waspletely unusable now, hell it would be irreparable! The man, who I presumed to be the leader said, "You are the ones who are giving us such a headache. Now just like the car, it''s time for you all to go to hell." Yeah, not so soon, though. Sorry to burst your bubble. I had led many investigations in the past like drug dealing, ck market, illegal prostitution rackets, weapons dealing, and much more. I remembered one particr case. There was a gang selling little girls out of the country for the sex trade. Sergeant Qian Shihong was assisting me in cracking their base. Unfortunately, while undercover, they caught him as he jumped in to save a girl, and he exposed himself in that process. Qian Shihong had a tiny earpiece attached deep inside in his ear so that they don''t see the listening device. Through that, I heard that they were going to end his life. For them, obviously, why not? I ryed a message. "Tell them that you secretly managed to save a girl during transit and altered the records to hide the discrepancy. She is with me, who is going to tell everything that she knows. Your business is as good as finished. We can strike a deal in exchange for her." It was a lie. I acted to be the bad guy. For them, it was their precious business. They couldn''t afford to get exposed. We arranged to meet at a ce, and it was a bloodbath to capture the gang, but we did it. So the moral of the story was that Qian Shihong suddenly became valuable to them whose life they were going to end just a few seconds ago. So, experience said that we could do something simr here, and that is what Xin Lei suggested too. We had to offer leverage. If we didn''t want them to kill us, then we had to be useful. The leader was standing at my right, so I turned my head. "Not quite. You will be at the losing end." There was a pause. The leaderughed. "Oh yeah, I remember from the intel given that you are blind that I notice how weirdly you are looking at me." Ha ha ha. Good joke. I will die ofughter if not for your bullet. I felt Xin Lei''s grasp on my hand tighten. I heard her taking a sharp breath, and I sensed her difort. Was she angry for me? I sighed. I patted her hand in response, but I still didn''t feel her hold loosening a bit. Xin Lei was furious. I pitied the leader''s fate. Maybe I should leave him to Xin Lei to deal with him after their use will be over for us. The leader asked, "Why would we be at the losing end?" "Because we have an important piece of information that could get your ass in a lot of trouble. Kill us, and your shady business is over." Nobody spoke. "What information?" Got you. "I am not stupid to say it to the likes of you minions." "Say that again, you bastard!" A man on my left roared. I heard him hearing a step towards me as his boots clicked against the ground. "Stop," it was the leader''s voice. "We are not going to believe you." I shrugged. "Don''t. But then be ready to offer your heads to pay the price." Alright, to make it look like we weren''t bluffing, I said, "Chu Jie." That was enough to tell them that we knew something about their target who they just kidnapped. I paid close attention to their reactions. I heard them faintly taking a sharp breath. I sensed light movements from my left, like them shuffling in their ce. The tiny stones on the road made stifling sound as their shoes shifted. They could be looking at their leader to know the next step. The leader said, "What do you want?" I felt the wariness in his tone. But we got the job done. I said, "Take us to your base. Let''s strike a deal." Chapter 56: Long time no see Chapter 56: Long time no see Dongcheng. As soon as Xin Nianzu heard Rong Zhengsheng tap three times, he narrowed his gaze. There was someone else with him as well. But Zhengsheng is not someone who will fell for such a trap unlessand then the three taps too. As he roughly got a gist and made an assumption, without making a sound, he quickly reached the balcony at the backside. He bent on the floor even before he stepped in because he knew there might be some men keeping an eye from the outside. He looked here and there and found pieces of the broken roof tile lying on the floor. There were also some old boxes of cardboard and empty beer cans. Xin Nianzu quickly took a piece and an empty can. He threw the piece far at his left side. *ck* It hit on the ground. The man keeping a watch got alert and snapped his head to the right as he heard the sound. He must have escaped that way! Arms in front, the goon raised his gun and ran in that direction. Xin, Nianzu, quickly jumped down the balcony. It wasn''t at much height, and at the same time, he had heard the door open in the front. Xin Nianzu, alert, ran in the opposite direction of the other goon. As he turned around the apartment wall, he saw another man with a gun roaming left and right. Xin Nianzu had also taken an empty can just in case. He hid in a gap and, once again, threw the can on the other side. It banged against a tree. "Hey!" He heard the quick and urgent sound of boots rapidly clicking against the ground, and a secondter, he saw the second''s man figure chasing after his decoy sound too. The road was clear, at least for now. Xin Nianzu waited for three seconds before he stepped out of the hidden gap. From above, he heard some noises. As Rodey stepped in the room to check, he still had his gun aimed at Rong Zhengsheng. But just one second Rong Zhengsheng was waiting for a slip of just one second. Rodey cannot search the premise and look after him at the same time. His phone buzzed, but he didn''t have the time to check, so he ignored it. He checked every corner and possible hidden gaps in the room. But at the balcony, he found the dirt on the floor messed up. The middle part looked clean as if someone was lying on it, and the dirt around it was undisturbed. Xin Nianzu escaped from here. When he saw the broken tiles and empty cans, he recalled how he heard noises, something hitting on the ground. His men ryed the message that they heard Xin Nianzu escaping and that they were following him. "He was fooling with the sounds, but it''s of no use," he sneered. Rodey''s phone rang again, but he didn''t bother to pick it up. "Ugh! Who is calling!?" Rong Zhengsheng got the chance. Like a sh, he grabbed Rodey''s wrist, squeezed it hard and knocked the gun out of his hand, and threw it far away. Compared to Rodey, Rong Zhengsheng was a little taller and bigger than him, so it proved as an advantage. Rodey came back, swinging his left arm tond a punch on his face, but he ducked down. As he dodged the blow, he punched a hard fist straight in Rodey''s gut. "Ugh.." he groaned in pain. That made him stagger behind. Payback for your punch bastard, Rong Zhengsheng sneered. But he didn''t have any more time to exchange blows. He pushed Rodey hard as he kept staggering, and Rodey hit his back against the wall. Takingrge steps forward, Rong Zhengsheng came out through the door. He saw Xin Nianzu looking back at him. One nce and they had a tacit understanding. They came out in the open and rushed towards the exit. "Hey! They are over there!" The goons saw them running and started firing shots. They ducked and shifted and hid behind the trees to dodge the bullets. But one of them grazed past Rong Zhengsheng''s shoulder. "Damn!" It was painful, and a thin line of blood-soaked his shirt wet. Suddenly, the other two goons appeared in front of the exit as the two were just about to escape. "Stop!" Xin Nianzu and Rong Zhengsheng stopped in their tracks. By that time, all the goons surrounded them in a circle, aiming their guns at them. "Now, where will you run, Mr. Lawyer and his best friend?" They shared a nce and turned. Rodey came out of the apartment. One of the goons handed him a Sig Sauer. He looked at Rong Zhengsheng. "Smartass aye? You did a good job. Even at thest moment, you signaled him of the danger." Rong Zhengsheng smiled. "Why not? After all, we stand on the same side." "How about you stand on the same side as hell now? I have to give you a good answer to that punch before. But I can do that slowly, relishing your torture." Rong Zhengsheng looked unaffected. His shoulder was all bloody. Rodey looked at Xin Nianzu in distaste. "Long time no see. You and your daughter are giving me a real hard time here." Xin Nianzu chuckled. "Naturally. She is my daughter, after all. We share the same blood." Rodeyughed. "That smile on your face won''t be for much longer. The news of your dear daughter''s death would soon hit your ears." Xin Nianzu raised his brow. "Let''s see about that." Rodeyughed hard. "You are interesting. I am really looking forward to when I will break that indifferent farce of yours when I bring your daughter''s dead body." He sighed. "But for now, we can y with you two. Let''s go. Your time ends here." "It is your time that ends here, Rodey." They heard a voice, and before Rodey could even react, shots were fired in the air, and the men surrounding Rong Zhengsheng and Xin Nianzu toppled down with a bullet in between their brows. Four jeeps stopped around them, and a man in an army uniform jumped out from one. Rong Zhengsheng smiled and muttered. "Just in time." The other army officers quickly got down too and secured the area. Rodey narrowed his eyes. "Long time no see, Rodey," Lin Zihao grinned. Chapter 57: The trap Chapter 57: The trap --- *Bai Li* "Take us to your base. Let''s strike a deal," I said to the leader of the gang. He said, "What is the deal?" "I will only discuss it with your boss." It was quiet. I only heard the sound of us breathing. The smell of petrol was beginning to fade away. I heard somebody''s steps walking away from us. I pressed Xin Lei''s hand. I felt her fingers slowly tracing letters on my palm. L, calling. I paused for a bit. L must stand for leader, and he was calling somebody. The person he might be calling must be... It was a whisper, but as I strained to hear him say, I listened to a name. "Rodey is not picking up." I faintly smiled. Guess our n worked. Before Xin Lei and I left for Andingzhen, I talked to Rong Zhengsheng in the tea house. Xin Lei was taking a shower. Rong Zhengsheng said, "I guess your enemy, that Rodey or whatever might have found out about me. It will be difficult to bring Xin Nianzu safely back." "How are you going to contact Xin Nianzu?" I asked. When he told me about it, I admitted that it was an indeed interesting method. But by now, Rodey would also be getting anxious about finding Xin Nianzu. With his methods, maybe a bit difficult, but it wasn''t impossible to find out about Rong Zhengsheng just like he said. "I am pretty sure Rodey will be there as well, hiding in the shadows while you talk to Xin Nianzu. But we can use the situation to our advantage." I sensed a hint of amusement in his tone. "Oh, catch Rodey?" "Yes. He will tell you to take him to Xin Nianzu, and you do just that." "What? It''s dangerous." I shook my head. "Don''t even think about lying to him. He is smart. He will quickly catch on to it if you are taking him to the wrong ce. He might be tapping the phone too." There was a beat of silence. "Act natural and deny that you know nothing so that he buys it. Otherwise, if you readily agree to take him without any resistance, then he would be suspicious." "You really know him so well, aye?" I snorted. "Not even two best friends would know about each other that well. Deny it, but don''t push it too much. He wouldn''t hesitate to shoot down a hostage around to force you into submission." "But how will we set the ambush? He would ce his minions to guard the area." I smiled. "Well, if he has some friends, then so do I." I heard him p. "Great n. Connections in our previous profession work wonders indeed. But wouldn''t your army friends need the location? The only way is to set a tracker on me." "I already got that. I figured we would need one soon, so I asked Su Weiyuan to deliver it." I took a small chip out of my pocket. It was small as in really tiny, but it did its job. "Hide it in your shirt. Lin Zihao will track your location and raid with his team on time." "You are already so well prepared." I shrugged. "Well, it is Rodey. We have to think and n and be prepared a few steps ahead of him." Rong Zhengsheng had no problem with the n. "Now the main question is, what about Nianzu? He doesn''t know anything about the ambush. If Rodey might be tapping the phone, then I cannot risk giving out any clue while talking to Xin Nianzu even if its codenguage." I thought about it. "Not on the phone. But while you are already there. You have no choice but tomunicate only when you reach there. It is not only to find Xin Nianzu but also to lure Rodey in the trap." He sighed. "Well, I can only bet on Nianzu''s intelligence that he would get it." I nodded. "He will figure out something is wrong when you signal him somehow. You both just need to buy some time until Lin Zihao shows up. Because if he gets caught too soon, then you will be dead and Rodey would have already left the ce." "Hm. You are right. Something simr had happened before when, during a case, I was in Nianzu''s office waiting for him, and the criminal, the real murderer in the case, was already hidden in a closet to attack Nianzu. Nianzu was close in proving the defendant innocent. But it was me. He had a gun. He told me to be quiet." With Rodey, the situation was going to take a simr turn. "I see." "Nianzu then came, and well, we somehow made out of it unharmed, but we decided to tap thrice if the situation was fishy." I nodded. "That''s good enough. He is smart. He will understand that we haveid some trap for Rodey." "Don''t worry. He is one smartass." he paused for a moment. "You are not telling this to Lei Lei?" I said nothing. "It might seem a full proof n, but anything can go wrong. I don''t want to raise her hopes, especially after what happened in Gen Gen''s ce. It''s better if she knows nothing for now." Rong Zhengshengughed. "Love is so sweet, isn''t it? You look so cute." "I-" "Don''t even bother to deny it. I have already sensed the tension between you two. I had seen Lei Lei grow right from when she was a little girl. She likes you." Well "I must tell you that Lei Lei is like my daughter. Last night you stayed together in ONE room. You didn''t do anything with her, right? That stupid Wu kicked hard on my foot when I was going to oppose." So it was Guard Wu why we shared the same room. I must thank himter. And I clearly sensed the pressure Rong Zhengsheng put on the word ''one.'' I wondered if an almost-kiss counted as ''anything.'' "Not until now," I said. "So, when?" "If and whenever Xin Lei would want it. Her decision." "I see." We talked about Xin Nianzu and Xin Zhen in thest few days, but I was curious about something. "How are they? Her father and brother." Rong Zhengsheng snorted. "Heh. You mean in terms of if they would give you trouble as Xin Lei''s boyfriend candidate?" "Pretty much." I didn''t know what his silence meant or what expression he had. "What''s the fun if I tell you now? Discover it yourself. Ah, but I can give you a hint. If it is about Xin Lei''s rtionship, then their thinking is the pr opposite." I didn''t quite get the meaning. By that time, Xin Lei also came down ready. At present, I heard the whispers of those men again talking among themselves, and I snapped back from that memory. I knew why they couldn''t contact Rodey, which would greatly work in our favor right now. I heard the leader''s voice. "Come with us." Chapter 58: A villian on this side, a hero on the other Chapter 58: A villian on this side, a hero on the other Dongcheng. Lin Zihao and his team of officers surrounded the apartment area. Xin Nianzu was visibly surprised by the situation overturned. I see. So this was why Zhengsheng brought him here. One sergeant quickly disarmed Rodey of his weapon. The others took Xin Nianzu and Rong Zhengsheng with them. Rodey stood alone, surrounded by the Army. He shut his eyes, and he clenched his jaw trying to repress his anger for his stupidity. "Bai Li," He slowly said. Lin Zihao chirped cheerfully. "At this point, who else could it be other than him?" Rodey opened his eyes. He sneered. "He is in Andingzhen, but he already made full preparations for my wee here. He never lets me down. That bastard." Xin Nianzu narrowed his gaze. Bai Li Lin Zihao smirked. "I don''t deny that. He is one bastard." "Heh! Such a brilliant man wasting his time saving useless lives. But I admire him so much. With his skills and brain, he was best suited to be on this side. We could have been such a great team." "Sadly, for you, that is not the case." Rodey smiled. "Fine by me. It isn''t much fun, either if the fight is not challenging. A viin like me on this side deserves a hero like Bai Li on your side." "Hero?" Lin Zihao chuckled. "If he hears that, then he will surely kill you more because you called him that." "Kill me?" Rodeyughed. "Let''s see about that." Rong Zhengsheng twitched his brow. "Well, if your reunion chat is over, then can we leave? The wound on my shoulder is hurting now." Rodey smirked at him. "A setup, huh? Good acting skills you got there." "Thank you for the praise. But Bai Li deserves it much more. He really knows you down to yourst nerve. Your actions, your reactions; he gauged it all just perfectly." "As expected of someone who I have recognized as my enemy." Lin Zihao looked at the sergeant at his side. "Take him." The sergeant walked behind Rodey and twisted his arms at the back. He put the cuffs on his wrists. Rodeyughed. "Do you think this is the end? Bai Li will never win until he puts a bullet in my forehead." Lin Zihao smiled. "Sure, he will do that honor. That time will soone. Because now you have nowhere to run, Rodey. Oh yes. Bai Li has asked you, "How does it feel that you fell for my trap again? You are losing your touch, Rodey."'' The first time was when Bai Li fooled him intoing to the container terminal. Rodey was quiet for a bit. Then he rolled his head back andughed hard. "Bai Li, Bai Li. He is one fine and worthy opponent, indeed. Only he has been able to catch me. Twice. Che! All this time, I ordered my useless men to kill him. What a fool I am. It should be my honor to beat him. That would be my greatest satisfaction." He tilted his head and smiled. "Tell him that he is right. I did lose my touch. But not again. Because next time, the situation will be reversed. And I will kill him with my own hands. That''s a promise." Lin Zihao narrowed his gaze. "There is no next time. You cannot escape." Rodey said nothing, but his gaze contained a mysterious glint in them. Lin Zihao signaled his sergeants to take him away. Two of them stood at his side, and the other at his back and pushed him inside the army jeep. Rong Zhengsheng nced at Xin Nianzu. "Well, finally, you are here." Xin Nianzu shrugged. "I wondered why you would bring him here, but then I understood that something was up. I thought you might have nned an ambush by the cops, so I feigned to escape to buy us some time." "Bingo. That''s what we wanted. Smartass as always." Xin Nianzu then carefully sized up Lin Zihao. "But why is the army here instead of the cops? And Bai Li" Lin Zihao said, "Bai Li served in the army before. We arerades from the army. He is with Xin Lei in Andingzhen now." Xin Nianzu remembered that Xin Lei was working with a man when Gen Gen shouted about him suddenly popping up to help her in his base. That must be him. He asked, "Lei Lei...How is she?" Lin Zihao smiled. "Your daughter is smart and brave. She is fine. And now Bai Li is with her. She cannot be any better." He felt a little relieved. "Is he involved in this case because of that man? It seemed like Bai Li, and he has quite the history." "You are right there. But right now, this case isn''t just about your client anymore. We will fill you in on the details." Xin Nianzu squinted his eyes. "I seeCan they note back? She started to look in the case because I was kidnapped. She wanted to find me. But I am here now. It''s too dangerous to keep digging further." Lin Zihao scratched his head. "Well yeah. Xin Lei cane back, although I am sure Bai Li wouldn''t. Once we head back, we will try to reach them, and you talk to her about it." He nodded. Coming back Rong Zhengsheng thought. I don''t think so she would do that. He couldn''t wait to know what would happen when his friend learns about their budding feelings. Xin Nianzu looked at him in disdain. "Why are you smiling like an idiot?" "Nothing," he shook his head. Lin Zihao said, "Thankfully, we found you in time. Tomorrow is Fu Ting''s preliminary hearing." Xin Nianzu nodded. "I need to prepare for the case." "And we need to keep you under tight security. Let''s go." --- *Xin Lei* The four goons took us to their base. They led us on gunpoint as we entered. Liao Huifang seemed nervous but determined too. "Stop. Don''t act smart and stay here," the leader said. The other three kept an eye on us while he went inside somewhere in a room. I quietly looked around if I could see Chu Jie anywhere. But it was of no use. A few minutester, the door opened, and the leader came out with a woman. She was wearing the same red dress that I had seen when I saw her with Chu Jie. Chapter 59: Meeting Chu Jie Chapter 59: Meeting Chu Jie *Xin Lei* I saw the same woman looking at us up and down, narrowing her gaze. Great. If she was here, then that meant Chu Jie must be here too. She said, "Spit it out." Bai Li said, "Are you the boss?" "Whatever it is, say it to me." "If we had to tell everything to you who is NOT the boss, then we would have already told your minions." "You have got quite the attitude, especially when I can just shoot you right here." Bai Li shrugged. "Well, you did not. And even if you kill us, you are going to be in loss." "Our boss is not here." "Not my problem." "I am my boss''s right hand. You can tell me. Boss is out, and I don''t know when he wille back." We didn''t have that much time. Plus, we didn''te here to strike a real deal. We just wanted toe here and save Chu Jie and possibly find out what was going on. Bai Li didn''t respond. The woman looked furious. "You don''t really understand your position. Fine! Since you want to talk to the boss here, then you will have to fucking wait." She nced at the men. "Take them inside. If anyone of them tries to resist, then just shoot that guy." The men surrounded us, and on gunpoint started to lead us inside. Bai Li said, "You are going to regret this treatment." She sneered. "We will see." The goons walked behind us, and we turned left. At the far end of the corner, there was a room. They opened the door and pushed us inside. "Don''t act smart or else we will shoot you as per orders," The leader spat in anger and shut the door. I heard a click sound. Liao Huifang exhaled a sharp breath. "What are we going to do now?" I typed. "We will have to save Chu Jie and take over this base somehow." "Eh? How are we going to do that?" Bai Li said, "We have to take out the men." "Are you crazy!?" She whispered. "There are four men and that woman. And we are only three." "Grrrr" Bai Li said, "He is a fighter too." "Well, okay, four. But it seems pretty much impossible. And you cannot see-" I red at her. I mouthed. ''Don''t say anything further.'' Liao Huifang gulped. "I-I didn''t mean thatI am sorry." "Don''t re at her, Xin Lei. You are scaring her. And I don''t mind, by the way." I typed. "How do you know I was ring at her?" Bai Li chuckled. "Well, the way you tightly clutched my hand when that leader said that I am blind pretty much told me what kind of death res you would have been giving him." I pursed my lips. Well, I was indeed furious. I wished to stab him with my anesthetic needles and beat the shit out of him. I didn''t like it when anybody insulted Bai Li like that. No, wait. Why unconscious? That bastard must be awake to bear the suffering I will put on him. "You don''t mind. But I do," I typed. I narrowed my eyes at Liao Huifang and typed. "He was in the army and has trained very hard to fight with embracing the darkness. He cannot see, but he can fight. And the best at that. He has saved me so many times already." "S-sorry!" She bowed. Bai Li waved his hand in dismissal. Suddenly, Cocoa jumped to a side and wagged his tail as he circled around something. It was quite dark in that corner. Liao Huifang whispered. "What is the dog so excited about?" "Cocoa. His name is Cocoa," Bai Li said. "Oh... That''s an indeed unique name. So what is Cocoa doing there?" When we went to that corner, we saw something shining in red. As we headed closer, we found a young boy, lying unconscious. It was Chu Jie, and that was his red tee! I quickly typed. "Bai Li! He is Chu Jie. They have kept him here too." I quickly bent to his side and turned him. His face looked pale. I checked his pulse and breath. They were even and steady. I guessed they made him sniff chloroform and then brought him here. Bai Li asked, "What happened?" I was going to type, but Liao Huifang said, "He is unconscious." "Can you wake him up?" I didn''t know how long the effect of chloroform was in ce. And there was not any water to sprinkle on him to hasten the effect. I sighed. I started shaking his arm, and Liao Huifang bent on her knees and did the same. "Hey, Chu Jie," She called. I rubbed his hands and his forehead. It took a while, but I saw the lines on his forehead, starting to crease into thin lines. "He is waking up!" Cocoa was also licking his cheek at the side. "Mmnhh...huh?" Bai Li slowly said, "Chu Jie?" "Mmnnh, my head" His head must be aching, and everything must be blur right now. Clinically, it would take at least ten minutes to get into his conscious state fully. I held his shoulder and helped him to get up. Chu Jie was pressing on his forehead. "It hurts." I didn''t have any medicine to give him right now, but I could do one thing. I took his hand and turned it back. Acupressure. Pressing specific points on the body and giving the appropriate pressure could help ease the rted symptoms. For headache, there was a point called a union valley. It was between the base of the thumb and index finger. With my thumb, I pressed and pinched firmly on the point for ten seconds. Then I circled on it clockwise first and then anticlockwise. I typed after a minute. "You will feel better now." "Huh?" Chu Jie blinked his eyes, and confusedly looked at me. Then he saw my phone. "What was with that robotic voice?" Bai Li said, "She uses her phone to talk." Chu Jie looked even more bewildered when he saw Bai Li and Liao Huifang and then a bit more when he saw Cocoa. "A dog! He is so cute! But wait. Wh-who are you all? A-and where am I? What is this ce?" Bai Li said, "A woman brought you here, right?" Chu Jie nodded. "Yes. She is my date. She was wearing a red dress." Then he widened his eyes. "Wait, where is she? Is she okay!?" "Don''t talk so loudly." "What is happening!? I don''t understand." He was scared and confused. I sighed. Liao Huifang said, "What is this about a woman?" Bai Li said, "The woman we met outside wearing that red dress." "Yes! She is the one! Is she okay!?" Bai Li shook his head. "Kid. She is fine. But you are not. Because she has kidnapped you." Chapter 60: Words of wisdom from Bai Li Chapter 60: Words of wisdom from Bai Li *Xin Lei* Chu Jie widened his eyes. "K-kidnap?" He looked at all of us one by one. "T-that''s not possible. She is my date." I shook my head and typed. "No, she is not. She is a part of a gang that kidnaps their targets." "No...but we like each other!" He once again raised his voice. "Hey!" A man from outside shouted. "What is with the yelling! Stop it, kid, or I will beat you up!" He gave a hard bang on the door. Chu Jie looked petrified. He jolted in fear, and his back hit the wall. "Who is he? What is happening?" His eyes began to tear up. He was nervously looking here and there. After all, he was only sixteen. Bai Li said, "You need to help us with that." "How? I-I know nothing. I was supposed to meet OFluffy" Huh? I typed. "Who?" Wait. But then I remembered something. I had seen that name in Gen Gen''s ce. It was on theputer opened in that chatting app. "OFluffy is the girl I met today. B-butkidnap...She cannot do that. What will happen now? My mom! She must be worried, sick!" He sniffled as he started crying hard. "Where am I? This is scary. This is not how it was supposed to go. I want to go home" My heart ached for him. He was just a teenager. Even an adult would freak out in such a situation. I hugged him and patted his back. Cocoa rubbed his head against him. Chu Jie looked at him and slowly raised his hand. He was curiously looking at Cocoa, but at the same time, there was a little wariness in his gaze. "C-can I pet him? Will he bite me?" I smiled. Bai Li shrugged. "No, he won''t. Go ahead." Chu Jie slowly brought his hand and started to gently rub over Cocoa''s head. Cocoa seemed to really enjoy it as he furiously wagged his tail. Cocoa turned his head, and Chu Jie gasped softly, startled. But he was just licking his hand. "Tickles" Chu Jie giggled. Cocoa leaned and licked his cheek too. "He is cute." "Why don''t I feel that?" Bai Li dryly said. I rolled my eyes. "Arf!" I could sense Cocoa''s protest. Chu Jie fearfully asked, "B-But, what will we do now?" Bai Li said, "Don''t worry. We will take you from here. But first, tell me everything you know." "W-what?" "How did you meet that woman?" "OFluffy and I met on a chatting app." I typed. "FriendsChat?" "Yes." "And then?" Bai Li asked. "We were chatting for a month. She was nice, and we had many things inmon, so we hit it off and then became friends." "Then?" "Then she confessed to me one day that she liked me. I-I liked her, too, because only she understood my problems." "Problems?" Liao Huifang asked. "Yes" Chu Jie looked a little downcast. "I-I am always bullied in school. So I don''t like to go. And then my mom keeps pestering me for getting in the top three, which is too d-difficult for me. It''s hard, but she doesn''t understand." Well, it was quitemon with teenagers nowadays. Parents pressurize them to score not only good but top the exams. Well, they were not wrong. They just want their child to be sessful, but they fail to realize that pressurizing could put the child in great stress. Bai Li said, "Kid. I don''t say that you are wrong in feeling that way or that your mother is fully right. But if there is something that you cannot handle it, then you should talk to your parents. You don''tmunicate, and that is what''s the problem is." "But, she wouldn''t have understood." I typed. "How do you know when you didn''t try? You shouldn''t have kept silent about the bullying either." Chu Jie bit his lip. "I told her about it. But those boys denied it at school, and then Mom thought that I was making excuses for not going to school." Bai Li said, "Obviously they are going to deny it. They are the miniature versions of thugs who grow up to be idiot minions for such gangs." Liao Huifangughed out. I held in my chuckle too. "But you should never bear that shit and fight for yourself. Otherwise, you stay quiet once, and you get the habit of being bullied and trampled upon every time precisely because you don''t dare to speak up. Hell beat those bullies twice as much they hit you and make them confess." I twitched my eyebrow. "B-but I cannot fight." Bai Li raised his brow. "Not all battles are fistfights kid. Learning to fight is good anytime. But you can beat them up using this too," He pointed his finger at his head. Liao Huifang said, "You shouldin to the teacher or the principal." Bai Li snorted. "Heh! Says the one who brought out a knife at her first meeting." Liao Huifang red at Bai Li. I could see her getting embarrassed. Chu Jie seemed to ponder over it. I typed. "What did the woman tell you?" Chu Jie said, "OFluffy was also suffering the same things at her side too." "She was lying to you," Bai Li said. "She is not any high school student. She just pretended to be one to lure you in." Chu Jie covered his head with his hands. "Lie? It was all a lie?" He bit his lips, and his shoulders were trembling. "But why me?" "We are also finding that out. How did you decide to meet today? She must have asked you, right?" Chu Jie looked astonished. "Yes...she said that our parents don''t treat us well. They force us to study and yell at us. So she told me to run away and meet her." Chu Jie then said all the conversation that took ce between them. Oh, dear. Teenage was really vulnerable. Just like now how it was easy for that woman to turn him against his parents. "She took advantage of your weakness and your feelings." Bai Li said. "She did not call you out for a date. It was a n to kidnap you." I typed. "I saw you outside MC''D and then at the hotpot restaurant." I bit my lip. "But, I didn''t know that you were Chu Jie all along." Chu Jie looked surprised. "Yes...I came to Andingzhen, and then I was starving so I went to the MC''D first. Then I went to the bus stop near the hotpot restaurant, which was the ce to meet her." Bai Li asked, "Do you remember what happened after you met her?" "I.we met, and we introduced ourselves. Then we talked for a few minutes and then she took me inside a car. I could faintly see a man sitting in the driver''s seat." Chapter 61: Situation reversal Chapter 61: Situation reversal *Xin Lei* Bai Li asked, "Did you see his face?" Chu Jie nervously shook his head. "No. There was a strange partition in between the front and back seat." "Then?" "I asked who he was, and OFluffy told me that he was her friend who will take us to a nice ce for our date. But then suddenly, after a while, when I was looking outside, I felt a handkerchief on my mouth." She smelled him the chloroform. "I got scared. I moved my arms and legs, but it was pressed hard, and then suddenly, everything started to blur, and I got dizzy. It got ck, and then I don''t know. I woke up seeing you all." Liao Huifang was angry. "That man...he must be the same man who took my sister!" Chu Jie was shocked. "Your sister?" "Yes" Her eyes teared up. I understood her pain. I patted her shoulder and shook my head. I typed. "I know how you feel. Trust me. I have a brother too. And he is also nowhere to be found. I am also worried about sick him." Liao Huifang was surprised. "I see" Chu Jie trembled. "W-where is your sister?" Liao Huifang smiled, but I clearly felt the grief and sorrow from it. "She is no more. These bastards killed her." Chu Jie trembled in ce and looked even more horrified. Tears gushed out. "W-what do these people want? What are they going to do with me? Do they want money?" I shook my head. Bai Li said, "No. Ransom isn''t what they are looking for. That''s what we are trying to find out too. I know it''s hard, but stay strong. We will take you out of here." Chu Jie hugged me even harder. "Sister... Please take me home I-I liked her, but she" I patted his head and nodded. I typed. "Chu Jie. You shouldn''t trust people on the inte so easily. Didn''t you hear of so many frauds going around online where they fool and cheat people?" Chu Jie cried harder. "I...I am sorry. But she was going through the same things as I was... " Bai Li said, "That was the method to gain your trust. They attacked your weakness and slowly brainwashed you so that you think negatively about your parents and do whatever they want." He said nothing. Bai Li asked, "You said you first talked to her on the app?" He sniffled. "Yes" "But how did youe to know about this app? We didn''t find FriendsChat on any app store." Liao Huifang interrupted. "Now that you say that my sister also-" The door suddenly opened with a bang, and the men barged inside. "Hey, get up ande out!" Chu Jie backed away in fear. His eyes looked petrified, and he hid behind me. Bai Li said, "Has your boss finally decided to greet us?" "Shut up ande with us!" The leader yelled. The men surrounded us again with their guns. Something was wrong. Chu Jie tugged my shirt, and I saw him hunching his shoulders. He was sweating too. I blinked my eyes and nodded. I pressed his hand. Everything will be fine. As we came out, the same woman had changed into another dress now. But she seemed too furious as she was ring at us. "You did something to our boss!" She roared. "He is caught by the army!" Huh? Army? Wait, are they talking about Rodey? I nced at Bai Li, but he seemed expressionless. I narrowed my eyes. Did he n something? Chu Jie looked at her, shocked. "You...youOFluffy..." "Oh shut up, kid! I don''t have time for you! Chu Jie jolted. He tried hard not to cry. I gritted my teeth and red at her. You have already hurt him enough! The woman took her gun and started walking towards Bai Li, aiming it at him. Cocoa was alert, and I felt his hostility towards her as he barked. "Grr" The woman sneered. She touched the tip of the gun at Bai Li''s forehead. My heart was drumming with nervousness. I clenched my fingers into a fist and suddenly I felt short of breath. If she presses the trigger "You bastard! You nned behind the back to trap Rodey! That was why the army raided the ce. You set him up!" We said nothing. Liao Huifang was doubtfully looking at me. I sensed she might have many questions to ask, which I had them too in my mind. "You kept Rodey busy with catching Xin Nianzu and secretly called the army!" I couldn''t contain my shock. Dad I gazed at Bai Li, dumbfounded. When I came down all ready, Bai Li was talking to Uncle Rong. So were they discussing their n? Bai Li didn''t respond to any of her usations. The woman red at us. "That Xin Nianzu is safe, and Rodey is caught! And now you lied. There was no deal in the first ce! You just want toe here and save this kid! You know nothing!" Is Dad safe? They found Dad! "Well, d that you know now," Bai Li smiled. This was really not the time to provoke her, Bai Li! Can you not feel that she can shoot you at any moment!? "Heh! Well, then this is your end. If you think that Rodey is done with, then you are so wrong. He will be free once again. But you all. You are dead!" The woman nced at the leader. "Take the boy away!" "No!" Chu Jie protested as the leader was dragging him away. No! I tried to hold onto him. *Click* "Ah!" "Stop, or I shoot her!" When I turned, I saw Bai Li had grabbed the woman''s wrist, knocked out the gun, and took the weapon for himself. He twisted her arms and made her turn her back at him. The lines on the woman''s forehead creased in pain. Bai Li pointed the gun at her temple. "All of you. Drop your weapons right this instant." Chapter 62: Situation reversal...once again Chapter 62: Situation reversal...once again *Xin Lei* "Drop your weapons." As Bai Li said that, the entire base got silent. Then it all happened in seconds. "You bastard!" Two men tried to attack us from behind. "Cocoa." I ducked when the man came tond a punch at me. I shifted clockwise, bncing on one foot on the ground and one foot in the air. I slipped my hand in my pocket. His punchnded in thin air as I moved at the right moment. I bent my leg and jabbed a knee on his groin. "Fuck!" He groaned in pain, and I took this chance to puncture the needle deep in his neck. "Ah" He clutched his neck, stumbled, and fell. On Bai Li''s side, he had already punched a straight elbow cut on that man''s gut while still tightly holding onto the woman and aiming the gun at her. The man toppled down. Cocoa jumped on the third guy near to him and bit his wrist hard. "Aaaahhh!!!" The gun dropped from his hand, and blood trickled from his wrist. I saw that the leader was going to shoot, but then a knife flew at his side and hit his hand. The gun fell and got thrown aside. "Damn!" The leader iled his hand that was cut. Surprised, I looked behind and saw that it was Liao Huifang who made that mark. That was a great move! The woman yelled. "What do you want?" "Shut it, or I will kill you. My finger is already on the trigger." "No! Stop!" "Ahhh" The man that Cocoa bit, copsed on the ground. He must have a bit a vital nerve, and with the blood loss added to it, he was going to die any moment. The two other men were also out. There was only the leader. "Now keep your hands up in the air." He did, and I quickly tugged Bai Li. Bai said, "Tell your leader to free the boy." I saw the woman gritting her teeth. She tried to resist, but Bai Li had firmly held her. "Don''t even try to make the mistake of putting up a fight." The woman red at the leader. "Leave the boy!" The leader pushed Chu Jie away, and I quickly caught him. I motioned Chu Jie and Liao Huifang to stay behind me at a safe distance. Now there was only the leader and the woman. Bai Li asked, "Now tell me what are you doing? What did you want with Chu Jie? And where is Fu Meili?" She looked at us, surprised. It felt a little odd. The womanughed. "You are never getting anything from me." I narrowed my eyes. "Hey, who is there?" We heard a man''s voice from the door, but it was really familiar. He barged in holding a gun in his hand. What!? Duan Deming! Bai Li also said, "Duan Deming?" I looked at him, dumbfounded. What was he doing here? He looked equally shocked at us. "Drop your weapons, Bai Li!" Duan Deming narrowed his gaze when he looked at the mess. The woman shouted. "Cop! Please help! These people have held us hostage here! They want to kill us!" I gritted my teeth as she shed some fake tears. She is taking advantage of the situation! And he just came at such a wrong time! Bai Li said, "It isn''t what you are thinking." Duan Deming said, "Yeah, sure. First, you didn''t steal the evidence, and now it is not you but your doppelganger who is holding that woman hostage, right?" Liao Huifang stepped up and said, "No, you are wrong, officer! They are the hooligans here. They kidnapped the boy Chu Jie." "No, they are lying!" Chu Jie fearfully said, "T-that is true. She kidnapped me here." The woman red at him. "He is lying. They have threatened him to say that we have kidnapped him. Please save us, officer!" Duan Deming said, "Leave the woman, Bai Li, and we will talk." "You do not understand the situation here. Five minutes ago, they were aiming their guns at us. What I am doing is self-defense." "Enough. You cannot fool me. And you two! Weren''t you with General Song? Didn''t he arrest you? Then how are you here?" Damn, I forgot that General Song had talked to him. But now he doesn''t know that General Song, and we had a deal. We cannot expose that. "Hah! So you somehow escaped! And why not? You are criminals on the loose. First, you stole the evidence, shot down an entire gang, then ran away, and when General Song caught you, you escaped. And now you are holding hostages. Do I look like a fool to you?" Why is it always the worst timing? I shook my head and tried to sign him that he was misunderstanding, but he didn''t bend. Damn! "Drop the gun Bai Li, or else I will shoot you." "Yes, officer. Look! As you can see, he even hurt my buddies. One of them is dying because that dog bit him, and he is about to die! Look so much blood is flowing out. They knocked out the other two too!" Yeah, as if it wasn''t enough, the leader joined in too. No matter how anybody looked, it was as if we were the criminals here! Duan Deming said, "Bai Li and Xin Lei. You are under arrest for taking hostages and attacking civilians! Drop your weapons and surrender yourselves." Liao Huifang shouted. "You don''t understand! They are the kidnappers, not us! Ask the boy!" Chu Jie also nodded. "These guys have helped me, officer. That woman has lied and brought me here with a man." Duan Deming asked, "Who is the man? Is he among these men?" Chu Jie pursed his lips. "I didn''t see him. There was a blind between the seats." "See? That boy doesn''t know! These goons brainwash him." Bai Li said, "It''s useless to exin anything to you now. Clear the way, officer Duan." The leader begged. "No, please save us! My friend is dying. Please help him!" "Ahmy hand... please" The man was really groaning in pain. Duan Deming bent and was checking his condition. "We will get you to the hospital quickly." The leader inched towards him from behind. I widened my eyes. No, don''t let hime near you! I shook my head hard, ncing at Duan Deming, but he jumped and already grabbed him. *Bang* Bai Li immediately fired a shot at his direction. "Ah!" Liao Huifang pulled Chu Jie and ducked her head in between her arms. He gasped as the bullet pierced his arm, but in that frenzy, he still disarmed Duan Deming and grabbed his gun with the other hand. "Hey-" Duan Deming was cut off. The leader immediately fired a round and so did Bai Li again on his end. He rushed to the side, dodging the bullet, but the woman managed to get away by pushing him hard. Bai Li stumbled by the desk. "Arf!" Bai Li! We ran towards him. Bai Li raised his hand to shoot again. "Stop! I have the officer with me!" I turned and saw that the leader was pointing his gun at Duan Deming''s temple. Duan Deming narrowed his eyes. "You" Chapter 63: Leap in like a hero Chapter 63: Leap in like a hero *Xin Lei* Bai Li was scratched at his elbow when he hit the corner of the tip of the wooden table. "I am fine," he said. The woman sneered at us. "Good job." She praised the leader. I anxiously looked at Chu Jie and Liao Huifang. They were huddled together in a corner. The woman quickly grabbed a gun lying on the ground and aimed at Chu Jie. "Come out!" Duan Deming said, "What are you doing!?" Bai Li shouted. "No!" "Grrr" Cocoa growled, ring fiercely at her. "Say to your dog not to do anything stupid, or the boy will be dead this instant!" "Cocoa. Stand back." Cocoa retreated. "Drop your gun, you bastard, or I will shoot the boy, and my man will shoot the officer over there at once!" Bai Li quietly kept the gun on the ground. The woman tookrge strides towards Chu Jie and dragged him forward. "No! Leave me. Let me go!" Chu Jie cried and protested. "Hey! Let the boy go!" Liao Huifang tried to pull him back, but the woman fired at her. "Ouch!" Huifang! She stumbled and fell. She clutched her right arm, and through her fingers, blood was trickling down. The bullet had grazed her arm. I could hear Bai Li grinding his teeth. Over there, Duan Deming tried to fight the leader''s grasp on him, but he kicked him on the knee. The woman said to the leader. "Keep an eye on them. I will take him away." "No! Sister! Brother! Please help me! Please...I want to go home" Chu Jie begged with tears in his eyes. W-what now? How did everything turn out the opposite? Chu JieWe were so near saving him... The woman was already outside by now. "Cocoa. Attack!" Bai Li suddenly said themand and Cocoa in a sh pounced on the leader. Shocked, he left his hold on Duan Deming. The gun fell, and Cocoa bit his face and attacked his throat with his ws. "Ahhhh!!! Get off me!" He tried to shake him off, but Cocoa''s strong grasp made it impossible to do that. His face was beyond recognizable now. Duan Deming staggered a bit. "Duan Deming. Go after the woman! Don''t let her go with the kid!" "Cocoa. Chase!" Bai Li yelled. "Got it!" Duan Deming grabbed his gun and rushed outside. "Xin Lei. Look over Liao Huifang. I heard her scream in pain. I will be outside." Huh? But how? He will be vulnerable without Cocoa. I tugged him, and he said, "I have to do this!" I was startled with his high pitched voice. There was clear stress, and anxiety etched on his face. He grabbed the gun again and was walking, feeling his hands on the nearby objects making his way outside. I was in a daze for a bit, but I quickly snapped out. I scurried over to Liao Huifang''s side. She seemed pale, and she was sweating a lot. I had to stop the blood flow. I took out my handkerchief and tied it around her wound to stop it from bleeding. Thankfully, the bullet didn''t pierce her. I took her head on myp and rubbed her palm with my hands. "Ah" Liao Huifang seemed delirious. I shook her shoulder and made her sit up, leaning on the pir behind. "O-ow" She frowned in pain. I don''t know what was happening outside at all. I took my phone and quickly typed. "Once we get out, I will dress up your wound. You are fine." She weakly nodded. Suddenly I heard a gunshot sound and then the engine of a car starting. What? What happened? I had to know. I signed her to stay put, and she nodded again. I rushed out and saw Duan Deming was copsed on the ground, clutching his thigh. "Ah, she shot me...she is running away" There was a bullet hole, and blood oozed out of his wound. The woman had already started the car. "Hey!" Bai Li called out. "She is getting away" Duan Deming pointed at her direction. "Don''t think about me. Catch her" He coughed. Bai Li had a gun in his hand, but I knew that he couldn''t recklessly shoot because of Chu Jie. He aimed down and his hands trembled. *Bang* Bai Li wanted to fire at the wheel but he narrowly missed it. "Arf!" Cocoa ran towards the car. I took the gun from Bai Li''s hand and also rushed towards the car, but it had already started moving away. I got a glimpse of Chu Jie looking back at me, horrified. He was desperately iling his hands from inside the car, pointing towards me. What? It felt as if he wanted to tell me something. But the woman shut his mouth and forced him inside. We kept chasing after the car and from my side, Cocoa suddenly took a big leap and jumped on the window. What!? No! Cocoa! He was holding onto the window sill, and as he lifted his body once, he got inside. "Arf! Arf!" "Hey, get off!" I heard the woman scream and saw her struggling with Cocoa from a distance. The car picked up pace and started zig-zagging in any direction as she fought with Cocoa. I tried to aim at the wheel but the car was out of control. I shot but I missed it. My heart drummed like crazy. The adrenaline was pumping in full swing. I felt my head go dizzy I shot God knows how many times but that damn car was getting farther and farther away. No... Cocoa I dreaded to hear the sound of any gunshot. What if she shot at Cocoa? I didn''t want to, but I felt my eyes going wet. Please...God... please don''t let anything happen to Chu Jie or Cocoa. But then I saw the car already getting back on track. It was now too far away and already speeding up. W-what? How? With Cocoa attacking her, how can she drive back normally? N-no. I didn''t hear any gunshot. So Cocoa wasn''t shot. But then what happened? Chapter 64: Come back Chapter 64: Come back *Xin Lei* The car was now already far away, out of sight. We lost them...We lost Chu Jie and Cocoa too. "Xin Lei! What happened?" Bai Li called my name, and I snapped out. I rushed back to him and hugged him hard. I couldn''t help and broke down. "Xin Lei. What happened? Why are you crying?" I quickly typed, but my fingers were trembling. All the words I typed out didn''t make any sense. Damn! Come on! "Bai Li. We have to follow them. Cocoa has also jumped in the car, and he is with them." I felt Bai Li stiffen. "Cocoa is with her?" "Yes. Bai Li. We have to follow them before it''s toote!" Silence. "We cannot. Duan Deming is shot, and Liao Huifang is also hurt. They need medical help. We cannot leave them alone." I froze. I...B-but Cocoa and Chu Jie Bai Li held my face. "Xin Lei. Calm down. There was no shot fired, so that means they are most probably unharmed. I know you are worried about them but don''t worry. Cocoa is a smart dog. And strong as hell. With him, Chu Jie is safe. He...He will give up his life, but he won''t let anything happen to him under his watch." I froze. Give up his lifeNo I covered my face. My palms got wet with my tears. In the past few days, I got so attached to Cocoa that I already considered him my family. "Xin Lei. Be strong. We need you right now. Tend to Duan Deming till the ambncees here. Dial their number. I will talk to them." Sniffling, I fumbled with my phone. I pressed the emergency medical number. While Bai Li talked to them, I went to Duan Deming''s side. He was gritting his teeth. Sweat trickled by his sides. "I...I am sorry. I was about to catch her, but she was...just a second faster and shot my leg...I am sorry I couldn''t" I raised my hand to stop him from talking. I had to concentrate on his wound. Bai Li said, "They will be reaching in five minutes." Good. Till then, just like Liao Huifang, I had to stop the bleeding. The bullet had pierced through his side, so the femur bone in his thigh was intact. The bullet didn''t hit the bone, only the soft tissue. I Iifted his leg to elevate it above his heart. I pressed my palm tightly on his wound. My hand was stained with his blood, but it stopped trickling out little by little. I felt my sight go blur and wet. It was hard to focus, thinking of Chu Jie and Cocoa trapped with the woman. My mind was endlessly shifting to their thoughts and safety. I heard the ambnce sirens from a distance. It stopped, and the nurses quickly stepped out with the stretcher. Bai Li said, "There is also a woman inside, injured." "Yes!" The doctor in charge checked Duan Deming. He then looked at me. "You did a good job tending to his injury. If more blood had been lost, then his condition could have got critical." I absent-mindedly nodded. The cops also arrived just a few minutester. They got alert as they saw us because of those sketches, but Duan Deming weakly raised his hand. "Don''t arrest. Just stay with them." "Yes, sir!" Bai Li said, "Tell the cops to follow the road in the direction which the woman took." Duan Deming nodded. "Do as he says." "Yes, sir!" I looked back at the road. I bit my lip. Cocoa, Chu Jie. Please be safe. --- In the hospital, we visited Liao Huifang''s, who seemed much better. She looked at us. "I-I am sorry. I couldn''t save Chu Jie." Bai Li said, "No. You did your best. Don''t fret over it. It was me who messed it up." I quickly typed. "It wasn''t because of you." Liao Huifang also nodded. "Are you crazy? You took her hostage and also knocked down the man while you cannot see. That is a great feat in itself. I feel guilty for judging you. That bastard leader suddenly attacked the officer, and even we couldn''t do anything who could see all the same." I took his hand in mine and pressed it with both hands. Bai Li faintly smiled, but I realized that it didn''t console him a bit. "And Cocoa" Bai Li said, "Cocoa is fine. My heart knows it. I will know it if he is hurt. I will just know it." Cocoa and Bai Li shared such a special connection that sometimes even I felt a little envious. Bai Li turned in my direction. "Xin Lei. Please take me outside." I nodded at Liao Huifang. I held Bai Li''s hand, and we went out. My phone buzzed, and I saw that it was an iing video call from Lin Zihao''s secure line. A video call? I picked it up and was stunned to see the person who was looking at me, warmly smiling at me. His jawline and his eyes were just like big brother. The striking simrity was unmistakable. He was the older version of my brother Zhen. Dad "Lei Lei" It was Dad. I didn''t even realize when the tears just gushed out. "Hey, now my daughter is a big girl. Don''t cry. See? Daddy is back." But then I broke down again. It felt after so long that I was seeing his face and hearing his voice. After Mom, it was only Dad in my and my brother''s lives. If we had lost him too then... Finally. My dad, who was kidnapped, was standing in front of me, safe and sound. I wanted nothing else right now. "Hey, now, shouldn''t you wee me with a big smile? You look ugly with those tears." I softlyughed. There was a moment of silence. "I am sorry, dear. I know I worried you a lot." I nodded hard. "I got you entangled in such a mess." I shook my head. I raised my hand and signed. "For you, I can do anything. Nothing is a mess for me." Dad smiled. "Ah, you are so brave, Lei Lei. I am so proud of you." Then his expression slowly turned to that of utter seriousness. "I know you got involved because I suddenly disappeared. But now, I am back. And I am safe with the army here. So you don''t need to be out there anymore. It''s dangerous. Come back, Lei Lei." Chapter 65: His diminishing confidence Chapter 65: His diminishing confidence *Xin Lei* Come back? Dad was right. Big brother and he disappeared and that was why I set out to find answers. That was why we were digging in Fu Meili''s case. But now Dad was safe and I was sure that the army would help us in finding the whereabouts of brother Zhen too. But I already knew my answer. "Xin Lei wille back." Startled, I looked at my side. Bai Li? I immediately shook his arm. What are you saying! Dad asked, "You...Are you Bai Li?" Bai Li bowed. "Yes. Nice to meet you Mr. Xin and nicer to hear that you are safe." "Nice to meet you too. So you are the one who was with Lei Lei all this time. I was really curious to meet you." From the video, I saw Dad squinting his gaze at Bai Li. I recognized that look. I signed. ''He cannot see.'' Dad was visibly surprised. He would pretty much shrug at all things but I saw how he raised his eyebrow and stared at Bai Li. I guess Lin Zihao didn''t tell him about it. But then again, it wasn''t something that you had to say it out of your way. "Youngd, I appreciate how you helped my daughter all this time. You also nned out the ambush at the apartment. That was smart." Ambush? Right, Bai Li had nned something with Uncle Rong. I forgot that I was angry at him for hiding it from me. Bai Li shrugged. "You think too highly of me. I don''t think I did a very good job. I have failed to protect her." I red at him. I smacked him hard on his head. "I am saying the truth, Xin Lei." I red up even more. This man is impossible! I signed to my Dad. ''Don''t listen to him. Bai Li have always protected me and without him I might be already dead.'' Dad said nothing but I saw him carefully scrutinizing both of us. Somehow I didn''t understand the meaning of his gaze. I coughed. Is he suspicious that we like each other? I really wanted to hit him once more. You are supposed to impress him because we could date in the future! I know Dad wasn''t shallow but I still got worried. But Dad smiled instead. "I like your honesty. Now I am even more sure that Lei Lei was safe with you. You are a fine man." "Most people don''t have that opinion." "Well then those most people are blind in the true sense." Bai Li paused. "I see why Xin Lei is the way she is. She really takes on you." I rolled my eyes. Dadughed. "Naturally. She is my daughter." Then he looked at me. "Lei Lei. What do you think? Come back. Don''t you think so Bai Li?" I was about to sign him when Bai Li said again. "You are right. Xin Lei will go back. She doesn''t need to entangle herself anymore. She has got what she wanted all this time." I looked at him, stunned. Why is he pushing me away? I knew that Dad was safe. But now it wasn''t just about Fu Meili anymore. It wasn''t just about Fu Ting who was framed for it. The sight of Chu Jie, scared and crying, and Cocoa jumping inside the car to save him were the only things I was thinking about now. There was an unknown fear that gripped my heart. At this point how could I leave everything and just go back? And at this point, Bai Li needed me the most especially when Cocoa isn''t here; not just in physically guiding him but to support and take care of him emotionally too. How can I leave Bai Li alone? With the way he was constantly ming himself, I understood that he needed that help and support even if he denied it. I awkwardly smiled and signed. ''Dad can I call you back?'' He paused for a moment and nodded. "Okay." I signed. ''Love you Dad. Take care.'' I cut the call and red at him. "What did you say?" Bai Li asked. Oh I will tell you what I said! I grabbed his arm and dragged him but I couldn''t. H-he is so strong! "What are you doing? Where are you taking me?" I stomped on his foot hard. "Ouch! Hey!" I typed. "Juste with me!" I took him to a corner and furiously typed. "What did you mean by I should go back?" He was quiet for a moment. I waited. "Your father is right. You don''t need to involve yourself anymore." I typed. "And you?" "I cannot leave Liao Chuntao''s case. I have to find Chu Jie and Fu Meili." I smiled. "That''s right. The case isn''t over because we haven''t found Fu Meili. And she is connected to my dad''s case." I saw him hesitate a little. "You..." I typed again. "And we haven''t found brother Zhen either. You were going to help me in finding him too." "Don''t worry. I will tell Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan to track him. They have good resources." I pursed my lips. I slowly typed. "What is wrong with you Bai Li?" "Nothing." He seemed indifferent. I paused and I typed. "Are you ming yourself for Chu Jie?" "No." His answer was quick but I knew what he felt was the opposite. I wrapped my arms around his back and hugged him. But he didn''t hug me back. I stiffened a bit. I hugged him tighter and hit him on his chest. Bai Li slowly embraced me back but I felt the hesitation in it for the first time. "Xin Lei. You are really better off without me." I froze. What did he mean by that? I really wished I had my voice now! Wasn''t it justst night we expressed our feelings? Now why suddenly "I really like you but I don''t think that I am right for you." Chapter 66: Xin Leis declaration Chapter 66: Xin Lei''s deration *Bai Li* I didn''t know what I was doing. I didn''t know what I was saying. I was never that unsure of my skills before. I confidently promised Chu Jie that I would take him out of there. But I failed him. I failed Xin Lei''s trust in me too. Strange huh? Justst night, I confessed my feelings to Xin Lei, and within a span of only sixteen hours, I already doubted our future. It didn''t matter to me if I tried my best to control the situation. I failed. And that was it. Everything spiraled out of my hands when I dodged that bullet, but that woman managed to free herself from me. I lost Chu Jie and then Cocoa What else was I supposed to say? I felt Xin Lei tighten her hug. I heard her stomp her foot. She started hitting on my chest, but they felt like soft feather punches to me. Then came the robotic voice. "You are an idiot! If you are not right for me, then I don''t think anybody else is." "I" She typed again. "You are not the strong and confident Bai Li I know and for whom I have feelings for." I froze. She was right. This wasn''t like me. I knew it, but I didn''t know what to do about it. When did it start? Maybe from the time outside that Micro Pub when I just cked out. Xin Lei was in danger, but I could do nothing. No. It was even before that. When my shot hit Tan Ye. When my bullet killed an innocent civilian. That stain on my name and that guilt in my heart never allowed me to move forward. I confidently said during my court-martial that I was sure of my shot. But in reality, I was shaken by the General''s words that day. "You are still suffering from PTSD." All this time, I was just running away from that problem. I always considered that I had cured myself of it. But that darkness wasn''t just in my sight. It still lingered in my heart too. It felt as if a ck hole was slowly sucking mepletely inside it. The anxiety was all too real. No matter how much I trained hard, I couldn''t let go of my fear of the unknown. I cannot see. And the helplessness gripped my heart - when a bullet would strike me next? And from which direction? Who will punch me in the next second, or who will stab me when I am just passing by? "Xin Lei" I whispered. What do I say? She slowly intertwined her left hand in mine. With her right, I felt her moving my other palm and fingers to make letters using ASL. Your anxiety I stiffened. Xin Lei quickened her pace as if she was worried I might get angry. I couldn''t me her for thinking that. I had flipped out in the pub when I regained consciousness. I mean well. Please say out your feelings. Something is bothering you. I want to know. I want to help. Please. Her fingers sping softly on my shirt, her head resting on my chest, and her shaking hand in mine said and expressed how she really wanted me to share my pain with her. I really wanted to as well but... "Excuse me?" Suddenly I heard one voice from my right. It was a woman. "S-sorry!" I sensed her fumble. Well, she might be embarrassed about seeing us hugging. Xin Lei slowly stepped back, but she didn''t let go of my hand. I asked, "Who are you?" "I am the nurse. I came to tell you that the cop, Duan Deming, is awake now. We have taken out the bullet. He wants to meet you." I nodded. "Alright." I heard her steps going away. I said, "I should meet him. You...you should make arrangements to leave for Dongcheng." I heard her type. "I am not going anywhere, Bai Li. I want to save Fu Meili, Chu Jie, and Cocoa too. I want to give justice to Liao Chuntao. And I want to be with you. Don''t push me away." I said nothing. "This fight is mine as much as it is yours. So, there is no way in hell that I am backing out. And one more thing." She paused for a few moments and typed again. "Liao Huifang just said that neither she, me nor Duan Deming couldn''t stop from what happened there. Stop ming yourself for everything. Stop taking responsibility on yourself for everything." "Chu Jie was so near yet I-" Suddenly I felt a hand on my mouth, and I stopped talking. I heard her tapping her fingers again. "This is thest time I am saying that it is not your fault. If you say that again, then I''ll give you a tight p." "..." She typed again. "And our conversation is not over yet. We will talk about itter. I will let Dad know that I am noting back." It was an ultimatum. She was done, and I felt her hand pulling mine, walking me forward. I sighed. Xin Lei was really stubborn. Well...so was I too. I heard her pulling the knob and then the sound of the door opening. "Hey." It was Duan Deming. Xin Lei pulled my hand again, and we stopped at a spot. I made out that Xin Lei was typing again. "How is your injury now?" He said, "Much better though it will be difficult to walk for a few days." I said, "Good to hear you are fine." Then I sensed him hesitating. Was it bad news? "I am really sorry. My mind was on the man injured by your dog''s attack, so I didn''t sense when the other man pounced on me. I didn''t realize it was a setup and the situation was actually the opposite. It was because of me that Chu Jie is in danger now." I asked, "It''s alright. You were just doing your job. Did the cops find the car anyway ahead in the path that she took? Or anything about Cocoa?" There was a beat of silence. I felt that same weird feeling in my chest. "The cops are still on it, but...until now, we haven''t found them yet." Chapter 67: Tian Song, the spy Chapter 67: Tian Song, the spy *Xin Lei* I typed. "Please, no matter what, just keep looking. It is still possible to find them." It had been an hour since, but there was still hope. Duan Deming nodded. "I know. But from what one officer told me, the base was in a secluded area, so there is no CCTV''s for quite a stretch of the road. We will find the next nearest footage we can look for to know the direction." Bai Li said, "I''m sure that they might be heading to Lang Fang." Duan Deming widened his eyes. "How do you say that with so surety?" I typed. "It''s because Fu Meili is there, Liao Chuntao was killed there, and that woman would surely take Chu Jie over there." He paused for a minute and then slowly nodded. "As I thought, the cases are linked together." Bai Li asked, "What brought you to Andingzhen?" "General Song. He recognized Xin Lei in the rally as your car was passing by. He knew that we cops would trace you two in Andingzhen soon enough. He wanted to take custody of Bai Li because he is from the army but he didn''t want to involve Xin Lei since she is a civilian so we made a deal that he will take Bai Li and I will take Xin Lei. General Song didn''t want to stake the army''s reputation." Bai Li snorted. "That is the only thing he cares about." "But how did you two escape the army base?" I shrugged and typed. "Well we had a deal with him too just like you." Duan Deming raised his brow. Bai Li asked, "Didn''t you get a clue from Gen Gen''s base?" Duan Deming sighed. "The cyber team is checking theputer but their security and firewalls are too strong. And it''s even more difficult because when they tried to dig into tracing the server location, all the data and information in theputer started to self-destruct. It was strange because they had already checked for danger signs and did the risk analysis. It was negative. But in the end all data is lost. They are trying to recover it now." That was strange indeed. But at least we managed to get those lists. I typed. "Chu Jie''s parents would have lodged aint about his disappearance, right?" He nodded. "Indeed. His mother and father came rushing to the headquarters when Chu Jie didn''t return even after a few hours. He had said that he was out to buy some study materials, but he didn''t return. Then his mother, Chu Xi, tried to reach him on his phone, but it was out of the coverage area." Duan Deming then stared at us, and I sensed that he might have to say more. "You two might have been there to save Chu Jie, but I need to know the full story to let of my suspicions on youpletely." Bai Li then narrated everything from the beginning. Duan Deming looked stumped. "What!? Song? Are you talking about Tian Song?" "Yes." I nodded. Duan Deming was serious, "Do you know that using an officer without evidence can lead to serious consequences? I work with him, and he is a good officer." I typed. "We are telling the truth. He is in Andingzhen too, and he wanted us toe with him to meet somebody, presumably his boss." Bai Li said, "But well, the army came to wee us too, so he didn''t get that chance." "Andingzhen? But he had taken a leave today." Duan Deming seemed to be in thought. Bai Li asked, "What are you thinking?" "Actually...now that you talk about the evidence, I remember something." I typed. "What?" "The night before you came disguised as cops and all the chaos happened, I had seen Tian Songte at nighting out of the forensicb. I felt a little odd at that time, but I thought he might have work with Guozhi, but then the next morning, he told me that Tian Song never met him that night." Wait. Outside the forensicb? It meant that he had stolen the evidence! Bai Li said, "So this means that Tian Song stole the evidence, and then nted in Xin Lei''s pocket to frame us?" Duan Deming seemed hesitant. "It points out to that, though, I still feel that Tian Song cannot do that." "So Tian Song knew that we were going toe as cops. Somebody already informed him. But who?" "I think I know that too. I have seen him one or two times getting calls from a mysterious person whose name started from R." What? R? I nced at Bai Li and saw him squinting his gaze. "Rodey?" "Who is Rodey? We didn''t get any clue about this name in Gen Gen''s base." Bai Li slowly said, "He is with Gen Gen too. He was involved in Liao Chuntao''s case, and that means behind the disappearances of all the victims." I typed. "But Rodey is caught now." "What?" "And Dad is safe too. They are with the army. All thanks to Bai Li." Bai Li shrugged. I shook my head. Why doesn''t he take the credit but is quick to me himself? "Damn!" Duan Deming seemed in trouble. "Everything is now really pointing at him. I cannot believe he is a spy and works for the gang!" He seemed to really think well of him that it came as a shock. "We have to weigh our options here carefully. Should we expose him? But there is really no evidence." I typed. "Liao Huifang had also seen him threatening us. She can be a witness." Bai Li said, "She can be, but he is very sharp. He can twist around the whole thing into pretending to arrest us as a cop who was following the trail to catch us." Duan Deming nodded. "That is true. Her statement will definitely help, but we cannot just rely on that. We need some proof as well. Maybe it is wise not to expose him right now. Using him, we can even find out about who he works for." I slowly nodded. Bai Li said, "We can do that for now. Catching him red-handed is the most efficient way." Somebody then knocked on the door. "Sir, Duan! Reporting!" Duan Deming asked, "Did you get any lead?" I pinned all my hopes on him. Bai Li also seemed eager. "Yes, sir. One lead." Chapter 68: A smart plan Chapter 68: A smart n *Xin Lei* The officer said, "We checked the footage of the next CCTV we could find, but we didn''t find the car. But when we searched ahead, we found smokeing from an area. When we reached, we found the car abandoned at a secluded spot, and as predicted, it was burning on fire." I jolted and looked at him in horror. B-burning? Bai Li froze. "You found the car? And Chu Jie? Cocoa or the woman?" I felt him tightly clutching my hand. Or was it me who was clutching his? The cop shook his head. "No. When we blew out the fire, there was nobody inside. It had almost turned into a crisp. The forensic is looking into for evidence, but they don''t feel so hopeful because it has burnt badly." I sighed in relief. At least there were no...dead bodies. Duan Deming said, "So she changed into some car before she headed out to the area where there could be CCTV so that we don''t recognize which car or route she took." That woman was really smart. She knew the area really well and quickly changed her n. Bai Li said, "Not only that, but she also wanted to hide any form of evidence that may be in the form of DNA or fingerprints of hers or Chu Jie that might have got on the car." I nodded. It was a double strike. I typed. "But won''t Chu Jie and Cocoa have shouted when they changed cars? They must have definitely resisted." Bai Li slowly said, "If she could take Cocoa with her again, that meant that he was not conscious. Somehow she might have got her hands on the chloroform and smelled both of them. And it was an abandoned ce. So there might be nobody and precisely why she changed the car at that ce or even if Chu Jie was conscious and he yelled, once again, there was nobody to help him." Duan Deming asked the cop, "Anything else?" "No, sir. We are following on the lead and trying to find the route she took." He nodded. "Keep going and tell immediately if you found any update." "Yes, sir!" Duan Deming asked, "Do you have any idea where she might go in Langfang?" Bai Li said, "There are less chances that she will keep them in them around Natural Park where Fu Meili disappeared. Because now that area is under investigation." He had a point. She wouldn''t go through the danger of keeping them there. She will definitely change the ce. "But we can still get some clue about Fu Meili and possibly about their next location." Duan Deming said, "Alright, at this point, we can only assume and know this much." The doctor came in and checked Duan Deming. "He is fine, but naturally, he cannot put any strain on his leg. Walking normally is impossible." "There is an important case, Dr. I cannot lie still." "Sorry, but I cannot give you the permission. Your wound will open at this rate." I nodded and typed. "He is right. It has been just stitched up. You need to rest for at least three days." "Damn that long?" We both nodded. He sighed. "Fine. Don''t worry, Bai Li. You and Xin Lei can rest assured. We are on their trail, and we will definitely find her whereabouts. So I ask you to please stay out of this. This is the job of cops. You are civilians. I cannot let you investigate this any further." Bai Li said nothing, and neither did I. Even if Duan Deming was helping us now but how we could we just sit here and do nothing? Chu Jie and Cocoa We went outside, and then it struck me. I typed. "Why didn''t she let go of Cocoa? If he was unconscious, then she could have left him there. Why would she want to take him with her?" "That''s what I am thinking too. He is only going to be a problem for her once he wakes up. Why would she take the trouble of taking Cocoa with her too?" I typed. "Are we going to leave everything on the cops?" Bai Li was quiet. "No. Even if Cocoa wasn''t with Chu Jie, I wouldn''t have given up. Sure Duan Deming would help, but I am already involved this deep. I just cannot sit behind and do nothing." I smiled. We had the same thoughts. I tiptoed and softly kissed on his cheek. I found his cheek slowly turning red. I really couldn''t believe that he was so shy when it came to things like intimacy. I typed. "And I am with you." He sighed. "Alright." Bai Li said, "We will rest for a bit and then leave." I typed. "But what will we tell Duan Deming?" "We cannot say anything. Otherwise, he won''t let us go. Instead, he will ce guards on us. That will make things too difficult." I nodded. I typed. "You sit here. I wille back in a minute." "Okay." I helped sit on the bench. I walked a little farther and dialed Lin Zihao''s number in a video call. He picked it up and greeted me with a smile. "Ah, Xin Lei. How is everything going there?" I pursed my lips. "What happened?" Dad was on the call too. I signed. ''Cocoa somehow ended up with the woman and Chu Jie. He is not with us.'' Dad conveyed the same. "What?" Lin Zihao widened his eyes in shock. His expression was grim. "Xin Lei. I don''t need to tell you but still...take care of Bai Li, especially now. Cocoa is his best buddy. It must have surely affected him even though he will not show it." I nodded. I looked at Dad. I signed. ''Dad. I am staying here with Bai Li. I will note back to Dongcheng.'' He stared at me and smiled. "Alright. I already knew your answer. I respect your decision. Do what you feel is right." Chapter 69: What happened in the car Chapter 69: What happened in the car --- Chu Jie was nervously shifting and trembling in his seat. He was holding onto Cocoa, who was unconscious in his arms. The woman, Sufy, was muttering curses as she kept on driving in the new car. Her left wrist was bleeding, and she could hardly handle the steering wheel with it. So she was forced to use her right hand more. There was a fresh scar on her left cheek too. It were the marks of ws that tore apart her skin. "Fucking dog!" She spat furiously. Chu Jie jolted. His body was shaking, and his chest constricted as he recalled what happened. When Cocoa jumped in, he immediately pounced on Sufy, biting her wrist hard. She gasped in pain, and the gun she held got jerked and thrown away at the back. The car started to spiral out of control, and it was difficult for both Cocoa and Sufy to keep their bnce. "Grrr Arf! Arf!" Cocoa raised his right hind leg and attacked her cheek. His ws dug in her skin, and she screamed in pain. "Damn you!" She felt a burning pain as blood trickled out. She wanted to push Cocoa away, but Chu Jie caught him. He shielded him and shouted. "No! Please don''t hurt him," He cried. "Shut up!" But then at the base of the car, she found the handkerchief lying on it, which was imbued with chloroform. Sufy had no choice. She had no gun, either. Sufy quickly bent and grabbed the cloth. Cocoa was about tond another strike, but she put the handkerchief on his nose and forced him to smell it. She knew the effect wouldn''t be strong because it had been quite a while, and the dosage would have already evaporated. Nevertheless, it could still make Cocoa stagger and dizzy. The remnant effect would still cause him to go weak. And that''s what happened. Cocoa stumbled. Chu Jie gasped in horror. He held his face and rubbed his head. "W-what did you do to him!?" Cocoa vigorously shook his head to snap out from the dizziness, but his eyelids slowly started to droop. "Grrr..." Sufy sneered. "Hah! Take that, you bastard!" Her wrist and cheek were hurting like hell, but she had to keep on driving. "Just you wait. Once I stop and get the gun, you are so dead, you fucking dog!" "No...Noplease" Tears rolled down Chu Jie''s cheeks. He stared at Cocoa, who copsed unconscious on hisp. He was so touched with what Cocoa did for him. He leaped in to save him and fought with her fearlessly even though she had a gun. And now Cocoa was knocked out. Chu Jie liked Cocoa from the moment he saw him, but now he held pure respect for him. He suddenly recalled how he could never fight back with the bullies in the school. He backed away because they were stronger than him. Sufy with that gun was also way stronger and threatening than Cocoa. One shot and Cocoa could have been dead. But he fought her. To save him. And got hurt in that process. Chu Jie began to sob. He tremblingly hugged him and buried his face on his head. "W-wake up, please" Sufy sneered. "He won''t because I am going to stop the car at a point. And once I get my gun back, he will be off to hell." "No!" Chu Jie was now more terrified of her. He felt so helpless. "Don''t! Please! Don''t hurt him, please. He is an animal. H-he-" "Who bit my wrist and wed my cheek! I wanted just to dump him on the next stop but no. Now I will not do that. After ruining my face, I will end his life!" Chu Jie protectively hugged Cocoa. "Please...I beg you... d-don''t do it" When she stopped the car, she came out and dragged Chu Jie, clutching his arm hard. He winced in pain. Sufy searched at the back and found the gun. She aimed the gun at Cocoa. "NO!!" Chu Jie screamed. "Please help somebody!" Even if he was outside, there was no hope of escaping. Sheughed. "There is nobody here to help you. Not even a single soul. Otherwise, why would I stop here?" She red at Cocoa with hatred and revenge. Chu Jie hugged him hard and ducked down. He shook him and rubbed his back, but Cocoa didn''t respond. Just as Sufy was going to press the trigger, her phone buzzed. She frowned and looked at the iing number. She widened her eyes. Boss The boss had never called her. It was always Rodey. She quickly picked it up. "Boss!" The boss at the other end said something, and Sufy replied. "Yes, boss. I managed to escape with the boy. But that soldier''s dog came in between and messed things up. But everything is in control." There was a pause. The boss ryed one order, and Sufy was shocked. "Yes, boss! I will do as you say!" The line went dead. Chu Jie slowly raised his head, sniffling and crying, but he was still holding onto Cocoa. Sufy red at him. "Such lucky bastard this dog is! Fuck!" Chu Jie didn''t understand. He saw her clenching her jaw in rage. He didn''t know what happened, but from her tone, it sounded like she wouldn''t hurt Cocoa now. "Get in!" "Please let us gowhat do you want? I don''t even know youWhy are you doing this" Chu Jie begged and pleaded. Sufy paid no heed and dragged them in another car. There was a small shed, and she took out two cans of gasoline from inside. She quickly poured it all over the first car and also inside on the seats. She lit a match stick and threw it over the car. The car instantly burst into long and powerful mes. Chu Jie widened his eyes. Sufy sat on the driver''s seat. "No...let us go" He cried and cried but to no avail. Sufy sneered, "Now let us go to a nice ce. I am sure you both will really enjoy your time there." Chapter 70: When his world turned all dark Chapter 70: When his world turned all dark *Xin Lei* Bai Li and I booked a room in a nearby small hotel to freshen up before we leave for Langfang. I came out of the shower and found that Bai Li was lying on the bed, his eyes closed. I slowly climbed on the bed, too, and lied beside him. But Bai Li didn''t react at all. I typed. "You remember that we have to talk, right?" I noticed the slight change in his expression. The lines on his forehead creased for just a second, but I caught it. I scooted a little closer to him. I typed. "Bai Li, I know that you are not the type of man to hide your emotions. You like things blunt and straightforward, just like me. So why are you doing this now?" Bai Li let out a sigh. He turned on his side towards me. It suddenly felt so warm andfortable. I typed. "Just tell me whatever it is. I want to know everything how you feel." Bai Li waited for a moment and then slowly said, "It struck me that I am useless." I smacked on his forehead. He really could make people go crazy either with his bluntness or like now when he was deprecating himself. "No Xin, Lei. It''s the truth. I felt so stupid when I let you go near Liao Huifang when she attacked you. I wasn''t careful. And we didn''t know who she was. What if she was an enemy? What if she could have really hurt you?" I frowned. I typed. "Bai Li. She jumped in front of the car. What else were we supposed to do? We couldn''t have assumed that she was an enemy and let her be like that lying on the road." "But still" I pressed his chest and typed again. "She could have been very well an actual victim. Would you have forgiven yourself if she really had been hurt and died because we didn''t check on her?" He said nothing. I sighed. I cupped his cheek and brushed my finger through his hair at the back. Bai Li slowly kept his hand above mine. I typed. "Bai Li. Why are you so quick to me yourself?" "Because it reminded me of what happened outside Micro Pub that day. You were a hostage once again, and I was helpless once again too." I typed. "I am never in danger when you are at my side Bai Li. And you are not helpless. It''s" I didn''t want to hurt Bai Li by saying this, but now it was time to make him face his fears. Lin Zihao told me how PTSD was his nemesis. I typed. "Bai Li. I understand that it is hard to ept it, but now you must have also realized that you get anxiety attacks. You are not weak. You let the anxiety get the best of you. That is what clouds your judgment. That is what blocks your senses, and that is what fails your hard training." My heart ached to see him tired and lost. It felt as if he was finally giving up on running away from it. I typed again. "Tell me the truth, Bai Li. You didn''t get fully cured of PTSD, right?" I mingled my fingers through his. With his other hand, Bai Li felt his way to my face. His hand that could squeeze the life out of someone felt so fragile at the moment. "Five years back, when I woke up to see pitch ck darkness in front of me, I didn''t even realize for a long time that I had lost my sight. For exactly four hours and fifty-three minutes, I kept on asking the same question to the doctor. ''Why can I not see anything?''" Bai Li faintly smiled, but there was nothing but sorrow and pain. "The doctor understood my dilemma. He was sensitive, but in the end, he had to knock the truth in me. ''Bai Li. Now listen carefully. I know you have realized it already. I know it''s hard as hell, but you will have to face it now or at some other moment. You cannot see anymore.''" I shut my eyes and let that tear slide out of me, which was threatening to fall out for a long time. "I cannot see anymore. The truth hit me hard. The darkness around my eyes engulfed my heart too. Suddenly I felt so vulnerable. The colorful world then suddenly turned so ck and void for me. I remember when I came term to the fact, I made a huge mess in my ward. I threw everything that I could get my hands on. I was paranoid. I didn''t let anybodye near me because I thought that everybody wanted to attack me. Suddenly I had no idea if that person inside was going to shoot, or was it a dagger in his hand?" It must be so hard for him. I really wished I could have been there with him at that time. The moment of realization and eptance is always the hardest time. "At that time, there was Su Weiyuan with me. He tried to control me from going into a frenzy. He was the one who took care of me and tolerated the worst of my temper." Bai Li was then silent. "You know? I thought that perhaps the room was dark. There was nothing wrong with my eyes. So I got out of the bed. Su Weiyuan tried to stop me, but I shook him away. I fell as soon as I took my first step. I got up again, but no matter how much I kept on walking, it was still dark. I was asking the outsiders if it was bright, and they said yes. And Iughed at them for being so stupid." He went on. "It was still dark. How could they say that it was bright?" Chapter 71: Cocoa and Bai Li Chapter 71: Cocoa and Bai Li *Xin Lei* Bai Li I buried my face in his chest. I felt him resting his chin on my head. After a short pause, Bai Li said, "But it was bright, Xin Lei. I asked Su Weiyuan to make me sit outside on the bench under the sunlight. I didn''t listen to him matter how much he tried to talk to me. I insisted. And then I stayed there for the entire twenty-four hours, but I failed to see anything. I didn''t see the brightness of the sun. I didn''t see the sky. I didn''t see anything. And the truth that hit me hard finally started to sink in. I really couldn''t see. I will never be able to see again." I slowly rubbed his back. I sensed Bai Li wanted to say something more, but there was a beat of silence. I didn''t urge him. Then he softly whispered, "I knew it was for the country. It is inevitable that when you are fighting for the country, a soldier sometimes has to make many sacrifices. He or she can get hurt in any of the missions. There is always so much to lose." I slowly caressed his face to keep going. I wanted him to let out that pain, and something told me that he might have never shared it with Lin Zihao or Su Weiyuan. I wanted to know the vulnerable side of Bai Li behind his strong demeanor. I wanted to see his fears behind his tough facade. I couldn''t be there for him then. But I wanted to be for him now. "But...why my eyes? Do you know how terrifying it is when you don''t know where you are walking? Maybe a normal man can still go on, difficult, but still manageable. But for a soldier, he has enemies. And you never know when any of them just shoots you or stabs you, not even realizing where the shot or attack came from." Bai took a deep breath. "Why not an arm or leg? Perhaps I could have got a prosthetic. But my sight, Xin Lei. Why on earth did it take my sight away? From my childhood until then, I only knew how to fight. I had beaten and punched and broken bones all the time. But how was I supposed to do that when I could never see my opponent now? And when those thoughts raided my mind, that was the time when I had my first anxiety attack." I felt Bai Li tightening his grip around me. "The doctor said that it was PTSD. It wasn''t surprising because, after such major idents, it wasmon to suffer from bad dreams, anxiousness, and stress. I did undergo therapy, and to a point, it helped me too. Slowly I embraced that undeniable fact. It was hard. But after a certain point, I still couldn''t let go of that lingering fear in my heart. But I ignored it. I shrugged it off. And I was tired. I wanted to go back. I was a soldier. My ce was in the frontlines. For me, I had recovered." "When I returned to the base, I was told that I could not continue my service anymore. After all, how could a blind soldier fight? Plus, I had just recovered from PTSD. Maybe staying there could trigger it again. But I didn''t want to give up. So I insisted on undergoing training so that I could fight even if I cannot see. It was hard to convince the authorities, but I was as stubborn as hell. And that''s when I met Cocoa." I raised my head to look at him. I could see a swirl of emotions in his gaze. "Cocoa was supposed to be my guide dog. If I had to fight, I needed help too. And I was hell against it because I didn''t want any help. I wanted to be on my own. That just made me feel that I was such a burden. So initially, Cocoa and I never got along mainly because I was too stubborn to ept him. But the trainer told me I had to do that; otherwise, he won''t train me. I was pissed off." I had no idea that Bai Li and Cocoa had a rough start. With their camaraderie, I thought that they always got along well. "We started the training, but most of the time I pushed him away. I didn''t let him do or help me with anything, and he would also run off away from me, sensing my hostility. Sometimes he would even pounce on me and scratch me everywhere with his ws if he got too mad at me." I faintly smiled. "Then one day, without telling the trainer, I went on my own to practice firing targets. I had mapped out the ce, and I was confident that I could make it. But along the corridor, when I took a turn to climb down the staircase, Cocoa barked, and he suddenly jumped out of nowhere in front of me, and I fell back." I furrowed my brows. "I didn''t know he was there. I cursed him. I was annoyed by him. But I sensed that Cocoa was still standing silently beside me. I got up and was about to step ahead again, but he bit my trousers and began to pull me back. Then when one worker passed by, she told me that apparently, my mapping wasn''t so perfect. I thought the stairs were three steps ahead, but it was one, and I was going to stumble down and hit my head had I kept on going further." I softly chuckled, and tears rimmed my eyes. "And then I came to know from her that Cocoa was always silently walking behind me and guiding me from a distance. He was so quiet that I didn''t even realize his presence, and at that time, I was just learning to sense that so I couldn''t detect him." I felt his heartbeat drumming louder and louder. I could hear it. I could feel it so clearly. "I always rejected him, and it didn''t feel like he was attached to me either, but even then, he always did his job. He always quietly had my back. So...so Xin Lei" I widened my eyes as I heard him choke. I saw a tear trickling down his left eye. B-Bai LiHe-he is crying... "Xin Lei...if anything happened to Cocoa, I will never be able to forgive myself. I want him safe. I...cannot lose him, Xin Lei...It''s all my fault. If he gets hurt, it is all because of me. I..-" But before he med himself any further, I cut him off as I pressed my lips on his. Chapter 72: Wishing it to last forever - Xin Lei Chapter 72: Wishing it tost forever - Xin Lei *Xin Lei* I had enough of Bai Li constantly ming himself for all the problems. So this was the best way to make him stop. Even I was surprised by myself when I kissed him. But it felt so natural. It was involuntary. It was instinct. I closed my eyes and pressed my lips even more, even further and even deeper. I felt Bai Li go stiff. His arms on my waist didn''t even move even a single inch. At that moment, he was as good as a log of wood. Obviously, I knew he must be shocked as hell. His frigid body clearly expressed that. It was sudden. It was unexpected. But I wanted to let him understand that nothing that he said was his fault. Sometimes words don''t do justice what physical intimacy can. It''s easy to say, ''Don''t me yourself'' or ''It isn''t your fault.'' But now I realized that not every time it worked. Words are not enough sometimes. A touch, a gesture, a kiss, a hug, a simple intertwining of fingers can express a lot...lot more than anyone can imagine. I kissed him because I wanted to ease his pain even if it''s just a bit. I wanted all the negative thoughts from his mind to disappear. I wanted to make him feel good about himself once again. I wanted him to know that whether tough or vulnerable, I liked all his sides. He was not a failure. He was my Bai Li. Strong, tough, blunt, sarcastic, but who had the kindest heart out of everybody. When he didn''t react for a while, I parted my lips a little and bit his lower lip. I sunk my teeth in them to snap him out of his daze, and it worked. He jolted. There was finally a crack in that frozen ice. And as it fully broke apart, Bai Li clutched the sides of my head and deepened the kiss. He lifted his torso, and in an instant, he pinned me beneath him. I gasped. Thest thread of control finally snapped away. His right hand caressed my cheek, and soon, we were on the same page as we both invaded each other''s mouth. His lips on mine were so fierce as if he wanted to devour me whole. They covered every inch of mine, and our lips fit so perfectly together, just like two pieces of a puzzle. I wrapped my hands around his head and pushed him towards me to feel his lips even harder, and I heard Bai Li let out a soft groan in response. A tickling sensation bubbled in the pit of my stomach, which was growing stronger and stronger as our lips shed against each other more and more. I could see nothing else. I could hear nothing else. I only felt my heart pounding like crazy, or was it Bai Li''s? I didn''t know. I only felt our lips going wet with our contact. Bai Li tilted his head at just a slight angle, but that slight friction was enough to cloud my mind into a jumbled mess. I half-opened my eyes to sneak a peek at him and saw his cheeks were colored in a rosy tint. I noticed how small I looked under his tall frame leaning on me. It was warm. It was safe. That sight alone made me giddy. His fingers slowly brushed past my cheeks and made their way to my neckline. The path on my skin along which his fingers traced was burning as if lit on fire. My senses were in haywire. Bai Li. You are not alone. I will never leave you alone, I made a promise to him and myself. Then he suddenly bit my lip, and I couldn''t help but take a sharp breath. And when he darted out his tongue, flicking it over my lips, I couldn''t stop myself from digging my nails on his neck. It was simply ecstatic. It felt as if a sudden gush of warmth invaded my every cell. As if our feelings were in sync, we both parted away at the same time, not because we were done, but because I wanted to taste more of him, and I sensed the same need in him too. We were kissing for a long time, so our chests were heaving up and down. We caught our breaths that were unsteady and haywire from our inseparable contact. His warm breath fanned my face, and the temperature of my already hot cheeks rose immeasurably. We both said nothing. I knew he couldn''t see me, but the desire in his clouded gaze was so clear that I felt shy. Blushing, I looked away even though there was no need to. The few moments of separation to catch our breaths were already making me feel restless. I wanted more. I wanted him again. As if he read my mind, Bai Li leaned in. Once again, he licked my lips and a jolt of current coursed through when he parted them and slowly dove inside my mouth. Damn, it was unbelievable! I never thought that a kiss could feel so pleasurable. The second his tongue entangled with mine, my brain short-circuited as if my whole system was shut down. It was unbearable to resist, so I joined in for the fight over dominance. My lips against each his and his tongue against mine were in a fierce battle. It felt so good. It was euphoric. The feelings, the tension between us was finally breaking it''s barriers. Everything else felt so distant and meaningless. It was this moment whose every memory I was burning in my mind. Our tongues swirled around each other, slurping the farthest we could in the other''s mouth. At the same time, his fingers from my neckline delved further till it reached my chest and down my waist. When he lifted my shirt, and his fingers made contact with my bare skin, it tickled, and I tightened my grip on his shirt as it wrinkled. I gasped in his mouth as he put his palm on my waist. I jolted, making my breasts press even closer to his chest. I felt him slightly shudder, and he kept on pushing his tongue inside me more, iming my mouth over and over again. How long had time already passedI had no idea. But at this very moment, I only wanted this kiss tost forever... Chapter 73: Wishing it to last forever - Bai Li Chapter 73: Wishing it tost forever - Bai Li *Bai Li* Xin Lei was messing up my heart. That was the first time in five years that Iid my heart bare for someone. The feelings and fears that I wanted so badly to hide from everyone, I couldn''t help but sharing everything with her. It felt as if an invisible force propelled me to confess the darkest time of my life. I knew she didn''t like me ming myself, but now it was bing automatic and instantaneous to assume that I was always at fault. But when she suddenly ced her soft lips on mine, I wentpletely nk. For a long time, I was simply in denial that she was kissing me. Was this really happening? Was the woman I liked, kissing me right now? She bit me hard, and before I knew it, the wall that I was unconsciously building to distance myself from her tumbled down, and I kissed her back. And just as expected, she tasted like sweet candy. Just as I thoughtst night, our lips perfectly fit together. God, it felt so crazy. I got addicted to it. It felt intoxicating that no drug in this world could possibly match up to it. Her scent made me delirious. Her touch ignited a strange fire within me, and suddenly, I felt hotter even than the Sahara desert. When she actively hugged me with all her might, pulling me towards her, that was it for me. I kissed her harder as I seemed to lose all my reasoning, and she responded with that same passion. She perfectly matched my pace. She perfectly kept up with me. As I wrapped my tongue around hers, I wanted nothing more, but this moment never to end. I explored every corner of her mouth, and she did the same with me. There was only the sound of our drumming heartbeats and our tongues shing against each other, echoing in the room. Our bodies tightly pressed together gave me a sense of relief. This wasn''t a lie. This wasn''t a dream. Even though I thought I messed it up, even though I felt that I wasn''t right for her anymore, I couldn''t help but get selfish at this moment. I wanted to stay away from her, but her initiative to kiss me threw that notion into the sea. I wanted nothing more but to feel her warmth. For how long we kept on going like that, we had no idea. It felt as if time had stopped. I kissed her again and again, and a strange feeling I never felt before, rushed through my blood. It coursed through my veins. I never knew that kissing felt so damn good. I had no idea that it could be this satisfying and not just physically, but my whole anxious mental state seemed to calm down. The way she tightly hung her arms over my shoulders expressed how she was desperate for me to realize that it was all in my head. I knew what she wanted to say to me, and I could sense her anger too as she was biting my lips hard as if trying to punish me. I really liked this punishment, though. I so cursed my luck for not able to see her face. I felt it through her reactions, but I wanted to see it too how she looked pinned under me. I wanted to see with my eyes what effect my touch had on her. I wanted to gaze at her expression she was making right at this moment. Our lips couldn''t bear to be apart, but I wanted more. My hand automatically went down to her waist. Her skin felt so soft and tender. It was so warm andfortable to touch. On my way down there, I had felt her slender neckline, and an urge rose within me to make my mark there. Once again, we both were starting to get breathless. The kiss was urgent. It was fierce, and with it, I felt all my worries washing away. I slowly pulled back, and I sensed her resistance. I heard her taking short, rapid breaths, but even then, she was pushing me back towards her lips. Damn, she was making it hard for me to choose! Her lips again or her neck this time? I quickly chose her neck before she pulled me again to make the choice herself. I traced her jawline with my thumb and ced a soft peck on it. I trailed the way it took me, kissing her neck unconstrained and uncontrobly. I felt Xin Lei moving her face to the other side, giving me more ess to go further and so I didn''t stand on ceremony. I dug my teeth on the nape of her neck and sucked on it, feeling every ounce of pleasure building up in my stomach. Xin Lei jolted with my bite, but I pressed her arm from shifting it sideways. I sensed her chest rapidly, heaving up and down. Sucking and biting on her soft skin, I licked it over with my tongue, trying to ease that burning sensation. I did that in a few other spots tracing from the left side of her neck to the right. She was twitching in my embrace, but I didn''t let her move. I felt a slight stinging pain as she clutched my hair harder, undoubtedly feeling the same pleasure like me, but that pain only intensified my need to have her more. And I knew I had to stop. Otherwise, I would really not be able to stop myself. There was an excitement that was making a certain member of mine grow hard, and I had to control myself before it was toote. I went back to her face, and I sensed our lips hovering near each other. They were just slightly brushing on top. She released her hold over my neck, and only then I realized that her nails were digging in my skin all this time. I felt her lips on me again, but this time, it was a soft peck. We just stayed like that for a moment before we withdrew. She took my hand and moved my fingers. ''Bai Li. You will always be right for me. Don''t say otherwise ever again.'' Chapter 74: Promises Chapter 74: Promises *Xin Lei* My hands were still wrapped around Bai Li. He leaned in and softly kissed my forehead. "I am sorry." I smiled. I pulled his head and let it rest on my chest. We stayed quiet like that for some time while I was brushing my fingers through his hair. Then heid back on his side and took me in his arms, and I hugged his chest. A few momentster, I typed. "Okay. Now let get some things straight. First, promise me that you won''t me yourself anymore." Bai Li trailed his hand through my back and said, "I promise I will never do that." I typed again. "Then promise me that you won''t push me away again. That you won''t distance yourself from me anymore. You hurt me when you said to my Dad that I should go back." I softly hit on his chest. It seemed he felt guilty. "I promise I won''t push you away again. I am sorry for hurting you. I will not say that again. I...need you Xin Lei. Please don''t go." I nodded satisfied, and pecked his chin. Then I typed. "And then promise me that this time we will work hard to cure you of your PTSD." Bai chuckled. "That''s a lot of promises you are asking." I pinched his cheek hard. "Ow!" Bai Li rubbed his cheek showing a distressed and hurt expression. I rolled my eyes, seeing his acting. I typed. "It''s your fault. You were the one taking everything on yourself and thinking so stupid and negative. You didn''t leave me a choice." Bai Li sighed and softly whispered. "I won''t run away from my fears anymore. I promise. I will work hard this time and cure my... PTSD for good." I smiled and typed. "En. And you are not alone. We are in this together. We will both work on your anxiety. You don''t have to feel that you are doing it all by yourself." Bai Li quietly stared at my direction. He raised his hand and felt my face with his fingers. I closed my eyes and felt every bit of the sensation his touch left on me. "Aaahhh now reallyyou are making me want to kiss you again." He sighed. I giggled. I leaned in and kissed him. He widened his eyes a little in surprise but soon responded. It was short but gentle, and our lips moved akin to dancing on a soft, melodious tune. It felt just like how everything calms down after a raging storm. We slowly pulled back, and I typed. "You don''t have to think too much. Don''t we like each other? I am always happy and ready for a kiss by you anytime." Iughed as Bai Li seemed to look stumped and dumbstruck. "I feel like I am the girlfriend in this rtionship, and you are the boyfriend. Not that I mind as long as we stay together." I chuckled. Bai Li asked as he gentlybed his fingers through my hair. "How should we begin my treatment again?" I thought about it. I knew a lot ofpetent specialists in various fields of medicine. That was one advantage of being a good doctor. You have lots of connections. Among that in psychology, I knew one doctor who was the best in that field. He had sessfully helped many people out of anxiety and depression issues. Well But there was a slight problem. And it happened too long back when I was in high school. But for me, curing Bai Li''s condition was more important than what the problem was. Quality treatment meant everything. It might get awkward a little, but I have to do this. I cannotpromise or settle for any less for Bai Li. "Xin Lei?" I snapped out of my daze. I quickly typed. "Don''t worry about it. I know an excellent doctor who can help you." I wondered if I should tell him now. It had been ten years since that, and I didn''t know if it meant anything now, but I didn''t want to keep from him anything. "And?" I guess he understood that I had something on my mind. I sighed and typed. "But well, he had confessed to me when we were in high school." I saw Bai Li slowly raise his right brow as he seemed a bitcurious? Damn, what was I thinking? I suddenly felt a little nervous. It will definitely sound weird if I introduce Bai Li to him. I cautiously sneaked a peek at him. "Right. I talked about my teenage days, but we didn''t talk much about yours. I see...So were you two dating?" I cleared my throat. I really, really felt too awkward. I typed. "Yes, but really I hardly consider that as any dating." "Eh?" I scratched my head. I typed again. "I mean it was for only one month, I guess. I didn''t have feelings for him, but since he genuinely meant his confession, I thought it wouldn''t be bad to give it a try. But then we broke up. That was it." "Oh" I carefully observed Bai Li''s expression. Did he want to ask about the reason for the breakup? Well, it wasn''t wrong to feel curious. I typed. "Do you want to ask anything?" It felt like he was contemting something in his mind. "Can I?" I nodded and tapped on his hand twice. Bai Li pulled me closer to him and muttered something. "...still...him?" Huh? I didn''t get anything that he said. I typed. "I didn''t hear you." He coughed. "If we meet him again, then well...I don''t know" I frowned. "...Will you start to like him again? Is he better than me?" "..." I was utterly speechless. At that moment, I truly felt that I didn''t know how his brain worked. I pped him hard on his head. I typed fast. "Were you even listening to me? I said I never liked him. If I didn''t like him then, then how can I like him now? And especially when I already have you." I saw Bai Li''s face turning red, and its shade was turning brighter by a notch every second. I typed. "For me, you are not just better than him. You are the best. Idiot." "Right I forgot that. I am so stupid." Bai Li looked embarrassed. You are. I don''t doubt that now. Then we heard somebody knocking on the door. "Xin Lei. Bai Li. It''s me. Liao Huifang. Can we talk?" Chapter 75: Missing their dear ones Chapter 75: Missing their dear ones --- Chu Jie didn''t know how long it was when they finally stopped at a ce. The day had already turned into the dark shade of night. Along the way, Sufy had covered his eyes with a back cloth so that he wouldn''t understand the direction or any signboards to let him know where they were going. After what happened in the Andingzhen base, she was extra cautious this time. She couldn''t go to Langfang either with what happened in the Natural Park. So this was her next stop. She finally removed the cloth from his eyes. Chu Jie fearfully looked left and right, but he couldn''t make out anything about the ce. It was too dark. Sufy got out and dragged Chu Jie and Cocoa out of the car. All this time, Chu Jie was tightly holding on to Cocoa as if she would still shoot at him at any moment. Cocoa was still unconscious. "Let us go!" Chu Jie screamed. "Leave me! Where are you taking me?" But Sufy paid no heed to him. She walked farther in the distance and found the building she was looking for. As she reached near the doorstep, two burly men holding guns in their hands straightened up. She had already informed them about hering here with Chu Jie and a dog. "Help me with the dog." She ordered. "No!" Chu Jie vehemently protested. He wasn''t ready to let go of Cocoa at any cost. "Shut up, kid! Don''t worry. We are going to keep you here with that bastard dog. And then you two together will see what hell is." Chu Jie began to cry again. He was too terrified now, and he looked everywhere, but it didn''t seem that it would be possible to run away from here. One of the men lifted Cocoa, and the other grabbed Chu Jie by the arm. They threw them in one room together. Sufy snarled. "If you or that dog make any noise or create any scene, then you will just have it from me." She shut the door with a loud bang. Chu Jie began to sob hard and was shaking badly. He terribly missed his Mom and Dad. What did I do...What did I doI am so stupid. Why did Ie to meet her? Mom and Dad...they must be so worried about me. I want to go home... Please, somebody, take me back... Anybody Chu Jie curled himself, hugging his knees and buried his face down. He silently sobbed, controlling his urge to gasp and cry, for he was afraid if the men heard it outside, they would hurt him or Cocoa. He regretted it so much for falling for her fake love. Instead of talking it out with his parents, he trusted his emotions to aplete stranger. Big Brother was right. I should have talked at least once with Mom. I should have tried telling my feelings at least once to them. And now everything happened because of me. These people are so scary. What are they going to do to me? Chu Jie sniffled, and tears continuously streamed down, staining his cheeks wet. Mom, Dad...I miss youI miss you so much. Where are you? Please take me away from here Suddenly from his side, he felt something warm nudging his head. Surprised, Chu Jie raised his head. He saw Cocoa was sitting beside him, quietly staring at him. Chu Jie''s eyes watered even more. "You...you are awake" His speech broke as he said that. "Grrr" Cocoa leaned in and licked his tears on his cheek. He circled around him and stopped. He raised his hind legs and kept it on Chu Jie''s hand that was resting on his knee. "Arf. Arf." Chu Jie immediately hugged him hard and burst into tears. Cocoa rubbed his head against him to calm him down. "You are awake. T-thank God. Thank you so much. You...you are really so brave. You are the best." "Grrr" Cocoa nudged even more. Chu Jie knew that Cocoa might not literally understand what he said, but he still wanted to talk to him. "What will we do now? I am really scared... really, really scared. Are-are are they going to kill us? But why? What did we do?" Chu Jie covered his face with his hands. Every cell of his body was overwhelmed in fear and terror. He couldn''t even properly breathe anymore. Cocoa was sitting diligently at his side. He softly whimpered, seeing Chu Jie crying and sobbing and was trying his best to support him. "Will Mom and Dad forgive me for being so stupid?" "Arf." Chu Jie pursed his lips. "You...you must also be missing big brother, right? Your friend?" "Arf" Chu Jie instantly detected the sadness in his bark. His gaze and expression looked a little lonely too. He rubbed Cocoa''s head, biting his lower lip. "I-it''s all my fault. You jumped in to save me and got separated from big brother." He cried as he felt more guilty. They just sat together like that, hugging each other for a while. "What is your name? I think big brother was calling youCoCoffee?" "Grrr" "No? Then what is it? CoCoIt definitely started with that." Chu Jie knitted his brows and thought more. "CocCocoa?" "Arf!" He happily wagged his tail. Chu Jie brightened and nodded. "Cocoa. It''s a cool name. Big brother gave you such a nice name." Cocoa reacted as if he had noment. A few minutester, Cocoa suddenly raised his head and started sniffing around. Chu Jie asked, "What happened?" "Grrr" Cocoa looked alert and sharp. His nose twitched at a familiar smell which he didn''t like at all. He leaped away a bit and started sniffing around the whole room. Chu Jie didn''t understand why he was doing that. But he followed Cocoa. Cocoa walked up to the opposite wall and started sniffing around it. "What are you looking for?" Cocoa paced back and forth around a patch of area. But Chu Jie couldn''t see anything there. "There is nothing here." Cocoa sat and looked upwards. "Arf." Chu Jie followed his line of sight and saw that there was a very small window above. There were metal rods that blocked it. Cocoa was staring at it. "Is there something?" He whispered. "Arf." Chu Jie thought there might be somebody who could help him. He looked around and found empty cardboard boxes. Heid two of them one by one on top of each other and climbed on it. Chu Jie reached the height of the window and clutched the metal rail. There was another room that he could see through it. "What is over here-" Then he widened his eyes as he saw the scene in front of him. He couldn''t see it entirely because the window was too small to see any further. But that sight alone was enough to terrify him to his bones. "W-what is that" Chapter 76: The common link Chapter 76: Themon link --- Through the window into the other room, Chu Jie saw the floor dyed with red. It was lots of blood, and somebody''s hand was lying on it. He was about to stumble, but he quickly caught onto the rail and bnced himself. From the hand and shoulder, he could make out it was a man who was facing on the other side. B-blood...so much bloodThat uncle...is he d-dead? His face turned pale and as white as a sheet. The color drained from his face. He covered his mouth and felt as if he would puke when the smell of blood wafted through his nose. Chu Jie jumped from the cardboard boxes back on the floor. He copsed on his knees, and that bloody sight was circling in his mind. No, no, no! Who is that man? Are we going to end up like that too? T-they really want to kill us Chu Jie took rapid, short breaths, but even then, he felt breathless. Cocoa circled around Chu Jie anxiously. He leaped onto hisp and once again licked his face. "T-that man...Oh no" Chu Jie hugged Cocoa, his body trembling badly. He was almost about to pee himself when he saw that scene. It was a lot of blood, and he couldn''t see anything more, but it was enough to scare the living daylights out of him. And that man''s hand lying on it just made it look even more horrifying. "Arf." Cocoa quietly stared at him, and somehow with his gaze or confident posture, Chu Jie didn''t know what it was, but it gave him a little confidence. His gaze teared up, and he sniffled. "Yes...we are not alone. We-we both will protect each other, okay?" He said, his voice faltering a bit. "Arf." Cocoa bumped his head on his. --- *Xin Lei* Bai Li and I slowly got up. Liao Huifang was standing outside our room, knocking on our door. Wasn''t she in the hospital? He said, "Open the door." I nodded. I let her in and closed the door. I typed. "What are you doing here? Weren''t you in the hospital?" She looked at both of us and said, "I was, but I said that I was fine, so I insisted on taking a discharge. I wanted to meet you two." Bai asked, "Why?" She paused. "I had one cop sent in my ward by that officer Duan Deming. He said that not to involve in the case anymore and let the cops do their job." Pretty much the same what Duan Deming told us too. "But, I know that you are not going to do that, right?" Silence. Bai Li said, "Yes." Liao Huifang nodded. "I knew it, and I understand it too. So I came here to tell you that I also want to join you." "This isn''t a good idea at all." I nodded in agreement. I typed. "You know what happened in the base today. And we could fall into such situations again. It will be dangerous." "I know. But I have already decided. I don''t know about you, but I don''t trust the cops with this case. They have stille up with nothing, and I cannot wait anymore." I sighed. Bai Li also seemed deep in thought. I typed. "They are trying too on their side. And the case is reallyplicated. Just give them some more time." "But, you are still heading off on your own, right?" Well... Liao Huifang urged. "Please don''t refuse me. I know the risks and dangers in this task. And I still want toe with you two. Even if I die, it won''t be your fault. This is my decision." Bai Li was about to say something, but she didn''t let him. "You must want to know about my sister. I don''t know much, but maybe it could help us, and I won''t tell you about it if you don''t let me in." She puffed up her cheeks. "..." It was as if she was threatening to withhold the information if we don''t listen to her. Well, she was. Bai Li said, "Alright. But don''t rely on us to help you if you are in a pinch." He shrugged. I rolled my eyes. As if you are really going to do that. Liao Huifang red at him and harrumphed. "Fine! I don''t need your help. Just ignore me if I ever scream for help." "..." Why did you fell for his words? I sighed. Liao Huifang and I sat on the bed while Bai Li sat on one of the chairs and pulled it forward. "So, tell me what you know." Liao Huifang took a moment and slowly said, "My sister...was always a really quiet person by nature. She didn''t like to talk much. We are actually quite opposites in personality, but we got along well enough. She didn''t have any friends, and even in her office, she didn''t have any colleagues with whom she would spend any time. She would alwayse home from work. You know, people would sometimes hang out after sses or work to have some fun? But she never did that. And so she didn''t have any kind of love life either." She stopped. I sensed the pain in her eyes. I knew it was difficult to talk about her. "But then slowly, I noticed that she was starting to smile more often. I was surprised because my sister never smiled orughed much. Naturally, I was happy for her, but I wanted to know the reason for her sudden change. I asked, and she would just say ''Nothing.'' Then I thought that perhaps she liked somebody." I nodded. It was possible. "Another weird change was that she was using her phone more often too. She would constantly check her phone and was always typing something on it. And then she would smile. That came as a huge shock to me because she was never into chatting and all. She only used her phone for texting and calling. That''s it. She had no ounts on any social media apps. So then I was pretty much sure that she liked a guy." She continued. "I was happy, but I couldn''t help but get suspicious a little. She had no experience in this stuff. I didn''t want her to get fooled. I tried to talk to her, but she always shrugged it off, and I got more worried. So one day, I secretly looked from afar with whom she was chatting." She turned a little grave. "And I saw that she was using the same app to chat with somebody that you asked Chu Jie. FriendsChat." Chapter 77: Be careful what you wish for Chapter 77: Be careful what you wish for *Bai Li* The same app FriendsChat once again. Now whoever they were, their modus operandi was beginning to be clear. I asked, "Do you know what this app is?" I heard Liao Huifang let out a sigh. She said, "No, I don''t. Actually, I tried to download it once I knew its name, but shockingly, I didn''t find the app anywhere." Xin Lei and I had tried to do the same but no luck either. That was something really strange. I heard Xin Lei''s pitter-patter on her phone. "Did you ask Liao Chuntao about it?" "I did," she said, "I found it weird and was worried about what sister Chuntao was doing with an app that no one could find on the inte. And she looked panicked and a bit nervous. She just simply diverted the topic. I tried to ask many times, but she would mutter something vaguely that I never got." That meant whoever introduced her to the app, or her supposed boyfriend didn''t want her to tell anybody. "I even warned her countless times to stay away from such things. They could be dangerous and scam. She really had no idea about these things. Sister Chuntao would nod at me or pretend to agree, but then I would again see her secretly texting on the same app." I asked, "When did it start?" "Umm... around forty-five days back, I guess." For Chu Jie, it was a month back. "Since that time, she looked really cheerful and happy. That''s how it began. At first, I thought that she might be having good days, or perhaps she made a friend, but it was nothing like that." I heard Xin Lei typing. "What happened on the night she disappeared?" I sensed Liao Huifang go quiet. Perhaps she was reminiscing thest time she saw her sister, never to return again. I faintly heard her choke. "On that night, she called me up to say that she would bete in returning home. I asked where she was going because it was odd for her to do that. But she didn''t give any clear answer. She hung up, and I tried again and again, but her phone was already out of reach by that time." "I waited for the whole night, but she still didn''t return. I tried her number, but it was of no use. I panicked. I thought sister Chuntao might be in trouble, so I went to the cops." Then she stopped, and I heard her gnashing her teeth. "The cops said that it hadn''t been twenty-four hours since she had disappeared. They asked me to wait. Maybe she woulde back in a few hours. And when they knew that I thought she might be with a man, they thought that... that" I understood in between the lines. Honestly, that was rude to assume that Liao Chuntao might spend the night with that man and shrug Huifang off. But well, that was the reality of most of the cases. "That infuriated me! They were not taking me seriously at all! She was a thirty-year-old adult going with a man who could possibly be her boyfriend. What was more to tell! And then they lodged my report when more than twenty-four hours had gone by. They said that they were investigating, but they didn''t find anything! And then...then" She gasped, and I heard her break into tears. We gave her a little time to herself. "... Then they found her d-dead in Langfang. She was...beaten so badlymy sister...Who could be so heartless..." Silence. "...I had no idea why she went so far out of Beijing. She didn''t travel much either. I kept telling the cops regarding a man who she met online. They were only saying that they were trying their best to find out. I lost all my patience and came to Andingzhen because I heard some of them discussing that she had stopped there." And then the owner of the hotpot restaurant told us how she met him many times to ask about that mysterious man. I heard the robotic voice. "So FriendsChat ismon between Chu Jie and Liao Chuntao." I nodded. "And I am pretty sure it was the same case with the other victims too. There is anothermon point between Chu Jie and Liao Chuntao that I noticed." "What?" I heard Xin Lei type. "They both were quiet people. Alone, doesn''t have any friends, have problems in socializing...If we dig into the nature of other victims, I am pretty sure that we would find them roughly to be like Chu Jie and Liao Chuntao too." I sensed Liao Huifang gasp. "Y-you are right. Chu Jie and sister Chuntao are really simr in that sense." I heard Xin Lei typing. "So they are targeting people who might be prone to fall in this trap." "Yes," I said. "They are giving what these vulnerable people exactly need. Chu Jie was bullied in school, his parents pressurized him, too, for good marks and he wanted friends that could understand his troubles, so that woman pretended to be one just like he wished for and even confessed. Liao Chuntao might be secretly yearning for love, so that mysterious man might have pretended to be her friend and then confess as well. He tricked her into believing that he really had fallen in love with her." I heard Xin Lei type again. "This makes sense. They are fulfilling their emotional needs. They take advantage of their low self-esteem and gain their trust in exactly where they are weak at." "Right. Livingpletely alone sometimes gives a sense of worthlessness. ''I can''t talk properly'' or ''I can''t make friends'', ''Other people can do it but I cannot'' ''I am so useless'' such thoughts fill their minds. So when somebodyes and says that they understand them, they are instantly attracted to these people because for them, they have finally found someone they could talk to. And so they get easily fooled." "And with the inte, it has be way too easy to hide yourself behind a username and anonymously do such things. We have to find out about FriendsChat." Xin Lei typed. She was absolutely right. I heard Liao Huifang say, "I might know someone who could help. Actually, by the time I discovered that strange app, it was quitete. Since sister Chuntao wasn''t heeding my warning, I thought it was the best if I could prove my im to her. So I visited my University friend, Qi Qiang." "Who is Qi Qiang?" Xin Lei typed. "We knew each other since high school, but we are just really acquaintances. We are in different streams in University, though. I am studying contemporary arts, and Qiang is studying in theputer technology field. In short, he is an annoying tech geek, but I found him useful at that time, so I asked him one favor to find out about FriendsChat." I raised my eyebrow. Tech geek? Liao Huifang went on. "He is utterlyzy and a sleepyhead, constantly sitting in front of hisputer desk, staring at many monitors at the same time. But he really knows his way around the inte. He does lots of programming and coding stuff, which I never understand. So I asked him about this app." This was interesting. Hacking. It was just the kind of help we might need. Xin Lei asked, typing on her phone. "Did he find anything?" "Yes. And that is what got me really worried. Qiang gets excited when there is something or anything about the inte. But like I said, it was toote. Big sis already disappeared, and I got his call when I was in Andingzhen." I narrowed my eyes. "Qiang was hell-bent on knowing about from where did I get to know about FriendsChat. I said it wasn''t me, but sister Chuntao." "What did he say?" "That it is really dangerous. There was a reason why it wasn''t avable in any of the app stores." "Why?" "Well, I don''t know because he suddenly got excited and cut the call. And I''m trying to reach him since, but I couldn''t." Chapter 78: Interrogation Chapter 78: Interrogation *Xin Lei* I frowned. Liao Huifang said, "I don''t know. Qiang just shuts himself whenever he is like that." I typed. "Maybe he would have found out something? Can you try his phone again?" Liao Huifang took out her phone and dialed his number. Bai Li said, "Keep on speaker." The number kept on ringing but to no avail. Nobody picked up. Liao Huifang seemed a little anxious. "Why isn''t he picking up!? Really Qiang is so" "Do you have his home number?" "No" I sighed. I typed. "He will see your missed calls, too, but leave him a message to immediately call back just in case." She nodded. "When should we leave? Are we going to Langfang?" Bai Li said, "We got no choice. There is less probability for Chu Jie to be there. Even now more less, whether Fu Meili would be there or not, either. But that is the only lead we have. Liao Huifang, you keep on trying Qi Qiang''s number." "Yes." "Let''s leave for Langfang before the cops get alert and check on us." --- Beijing Military Commission. Rodey was locked up in a cell, hands behind him tied with the cuffs. Two sergeants came, and one of them unlocked the cell. "Come out and follow us." Rodey sneered. "Heh." The sergeants brought Rodey inside the interrogation room. Lin Zihao and General Song were already present on their seats. Rodey smirked, and he didn''t seem to be bothered by it. "Good evening, dear officers. Isn''t it such a pleasant night?" Lin Zihao narrowed his gaze. He really wished to tear that smirk apart from his face. "It is indeed. After all, you finally lost to Bai Li, your arch-nemesis. The night is indeed, pleasant." Rodey smiled. "It was an honor to lose from such a smart enemy like him. But this is just one time." General Song silently stared at him. "You are saying as if you will walk free from the base." Rodey raised an eyebrow at him. "Who knows? And why not? I am Rodey. I am free. I cannot be tied down anywhere for much longer." General Song asked, "Spill everything you know. What is your gang? Who is your boss?" "Hey, Hey, slow down. You ask too many questions, General. Are you scared that I would escape, and you won''t get to ask meter on?" Rodey was egging him on calmly with a wicked smile on his face. General Song smiled. "Overconfidence is not too good, young man. This is the military. The army." "And I will still walk away from the military. The army." Lin Zihao said, "Enough. What did you do with the victims who disappeared?" Getting confession out of Rodey was tight and they knew it, but if he didn''t say anything, then they would have to think about another strategy to make him talk. Lin Zihao already had one. Rodeyughed. "HmmWho victims? I don''t know what you are talking about." "Are you saying you never kidnapped anyone?" "No." Lin Zihao raised his eyebrow. "So, did you order your men to do it for you?" "No." General Song growled. "We can make your life hell here, and you know that." "And I am your precious witness, and you know that too. You, army officers, had to try so hard to find me. You wouldn''t dare to cross your line too much. If anything happened to me, then yourst link to know the truth will be gone too." He sighed, "Life is tough, huh?" Lin Zihao said, "It''s going to be a hell tougher for you. You are involved in Fu Meili''s disappearance and Liao Chuntao''s murder, and all those other victims who had mysteriously disappeared. Do you think you can ever walk free?" Rodey leaned on the chair and smirked. "Well, then, why don''t you prove it"? "For starters, Gen Gen kidnapped Xin Nianzu, and when he escaped, you took Rong Zhengsheng on gunpoint and attacked the apartment with your men where he hid. We caught you red-handed aiming your guns at them, and Xin Nianzu and Rong Zhengsheng will give the testimony. The people at the area near the phone booth saw you threatening Rong Zhengsheng. They are also witnesses." Rodey said nothing but curved his lips into a smirk. General Song carefully scrutinized him. "Xin Nianzu is Fu Ting''swyer, and your gang didn''t want him to fight his case and let him be free, which means that you know that Fu Ting is innocent. He didn''t kidnap Fu Meili." Lin Zihao continued. "Don''t even bother to deny that you know nothing about Gen Gen. He kidnapped Xin Nianzu, but you took the matter in your hands after his death to catch Xin Nianzu. So you cannot deny your connection to him. You are also seen in a bar meeting Gen Gen." Rodey smiled. "But then somebody else cannot deny his connection to Gen Gen, either." But Rodey couldn''t say anything else. Bai Li killed Gen Gen''s gang, but he killed Gen Gen himself. That point was a standstill. If he confidently said that Bai Li killed Gen Gen''s gang, then it meant that he was an eyewitness to the crime. He was present in the base. So there was a possibility that Rodey killed Gen Gen. The vice versa was also correct. If Bai Li gave a statement that Rodey killed Gen Gen, then he would be implicated in killing the rest of his gang. Rodey was exactly using it to his advantage. If he would go to jail, then so would Bai Li. Lin Zihao smiled. "You don''t need to worry about that." So Bai Li was pretty much secured, Rodey thought. "Heh! Try whatever you want, but you are not going to get anything from me." Lin Zihao shrugged. "We have enough witnesses to put you behind bars. That will give us enough time to prove your hand in the other crimes as well as for your confession. General Song. Let''s keep him hungry and thirsty till he opens his mouth." Rodeyughed. "That is your solution? Do you think that is going to work?" Lin Zihaoughed. "You think that is easy? You might feel nothing for a day. But soon, you feel thirsty. A human can stay without food for much longer than he can stay without water. In no time, you will be begging for it. The more your body gets dehydrated, the more you will desperately want to quench your thirst. Just two days without food and water, and you will already see stars in front of your eyes." Rodey quietly stared at him. Lin Zihao shrugged. "Even if you steel your mind not to sumb to it, that won''t work for much longer either. You will give up. Food and water is the most basic need of our body, after all." General Song asked, "Do you still not want to confess?" Rodey narrowed his eyes at him. He snorted. "Do whatever you want." They took Rodey away after the interrogation was over. General Song said, "Good job in cornering him, Major Lin Zihao. Rodey might not show it, but he is definitely shaken from inside." "Thank you, General." "Have you thought about how to save Bai Li?" "Gen Gen kidnapped Xin Lei as leverage to force Xin Nianzu from leaving the case. But by that time, Xin Nianzu already escaped unknown to them. Killing them was self-defense. If Bai Li didn''t kill them, then they would have killed Xin Lei." He looked at him in silence. "That is your story?" "That is the truth." "Call me if he confesses." "Yes, General." --- *Xin Lei* Our car was already broken by those goons when we had met Liao Huifang. So we had no choice but to take public transport. But we could rx since the cops were not chasing after us anymore as criminals. So we didn''t need to hide or wear disguises. I looked out the window, watching the road lit by the street lights. I couldn''t help but wonder where Cocoa and Chu Jie would be. Were they safe? Did that woman hurt them? Cocoa was a brave dog, but fighting against bullets was different. You are at a loss when you be a target that could be shot from long distance. And Chu Jie. He was just a teenager. What effect would everything have on his mind? The violence, the killings and bloodshed, and the heartbreak. For him, he really liked that woman as OFluffy. I didn''t want him to lose his trust in love because she fooled him. I didn''t want him to believe that love meant sadness, pain, and betrayal. I sighed. "You are thinking about Chu Jie and Cocoa, right?" Bai Li asked from my side. Liao Huifang sat in front of us. I leaned and rested my head on his shoulder. I tapped twice on his hand. I felt him softly kissing my hair. "They will be fine." I hoped so too. I hoped we don''t bete. Around thirty-five minutester, we reached LangFang. We got down at our stop. Liao Huifang asked, "Will Natural Park be open at this hour?" That was a valid question. The security won''t let us in. Bai Li said, "After the cops, we don''t want anybody else chasing after us. So it''s better if we make some excuse for the guards to let us in as an emergency." I typed. "Maybe we visited during the day and lost something important." "Perfect. Let''s go." Chapter 79: Hiding in the woods Chapter 79: Hiding in the woods --- Andingzhen. *Duan Deming* I cursed my luck. We are at a critical juncture, and here I am, lying on the hospital bed. I put my hand at the back of my head and looked up at the ceiling. Tian Song I narrowed my eyes. A spy, huh? That is going to be a problem. I must say he impressed me. He really fooled me. I was careless. How could I do that? His poker face really did the trick. He was with me this whole time, but I didn''t even get any clue about his true facade. But damn that forensic evidence is with him now. That is a problem. A huge problem indeed. I cannot let him have that evidence for any longer. Thank God Bai Li and Xin Lei told me everything. I smiled. But it is still not toote. I can still get the important evidence. I just have to be very careful with him now. I cannot let him know that he is exposed. I sighed. Tian Song. You are working quite fast. You even came here to Andingzhen to take Bai Li and Xin Lei with you. But General Song foiled your ns. If he had caught both of them, then it would have posed another problem for us. That was a nice game, Tian Song. But now it''s my turn. I will surely catch you. --- Langfang. *Xin Lei* We arrived near the Natural Park. It was ten in the evening. We stood at a corner and discussed our n once more. Bai Li asked, "So you know what we have to do, right?" I typed. "Yes." Liao Huifang also affirmed the same. "Good. Let''s go." We walked and reached and towards the gate, and as expected, the guard immediately stopped us. "Where are you going? The park is closed now." Liao Huifang burst into tears. "Mr. Guard. We need to go inside. You have to help us!" "What? Wait, happened?" "You see. My friends and I visited the park today, and I lost my bracelet in the park somewhere. I have to find it right now. Please let us go inside." "What? You want us to open the park for you just to find your bracelet? No." Liao Huifang expertly feigned to beg. "No! I cannot give up. That bracelet is given to me by myte mother, who my grandmother gave it to. It''s our family heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation. I cannot lose it." The guard said, "Sorry, miss. No can do. Its past working hours. We cannot abide by your request. And we didn''t get any report on any bracelet in lost and found. So maybe you dropped it somewhere else." Bai Li said, "You are mistaken. We immediately returned to our car after our visit, and she noticed her missing bracelet. We didn''t get down anywhere in the way. So we are sure that the bracelet is here in the park." Liao Huifang widened her eyes, shedding more fake tears. I must apud her acting skills to look cute. "You don''t understand. I will be kicked out of my house if my familyes to know about it. My brothers and sisters are just waiting for that chance to happen. Can you not understand my predicament? I will be homeless! They would disown me! Please, please let us find my bracelet inside!" The guard was exasperated. "Miss that is against our rules. Do you even know howrge the park is? You think you can find your bracelet in a forest-like park? And there bare huge chances that some other stranger might have already stolen it if it was so valuable." This was getting difficult. Bai Li sighed. "Alright. Guess she has to already start packing her bags. Her reputation and everything will all be gone." Liao Huifang sobbed some more to look even more pitiful. "There is no humanity left at all. I am about to be thrown out, but nobody cares. How will I survive in this harsh world by myself?" The guard twitched his eyebrow. It seemed to work. Another guard on duty came by, and the first none exined all the situation. Liao Huifang nced at me, and I faintly nodded. The guards came up to us. "Alright. We allow you to find your bracelet, but just for one hour. If you couldn''t find it before it, then you will have to leave the premises. We will not extend any more time." Great! They led us in, and one of them asked, "Do you want me toe with you?" Bai Li quickly said, "No, thank you so much. We are already troubling you enough. We know the ces where we visited, so we got an idea." "Alright. But make sure that you don''t wander around the area where the little girl was kidnapped. The investigation is still going on." "Of course, of course. I think that ce is south from here?" "No, north." "Then it won''t be a problem at all. We are going east." The guard nodded, and as he left, I typed. "Good job." Liao Huifang grinned. "See? I did prove useful to you two." Bai Li shrugged. "Xin Lei could have also done that if not for you." Oh, dear. "You! Can you never appreciate me even once?" Liao Huifang stomped her foot. "You are really so rude!" She looked at me and seriously said, "Are you sure you like him with that poison tongue of his? Leave him. There are better guys out there." "Hey!" Bai Li grimaced. "Don''t fill her ears with nonsense." I chuckled and typed. "It might be poisonous to others, but his tongue is sweet to me. Literally." And I meaningfully nced at him. Bai Li suddenly coughed, and even in that small light, I saw his face turn red. Cute. Did he recall our kiss? "O-okay back to work. We have only one hour. We have to find out about Fu Meili." Liao Huifang asked, "Well, we came here, but how to proceed? This park is huge." I typed. "The forensic report of Liao Chuntao." "What about that?" Bai Li said, "The report said that she was possibly kept in a ce which was greasy and oily because there were faint traces of industrial oil found in her body. The cops thought that it might be a factory, but this is a park. There might be an old storage area somewhere where such things have been kept, probably when Natural Park was constructed? Or for any repairs or maintenance." I typed. "We Just have to head north around where Fu Meili wasst seen." "And that ce is? Why haven''t the cops found the ce yet if they know the general direction of her disappearance?" Bai Li said, "Well, we cannot trust the cops here. Because one of them is hindering the investigations." "That officer who wanted you two toe with him." "Yes." As we navigated through the park, I took in the beautiful scenery that glowed from the light of themps. We passed through theke on the way. Even at night, it looked breathtaking. It was quite a while since we crossed theke, and the area was quite densely packed with trees. It was really easy to get lost here. I noticed the lights weren''t properly working here as opposed to before. It was getting darker. It gave a sinister and creepy feeling as we went further. I shuddered. Slowly from afar, I sensed a rough shape of something tall. I typed. "I think I see something there." Liao Huifang said, "I don''t see it. No, wait." She knitted her brows and narrowed her eyes. "I guess there is something there." "Wait. Let us check the surroundings first if it''s safe. Cocoa find-" I suddenly felt him stiffen. CocoaIt was so natural to call him, but I pressed his hand. "I am sorry. You two say if you see or hear anything." We scoured the area and concentrated on any movement, but there was none. As we moved closer, we found it. An old, dpidated building that looked as if it was haunted. It seemed to almost merge with the forest. "What is with these weird nts and mushrooms here? Never saw them before." Liao Huifangmented. Bai Li said, "Okay. Be careful not to leave any fingerprints behind inside." I took my handkerchief and rotated the doorknob. The door made a cringing sound as it slowly opened. It was faint, but a bad stench came wafting through my nostrils. It smelled like something rotten. "Ew! This smell is horrible." Liao Huifangined. "This smell" Bai Li muttered. "This is bad news. There is a faint trace of blood I smell. This ce is always closed, so the remnants might be still in the air." "Look if you find anything at the backside, Liao Huifang. Take me with you, Xin Lei. And tell me what you see." I walked close to him. There was a chair, and I pulled him. I typed. "There are chairs here." "Chairs?" I typed. "Yes." "How many? How are they ced?" I counted and typed. "Twenty-one. They are on one side of this room and in a line. Like there are four rows with five chairs side by side." "Then?" "Is there a window?" I typed. "Yes. At the far end. That must be the window through which Fu Meili and Fu Jun saw the crime happening." Chapter 80: The most dreaded truth Chapter 80: The most dreaded truth *Bai Li* It wasn''t now strange why the cops weren''t able to find this building. It had only one answer. Tian Song. He didn''t lead the investigative team to search in this part of the Natural Park, or maybe he took charge in searching this area, so he conveniently said that there was nothing here. And then the chairs here. Twenty-one? So were there twenty-one people here who watched Liao Chuntao die? It was bizarre. Who were these people? What had they to do with her? Whoever they were, I was confident that they didn''t have any personal grudge with Liao Chuntao, neither her nor any other victims. Every victim was a simple middle-ss worker. Why did they kill them? I didn''t know yet. As Xin Lei said, the chairs were positioned in four rows on one side of the room, and Liao Chuntao might be beaten in front of them. Something was clicking in the back of my mind. It felt like this was so familiar. The scene and setting she described felt like something I had seen before. But I couldn''t put my finger on it. I heard Xin Lei type. "It smells like blood, but I don''t see it anywhere." I could also taste the air and a sense of something metallic settled on my tongue. I smelled the musty scent that was imbued with blood and dust. The victims were killed here. They cleaned the ce. But was it only Liao Chuntao''s? If this was the base where Liao Chuntao and the others were killed, then where are the dead bodies? Liao Chuntao was found in an alley in a dumpster. But what about the others? And where was Fu Meili? "Hey!" I heard Liao Huifang whisper, but I sensed her sounding from above me. "Come up here." Xin Lei led me to the ce. I heard her type. "Steps are starting from here." We climbed the staircase, and I heard Liao Huifang say, "There is one chair here. It is well cushioned and different from the chairs below. It looks kind of royal. And you can see everything that is happening below. It is such a clear view." I heard Xin Lei type again. "Indeed. This ce is one floor above, and a lone chair is here." So someone sat here too? The chair was different, and the ce was at a higher altitude... I said, "This gives a feeling as if a king or an emperor sits here from where he looks down on his subjects." "Exactly." I heard the robotic voice. "So it was the boss who sits here. He saw everything happen here from his seat." "What else is here?" "I see this light apparatus here at the back of the chair. Umm" After a pause, she slowly said, "The angle and direction of this light fall exactly on the ce where...sister Chuntao might have been. What were these people doing?" We had yet to find that. I heard Xin Lei type. "I see something there." "What?" I heard her steps going a little farther, and then she came back. Liao Huifang said, "Huh? This is a video recorder." "Turn it on." I heard them shuffling the recorder in their hands. But even after two minutes, I didn''t hear any sounding from it. "This is not working. Its the battery is either discharged, or it doesn''t work anymore. We cannot see anything." "Keep it with you. We will look into it. Maybe if someone repairs it, we can retrieve the footage inside. Do you find anything else?" "No." I heard the robotic voice again. "It''s just the chair, the light apparatus, and this video recorder." "Hm. Okay. Let''s go down again. Maybe we will get some clue about Fu Meili." We reached the room with the chairs again. Xin Lei guided me so that I didn''t step on any blood trail. We searched some more, and then I felt Xin Lei tug my hand after a few minutes. I heard the rapid pitter-patter of her typing. "Bai Li, this is strange." "What is?" "Hey, what did you find?" I sensed Liao Huifang came too from her side. "There is a small drawing here." Drawing? I heard Xin Lei type. "It was hidden at the back, and I saw it when I pushed the wood log away a bit." "What does it look like?" I heard Xin Lei type. "From what I can see, it looks like a triangle. And then there is a line starting from the apex point of it towards the base of the triangle. But it''s not straight as in perpendicr. The line is tilted at the right side and rests on the base." Liao Huifang said, "There are some dots around the triangle too. This drawing looks something like a...kid would draw." Fu Meili. I said, "This drawing then perhaps point to something that can help us identify the killer. She saw something that got imprinted in her mind, and she drew that. Xin Lei, draw the shape on my hand." She took my hand, and on my palm, I felt her fingers tracing the picture. A straight line nting towards the bottom left of my palm, then from the top point, a straight line leaning towards the bottom right. Then she joined those two far points to make a straight line segmentpleting the triangle. Then from the top vertex of the triangle, she drew a line tilting towards the right until she reached the base. I was now able to picture the shape in my mind. Then I felt Xin Lei poking her finger around the triangle in small dots. But I really couldn''t understand what the drawing meant. Liao Huifang said, "As someone studying arts, I am really curious about what this drawing means. But a triangle and a tilted line inside it...I don''t understand. What is Fu Meili trying to tell?" I said, "She has drawn a thing that looks like that. Maybe she saw the thing on one of those people here, and she drew the shape how much ever she could understand." I heard Xin Lei type. "But what is this thing? What is something that looks like this triangle? I can''t think of anything." Well, me neither. I said, "Take lots of pictures of this drawing and from as many angles as you can take. Maybe we might find somethingter on." After a few minutes, Xin Lei typed. "Done." "I have taken some as well." Liao Huifang said. As expected, Fu Meili wasn''t here. Then where is she? I sighed. I missed Cocoa. If he had been here, then his sharp nose would have definitely sniffed out a clue by now. Hey buddy...You are safe, right? You have to be. I wille to you as soon as I can. But till then, you have to protect yourself and Chu Jie. I will kill you if you let anything happen to yourself. Wait. Sniffed out? I recalled Liao Huifang saying... "What are these weird nts and mushrooms around this ce?" Suddenly I felt a sense of dread in the pit of my stomach. Liao Chuntao was found in the dumpster as opposed to the other victims. Fu Meili and Fu Jun''s sudden interference might not have given them the time to do the same to Liao Chuntao. It caused a ruckus when Fu Meili disappeared, and the people here didn''t know what to do with Liao Chuntao. They thought if somebody came looking for Fu Meili, then they would discover about Liao Chuntao, so they took her out of Natural Park. Even if this ce might be well hidden, they didn''t want to take a chance. As for Fu Meili, those culprits did the same with her as other victims. I said, "They buried all the victims." "What?" I heard Xin Lei typing with a sense of urgency. "Buried? What are you talking about?" "How else can they deal with the victim''s bodies? There have been so many of them. What do they do after they are killed? This area is as good as a forest. What is a better ce than this to bury them here? Nobody would know. Maybe they didn''t have the time to dig for burying Liao Chuntao. She is an adult. It takes time to dig one hole big enough. So they took her out and cleaned this ce of blood. But Fu Meili...she was just an eight-year-old kid. How long would it take to dig for someone with a small height and body?" I felt Xin Lei clutching my hand tightly. It was trembling, just like my irregr heartbeats. I heard Liao Huifang take a sharp breath. "You-you mean to say that Fu Meili is d-dead? They killed her?" I went numb. The truth was that a part of my mind always gave me a nagging feeling that we were perhaps already toote. I have investigated numerous cases while I was in the army. I knew how things worked. I had a fair idea about the timeframes till which anybody would still be alive after they are kidnapped. But she was just a childan innocent kid who had just started to see and understand this world. So I refused to believe that nagging feeling. I wanted her to be alive. "The drawing...perhaps, that was thest thing she did before they killed her." Chapter 81: Has to pay the price with full interest Chapter 81: Has to pay the price with full interest *WARNING* The scene in this chapter could be disturbing for some readers, so I advise my dearest readers to please go ahead with caution. Please skip the part if you don''t like it. *Xin Lei* Bai Li said, "Liao Huifang said that she saw some weird nts and mushrooms around this ce." She nodded. "Yes, I did." I remembered as well I didn''t recognize the nts, and I couldn''t see the mushrooms well either in that darkness. "Those are the things that grow from the ground when a dead body is buried under it. The chemicals released from the dposition give a different type of nutrients to the soil, and those mushrooms start to grow slowly. Hebeloma syrjense is a type of it that I have heard of growing at such ces." Silence. "I thought of how Cocoa might have helped us sniffing the area to find some clue and what Liao Huifang said suddenly clicked in my mind." I typed. "You really think that Bai Li?" I wanted Bai Li to refuse it, but my heart already knew the answer. Bai Li smiled, but it seemed sorrowful. "I really don''t want to think any of this. I want this to be a lie the most. I am pretty sure we will find tools for digging the ground somewhere. Let''s look for it." I hated this the most, but Fu Ting and Fu Biyu are waiting for answers. They deserved to know the truth even if it is bitter. I saw Bai Li clenching his palm into a fist. This was hard for all of us. Oh God, please let this really be a lie. --- As Bai Li said, we found the tools in a box for digging the ground, and my heart thudded even more on realizing that it might be true. We held the tools with our handkerchiefs not to let any fingerprintse on it. We went out to the ce where Liao Huifang saw those nts and mushrooms. Liao Huifang asked, "This area is quite big. How will we find the ce where" She got quiet. Bai Li said, "Tap the ground with your foot, and you will be able to sense where it is a little loose." "Alright." I held Bai Li''s hand, and we slowly walked, feeling the ground beneath us. It took us a while, but then I sensed my foot kind of like drowning under a patch. "I feel it loose here." Bai Li said the same. We heard Liao Huifang say from the other side. "I don''t feel any loose ground here." "Come here. I think we found it." Bai Li spoke in a louder voice. We gathered around the spot. Bai Li said, "You two stand afar. Just give me the directions, and I will dig." I typed. "I will help you." "No. It''s fine. I will do it." I sighed. Bai Li started digging while Liao Huifang and I were giving him the directions. It took a while, but then I saw something raised out of the mud. I took a sharp breath, and I felt a bit dizzy. Liao Huifang noticed it too and suddenly said, "Stop. We see something." "Where?" It was a small hand that came out of the soil. "Ughhh" Liao Huifang knitted her brows and covered her mouth with her hand. This was disturbing for someone who never saw dead bodies. Even if I am a doctor, and I had seen my fair share of deaths, I felt a knot curl in my stomach because I knew that it could be Fu Meili. A little girl buried here...I couldn''t be so strong, and I tore my gaze away from it. "T-there is a handing out from the right side." Bai Li kept the ax to the side. We bent and started taking the soil out with our hands. Bai Li felt the way and was helping us. My breath stuck in my throat when it was bing clearer and clearer. I faintly saw a shape taking form. When wepletely took the mud off...there she wasWe saw her. Fu Meili. She was indeed dead. She was buried. I burst into tears. I clenched my fingers into a fist. I felt so furious that I really wished to kill someone now. Anger was an understatement. I tremblingly took my phone and typed. "It is Fu Meili, Bai Li." Silence. We said nothing. Fu Meili was lying there, and I recognized her from her photo. She was starting to...dpose. I rushed towards Bai Li and dashed into his arms. This was too much to bear. I buried my face in his chest and couldn''t control my tears anymore. She was really dead. Fu Meili was no more. An innocent eight-year-old girl who identally stumbled on witnessing a crime was buried here. They really killed her. They killed a child. Why? How can anybody be so cruel? How can anybody do that to an innocent child? I sobbed hard, and I felt Bai Li slowly embracing me back with his long arms. He kept his hand on my head and was gently patting on it. But for the first time, it didn''t calm down my unsettled heart. As a sign of respect for her, we stayed silent like that for a few moments. Bai Li asked in a quiet voice. "Can you tell how did she" I bit my lip, and tears were continuously streaming down my eyes as I looked down at her. I forced myself to wipe them. I typed, looking at Liao Huifang. "Can you shine the shlight here?" Liao Huifang was a bit pale, witnessing everything, and she seemed scared and afraid. Who wouldn''t be? She abruptly nodded her head. As she shone the light, I observed her condition. It was a week since she was kidnapped, and the timing of her death matched it too. Her body was in a dposition state, just like how it is when it has been eight to ten days after death. The body turns from green to red as the blood dposes, and the internal organs in the abdomen umte gas. I scrutinized her and observed a mark on her neck. I froze. It was a sh mark from a knife that was aimed straight at her throat. At the center, I saw the wound that seemed deepest over there. She died from excessive blood loss. The cut was thin starting from left, and it grew deeper as it reached the center. There was dried blood around her neck. Her death must have been so painful. Those bastards gave her such a torturous death. It was difficult to breathe for me. I stumbled in my ce, but Bai Li caught me. "Xin Lei, are you okay?" I took the support of his arms and steadied myself. It felt as if all the energy suddenly sucked away from my body. Liao Huifang asked, "What happened? W-what did you see?" I typed with shaking fingers that were causing me to misspell the words. "There is a mark on her neck. sh mark from a knife. Somebody..." I couldn''t type anymore. The phone fell from my hands, and I broke down in tears once again. "...Cut her throat." Bai Li still asked, no more like he understood my unsaid words. I clutched his shirt and sobbed hard. It affected me to the point that I didn''t want to face any of this anymore. I just wished to forget everything and run away. Fu Meili must have suffered so much. Death from blood loss takes time. The person can feel his life slipping away while he can only helplessly beg for someone to save him. It is so...painful. Bai Li suddenly punched a fist on the ground. It made a thud sound, and I got startled. Bai Li! I took his hand, and his knuckles were scratched with dirt and bruise. I saw my teardrop fell on top of it. Idiot. I heard him grinding his teeth. I raised my head and the expression on his face looked dark and terrifying. There seemed pure rage and raw anger in his ck orbs. It felt as if he would kill anybody who mighte in front of him right now. It seemed as if a deadly storm was brewing in them, threatening to swallow every one of those monsters who did this to Fu Meili. I clutched his arm. I took his hand and moved his fingers. ''Don''t hurt yourself like this. You should channel this anger at those vicious people who did such an unforgivable thing.'' Bai Li seemed to calm down after a while. I saw him shut his eyes for a moment and then he opened them with a resolve I never saw before. "You are right. Those bastards...I will make sure they die the most horrific death. I will show them what death looks like. I will make them feel every moment of it when their life would suck out of their filthy bodies. Trust me. I will make them pay the price. With interest and with blood." Chapter 82: Wise to stay away Chapter 82: Wise to stay away *Xin Lei* Everything was too much to take. We finally found Fu Meili but as dead and buried. I vowed to myself that I would support Bai Li''s oath until the end. Those perpetrators whose hands were stained with so many innocent victim''s blood...we won''t let them roam freely anymore. That was it, and that was enough. From my front, Liao Huifang seemed horrified. "So do you mean that there are all the other victims buried here too?" Bai Li said, "Yes. With Fu Meili here, there is no doubt anymore." I typed. "It is like we are sitting on top of a cemetery." "What should we do about Fu Meili? I mean... her body...It seems rude to let her be there." Bai Li said, "This is a crime scene now. And we have already barged in enough. In fact, we will get into trouble for even digging this ce. It''s the cops'' job. We cannot touch her. The cops and forensic experts will have to investigate." I nodded. "Hey! What are you doing here?" We suddenly heard the voice of a man and the footsteps of two peopleing towards us. Then I saw the men lighting their way with the shlights. Bai Li immediately looked alert. "The guards." Yes, they were the same guards we met an hour ago. They shone their shlights on our faces and looked shocked. "You three. Didn''t you say you were heading east? What are you doing here? And-" His shlight shone on the ground that we just dug, and I could literally feel as if their eyeballs came out of their sockets. "W-what is this? A dead body!" The guards shared a nce at each other, stunned. The second guard stuttered. "Y-you, what are you doing!? Were you burying a dead body?" Did they see us carrying any body with us? I shook my head. They instantly took out their guns and aimed at us. "Stay right there." Bai Li said, "Yes, there is a body here. And for your information, not just one. There are bodies buried everywhere under the very ground you are standing on. Care to exin?" "What? Bodies?" "Yes. Bodies. As in plural. As in more than one." I typed. "Yes. There is somebody here who kidnaps innocent people, brings them here, and viciously kills them. Everything happens right under your nose." I red at them. The guards were quiet for a moment. They looked skeptical. "So, you lied about the lost bracelet." Liao Huifang sneered. "Yes. We came here to find the girl who was kidnapped in your park." The first guard alternated his gaze between Fu Meili and us. He pointed his finger at her. "Is she that girl?" I mockingly snorted at them and nodded. My eyes teared up once again. The guards looked grim. Bai Li snorted. "And now you will say that you know nothing about this." The guards truly looked confused. "We know nothing. Really." I typed. "Why is it that there are no CCTV around here? I didn''t see any." The second guard said, "The cameras aren''t working for a long time. And it''s not like we didn''t want to rectify that. But somehow, the work in this area always got canceled for some or the other reason. Then just recently, we got a call that this area was too old and was about to get demolished once we get the go-ahead from cops." Isn''t it very convenient to demolish the area now of all times? Bai Liughed. "Obviously they would want to. Who gave the order to demolish this area?" It seemed as if something struck the guards, and they hesitated for some reason. Bai Li just read my mind. "The silence seems suspicious." I saw him narrow his gaze, and he stepped forward towards them. I stepped a bit to help him, but he shook his head. "I can do this." Even in the dark surroundings, I sensed a threatening aura around him. I saw his eyes shining in rage. His presencemanded as if he wanted answers. Bai Li slowly but calmly walked towards the guards and roughly stood in front of them. "Hey stay where-" But Bai Li raised his hands and caught both of the guard''s hands that were carrying the guns at the same time. I could see the guards frown, and then their expression turned as if they were in pain. And I knew why because Bai Li was applying pressure on their wrists and I could already vouch that it must be hurting like hell. Their wrist bone might already be crying by now. The guns were on the verge of falling. "Listen, you two." Bai Li''s voice clearly felt like he was in no joke to waste any more time. The feeling was mutual. "If you know anything about the person or persons who are a part of what and why happened here, then it''s in your good health that you tell me everything you know. People have died, and out of them, one was just a little girl. An only eight-year-old girl. Nobody deserved what happened to them. So I don''t want any shitty silence from you two." Even if they were two carrying weapons, clearly at an advantage here and even if Bai Li couldn''t see, they seemed dead afraid. "If you lie to me or hide anything, I will bury you two right here, right now. Trust me. I am going to spare no one." The first guard said, "W-we are hesitating because it''s not so simple." "I don''t give a fuck about if it''s simple or the most difficult thing on this. I want answers." The guns finally fell. The second guard gasped. "Okay! Just leave us. We are not your enemies." "No. Tell me like this." "Alright." The second one continued. "I am saying this for your own good, but if this is what we think is, then we should stay away from this mess." Liao Huifang and I exchanged puzzled nces. "Natural Park is government property, and right now, the government here is ruled by Yi Xiaosi''s party." Yi Xiaosi? I think I have heard that name before. I think he was the opposition to Zhang Chao''s party. There were eight parties plus the CPC between whom the current elections were running. Out of the eight, there were three prominent parties. Zhang Chao. Yi Xiaosi. And opposed to these stood a woman, Yao Shuang. Actually, the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the ruling political and sole governing party of maind China. And below it, they allow eight subordinated parties to co-exist. Zhang Chao, Yi Xiaosi, and Yao Shuang were considered the most influential and strongest parties out of these eight. The other five were at equal standing but not so prominent as them. CPC is always in power, but the parties led by these three always dominate the National People''s Congress (NPC) elections after CPC. Liao Huifang said, "Wait. So Yi Xiaosi gave you the order to demolish this ce?" "Not exactly him. But one of his supporters, Zhao Wenyan who works for him and leads all his rallies arrangements. He is Yi Xiaosi''s assistant." The first guard was sweating. "Now, you see? An order from Zhao Wenyan is as good as an ordering from the leader, Yi Xiaosi himself. If we tell them that we found dead bodies here, then they wouldn''t let us live! Maybe that''s why everything was smoothly happening here because the main party in charge is behind it." The second guard frantically nodded. "Yes. It''s best if we don''t say anything to the cops." I gritted my teeth. Don''t say anything and let the murderers be loose? Never! I furiously typed. "You want these people just to be buried like that forever? Their families have lost them. They deserve justice, and you are thinking of letting this just go?" "Well" Bai Li said, "Zhao Wenyan and Yi Xiaosi...I don''t care how scared shitless you are. But call the cops right now. Seal this ce." --- Just fifteen minutester, we already heard the sounds of sirens ringing. The cops had arrived. Bai Li, Liao Huifang, and I stood at the same ce, refusing to move an inch. Officers came one after the other and started securing the ce with yellow tapes. From a distance, I saw two familiar figuresing, and I froze. One was Duan Deming, who was supported by another cop to walk. Wasn''t he in the hospital? And the other was Tian Song. So he came here after all. The mere sight of him made my blood boil in anger. But among them, there came another person whom I never saw before. He looked a little older than Bai Li, maybete thirties. He wore a loose white shirt coupled with dark brown trousers. There was a thinyer of beard on his jaw. There was a polite smile on his face as he greeted the officers. Liao Huifang mumbled. "Who is he? Is he Yi Xiaosi? He doesn''t look that vicious." I typed. "People know how to hide themselves well behind the nket of innocence." They stood in front of us. Duan Deming was leaning on his good leg. He looked at us three one by one. Then his gaze settled on Bai Li. "I think I made it clear that we don''t want civilian interference anymore." Chapter 83: Plan by opposition Chapter 83: n by opposition *Xin Lei* "I think I made it clear that we don''t want civilian interference anymore." Duan Deming looked at us with a hint of warning in his gaze. I thought Tian Song might seem a bit unsettled after what happened in Andingzhen, but he looked absolutely unperturbed as if nothing ever happened. Wasn''t he afraid even a bit if we exposed him? Bai Li roughly nced at Duan Deming''s direction. "And if I remember correctly to my knowledge, we didn''t say anything of the sort that indicated that we agreed." Duan Deming narrowed his eyes. "You know, this is an intrusion in the crime scene. I can arrest you for this." The man beside him said, "Officer Duan. Let it go." "Who are the two people with you?" Bai Li asked. "One is Tian Song." We looked unaffected and indifferent. "And he is Zhao Wenyan, Yi Xiaosi''s assistant." Zhao Wenyan, who gave the order to demolish this ce in Natural Park. Fu Meili''s state shed past my mind, and I had a sudden urge to strangle him right now. My hands were itching to punch the shit out of him. Zhao Wenyan came forward. "Nice to meet you. I heard what happened here, and I immediately came over to take a look." I carefully observed him, and his expression didn''t seem tense or stiff. He appeared shocked, though, but not something how a culprit would panic. Nice acting, I must say. He was in control of his emotions. "Are you sure you just heard what happened, or is it taking a great deal of effort for you to feign the opposite?" Bai Li sarcastically said. Duan Deming widened his eyes. "Bai Li. Do you know who you are talking to?" "I know, and I fucking don''t care." Zhao Wenyan knitted his brows. "I don''t know you. Have we met before? I don''t know how I might have offended you." "Oh, trust me. You don''t need to personally know anybody after what you did. People will naturallye for your life." I typed. "You think that there are so many innocent people buried here, and that is not a reason to get offended?" "Sir! We have found more bodies here!" A junior cop yelled from our right. Duan Deming said, "I will go take a look-" "I will go." Tian Song cut him off. "I will take care of what the cops find and make arrangements to take the evidence to the forensicb." No ways! You want to go so that you destroy any evidence? Just like how you stole the DNA sample? I clenched my fingers into a fist. Duan Deming immediately interrupted. "It''s okay, Song. Stay here with Mr. Zhao. I will do it." "Your leg is injured with the shot. It is best not to move in your condition." I gritted my teeth. Duan Deming and looked at me and gave a slight nod. "Alright, then." Tian Song nodded and quietly went away. I didn''t know what Duan Deming had in store, but I guessed he might have told somebody to keep an eye on him. Zhao Wenyan asked, "Who are you, people?" I typed. "Doesn''t matter to you." "How does it not? Some strangers barged into Natural Park and dug a ce all on their own. You found dead bodies. How does it not matter to me? This area falls under Yi Xiaosi party''s jurisdiction." Bai Li said, "Exactly. Something so big was happening right under your nose, and you had no idea about it? Do you even know how many victims are there? Do you know that one of them is an eight-year-old girl?" Zhao Wenyan turned grim. "I understand that. And that is naturally a grave matter. But I don''t see how you people have any right to question me. You are not thew." "Heh! So Duan Deming. Why don''t you ask the esteemed Zhao Wenyan why he gave the orders to demolish this area? Aren''t you a cop? Come on. Do your job." "Bai Li" Duan Deming seemed furious. Liao Huifang suddenly burst out in anger. "You cops! You never know how to do your job! One of the unfortunate is my sister! But you never have any answers to give! Cops and thew are just useless!" Tears fell from her eyes, and she choked. Duan Deming said, "Aren''t you Liao Chuntao''s sister? Look, I understand your pain, but we are doing our best to give your sister justice." "I am listening to that crap for the nth time already! If you had taken myint seriously the first time I came for your help, then perhaps my sister would have been alive now!'' "Miss, we were just following the protocol." He sighed. "Screw your protocols!" Zhao Wenyan said, "Wait. Do you think our party is behind these murders? There is a big misunderstanding here." "Care to exin the meaning behind your actions, then?" Bai Li asked. Zhao Wenyan was quiet for a moment. "Can we talk somewhere?" "Obviously. You got no choice but to talk because I am not leaving you one. You have to give answers." He twitched his brow, and he certainly looked displeased with Bai Li''s tone, but we didn''t care. Before we left, we saw Fu Meili onest time as she was taken away. I scrutinized the officer''s every move so that they handled her with the utmost respect and care. Fu Meili...What you saw that day, what you witnessed the monstrosity...we promise that we will definitely bring it in front of the world. We will give justice to you and every single innocent person who has lost their life. This is my promise. Inside the park itself, we went to a small inn. "Start talking already." Zhao Wenyan shot a re at Bai Li. "Enough of your usations. We know nothing about this." "Then why did you order to demolish the area?" Zhao Wenyan sighed. "That part was literally a barrennd. We wanted to renovate it so that we could build some other structures on it. The n is still ongoing on what to do over there. The whole area needed restructuring and maintenance. We had no idea that something this horrifying was taking ce here." Liao Huifang sneered. "And you expect us to believe you?" "Of course! Natural Park is in Langfang and Yi Xiaoshi, which is the party for which I support, has a seat here. Do you think we would do something like this in our own ce? The elections are near. Do you think we would be stupid enough to murder people where we rule? If this goes out in public then it would be a heavy blow on our party''s reputation on Yi Xiaosi''s reputation. No, what if? It is already going to be a disaster." I hate to admit it, but he had a point. There was too much risk to do this at your own home. He continued. "Even if the real culprits are caught, our reputation would be forever stained. We couldn''t stop this from happening in our own ce. The authorities would even force our party to be dismissed from the eight allied parties with the CPC." Bai Li said, "But the reverse is also true. Since you are practically in charge here, you can control what goes on here. You have the power to silence people or buy them as you wish because it''s your own territory where it''s the easiest to rule. That is also why everything that happened wasn''t exposed before." Bai Li had an equally good counter-argument. Duan Deming frowned. "Bai Li. I agree with Mr. Zhao. What you are saying doesn''t seem usible. Of course, that still could be the case, but at such a crucial time in elections, no party would take such a risk to harm their chances of winning." "He is right. Do you have any idea what the opposition would do now once this news gets out?" Zhao Wenyan seemed tired. He rubbed his forehead. "This is the shittiest timing that something like this hase out now. And it works so much in favor of Zhang Chao and Yao Shuang! The two parties are our mainpetition." Bai Li said, "Your theories won''t get you anywhere." "No. Believe me. I am damn sure it''s all the dirty work of Zhang Chao or Yao Shuang''s people! Or maybe they have colluded with one another." I raised my brow. There he goes. All the political parties only know how to me each other. I typed. "Do you expect us to believe now that some other party managed to do all the murders under your nose, like right where it''s your jurisdiction, and you didn''t get a clue? You are expecting us to believe you on too many things, Mr. Zhao." He gritted his teeth. "But that is what makes sense! One of the parties wants to destroy Yi Xiaosi, so they expertly crafted this n! Doesn''t the timing seem way too suspicious?" Then he narrowed their eyes at us. What now? "In fact, since you three came all the way here, lied to the guards to enter the park and found the ce and the bodies, it isn''t wrong for me to wonder that you might be in cahoots with one of the oppositions who has nned this." Chapter 84: The witnesss confession Chapter 84: The witness''s confession *Xin Lei* Now we were doubted as being a part of a conspiracy by Zhao Wenyan. I typed. "If we didn''te here, then the truth perhaps might be forever buried." "And why are civilians like you involved in this case anyway?" Zhao Wenyan looked at us as if he seemed suspicious. Bai Li smirked. "You seem awfully concerned with that." "If you don''t clear your standing here, then I will assume that you have joined hands with the opposition to destroy Yi Xiaosi''s party." "We don''t care what you think about our standing. I want answers, and I realize it''s useless talking to you. So now we have to meet your boss, Mr. Yi Xiaoshi himself." "Do you think you can meet him just whenever you want to?" I smiled and typed. "Well, isn''t he a politician who wants to serve people? I am pretty sure he would meet us when he knows about what happened in his own backyard. Shouldn''t the feeling to give justice be mutual?" "Think carefully. People would take his silence as his hand in the crime, Zhao Wenyan." Bai Li said. Liao Huifang sneered. "And especially in the times of elections. If he refuses to meet people who could help in catching the culprits, then his guilt would be so obvious." Suddenly, the phone vibrated in my hand. But I couldn''t pick up. I saw the number, and I didn''t recognize it. It was Lin Zihao''s secure line. Zhao Wenyan quietly looked at us. He exchanged a nce with Duan Deming. Duan Deming said, "Bai Li. Naturally, the cops are going to investigate the matter. We would visit Yi Xiaosi. You don''t have to-" "Cool. Then we areing along with you." Bai, Li coolly smiled. "Our destination is the same." "Bai Li. Don''t challenge my patience. Don''t force me to arrest you." "Try me. I don''t care about your threats." The phone buzzed again. I saw his number ringing again. Zhao Wenyan raised his hand. "Alright. But only once. We will investigate, but the elections are equally important to us." I mockingly smiled at him. I typed. "I think you would garner more votes from the people if you emphasize catching the culprits instead of your elections. That is what wins amon man''s heart. Service and justice above the hunger for power." Zhao Wenyan stared at me hard, and I didn''t tear my gaze away from him either. "Trust me. We also want justice." As they left, I quickly typed. "Somebody is calling me. I don''t recognize the number." Bai Li said, "Who-" But he suddenly stopped and squinted his gaze. "I heard a faint twitch of a branch outside," he whispered. "Somebody is listening to us." He kept his finger on his lips, and Liao Huifang, and I instantly became silent. "There is a window at our back, right?" I tapped again. I moved his fingers. "I will do it. Wait." He paused and nodded. "Be careful." I was d that he trusted me. I took the fruit knife from the basket and hid it under my shirt just in case. I got up and pretended to walk at a corner, but I turned when I was away from the line of sight. I got out from the back door and slowly peeked in front of me. As Bai Li said, there was somebody who was indeed peeping in our conversation. It was a woman. She had worn the uniform that the workers wear. She didn''t seem dangerous. My gut feeling said that. But better to be cautious. I quietly stood at her back, and without wasting any time, I flung my arm around her neck with my left hand and twisted her right hand with my right behind her back. She gasped and started struggling in ce. She was iling her upper body, but I had tightly held on to her. "L-leave me...Stop! Who are you?" I couldn''t respond to her, or else I would have asked why she was here. I had no choice but to drag her inside the inn. I thought of something. Bai Li raised his head in our direction. "Who are you? Why were you listening to our conversation?" The woman seemed afraid and shocked. "I-I...I wasn''t listening. I was doing my job." "Really now. What would be the job at almost one in the morning?" She looked at me and pleaded. "Leave me, please. I mean no harm." I shook my head. Bai Li said, "First state yourte-night business here. Who are you?" I released my arm over her neck, but I had tightly secured her hands. I saw her bit her lip. "I work here as the cleaner and do odd jobs." I frowned. What business did a worker have here? Wait a minute Bai Li tilted his head and seemed to be in thought. "Are you that worker who Fu Ting told us about?" Bingo! And I got my confirmation the instant she froze. I felt her stiffen, and her face turned pale. "Fu Ting said that he passed by a woman worker who saw him going inside his room at three in the afternoon." "No!" The worker suddenly yelled. "I didn''t see anything like that." Well, your reactions are giving you out. "The sound of your ragged breaths and the stress in your tone clearly doesn''t say that. I know you are the same worker. Why are you lying?" "I am not lying. I have already given my statement. That man was lying. I never saw him as he said." Liao Huifang said, "Do you know your false testimony can put an innocent man behind bars? Worse, he could even get death punishment!" She seemed shaken a bit but said nothing. "I am telling the truth." I gritted my teeth. I held her wrists with one hand and with the other, I typed fast, "Do you know that a little girl has been brutally murdered and the me is pinned on her innocent father? Tomorrow is his hearing in court." She said nothing. I typed again. "You are protecting the actual culprit by keeping your silence. Do you know how many more innocent people will he kill if he is not caught? And don''t forget. Lying as an important witness can get you in jail. That charge is serious." It was better to charge both emotionally and with legal implications. That seemed to affect her a bit. Bai Li said, "Your testimony will help in proving Fu Ting innocent. But you are not telling the truth. Someone is threatening you to keep your mouth shut, right?" Now she gulped and looked terrified as I saw her forehead covered in sweat. She was shaking in ce. Tears rolled down her cheeks. "I" I saw her hesitation and typed. "Please tell the truth. Don''t be afraid. We will protect you. The cops are here." Duan Deming knew the truth about Tian Song so he could take the responsibility to protect the important witness. "I...I will say everything." I released my grip over her wrists. I typed. "What is your name?" "Ming." She nevously looked at us. "It is true...I saw Mr. Fu Tinging back in a hurry that day. He quickly greeted a smile at me. It was almost three in the afternoon. It was my lunchtime so I was wrapping up my work." "Then?" "I saw himing out five minutester. That was it." I typed. "Why didn''t you say it to the cops?" The worker fearfully nced here and there. I typed again. "Only we are here. Rest assured." "I...I got a note in my quarter where I stay one day. It said to simply deny Mr. Fu Ting''s ims that I saw him at that time. If I didn''t, then they would kill me." She sobbed. I thought so. "Do you have the letter with you now?" Bai Li asked. She shook her head. "No. It said to burn it once I read it." I sighed. "Why were you listening to us?" "I was just curious. I saw themotion, and when I came to know that you found the same little girl''s body, I came here" "The cops are here. Will you repeat what you just said?" She fidgeted with her fingers. "T-they will kill me... please...I" Bai Li, Liao Huifang, and I got to one side. He said, "Call Duan Deming and tell him about this. Tian Song shouldn''t absolutely have any clue that she will give her true statement. Her safety is the biggest priority now." I nodded. Five minutester, Duan Deming came alone to meet us. "She is safe with us. Song still doesn''t know about it. He is investigating with the forensic experts." I typed. "Be very careful." "Naturally." She seemed a bitfortable after Duan Deming reassured her. As they left, my phone rang again, and I saw the same number. I typed. "It is from Lin Zihao." "Pick it up and keep it on speaker." "Bai Li." It was Su Weiyuan''s voice. "I have checked the receipts of the transaction you sent me. The day after tomorrow, there is going to be some cargo shipping in Tianjin Port. My sources couldn''t find much. Everything is tight zipped, but Lin Zihao and I highly think that it is either weapons or drugs smuggling in exchange of something that those people here in China would give them." Chapter 85: The attack on Ming Chapter 85: The attack on Ming *Xin Lei* I opened the app in the background and typed. "So, we should quickly leave for Tianjin as soon as possible." "Yes. There might be a chance that Chu Jie could still be there." Liao Huifang eximed. "Wait. Tianjin Port? Do you know how big Tianjin Port is? It is a tourist attraction too. It is one of thergest ports in the world. How will we find where the deal would take ce? It could be anywhere!" I wondered the same. Tianjin Port covered 121 kilometers ofnd. It is situated on the western shore of the Bohai Bay. Tianjin port itself is subdivided into East, North, South, and Haihe river ports. And to find where the deal would take ce and in which area was a difficult task if we had no leads. I heard Lin Zihao speaking. "Don''t worry. We have narrowed down the ces. There are three ces - Canggu, Nangang and Gaoshaling that are under construction. It is highly possible that the deal would be there." Bai Li said, "That is possible. The rest of the port is quite filled with tourists. It doesn''t seem logical that they would do that out in the open." I typed. "But won''t the officials still inspect what cargo woulde there? Will they not check? Even if it is under construction, there must be some patrolling going on, right?" "Some officials must be bribed who don''t interfere themselves and don''t let others interfere either." I sighed. I wondered how much more powerful connections this gang had. Bai Li said, "Also, we have found Fu Meili buried here." Silence. Bai Li exined to them how and what we found out here in Natural Park. Su Weiyuan slowly said, "We have to tell this to Fu Ting and his wife." "Damn. I always hate this part." Lin Zihao sounded frustrated. I understood it too. As a doctor, I have seen patients pass away. Sometimes we cannot save them because, after all, we are humans too. Some things are not in our control, no matter how much we try our best. And to break the news out to their families is always the most difficult thing to do. When they would copse with tears in their eyes, I always feel that someone was tearing a part of my heart. I couldn''t imagine how the parents would take this news. There they are desperately waiting for any news about her, and now they woulde to know that she is deadJust how would they feel? Losing their daughter so young I sniffled and typed. "Yes. We need to tell them but don''t tell them how she died. They don''t need to know that. Save that pain for them." Bai Li quietly said, "Yes. They would not be able to take her brutal passing." Lin Zihao said, "I agree. We would not tell them." I typed. "Lin Zihao. How is Dad doing?" "Ah, he is preparing for the case tomorrow. He is confident because the evidence is quite circumstantial but if we get one witness, then it would make things a hell lot easier." Bai Li said, "We have got one. The worker who saw Fu Ting at three in the afternoon. She confessed." "What? That''s great! Can you bring her to Dongcheng?" "Duan Deming is on it." "We would tell this good news to Xin Nianzu." As we hung the call, Liao Huifang asked, "Do you think Tian Song could be the man who pretended to be sister Chuntao''s boyfriend?" I sensed the anger in her voice. I typed. "He could be." She clenched her fingers in a fist. "I will kill that bastard! He...He yed with my sister''s feelings. He killed her" I patted her shoulders and hugged her. It was hard for her, and I understood that. --- *** Xin Lei and Bai Li were discussing the case in the inn while Liao Huifang thought that she needed some fresh air, so she went out for a short walk. The breeze was colder than usual because Natural Park was densely filled with trees. As it gently brushed past her cheeks, she bit her lip, and tears gushed out. She clutched the pendant she wore around her neck. It was a birthday gift from Liao Chuntao when Huifang had turned eighteen. Since then, she always wore the pendant like her lucky charm. Sister... how are you in heaven? Her shoulders were trembling, and she didn''t know if it was because she felt cold or because she was crying. Liao Huifang recalled all the memories she spent with her sister. Huifang was ten years old when they lost their parents, and Liao Chuntao, who just turned eighteen, took the full responsibility of her younger sister. They had no rtives. Liao Chuntao didn''t talk much, but she always silently supported and cared for her Liao Huifang. She had to drop out of her University education halfway to get a job because she badly needed money for Huifang''s education. That is why Liao Huifang greatly respected her. It pained her every day to see that her sister had to be just a high school pass out so that she could study more. They had an eight-year age gap between them, nevertheless, Liao Huifang always tried to help Liao Chuntao in making friends or how to talk confidently with people because she knew she was socially awkward and would stiffen and tense whenever she had to talk to people. She was lonely, but Liao Huifang couldn''t help her much beyond an extent. Why did you leave me, sister? Huifang gasped and sniffled. Didn''t I tell you to stay away from that man? "Why...why didn''t you listen to me? You...you left me all alone now...I am all alone. You were my only family, sister. What will I do without you? I still need you... please" she sobbed hard, "pleasee back, sister" She hugged herself and burst into tears. Liao Huifang didn''t know how long time passed. She wiped her tears and thought it was time to go back. But she suddenly heard a gasp from a distance followed by a loud thud. Liao Huifang was startled. There was a small building where she saw the lights were off. It was dark. She quietly walked towards it without making any noise. Isn''t this the building where Duan Deming took Ming in custody until they left for Dongcheng? But she was surprised to see that there were no cops stationed outside. There were supposed to be officers who would look after Ming''s safety, especially from Tian Song. She felt a bad feeling arise in her chest. When she reached the ce and opened the door to peek inside, her jaw dropped wide open. Through the moonlight, she saw Ming, who was on the verge of copsing on the ground because a knife was stabbed in her abdomen. "Ah" And then she saw Tian Song, whose right hand was on the handle of the knife that was inside Ming''s stomach. He snapped his head at the right, and his gaze sharpened when he saw Liao Huifang. "Tian Song! What did you do!?" She saw Duan Deming lying on the floor, clutching his thigh in pain, which was shot when they were in Andingzhen. Blood oozed out of his dressed wound. He was ring at him and was trying to get up even when a sharp pain shot through his thigh. "W-what is" She covered her mouth. "This bastard did something to force the officers stationed outside to do his work, and then he came to kill Ming. When...ughh" His brows knitted in pain. "When I came here to take her, I saw the lights off. The officers weren''t here. When I came inside, he was going to attack Ming." Liao Huifang saw the bruises on Duan Deming and knew that a terrible fight must have ensued between them. "I fought, but he kicked on my wound" He was already unable to walk properly with the wound on his thigh, so Tian Song quickly overpowered him. Ming''s state reminded her of Liao Chuntao, and her blood boiled. Liao Huifang rushed towards him in rage. "Tian Song, you bastard! You killed my sister, and now you are trying to kill Ming too!" Ming was already unconscious, and her state was weakening. "No! Don''te near him, Liao Huifang! He is dangerous." "I don''t care! Ming is in danger." Duan Deming gritted his teeth. "Tian Song! Raise your hands and surrender yourself!" She pushed Tian Song and quickly took Ming, who was breathing raggedly. The knife was still stuck in her abdomen. Oh no! I-I need Xin Lei... Tian Song narrowed his eyes. He was going to approach Ming again, but Duan Deming yelled. "Stop! I have already paged the cops toe here." Tian Song stopped. He heard the footsteps of the officers closing in. Duan Deming was going to grab his gun but Tian Song suddenly bent and took it, and aimed it at him. "Drop the gun, Song." Liao Huifang cried out. "I saw you threatening Bai Li and Xin Lei in Andingzhen. You came here so that you could manipte the evidence and now you tried to kill Ming when she wanted to confess even though you sent her threatening note not to do that. You" her eyes teared up, "you are the one who killed my sister, right?" Chapter 86: Mings last breath Chapter 86: Ming''sst breath *Xin Lei* It was quite some time since Liao Huifang went out to take a walk. I didn''t want her to stay alone, but I understood she needed some time alone. I typed. "Bai Li. Liao Huifang still hasn''t returned." "Call her." "I did. But she isn''t picking up." "Let''s go look for her." But we heard some rapid and urgent footsteps of officers rushing towards where Ming was kept in custody. "Something has happened," he said, "Ming. It must be her." I quickly stopped one of them and typed. "Where are you rushing?" The officer said, taking short breaths. "It''s Sir Tian Song. He has attacked the witness of the case and also attacked Sir Duan Deming." What!? "Xin Lei. Quick. Let us go there." When we reached the building, I saw the officers surrounding the area, but Tian Song, at a distance, had held Liao Huifang as a hostage at gunpoint. I widened my eyes. How did she get involved here? From the corner of my eyes, I saw Ming was on the floor; her stomach stabbed with a knife. Damn! I inhaled a sharp breath. I rushed towards her. Bai Li said, "I smell blood. Is Ming hurt?" I typed. "Yes. She is stabbed, and Duan Deming is bleeding too from his thigh." "You take care of her. Do anything but save her." I nodded. I signaled the officers. ''Call the ambnce quick!'' "Yes!" One of them went to make the call. Ming''s condition was terrible. She was stabbed in the liver, and abdominal injuries are life-threatening because they bleed profusely and fast. Plus, she was hit in the liver. The liver has the most blood supply, and if hit there, it aggravates the condition. She was already having hypovolemic shock because too much blood had been lost. Her pulse was rapidly increasing. Herplexion was growing pale. This was bad. The trigger of hypovolemic shock meant that Ming had lost forty percent of blood, which the body cannotpensate. The circtory system will fail, and she could even die. I quickly elevated her wound above the heart level to slow down the bleeding. An officer helped me in holding her. "Tian Song. Let her go!" Duan Deming was still trying to talk to him, but it was of no use. I looked back at Ming. The first step was not to remove the knife. It may sound stupid to let it remain inside, but it was critical because the action of removing it again tears more tissues on the way, and that is just inviting more blood loss. I couldn''t remove the knife, but I had to stop the blood loss. I applied direct pressure on the wound to stop it as much as I can. But she needed surgery. I looked at the officer and mouthed. ''Ambnce? Where? Quick!'' "They are on their way." That was not enough. I realized that the pressure wasn''t helping at all. The blood was still flowing through my fingers. No I elevated the wound a bit more, but it wasn''t working. "Hah!!!" Ming suddenly gasped and vomited blood. She weakly opened her eyes and looked at me. I looked at her and desperately mouthed. ''Stay awake, please! Help ising!'' Ming''s eyes widened when she turned her head to look. She seemed terrified, and she slowly raised her hand trembling and pointed her finger at Tian Song. He suddenly pushed Liao Huifang away from her and leaped out in the darkness. Ming coughed again, and more blood came out. "Follow him!" Duan Deming shouted. "Don''t let him escape." Damn, where was the ambnce! I red at the officer beside him. The other officer who called said, "The ambnce is stuck in the road." I froze. Ming couldn''t hold for that long. She needed help right now! They understood my distress, but it was beyond the officer''s control too. I heard Ming gasp. She was trying to talk, but she couldn''t. "T-that...man...s-stabbedHah!" She suddenly took a sharp breath. She coughed hard, puking blood again, and her hand raised in the air, copsed. I froze. Ming? Her eyes closed, and sheid motionless. I quickly checked her breathing, but it had stopped. I took her pulse, but I felt nothing. Ming had passed away. She died. I looked at my hands, which were still covering her wound. They were all soaked in blood. I couldn''t save her Another innocent life was lost... I knew I tried my best. I knew she needed surgery, and it was beyond my help to do that now. But I still felt as if I failed to save her. I couldn''t do anything for her. "Xin Lei" Bai Li slowly came to my side. He put his hand on my shoulder. "What happened?" I said nothing. Bai Li didn''t ask anymore. I know that he understood. He embraced me, and I clutched his shirt. Liao Huifang came to my side and quickly asked, "What happened? Is Ming alright?" We said nothing. I saw her turn pale. "W-what? She is no more?" Bai Li asked, "How did you end up with Tian Song?" Liao Huifang cried. "I was checking over Ming when he suddenly grabbed me and aimed the gun at my temple. Duan Deming had secretly called for officers. He wanted to escape, so he caught me by surprise." Duan Deming quickly came to our side, limping on his leg. "Where is the ambnce?" The officer said, "Sir. The witness has already passed away." "Huh? But the ambnce! Didn''t you call the ambnce?" "Sir. The ambnce was stuck in traffic. It still is." Duan Deming gritted his teeth. "Do you know that she was an important witness! And where are the officers who left the cabin!" The officers who were on duty, startled. They lowered their heads and gulped. "You! Didn''t I specifically say that at no cost will you leave your positions? And only I am allowed to enter. You would take orders only from me. Then why did you listen to Song?" The officer seemed afraid. "We know, sir, but we got a call from him that you got into an ident. You urgently needed our help. He said that he would send some other officers instead to look after the witness." "But why did both of you go? You didn''t think of letting one stay here!?" He banged his fist on the ground in frustration. "Sir, he didn''t let us say anything further and hung the call. We were trying to reach you, but you didn''t pick up." "So, we thought that you were really in danger." "Ughhh I was talking to the forensic expert, Guozhi." Bai Li asked, "Duan Deming. What exactly happened?" He told us how he found Tian Song attacking Ming when he discovered that the lights in the building were off. They got into a fight, but Tian Song knew he was hurt in his thigh, so he kicked him there and stabbed Ming before he could get up again. Liao Huifang nodded. "I...I saw him stabbing Ming. At first, he pointed his gun at Duan Deming but then he suddenly grabbed me when he heard the copsing. I tried to resist so that Duan Deming catches him, but I couldn''t." We heard the ambnce sirens from a distance, but I could only mock at the timing. When the nurses came out, I furiously typed. "Where were you? Do you know she could have been saved if you hade on time?" I clutched my dress. It was hopeless now. The nurse said, "Mam, we were doing our best toe here as quickly as we could, but we were badly stuck in traffic. We told them that it was an emergency. But we couldn''t make our way out." Bai Li said, "Is there some festival today? Why were the roads jam-packed?" Duan Deming sighed. "Ah, actually well tomorrow is both Yi Xiaosi and Zhang Chao''s rally. Maybe that''s why the arrangements blocked the roads." I gritted my teeth. The rallies! I was damn sure that somebody didn''t let the ambncee here on time! Some cops came huffing and puffing. "Sir." Duan Deming asked, "Where is Tian Song? Did you catch him?" "No, sir. We don''t know, but he just disappeared. We looked everywhere but didn''t find him." "What nonsense!" he roared. "How can he just disappear? He is not a ghost. Look at the CCTV!" "Sir, we checked in that too. But we didn''t see him anywhere." I typed. "Perhaps he somehow went to the ce where the victims are buried. CCTV doesn''t work there." "That is possible. There is an old exit there which is also abandoned, but he could have used it." He looked at the cops. "Don''t just stand there! Keep looking for Tian Song! Seriously kiss your job goodbye if you didn''t find him as soon as possible." "Yes, sir!" The nurses took Ming away. Duan Deming and the rest of the cops got busy in the investigation. Liao Huifang seemed distressed. "What now? Ming confessed, but now...what about her testimony? What about Fu Ting?" I sadly smiled. I typed. "Her death won''t be in vain." "What do you mean?" I typed. "I mean that she is not here, but her confession is. I had recorded our conversation where she gave her testimony." Chapter 87: Shot Chapter 87: Shot *Xin Lei* When I brought Ming in the inn, I already started the recorder on my phone to capture her confession. I never thought that Ming would be attacked under Duan Deming''s watch. But I wondered if Ming would back out at thest moment in the court. What if she got scared again and didn''t confess? That''s why on the safe side, it was better to have evidence. I observed Bai Li seem to be grim. I typed. "What happened, Bai Li? What are you thinking?" Bai Li instead looked at Liao Huifang''s direction and asked, "Did Tian Song say anything to you when he held you on the gunpoint?" Liao Huifang frowned. "No. However, I kept asking him if he was my sister''s killer, but he said nothing. His expression was just cold and nk. Why did you ask?" "... Nothing. I thought that he might have told you something about his boss." "No, he didn''t." "What did you see when you entered the building?" "Yes! It was dark, and I could only see because of the moonlight. Tian Song was holding the knife that was stabbed in Ming''s stomach. Duan Deming was in pain, clutching his thigh. There were bruises on his face too." I typed. "How will Tian Song contact Rodey now? He cannot, right?" "He shouldn''t be able to. Rodey is in tight security in the army." Duan Deming came leaning on one officer. He said, "I have informed the Chief to order a search warrant for Tian Song. But until now, we didn''t find any footage of hisst location." Bai, Li nodded. "Keep searching. And tell us if you find anything." Duan Deming made a sour face. "Seriously, you are still nning to interfere?" "I already said about our decision. We want to meet Yi Xiaosi." "Please refrain from meddling in this case. Liao Huifang was in danger tonight, and Tian Song could have killed her. That''s why I am telling you for the nth time that you are only civilians now. If something happened to you, I would be answerable to the Chief. What will I say to him? I am already going to get an earful from him. Thankfully, nothing happened to Liao Huifang." "What about her testimony? Even if we said that Ming confessed, our statements wouldn''t hold much value." Liao Huifang said, "But you are a cop. Shouldn''t your words have some weightage?" I typed. "No, it is still difficult. We would need evidence." Bai Li said, "But unfortunately we don''t have any. Now it''s all up to Xin Nianzu if he could prove the case in Fu Ting''s favor." I blinked at him. Duan Deming sighed. He looked at Liao Huifang. "I will still try my best with what I can do. Pleasee with me. We need your statement in Ming''s case." She left with him. I typed, but then I thought to sign him with ASL. I took his hand and moved his fingers. ''Why didn''t you tell him about the recording?'' Bai Li paused for a bit. It seemed a little odd. He whispered, "We should be careful. There might be some mole still lurking by, maybe one of Tian Song''s men. What if he was standing with Duan Deming? The recording should be kept only between us." I agreed and nodded. --- The next morning, we were off to meet Yi Xiaosi in his office, after which we were going to head towards Tianjin Port. But today was Zhang Chao and his rallies in Lang Fang, so we had to wait until they got over. Bai Li suggested we go to their rallies just to take a look. First, we visited Yi Xiaosi''s rally. Yi Xiaosi was in his early sixties. There was a graceful smile on his face, but his eyes looked sharp and alert. Zhao Wenyan was at his side greeting all the people, talking about their agenda, and asking them to vote for their party. Along with Zhao Wenyan, two men stood at the other side of Yi Xiaosi close to him. They looked like they were in their thirties. I could faintly see their resemnce to Yi Xiaosi. His sons? "Vote for Yi Xiaosi! Our n is to serve the people of Lang Fang and give them a better life. Vote for the changes in the education system for your child''s future. Vote to get clean water and cheap electricity. Vote to make Lang Fang safe." The crowd cheered for Yi Xiaosi. Liao Huifang said in distaste. "Aren''t they tired to say the same things over and over again?" Bai Li shrugged. "Well, they want power again and again so they won''t stop." Suddenly, somebody from the crowd jumped in front of the rally. "Yi Xiaosi! What do you have to say about the dead bodies found in Natural Park? Hah! You talk about safety, but look at what happened! What do you have to answer?" The crowd went silent at his outburst. But then some people started voicing their protest too. Yi Xiaosi still looked calm andposed as if he had expected this. I wondered if either Zhang Chao or Yun Shuang sent this man to stain his reputation. It was in their advantage to use this chance to throw Yi Xiaosi from his seat. I didn''t care anyway because if he was involved in the deaths, then he deserved much worse than just throwing dirt on his reputation. Zhao Wenyan looked troubled. The two men who I assume to be Yi Xiaosi''s sons came forward, but he stopped them. They seemed a bit eager at first, but now they were disappointed. I raised my brow. Yi Xiaosi took the mike. He faced the crowd eye to eye. The crowd was silent and were boring their gazes as he got ready to speak. He said, "We will find the culprits for sure." That was it. His voice was calm but firm. That was the only thing he said. He didn''t give any long speech. He didn''t me any opposition. He didn''t ask or said anything to the man who shouted at him. Neither did he try to defend himself. His facial muscles showed no twitch and his eyes showed no guilt. The crowd looked like it was waiting for more, but Yi Xiaoshi had really finished saying his piece. He handed the mike back to Zhao Wenyan. Bai Limented. "That was a short and nice speech. He would be a fun person to talk to, don''t you think?" I shook my head. We then headed towards Zhang Chao''s rally. The scene wasn''t anything different here. The crowd was cheering just like before, and his supporters were making the same announcements and promises. The same woman we saw in Andingzhen, perhaps his daughter, stood beside him, greeting the crowd. But this time, I didn''t see General Song beside him. It was some other man I never saw before. There were also some of the army officers stationed around him. Zhang Chao then took the mike and said, "Greetings and good morning, everyone." The crowd cheered in support. But as opposed to a smile, his expression seemed grave. "This was supposed to be a joyful event for my rally, but sadly, it isn''t." The crowd looked confused, just as I was. Liao Huifang whispered from my side. "What is he talking about? Oh, is he giving up on the elections?" Bai Li said, "I don''t think so." "I just came to know the atrocities that weremitted in the Natural Park, and all the deaths truly sadden me. Such a vicious culprit is roaming free in Lang Fang. I hope they are caught soon, and I am happy to extend any help if needed by Yi Xiaosi to catch them." The crowd excitedly shouted their support. It was surprising. Wasn''t Zhao Wenyan saying that he would definitely use this situation to his favor? "And I would like to invite the three brave citizens of our country because of whom the truth came to light. Fortunately, they are here today in this rally." Huh? "Miss Xin Lei, Miss Liao Huifang and Mr. Bai Li. Can you pleasee up here?" I was dumbfounded. Liao Huifang looked just as confused. I looked at Bai Li and typed. "What is happening? Why is he calling us on stage?" Bai Li snorted. "These politicians...He must be up to something with concern to Yi Xiaosi." The people were looking left and right to see if we emerged from somewhere. "Let''s go anyway." We slowly made our way to the stage. It was hell awkward with everybody staring at us all the way. Zhang Chao smiled. The woman beside him politely bowed too. She softly said, "We apologize for calling you like that. Nice to meet you. I am Zhang Ning, his daughter." I just slightly nodded. Zhang Chao looked at Bai Li. "Young man. I appreciate your bravery. You three did an excellent job." Bai Li spoke in a low voice. "I cannot say the same thing about you, though." There goes Bai Li''s poison tongue. Zhang Chao and Zhang Ning looked astounded. He was going to say something, but Bai Li suddenly looked more alert. And in a split second, Bai Li grabbed Zhang Ning''s arm and pushed her away at the side. He ducked with her, but it was a secondte. A shot fired from behind where Zhang Ning was standing, and it pierced through Bai Li. Chapter 88: A mole Chapter 88: A mole *Xin Lei* I froze. For a moment, all of my senses became numb. I was unable to think anything. As if in slow motion, I saw Bai Li copsing on the ground, and a small trail of blood sttered outside as the bullet stabbed his shoulder. He and Zhang Ning fell together on the ground. Bai Li!!!! I turned and looked at a man who was holding his gun, aiming at thin air. Panic ensued instantly after that resounding shot, and I snapped out as the whole crowd started screaming and shouting. "Ahh!!! Gun! He has a gun!" "Get away!" People started running away in any direction from the rally. The man seemed frozen with the turn of events. Damn you! I saw the army officers rushing to surround him, but even before they could do that, I raised my leg and kicked the gun out of his hand. "Ow!" He groaned. I took a huge step and already stood in front of him. Before he could fight back, I clutched the back of his head, pushed his face down, and jabbed a straight knee uppercut right at his nose. I heard the crushing sound of his bone breaking, which still didn''t satisfy me. "Ahhhh!!! My nose!!!" That man clutched his nose. Blood trickled through his fingers. But that wasn''t enough. Something triggered inside me when I saw Bai Li fell. That scene etched into my mind. I knew I should rush to tend to him, but I felt my mind cloud in rage, wanting to beat the shit out of that man. Staggering, he got up again tond a fist at me. I shifted a step sideways, and his arm was now fully stretched before my eyes. I hooked and locked his wrist around my right arm, and with my left, I jabbed his elbow hard, channeling all my fury in that hit and broke his two forearm bones. *Crack* "AAAAHHH!!!" His eyes rolled backward in his sockets, and he fell with a thud. Now I felt a bit better seeing him in that pathetic state with his broken nose and a broken arm. I felt my temper calm down. Bai Li I snapped my head in his way. He was lying on the ground beside Zhang Ning. Zhang Ning looked fine, but he... I ran towards him. I bent and examined his shoulder. Liao Huifang seemed worried as well. "Ugghh" Bai Li slightly groaned, and his brows knitted. There was no exit wound, so the bullet was still inside. It was just hit below the vicle. "Ning! Are you alright?" Zhang Chao came rushing towards her. I didn''t bother to hide my distaste. "Dad...I-I am fine but this manhe got hurt to save me." I saw her extending her arms and trying to help him in panic, but I raised my hand. She stopped. "But h-he needs help." I snapped. I found my phone and furiously typed. "Do you think I don''t know that!" I held Bai Li''s face and rubbed his cheek. "Ah, Xin Lei...I am fine. It''s just a bullet." Just a bullet, you say! "Bai Li!" Suddenly the middle-aged man who was in ce of General Song came. "Bai Li." "Major General Shi?" Bai Li furrowed his brows. Was he Major General Shi Jianguo? "Yes. Ask about thatter. First, look after yourself." He helped me to make Bai Li sit in afortable position. I had no time. I immediately covered his wound to stop his blood flow and elevated it above his heart level. I saw sweat trickling down his forehead. "Xin Lei. I can sense your anxiety. I am fine. Thankfully it''s just the shoulder." Can I kill you sometimeter? Zhang Chao from his side yelled. "Take this man away! I will personally meet him to get my answers." He was grinding his jaw, and his eyes looked fierce. I typed. "We have to take out the bullet. Call the ambnce!" --- A politician''s connections have advantages, so we already reached the hospital ten minutester. They vacated the whole fifth floor for our use. There were Liao Huifang and Major Shi with three officers, along with Zhang Chao and Zhang Ning and their assistants. Zhang Ning quickly said, "Don''t worry. I have called the best surgeon on board." I was already taking Bai Li''s stretcher inside the ward. "Huh? Where are you going inside?" She asked me. Liao Huifang said, "Xin Lei is a doctor herself. She knows surgery. So obviously, she would be doing it." I nodded. Zhang Ning looked surprised. "Oh" I looked at the nurses. I typed. "Prepare for Shoulder Arthroscopy. Ready the cann and the arthroscope." "Yes!" One of them asked me, "You are Dr. Xin Lei, right?" I nodded. She smiled and nodded. I sensed her excitement in her expression. "It''s my honor to work with you, Dr. Xin Lei." "Wow, you are famous." Liao Huifang said. I changed into the surgeon''s uniform. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. Operating on your loved ones was a difficult thing to do. There is an emotional attachment with them, which is hard to tear off from yourself to get into the professional mode. But I had to do this. I had confidence in my skills. I went inside, and everything was already ready. "I am in your capable hands...Dr. Xin Lei." Bai Li grinned. Even if he was sweating and panting because of the shot, he had the mood to joke. I rolled my eyes. It wasn''t necessary to sedate Bai Lipletely into unconsciousness. Just numbing the shoulder and arm with anesthesia was good enough. Shoulder Arthroscopy was a procedure where I would insert a small camera called the arthroscope through two to three small incisions in his shoulder. It would be connected to the video monitor in the operating theatre. I can see the damage to the tissues like cartges, tendons, ligaments, and bones surrounding the wound and find the location of the bullet. I can then extract the bullet inserting the cann, and stitch the wound back. It was effective, had fewer scars, quick recovery time, improved motion, and was less than an hour procedure. It got over quickly and without anyplications. The bulletid in the dish. I cleaned the wound and wrapped his shoulder with the bandage. I removed my mask. I typed. "It''s done. Thank you for your help." The nurses nodded. "It was our pleasure, Dr. Xin. We feel lucky to get a chance to work with you. I have read a lot about you." I smiled. "And I feel lucky to get to date her." Bai Li smiled. I raised my eyebrow. I was going to ask if he felt alright, but guess I didn''t need to now. Finally, the ordeal was over. I felt as if my heart had stopped beating that time on the rally stage. The nurses, as if got the cue, left the ward. "Don''t send anybody in for ten minutes." Bai Li said. I helped him lean on the bed. "See? I am fine, don''t I? You were unnecessarily worrying. I have seen worse than this." I pouted. I typed. "A wound is a wound. My breath was stuck in my throat when I saw you hit with the bullet." Bai Li gravely nodded. "I should take responsibility." He raised his hand towards me and held my face. I tilted my head to feel his warmth. He slowly pulled me towards him and pressed my lips on his. I shut my eyes and leaned, even more, feeling the warm sensation on his lips. I felt him wrap his left arm around my waist. I held his face in between my hands and deepened the kiss further. My panic, my stress, and all my anxiety until now...I let it all out and took sce in his lips and in the fact that Bai Li was fine now. Before we knew it, we had already delved in each other''s mouths, tasting the bliss of love. Our breaths turned a bit raspy, and I felt the heat rising in my cheeks. Ah, I will never get enough of this. We parted after a minute. Taking short breaths, I leaned my head on his chest. I couldn''t imagine what would have happened if the bullet had hit his throat or any one of the life-threatening nerves. I typed. "I like your way of taking responsibility." "I don''t mind taking the responsibility once again." I chuckled. A whileter, everybody entered. Major General Shi snorted. "You are a hard head. I already knew you were going to be just fine. You have survived worse." Then he stared at me. "I am impressed with your skills. You fought beautifully. The sound when the bones of those shitty men break is so satisfying indeed." Well, I did feel nice. Zhang Chao stared at me for a moment. Then he looked at Bai Li, grim. "You...Thank you so much, Bai Li. I...I couldn''t even imagine if anything happened to Ning, I would have" Bai Li shrugged. "Don''t mention it. Who was the man?" "That bastard was a mole! He confessed. He belonged to Yi Xiaosi''s party, who nned to kill Ming today in the rally." Chapter 89: A possessive maniac Chapter 89: A possessive maniac *Xin Lei* I knitted my brows. Why would Yi Xiaosi want to kill Zhang Ning? Zhang Chao said, "That man was one of my party supporters. That was why he was on the stage with us. But I had no idea that he was nted by Yi Xiaosi to do this. I never thought he could go this far." "Ho" Bai Li said, "I didn''t know that your parties as the opposition had so much beef in between you that you want the other''s life." Then he shrugged. "But then again, who said politics was any cleaner?" Zhang Chao narrowed his eyes. "You seem to have some problem with politicians?" "Why not? Every step you take is fairly calcted. For example, we know that you didn''t call us on the stage merely for our brave deed''s appreciation. I bet that you don''t even fucking care about what happened in Natural Park." I carefully observed him. He seemed impassive. "You learned that something like that happened in Yi Xiaosi''s territory. Isn''t it like you got your hands on gold? One lesspetition if you yed your cards right. You also learned that we were involved in the case, so I know you want something from us. Oh, by the way, that was a beautiful speech of offering your help to Yi Xiaosi to catch the culprit." Zhang Ning was quietly staring at Bai Li, and then she shared a nce with Zhang Chao. "You will shower all nice and fluffypliments on us and would then efficiently fool us to tell or give you what you want. I wasn''t born yesterday." Major General Shi coughed a bit. His expression said that this wasn''t something new to him. Zhang Chao slowly said, "You are partly right. Indeed, I had a n in calling you on the stage." Liao Huifang mumbled from my side. "I wondered why you suddenly called us out like that. You gave me a heart attack." I typed. "Tell us already." He paused for a bit. "I want to know what Yi Xiaosi told you." I typed. "We haven''t met him yet." "What? But weren''t you at Natural Park yesterday? I got the report that somebody from his party met you." Liao Huifang said, "It was his assistant. Zhao Wenyan." "What did he tell you?" Bai Li asked, "What answer do you want to hear from us?" "Heh! That Zhao Wenyan. He is one cunning fox. He must have pinned the me on me, right? That I did everything that happened in Natural Park to frame Yi Xiaosi and pull him out of the eight allied parties." I raised my eyebrow. I felt amused. I typed. "You seem to know each other so well." "We have to. Otherwise, they would skin us alive if we are not cautious." "And yet you said that you would give full support to him." Bai Li snickered. Zhang Chao shrugged. "I have to maintain my image in front of the public though I really hate to." "Naturally." I carefully observed Zhang Ning and typed. "But there is something more right? Yun Shuang is also your equal opponent, but you only asked about Yi Xiaosi." They went quiet. I typed. "Why did they want to kill Zhang Ning? Generally, shouldn''t you be their target?" It was Zhang Ning who spoke this time. "Well... actually, Yi Xiaosi''s eldest son Yi Xing had confessed to me many times. But I rejected him." OhThis was interesting. The son of Yi Xiaosi liked the daughter of his opposition party leader. I saw why there could be friction. "But he is quite persistent. And now he has gotten too possessive." Zhang Ning seemed awkward and distressed. "I get random letters from him, and many times, I see somebody following me everywhere I go. Although nothing has happened until now because Dad has chosen guards to follow me everywhere." Bai Li said, "And so he is unable to handle the rejection." Zhang Ning pursed her lips. "Yes. It has be a bother now." Zhang Chao suddenly banged his fist on the table. "I have warned Yi Xiaosi and his son many many times to stay away from my daughter! But he has be totally crazy! He just doesn''t want to ept that my daughter isn''t interested in him! He is acting like a maniac." I typed. "And what did Yi Xiaosi say about this?" "I personally met him in his office to confront him and his son. He simply told Yi Xing to stop bothering Ning. That was it. As if a mere sentence was going to change him in any way. Yi Xing seemed to agree then, but I know he felt far from that." Bai Li said, "So now he just wants to kill Zhang Ning?" Zhang Ning quietly said, "Yes." "Why are you so sure?" "Becausest month, I was out promoting Dad''s campaign, and a young man gave a bouquet to me just as an appreciation. Yi Xing...when he came to know about it, he flipped out, and then the next day, I came to know that that man was admitted to the hospital. He was beaten up and punched badly all over his body! He was almost in aatose state." I saw her shoulders slightly trembling. She bit her lower lip. "And that''s when Yi Xing called me and threatened that he doesn''t want to see me with any man. If he saw anyone close to me, then everybody would end up like that young man. But this time he didn''t stop there. He said he wouldn''t hesitate to hurt me, too, if I didn''t listen to him. T-that day, he sounded so scaryIf I don''t choose him, then I cannot choose any other man either." Zhang Chao immediately pulled her in his hug. "I cannot believe Yi Xing can go this far! He really tried to kill my daughter just because she doesn''t love him back! Like hell, I would let Yi Xiaosi and his son go now." He cleared his throat. "When I came to know the happenings in Natural Park, I knew Yi Xiaosi would do something to harm my reputation. That is why I called you on the stage. I thought that perhaps you believed what they said and I wanted to know that. I wanted you on my side so I thought to praise you." "We are not on anybody''s side. We stand where the truth is." Bai Li continued. "And as for your question, Zhao Wenyan indeed said that you are behind all the crimes in Natural Park." A vein popped up on his forehead. "What nonsense! I knew it! Yi Xiaosi is also secretly taking his revenge because Ning hurt his bastard son. He pretended to be disappointed in him, but well, he is the father. How can he see his son in pain? But his mole has confessed now. He cannot run away." Bai Li kept quiet. I sighed. This was all soplicated. I already felt so tired. Zhang Ning then slowly looked at Bai Li. I sensed her hesitation for some reason. "C-can I ask you something?" "Sure," said Bai Li. "I don''t mean to offend you, but how did you know that I was going to be shot? I-I mean you cannot" I proudly looked at Bai Li. He was a capable man, after all. Major General Shi said, "All thanks to his training." Bai Li shrugged. "When you spend fourteen years in the army carrying guns every day with you, the experience has many advantages. I heard the sound of that man slightly shuffling something from his pocket. There was a nk of metal against metal, perhaps the gun against the metal buttons on his pants. Then I heard the click of him pulling back the slide lock. It was unmistakable. He was going to shoot. And it came from exactly behind you. That''s why I knew that you were the target. It was a semi-automatic pistol, right? Sig Sauer." Zhang Ning widened her eyes, and she looked shocked. Same as Zhang Chao. "Yes... You are right." Bai Li just shrugged again. Major General Shi smirked. "Thankfully, you haven''t forgotten your training yet, Bai Li. You make me proud." "Do you think I am so useless that I would forget it after just a few days I was discharged?" "You are a free man now, Bai Li. You should" he suddenly looked at me with a hint of a smile on his lips. I blinked my eyes. "At thirty-two, you need the training to court beautiful women and start a happy family with lots of kids, not to retain your fighting skills." I coughed. Suddenly, I felt a bit shy. God knows why. "I see you still have the same dry humor, Major General." "Thank you for thepliment." "It was not... forget it." Zhang Chao said, "I must say, I am impressed. Nobody near me could detect that and you who couldn''t see saved my daughter of all people." I typed. "Bai Li needs some rest now." "Oh." Zhang Ning seemed a bit startled. "Yes, of course. Dad, we should leave." He looked at his assistant, gritting his teeth. "Prepare to leave for Yi Xiaosi''s office!" Chapter 90: Fu Tings case hearing (1) Chapter 90: Fu Ting''s case hearing (1) --- Beijing. People were starting to gather in the High court for the preliminary hearing of Fu Ting''s case. The bailiff was overseeing the decorum. He wore a uniform simr to that of the cops. The crowd muttered among themselves as they passed through Fu Ting. "Isn''t he the man who kidnapped his daughter and killed her?" "Yes. What has the worlde to now?" "I heard the cops found the daughter''s dead body. Do you thinkthat perhaps he raped her?" "Who knows?" "Quiet." The bailiff sternly said, and they hurriedly sat on their seats. The jury consisted of four members. Two middle-aged men and two women. They were sitting on their desks on the judge''s left side. The judge was a woman in herte fifties. She was in front of the courtroom, sitting on the bench. Her slightly grey hair was parted in the middle into a neat bun at the back. She wore square spectacles that added on to her stern and fierce image. Fu Biyu entered the courtroom, holding Fu Jun''s hand with a nk and tired look on her face. There were dark circles under her eyes, which were red and puffy. Just a few hours earlier, Fu Biyu and Fu Ting got the news of Fu Meili''s death. They simply couldn''t believe it. Fu Ting caused a huge ruckus in custody, and under strict supervision, he was allowed to see Fu Meili. They saw her in the morgue, her body pale and lifeless, devoid of any warmth. Her little body was covered with a white sheet. "Meili!!!!" They broke down. They cried so loudly with grief and pain etched in their voices, mourning their daughter''s death that even a hard rock would melt, hearing their cries. They lost all their strength. The hope of seeing their daughter ever again vanished away. In the court at present, Fu Ting looked nk and lifeless... just as Fu Meili looked under that white sheet. And that was what worried Xin Nianzu. Fu Ting looked as if he didn''t care anymore. He didn''t even look at his wife and son, who walked into the court. His gaze looked like he lost all the will to fight for his innocence. He understood that it was difficult and painful for them, but he needed Fu Ting''s help and conviction too that he was innocent. Fu Ting was only vacantly staring ahead, his eyes red and puffy that mirrored just like his wife. Fu Jun, who was quite young to understand what happened, tugged his mother''s dress, who looked lost and sad to him. "MommyDid you cry? Your eyes are all red! Why are you crying?" Fu Biyu took a sharp breath. She was on the verge of breaking down again. He tugged again. "Mommy. Where is sis? The bad uncles" he hugged her thigh in fear, remembering that episode in Natural Park, "is sis still with them? When will shee back? I am missing sis. She promised she would draw a nice picture for me! She is so good at drawing!" He chirped. Fu Biyu covered her mouth, trying to gulp her gasps. She looked away and wiped away her tears. How was she supposed to tell Fu Jun that Fu Meili would nevere back again? Fu Jun saw Fu Ting on his seat, and his eyes brightened. "Daddy!" He ran off towards him. Startled, Fu Biyu followed after him. "Jun,e back!" Fu Ting seemed as if he heard nothing. He didn''t respond to his son''s call. He didn''t even twitch a single muscle. She caught Fu Jun and pulled him back. She bowed in front of the judge. "I am sorry that he" The judge smiled. "It''s alright, Mrs. Fu. I understand. He is just a little boy." Xin Nianzu ruffled his head and smiled. "Jun. Sit with your Mommy, okay?" "But I want to sit with Daddy! Because it''s so long that I saw him. He didn''t return home for so many days!" He whined. Xin Nianzu felt sad for the kid, but he could do nothing until he proved him innocent. He hoped he could do that today. Fu Jun carefully observed his father and looked up at Fu Biyu. "Mommy. Daddy also cried like you. Why are you both crying?" His eyes also teared up. At his age, he understood the nuance that people generally cried when they felt sad. "Mommy...Daddy...why are you both sad?" Tears were already trickling down his cheeks. Even the judge felt her heartache for him. She wished to make him stop from crying, but it was the time for the hearing. "Mrs. Fu. Please take your seat." She looked at Xin Nianzu and the prosecutor, Wen Guiren, a man almost of the same age as Xin Nianzu, looking professional in hiswyer''s robe. "The proceedings may now begin. Mr. Wen. You may start." Wen Guiren bowed. "Thank you, Your Honor. I would like to call my first witness, Mrs. Yu. She is a teacher and a colleague of Mr. Fu Ting." "Permission granted." Mrs. Yu, a woman in herte thirties, entered the witness box. "Mrs. Yu. When was thest time you saw Fu Meili?" "It was around two-thirty in the afternoon when we had lunch." "And when was the time when Fu Ting went back?" "Around three." The court reporter was rapidly typing down every statement on his side. "Why are you sure of the time?" "Oh, that''s because, at three, my husband called me. So I looked at the time." "What did he say when he left?" "He just said that he forgot something in his room. So he would be back in a few minutes, and he quickly left after that." "Thank you, Mrs. Yu. That is all." The judge nced at Xin Nianzu. "Mr. Xin. Do you want to ask anything?" Xin Nianzu respectfully said, "Yes, Your Honor." "Mrs. Yu. When Fu Ting left, did he seem nervous to you? Or any odd behavior? Scared or jittery?" Mrs. Yu seemed to be in thought. "I guess he looked just a little panicked but really not scared to that extent." He nodded. "Thank you." Wen Guiren then called upon other teachers who were in the same group, and they all testified that Fu Ting went away at three. Wen Guiren said, "With the testimonies, it is clear that Fu Ting went away around the same time when Fu Meili disappeared. Along with this, I ask your permission to show you the evidence which the cops found in Fu Ting''s room." "Granted." Wen Guiren presented some papers to the court reporter, who passed it on the judge. "Your Honor. This is the DNA analysis of the blood found on the knife. Fu Meili''s body wasn''t found at that time, so the forensics took some of her hair strands found in her hairbrush. And the result is a ny percent match. The weapon of crime was found in Fu Ting''s room." The judge carefully read the report and nodded. "As Fu Ting''s time of disappearance matches with Fu Meili''s and with the weapon found in his room, it points out that Fu Ting was involved in his daughter''s kidnapping." A stranger who sat at the back in the courtroom smiled to himself. He mockingly looked at Fu Ting. "Objection, Your Honor." Xin Nianzu said, "The evidence is not conclusive. There are no fingerprints on the weapon." "Objection sustained." "Thank you, Your Honor." Xin Nianzu continued. "First, there are no fingerprints on the weapon that could definitely say that Fu Ting might be the culprit. The knife could be very well nted to pin the crime on him." Wen Guiren said, "Fu Ting could have worn gloves." "If Fu Ting was cautious in not leaving his fingerprints on the knife, then would he be so careless to leave the knife in his room and get implicated in the case?" Wen Guiren replied. "Your Honor, by that time, Fu Meili''s disappearance had caused an uproar. So in a hurry, Fu Ting made a mistake." Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor. The ce where Fu Meili was found buried and where Fu Ting''s room is, is a whole twenty-five minute apart by foot. Fu Ting returned from his room to join the group at ten past three. It is physically impossible to kidnap Fu Meili, kill her in that abandoned building, bury her ande back just ten minutester when the ce is twenty-five minutes apart." The judge asked, "Is there a witness who saw Fu Ting go to his room and return?" "There was, Your Honor. A worker named Miss Ming had seen Fu Tinging and going to and from his room at that time frame. But unfortunately, she was murderedst night." The crowd gasped at this revtion. "That is shocking. She died?" "This seems soplicated." The judge struck the gavel against the surface. "Quiet." She gravely looked at Xin Nianzu. "Details." He exined what happenedst night. "Your Honor, if the witness was killed to prevent her from giving her testimony, then that means that somebody doesn''t want Fu Ting to be free." Wen Guiren said, "Your Honor. But without her testimony, Fu Ting cannot be cleared of suspicion." The man at the back smirked. You are done for, Fu Ting. Xin Nianzu said, "It is possible. I have Miss Ming''s testimony, Your Honor." Chapter 91: Fu Tings case hearing (2) Chapter 91: Fu Ting''s case hearing (2) --- High Court, Beijing. The man at the back froze. How is it possible? How can there be Ming''s testimony? Xin Nianzu said, "I have Miss Ming''s recorded confession." Wen Guiren panicked. He was a bribedwyer whose only job was to put Fu Ting behind bars. In exchange, they promised to give him loads of money enough to open his own privatew firm that was his dream for a long time. He immediately said, "Objection, Your Honor. The prosecution was not informed about such evidence." The judge said, "Objection sustained." She looked at Xin Nianzu. "Mr. Xin. You are very well aware that all the evidence must be seen and noted by both defense and prosecution beforehand to prepare for the case." "Apologies, Your Honor." Xin Nianzu bowed. "But I myself received the recording just a few minutes before the hearing began." Actually, it was true, but notpletely. Bai Li and Xin Lei already had the recording sincest night, but Bai Li, on purpose, asked her to send the recording to Xin Nianzu just a few minutes before the hearing began. He suspected that if that boss bribed prosecution, then he would still try to do something to frame Fu Ting. Or maybe someone would have wanted to destroy it. It wasn''t a permanent solution, but he didn''t want to give thewyer that time. The man at the back gritted his teeth. He was just ordered to give updates and tell if everything was going on as nned. But the sudden appearance of this recording could threaten their n. The judge sighed. "This is thest chance, Mr. Xin. Take it as my warning." "Yes, Your Honor." "y the recording." Xin Nianzu yed it, and Ming''s conversation with Xin Lei and Bai Li resounded in the courtroom. Every word was crystal clear. Wen Guiren was now panicking more. This was not in the n! I was not told about this. He silently gritted his teeth. As it ended, Xin Nianzu said, "After this confession, Miss Ming was attacked and murdered by a cop in custody." "A cop?" The judge was visibly surprised. "Yes. He goes by the name Tian Song. Two witnesses saw himmitting the crime. Another cop named Duan Deming and one woman, Liao Huifang. He escaped, taking her as the hostage." He handed some papers to the court reporter. "These are their statements. Due to the sudden incident, they are unable to testify here in court. It also includes the details of her death." Silence. The judge read through it. Xin Nianzu continued. "It makes everything clear. The witness was supposed to testify to prove Fu Ting innocent, and on the same night, she was murdered. The real mastermind doesn''t want Fu Ting to be free." Wen Guiren said, "May you permit me to say something, Your Honor?" "Permission granted." "Thank you. Unfortunately, Miss Ming was murdered. But the recording is audio. I request the court to order a test that would prove the authenticity of this recording." Xin Nianzu knew that it was useless and a waste of time. After all, why would his daughter give him a false recording? But he couldn''t put that argument in the court. Feelings don''t matter. Only evidence does. He said, "I don''t object, Your Honor." The judge nodded. "Very well." Wen Guiren inwardly felt a bit relieved. Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor. There is another thing that I would like to bring your attention to. May I ask to bring my client, Mr. Fu Ting, for questioning?" "Granted." Fu Ting dazedly came in the witness box. "Mr. Fu Ting. Can you please tell the court why you wanted to go back to your room?" But he said nothing. Fu Ting just nkly stared at him. "Meili... Meili...my daughter is...no more" He muttered. Xin Nianzu was worried now. "Mr. Fu Ting. Why did you go to your room?" He repeated. He was trembling in ce. He was in no position to answer anything. This is not good, he thought. Fu Biyu looked at him with tears in her eyes. Ting... please don''t stay silent. Xin Nianzu bowed. "Apologies, Your Honor. My client is shocked by the news of his daughter''s death. He is not in the condition to answer. May I continue?" "Yes, Mr. Xin." "Mr. Fu Ting went back because he had bought a gift for his wife, Mrs. Fu Biyu. He said in his statement - I have already passed it to the reporter - he said that he forgot to keep the box back in the cupboard. It wasn''t wrapped in gift paper, so he thought that the cleaners would throw it away, thinking it as junk." Wen Guiren said, "But the cops didn''t find any gift box on the investigation. That was his excuse to go back." "No." He handed the reporter a receipt. "This is the bill of the gift that Fu Ting bought in Langfang. It was a pendant he bought from the jewelry store. So it is evident that the gift exists. But somebody threw it away who wanted to negate my client''s valid reason." The judge looked through the bill and confirmed that it was legit. "There is also the CCTV footage of Fu Ting buying the pendant in the jewelry store." He also yed the recording, and Fu Ting was clearly seen in it. "If Fu Ting indeed kidnapped Fu Meili, then why would he throw away the gift box? That was his ticket to prove his innocence. It would have confirmed his testimony." Wen Guiren was sweating a bit. The man at the back was now panicking too. The case was leaning towards Xin Nianzu and in Fu Ting''s favor. He quietly stood and went outside the courtroom. Wen Guiren had to strike more. I have to do something. "Your Honor. Even if what Miss Ming said turned out to be true, that doesn''t take away the suspicion from Fu Ting. He could have kidnapped Fu Meili, killed her, and handed her dead body to his aplice so that he coulde back on time. In a hurry to return, he hid the knife with him to dispose of itter on, which fell in his room unknown to him." Xin Nianzu smiled. "Your assumptions won''t work, Mr. Wen. The court needs facts. Hypothetically, even if we assume it to be true, what about the gift box? If there is an aplice, who is he?" The judge asked, "Do you have answers, Mr. Wen?" He couldn''t say anything. Damn, that confession recording ruined everything! Xin Nianzu said, "It is not over here, Your Honor. You must have read the news that in Natural Park, along with Fu Meili, there were other victims found out too buried in the ground." "Yes. I did." "If the prosecution is charging my client to be guilty of murdering Fu Meili, then is he also charging him to be the killer of all those victims? That is not possible. Fu Meili''s murder is simr to all those people who died. That means that there is some other gang behind these crimes. They kidnap their targets, kill them, and then bury them under the ground. My client is a simple school teacher. He doesn''t have rtions with the victims found there." Fu Biyu burst into tears, thinking about her daughter. She tightly held onto Fu Jun''s hand. He didn''t know what was going on. He just buried his face in her chest. Xin Nianzu smiled. "And to prove my client innocent, I am also a witness." The judge squinted her eyes. "What do you mean, Mr. Xin?" "Your Honor, a few days, I was kidnapped by a mysterious gang." Once the people in the crowd gasped. "What?" "Yes. I was kidnapped and kept in their base. They did that so I would not be able to fight Fu Ting''s case. They wanted me to prevent appearing in the court. I somehow escaped and was in hiding for a day. And just yesterday the army saved me from some goons who wanted to kidnap me back." Silence. "Everything clearly points out to the fact that somebody wants to trap my client by hook or by crook. They want to pin everything on him so that the real murderers are free from the punishment. They didn''t even want hiswyer to fight for him, so they kidnapped me." The judge carefully looked at Fu Ting. Indeed, the facts were pointing to the deliberate attempts to sabotage Fu Ting''s chances of being innocent. The bell rang. The judge hit the gavel. "The court will announce its decision after lunch." The crowd started to disperse. Fu Biyu rushed towards Fu Ting. "Ting" "Mam." The officer stopped her. "You are not allowed to meet him." She bit her lip. Xin Nianzu sighed and sat down. Lin Zihao came and asked, "The case seems to be in our favor." "Yes. But we should still be cautious. We shouldn''t get overconfident." --- The man standing outside at a distance dialed a number. "Hm." "This is bad. Xin Nianzu had the recording of that bitch''s testimony. Plus, he also has the evidence to support that Fu Ting bought the gift. Ourwyer wasn''t able to do anything!" There was a beat of silence. "It is lunch break now. The judge will announce her decision after it''s over." "Just do as I say and tell Wen Guiren what he has to say in the court now." Chapter 92: Fu Tings case hearing (3) Chapter 92: Fu Ting''s case hearing (3) --- High court, Beijing. The lunch break was over. Everybody gathered back to their seats. Wen Guiren said, "Your Honor. I havee across some revtions during the break, which I feel is crucial that the court must know." The judge adjusted her spectacles and said, "What revtions?" Xin Nianzu narrowed his eyes. He shared a nce with Lin Zihao. Wen Guiren said, "I had my suspicions on the gift that Fu Ting brought. So I asked the cops in Langfang to interrogate the shop owner of that jewelry store once again. And Your Honor, you would be shocked to know that he confessed the truth after the cop''s questioning when they pressed for the truth." He handed out some papers. "This is Mr. Yan''s statement that I just received a fax from the cops. He says that Fu Ting never went to the shop to buy anything. Fu Ting threatened the owner to create a bill for his name with all the date and particrs that could serve as the proof But the reality is far from that." Xin Nianzu silently kept on watching. Fu Biyu looked at Wen Guiren in horror. What is he saying? Ting would never do something like that! He would never threaten anybody. She felt her heart thud faster, and her desperate nce shifted at her husband, but he seemed impassive and unaffected. "May I ask your permission to start a video call with Mr. Yan? The cops are ready with him for him to stand as a witness." "Permission granted." Wen Guiren bowed. He started the video conference. A man in his early seventies appeared on the screen. He looked nervous with how he was sping his hands together, and a strange sense of fear could be seen in his darting nces. Two officers stood behind his back on either side. Xin Nianzu observed those minute reactions, the sweat on his forehead, and his fidgety movements. "Mr. Yan. Can you please tell the court of what happened?" Wen Guiren asked. Even though Mr. Yan knew that he was on the call, he still startled when Wen Guiren spoke to him. "T-that day" Wen Guiren pressed on. "Don''t fear, Mr. Yan. You can freely tell the truth of what happened." Mr. Yan sped his hands tighter. "That man came to me one day-" "Sorry for the interruption, but can you identify the man? Look at this man. Was he the one?" He shifted the camera towards Fu Ting. "Y-yes. He was the man. He came to my shop and requested to talk to me alone. Then he threatened me to create a fake bill for him. If I didn''t do it, then he would k-kill me." "What about the CCTV footage?" "He ordered me to tamper with them so that he could be seen in it. He never bought any gift." "He is lying! My husband would never threaten anybody!" Fu Biyu abruptly stood and loudly voiced out her disagreement with tears in her eyes. The judge warned. "Please calm down, Mrs. Fu. You cannot interrupt the proceeding. Please sit down." "B-but-" Xin Nianzu looked at her and nodded. Fu Biyu bit her lip hard and sat back. Xin Nianzu asked, "Can I ask some questions, Your Honor?" "Yes, Mr. Xin." Xin Nianzu asked, "Mr. Yan. How did he threaten you?" "Huh?" "I mean, how? What weapon did he use to threaten you?" "O-oh that...it was a" He seemed to panic, "gun!" Xin Nianzu raised his brow. "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Where did he point the gun?" Now he looked more nervous. The man at the back and Web Guiren were silently hoping that he shouldn''t mess up." "At my head." "With which hand?" "Right." The answer was almost immediate. Xin Nianzu smiled. He took a pen and suddenly threw it at Fu Ting without any warning. Fu Ting suddenly saw something thrown at him andnd at his side. He, who was zoned out, startled. He instinctively raised his hand and caught the pen, but there was an odd and noticeable thing in that. Fu Ting was still a bit dazed and out of sorts. He said nothing. "Mr. Xin. What was that?" The judge sternly asked with a hint of warning in her tone. "He is your client. What is this behavior?" "Apologies, Your Honor, but I wanted to prove my point. As you must have seen, Mr. Fu Ting caught the pen with his left hand. That was his instinct that he cannot lie about. My client is left-handed. Why would he point the gun at Mr. Yan with his right?" Mr. Yan froze. Wen Guiren stiffened. "People handle things with their dominant hand. It seems to be awfully weird that my client suddenly decided to use his right hand that day to threaten Mr. Yan." The judge raised her brow. "Valid point." Wen Guiren Suddenly Mr. Yan said, "T-that is right! I seem to have made a mistake. Indeed, he used his left hand." He was sweating buckets now. "Prosecutor''s witness seems to have a problem in deciding his statement. First, he said it was my client''s right hand, and now he said it was his left?" Wen Guiren said, "Your Honor. The witness is still afraid. Maybe that''s why he messed up. And Mr. Yan?" "Yes!" "You must be standing opposite to Fu Ting, right?" "Yes, I was." "Perhaps his left hand seemed right to you from your side." "That''s right. That''s how it was." He seemed to be relieved. "Objection Your Honor." Xin Nianzu said, "It clearly looks like the prosecutor is filling words in Mr. Yan''s mouth to suit the testimony. He is egging the witness to give an excuse." "Objection sustained. Mr. Wen. I agree with Mr. Xin. Mr. Yan must give his clear and precise testimony based on what he saw, heard, and remembers." Wen Guiren inwardly cursed Xin Nianzu. "Yes, Your Honor." Xin Nianzu continued. "That is not the only facy in Mr. Yan''s statement. He said that my client bought a gun with him. But there are metal detectors at the store''s entrance. How was the gun not detected when my client entered the store?" Mr. Yan stuttered. "T-that, he opened his gun from a ceramic container. I was also shocked." Xin Nianzu squinted his gaze. "Ceramic things go undetected. Fu Ting took advantage of it." He knew something was wrong. It was clear that the shop owner was threatened. Xin Nianzu shook his head. "Mr. Wen. Do you realize that instead of going through all the trouble to threaten Mr. Yan, my client could have just simply bought a gift for real for which he would have gotten a real bill? No need to tamper with the CCTV either because he would be seen in it as evidence. Why would he risk to threaten Mr. Yan when he could prove to be a witness against him in the future?" Wen Guiren smiled. Xin Nianzu was sharp like a hawk, but they were well prepared. Wen Guiren said, "Because Fu Ting wasn''t in his right state of mind." "Excuse me?" "Yes." he looked at the judge. "Your Honor. Mr. Yan is a key witness. Fu Ting never bought a gift, so there was never a gift in the first ce. It was all an excuse to go back to kidnap Fu Meili and viciously kill her." Fu Biyu was silently sobbing, hearing all the usations thrown at Fu Ting. She couldn''t bear to see him getting so humiliated. "Mommy" Fu Jun raised his hand to wipe her tears. He had no idea why his Mommy was crying so much today. Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor. Fu Meili is my client''s daughter. He loves his family. Why would he think of killing his own daughter?" Wen Guiren smiled. "That is because things don''t seem so straightforward as the defense thinks they are. I would like to ask for permission to call Fu Ting''s wife, Mrs. Fu Biyu, in the witness box." "Permission granted." "Mrs. Fu." "Yes." Her voice was low andced with grief. Her eyes were filled with tears threatening to fall. "After Fu Meili was born, who insisted on having a second child?" She blinked her eyes in confusion. "Huh?" "Objection. The question is too personal, and it has no bearing on the case," Xin Nianzu said. Wen Guiren said, "Please give me a chance, Your Honor. I will prove that my question isn''t pointless." "Objection overruled." "Thank you, Your Honor. Now, please answer my question, Mrs. Fu." She nced at Fu Jun and then at her husband. "T-ting said that it would be lonely for Meili" She broke down into soft sobs, uttering her daughter''s name, who was now no more. She sniffled and wiped her tears. "...to be an only child. So if I didn''t mind, then we could go for a second child. I agreed. It was good for her to have a sibling." Wen Guiren asked, "Mrs. Fu. Did he want to have a second child because of this sentimental reason or did because he didn''t like the fact that he had a daughter, so then he wanted a chance to have a son?" Chapter 93: Fu Tings case hearing (4) Chapter 93: Fu Ting''s case hearing (4) --- High court, Beijing. Fu Biyu looked at Wen Guiren in utter shock. Her nostrils red in anger. "What are you saying!?" Wen Guiren said, "Mrs. Fu. You heard me. Perhaps he asked for a second child because he wanted a son." "How could you insult my husband like that! Ting never differentiated between Meili and Jun based on gender! He always loved them equally." "That is not what other witnesses say. It has repeatedlye into attention that Fu Ting indeed favored a boy. Your Honor, if you permit, I would like to call some of Fu Ting colleagues in the witness box." "Granted." First came Mr. Yang, who is an assistant teacher in the same school. "Mr. Yang. Can you please tell us about the conversations Fu Ting and your group had?" Mr. Yang said, "Well, many times, we teachers would go out and grab some drinks after our work was over. We would just usually chat about our lives. Around two years ago, senior Fu started talking about he was nning for a second child." "What would he say?" "He wouldn''t mention much, but he expressed his desire to have a son. It wasn''t so serious. He just said because Fu Meili, who was two at that time, would just sometimes cheekily mumble that she wanted a brother." Simrly, other colleagues came who said along those same lines. "Yes. He would talk a lot about having a boy." Another female colleague said, "I have a son too, and many times Fu Ting would ask me questions about how it was having a boy." Sometimes he would ask or talk about raising boys. So, quite a few times, Fu Ting spoke about how he wished to have a boy. Fu Biyu was horrified. She couldn''t believe that these people could twist his words like that. She knew that it wasn''t really anything to do with gender. He had no problem even if they had a girl again. It was Meili who would just innocently say that she wanted a brother. And he wanted her to be happy even if it was silly. She remembered he asked one day what if it was a sister. But Meili was sad, and she started to cry. Apparently, one little girl from the neighborhood had pushed her while ying, and she got hurt. So she didn''t want a sister. Naturally, they tried to make her understand, but she insisted and wanted a cute little brother. That''s why perhaps Fu Ting may have wished to have a son, but only because Meili really wanted it, and he didn''t want to sadden her. Xin Nianzu asked Mr. Yang. "And in any of the conversations, did you feel like my client is talking disrespectfully about Fu Meili, or perhaps you sensed some distaste when he talked about her?" They hesitated. "Well, he would never say it like that. Sometimes he would even happily show his pictures of Fu Meili having fun or ying in the house." Wen Guiren said, "That is all an act. Your Honor, it is not just about conversations. There was also an important incident that urred one day." He called Mrs. Yan in the witness box again. "Mrs. Yan. Can you please tell us about the time when Fu Meili came crying to you one day?" She sighed. "Yes. That day, she was quite zoned out. She didn''t pay attention in the ss. So after school, I asked her if there was any problem. She said that her daddy punished her by locking in the room for one hourst night. So she was in a bad mood that day. I asked her what was going on, and she said that Fu Ting unnecessarily shouted at her." Amidst all these usations, Fu Ting still seemed nk. "I talked to Fu Ting about this, but he said that it was just a minor argument." "No. It was not like that!" Fu Biyu suddenly jumped in the proceedings to defend him. "You misunderstand him! Meili just talked back to me that day. She wanted to have one toy, and I refused-" "Mrs. Fu. Please calm down. Pleasee in the witness box if you have to say anything." The judge interrupted her. Without wasting any time, she hurriedly went. "L-like I said, I refused to give her the toy. She already had too many. So Meili spoke a little rudely to me. Ting just got angry at her because she disrespectfully spoke to me. That''s why he just scolded her a little." Wen Guiren wasn''t ready to leave it. "Who would be so harsh to lock up their daughter in her room? Mrs. Yan said how Fu Meili was crying hard because she was scared of her father! She kept crying and shouting to let her out but he didn''t listen." "That''s not true! Ting locked her in the room to discipline her because she didn''t apologize for her behavior even if Ting calmly asked her many times. So he just did that so she could reflect on her actions." She looked at Fu Ting. "Ting. Say something! They...they are using you of harming our daughter. They think that you never loved her. Tell them that they are wrong!" But he didn''t respond. Xin Nianzu immediately said, "Mrs. Fu, please." Wen Guiren said, "That was not the case. He was frustrated with her, and that day, he just got the perfect excuse to take out his frustration on Fu Meili. So he locked her up to punish her." Fu Biyu cried. "No! Ting didn''t do it on purpose. He was just fulfilling his duty as a parent to teach their child right from wrong! And everything went fine after school when Meili apologized. Ting was also happy and satisfied." Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor, this doesn''t make sense. What is the prosecutor trying to prove with all this?" Wen Guiren said, "Your Honor, there are many such incidents where it is apparent that he favored Fu Jun more or unfairly treated Fu Meili. He attended Fu Jun''s every birthday, but twice, he missed Fu Meili''s because he despised her. The treatment and partiality is so clear, Your Honor." Suddenly Fu Ting stirred a bit. Birthday...My daughter''s birthday...There would be no more birthdays My daughter would forever be eightshe would never grow up now... His gaze turned blurry, and his lips trembled. "No!" said Fu Biyu, "Once he couldn''t make it back from his business trip. He was stuck at his ce, and he tried his hardest toe back. And another time, he had a small ident whileing back home from office on the way. He was admitted to the hospital! You have no idea how regretful Ting was both times to miss Meili''s birthday party." "And he did everything on purpose!" She clutched the witness box stand and broke down in tears. "No...You...you... please don''t humiliate my husband anymore...we have already suffered enough...pleasestop it already..." Wen Guiren felt smug inside. It was useless now to defend him. "They are just excuses. It''s all because he hated her to be a girl. That is why at the school trip in Natural Park, he thought it was the best time to get rid of her." Everything was beyond the tolerance level of Fu Biyu. She couldn''t believe that they could go to this length to frame Fu Ting. He was always such a loving father to her. He could never even imagine hurting his precious daughter. Yet, they were using him of such baseless and vicious allegations. Her heart broke out for him. Xin Nianzu took a deep breath. Whoever he was, was doing his utmost not to let Fu Ting free of charges. They were crossing all lengths not to reopen an investigation but too bad for them that Bai Li and Xin Lei would never give up chasing after the truth. They were akin to bright torches that no matter how much darknessid ahead, they would keep walking, illuminating the path with the light of truth. Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor. Everything is purposely twisted to paint Fu Ting as the viin. He is just a normal teacher who happily lived with his family and loved both his children." Wen Guiren smirked. "The defense must have fought so many cases, yet he believes people at their face value. Such normal people are the ones who hide their monstrosity inside them. They look innocent on the outside but are demons in reality." "I ask the prosecutor to give evidence, not assumptions based on hearsay." The judge said, "Mr. Wen. Please present your evidence. The court needs facts." Wen Guiren bowed. "Yes. I have a witness, Your Honor, who confesses to being Fu Ting''s aplice in the happening at Natural Park." "Who is the witness?" She asked. Wen Guiren''s lips curved into a faint smirk. The man sitting at the back held the same smug expression as him. "The same criminal who tried to kidnap Mr. Xin yesterday." Xin Nianzu squinted his eyes. No. It couldn''t be. Lin Zihao shared the same perplexed look. "I would like to ask permission to call my witness, Rodey." Chapter 94: Fu Tings case hearing (5) Chapter 94: Fu Ting''s case hearing (5) High court, Beijing. Rodey entered the courtroom with two officers walking behind him. A devilish smirkced the corner of his lips as he saw Fu Ting''s pitiful state. His nce shifted to Xin Nianzu, and he slightly narrowed his eyes, scoffing at him. Rodey stood in the witness box. Wen Guiren said, "Your Honor, Rodey, and his gang was caught yesterday by the Army who tried to kidnap Mr. Xin. He is an important witness who has given his statement." Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor. But I don''t have any record of his statement." "That is because I just got the news during the break that when Captain Su Weiyuan and General Song interrogated him again, he admitted to something that would prove Fu Ting to be guilty." Lin Zihao was perplexed. Rodey was up to no good. But he had faith in Xin Nianzu and his skills. Wen Guiren asked Rodey, "Please repeat your confession that you just gave an hour back." Rodeyughed. "Ah, what should I say? You are so useless, Fu Ting." The judge struck the gavel against the surface. "Mr. Rodey. Please follow the decorum in the court." Rodey raised an eyebrow. His signature devious smile appeared again. "Ah, such an elegant woman, aren''t you? I always appreciate beauty." The judge shot a fierce re at him. "Hey, easy woman. I am sure you would have been the hard-to-get type in your young days, right? I love women who give that challenge." He smirked. Wen Guiren wanted to bang his head on the wall. This was not the time to make enemies much less with the judge! "Enough!" The judge roared. "This is a tant disrespect of the court! This is thest warning. If you don''t control yournguage, then I would be forced to sentence you on charges of this disrespect!" Wen Guiren nervously looked at Rodey and desperately signaled him to stop. Rodey simply shrugged. Wen Guiren cleared his throat and quickly said, "Apologies, Your Honor. Mr. Rodey. We cannot waste the court''s valuable time. Please tell the court what you know about Fu Ting." Rodey showed a bored expression. Ah, such a pain, he thought. "This bastard wanted his daughter dead, so he gave the bounty to kidnap and kill her in Natural Park." "Language." The judge warned Rodey again. Wen Guiren asked, "Please say everything from the beginning." Rodey continued in azy tone. "He was drunk one day-" "Which day?" Xin Nianzu sharply asked. Rodey smiled. "Two days before the school trip. He was with his colleagues, I guess. I happened to be in the same bar. Fu Ting was too drunk, and he bumped into me. I was pissed off at him, but then I heard him muttering some curses." Wen Guiren asked, "What did you hear?" "He was angry at someone named Meili. I got interested because well" he meaningfully looked at the judge, "that is my job. He could be a potential client, so I asked him who this Meili was. Did he want her dead? And he angrily looked at me and loudly said yes." After a pause, he said, "In his intoxicated state, he said how he hated to have Meili as his daughter. He wished to get rid of her. And so, like a good man dedicated to his job, I offered that it could be possible." Fu Biyu had enough. "Lies! These are all lies! Ting...Ting wot never do something like that!" Her body was trembling in rage and fear at the same time. The judge said, "Mrs. Fu, please take your seat. You will be given a chance to speak as well." Rodey leaned his right frame on the witness box. "Well, he told me about the school trip, and I found it as a perfect chance. Around three in the afternoon, Fu Ting made an excuse to go back to his room while, in reality, he took his daughter away from everybody''s sight. We had our hideout in the park, but it was twenty-five minutes away, and Fu Ting couldn''t afford to return thatte. So he quickly killed her and handed her dead body to me to dispose of it." Heughed. "This bas- oops. Fu Ting. I forgot I am disrespecting the court. Are you happy now, Madam judge?" "Come to the point." She said. "Well, Fu Ting was really excited," he chuckled. "You should have seen him when he killed her. Ah, there was pure happiness and madness in his eyes." Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor. I would like to cross-question Rodey." She nodded. "Look who it is. Mr. Xin Nianzu. Tsk tsk." He ignored it and asked, "Why was the knife found in his room?" "Because he was so stupid. After he killed Meili, he got scared to be found out and was conscious of how long he had disappeared. He didn''t want anybody to get suspicious of him, so he just ran away, forgetting to throw the stupid knife away after telling me to deal with her body." "And nobody saw him carrying a bloody knife?" "Oooh...well we have our own secret passages, Mr. Xin. I had already told him how toe and go." "Why did Fu Ting have to threaten Mr. Yan to create the fake bill?" Rodey shrugged. "He asked me for a gun out of the blue. He nned to do that. I had already made it clear that our gang would be only responsible for the kidnapping and murder. I wouldn''t give a shit about his alibi. He had to think of that on his own." Xin Nianzu bore his gaze into his. "If you helped my client with the murder, then why did you kidnap me? Why do you want him behind bars?" Rodey spat his words in distaste. "Because Ipleted my part of the deal. But he couldn''t hold onto his end. And that was-" he rubbed his thumb and index finger, "money." He sneered. "Do you think we are a charity? It was give and take. We helped him in dealing with his daughter, and he would have to fill our pockets with cash. But then he started to give pathetic excuses for not being able to pay back. He wanted time. Hah! That was not the deal. So I told that cop, Tian Song, to arrest Fu Ting as his punishment. And well you... aren''t you his defense? We didn''t want any fuckingwyer to fight for him, so sorry pal, but we had to trouble you a tinsy tiny bit." Wen Guiren said, "Fu Ting''s aplice has now admitted to the truth. They were in this together to kill Fu Meili." Xin Nianzu interrupted. "Not yet, Your Honor. I would like to ask Mr. Yang a few questions." Mr. Yang stood in the witness box. Xin Nianzu asked, "Did your group visit the bar two days before the trip?" "Yes. Like my other colleagues also said, we would often go out for drinks after work." "Was my client drunk?" He pondered for a moment. "Indeed, he was drunk. He was a bit more drunk than usual." "Was he away from the group for a while?" "Uhm...yes...he excused himself for the bathroom." "Did you see him anytime with this man?" Xin Nianzu pointed at Rodey. He shook his head. "No." Wen Guiren said, "Your Honor. Naturally, the conversation would have taken ce when Fu Ting was away from the group." Xin Nianzu asked fully, knowing what the answer would be. "Your Honor. I ask the court to order the CCTV footage of that bar." Mr. Yang slowly said, "...There are no CCTV''S, I guess. It is really just a small-end average bar." Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor, in that case, the prosecutor doesn''t have the adequate evidence to prove that Fu Ting met Rodey that night. Rodey is lying. There are no phone records, either. And" he smiled. "The prosecutor seems to forget one important thing." Wen Guiren frowned. Xin Nianzu went back to Rodey. "Are you sure that Fu Ting killed Fu Meili?" Rodey narrowed his gaze. "What-" "Or did Fu Meili see something she wasn''t supposed to because of which she ''had'' to be killed?" He cut Rodey mid-sentence. Rodey tilted his head, scrutinizing Xin Nianzu. Xin Nianzu said, "This is what the prosecutor is forgetting, Your Honor. There were dead bodies found buried in Natural Park, and Fu Meili lost somewhere around that area. Isn''t it so obvious that she must have seen some crime happening there? Maybe Fu Meili saw the same people killing another victim. Maybe she saw a murder happening right in front of her eyes." The judge adjusted her spectacles again and carefully said, "That makes sense." Wen Guiren said, "But the defense cannot prove those ims. It is just an assumption. Unfortunately, Fu Meili is no more to testify." Xin Nianzu smiled. "But there is another person who can testify. There is another witness who saw everything. Your Honor, please permit me to call Fu Meili''s younger brother, Fu Jun, in the witness box." Chapter 95: Fu Tings case hearing (6) - Conclusion Chapter 95: Fu Ting''s case hearing (6) - Conclusion --- High court, Beijing If the perpetrators had nned to trap Fu Ting further during the break, then Xin Nianzu wasn''t dilly-dallying either. In the case of child witnesses, the judge needed to know beforehand about such witnesses. Xin Nianzu had already warned Fu Biyu yesterday that he might need to call Fu Jun for his testimony if the need arises. Naturally, he would try to avoid that as much as possible, considering Fu Jun''s age and the effect on his mental health, but he knew the culprits in the shadows would stop at nothing. They also had a discussion with Fu Jun with a child psychologist present with them. *shback* "Jun. Do you want your Daddy toe back to you again?" Xin Nianzu asked. Fu Jun''s gaze brightened. He was on his mother''sp. "Daddy! Yes! I want him back! I am missing him. He did not give me a piggy-back ride for so long!" He pouted. "En. So you have to help him." Fu Jun tilted his head, knitting his cute brows. "Help Daddy?" "Yes. This is like a fairy tale. Some bad uncles have taken your father away, and only a hero can save him." Fu Jun''s eyes teared up. "Bad uncles took Daddy away? L-like my sis?" Xin Nianzu nodded. "Yes. Will you be your sister and Daddy''s hero?" Fu Jun furiously nodded. "Yes, I will! I will save sis and Daddy!" He smiled and patted his head. "Fu Jun. To help him, you will have to say what you saw that day in the park when you got lost with your sister." Fu Jun suddenly retreated a bit fearfully. The incident was still fresh in his mind. "You remember how you said it to big brother Bai Li and big sister Xin Lei?" Fu Jun slowly nodded. "We want you to repeat everything in front of a very nicedy. She will give you lots of tasty candies. If you do that, then your father will be free from those bad uncles." Fu Jun ufortably wiggled in Fu Biyu''sp. He blinked his big eyes and clutched his mother''s hand. His small body was shivering, and tears fell. "Mommy...No mommy" Fu Biyu immediately cuddled and pacified him. She patted and repeatedly kissed his head to calm him down. "Jun, baby, it''s okay. Mommy is here." The psychologist was a doctor in her early forties. She helped Xin Nianzu in talking to him and trying to make Fu Jun understand the importance of his testimony while also gauging his readiness to do that. She was also assessing his mental state. Bai Li and Xin Lei also helped them through a video call and talked to Fu Jun. Seeing their familiar faces, Fu Jun felt a bit rxed. "I-I will help Daddy." So with Fu Jun''s agreement and the doctor''s go ahead, Xin Nianzu, along with the psychologist, Fu Biyu, and Fu Jun, met the judge. The judge gravely asked, "Why the child, Mr. Xin?" Xin Nianzu said, "Because Fu Jun also saw what Fu Meili saw that day. He was there with her who luckily could escape from that ce. He was too afraid of the whole incident, so he didn''te out with it earlier." The judge then personally talked to Fu Jun too. She asked a few simple questions to understand his intellectual capacity to observe and if Fu Jun could understand and answer questions and his ability to recall things. "What is your father''s name?" "Fu Ting." "Where do you live?" "Dongcheng." "What do you remember before you came here?" "There are lots of trees outside! There were so many people wearing ck and white clothes. There are also people sitting on desks outside like in my school!" She asked some more and was satisfied when Fu Jun could answer them. That meant that Fu Jun, as a child, was a reliable witness who remembered things. She discussed with the doctor too about the implications on his mental health, but the doctor saw no issue. If he had all the support of adults, then Fu Jun cannot be traumatized. The judge said, "Alright. I allow him to testify. But the questioning will be done privately with only me, the court reporter to record his statement, you, Mr. Wen, and Mrs. Fu''s presence with Fu Jun." It wasn''t wise for a child to bring him in front of everyone. It could be intimidating. *shback ends* At present, Wen Guiren widened his eyes in shock. Huh? Fu Jun? Rodey was calmly observing everything. He silently but dangerously nced at Fu Jun, who was ying with his mother''s dress, unaware of his gaze. Wen Guiren eximed. "Fu Jun?" The judge said, "Yes, Mr. Wen. I have assessed him, and I have decided that he is apetent witness. The court orders everyone to leave the courtroom until ordered toe back." The bailiff started to disperse the crowd until only the five remained. Fu Biyu took Fu Jun with her. He innocently looked between Xin Nianzu and the judge and felt a bit shy. Xin Nianzu ruffled his head, and affectionately smiled at him. "Hey, champ. Can you say what happened once again?" Fu Jun nervously but exactly repeated the same things as he said to Bai Li and Xin Lei. Wen Guiren was stunned. They had no idea that Fu Jun was with her too! Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor, the woman who Fu Meili and Fu Jun saw that time getting beaten up waa none other than Liao Chuntao." He took out some photos from his file and showed it to Fu Jun. "Jun. Do you recognize her?" He showed some of Liao Chuntao''s photos. They were normal photos, not of crime scenes. Fu Jun nodded. "She was the samedy! The b-bad uncles were beating her. Sis and I saw it! And t-then they caught sis when we ran!" Xin Nianzu said, "This proves everything, Your Honor. Fu Ting didn''t kill Fu Meili. She saw Liao Chuntao''s murder, and the culprits caught her to prevent her from exposing it to anybody. They didn''t know that Fu Jun was there too or else" Fu Biyu hugged her son hard. Fu Jun tooNo... The judge asked, "Mr. Wen. Do you want to ask Fu Jun any questions? Mind you. You have to be sensitive." But Wen Guiren was stumped. He had no questions at all. So Xin Nianzu already had this trump card, but he wanted to prevent the child from testifying and recalling that horrific incident. "If nobody has any questions, then Fu Jun''s testimony is over." She warmly smiled at the boy. "You did a great job, child." Fu Jun was happy with her praise. "Come here." Fu Jun trotted to her side, and the judge gave him a bar of big chocte. "Here is your reward for being a brave boy." His eyes sparkled in delight. He slowly forgot the fear and uneasiness he had to bear while telling the truth. She looked at the bailiff. "Call everybody inside." Soon, everyone was seated. Xin Nianzu said, "Your Honor, The prosecutor has failed to give any concrete evidence. They were all assumptions and hearsays. Nobody saw my client meeting Rodey, no CCTV in the bar, nobody saw Fu Ting running away with a bloody knife in the park, the presence of the knife in his room, and no CCTV to prove that he threatened the jeweler owner. Fu Ting''s wish to have a son was twisted wrongfully to say that he never loved his daughter. These all were the trapsid to put an innocent man behind bars." He took out one report. "This is the Miss King''s audio confession report, which I just received. The voice and recording are genuine. Nothing is tampered with. With this, it is proved that Miss Ming told the truth. Fu Ting indeed went back to his room. And she was killed because she was ready, to tell the truth. I am sure that the gift was also thrown away." He paused. "The culprit is not my client. The culprits are those who have kidnapped and killed all those innocent victims in Natural Park. Fu Meili and Fu Jun saw Liao Chuntao''s murder. And then they kidnapped me because they found Fu Ting as the perfect scapegoat. They didn''t want anywyer to defend my client and pin all the me on him. The defense rests, Your Honor." Wen Guiren broke out in sweat. Silence. Fu Biyu prayed in her heart. Please save my husband, God. Please The judge made some notes. She finally looked at everyone. "Listening to the sides of both defense and prosecution and analyzing the evidence and testimonies of all witnesses, this court hase to a conclusion that" Fu Biyu shut her eyes. "Mr. Fu Ting is innocent. Miss Ming''s confession and Fu Jun''s testimony proves that Mr. Fu Ting didn''t kill Fu Meili. This court orders that Mr. Fu Ting''s case will not be moved onto the trial. This court orders the cops to restart the investigation of this case and find the true culprits." "The court deres Mr. Fu Ting free of all charges." Chapter 96: Commotion Chapter 96: Commotion --- Langfang. *Xin Lei* I just received a call from Dad that we won the case, and Fu Ting was set free of all charges. I rushed over to Bai Li''s side and jumped in his embrace. "Hey, Hey. Have you forgotten that I am patient? Look at my hurt shoulder." I rolled my eyes. I furiously typed in excitement. "Bai Li. Dad won the case! Fu Ting is free!" Liao Huifang eximed. "That''s great! Finally!" Bai Li nodded. "That is good news, indeed." Somebody coughed on my right side, and I saw Major General Shi clearing his throat. Then I realized the position we were in. Gosh! So embarrassing! I hugged Bai Li so openly in front of hismander! I heard Liao Huifang chuckling softly. I awkwardly smiled and quickly moved away. "So Major General, how are you here? Where is the esteemed General Song?" He shrugged. "He had to stay in Dongcheng, so he told me to take his ce in the rally. This was a good chance for me to meet you too. I have found out something." "About what?" Bai Li asked. "About what happened in the container terminal that night when Tan Ye was shot." I widened my eyes in surprise. Tan Ye...who Bai Li identally shot and because of which he was discharged from the army. "What did you find?" "I talked to Tan Ye''s boss once again privately. He had sent Tan Ye toe at the container terminal for an urgent requirement. But after the whole incident settled down, the boss didn''t find the customer again when he sent another one of his workers to deliver the goods." That was... strange. I typed. "He must have called him again, right?" "He did, using that same number through which the unknown customer had called him, but the number became unreachable. Even the address was weird. The worker just reached an abandoned ce that was not in use. There was no office or residence. He did not know what to do with the goods, so he came back." That only meant one thing. I typed. "So that unknown customer made that call to bring Tan Ye in the container terminal." He nodded. "Yes. I am not sure if they already knew about Bai Li''s n to catch Rodey, or did theye up with that at thest moment. But one thing is for sure that Tan Ye''s presence was not a coincidence." Somebody nned it Bai Li said, "I see. They didn''t want me meddling in the case anymore." I typed. "Wait. So they wanted you to get confused so that your shot hits him? But how did that happen?" "I think when I aimed at Rodey, Tan Ye was with him. He must have blocked his mouth from shouting for help and his movements. I didn''t kind of sense him. Then just when I was about to shoot, Rodey brought Tan Ye in front of him as his shield, and my shot hit him Liao Huifang eximed. "What! That''s horrible! So they nned everything to frame you for his death! They killed an innocent man just like that!" Major General said, "That is what conclusion I drew out too. A soldier hurting a civilian, worse killing him directly leads him to court-martial. They wanted Bai Li discharged from the army." Bai Li said, "And they didn''t target Tan Ye specifically. They just wanted the boss to call any one of his workers in the terminal. It happened to be Tan Ye. It could be anybody else, either." I frowned. I typed. "But it wouldn''t help them. The case wouldn''t just disappear, right? If not Bai Li, then some other officer would work on the investigation. Are they nning to forcibly discharge every soldier who digs into the case to solve it?" "Right now, Major Lin Zihao and Captain Su Weiyuan are working on it and reporting to General Song." "Tell them to be careful." "They are extra cautious now." I nodded. "Where was Cocoa?" Liao Huifang asked. "I had mapped out the ce and distance beforehand, so I knew what direction to walk. I didn''t need his help for a while, so I sent him in another direction to search for Rodey. And in the meantime, I found him, and everything happened." He paused. "But even if they nned to call Tan Ye and trap me, it doesn''t change the fact that my shot killed him. It was my bullet. I killed an innocent civilian. If I had paid more attention, if I had sensed him then...he could have been alive." I sat beside him and put my hand over his. I typed. "We know you did your best, Bai Li. And the truth that Tan Ye was brought purposefully to trap you should definitelye out." Suddenly, Major General hit hard on Bai Li''s head. "..." "Hey! That hurt!" I looked at them dumbfounded for a second and then burst out inughter. "You are not speaking like the Bai Li, whom I knew all these years. What''s with the underconfident tone? Where is the spunk, young man? Like in your teenage days when you used to beat the shit of the thugs on the streets." I looked at him in shock. Ah? How does he know that? Wait Major Generalughed. "But I broke your record of ever being beaten. Oh, wait, I remember. I broke your arm too. Hahaha!" Bai Li seemed displeased. "It was your lucky day. I wasn''t in the best of my form, so you won." "Hah! Sure. Whatever you say~~" Bai Li seemed more irked now. I typed. "Were you the man who beat Bai Li?" Major General looked at me in surprise. "Oh? Bai Li told you about that? I thought he would be embarrassed to confess that one lost fight of his life," he chuckled, "Yes, dear. I was the one. It was a sunny day, and I was walking along taking in the beautiful scenery when an arrogant teenager had the balls toe and pick my pockets and--" "Enough!" Bai Li interrupted him. Pickpockets!? Bai Li was a thief!? I imagined what would have happened next. My lips automatically curved into a smile. I typed. "So you were the inspiration why Bai Li joined the army." "Xin Lei!" Major General seemed shocked. "Bai Li. You never told me that in all these years. I feel so touched." "Shut up!" I shook my head at these two drama queens. He asked, "So. What are you nning to do next?" I typed. "We are going to meet Yi Xiaosi. If he is involved in this, then we would surely get some clue." Liao Huifang asked, "But doesn''t Bai Li need rest?" I typed. "Yes. So we would leave after a few hours." "Not necessary." Bai Li said, "I am fine, and as long as I can move, it''s all good." I dryly typed. "Your arm cannot." "And isn''t the capable doctor at my side?" I sighed. "I understand your concern, Xin Lei. But we don''t have time." I know that, but I was worried about him too. I typed. "Okay." "I will investigate Tan Ye''s case in detail too. Don''t worry." --- We reached Yi Xiaosi''s office, and it looked like any other party office. There was the hoarding of his face stered outside, and I saw his staff going in and out of ce, busy in their work. One of them stopped us. "Who are you? Who do you want to meet?" I typed. "We want to meet Yi Xiaosi." She looked at me in surprise, evidently shocked about my mode ofmunication. It seemed she realized that she stared at me longer than intended and cleared her throat. "Sorry, but you cannot just meet him like that. Do you have an appointment?" "Call Zhao Wenyan." Bai Li said. She seemed to hesitate. "I think you shoulde at another time. Zhang Chao is here, and the atmosphere is already too tense. Yi Xiaosi wouldn''t agree to meet you." "Watch your mouth, Yi Xing!" Zhang Chao''s loud voice suddenly thundered in the office, followed by a bang. "Let''s go." Bai Li said, "Let''s see what the two party heads are doing." "But wait-" We already went inside the room and found that Zhang Chao was clutching Yi Xing by his cor, just ready to throw a punch at his face anytime. "Zhang Chao, enough." Suddenly, Yi Xiaosi and the others snapped his head in our direction. Zhao Wenyan asked, "You...what are you doing here?" "Your memory seems to be fading. You remember what we talked aboutst night, right?" "Yi Xing! Don''t act innocent! Your mole has already confessed! You sent him to kill my Ning!" Yi Xing red at him. "Enough, Mr. Zhang! I already told you a hundred times that the man never belonged to our party! He has fooled you! And why the hell would I try to hurt my Ning?" Zhang Chao was now extremely furious. "You! How dare you call her as yours! She doesn''t like you. And why wouldn''t you? She has rejected you so many times. Hasn''t she hurt your ego?" "Mr. Zhang! I love her! She is mine. I would never hurt her! That''s why I want to meet that man who dared to do that!" "Hah! So you could kill your mole and erase the evidence! Never!" Chapter 97: Zhang Qiuyue Chapter 97: Zhang Qiuyue *Xin Lei* Zhang Chao stomped out of Yi Xiaosi''s office, threatening to expose and destroy his party. Yi Xiaosi looked expressionless and impassive this whole time. Yi Xing suddenly said, "Dad, why did you let him go? I want that man who shot Ning! He is framing us." Then he suddenlyughed, and it took me by surprise. "Once I get my hands on him, he is--'' "He is what, Xing?" Yi Xiaosi asked sharply. Yi Xing said nothing, but I saw his expression turn...kind of creepy. Then Yi Xing''s sight fell on Bai Li, and I saw him narrow his eyes. Yi Xiaosi followed his gaze, and it settled on us. Zhao Wenyan said, "Sir, they are the ones" But Yi Xiaosi raised his hand. "Wenyan told me about you, and I am sorry that you had to make the trip here, but I am not in the mood to meet anybody right now." "Then, make up your mood Mr. Yi." "It''s of no use. You are going to hear the same answer that you are expecting from me. I am not involved in this. Will you trust me?" I raised my brow. Trust me? Wasn''t that kind of a big word to use? "We don''t have to exin anything to you." Yi Xing spat. "Aren''t you too eager to send us out?" "We are going through a lot of shit right now, and that cunning father of my Ning wants to overthrow us using that fake mole. We don''t have time to deal with you. Wenyan. Lead them out." Bai Li said, "We want to talk to you alone." Zhao Wenyan said, "Bai Li. Please leave." Yi Xiaosi stared at us and then looked at Zhao Wenyan. "Leave." "But sir, it isn''t safe for you. I will stay too." Zhao wenyan protested. "No. I will be fine. Leave." His tone didn''t give any room for discussion. Yi Xing seemed to give one malicious look at Bai Li. What is his problem? Why is he shooting daggers at Bai Li? When we were left alone, Yi Xiaosi asked, "What do you want to know? I am already investigating on my side to know the truth." I typed. "Very convenient if you were the one hiding it." Yi Xiaosi raised his brow. "Isn''t it? But I am not any maniac killer who goes on a killing spree." Bai Li smiled. "Your eldest son doesn''t surely doesn''t give that vibe." Silence. "I think Zhang Chao must have told you about how Xing put a young man in the hospital because he offered his daughter some flowers." "That says a lot about his temper." "I will not lie. He was a fool to do that. He brought a mountain of troubles on me, especially during this election season. All because of his daughter." His gaze looked a bit calctive and unfeeling. I blinked my eyes. I typed. "You don''t seem to like her very much. Is it because she is Zhang Chao''s daughter?" Yi Xiaosi looked at me in surprise. "Hahaha...So he knows how to throw my dirtyundry in public using my son, but he didn''t say anything about his own. I don''t want my sons to associate with him or his daughters for a different reason. Not just political rivalry." We said nothing. Liao Huifang seemed confused, as well. "I agree that Xing made that foolish mistake of beating up that man. He got too possessive. But for whom? For his daughter?" Bai Li asked, "What about him?" Great. Zhang Chao told one story about Yi Xing, and now I felt that Yi Xiaosi was going to say one about him. Yi Xiaosi rested his face on his hand. "Zhang Chao''s wife. What do you know about her?" Zhang Chao''s wife? I didn''t know much about it. I never read about politics and stuff. Bai Li said, "Zhang Qiuyue. Zhang Chao''s wife. It was a political marriage. She was the daughter of a businessman. Her father wasn''t that rich but still held some influence. It doesn''t take any rocket science why they got married. Mutual benefits in business and politics. I guess they have two daughters, two years apart. Zhang Ning is the eldest." I nodded. I had heard about some bits of it from my fellow colleague. "But thirteen yearster, unfortunately, Zhang Qiuyue died in an ident. That''s all I know." Yi Xiaosi sort of half nodded in the way. "The first part is right. Not the second part. She didn''t die in an ident. She was murdered." I widened my eyes. Huh? Murdered? I frowned. I looked over at Bai Li, and he seemed unfazed. "You don''t seem to be so surprised." Yi Xiaosimented. "Well, Zhang Qiuyue''s status was a bit different being a politician''s wife. When I heard the news, I had my suspicions that it might be a murder. For a politician, there are enemies you cannot count on one''s fingers." "You understand it so well. But don''t you feel that something was odd with the whole scenario?" I realized it instantly. It was indeed, strange. I typed. "If Zhang Qiuyue was murdered by any rival or his enemy, then why would Zhang Chao say it was an ident? Wouldn''t he expose the murderer?" Yi Xiaosi smirked. "How could he expose his own crime in public and get jailed for it? He would say that it was an ident." Bai Li said, "You think he murdered his own wife?" "I am damn sure. First, it was a political marriage. It was a business deal. There was no love. And then I started to hear gossips about their crumbling marriage. They would often fight and have arguments. I don''t know about what. So, in a fit of rage or nned, whatever it was, he murdered her one day." Liao Huifang asked. "Did he really hate her that much that he wanted to kill her?" Yi Xiaosiughed. "Dear. We are politicians. We have calctions even in our feelings" He seemed in a daze for a moment. "And Zhang Chao? He never loved Zhang Qiuyue. What was so difficult for him to murder her? That is why I don''t want Xing to entangle himself in his daughter. I want him to stay away from that murderer''s family. But such a fool!" Yi Xiaosi pressed his forehead. "He is totally mesmerized by Zhang Ning. He is head over heels for her." I typed. "His daughters have no idea about it, right?" Otherwise, why would Zhang Ning still stay by his side? Yi Xiaosi squinted his gaze. "I am not sure. Because his younger daughter, Zhang Xin, disappeared soon after she became an adult. There is absolutely no news about her. Till date, I don''t know where she is." "Look. I know that Xing has done foolish things. But he is not that idiot to do what happened in the natural park. He is not that crazy going around murdering innocent people." At this point, we couldn''t be sure. Yi Xing''s gaze was quite unsettling when he looked at Bai Li. For a moment, even I felt a bit scared. "And he knows that if he would do something like that, then I would automatically remove him from the heir race. The one who would take the handle from me once I retire. This is myst year." A battle of fortune and seat between the sons? As we went out, I said, "Everybody is guilty of doing something or the other." "But which one of it would lead us to the truth, that is our test." I sighed. I typed. "Will you wait for a minute? I will juste back from thedies'' room." Liao Huifang said, "I wille too!" "Sure." I helped Bai Li sit on a bench nearby and quickly pecked his cheek. As Liao Huifang and I walked the way, she asked, "Do you think the younger sister- what was her name again...yes Zhang Xin. Do you think that she might have discovered that Zhang Chaomitted the murder, and so left home?" I typed. "Possible." "But why isn''t she saying anything until now? Why isn''t she giving her mother justice? Shouldn''t she be angry at him?" I opened the door to thedies'' room. I typed. "Zhang Qiuyue''s murder is still a spection. We don''t have proof. Neither does Yi Xiaosi. It could be an ident for real, and Yi Xiaosi might be twisting the truth because he is his enemy. But then again, it could be a murder as well if Zhang Chao really didn''t have any feelings for her." She sighed. "Everything is soplicated with these politicians. I don''t know who to believe and who to not." I smiled and typed. "Don''t believe anyone. We are listening to all sides and trying to figure out the truth." We returned after five minutes, but I didn''t find Bai Li on his seat. Hm? I panicked. Where did he go all alone? Is he alright? "Where is Bai Li?" "Ah" Suddenly, I heard someone groan, most probably in pain. We quickly walked a few steps further. And the sight that greeted me stunned mepletely. Chapter 98: Repeat it Chapter 98: Repeat it *Bai Li* I was sitting on the bench, reying the conversation we had with Yi Xiaosi in his office. Zhang Qiuyue Her death was indeed shrouded in mystery. There were not many details about her case other than that she got into a car ident. I faintly recalled the case. Zhang Qiuyue was found in her car, her head smashed against the window. The window waspletely broken into pieces. The driver was in front. His head had hit the steering wheel. After investigation, they found out that the car collided with a truck that almost smashed the car into smithereens. Both died on the spot. It seemed simple and straightforward. But my gut feeling told me that it wasn''t. Suddenly, a cry for help brought me out of my daze. It wasn''t a scream, but I heard someone yelp softly. But then it stopped. I heard nothing. Someone else would think that it might be his illusion but not for me. Fourteen years in the army and all kinds of experience teach you to look, hear, taste, and sense any sort of trouble. I narrowed my eyes. At my right very near to me was the exit but I heard the sound from the left. I got up. I kept my hand on the wall and felt my way outside, sliding across it. A few secondster, I felt the wind brush past me, and the wall also ended there. So that meant that I reached the exit. I climbed two steps when we entered the ce, and Xin Lei guided me. So I took one step ahead and then another. I turned left. I heard the sound of a p against something. As I raised my hand forward, I didn''t find any obstacles. I kept on walking and then I heard someone whispering a few steps ahead and a little to the right. I stopped and stood still. "Ning. Please believe me. I didn''t send any man to harm you. How could I even think of hurting you? I love you so much, Ning. Trust me." I sensed his breaths were rapid and urgent. It felt like a corner to me where he was talking to her and couldn''t be seen. "Mmpf!" It was from Zhang Ning. He must be covering her mouth, preventing her from screaming for help. "Yi Xing, you-" But then her angry voice cut off. "Ning, don''t scream. Nobody wille to help you here. I just want us to be alone like this" It was time to bring someone back in his senses. I gauged the distance between us. It was approximately three steps straight and a step at the right. I walked the three steps. Silent. Quiet. Like a hunter catching a prey. I turned right, and right now, Yi Xing must be in front of me with his back at me because he would be facing Zhang Ning, pinning her against the wall. God had graced me with a tall and long body structure. So I didn''t even bother to take thatst step. I stretched my right arm, and sure enough, I found his neck. I clutched it and grabbed it hard, pulling him in one fell swoop towards me. Immediately, I heard a loud gasp. It was from Zhang Ning, perhaps relieved to get to breathe. She coughed. "Hey who-" Before Yi Xing could protest anything, I straightway punched his face unceremoniously. It would have snapped his head at the side at a painful angle. Nice. I heard him fell with a loud thud. "Ahh!!" I heard something flutter in the air and felt Zhang Ning stand behind my back. I sensed her clutching my shirt at the end. Her hands were shaking. "Th-thank God, you came" I heard her sniffling behind my back. Her voice was trembling, too, just like her body. "Yi Xing...He-he was going to...to force a kiss on me just now...I-I got so terrified. I thought I was done for" Her voice was hardly audible, but there was distinct fear in it "You bastard!" Yi Xing screamed. Immediately, I focused all my senses on him. I heard him get up and felt a gust of wind pass by my left cheek. He was aiming for my face too. Pathetic. At least try something new. I heard Zhang Ning gasp and suddenly tighten her grasp. She said with a sense of urgency. "Look out. He is going to-" But with my left hand, I effortlessly grabbed his right hand that was inches apart fromnding a hit on me. Ow! I felt a sharp pain shoot in my shoulder. I then realized that my shoulder was hurt. I forgot about that shot that had hit me. But it was still bearable. Instantly, I squeezed his wrist harder than ever. *Crack* My favorite sound - when a bone breaks. "Ah..ahh!!!" I felt him crash down on his knees because I sensed a downward weight while holding his arm. "Bai Li?" I heard the familiar robotic voice. Xin Lei. "Hey, what happened here?" Then it was Liao Huifang. I felt Zhang Ning releasing her hand from my back. I sensed Xin Lei tugging my hand. I shook my head. "I am fine." I said, roughly turning my head down. "Yi Xing. Now repeat after me. You never harass a woman." I heard him gnashing his teeth. "Bai Li! You bastard. How dare you!" I squeezed his wrist even further, and he yelped in pain. "You-you" "Repeat. I will never harass a woman again. I will never force myself on a woman again. I will treat all women with respect and dignity. Say it." Then I heard the sound of footsteps - of many people rushing in my direction. "Sir Yi Xing!" "Ning!" It was Zhang Chao as well. "Dad" I heard Zhang Ning''s footsteps getting away. "What did you do to my daughter!? Why is she crying!" He roared. "Xing?" And then came Yi Xiaosi. "What is happening here?" "Yi Xiaosi! Look what your son has done!" There was a pause. Yi Xiaosi said, "Bai Li. What are you doing? Leave him." "Sure. But after I teach him some basic manners which I guess you forgot to teach him when he was young." "So" I diverted my attention back to Yi Xing. "Are you repeating what I just said or you need an extra topping of freshly served pain on top of your broken bone?" I heard him huffing breathlessly. Zhang Chao asked, "Ning. What happened? Tell me everything." When she described what happened, Zhang Chao got even more furious. "Yi. Xing! Now you see how I destroy your party! You dare to harass my daughter. Just wait till I expose your son''s actions in public!" I heard Yi Xiaosi''s grave voice a few momentster. "Get up, Xing." "I want to but tell him to leave my hand first!" I said, "And tell him to repeat what I just said, and he is free. Surely he can talk." "Do what he says, Xing." "Dad, how can I? My dignity" "If you didn''t think about Zhang Ning''s dignity before trying to force yourself on her, then throw yours in the ocean. Out with it already." "Enough Xing. Just do it!" After a long stretch of silence, he said, "I...I will never harass a woman again." "There was more," I said. I pressed his wrist a little, and I heard him gasp. "I-I will never force myself on a woman again! I will treat all women with respect and dignity." "Say it ten times more." "Bai Li! You are challenging my patience!" Iughed. "I see you don''t realize the situation you are in. You are challenging my patience, not the other way around." Grudgingly, he repeated it ten more times like how I wanted. I let off his wrist. "Ah" I said, "Mr. Yi Xiaosi. It would be better if your son chants this as a mantra so that this basic decency gets drilled in his head. By the way, your wee. I did your job of teaching him what is right. Let''s leave, Xin Lei." I felt her hand entwining mine and pulling me forward. I still heard Zhang Chao raining curses on the father-son pair. When we were away from the chaos, I sensed Xin Lei was unusually quiet. No pun intended. I felt something was wrong. "Are you okay?" She stopped. So did I. I heard Xin Lei typing. "I was really shocked to see the scene when I arrived there." "Ah, well, Yi Xing brought upon it himself." She typed again. "Not that. As always, you did a fine job. He deserved it. I am talking about Zhang Ning hiding behind you. She was holding your shirt." I blinked my eyelids. I heard her type again. "She was kind of hugging you." Wait a minute. Is Xin Lei misunderstanding something? I quickly said, "I had to nothing to do with it. She just did that on her own, maybe in panic. Really, I didn''t do anything!" I was dumb in such cases. This was my first rtionship, after all. It was better to admit whatever it was rather than making her angry. I heard her rapidly type again. "Huh? When did I say it was your fault? I am saying that I didn''t like her standing so close to you." Before I could respond, I heard Zhang Ning''s breathless voice from my right, "Um, Bai Li?" Chapter 99: Unsettling... Chapter 99: Unsettling... *Xin Lei* Honestly, I knew I shouldn''t be feeling this way. Yi Xing almost physically harassed Zhang Ning, and it was definitely a terrifying experience for any woman. ButIt irked me when I saw her so close to Bai Li. From the back, it almost seemed as if she was hugging him. But, she was just holding his shirt, crying on it. I kind of understood what must have happened since Yi Xing was there too, and Bai Li was dealing with him. But the whole time, I could only focus on her proximity to Bai Li. And that...left me with a bitter taste. A little, just a little bit, she annoyed me. I didn''t like it at all, her closeness. And now, I was feeling pathetic at myself. How can I be so heartless feeling jealous over her when she suffered such a traumatic experience? I am so stupid. I even made Bai Li think that he was at fault. Liao Huifang giggled and whispered in my ear. "It''s alright. You like him. It''s natural to get a little jealous. You don''t have to be so hard on yourself." I smiled. Just then, I saw Zhang Ning rushing towards us. "Um, Bai Li?" She was panting. Bai Li slightly turned his head. "Yes?" "Uh...um...Everything happened so suddenly that I missed the chance to-to thank you...You saved me once again. Thank you so much." "No problem." Zhang Ning smiled. "You...you are truly incredible. I mean, you cannot see yet you saved me twice. You fought with Yi Xing as if you could really see." "It was just a one-sided fight that was me beating him up. You really can''t call that a fight." "Even so" I carefully observed her. She was thankful to him for sure, but what was this uneasy feeling? For her, Bai Li would look like a hero, saving a damsel in distress, right? I sighed. Seriously, what was I thinking? Suddenly, I felt Bai Li''s hand on my forehead. I looked up at him and saw he had knitted his brows. "You don''t have a fever." I typed. "I don''t. Why do you ask?" "You sighed. I thought you are not feeling okay." Ah, why was he this adorable? The concern in his voice warmed my heart. It felt as if all my anxiousness just washed away. I took his hand in mine and pressed it. I am fine, I assured. He nodded. Zhang Ning cleared her throat. "Still...You helped me twice. How should I pay the gratitude?" Bai Li shrugged. "No need." She seemed a bit anxious. "Um, if Dad or I could help you with anything, then please just say it. Whatever it maybe." Is shook my head. "No. Reallywait, you can help us." Liao Huifang and I questioningly looked at Bai Li. Zhang Ning smiled again. "Oh, please tell me! I will help you in any way I can." "Ning. Let''s go." Zhang Chao''s voice came from behind. Zhang Ning seemed to hesitate. She looked back. He came towards us. "Bai Li." Zhang Chao took Bai Li in a hug. "Thank you for saving my daughter again. You saved her twice in one day. I really couldn''t be thankful enough to you. Why don''t we have lunch together?" "No. Thank you." Zhang Chao still seemed happy and grateful. "Alright. I won''t force you." "Hm." Bai Li just hummed. "I am in your debt. If you need my help anytime, then I am just one call away." He took out his card and handed it to him. "Here is my number. Don''t hesitate to call me." "Sir." One of his assistants called him. "Coming." He looked at Zhang Ning. "Ning,e soon. We have to do a lot of preparations for another rally." "Yes, Dad." He left, and Zhang Ning asked, "You were going to say something, Bai Li." Bai Li said. "Ah, yes. What do you think about your mother''s death?" Liao Huifang coughed and looked at him, dumbfounded. "So straightforward." She mumbled, but I heard it clearly. When I nced at Zhang Ning, I observed her face go pale. She seemed as white as chalk. She lowered her head and bit her lip. "M-my, mom?" The distress in her voice was unmistakable. "Yes." Bai Li affirmed. "Uh...um...Why are you asking?" I raised my brow. I typed. "We just want to know what you think about it. All this stuff just kind of reminded us of your mother''s ident. Plus, I had heard about her. Wasn''t she the daughter of a businessman?" I lied about thest part. I could see light sweat forming on her forehead. "My mom" Did she know something? "She died in a car ident. I was twelve at that time." Her eyes teared up a bit. "I-it was horrible. I didn''t even get to see her thest time. I begged Dad, but he didn''t let me. Then his assistant told me that her state was terrible. She was badly wounded, and Dad... didn''t want to scar me, seeing her like that." A beat of silence. "How did the ident happen?" "It was a truck. The driver took a sudden turn and the car in which Mom was" she choked. "It collided. Sh-she died on the spot." "Did your father investigate?" Zhang Ning seemed surprised. "Naturally." "What did he find out? Any foul y? Any rival taking revenge or some sort?" "No, no!" She hurriedly shook her head. She seemed a bit too quick in answering it. That''s what I felt. "My mom was a really simple woman." I typed. "Your father certainly isn''t." Zhang Ning''s smile faltered a bit. "That is so, but it had nothing to do with any of his enemies." I thought about something. I typed. "Oh, yes. Don''t you have a younger sister? I didn''t see her with you in the campaigns much." She stiffened just a bit, but I caught her reaction. "Xin? She is abroad for further studies. And she isn''t interested in this politics stuff anyway." Oh. "I felt a bit bad for Dad. He has assistants, but I felt that as his daughter, I should support him how much ever I can. So sometimes, I help him out." Something was going on, but what? Bai Li tilted his head. "...I see. Well, that was it. Thank you." She looked at him. "Really? Don''t you want any help? Maybe we can give you a ride wherever you would want to go next." "No, thanks. We are good." "I see." "Ning. We are gettingte!" "I aming." She bowed. "I should leave andBai Li, thank you once again. Like Dad said, you are weed at our ce anytime." She soon left. Liao Huifang said, "She definitely knows something. She was stiff. But obviously, we can see that she doesn''t hate Zhang Chao." I typed. "If what Yi Xiaosi said is right, then she lied about Zhang Xin. ording to him, she left the family." Bai Li said, "But ording to Zhang Ning, she is abroad." Suddenly I saw a shadow shift above in the building that stood in front of me. There was a window at the top, and I looked up. I saw the curtain flutter a bit. Was somebody watching us? I typed. "Bai Li. I remember now. Yi Xing." He raised his eyebrow. "What about him?" I typed. "We should look out if he could pose any danger. When we left, I nced at him, and he was looking menacingly at you." Liao Huifang nodded. "I did too! He looked so creepy. And with that wound on his face, he looked even more terrifying." She shuddered. "He would definitely want revenge from you." Bai Li said, "It''s alright. We will be alert." I still felt uneasy. Even in the office, his tone when he said he would get his hands on the man who targetted Zhang Ning was sounsettling. Bai Li asked, "Did your friend contact you? Qi Qiang?" Liao Huifang was exasperated. "No, he didn''t! I don''t know what he is doing!" She tried once again, but no luck. Bai Li said, "Let''s go. We should leave for Tianjin as soon as possible." *** --- Yi Xing, standing at his office window, looked at the trio talking with Zhang Ning just a few minutes ago. All this time, he was only staring at Zhang Ning. And his expression darkened when he saw her smiling at Bai Li. He clenched his fingers into a fist. He wished to tear him apart. Then he touched his face. The pain on his jaw was still fresh and stinging. The air around him turned chilly, remembering Zhang Ning smiling at some other man. She smiled at him...She talked to a strange manShe stood so close to him... Suddenly, Yi Xingughed. It was nothing but eerie. A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. "Bai Li, oh Bai Li. This is not over" *** --- Somewhere at an unknown ce, dark and silent, a woman stood in front of a wall, staring at a picture ahead hung on it. She tilted her head, and a smileced on her lips. She raised her hand and touched the part of the frame where a young girl of about eleven or twelve stood with a man beside him. There was another girl, younger than her at his other side. And then there was a beautiful and elegant woman smiling in the picture. The woman chuckled. "Oh, my dear elder sister. Your turn wille soon now." Chapter 100: Title is a spoiler Chapter 100: Title is a spoiler **WARNING. READERS MAY FIND THE SCENES IN THIS CHAPTER A BIT DISTURBING. PLEASE SKIP THE PART IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.** --- *Unknown* Blood. That is what I like; the sight of it, the smell of it, the touch of it, and the metallic taste of it when it settles on my tongue. It is simply beautiful. It is simply ecstatic. It excites me when I see a lot of it. It tingles something inside me. It makes my own blood rush inside me like a storm. And then I want more of it. I want to see the mess. I just cannot help myself. I sighed. But people are so weird. I recalled a past incident. There was a young rabbit once in my elementary school, which the teachers kept as a pet. It was white and fluffy. It was cute too. All my friends and ssmates were so excited. We fed it and yed with it all the time. In break time, we always hovered around the rabbit. But soon, I found it so boring. What was so special about that? It was just an animal. One day, when I was returning from the bathroom, I saw the rabbit again. I went over to its side, and he hopped in his small basket, looking at me. I stared at it for a long time before I poked his belly. At first, he giggled and seemed to enjoy it. Then I pressed a little harder, and I saw his eyelids tremble. He was whimpering in pain. I brightened. I suddenly felt so excited. I kept on poking it, again and again, increasing my pressure every time. The more he looked hurt and backed away in fear, the more I felt giddy with joy. It gave me a certain sense of satisfaction. So, I started to do it every day. I would sneak out of the ss, telling the bathroom excuse to my teacher, and go and y with the little rabbit. Now, this was something I enjoyed a lot. Then one day, I picked up a small pointed branch of a tree fallen in the yground. I started to poke the rabbit with it. He cried. And that was such music to my ears. But there was something else that was more fascinating. Blood. A thin line of blood was trickling from his belly. The pointed part of the branch pierced his skin, and soon, the pure, white fur of his started to stain with a faint shade of crimson. The red stain on his spotless white skin looked so beautiful and pretty. But the rabbit didn''t seem to like it. I wondered why. It made such a lovely colorbination. Red and white. Then soon, I noticed that he stopped moving. I poked him with the branch again, but he didn''t react. His eyes were shut. He wasn''t breathing anymore. I wondered what happened. I thought he must be tired of ying, so I took pity on him and went back to my ss. When the school got over, all my ssmates started to cry when they saw the rabbit. "What happened to the rabbit, teacher?" One of my other ssmates said, crying. "Mommy says that it is blood. When ites out, you are hurt. I know because I hurt my elbow once. There was blood too then." The teachers looked tense too. I heard them whisper, "Who could do such a terrible thing? Stabbing the poor creature with a branch and killing it?" "Who could be so vicious? How will we exin to the children that the rabbit is dead?" Kill? Dead? I didn''t understand, but I liked the sound of it. It seemed to have a nice ring to it, pleasing to the ears. "But, the red color looks nice, right?" I blurted out. Suddenly, the teachers looked at me in horror. "You don''t say that, dear. It isn''t a nice thing to say." "Yes. The rabbit is hurt. We shouldn''t be happy about it. It''s a sad thing." Then I noticed that my ssmates were weirdly looking at me. "He is hurt and crying. How can you be happy!" The teachers hurriedly took us away. I sensed that they didn''t want us to see it more. But I realized something that day. They didn''t like it. They thought of blood as something dangerous. They got scared of it. Suddenly, I felt embarrassed. I thought that I was strange. I was the only one who found the scene to be beautiful, after all. I instinctively knew not to tell everyone that I did that to the rabbit. I sensed trouble. I kept quiet and never brought that topic again. But the scene of that rabbit lying helpless in that basket, blood dripping out of his body, was etched in my mind. Whenever I used to remember it, I felt such an odd sense of happiness arise in my chest. Again and again, I felt the need to do something simr. I did. I secretly started looking for stray puppies and kittens. I yed with them too, and every time they would bleed, it made me happier and calmer. Then as I grew older, I learned different reactions of people to blood. Some would puke their guts out. Some would even faint. Some would turn their heads away, trying to avoid its sight. In short, they avoided it like the gue. And I feel that they are so stupid. What is so horrifying about blood that one loses consciousness? People don''t like to see blood, but it''s flowing in every cell of our bodies from head to toe. That is what keeps us alive. And that is what kills us when it flows out of us and out of control. So ironic. How can anyone be disgusted by its sight? The more I thought about it, the more I felt that I was right. I wasn''t the strange one. The other people were weird. But even if I realized it, I knew I couldn''t be vocal about my thoughts and feelings because the ''other people'' were in the majority. I sighed. It was so troublesome. But I wondered In this whole wide world, was I only the one feeling this way? Did nobody think and feel the same as me? Did nobody like what I liked? Over the years, I saw different people gathering over and creating different groups that suit their tastes. Music club, dance club, sports club, drama club, gardening club, cooking club, this group and then that group where all like-minded people came together. They hadmon interests. Strangers or friends, they shared that one thing they were passionate about. So, if others could form their own groups, then why couldn''t I? Definitely, there must be people who were also normal like me, who liked to spill blood and who liked to enjoy it as much I did. Then where were they? And a realization hit me. I was so stupid. People looked at us differently. They saw us as someone weird and dangerous from whom they needed to keep their distance. They avoided us. They feared blood. So, they feared us. Like how I always kept my true self hidden from others, my friends out there must be doing the same. They would be keeping their interests hidden, too, just like me. It must be so agonizing not to have anyone talk about yourself - like real self. Who could understand it better than me? They were there. Somewhere. I had friends. I was sure of it. I was so happy when I understood this. I was over the moon. But I needed something to bring them out. I had to do something so that my friends would know too that they weren''t alone. I broke into softughter. It was a fun way to discover them. I won''t tell you because that is my secret. But yes, it felt so good. I found friends. My very own friends. We came together. We were so excited to talk about all the nice stuff. In fact, many of them introduced me to a whole different world with so many methods to have more fun. Each one of them was so interesting. Knives, ropes, acid, boiling water, hockey sticks, arrows, needlesthere were so many different ways to see that beautiful red shade. I felt my blood pumping in excitement. It was just exhrating. Unfortunately, we knew that the other crazy people wouldn''t juste to us for our enjoyment. I didn''t understand why. It was fun, after all. But this was the perfect chance to introduce them to our world and let them see how wonderful it was. So, we had to think of a method to bring them to us. It was nothing much, just tricking them a little. Once they were here, there was no way out. Just like that, we enjoyed our game. The ''others'' who always shunned us, called us crazy and weird, were now begging us to let them go. They were crying and screaming, and oh God, that was such pure bliss. Just a few days ago, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with a woman, beating her into a pulp. Everything was going so well, but damn, somebody saw us. It was a little girl, maybe seven or eight years old. Thank God we caught her. It was a bonus for us. We didn''t even have to look for another person. We had twice the fun that day. And now Some other guests were waiting for my friends and me. This time it is a teenage boy, and we also got one dog! Once again, a bonus. My eyelids flickered. The dog...That soldier''s dog It was such a long time since I yed with an animal. Surely, the soldier won''t mind it, right? It would be just a bit of fun. I smiled. So, now I have to go. I have to satisfy my thirst and my thrill once again. I have to go to follow my instinct. My crimson instinct. Chapter 101: A live demonstration Chapter 101: A live demonstration **WARNING. READERS MAY FIND THE SCENE IN THIS CHAPTER A BIT DISTURBING. PLEASE SKIP IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE** --- Chu Jie didn''t know how long it had been since he was kidnapped and kept in that deste ce. He lost his sense of time. It felt as if he had been stuck here for ages. The goons outside and that woman Sufy didn''t interfere much apart from giving him food sometimes, which he didn''t feel like eating it at all. Whenever they slid a te inside, Chu Jie would remember his mother''s warm and delicious meal she so lovingly cooked for him. Every time, those memories stung his eyes with tears. The first time, he left it as it was, but the second time, he got too hungry to ignore the food. But when he took one bite, he felt the need to puke. It was nd and tasteless. And then there was the dead body of a strange man right next to his room. Chu Jie shuddered. It gave him the chills remembering that bloody sight. "Grr" Cocoa sensed him nervously, shifting in ce, and he scooted closer to him. Suddenly, the men banged the door open and barged inside. Chu Jie stiffened and jolted in fear. Instinctively, he hugged Cocoa harder. "Arf! Arf!" Sensing the ominous atmosphere, Cocoa jumped on his feet and fiercely barked at them. He red ferociously, growling at them. The men tried to approach Chu Jie, but Cocoa protectively stood in front of him, threatening to attack them at any moment "Damn, this dog!" He took out his gun in frustration and aimed at him Terrified, Chu Jie pulled Cocoa back. "No! Don''t shoot! I-I wille with you!" "You both have toe with us, stupid brat." His face paled. "B-but" "Shut up! Juste with us. Our boss is waiting for you." "Grrr" Cocoa was still resisting, but somehow Chu Jie calmed him down. Soon, Chu Jie realized that the men were taking Cocoa and him towards the same room where that unknown man was killed. The color started to fade away from the face. His heart thudded in his chest, and tears pooled in his eyes once again. When they pushed them inside, Chu Jie automatically shut his eyes to avoid looking at the bloody sight again. "Wee." Chu Jie heard a voice. He frowned. It was kind of stiff and robotic. He couldn''t make out if it were a man or a woman. His eyelids trembled, and he slowly opened his eyes. Contrary to his expectations, he didn''t find that man. Even the room was spotlessly clean as if nothing ever happened. Then he looked around and saw many strange people gathered inside the room, sneering at him. They were murmuring, creepily ncing at him. A bad feeling arose inside him. Chu Jie''s nce shifted towards Sufy, who was standing expressionlessly near the monitor. He blinked his eyes at the bigputer screen. On the other side, he could see nothing much except a small source of light illuminating the room just a little. There was a faint image of someone sitting on a chair. Once again, he couldn''t distinguish if it was a man or a woman. Chu Jie strongly felt that it was looking at him, and he involuntarily shuddered. Cocoa was fully alert, and he stuck to Chu Jie''s side. "Ooh, this dog has some spark!" One other man chuckled. "Just look at his fierce gaze. It would be so fun to y with him." They giggled. Chu Jie clearly heard them. "When are we going to start?" The person behind the monitor said, "Wee, my friends. And wee, dear boy." Chu Jie looked at it, aggrieved. "W-what do you want? Why have you brought me here?" Tears rolled down his cheeks. "Please let me goI want to go back..." A beat of silence and everybody suddenlyughed loudly. "Hahaha! I love it!" "He looks so cute when he is begging, right? Just like all our other ytoys." "He is so scared, shit. Ah, this is heaven!" Chu Jie bit his lip hard. They were looking at him so strangely. All their mockery froze him on the spot. "Why...why are you all talking like this? P-please, help me" His shoulders trembled, and he started to sob hard. Cocoa anxiously raised his hind legs towards him. "Arf!" Suddenly a spotlight shone on him, and he shut his eyes in response. "W-what?" The person behind the monitor spoke. "Once again, my friends, we gather here to enjoy ourselves. This time it is this lovely boy who will give us what we want." "Wooooo!!!" Everybody cheered loudly. Sufy came forward andughed. "Darling" Chu Jie remembered how she used to call him that way while chatting lovingly. But it was all fake. Once his heart fluttered with her endearment, but now he felt goosebumps crawling on his skin. "Do you remember I showed you one video about a man in the boiling water?" Or course he did. His mom scolded him for watching something so horrible. Sufy smirked. "How about we show you one live demo?" Chu Jie didn''t understand. Suddenly from afar, curtains slid sideways. There he saw a huge vessel filled with boiling water. Steam was rising upwards, blocking a part of view behind it. One of the goons then dragged a man forward. "No! Let me go! Help! What are you doing!" He was struggling and resisting, but the men had firmly grabbed him. "Now, young man." Chu Jie jolted at the robotic voice. "Do you want to know what happens next?" Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He backed away a bit. Sufy sneered and signaled the men. The goons grabbed the man''s hand and forced it in the vessel of boiling water. "AHHHHHH!!!!!!!" The man''s piercing cry reverberated throughout the room. Chu Jie watched the scene unfold in horror. His eyes bulged out in utter shock. He stumbled and fell back. "No...No! What are you doing to him! T-that is hot water! Take his hand out! Take it out!" The crowdughed at his futile attempts. Chu Jie looked at them, dumbfounded. He cried even more. What is wrong with these people? "Arf! Arf! Arf!" Cocoa loudly barked. He got restless when the man suddenly screamed. The men took out his hand. The flesh was starting to erode off, and it turned into a messy pulp with blood flowing out. "Ahhhh!!! Hah" The man copsed on his knees, huffing breathlessly. He was squirming in extreme agony. Tears trickled out of his eyes. The area under his arm pooled with blood. Everybody whistled and cheered again. "Blood! Look, blood!" "Ah...Really. It''s so beautiful." "How about we do it once again?" One giggled. Chu Jie furiously shook his head. "N-n-noplease" He burst into tears. "Why are you doing this!? This is horrible! Why are youughing! H-he is hurt so badly. What is so fun in that!? What have we done to you!" He was once again shaking badly, just like the time when he saw this room all messy. Cocoa circled around him and licked his tears. "Help...pain...it''s painful...help me please" The man on the ground was pleading for help. "Please" Chu Jie begged. "Please take him to the hospital! He-he will die!" The people looked at each other in surprise andughed. "Hospital? Hahaha!" "Why would we bring him here if we wanted to save him?" One man clicked his tongue. "Che! This boy also turned out to be a scaredy-cat. Such a spoilsport!'' The person behind the monitor asked, "What happened, young man? Didn''t you like it? Just look at the blood... doesn''t it tingle you inside?" Chu Jie was speechless. Who are these crazy people? They are enjoying it when that man is bleeding? Chu Jie finally realized it. These people...these all people standing here... they are not normal. They are hell worse than being weird! "Come on! We want to see more!" "Yeah, put his hand back again in the water!" One whined like a little child. The goons lifted him up. "No!!! Let me go!!!!" He fiercely resisted and screamed at the top of his voice. But just as when they were going to dip his hand again, Cocoa jumped in a sh and bit the wrist of the goon, holding the man. "Ahhh!!!" The man let go of his grasp on the man and yelled in pain. Silence. The crowd looked at the scene in shock. This had never happened before. The dog ran to save that man. "No! Cocoa!" Chu Jie blurted out, feeling terrified. "Come back!" You cannot fight them all alone! The other goons snapped out from their stupor. They tried to grab Cocoa, but he was moving so fast while still holding onto the wrist that they couldn''t even go near him. Then Cocoa released the wrist, and the man tumbled down. The others took their guns out. Cocoa stared at them. "No!!! Stop!" The goon fired a shot straight at him, but Cocoa quickly leaped onto the side, dodging the bullet. Once again, everybody was stunned. "That dog...he dodged the bullet!" Even the person behind the monitor was surprised by Cocoa''s ability to resist a gunfight. ''Bai Li''s dog...I see. He is not just a guard dog. He is not someone to trifle with either.'' Suddenly itughed. A flicker of light glinted in that person''s eyes. Interesting...so interesting... Chapter 102: Ask something as a prize Chapter 102: Ask something as a prize --- Two goons fired once again at Cocoa, but he hopped first left and then right, dodging the bullets again. Chu Jie rushed to bring him back, but Sufy caught his arm. "Let go!" He fiercely resisted her. Cocoa leaped onto the man nearest to him before he could fire a shot again. He jumped on him and struck his neck with his ws, digging into them. Blood sprayed from the goon''s neck, and Cocoa immediately hopped aside. Every single person present stared wide-eyed at the dog''s battle with the men who clearly were at an advantage with their guns. Chu Jie didn''t know how he got the strength, but he bit Sufy''s hand hard. "Ouch!!" She suddenly released his arm and taking advantage of the situation, Chu Jie dashed towards Cocoa. "Cocoa, please stop!" He caught his body and hugged him. "Arf!" Chu Jie tremblingly buried his face on Cocoa''s back. Cocoa was alert, but he calmed down. He stood on guard in front of the injured man and Chu Jie. At that moment, Cocoa''s stance andmand didn''t look any lesser than that of a fierce lion. "T-this is incredible" "That dog took out two of the men all by himself." One of the goon gritted his teeth and once again aimed at Cocoa. "Stop." The mysterious person ordered. "Put your weapons down." It smiled. "As expected of Bai Li''s dog. He cannot be underestimated just because he is an animal." One of them asked, "Who is Bai Li? Is he our next target!?" The gleam and excitement were evident in his voice. The mysterious person turned silent. It calmly tapped its finger on the desk. "...He will be soon." The voice was robotic, but even through it, the tone sounded grave. "But he will be my target. Nobody else will touch him." Chu Jie furrowed his brows. Big brother? Why does that person specifically want him? "Dispose of the other two who lost to that dog." Without even blinking their eyes even once, the other men picked up the two lying on the ground and plopped them into the vessel of boiling water. Chu Jie widened his eyes. "Ahhhh!!!" The hot water soaked their bodies through the clothes, causing massive burns on their skin. The pain was simply unimaginable. Chu Jie stuttered. "A-aren''t they with you? How could you do that to them?" The mysterious person chuckled. "Well, if they cannot fight a dog, then what use could they be?" He unconsciously tightened his grip on Cocoa. "And look. In this way, we got two more people to have fun. The water is turning crimson with their blood." "Yes, yes! So beautiful!" The men were sttering the water, trying to get out, but every move sharpened the pain in their bodies. "Help! Boss, please... please take us out!" "Look at them squirming like dead fishes out of water. Hahaha!" Chu Jie stared at them and then the person back at the monitor. "Grrrr." He was timid, but somehow watching Cocoa fighting against them gave him the strength to speak. "You all...like hurting people? You like seeing blood." "Of course! Nothing can be more exciting than to watch the mess. The bloody mess when blood is sprayed and shed." "Then, there is a very simple way to do that instead of taking all the trouble to kidnap us." "Hm?" The mysterious person hummed questioningly, but it was curious too of what he was going to say. Chu Jie said, "Why don''t you dip your hand in the boiling water and see the blood for yourself - your own hand and your own blood?" Silence. "Doesn''t it save much time? Blood is blood, after all. What does it matter if it is yours?" Silence. Chu Jie looked up at the monitor. It was almost dark on the other side, but he still looked straight at the person while his heart was beating fast in trepidation. He knew he could get into more trouble, but he felt furious too that they could go to such lengths just to satisfy their cruel fantasies. "Didn''t you say you like seeing blood? You never said that it couldn''t be your own." Nobody said a word, but he heard some of them taking sharp breaths. Chu Jie nced around. "What happened? Why is everyone silent? Weren''t you all cheering just a minute ago? No answer?" Dead silence. "Now, does it suddenly feel like it would hurt like hell if you imagine dipping your own hand in the boiling water?" No answer. "Now, do you not feel so excited to see the blood and the mess?" No answer. "Are you scared?" Chu Jie clutched Cocoa tighter and took the strength from him to continue. "It''s easy to hurt others andugh watching their misery, but at the same time, you cannot imagine the same thing happen to you, right? Then you feel that it isn''t interesting anymore because, at that time, you are the one standing on this side where we are." Some of them were gnashing their teeth hard in anger. It was as if Chu Jie touched their sore spot that they never realized it themselves. "You feel you are so powerful, seeing us all helpless. But you never wish yourself to be at that state." "You like seeing blood, but you don''t want to hurt yourself. Hypocrites." Chu Jie took a deep breath. "You all are nothing but cowards." Thatst deration triggered the crazy people. "YouYou will pay for this little boy!" They screamed. "No." The person behind the monitor raised its hand. "Stop right there, everybody." "How can we? He is insulting us!" "How dare he call us hypocrites and cowards! He will have to pay for this!" "Yes! Hand him over to me! Let me see how long he will run his mouth once I spray the hot acid in his mouth!" Chu Jie trembled. "I said no." There was no room for discussion. They menacingly red at Chu Jie, their gazes looking mad and psychotic. The mysterious person calmly tapped its finger. "You have impressed me, young man. Out of the countless targets we had, you are the first one to oppose us like that." Chu Jie gulped, and sweat was visible on his forehead. At this point, he already believed that they wouldn''t spare him, not that they were ever going to, but now he might have invited the worst form of torture and death possible to himself. "Hmm...how should I award you for your bravery?" After a pause, it said, "Why don''t you ask something as a prize? After all, you made me really happy today. Of course, anything apart from wanting to leave." Chu Jie was startled. He never expected that things would take this turn. The others were obviously furious at him, but the mysterious person was still calm as if it wasn''t affected at all. I cannot ask to let us go, Chu Jie thought. But what else can I say? Freedom from this scary ce and these crazy people is the only thing we want! I want to go back to my home. But that is not possible. Neither would they allow me to call anybody. Chu Jie''s gaze shifted towards Cocoa. He stared into his ck orbs that were silently looking back at him. Big brother Bai Li and sister Xin Lei His mind wandered off to that time in Andingzhen when they fought their best to protect him. Chu Jie said nothing, but his tearful gaze expressed his question to Cocoa. ''You trust them, right? Big brother Bai Li and sister Xin Lei?'' "Grr" Cocoa growled softly as if he understood him and agreed too. Chu Jie softly petted his fur. ''En. I trust them too. So, I have only one choice.'' Chu Jie stared at the monitor. "Have you decided what you want?" Chu Jie bit his lip and slowly said, "Seven dayster, it is my birthday. If you want to grant me one wish, then...let this man, Cocoa, and I stay alive until then." The mysterious person quietly stared at him. He choked. "It would be myst birthday. I hope to see myself turning seventeen. You won''t hurt anyone of us till that day." "What! Seven days! That''s freaking long!" "Who is going to wait for you!" "Yes! Kill him right now!" "Enough." The mysterious person said. "Alright, young man. I agree. Seven days is indeed long, but you deserve that credit." "But" the others protested for epting his nonsense request. "His demand isn''t unreasonable. And...a little wait makes it worthwhile. Seven dayster, the fruit of his torture will taste even more delicious. Good things happen to those who wait." "I have decided. The three of them will be kept alive for seven days as the boy has wished. Until then, nobody would harm them. That is a strict order." Chu Jie felt as if a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders. It wasn''t anything to celebrate yet, but at such a juncture, even a minute more of time was enough if they got to live longer. ''Big brother Bai Li, sister Xin Lei. I know you must still out there, doing your best to find us. Cocoa and I believe in you. You are our only hope. I am sorry, but this is the most I could do...to give you time.'' He shut his eyes. ''Seven days. Please, God. I beg you. Please help them to find us before the seven days get over.'' Chapter 103: Weird pressure Chapter 103: Weird pressure *Xin Lei* Bai Li, Liao Huifang, and I departed from LangFang towards our next destination, Tianjin, where the mysterious gang and some other party were going to strike a deal. We had still no idea what kind of a deal it would be. We fairly presumed it to be an exchange of some sort, but of what? No clue. The deal was going to take ce tomorrow evening. We still had almost twenty-four hours until we could figure things out. I thought about Chu Jie and Cocoa. It had been more than a day, but it already felt so long that Cocoa wasn''t by our side. I missed him so much. I only prayed that they were safe. We were having a quick meal right now in a small restaurant. My phone buzzed, and I saw the number. I paused. I typed. "I wille in just a moment." Bai Li asked, "Okay." I walked near thedies'' room and picked the video call. "Hello?" I heard the familiar voice after so long. I saw the familiar face once again. To be precise, after ten years. It was my good friend, the best psychologist and my ex-boyfriend, Kang Yuan. Ten years ago, we were just high-school students. At that time, he had that boyish charm in him. But now, as time passed, I could see the obvious changes in him. His voice was low and deep. There was a light stubble on his face adding onto his manly persona. The teenage boy was now a twenty-seven-year-old adult. In the past, he was thin or maybe just average in build, but now he looked well-shaped overall. "Xin Lei." Yuan softly spoke. I smiled and greeted him using signnguage. "Yuan. It''s been so long." "En. Ten years." I moved my hands again. "Yes. Ten years. You have changed a lot. You have gained weight." He chuckled from the other side. "These are called muscles. I am not fat. I have a toned body now." I rolled my eyes. I always liked to tease him about his weight during the high-school days, and his expression would always turn sour. "And I can''t evenpare to your weight." I red at him. I signed. "Are you calling me fat!?" "I never said anything like that." I gritted my teeth. I felt Yuan''s gaze soften. "How are you doing these days?" I rubbed my forehead. I signed. "Don''t even askIt''s a long story." Yuan sighed. "Always getting into trouble." My eyebrow twitched. "Alright. Tell me all about it when we meet to catch up. Didn''t you say you need my help?" I nodded. I signed. "I want you to take someone under you for treatment. He has PTSD. He had undergone therapy in the past, but he left it halfway, and now he has decided that he wants to cure it once and for all." Yuan smiled. "Of course. We are friends. I wouldn''t decline your request. But...you have to give me a sumptuous treat for our reunion. Bill will be on you." I dryly looked at him. I signed. "I am your friend. How could you charge me?" "Hah! This is my revenge for those days when you emptied all my pocket money either for food or for buying the demo medical kits to y doctor-doctor. Thanks to you, I could never save up enough money to buy my favorite game console!" I signed. "It has been ten years! So petty!" He shrugged. "Whatever. The treat is on you." I harrumphed and signed. "Alright!" Yuanughed. "Oh yes, who is that person?" I paused. Should I say that Bai Li is my boyfriend? We aren''t officially going out. We had only made our feelings and attraction clear to each other. "What are you thinking for so long? Have your brain cells rotted in these ten years? Aren''t you the smart Xin Lei anymore?" He grinned teasingly. I snapped out and furiously red at him. I thought about it. I signed. "We are seeing each other, but we aren''t exactly in a dating rtionship. He is kind of my boyfriend yet not at the same time." Then there was silence. I thought the call froze and turned my phone upside down. I waved my hand. "...Oh. I see." I felt his voice was a bit...dim? It was just momentary, but it seemed as if he was a little ufortable. This was the reason why I hesitated. It had been ten years since our breakup, but I wondered if it would seem too awkward to talk about Bai Li to my ex-boyfriend. But, at the same time, I didn''t want to hide it either and cause unnecessary misunderstanding. I signed. "Are you okay?" Yuan cleared his throat. "Oh, yes, yes. I-I was just surprised a bit. Like I said, I will surely help him out. Where are you now?" I signed. "Tianjin." Yuan asked, "Why Tianjin? Work?" I sighed. I signed. "No. It''s part of that same long story." Yuan nodded. "Okay. I will directly book my flight ticket for Tianjin." I signed. "Eh? Where are you now?" "Oh, I am in India for a psychology conference. I was invited to give a lecture here. I will be there in about five hours." "Okay." "Where do we meet?" I thought about it. I signed. "I will text you the hotel details where we are staying for the night." "Okay" I smiled. He said nothing, but I felt him hesitate as if he still wanted to say something. I saw him furrowing his brows just a bit. I signed. "Do you want to say something?" "Yes" He opened his mouth but quickly shut it again. "No, nothing." I squinted my eyes at him. Yuan sheepishly smiled. "Really. It''s nothing. Okay, I will hang up now. I will see you in five hours." Before I could say anything else, he hung up. "..." Strange. I went back, and Liao Huifang immediately fired me with questions. "Where were you? What took you so long? We were waiting for you. I am so hungry, but Bai Li forbade me to eat without you!" I chuckled. Bai Li snorted. "Learn to have some patience and control, youngdy." "Shut up, you oldie." I choked. Bai Li''s expression turned sour and ugly. "I am only thirty-two. That''s not old." Liao Huifang sneered. "Can youpare to being twenty-two?" His mouth twitched. "Plus, you shouldn''t ask ady, especially a young and beautifuldy like me to wait to eat. It''s bad manners." "Who made that rule?" "It''s a universalw for all women." Bai Li looked at my direction. "Is that so, Xin Lei? She is just making it up, right?" Liao Huifang nudged at me too to take her side. Both were waiting for my decision. I rolled my eyes. Really, sometimes they argued like children. I typed. "We will settle thister, but I want to say something." Bai Li raised his brow. I typed. "I told you about my psychologist friend, right? He ising to Tianjin in five hours. We will meet him at the hotel we are staying. It was his call." I observed Bai Li, and he seemed a bit ufortable with the way he restlessly shifted in his seat. Even if he decided to cure himself of PTSD, I knew that it would still be hard for him. Arge part of counseling was to face your past and fears, which wasn''t an easy thing to do even if one made up his mind. I put my hand on top of his. Bai Li faintly smiled. "I am fine. This day was going toe sooner orter. This time, I won''t run away." --- We were already at the hotel. Almost five and a hourster, Yuan texted me. "Hey. I have reached the address you sent me." I replied. "Okay. Wait for a minute." I went down and saw Yuan''s tall figure leaning on the reception desk,zily swiping on his phone. I looked at him in surprise. He has changed a lot. I waved my hand. He looked at me and smiled widely. "Xin Lei!" We hugged for a moment. Yuan said, "Sorry it took long. The flight was dyed a bit." I shook my head. I typed. "It''s alright. Let''s go up. They are waiting for us." "...Hm." I took him inside Liao Huifang and my room where Bai Li was also present. I typed. "He is Kang Yuan. My high school friend. He is one of the best psychologists." Liao Huifang smiled and bowed. I looked at Kang Yuan and typed. "She is Liao Huifang. She is our friend and kind of arade now. Part of the long story." He nodded. Now, it was Bai Li''s turn. Somehow, I felt a bit nervous about introducing them. I typed. "He is Bai Li, whom I told you about previously." Bai Li roughly nced at his way while Yuan was also staring at him, but neither of them said anything. I coughed. What is this weird pressure I am feeling? Chapter 104: Escaped! Chapter 104: Escaped! *Xin Lei* After a few moments of silence, which seemed like forever to me, Bai Li responded first. He brought his hand forward. "Nice to meet you." Yuan blinked his eyes and tilted his head as if he was confused. Oh yes, I forgot to tell him that Bai Li cannot see. I signed him about the same. Yuan seemed shocked and alternated his gaze between Bai Li and me. He paused and nodded a momentter. He shook Bai Li''s hand. "Nice to meet you, too." Yuan said, "Xin Lei must have told you about me a bit, and I hope they are all good things." Bai Li smiled. "Indeed. She has been ranting non-stop about your achievements and that I can rest assured." "Well, yes. But I want to personally assure you, too, that you are in good hands. We will work together on your PTSD. I know it may seem a difficult task to get over your fears right now, but we will slowly get there." Bai Li nodded. "Alright. If you don''t mind, thenter sometime tonight, we can start with a small session." "Tonight?" "Yes. The sooner we start, the better. A clinic would have been better for that atmosphere to talk, but your current situation seems a bit tough. But as long as we have a quiet space, it''s fine." "Okay." Yuan then looked at me. "Now, it''s time for you to give me my reunion treat. I hope you have loads of cash ready because I n to empty your pockets tonight." I pouted and typed. "Alright." Bai Li cleared his throat. "Liao Huifang and I will have dinnerter on then. You two must have a lot to catch up." Yuan waved his hand. "It''s fine. We can have dinner together. Plus, I am the guest here in your group." I typed. "Yes. Don''t worry. We won''t bore you with our catching up or maybe just a little." Yuan rolled his eyes. During the meal, I said everything that happened until now. So he understood how we three met in different circumstances. Yuan looked shocked at first, and then his expression turned grim. He looked at Liao Huifang. "I am sorry for your sister''s loss." Her eyes were a bit wet, but she softly shook her head. "I read about the murders in Natural Park. It''s all over the news, but I never guessed that you would be involved in all this. Xin Lei...this is really dangerous. The culprits don''t seem to be mentally sound. You shouldn''t entangle yourself in this." I pursed my lips. I typed. "We have alreadye this far, Yuan. We cannot step back." I paused. I typed again. "I have promised Fu Meili that we would find her culprits and give justice to her and all the unfortunate victims." Silence. Yuan looked at Bai Li. "So Mr. Bai Li." "Just call me Bai Li." "Okay, if you don''t mind. Bai Li. I have always admired soldiers. How long have you worked in the army?" "Fourteen years." "Wow. That''s a pretty long service." "Just like how you admire soldiers, I admire doctors. We practically cannot live without the medics. In every mission, some or the other soldiers are bound to get injured, and if they don''t get treatment, the situation could be much worse." Yuan smiled. "You have increased my respect for all the officers who sacrifice their lives in the frontlines. You all serve our country so bravely." Bai Li shook his head. "Not just us soldiers. We all serve our country in our own way. In whatever profession we work, we always contribute to the betterment of this country." I agreed and felt proud. Yuan looked at me and whispered. "I see why you like him now." We came back upstairs and freshened up. Yuan was about to start his session with Bai Li. I typed. "Can we stay here?" "No. It will be only Bai Li and me. Nobody else." He sternly said. He was always an earnest and responsible doctor. Well, I knew the rules, but I still wanted to stay by his side. I typed. "Please. We won''t cause you any trouble." Liao Huifang nodded. "We would be absolutely quiet!" "No." I showed him my most pitiful expression, and he sighed. He narrowed his eyes. "I want absolute silence from you two. Any noise, and I will throw you out of the room. Pretend that you don''t even exist." "..." "Sit in the corner." Bai Li and Yuan sat in front of each other. Liao Huifang and I huddled in the corner. Yuan said, "Bai Li." "Yes." He seemed a bit stiff. "You are stiff. It''s okay. I want you to take a few deep breaths and just rx. Let your body loosen up." Bai Li seemed much better now. After a pause, Yuan said, "If you feel ready, then can I ask you some questions?" He nodded. "We will go in detailter on, but right now, just tell me the gist of it. First. Tell me, how did you lose your sight?" Bai Li was quiet for a moment. "Five years ago, I was on a mission in Baghdad. There was a bomb nted in a nearby car, which I was unaware of. It blew off. I near enough for its shrapnels to strike me. When I woke up, it was all dark." "What did you feel about it?" "I was in denial for a long time. When it sunk in, I became frustrated and started to lose my temper." Yuan nodded. "It''s understandable. Now think carefully. If you thought back on it, what do you feel angry about the most?" Bai Li paused. "...perhaps that I failed to detect the bomb''s presence in the car. Not only was I affected...two of my brother soldiers were also hurt, soI should have checked the area more carefully." I could sense that Bai Li was feeling guilty. Yuan stared at him. "How far was the car?" Bai Li paused again. "About ten yards." "Are there explosive devices that one wouldn''t be able to detect ten yards away?" "Sure. If they are hidden really well, then you cannot see them at all." "And the other soldiers with you at that time also didn''t notice anything suspicious?" "No. They didn''t report to me anything of that sort." Yuan paused, "Okay. What did you decide when you realized that you couldn''t see anymore?" Bai Li said, "It would have been impossible, but I wanted to go back to the army to serve. It was difficult because not only I lost my sight, but I had PTSD, and as such, I wasn''t allowed to continue my service." "What were your thoughts about it?" "I understood their point, but I didn''t want to back out either. I felt my ce was in the frontlines. So I stubbornly chased after them to take me back. I trained to fight and handle weapons without my sight." "What was the result?" "The army thoroughly tested my capabilities and found that I was fit to serve. I had excellent marksmanship with the guns too." "So, you passed." Bai Li nodded. "Okay. Regarding your experiences, we would stop here. Based on what you told, I want to share my thoughts with you." "Okay." "First. You think that you couldn''t detect the bomb. But you just said that the bomb was well hidden. There was nothing suspicious either for you or the other soldiers. It was not just you. Your fellow soldiers couldn''t detect it either. So why do you think that you or any soldier there have to bear the brunt of being unable to detect it?" Bai Li seemed hesitant. His chest was rapidly rising up and down. "I should have been able to see and warn them." Yuan paused. "Bai Li. In such missions, it is inevitable that sometimes you win, or sometimes the enemy may win. Do you think that you were careless or irresponsible in leading your troop?" "No. I have dealt with all missions with equal seriousness and severity." "Did you me the other soldiers for failing to detect the bomb?" "Absolutely not. They did their best." "Did the soldiers me you or you think that they would hold any resentment towards you?" "No. They reassured me that I did a good job. They meant it. They understand that it was nobody''s fault-" Bai Li suddenly stopped. Yuan smiled. "That is important for you to remember, Bai Li. You are taking all the me on yourself but yourrades don''t think so. You were helpless as much as them." "...I see. T-that is right...I didn''t think of it that way." "It''s alright. Not your fault. It''s important that you realized it now." Hisplexion seemed much better now and I felt so d. "How do you feel now?" "...Not so guilty aspared to before." "Good. It''s a great start. Now, second. After you lost your sight, you didn''t give up. You trained yourself hard to be capable. That takes guts. Do you feel proud of yourself that you achieved it?" "Yes, I do." "Now remember another thing." We waited. "You did the best you couldboth of the times. You didn''t fail anybody. So remember, Bai Li. Be kind to yourself." Suddenly my phone vibrated. I panicked. Sure enough, Yuan was ring at me. I quickly dashed outside. It was from Lin Zihao. "Bai Li!" He sounded too tense. I switched to video call. I signed. "What happened?" "Rodey. He has escaped." Chapter 105: Truly something unique Chapter 105: Truly something unique --- Rodey was calmly walking on the streets with a smirkced on his lips. "Ah, finally free. Damn, those soldiers really kept me hungry for this whole time." Rodey stretched his arms and felt the cold air brush past him. On an almost deserted road, he sat on the bench by the roadside. He lit a cigarette and took a big puff. Rodey sneered. He exhaled, dragging a smoke ring out of his mouth. He recalled how he made his escape. When the proceedings in the court were over, the officers locked his wrists again with the handcuffs. Rodey passed by Xin Nianzu. "Feeling happy about the win, Mr. Lawyer?" Xin Nianzu smiled. "Definitely. Won''t you congratte me?" Rodeyughed. "You are getting too overconfident. Do you think with this measly win, you have won against us?" "Of course not. So many truths are yet to unfold. But isn''t it a great start? Even if it is a minor crack, we have sessfully intruded your dark and sinister ce. It won''t be long before we reach to the heart of it, smash it into pieces until itpletely tumbles down." Rodey raised his brow amusingly. His nce shifted to the Fu family, where Fu Biyu and Fu Jun were happily hugging Fu Ting with tears in their eyes. He tilted his head and looked back at Xin Nianzu. "Heart of it?" He chuckled. "How will you smash the heart of it when there is not even a trace of it left in any of us standing on this side?" Rodey raised his hand and pointed his finger at his chest. "This is empty. There is nothing here nor in the ce you are looking for, Mr. Lawyer. It''s all about the calctive and unfeeling brain." Xin Nianzu quietly stared at him. The officer signaled Rodey to move forward. Before he left, Rodey turned. "You will never win against that person if you are searching for the heart of the truth." As they came out in the open and were just about to enter the police car, somebody, to be precise, Rodey''s aplice threw a smoke bomb from above where it was hiding. It blew off, and instantly, a dense fog of smoke covered the area. "Hey! What is this smoke?" "I can''t see anything!" Panic ensued, and everybody was confused about the sudden turn of events. Nobody could see anything for quite a distance away. Lin Zihao was rmed. Where did this smoke bombe from? It was way too sudden that he didn''t get the chance to see from which direction the bomb fell. "His aplice is somewhere here. They nned this escape." He took out his radio and said, "Get the portable fans working and blow this smoke away fast!" Taking advantage of the situation, Rodey pushed the officers away, jerking his body towards them. The collision was also just as sudden as the smoke bomb, and they stumbled. "Hey! He ran away!" ording to the n, even if it wasn''t visible, Rodey already knew where to go. He quickly reached the designated ce where his aplice was already waiting for him. Rodey said, "Unlock the cuffs, fast." *Click* The cuffs opened, and Rodey quickly threw them away. "Tsk, tsk! You made me do so much work just to get you out. I will take a heftypensation for this. My help is not free." Rodey didn''t care. "Whatever." "Nice n you made there. I am impressed." "I am smart. What else do you expect?" "Tch. Such a narcissist. Do me a favor, and don''t get caught again, okay? I missed my day to have fun with that teenage boy because of you." Rodey shrugged. The voice then turned grim. "Rodey. Don''t forget that the boss is a bit displeased with you. Xin Nianzu is free, and you got caught. They are not happy about it." "I know." "You are alive because you are a useful asset to them. You are the right hand. Don''t give them another reason to get you in trouble." "Where is Sufy?" "Usual base where the boy is kept." Rodey hummed and then quietly escaped from the court, finally free. At present, Rodey opened his eyes. It was dark apart from the faint flickering light of the streetmps. Suddenly a twitch at the back snapped Rodey out of his daze. He straightened up and got alert. He narrowed his eyes. He stubbed out the cigarette and crushed it under his foot. A cop? But then he faintly heard some sneers andughs. Rodey wanted to be sure that there was no danger. He had no intention of losing his hard-earned freedom just hardly after a few hours had gone by. Better safe than sorry. Rodey got up. He stealthily followed the direction of that noise while hiding in the darkness. Finally, the voices became clearer. He took a quiet step and hid behind a tree. He saw the backs of four men standing beside each other, forming a kind of semi-circle. Rodey craned his neck and saw that a young, petite woman was stuck in between them and a tree at her back. It didn''t take any rocket science for him to understand what was happening. Deserted ce, dark, and no people to help. That woman was going to get raped. It was so evident with those men''s postures, speech, and expressions. And here I thought I was in trouble, Rodey had a bored expression on his face. He turned to leave, but then he heard that woman''s voice speaking to them. "Do you know that North Korea and Cuba are the only ces where you can''t buy Coca C?" Rodey stopped. He blinked his eyes rapidly. Huh? Did I hear that, right? He turned and observed her. She was in a grave situation, the worst of the dire situation where a woman could get herself into. But instead of fear, she was absolutely nk. Literally, she was expressionless. It was as if the whole situation didn''t even bother her. The men were also equally dumbfounded. "What?" The woman continued. "Do you know that Los Angeles is so big that the entire world''s poption could fit inside it?" "Man, what is she bbering?" One of the men nudged his friend. "I have no idea." The man standing directly in front of her said, "Didn''t you hear us, woman? Strip naked right now, and let us enjoy you." The woman seemed unaffected and said, "The hottest chili pepper in the world is so hot it could kill you." Now they were more confused. "Is she insane?" It was truly shocking because, in normal circumstances, any woman would cry and scream for help or beg to let go. But she didn''t do anything of that sort. "The world''s most densely popted ind is the size of two ser fields." "I think she has a screw loose." The fourth man gulped. "She is insane. Crazy people are more dangerous." "We are four. What can she even do?" The woman said, "Dead bodies can be covered which looks like soap after death." "Man, now is she cursing us?" "Approximately 150000 people die each day around the world." They choked. Is she implying that we could be among them? The man grabbed her hand. A glint of something shed past her eyes, but it quickly subsided. "Whatever she is crazy. She won''t even understand what we will do to her. So we are safe." The other cautiously said, "We should leave her. Crazy people are unpredictable. Who knows when she would attack us." "Oh, shut it!" And in an instant, he tore her sleeve. There was a faint crack in her expression. The man sneered. "Your mouth is spewing garbage, but I think those lips would taste delicious." And he licked his lips with his tongue. The woman said, "When people find out they are dying, they experience what''s known as an ''existential p,'' ording to palliative care experts. It''s the moment when a person knows, on a gut level, that death is close." "Oh, I assure you that it''s you who is going to die beneath but us after we have loads of fun with your body." The woman''s eyelids trembled. Just as he was about to kiss her forcibly, four consecutive shots rang in the air. She jolted and opened her eyes. She saw that all the four men had a hole in between their brows, and a thin line of blood trickled out. For a moment, it seemed as if everything froze. Their eyes were wide open as if shocked. Soon, they fell on the ground with a thud. The woman made no sound, but she quickly stepped back. They were dead. They didn''t even know how and when it happened. The woman was staring at their bodies when she heard a chuckle from a distance. "That was an interesting method to ward off those rapists. Truly something unique. Sad that it didn''t work out." Rodey stepped out of the shadows andzily looked at the men who were now corpses. The woman said nothing for a moment. Once again, she was expressionless. "Thank you." Rodeyughed. He walked towards her and lifted her chin with the tip of his gun. The smell of gunpowder hit her nostrils, and her nose twitched. "Thank you? What if I killed them because I want to have some fun with you?" Chapter 106: Even a villian can have principles Chapter 106: Even a villian can have principles *Xin Lei* I peeked inside the room and found that Bai Li''s first session was over. I hurriedly walked away inside. Yuan frowned at me. "What happened? You look worried." Bai Li asked, "Is everything okay?" I typed. "It was Lin Zihao''s call. He said that Rodey has escaped." Silence. "Wait, who is Rodey?" Liao Huifang asked. I typed. "He is also one of the members of the gang. We caught him, but just now, I got a call that he escaped from outside the court." "How?" I exined what Lin Zihao told me. Liao Huifang seemed confused. "Doesn''t it mean that somebody was an aplice who helped Rodey? But who?" Then she widened her eyes and looked furious. "Wait, is that bastard Tian Song who helped him?" That could be possible "But wasn''t he in Langfangst night?" I typed. "Perhaps he went back to Dongcheng secretly. What do you think, Bai Li?" But he seemed to be in a daze. He was looking at the side, probably thinking something hard. Yuan asked, "Bai Li?" Bai Li said, "...My gut feeling is saying that it couldn''t be Tian Song. Sure, perhaps he would have gone back to Dongcheng, butI don''t know...I am not convinced that it could be him." I thought so too. Something seemed strange here but I couldn''t put my finger on it. Yuan was silently observing Bai Li. "I feel like you recalled some memory. Does this remind you of something?" We waited for him to answer. Bai Li rubbed his forehead. "There is nothing simr, but somehow, my mind automatically went back to the night when Ist fought with Rodey in the container terminal." He said after a pause. "...That incident is also one of the reasons why I feel... anxious." Yuan nodded. "Oh. I get it. Don''t worry," he smiled, "We will slowly get there too." "En. It''s just what happened in the terminal that night, and the incident today in the court feels familiar to me, but at the same time, they do not." I typed. "At that night, you were near to catching Rodey, but suddenly Tan Ye appeared, and now, once again, the cops couldn''t catch him." Bai Li nodded. "I am sure it''s the same person who helped him both the times." Yuan said, "It''s alright. Sometimes there are some simrities between two incidents that we cannot instantly decipher, but our subconscious mind recognizes that pattern. Perhaps it will strike you sooner orter." Liao Huifang said, "Then what about Tian Song? Is he in Dongcheng or Langfang?" "He could be in Tianjin." Silence. I typed. "Bai Li. Do you think they will still carry out their deal at the Tianjin Port?" "I am sure they will. Tianjin is strategically a good location for shipping and transportation. If their client ising through the sea, then it''s the best route toe to Tianjin and go back. Even if they want to change it, the client wouldn''t agree to meet at another ce, take the risk and jeopardize the deal. They will always think about their own safety first." That made sense. "So, Tianjin is still our best bet." --- Tian Song was standing in an unknown and deserted alley with an earpiece attached in his right ear. "You know what to do, right?" Came a voice from the other end. "We must stop them. This time, I want Bai Li and Xin Lei with you." "Hm. It will go as nned." --- At the same time in Langfang, Duan Deming was resting a bit when an officer came up to him. "Sir. It''s Chief Mu." Chief Mu was the one to whom Duan Deming reported. "Duan Deming. ording to the receipts you found in Gen Gen''s base, there is supposed to be some deal going on in Tianjin Port tomorrow." "Yes, sir!" "Hm. There are high chances that they could change the ce of the deal. So, I will also dispatch teams to possible other locations nearby for patrol. But you focus on their primary location." "Yes. I have already mobilized my team." "Good." Then there was a pause. "Duan Deming. I hope you could stop the deal and bring the criminals down with you. If we capture them, then our department would be greatly appreciated." Naturally, he understood in between the lines. There was a high chance of promotion for Chief Mu to be the Deputy Chief if they caught the gang. He would take most of the glory. Duan Deming sighed. Such politics "Also, any news about Tian Song?" Duan Deming clenched his fingers into a fist. "No. But I am sure he would be there tomorrow." "He must be caught. A spy was among us this whole time, and we couldn''t detect it. It has already affected our reputation. But we can still things turn around." He narrowed his eyes. "I understand, Sir. This time, there would be no mistakes." --- Dongcheng. Rodey pressed the muzzle of his gun a little deeper into the woman''s chin. He sneered. "What if I want to have some fun with you?" The woman blinked her eyes. For a moment, her shoulders trembled, and she shuddered. She nced at the corpses of the men, who just a minute ago, were about to ruin her. She looked back at him. There was not much source of light in the area. It was just faintly illuminated by the moonlight in the sky. She could only see that he was very tall and broad, so much that she couldn''t even see past him. His face wasn''t much clear, though. Slowly, Rodey took a step towards her. She instinctively took a step back. Soon, her back bumped on the tree behind her. Rodey tilted his head. "Hm? You didn''t answer me." With an evil chuckle echoing around, he suddenly leaned towards her face, narrowing the distance between their lips. "The longest ce name on the is 85 letters long." The woman blurted out. Rodey paused. At first, it was a stifle, but then he suddenlyughed out loud. "Ahahahaha! You... you think that trick is going to work on me?" Her expression was deadpan. "Do you think I didn''t understand what you did there?" "...I don''t understand." Rodey raised his eyebrow. "Nice attempt to feign ignorance. You couldn''t win against them physically. You already knew that. It was useless, trying to run away. So you chose another way, that is, to y with their mind and force them to back out, pure out of fear." She said nothing. "Strange, right? They were four. Physically and numerically stronger than you. You were just one woman who couldn''t fight. Why would they fear you?" She said nothing. "You uttered random nonsense because people are generally shit scared of insane people. They are unpredictable. Even if it is a woman who may be weak and frailpared to them, they still get afraid because, like I said, crazy people are unpredictable. You wanted to show yourself as that mad woman who doesn''t know what she is doing. Maybe she is talking some weird shit right now, or maybe she could pull a knife out of nowhere?" Silence. "It seemed to work too. The other bastards were having second thoughts on ravaging you but too bad that one of them was unaffected." Rodey pressed himself closer. "But it will never work on me. Do you know why?" Silence. Rodey let out a sinisterugh. "Because I am crazy myself. How will I not understand if the other person is sane or as crazy as me? We can identify our own kind." The woman finally took the courage to raise her face. Suddenly, his face looked clearer than before because that particr angle had direct moonlight. Rodey''s gaze traveled on her from top to bottom. "Hm. Not bad. Your build is a little smaller to my taste, but I can make do for once." "I don''t think you will rape me." The woman said in a quiet voice. Rodey was now thoroughly amused. "Why? Do you think I am a hero who saved you? You are safe from these men. But who will save you from me?" The woman calmly said, "If I take into ount the male models and heroes working in the entertainment industry and based on how you look andpare you to them, then I conclude that appearance-wise, you are good-looking. Youe in the handsome category. You have a face and build that statistically, 95% of the women would develop a crush on you. ording to some of the gangster movies I watched until now, you also exhibit the nature of a being a bad boy, which many women find attractive and irresistible." She paused. "Out of that 95%, approximately 65-75% of the women would fearlessly ask you out, considering how more women are bing bold and confident in this modern time. As such, you don''t need to force any woman to sleep with you because many would be willing to have a one-night stand with you on their own ord." Rodey was utterly dumbfounded. He, once again, cracked into loudughter. "Yes, smart chick. With my face alone, I don''t need to force a fuck on any woman. But that is not the only reason." The woman questioningly looked at him. Rodey finally released the gun off from her chin. "I am a criminal. I have killed people. But even a bastard like me has a principle. Rodey doesn''t rape women." Chapter 107: Uncomfortable... Chapter 107: Ufortable... --- The next morning. Zhang Chao publicly dered war on Yi Xiaosi. He held a press conference in which he brought the man who fired a shot at Zhang Ning but failed to do so because Bai Li intervened. "It was Yi Xiaosi. He gave me loads of money to kill Zhang Ning because she repeatedly rejected his son Yi Xing." The media reporters gasped. This was a sensational piece of news, and they already imagined their channel''s ratings skyrocketing like crazy. Yi Xing was in love with his opposition party leader''s daughter. But she rejected him, and the result was an attempt to take her life. Not only that, the incident where Yi Xing tried to harass Zhang Ning outside his party office also spread like wildfire. Many people gave their statements of what they saw when Bai Li punched Yi Xing. Some even secretly recorded how Yi Xing repeated what Bai Li told him to. With them as the witnesses and the video recording, Yi Xiaosi''s reputation and effectively, his party''s, suffered lethal damage. Yi Xing was ostracized everywhere for turning into a crazy and maniac lover who harassed a woman. And as if it wasn''t enough, the young man who was admitted to the hospital also came forward to give his statement. He was badly hurt and covered in bandages. "This is true. It was Yi Xing. I...I just offered a bouquet to Miss Zhang as a token of appreciation, but he misunderstood me that I was hitting on her. That same evening, his men grabbed me and took me to a deste ce. They beat me so much that my bones broke a-and I was bleeding from everywhere. Then Yi Xing came and warned me to stay away from Miss Zhang. I-if he sees me again near her, the consequences would be more terrible than just this beating." Three incidents came into light, and everything took a turn for the worse. Yi Xing was facing heavy charges, but Yi Xiaosi was doing his best to suppress the aftermath. The murders in Natural Park was also a hanging knife of suspicion on them, which was quickly making the public believe that they were indeed behind them. Yi Xing wasughing as he saw the news on the television. Instead of getting angry, he was calm. His eyes darkened with an inexplicable glint. "It''s all because of Bai LiHe has colluded with Zhang Chao." Yi Xingughed. "Good. Now destroying that man has be a necessity." Zhao Wenyan, his assistant, silently stared at him. "The situation is not good. We shouldy low for a while. Your headlines are everywhere. Sir Yi had also instructed you not to go out while he is handling your charges." Yi Xingzily looked at him. "I want the tide to turn anyhow." His tonemanded finality. Zhao Wenyan said, "My reliable sources have told me something that could be of use to us." Yi Xing raised his eyebrow, signaling him to continue. "Bai Li and his group are in Tianjin right now rted to the case in Natural Park." Yi Xing''s eyes glinted. "We can use this situation to our favor. I have a n." --- Zhang Ning was out shopping today in the mall. She didn''t feel quite satisfied with just a thank you to Bai Li, who saved her twice. So she thought of buying him a thank you present and give him whenever they would meet next time. Bai Li''s image when he first grabbed her in the rally and then how he beat up Yi Xing shed by suddenly. A smile unexpectedly bloomed on her face. But then it dimmed just as fast. ''That woman Xin Lei... they must be dating. Their closeness is so obvious.'' She tilted her head. "But why do I feel a bit ufortable?" She shook her head and ignored it. After looking around for quite a while, she found a suitable present and asked the owner to wrap it up. "Mam, where are you going?" One of the female bodyguards asked. "Restroom." "We will apany you, Mam." "Hm." Zhang Ning powdered her up, and ten minutester, when she stepped out, she gasped in shock. The female bodyguards were lying on the ground, blood trickling from their foreheads. "W-what happened? Both of them" She bent to check on them, but suddenly somebody appeared behind her and covered her mouth with a cloth. "Mmnnn!" She struggled against the man''s grasp but failed to do so. He caught her wrists with his other hand, preventing her from signaling the other guards. She iled her legs to move, but the man had tightly caught her. She suddenly smelled something chemical, and her vision started to blur. Her resistance stopped, and her eyes soon shut in unconsciousness. The man dragged her in a corner and dialed a number. "We got her boss." "Good. Get her to the said location." --- *Xin Lei* It was almost afternoon when we reached a certain bar. With Su Weiyuan''s contact, we found a dealer who dealt with supplying arms and ammunition, naturally under the table. We had to be prepared if we wanted to face the showdown in Tianjin Port. Yuan was staying at the hotel. I recalled what he said to me when we left. "Xin Lei. Come back in one piece, okay? Or I will beat you up." Iughed. Yuan then looked at Bai Li. "Bai Li. Keep in mind what we talked aboutst night. It is possible that some situations could arise tonight that will make you feel anxious. But just remember and follow the instructions I gave, and you will be fine. Trust me. You will surely calm down." Bai Li nodded. "Got it." At present, I took Bai Li with me for a moment away from Liao Huifang. I typed. "Bai Li. Promise me that whatever happens today, you won''t me yourself. Things can take a turn for the better or worse. We don''t know what it would be. But no matter what, you will absolutely not self-deprecate yourself." "En." I typed again. "You are the most capable man I know. I believe in you and your strength. You have never let me down, Bai Li. I know you never will." Bai Li smiled and ruffled my hair. "Yes, mam. Understood!" I nodded in satisfaction. I typed. "Now, kiss me." Bai Li chuckled. He felt his way to my waist and pulled me towards him. He raised his hand and slowly rested it on my cheek. I felt his warmth and wanting to feel more of it, I pressed my cheek on his palm. Bai Li lowered his head and leaned forward. He softly ced his lips on mine. I wrapped my hands around his neck. His scent invaded my nostrils, and with his lips skillfully moving across mine, I couldn''t help but moan in his mouth. He nipped on my lower lip, and I understood what he wanted. I parted my lips so that our tongues could unite once again. He entered mine, and I entered his mouth, already tasting every corner of it. "En...Xin Lei" A low grunt escaped his throat, and it made me tingle from within to feel as excited as him. He sped my cheek a bit tighter and deepened the kiss until I felt his tongue reaching my throat. Oh God, can this not stop? As we were totally lost in our kiss, I heard someone clearing her throat. "Ahum!" We stiffened. Damn! It was going so good. Reluctantly, we parted, and I saw Liao Huifang awkwardly standing in front of us. Her face was scarlet red, and she looked away. "I...I am sorry. I was worried why you both were taking such a long time." I coughed. Bai Li''s expression seemed to be ugly. "Well, what else did you expect from a couple who didn''t return? We were having so much fun." I giggled. "Shut up!" Liao Huifang puffed her cheeks up in dismay. "Can you show some little mercy to this singleton? Stop showering with the dog food already!" "Nope." Bai Lizily said. "Find yourself a boyfriend, and you will be just like us, unable to keep your hands off your partner." Liao Huifang blushed. "Heh! And at that time, I swear to interrupt your making out with him just like you did today. I am very vengeful." "You...you...You are horrible!" He shrugged. "You are not the first person to say that." I rolled my eyes. I typed. "Can we leave now?" Bai Li seemed unsatisfied. He grumbled. "She ruined it" I pinched his waist hard. "Hey! Pinch her waist, not mine! Wait, forget it. Don''t get close to her, or else you will catch her stupidity." "Bai. Li!" Liao Huifang yelled. Weughed a momentter. I just hoped everything turned out to be fine tonight. This was the only chance to learn something about the gang, and it''s the mastermind. I felt Bai Li squeezing my hand. "Everything will be fine. We will do it." I smiled and kissed his cheek. I typed. "Yes, we will." Chapter 108: Showdown at Tianjin (1) Chapter 108: Showdown at Tianjin (1) *Xin Lei* It was almost eight in the evening when we reached Tianjin Port. By that time, the tourists start to disperse. It was my first time to visit a seaport and man it was huge. There were rows of containers loaded on top of each other. Between every such row, the road was wide enough for small terminal tractors to pass by and unload the containers from the dock to the storage yard. As we carefully moved forward, I saw the container terminal. Two to three big ships were docked in one berth, and huge gantry cranes were built above them. These cranes were used for lifting the containers from the ships to the trucks in the container terminal. The cranes upied a wide area. Lin Zihao had shown me a path that was safe to use to keep an eye on the happenings. Naturally, there would be men guarding the area for any intruders. We hid behind the marked containers that gave us a clear view of the dock but was still at a safe distance. As expected, a few men were pacing back and forth in the area, holding guns in their hands. Bai Li asked, "What do you see?" Liao Huifang said, "Hm. Some men are going around. It looks like they are waiting for the ship." "Hm. Keep an eye." We waited. After thirty minutes, the men straightened up. I saw a ship slowing down at the dock. I didn''t want to take the risk of using text to speech even at the lowest volume. ASL was the best option. I took Bai Li''s hand and moved his fingers. ''Shiping.'' The ship finally halted and docked to the port. An automated staircase opened, and I saw a few mening down from the ship. "How do they look like? What are they carrying?" Bai Li asked. Liao Huifang said, "They look like East Asians, but not Chinese. Oh, wait. I see some other fair guy too. He looks like a foreigner. They are holding some bags with them. One of that Asian guys and that fair guy are walking between three men. They seem to be the client." "...I see. Do you see anyone from our side?" "No." It was strange. It was an important client deal, but the boss didn''te yet. The men at our side greeted the clients. The clients looked like they were asking for someone. The gantry cranes then started to unload some containers from the client''s ships to our container terminal. A few minutester, I saw a figureing towards the clients from afar. I narrowed my eyes. As the figure came closer, his face became clearer. Yi Xing...It was Yi Xing. There was also someone walking beside him. Zhao Wenyan. I signed to Bai Li. ''It''s Yi Xing and Zhao Wenyan.'' Liao Huifang said, "Well, he did behave creepily in the office. And remember how he looked at Bai Li when we left." Zhao Wenyan came forward first. He seemed to act as a middle man between Yi Xing and the clients. The clients nodded after Zhao Wenyan said something. I ryed the same to Bai Li. Then when it came to exchanging, I saw Zhao Wenyan take out something. It was really a small packet. I frowned. What could be so small that fit in such a tiny casing? Liao Huifang said, "Zhao Wenyan is holding something tiny. So in exchange for all these big containers, they are just giving that tiny thing?" Bai Li said, "It could be a USB. It could contain anything that could benefit those clients. China''s secrets, intelligence, or any confidential information." "Betraying the country?" She gasped. "Why not? It''s not the first time." The clients exchanged the bags with the small case that Zhao Wenyan held. They opened the bag, and Zhao Wenyan looked inside. He seemed to check inside. Then he nodded in satisfaction. Zhao Wenyan also saw the containers lifted to the terminal. I signaled Bai Li. "It seems the exchange is done." Bai Li said, "We have to stop the clients from going back. Whatever Zhao Wenyan gave them, we cannot let them take it back. Let''s go." We moved a little further. "Tell me the angles where the men are standing." I moved his fingers. ''One is at your two o clock. Two at ten and nine. One at six. Other at four.'' Bai Li nodded. "You take care of two and six. I will take care of the other three." We slowly took out our guns and put the silencer on them. I aimed at the one standing at two o clock. I fired the shot, and itnded straight in his throat. He tumbled down. The clients and the others looked shocked. "Hey! Who is it?" They panicked. Bai Li quickly shot two of the other men. We slowly came out, pointing our guns at them. Bai Li said, "Good to meet you again, Yi Xing. How is your jaw?" Yi Xing sneered. "Heh! Bai Li. You don''t have to worry about my injury because I will make sure that you suffer a lot worse. I will give you a nice payback for the punch." Bai Li smiled. "When? From the jail for trying to betray the country?" Yi Xingughed. "Oh, are you talking about these clients? They are not my people. They havee for Zhang Chao''s deal. When I got the news, Zhao Wenyan secretly contacted them. We just offered them double the price and offers. They canceled the deal with Zhang Chao. I only came here to collect evidence on Zhang Chao for the illegal dealings he is doing. He is enjoying a lot, exposing me to the media. How can I just sit around, doing nothing?" Bai Li said, "Nice try to me it on him when you are the one standing here, doing the transaction." "Bai Li. If you are questioning my presence, then I can also question yours. And please don''t say that you are trying to find the truth about those murders. You just want to act noble. But in truth, Zhang Chao sent you here, right? Perhaps he wants to know why the deal got canceled so he called you here with your two ''guides.''" I narrowed my eyes. "Sir!" One of Yi Xing''s men called out. "What?" "We...we found" "What did you find?" He snapped. The men gulped. I frowned. What happened? The men went back and slowly carried a figure on their shoulders I widened my eyes in shock. Zhang Ning? "I-it''s Miss Zhang. We found her unconscious behind a container row." "Ning!" Yi Xing rushed towards her and took her in his arms. "Ning. Ning! Get up." He red at his men. "What happened!?" He roared. I was dumbstruck as well. How did Zhang Ninge here? Bai Li seemed to be in deep thought. Liao Huifang said, "Hey, how did things take this turn?" Bai Li whispered. "Something doesn''t feel right. I am sure that Yi Xing has something to do with it. He is acting." "Sir. We found someone who was guarding Miss Zhang." They dragged a man out and pushed him on the ground. Yi Xing went forward and punched him on his face. "How dare you kidnap my Ning?" I must admit that if he was acting, then it was good because he seemed angry. Yi Xing clutched the man''s hair and harshly pulled his face towards him. "Ah" "Tell me. Why did you kidnap her? Who told you? Who gave you the orders!?" The man coughed hard. Then his nce shifted at us, and he widened his eyes when he looked at Bai Li, but he quickly averted his gaze. Say what!? It felt as if Yi Xing followed his gaze. "I see...So it was Bai Li. I caught you looking at him." What the fuck!? The man seemed nervous, but he said nothing. "It was Bai Li, right? It was this man, right?" "I...I" Yi Xing punched him again. "Y-yes! It was this man who told me to kidnap Miss Zhang." Bai Li chuckled. "Now, I see what you want to do there. You want to pin the me of her kidnapping on me. That man who shot at Zhang Ning med you, so now you want to use the same trick on me." Yi Xing''s eyes were bloodshot. "I love Ning! Do you think I would be crazy to kidnap her?" "Why not? You kidnapped her. Then you want to pretend as if you found her at thest moment and save her. You will think that perhaps Zhang Ning would change her opinion about you. With this man''s confession, you will me it on me. But didn''t you say that you think that I have conspired with Zhang Chao? Why would I kidnap her?" Yi Xingughed. "You are right, Bai Li. That couldn''t be the case. But now, seeing Ning in such a state, I am sure that you are not with Zhang Chao either. You turned out to be more cunning than I imagined. You knew that I would be here, so you kidnapped Ning here too so that you could me me that I kidnapped her." He sneered. "You want both Zhang and Yi parties to sh against each other so that the real party whom you are working for rises in the elections while we pointlessly fight." Chapter 109: Showdown at Tianjin (2) Chapter 109: Showdown at Tianjin (2) *Xin Lei* I typed. "And who that party might be?" Yi Xing shrugged. "It could be any of the six allied parties, but my best bet is Yao Shuang." Zhang Ning slowly stirred a bit. "Ugh" "Ning!" Yi Xing held her in his arms. "Ning, are you alright?" She opened her eyes. "I...What happened? Where am I?" Zhang Ning clutched her head and frowned. "Yi Xing?" Yi Xing smiled and nodded. "Don''t worry, Ning. You are safe now." She widened her eyes and stepped back. "Yi Xing! What are you doing here? And why" She looked around her. "...why am I here?" Yi Xing said, "Ning, you were kidnapped! This man, Bai Li brought you here!" "What?" Zhang Ning looked at us in confusion. "I...what is happening?" Yi Xing said, "Ning, this man has confessed that Bai Li bribed him to bring you here. Ning, do you see his true face now? He wants to me your kidnapping on me while Yi and Zhang parties fight with each other. He is not any savior. He is working for someone else!" "Yi Xing! Are you out of your mind? He saved me twice! And you. You have been nothing but trouble for me since the beginning." "Trust me, Ning. I-" Zhang Ning ignored him and looked at us. Her gaze settled at Bai Li. "Bai Li. Did you really kidnap me?" Bai Li seemed unbothered. "I don''t have the time to turn into kidnapper, much less work for some political party in the shadows." Zhang Ning slowly nodded. "If you say so, then I trust you." I raised my brow. On my side, the clients seemed to be confused, and they looked like they wanted to escape, but I had pointed my gun at them. They stiffened and didn''t dare to move. "Ning! He is fooling you! That goon has confessed!" "He is lying!" She red at her. Yi Xingughed, but I felt a strong sense of eerieness from it. "But you trusted that man who said that I ordered him to kill you. Now you refuse to believe the man who is saying that Bai Li kidnapped you?" "Can youpare yourself to Bai Li?" Silence. Yi Xing froze, and so did...I. Her meaning of what she said could be taken in a very different sense. My instinct was ringing an rm in my mind. Even Liao Huifang nced at me, seemingly shocked. She was already so trusting towards Bai Li. That wasn''t the issue. But it felt like she might I squinted my gaze at her. Yi Xing was staring at her. "You areparing me to him? How long has it been since you met him? Just one freaking day!" "Because on one side there is you, who tried to force himself on me while on the other side, there is Bai Li who saved my dignity!" Zhang Ning''s chest was heaving up and down, her breaths being unsteady. "Why shouldn''t Ipare?" As if he lost it, Yi Xing suddenly grabbed a gun from one of the men standing beside him and grabbed Zhang Ning''s arm. "Ah!" Bai Li immediately pointed his gun at his direction. "Yi Xing! What are you doing?" Zhao Wenyan seemed panicked. "Sir. Leave Miss Zhang. Don''t do this." But Yi Xing even ignored his assistant''s plea. "How could you be so cruel Ning? I have loved you for so many years. I love you even now. How can you just easily brush me away like that for a man like him!" Liao Huifang whispered. "He is holding Zhang Ning on gunpoint!" Bai Li nodded. "I figured as much." He warned. "Leave Zhang Ning. It won''t do you any good." Yi Xingughed. "Tell me, Ning. Do you like him?" Zhang Ning widened her eyes. "W-what...are you crazy?" I felt the hesitation in her voice to deny it. Women are really sensitive, especially in the matters of feelings, more so when it concerned the person she liked. I felt my hunch was bing true... Yi Xing pulled her towards him even more. He pressed his gun against her temple. "Zhang Ning, you are mine. I will not let anybody snatch you away from me. Never!" I panicked. It seemed as if he would really shoot. But just when Bai Li seemed ready to shoot, we heard a voice. "Freeze! Don''t move!" Silence. Everybody was startled. The clients looked shocked. The foreigner said something in Russian. I recognized it. I had learned some of the Russiannguage, but I wasn''t fluent in it. "What is happening?" He spoke in hisnguage. But nobody had an answer. Yi Xing and Zhao Wenyan looked dumbfounded as well. Bai Li said, "Wait. This voice...Duan Deming." He was right. Duan Deming came rushing in with some officers. "Put your guns down!" Yi Xing shouted. "Duan Deming. Good that you came on time. Arrest Bai Li! He kidnapped my Ning and brought her here!" Duan Deming narrowed his eyes. Zhang Ning yelled. "No!" I tugged Bai Li. Duan Deming looked at us. "Didn''t I already warn you to stay away from this case? Why are you here where an illegal deal is taking ce?" Bai Li said, "We already cleared ourselves. I-" "Don''t waste time, Duan Deming!" Yi Xing shouted again. "First, you let Miss Zhang go." He calmly said. "No!" "Mr. Yi Xing. Don''t force us to take action against you. You are taking Miss Zhang as a hostage, pointing your gun at her. That is a crime." "I don''t care. You just arrest Bai Li!" As Yi Xing was yelling, I heard a faint sound ringing from above me. I nced up, and it was just a gantry crane, swinging perhaps because of the wind. I shrugged. Yi Xing then fired a shot in the air. He started to drag Zhang Ning with him. "You leave me no choice! Don''t dare toe near me." Duan Deming was in position, and so was Bai Li. It was a little difficult angle. Zhang Ning was crying for help. "Let me go!" I heard the ringing sound once again from above, a little stronger this time. Huh? I looked upwards again, and to my shock, the gantry crane was violently moving in ce as if it copse at any moment. The crane was covering a part of the dock and the container terminal where we were standing now. Oh shit! But even before I could warn anybody, Bai Li already pushed Liao Huifang and me away at one side. "Watch out!!! He yelled. We fell on the ground. Liao Huifang asked, "W-what happened?" Panicked, I looked at Bai Li, but he was already far away on the other side. With his scream, there was a moment of silence. I wanted to rush at his side, but the gantry crane seemed out of control. I didn''t have any chance to move from my ce. Duan Deming asked, "What-" He looked aghast as well when I saw him looking at the gantry crane. "Fuck! Get away! The crane is going to copse!" "Chto proiskhodit!?" The foreigner screamed in Russian that meant ''What is happening?'' With my heart thudding wildly in my chest, I stared at the gantry crane as if everything happened in slow motion. The gantry crane, at first, slowly slid down. The hinges at the top were loosening fast until it could no longer hold the crane. As it loosened faster, the crane started to pick up its pace while falling. "Ah!" Liao Huifang shut her eyes. *CRASH* I covered my ears when a loud, thundering sound echoed throughout the terminal. The ground beneath me shook, and I felt the tremors of it. A strong wind passed. As the crane copsed, small pieces of it flew everywhere. A smoke of dust started to rise in the air. The cranepletely copsed, and it started to break down further, the sound ringing even deadlier than before. Bai Li... Bai Li... Where is he? Everybody was screaming and running in any direction they could find. The crane fell at the center where Bai Li and I separated. Bai Li is on the other side What happened? How did it suddenly copse? Bai Li...i-is he safe? "Xin Lei! Where are you! Can you hear me?" I heard someone shouting my name, but at the same time, I couldn''t respond. All my focus was on Bai Li. He-he is there. The crane copsed between us. I-Is he hurt? His shoulder still hasn''t healed from the shot What if he got hit by the crane? What if he is bleeding? What if he is unconscious? He-he cannot see...How will he move? How will he run away? How will he know if something is falling on him? ''Bai Li!'' I shouted, but no voice came from my mouth. I felt myself trembling, and something wet touched my palm. They were my tears. Bai Li No...No, no, no! I cannot be so negative! Bai Li is safe! Yes, he must be safe! I looked at the giant crane that was broken, obstructing the view beyond it. Bai Li... Please be safe. Chapter 110: Showdown in Tianjin (3) Chapter 110: Showdown in Tianjin (3) *Bai Li* It all happened suddenly. I was about to shoot Yi Xing, but then I heard a sharp noise from above. Even if I couldn''t see, I knew how container terminals generally looked like. I knew there were gantry cranes above. It makes a peculiar sound you hear whenever there is a break at the hinges or the joints. I knew it was going to copse. I didn''t know if Xin Lei or Liao Huifang noticed it. I didn''t have the time to tell them, so I pushed them away as far as possible. It was just on time because the crane fell a few momentster. I heard a loud crashing sound, but before that happened, I already rolled away at the other side as much as possible, far from the impact. Terminals had a long stretch of road, so I knew there would be much space ahead for me to roll over. As the cranended, a strong gust of wind blew at my side. It crashed with a loud roar akin to a bomb st. When the impact was over, I was only worried about Xin Lei. Was she fine? Was she hurt? There was another pressing concern too. Who tampered with the gantry cranes? It was a set up. I was sure of it. But why? I got up. There was silence. Just before the crane fell, there was confusion all over. I heard the men yelling and screaming and their footsteps running all over the ce, but now it was absolutely quiet. "Xin Lei! Are you alright?" No answer. I guess we have separated quite far away because of the impact. I just wanted reassurance that she was alright. "Xin Lei, if you can hear me, then tap on something. Make any noise." I waited. I heard nothing for quite a while. I focussed my sense of hearing to catch onto any sound. I did. I heard a faint tapping sound. *Tap* "Xin Lei." *Tap Tap* "Are you fine?" *Tap Tap* I finally released my breath that I was holding onto for so long. Good. "I aming. Just wait for me." I couldn''t care less about how I was going to do that, but I wanted Xin Lei by my side. Only if she was in my arms would I feel even better. *Tap Tap Tap* The taps were urgent and rapid. I felt as if she was desperately trying to say something. I realized she didn''t want me to take the risk of moving around in this disaster. "Xin Lei I will-" *Tap Tap Tap Tap!* "..." I sighed. "Fine, just be safe until there is a way out, okay?" *Tap Tap* "Is Liao Huifang with you?" *Tap* She tapped only once. It meant Liao Huifang was separated from her too. "Try to find her." *Tap Tap* "Ah" I heard someone softly welp from my right. I narrowed my eyes. It sounded like Zhang Ning''s voice. "Help" I heard her sigh. So she is stuck at this side of the collision as well where I am. I needed to get to her as soon as possible. There was a high chance for Yi Xing to be on this side too. He was holding her as a hostage, after all. He could be near her somewhere. And damn, I lost my gun too in the whole confusion! My arm hit a pir, and the gun slid down. I had no choice but to walk in my current state. I heard the sound of the waves crashing against each other. That was the Bohai Sea. I didn''t want to waste my time on this, but I hoped I could find a rod of some sort that would act as a stick for me to gauge the obstacles in front of me. That would make it much faster for me to walk. I bent down and spread my hands on the rock debris. I felt my way on the ground, and for a few moments, I could only find small pebbles and stones. Finally, my hand hit something solid and thin. It felt long, too, as I passed my palm on it. Great, I found one. I grabbed it, and sure enough, it was a suitable metal rod, perhaps broken from the gantry crane. I spread it out in front of me and, with its support, started to walk. I was able to make my way as I swung it around to gauge the distance. "Help... please.." Zhang Ning''s voice seemed nearer to me now. I followed that direction. "Zhang Ning?" "Huh? B-Bai Li?" She seemed just a few yards away. I quickly walked, and the rod I was holding slightly bumped into something soft. I bent on my knees and raised my arms forward. I touched her arm as I found my way. "Zhang Ning? Are you okay?" I held her shoulders and helped her sit up. I felt her clutch my shoulder. Suddenly I felt something wet and warm on my palm. Blood? "You are hurt." "I...I hit my shoulder on a rock." Her voice sounded weak. I heard her taking short and rapid breaths. "When the crane copsed...I was thrown off from Yi Xing''s side. I fell and hit the rock. My shoulder...got hurt...I cannot move" It was obvious. It felt that her shoulder was dislocated. The external wound was making it bleed too. "I will help you. Try to get up." I said. She weakly nodded. I supported her shoulders and helped her stand up. But I noticed that she was wobbling as I felt her shaking in my arms. "Ah" I felt her lose her bnce, but I quickly caught her. "Ouch!" "What? What''s wrong?" "M-my left ankleit hurts too. I feel something sharp is stuck on it." "Wait. Let me check." I bent down and felt my hands to her ankle. Indeed, there was a sharp rock that I felt pierced in her skin. I felt a thin stream of blood too on my hands. I was not a doctor. I didn''t know if it was safe to remove the rock or not. It was Xin Lei''s forte. I felt her shifting uneasily. "Don''t move." "It''s hurting at that angle - Ow!" I don''t know what happened, but suddenly I felt a weight press on me. Zhang Ning fell and copsed on me. Chapter 111: Showdown in Tianjin (4) Chapter 111: Showdown in Tianjin (4) *Bai Li* Zhang Ning lost her bnce, and she fell on me. I quickly caught her arm. I felt her hair brush on my face and her face crashing on my chest. I froze. This wasn''t a very good position, and I thanked God that Xin Lei wasn''t here, or else she would have eaten me raw. She was already a bit resentful that Zhang Ning stood close to me outside Yi Xiaosi''s office yesterday. I shuddered, imagining her reaction. I coughed and quickly pulled her up. "Ouch!" I said, "Why are you moving? Your shoulder is hurt as well as your ankle. One arm and one leg. It cannot get any worse." I heard Zhang Ning say, "I-it''s not my fault... Standing at that angle made my ankle hurt even more. I just wanted to get into afortable position." I said nothing. "...Sorry though." I shrugged. "Hm. Alright. I cannot do anything about your injury; I am sorry. Your shoulder is dislocated, and a piece of rock is stuck in your ankle. I will make it just worse if I touch it. You have to bear it until we meet with Xin Lei." "Okay" "Can you see the way? We have to get out of this rubble before your crazy lover finds us." I heard her taking a sharp breath. "He is not my lover. I hate Yi Xing." I sensed the displeasure in her voice. Well, it wasn''t a surprise. I got up and supported her, holding her shoulders. "Which way to go?" "UmI see that way a little less devastated. We can find a way there." "Okay. Just give me the directions. I will handle it with my stick." "Okay" But as we just took one step ahead, I heard her hiss. Once again, I heard her breathing raggedly. I knitted my brows. Her ankle must be hurting. I pursed my lips. I was a soldier. I just couldn''t leave her walking by herself when she was in pain. We couldn''t afford to dy any longer either before any of those stupid men found us. It would be a bother to fight them. "I am sorry" she said. "Not your fault. We cannot waste any more time. Sorry, but I will have to pick you up." I felt her stiffen. "No... that''s not necessary. I will walk...you have already helped me enough." "Forget it. The rock stuck in your ankle will be painful, and it could also pierce even more in your skin. You just catch my stick and tell me the way." "The rod is still important?" "Of course." There was a beat of silence. "I don''t want your girlfriend to misunderstand you." I heard her softly say. There was a strain in her voice, too, that I felt as if she was ufortable about this. I raised my eyebrow. "Xin Lei and I haven''t known each other for long, but I trust that our feelings aren''t that weak for her to misunderstand me so easily. It''s because first - she is a doctor. As a doctor, she will understand your condition. Second, I was a soldier. She will also understand my predicament of trying to just help you out of duty. Pure professionalism in both cases." "Do you two trust each other so much?" I sensed her shock and surprise as she asked it. But I already knew the answer to it. Outside Yi Xiaosi''s office, I really thought for a moment that she misunderstood me seeing Zhang Ning so close to me. But when she said that she never even doubted me, I felt a tinge of embarrassment. I misjudged the trust she had in me. So in a way, I doubted her feelings for me. I felt guilty about that. I smiled. "Of course. Sometimes, you don''t need to spend days and months and years to form that bond. It is just..our instinct that tells us that the other won''t betray us. I know that I will not misunderstand her if I hear that she was close to a man. I am sure a hundred and one percent, she would be helping him just as a doctor. Our professions require us to help people in need. We cannot doubt every other person of the opposite sex who gets close to the other." "I seeI really envy your rtionship. I wish my parents had that too" Zhang Chao and Zhang Qiyue. It was alwaysplicated when it came to politics. "Let''s go." I picked her up in my arms. "Which way?" I heard nothing for a moment. "Which way?" I repeated. "Oh, yes! Turn left a bit and walk straight until I tell you to stop. The path is doesn''t have many big rocks, so you will be fine." "Hm. I thought you fainted." "Oh, no, no." As she gave the directions, I kept on walking. She asked, "How did the gantry crane copse all of a sudden?" "I don''t know, but I am sure that somebody has tampered with it. It was deliberate." "Yi Xing?" She slowly said. "I don''t think he has to go that far. The way he talked sounded nothing suspicious. I think he was unaware just like us. Why would he be present here in the first ce if he knew the mishap was going to happen? He is not that idiot." "R-right" "Plus, his love for you may be twisted, but he wouldn''t do this if you were present too. I am sure he faked to kidnap you to act as a hero to save you. If you were here, then he wouldn''t want you to get injured." "You think too highly of him. He can go to any extent in his craziness. He can even harm me." "Still, this doesn''t seem to be his doing." "Hm. Careful!" She shouted. But I already heard the sound of a rock moving above me. It was going to fall. I quickly hopped to the side, and the rock fell with a thud. "Th-thank God" "But not for long, Zhang Ning." I stopped. It was Yi Xing. I narrowed my eyes. "Lucky you, Bai Li, that you got saved." "Y-Yi Xing" Zhang Ning sounded terrified. "Naturally, you would have pushed the rock to smash my head." I smiled. "Heh! I will still get my revenge on you. How dare you hold MY Ning in your filthy arms!?" Chapter 112: Showdown in Tianjin (5) Chapter 112: Showdown in Tianjin (5) *Xin Lei* It was a relief to know that Bai Li was alright. Now, I could finally breathe. I had to find Liao Huifang now. I heard her voice from afar, so I followed that way. Somehow, I managed to find my phone. Fortunately, I found my gun, too, with the help of my mobile''s shlight. It didn''t slide that far away. Gosh, it was a huge mess. I looked around. The gantry crane was badly broken. It was impossible to see much further ahead in any direction. There were rocks and broken debris everywhere. I wonder who could have done this What was the purpose? I made my way through the debris. I took a rock and tapped it on the wall beside me. I wonder if Liao Huifang could understand that it was me. No answer. I tapped again No answer. I sighed. I just hoped that she was safe. I was alert and alternatively looked at every side to see any trace of Liao Huifang. First, this mess and on top of that, it was quite dark too. The collision hit one of themp poles, and the bulb''s light was now flickering, straining my eyes to see my way ahead. I made a n. Once I find Liao Huifang, we will search for the clients - that foreigner and that Asian. Whatever Zhao Wenyan gave them, it was important for us to restore it. We would also find out what they offered Zhao Wenyan as an exchange. I stopped walking. I narrowed my eyes. I felt someone''s presence. Was it any of the goons? Or the clients? I got in position, holding my gun and aiming it in front of me. I heard a soft movement from my left, maybe forty-five degrees, and I immediately pointed my gun towards it. Then it was silence. Who is it? There is definitely somebody there I slowly stepped forward towards the direction of the sound, aiming my gun straight at it. I don''t know if it was my illusion, but I saw something ck flutter in the wind. The whole ce was quite dark, so I wasn''t sure if what I saw was real. I stepped closer and closer. There was arge b of a wall copsed at an uneven angle. My instinct said that whoever that person was might be hiding behind it. I silently took a deep breath. Was it a friend or a foe? I deliberately walked slower so that I didn''t make any noise. It was hard not to with all the rocks and rods scattered all around. I was now very close. The distance wasn''t much farther away. I took a big step and jumped at the side of the b to catch that person. I held my gun steady, but it pointed at nothing. There was nobody, just empty space. A slow gust of wind blew across my face. I blinked my eyes. I was sure that the person must be hiding here. If not here, then where? *Crack* I froze. The sound came from my back. In an instant, I turned around. I finally saw the figure above me. It was kneeling on the pile of rubble on a rock. The figure was cloaked in ck. With the help of the faint light, I could only see that it was wearing a ck shirt and pants. Everything was ck. I was shocked. I didn''t see any such person before the collision happened. Where did ite from? I tried to see the face, but a ck mask covered its nose and mouth. Only it''s orbs were shining in the darkness. The figure was staring at me, and I was staring back at it. She also had a gun with her and it was aiming right at my face. It wasn''t that clear, but I felt that...it was a woman. The figure didn''t seem like that of a man. Once again, I don''t know if it was my illusion, but I saw the curve of her chest. Breasts The darkness of the ce and her ck attire seemed to blend in with each otherpletely. I narrowed my eyes at her. Quite a few moments passed by, and I heard her chuckle. Yes, it was definitely a woman. I signed. "Who are you?" But she said nothing. She was about to move, but I fired a shot at her side on a rock. I had put on the silencer. I didn''t want the others to get alert and try to escape. It didn''t make any noise. But that woman quickly dodged. I signed. "Don''t move. Tell me who you are." The woman said nothing once again. But her eyes...it felt like she was looking at me as if she was enjoying this. I shuddered. It didn''t seem nice to me at all. I saw her hand move. Instantly, I moved to a side. A bullet just grazed past me, and it hit the pole behind me with a ting. I dodged it just by an inch. Wait, her shot didn''t make any noise either. So she was also using the silencer on her gun. I turned and shot again, but taking advantage of the momentary confusion when I dodged the bullet, she already jumped to the other side. My bullet missed her. Damn! I quickly followed her, but she was nowhere to be seen. She wasn''t good news. I went far ahead as much as I could, but I didn''t find her anywhere. The darkness wasn''t helping. I switched on my shlight, but I didn''t see her figure again. Where did she escape so quickly? But there was one thing to notice. The direction in which she escaped...there was Bai Li on that side. Why did she go there? --- "Ow" Liao Huifang mumbled as she opened her eyes in a daze. She saw nothing but a pile of mess around her with a small source of light dimly lighting the ce. "W-what?" As she tried to get up, a sharp pain shot on her forehead. "Ouch, ouch!" She clutched her head. She felt something wet and saw that it was her own blood. Liao Huifang widened her eyes. "How am I hurt?" Then she slowly recalled what happened. She was calling Xin Lei as soon as the crane copsed. But her foot fell on one of the rods of a broken gantry crane, and she slipped. It was dark, and she was still making out her way. "Ah!" She gasped. She fell, and her head hit on a rock. She instantly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. "Ah, now I rememberDamn, it hurts so bad." She pressed on her head to ease the pain but to no use. She looked ahead, and everything was still spinning in front of her a little. "Xin LeiCan you hear me? Xin Lei." She walked, shuffling the rock debris with her legs. It was quite dark, so it wasn''t easy to figure out the way, plus her head was aching too. "Where are you, Xin Lei? I need you," she cried. From a distance, she heard some noise. It was really faint, but she felt as if she heard someone curse. It was almost a murmur. She was about to head straight, but she stopped. ''No, wait. It could be an enemy. I have to be careful.'' She slowed down her pace towards the source of the voice. There was a huge metal rod broken apart, and it was lying hanging on the ground, tilted at an angle. It obstructed the view beyond. Liao Huifang stepped on her feet and peeked further away. She recognized a faint figure of a man. The man got up, dusting the mess off from his shirt. She recognized him when the light shone upon him. Duan Deming! She felt grateful that it wasn''t an enemy. Then she remembered that she didn''t like him or other cops for that matter because they dyed on Liao Chuntao''s case. She was resentful. But at this time, she had no choice but to take his help. Something was better than nothing. She sighed. Just as Liao Huifang was about to step out and call him, a figure approached behind her in a sh and covered her mouth with its hand. She froze. Her eyes widened in shock. She clutched the hand, trying to shake off, but his grasp was too tight. She resisted, but that man had firmly held onto her. "Mmnnn." She was scared. She panicked. Her heart was beating in dread as if it would jump out of her chest. The man started to drag her away from Duan Deming''s ce. She frantically shook her head. ''No!!!'' Despite her violent protests, the man was able to bring her afar without making any noise and without alerting Duan Deming. He stopped. Liao Huifang finally was able to see her kidnapper''s face. Her body trembled. Her face paled as white as a sheet. The man was staring at her, expressionless and impassive. His gaze was stern but oppressive. ''T-Tian Song'' Chapter 113: Showdown in Tianjin (6) Chapter 113: Showdown in Tianjin (6) --- Liao Huifang was dumbfounded. Her mind was nk. His tall stature looked frightening andmanding at the same time. She felt as if she seemed too small in front of him. Her chest was already heaving up and down, feeling breathless. Her forehead was covered in sweat. Even her whole body was shaking as if she had seen a ghost. ''Tian Song! I met the worst man I ever could have!'' She recalled how he brutally murdered Ming to shut her mouth from giving her testimony. She remembered how she helplessly died in Xin Lei''s arms with extreme blood loss. All those victims buried in Natural Park came shing by. And then, there was her sister, Liao Chuntao. Liao Huifang red at him with tears in her eyes. She clenched her fingers into her fist until her nails dug in her skin, causing blood to trickle out. ''My sister'' Liao Chuntao was so happy those days. Even if it was a big, fat lie, for her, it was her truth and love as well. She hadpletely trusted this man. It may be silly, but she had given her heart to him. And Tian Song just ruthlessly broke it into pieces. A pang of sadness enveloped her as she remembered her sister''s smile and the blush on her cheeks whenever she used to chat with him. She was so excited to let Liao Huifang meet her boyfriend. Liao Huifang sadlyughed. ''But what I saw was her dead body where she was so ruthlessly beaten up. N-not even an ounce of mercy...my only family, my only support...I lost her as well" Liao Huifang wished to burst into tears. But she didn''t want to stand as a weak woman in front of her enemy. She didn''t want to give him the satisfaction. She didn''t know from where she got the strength and courage, but she raised her hand and pped him across his cheek. A resounding sound echoed in the ce. Tian Song slightly widened his eyes. It took him by surprise. "You bastard! How dare you hurt my sister!" Liao Huifang grabbed his cor and shook him hard. Tian Song narrowed his eyes at her. Her heart thudded in fear for a moment, but she quickly threw it out. Now, she could only see her sister''s body covered with those hideous wounds. She could only see her lying dead in the mortuary. She could only imagine that she would never be able to hear her sister''s voice ever again. "How could you be so cruel to y with my sister''s feelings!? She liked you so much. She trusted you so much! For the first time, sheid her heart bare to someone, and you...you mercilessly crushed it!" Tian Song said nothing. "What did my sister ever do to you or your gang? Why did they target an innocent woman who just wanted to be loved? Why did you have to break her heart like that? Do you even know... how painful was it for her to live a life like she was living? It''s not like she didn''t want to make friends. It''s not like she didn''t want tough. But she just didn''t know how to...and then you barged into her life. I don''t know what magic you used, but she was slowly starting to change. She was so happy" Despite her resistance, Liao Huifang couldn''t keep her tears from falling. "And this is what you gave her. Betrayal! She never hurt a fly in her life, and you killed her as if she was such a big sinner. My sister" Shepletely broke down. Her shoulders were trembling as she covered her mouth with her hand. "Tell me! What did you get by doing this to her? What was your purpose? She didn''t even know you. Then why did you do that to her? She was just a normal office worker, working hard to support her sister. Why...why did you kill her? Why did you snatch my only family away from me" Liao Huifang, once again, raised her hand to p him, but Tian Song caught her wrist this time. "Leave! Tian Song! If you think I will let you go for your crime, then you are so wrong!" She gnashed her teeth in hatred. "I will have my revenge! You will have to pay for using my sister! For ying with her feelings! For taking her to her death! I will kill you, Tian Song!" Tian Song''s grip on her wrist was firm. He exerted such pressure that she couldn''t shake it off. "How will you take your revenge?" Tian Song finally spoke after a long time. His voice was low, quiet, but it still exuded a sense of great pressure on her. Liao Huifang shot daggers at him. "By killing you! Even your death is not enough to avenge my sister! But that is the most I can do. You will have to die!" Tian Song quietly stared at her. "Try me." She looked at him in hatred but trying to process his words. "Try to kill me." She snapped. Here she was feeling like a raging volcano, but he seemed so calm andposed as if it didn''t affect him at all. ''Of course, why would it affect him? He is cold-blooded after all. Someone who could kill so ruthlessly, why would my outburst affect him at all?'' He held liao Huifang''s wrist so she raised her leg and tried to kick him on his balls. Tian Song wlessly shifted to the other side, but a glint of something shed in his eyes. Her kick hit the air. She grabbed his hand with which he was holding onto her wrist, trying to twist it around. Tian Song was now visibly surprised. Liao Huifang didn''t know how to fight but she wasn''t sitting idle this whole time. From Xin Lei and Bai Li, she was starting to learn a few moves in martial arts. She felt that she couldn''t just sit around and be helpless and a burden to them. She was almost sessful, but Tian Song dodged it and twisted her hand in response. She was still learning, so her response time was still slow. Her movements weren''t that fluid either, so Tian Song could easily block her. ''Got you!'' Liao Huifang felt victorious. That was her decoy. She bent her left elbow and shot at his chest, but he caught it with his other hand as if already seeing through her actions. Tian Song smiled. "You are not going tost that long with your current skills." Liao Huifang gritted her teeth. But he suddenly left her. He released his grasp, and she stumbled. She was shocked. "I would have continued our spar, but I have things to do." He squinted his gaze. "You wille with me." "Never!" Tian Song ignored her and already started to drag her with him. "Hey! Tian Song!" "What is going on here?" They stopped. Liao Huifang turned her head and saw Duan Deminging through a gap between two metal rods that had fallen. "Duan Deming!" He raised his head and widened his eyes at them. "Tian Song" Duan Deming narrowed his eyes at him. He sneered. "Long time no see, shitty spy." Tian Song stood motionless. "Had fun ying hide and seek?" He didn''t respond. Liao Huifang was struggling hard, but Tian Song didn''t let her go. Frustrated, she brought his hand forward and bit it hard. He hissed with the stinging pain, and his grip loosened for just a moment. She shook her hand and freed herself. "Stop!" He coldly said. But Liao Huifang ignored him and immediately ran over to Duan Deming''s side. "Come back!" Duan Deming pointed his gun at him, and so did Tian Song. Both were facing off each other. Liao Huifang huffed breathlessly. Duan Deming pulled her to his side. "T-Tian Song...he-he killed my sister. Do anything but catch him!" She cried. "Don''t let him escape today." Duan Deming nodded. "Of course, I cannot let him escape today. He has been a pain in my ass for long enough. I cannot afford to lose him now." Tian Song''s finger was ready on the trigger. She nodded. "And neither you." Liao Huifang frowned. "Huh?" Duan Deming''s lips curved into a faint smile. The gun he was pointing at Tian Song, he was now aiming at Liao Huifang''s temple. She widened her eyes in horror. "W-what are you doing? Why are you pointing your gun at me?" Duan Deming simply pressed the gun on her temple even harder. "I must say little sister... your elder sister was really fun to y with." She froze. Her face turned white. "A little sweet words here, a littlepliment over there with a sprinkle of understanding and sympathy, and Liao Chuntao already fell for my charms." Liao Huifang thought as if she was dreaming. What is he saying? Duan Deming smiled. "Weren''t you eager to meet her boyfriend? Here I am. Duan Deming, aka Neal." Chapter 114: Showdown in Tianjin (7) Chapter 114: Showdown in Tianjin (7) *Bai Li* "How dare you hold MY Ning in your filthy arms!?" Even if I couldn''t see his face, I imagined how ugly his expression would be right now. He must be sending death res my way, widening his eyes like a hideous monster. I could even hear him taking ragged breaths as if it was killing him to wait to deal with me. I said, "First, she is not YOUR Ning. Zhang Ning is a free person, so she gets to decide to whom she would give her heart. Second, I take a bath every day. My arms are not filthy, and even if they are, they cannot be as filthy as your mouth. So I am cool." "Heh. Do you think you can get away by talking that big? Don''t forget that you are messing with a politician." "And you don''t forget that I don''t give a shit about your background. All citizens are the same for every soldier. You don''t get any special status because of your father." Zhang Ning said, "Yi Xing! You have already crossed your line over and over again. If you don''t let us go, then my father will make your life hell." Yi Xingughed. "My life hell? How? When the truth will get out to the public, how your father is doing such illegal dealings, will he be left with any power to deal with me?" I felt Zhang Ning shaking in my arms. Naturally, she must be furious. "Yi Xing, are you out of your mind? You are present here, not my father. You dealt with the clients. You exchanged the deal with them, and now you are shamelessly ming my father? How thick-skinned can you get!" I heard Yi Xing scream. "I am not a part of this! This was our n! I only came here to get a confession out of those clients that it was Zhang Chao for whom they were working! Ning, your father, is not an innocent man either. He is also hiding many things from you, just like how he hid your mother, Zhang Qiyue''s murder from you!" I felt her stiffen. I sensed she gave the same reaction when we asked her about Zhang Qiyue. Her reaction confirmed it. There was something, indeed, that she knew about her death. I heard her gasp and sniffle. I felt her tears staining my arm wet a bit. I heard her say as she choked in between her sobs. "W-what murder are you talking about!? It was an ident! My mother died in a terrible ident" "Lies!" Yi Xing said with disdain. "As I said, your father is not any pure politician either. Their marriage was pure business. There was no love. We at the Yi party still don''t know the inside details, but we know one thing for sure that he hated her. That''s why he killed her and made it look like an ident." "No!" "After killing her, do you think that he would let anybody catch him and put him in jail? Hah! So naive. Do you think he would let anybody expose his crimes? Of course not! That''s why he faked her ident. Everybody in the seven allied parties is secretly aware of this fact." "Stop it...my father didn''t kill anybody...Even if they didn''t love each other, he could never kill Mom." I sensed Yi Xing jump in front of us. "You are so innocent, my Ning. That''s why I like you so much. You are so pure and kind. You can never hurt anyone, and you think that the world is also just as kind as you." I raised my brow. "Coming from someone who kidnapped her, forcing her to be at a ce where she could be in danger." I heard him stomp his foot hard. "Bai Li! Enough of your nonsense! Are you letting her go or will you only learn your lesson once you are beaten up?" I chuckled. "Me? Beaten up by you? Did you forget what happened yesterday?" I sensed that my words were sessful in irking him. I heard him shifting uneasily in ce. Yet what he said next was with utmost confidence. "You got lucky that day, Bai Li. But tonight, you won''t." Then I heard a few more stepsing my way. With their footsteps, I guessed that they were two. "I see. So you managed to find your minions. As I thought, you are useless on your own." "Let me see how you manage to talk once they beat the shit of you." I felt Zhang Ning clutch my cor tighter. It was clear that she was afraid. "Yi Xing. Enough. How could you do this?" How eerieugh resounded in the ce. "Why? Oh, of course! How can I forget? Bai Li cannot see. A pathetic blind man against three people." Zhang Ning uneasily shifted her position. "But I can pity him and let him go unscathed if youe with me." "No," I immediately said. "Ho? Didn''t you say Ning is a free person? Let her make a choice then." Zhang Ning said, "I...I wille with you. But don''t hurt Bai Li!" I heard a faint voice of someone gnashing his teeth. Yi Xing must be red in jealousy by now. "Heh! Good choice, Ning. Come here, right now." But I stopped her from moving in my arms. "B-Bai Li...let me go. Yi Xing is really dangerous. How can you win against them in such a condition?" I lowered my head towards her and whispered. "Don''t worry. You are safe. I will deal with them." "But" I already put her down and helped her sit. I turned to walk, but I felt her hand grabbing my wrist, stopping me. "Bai Li. T-take care. I wouldn''t be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you." "It will be fine, trust me." She slowly pulled back her hand. "Ninge-" I cut Yi Xing off mid-sentence. "So let me teach you how a real fight is like, Yi Xing. See and observe very carefully because you should understand not to underestimate me." "So, are you not letting Ning go?" "Nope." A beat of silence, and then he yelled. "Go get him!" I was ready in my stance. I shut my eyes and only focused on my ears to hear any sounds I could, no matter how tiny and faint they might be. Dealing with two baboons was not a big challenge. If one had topare it in terms of a game, then you can mark it as an easy level or even low, a practice level. From my left, I heard the faint sound of a pebble shifting. Even if they would being at me together, one of them will always be first just by a few seconds. I figured I would be attacked from my left first, followed by my right side almost instantaneously. People usually used their arms first and then legs a littleter in a fight. Using hands is always the first option for anybody. So either they would aim at my face or my stomach. I ducked too low for them to hit anywhere on my body. I heard them stumble as their hits must havended in thin air. I stretched my right leg to push the man on my right off bnce. At the same time, I grabbed the shoulder of the man on my left and holding onto its support; I moved behind him in a sh. I raised my knee and jerked it upwards to jab straight in between his thighs and on his balls. That is a sensitive spot for any man. One good strike, and he is down. "Ah, fuckk!!!" He cursed loudly as he groaned loudly. "Ahhhh" I heard a thud and concluded that he was out. One left to go. That man who fell previously came to me again. It wasn''t much of a fight left. I sensed his blowing from my right as I felt the air shift. I blocked his move with my hand. I twisted his arm and broke it at his shoulder while also kicking him hard on his abdomen. "Ughhhh" He fell too, and to be on the safer side; I checked if I heard any more noise, but I didn''t. I shrugged. I turned back to where Yi Xing was standing and from where I heard him speaking. "Any more?" Izily asked. "Youy-you...H-How" Yi Xing did nothing but stutter the whole time. "How could you fight two men when you are blind!" He was clearly shocked. I liked it. "No...it''s impossible...you are lying. This is impossible! You are tricking us! You are not blind at all!" Yi Xing yelled. I had to give it to him. "Why? You think blind men cannot be capable?" I shook my head. "That''s why I told you to observe carefully. Overconfidence is harmful to health." Suddenly, I heard him shuffling something. "G-gun!" Zhang Ning spoke. I sensed the terror in her voice. "Come here to my side, Ning, or I will shoot him dead!" Chapter 115: Showdown in Tianjin (8) Chapter 115: Showdown in Tianjin (8) *Bai Li* I was pretty much sure that Yi Xing must be aiming his gun at me. After all, I have crushed his ego too many times to count. "Please don''t-ouch!" I heard Zhang Ning stammer. "Zhang Ning. Stay where you are," I said. I turned my head towards his direction. "Shoot me if you want." "What?" Zhang Ning eximed fro her side, "Bai Li, don''t be crazy!" I heard Yi Xing say, "What happened, Bai Li? Given up so soon? Got scared by realizing that I have a gun?" I shrugged. "Cowards like you can only point their guns when they are thoroughly lost. You also know that I have won, but your ego is too big to admit it." "Whatever you say, Bai Li, but you cannot fight a bullet," he sneered. I raised my brow. "I think you don''t understand your position. You are already knew-deep in trouble with all the allegations against you, and on top of that, you kidnapped Zhang Ning here. You made a deal exchange with those clients, and unless you can really prove that Zhang Chao is a part of this, you cannot escape the usation of being involved in illegal dealings. Zhang Ning, herself, will be the witness. Now, you are giving a death threat to me. You are just tightening the case for you." Silence. He said nothing. "So, yes. If you want to shoot me, go ahead. After how I beat you up yesterday outside your office, it would be just obvious that you killed me for revenge, plus once again, Zhang Ning is a witness. So shoot." If you can''t take them down physically, then do it mentally. That saves the trouble of wasting energy in a pointless fight. Yi Xing said, "Never Bai Li. Never. You are uttering gibberish. So what if I am used? My father is Yi Xiaosi, who is on par with Zhang Chao. Even if I go to jail, do you think that I would be rotting in there forever? Do you think that I would spend the rest of my life in jail? How many politicians have you seen serving in jail?" Heughed. "Even if I am in trouble now, I can just disappear for a few months before this whole matter gets cooled down. Who will remember everything once I return? Oh, the media? Pushing some bills under the table and they would never bring my past ever again in front of the public." "Yi Xing, you can be this rotten, I had no idea." Zhang Ning furiously said. "I will testify against you! I will not let you walk around free!" "It won''t work, darling. I didn''t send that man to take your life during the rally, yet Zhang Chao is using that the Yi party behind it. So if you put the me on me of me kidnapping you, then you would be seen as the opposition taking revenge from us. Perhaps, your testimony will just be a waste." Iughed. "Sure, you will disappear into hiding to cool the news down. But are you sure you will get your position back on your ''glorious return''?" "What do you mean?" "You have a brother, right?" I asked. He said nothing. "You know where I am going with this, right?" No answer. "Do you think your brother will let this chance go to grab your ce and take the lead? Once you are out of the picture, it is a road filled with roses for your younger brother. Yi Xiaosi will have to depend on him because his elder son would be busy hiding his dirty sheets from the public. Even if you return, by then, everything would be handled by your brother. He would be in charge, and you, the elder brother, would have to work ''under'' your younger brother''s orders. Do you think your big ego would be able to take it?" Silence. "And for your kind information, Yi Xiaosi doesn''t look like the person who would wait for your return or who thinks that everything should be inherited by the eldest one only. If he sees the capability in his other son, then where does that leave you? Why would he give his power, position, and money to someone like you who had to hide like a coward?" "Bai. Li!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. I sessfully touched his sore spot. Inheritance was a sensitive subject, after all, for power-hungry people like him. "I will kill you! You are dead!" Zhang Ning screamed. "No! Stop Yi Xing!" I mentally mapped my fight. I didn''t mind because I was ready to dodge the bullet. Based on my understanding, Yi Xing must be roughly standing around fifty-five degrees to my left. I just had to concentrate on the sound of the slide lock, one second, after which I will simply dodge to my side. He would fire again after missing the shot, but before that happens, I will quickly pick a rock out of the debris and throw it in his direction. I know the distance so I can calcte my aim and speed. It would definitely hit him somewhere, better if it pushes the gun away from him, but even if it didn''t, before his third shot, I would already jump in front of him and knock him down. That wouldn''t take much time based on my previous experience. I was ready. I concentrated my senses to hear the slide lock, but something unexpected happened. "Ah!" I heard Zhang Ning scream in pain. Wait what? "Zhang Ning? What happened?" I asked as I was making my way towards her by stretching my arms. "Ning!" Yi Xing suddenly yelled out of the blue. I heard a crash sound. It must be Yi Xing''s gun that fell. He let it go. But why? Wasn''t he aiming at me? Then how did Zhang Ning "Ning! Ning! Oh no, you are bleeding!" What? Yi Xing didn''t fire that shot. But then who? I tried to sense any movements, but I didn''t. Who was here? That person used a silencer on its gun, so there was no gunshot sound. So I was unable to gauge the direction. "Ah" Zhang Ning yelped in pain. "Ning, I am here!" Yi Xing yelled. "Who is the one who shot my Ning! Come out, you bastard! I will shred you into pieces once I get my hands on you! How dare you shoot my Ning!" I shifted in ce to hear any sound. From twenty-degree to my right, I heard a faint rustle. But the distance was still far, and I didn''t have my gun with me. I didn''t know where Yi Xing might have dropped his. I didn''t have the time to find it, or it could shoot me. "Ah!" Suddenly Yi Xing shouted in pain too. "Yi Xing?" I called out. "What''s wrong?" "B-Bai Li" Zhang Ning was whispering. Her voice was too low to hear. I walked towards her. I stumbled on my way, but I had to be with her this time. I bent down and felt her hands. "Zhang Ning. What happened? Where are you hurt?" "Bai Li... S-somebody shot me...I-I am getting dizzyYi Xing is shot too. He has f-fainted" "No. Please try to stay conscious. Please keep your eyes open as long as you can." I felt her weakly nod in my arms. "I-I will try...who shot me?" I was also looking for that answer. Who else was here? The clients? The minions? Zhao Wenyan? But why would they shoot Zhang Ning or Yi Xing? Zhao Wenyan wouldn''t shoot Yi Xing. He worked for their party. But he could attack Zhang Ning if he had gotten orders from Yi Xiaosi. But this didn''t make sense. Why would he try to kill both his enemy and his boss? The clients were here for the deal. They wouldn''t benefit from killing them either. Then who was left. Suddenly, I heard someone shifting and jump in front of me but at a distance. "Who are you?" I asked. I knew somebody was standing there, but it wasn''t answering. "I asked, who are you? Why did you shoot them?" Silence. "Huh" Zhang Ning was mumbling something. I sensed her shift in ce. "W-who" "Do you see that person, Zhang Ning?" "A little... wearing full ck clothescannot see the face" He or she came here with full preparation. Wait a minute. Something struck me that I found weird since the beginning. There was one thing that didn''t add. I said, "You are the one who tampered with the gantry cranes, right?" No answer. Complete silence. But I was sure that this new person who now suddenly hopped into the scene was behind the copse of the gantry cranes. I was sure it couldn''t be Yi Xing. For him, the reason didn''t make any sense. I said nothing for a beat. I didn''t know if I was right or maybe I was thinking too far; nevertheless, I asked. "Are you the boss?" No answer. I had one more question. "Duan Deming works for you, right?" Chapter 116: Showdown in Tianjin (9) Chapter 116: Showdown in Tianjin (9) --- Duan Demingughed in amusement as he looked at Liao Huifang''s frozen expression. She stood shocked as if a bolt of thunder struck her hard. Duan Deming She couldn''t say anything for a few moments. But it then registered that it was the truth. "You...you were sis''s b-boyfriend? The person she was chatting with at that time...was you?" Duan Deming chuckled sinisterly. "Yes, little sister. It''s yours, truly. I was behind the other side of the chat, talking and whispering sweet nothings to your sister." Liao Huifang stared at him in silence. Her eyes teared up. She raised her hand to p him, but Duan Deming pressed the gun to her temple. "Na, na, na. Don''t make the mistake of pping me, you bitch." His gaze darkened, and a dangerous glint flickered through his eyes. "Just touch me, and I will shoot the bullet right through your skull. Your brain would hang out of your head in a lump of mess." Liao Huifang froze. The way he talked scared her shitless. She felt a madness in his voice, and she understood that he wouldn''t hesitate to shoot her, so she retreated her hand. Duan Deming smiled. "Good girl, just like your sister." The mention of her sister made her clench her fingers into a tight fist. When she calmed down a little, she felt messed up in the head. Everything was confusing to her. She couldn''t ce the pieces of the puzzle into their right ces. She raised her head to look at Tian Song, who looked deadly serious. Not a trace of emotion could be seen on his face. Then she looked back at Duan Deming. "I don''t understand. D-didn''t Tian Song kill Ming?" Duan Deming tilted his head with a questioning gaze. "Ming? Oh yes! That useless worker from Natural Park?" Liao Huifang shuddered with the cruel way he spoke so lightly of Ming as if she was just an ant in his eyes, which he can crush anytime. "Song. She wants to know what happened. Why don''t you tell her who ''actually'' killed Ming?" Tian Song didn''t respond. "Ohe on, Song. You are so boring." Duan Deming sighed. "Be a sport. Forget it. I will tell you, little sister. Yes, I killed Ming." Liao Huifang already expected the answer. "But I saw-" "But you saw Tian Song holding the knife stuck in her stomach when you entered the scene," hepleted her sentence. She said nothing. Hezily scratched his head and said, "What you see is not always the truth, dear. Tian Song wasn''t killing her. He was trying to save that pathetic woman. But sadly, he couldn''t." Liao Huifang slowly said, "You took her in custody because you wanted a chance to kill her." She didn''t ask. She stated. He sneered. "Yes. I ryed a fake message to the officers guarding outside that I was in trouble, so I needed their help. They went away. I entered in the dark. Ming was surprised to see me, but then she looked at me in shock when I stabbed her. Just then, Song barged in. We fought and he could overpower me because I was hurt in the thigh. That''s when you saw Song and thought that he killed Ming, which was convenient for me." He sighed. "That idiot woman. I told her to shut her mouth and not say a word about that she saw Fu Ting go back. But bitch fell into Bai Li''s words and decided to testify. I had no choice. I had to kill her." Liao Huifang remembered. "Y-you slid the note to her." "Yup," he carelessly said. Liao Huifang widened her eyes. She covered her mouth as things fell into ce. "That day in Andingzhen when Chu Jie was kidnapped, you came on purpose to" "Ding, ding, ding! Correct answer. You score 100 points. Congrattions," Duan Deming was cheering her as if it was a game. Liao Huifang was furious at his dry humor. "You" "I came to distract your trio group so that Sufy could escape with Chu Jie. I pretended to chase after her, but I just helped her get in the car, dumping Chu Jie inside with her." She blinked her eyes. "But why would she shoot you in the leg?" This was something that she didn''t understand. Weren''t they on the same side? "To make everyone believe why Duan Deming couldn''t catch her," It was Tian Song who spoke after a long time, "Even if he had to get shot in the process, he didn''t mind it as long as Chu Jie was sent away with her. At any cost, he couldn''t let Xin Lei and Bai Li save Chu Jie." "Hooo...you finally spoke!" Duan Deming was finding it way too interesting. "Yes. What he said is absolutely right." "You are a monster! You pretended to be on our side this whole time, but you" Liao Huifang was trembling in rage. "Monster? How am I a monster?" Duan Deming looked at her in horror. "This whole world is filled with insane people. Why are you only attacking me?" He whined as if she wronged him. At that moment, Liao Huifang realized that he was a mad psycho. He was saying all these things as if it was just a part of his normal everyday life. "But why do you want to kill me?" "Reassurance, darling." She wanted to puke when she heard the way he addressed her. "What sort of reassurance?" She gritted her teeth. This time Tian Song said, "You saw Ming''s murder, and even if you misunderstood me as the murderer, he couldn''t take the risk of you remembering somethingter that could put him in danger of being suspected. He didn''t get the chance before because you always stuck to Xin Lei and Bai Li''s side, but now since you are separated from them, he is using the situation to his advantage." "Well done, Tian Song. You always impress me." Suddenly, Liao Huifang realized that just when she was about to call Duan Deming earlier; he dragged her away. Did he know that I would be killed, so he took me away? "Why? Why did you kill my sister! What did she do to you? She didn''t even know you!" Duan Deming raised his eyebrow. "Darling little sister, your elder sister was not any exception. Don''t treat her as if she was any special. None of the people that we killed knew us or had anything to do with us." "So why!" "Keep your voice down, bitch. I don''t like it when somebody talks to me in that tone." He pressed the nuzzle of the gun harder on her temple. It was starting to touch the wound she got when she tripped and lost consciousness. She winced in pain as the gun was digging in her wound. "And you don''t need to know why we do this. Just know that you are going to die. This is where your life ends." Duan Deming shifted his gun a little, and she gasped as the wound hurt her again. "Ah" Duan Deming then calmly looked at Tian Song. "Tsk, tsk, tsk Song. First Ming and now this woman. How will your conscience allow you to be guilt-free that two women died under your watch, and you could do nothing?" Tian Song stared at Liao Huifang, who was looking back at him. Naturally, he understood her cry for help and the will to live only because she wanted to avenge her sister. "Don''t try anything funny, Tian Song. If you move an inch, then you know what would happen." He smirked. "You lost. She is going to die, and you couldn''t stop the deal from happening either." A flicker of something passed in his eyes but Tian Song said nothing. He never got affected by such provocations. Duan Deming''s gun was pointed on Liao Huifang, and Tian Song''s on him. Liao Huifang was scared to death. She thought that a bullet would pierce her anytime now. ''No...I cannot die now. Maybe, if I just buy some more time, then perhaps Bai Li or Xin Lei would reach here and save us from him.'' She looked at Tian Song, and then she realized something. "I-if you are behind everything, then who is Tian Song? Why is he involved in this case?" She thought it could distract Duan Deming for a while, plus she also wanted to know the answer to this. "Ho! That''s a great question!" Duan Demingughed. "I am so stupid. We talked so much on and on, and you don''t even know why Tian Song is involved in this." Duan Deming looked back at Liao Huifang and smiled. "Why don''t you try a guess?" Silence. "No? Che! So boring. Mm...let me give you a hint. He is rted to something that Xin Lei''s brother does." She faintly recalled Xin Lei talking about her brother once. She said that she didn''t know where he was right now. "Working as a cop in Dongcheng police headquarters was just a cover for him. He is actually a spy for some other secret organization." Silence. "Still nothing?" Duan Deming sighed. "You two are such boring peeps. Guessing games are always fun, like how your sister kept on guessing the moment she would breathe herst." Liao Huifang''s body violently trembled, hearing such heartless words. Duan Deming sneered. "Meet Tian Song - an undercover cop whose real identity is an officer working in the Chinese Intelligence Services." Chapter 117: Showdown in Tianjin (10) Chapter 117: Showdown in Tianjin (10) --- "Meet Tian Song - an undercover cop whose real identity is an officer working in the Chinese Intelligence Services." Liao Huifang widened her eyes in utter shock. I-Intelligence services "Wait, what! Intelligence Services!?" She unconsciously blurted out loudly. She looked at Tian Song in disbelief. "Y-you are an officer?" It was still hard to digest everything. Duan Deming was thoroughly enjoying this. "Yes. He is from the Chinese Intelligence Bureau. Their noble work is to gather intelligence about other countries that could potentially harm China while also carrying secret investigations to stop any illegal dealings to safeguard public interests. That exins why he is here." Liao Huifang felt her mind was spinning with the overload of too many truths that got revealed today. ''Wepletely misunderstood him! Every time it was Duan Deming behind everything, but we thought Tian Song did it. But he turned out to be an officer!'' "That also exins" Duan Deming continued, "why he joined Dongcheng police headquarters. It was an undercover job to know who, from the cops, was a part of this. Heh! You dogs suspected that somebody from the cops was helping the gang, so you entered the scene to keep an eye on every police officer." Tian Song wasn''t interested in answering him. "But I was an idiot. I really didn''t doubt you. You were wless in your acting. I came to know after I talked to Xin Lei and Bai Li in the hospital. They told me how they suspected you, and then I realized that it was you all along. I felt so stupid. That exins why I saw youing out of the forensicb that night. I guess you were trying to find the DNA sample he retrieved from Liao Chuntao''s body because you knew that I would destroy it." "E-evidence?" She was confused. "Yes, dear little sister, evidence. I was careless that night when I dumped her body in the alley." She stiffened. "I thought I took all measures of not leaving any trace of mine on her, but then I discovered that a drop of my sweat fell on her neck, which made me realize how hot it was that day. It didn''t ur to me that such a thing could happen. It was already a mess that day with Fu Meili suddenly catching us in the act." He tilted his head and looked at Tian Song. "But I don''t believe that you didn''t tamper with the evidence. Because when I took the sample, it was still there; the sample which I slipped in Xin Lei''s pocket that day they came to meet Fu Ting in custody. "You framed them!" Liao Huifang''s anger knew no bounds. She remembered how she saw their sketches as wanted criminals. "Naturally," he shrugged like it was so obvious. "At that time, when we caught them, I took the sample, and when they escaped, I feigned to drop the sample to destroy the evidence. But" He squinted his eyes. "The real sample is with you, right? You reced the sample with a fake one not to make anyone suspicious. I thought I sessfully destroyed the evidence against me that could get me in trouble, but you fooled me." Tian Song said nothing. His silence and indifference were beginning to irk him. "Answer me, you bastard!" Silence. Tian Song was simply aiming his gun at him, not bothering to say a single word. "But so what if you have the evidence? That was a safety measure I took just in case of stealing it. But even if you release it, then do you think that it would put me behind bars, or is it enough to punish me? You don''t have any idea of the backing we have. I would be out in no time." Tian Song finally moved his lips. "And do you think that you are important enough in your gang for whoever your boss is, to save you?" Silence. "What is your position?" No answer. "Are you misunderstanding yourself to be at the same ce as...Rodey?" Duan Deming''s brow twitched. He clenched his fingers into a fist and his gaze darkened. The mention of Rodey irked him. "Do you think that because they helped Rodey to escape from the court, they would help you the same way to get you out?" His jaw tightened, and he couldn''t retort. Tian Song calmly continued. "You are not Rodey. You are not their right hand. Why would they waste their time on you? They cannot lose Rodey because he is their second-inmand. He has been working for them since he was thirteen, ording to our report. For them, he is a useful asset. But you...you are receable." "Shut up!" He roared. Something triggered him when he said that. "SHUT UP!!!" That was the one thing he always hated. He always wanted to be Rodey''s position one day. He was doing everything he could for the upper ups to notice him and put him in the same position as Rodey or, even better, rece him. But to date, his dreams didn''te true. He yearned to be working under the boss and having its full faith like Rodey had. And every time hepared himself to him, he felt pathetic. Eh couldn''t wait to usurp Rodey from his position. Liao Huifang flinched. She shut her eyes instinctively as she thought he would attack. Duan Deming couldn''t stand his calmness. Right now, Tian Song was at a disadvantageous position. He was going to kill Liao Huifang, and the deal also gotpleted without any hitches. The clients must be stuck somewhere in this mess, but he had already made all the preparations to take them out and make their way to return to their country. Yet why...why was Tian Song behaving as if everything was under his control? He didn''t seem affected at all. Duan Deming gritted his teeth. He wanted to wipe off that indifference from his face. How dare he call me ''receable''? "This ends right now, Tian Song!" He grabbed Liao Huifang''s arm, and harshly pulled her towards him. "Now, it''s time for you to watch another helpless woman fie before your eyes just like that bitch Ming!" Tian Song seemed unaffected. "Sure. Kill her." Liao Huifang widened her eyes. ''How could he say that?'' She bit her lips hard. Even Duan Deming was taken aback. "Don''t pretend to be so indifferent. Don''t you care if an innocent woman dies?" Tian Song said, "Compared to saving her, I find catching you to be more beneficial. You can fire at only one person at a time. You have aimed your gun at her, and I am aiming mine towards you. You shoot her, and the next moment, I shoot you." He sneered. "And you think you can keep your noble job if you let a hostage die?" "That is my problem. You don''t need to worry about it." Duan Deming smiled. "Alright. So how about I shoot you first, and then I shoot this bitch? Problem solved, right?" A flicker of light passed Tian Song''s eyes. Duan Deming moved his arm, and now he was aiming his gun at Tian Song. Liao Huifang was struggling, but Duan Deming had tightly grasped onto her. He smiled. "So, goodbye, the dog of the Intelligence Bureau." "N-No!" Liao Huifang shouted in horror. As he was about to press the trigger, Tian Song shifted his gaze towards a little right side and looked slightly surprised, but his expression immediately went back to normal. But Duan Deming saw through it. ''It felt as if he was looking at someone behind me. Was it'' He panicked and immediately looked behind him. *Bang* "Ah!" *ck* The gun fell from his hands when Tian Song instantly fired a shot, taking the fraction of the second advantage when he turned his head. The bullet he shot hit his shoulder, and he lost the grip on his gun. It made his grip on Liao Huifang loosen, and she pushed him away to escape. "Haaaaa" she gasped as she could finally breathe. Duan Deming groaned in pain. "Ughhhh" He was trying to pick his gun, but in a sh, Tian Song appeared before him and kicked straight on his thigh, where he was shot before in Andingzhen. "Aaahhh!!!" Duan Deming copsed. His wound opened up, and his pant was beginning to soak with his blood. Liao Huifang immediately ran over to Tian Song''s side. She felt embarrassed that she misunderstood again. She thought that he really didn''t care about her life. "Bastard" Duan Deming cursed, "There was nobody behind me. You tricked me." "Why are you so surprised? It''s not like you haven''t yed tricks before." Tian Songmented. "And you have yed much worse tricks. Mine is nothing inparison." "You bastard...how dare you to fool me" "Technically, he didn''t." A robotic voice came from behind. Liao Huifang was shocked. She recognized it, and so did Duan Deming and Tian Song. From the shadows, they heard light footstepsing towards them. The flickering light from themp shone upon Xin Lei as she came into the light. Chapter 118: Showdown in Tianjin (11) Chapter 118: Showdown in Tianjin (11) --- *Bai Li* I asked, "Duan Deming works for you, right?" I was sure of it by now. We misunderstood the whole thing from the beginning. It was never Tian Song. It was Duan Deming. But once again, I heard no answer from the one standing in front of me. Why wasn''t it talking? Why did it attack Zhang Ning? "Bai Li" I heard Zhang Ning mumble. "I...I don''t understand...what, boss? Why is it attacking me? And Duan Deming? The cop?" "Yes. The boss behind those murders in Natural Park." I sensed her stiffen and tremble in my arms. "Ah" She gasped in pain. Damn. As long as the attacker was here, I couldn''t do anything. But she was shot somewhere in the abdomen. "Which side are you hurt?" "R-right" I nodded. I quickly took out my handkerchief and pressed it on her wound as I felt the blood flowing out. Strange. That person wasn''t doing anything else. Was it just standing there and doing nothing? Then I heard a voice. But it wasn''t the attacker''s voice. Instead, it did just like what Xin Lei does. It was using text-to-speech. "You think I am the boss?" "If not, then what are you?" I asked back. No answer. "Tell me. Duan Deming actually is a part of your gang, right?" No answer. But then I heard the robotic voice again after a few moments. "Why do you think so?" "Duan Deming struck me as a smart guy when Xin Lei and I first met him in the police headquarters. But then he failed in saving Chu Jie from that woman." Silence. "I didn''t think of him anything at that time. I gave him the benefit of the doubt because he was shot in his thigh. So, I thought he did his best to save Chu Jie. But when he failed to save Ming in Natural Park, that''s when I paused. That''s when I stopped to think the whole matter again." Silence. "I rewinded every incident that happened until now. And then things started to fall in ce. It was confusing because Tian Song and Duan Deming worked together. They were together everywhere. It could be any one of them. But when Tian Song told us toe with him in Andingzhen to meet someone, we put all our suspicions on him naturally." Apart from Zhang Ning''s faint, ragged breathing, I heard nothing. I didn''t hear that person typing anything. I went on. "He couldn''t stop that woman from kidnapping Chu Jie. Fine. But when Ming was killed, who was supposed to be safe in his custody, I felt something was definitely wrong. The back of my mind refused to believe Duan Deming once again. I couldn''t give him the benefit of the doubt once again. So when I stopped to think, I found my answer immediately. And I felt like a fool that I didn''t see it earlier." I heard the pitter-patter of typing. "Tell me." I smiled. "The first incident was when Xin Lei and I disguised as officers to meet Fu Ting. When we were about to leave the premises, we were surrounded because somebody had slipped the forensic evidence in Xin Lei''s pocket without her noticing. At that time, we met both Tian Song and Duan Deming, and so we doubted that any of them could slip the evidence in her pocket." A gust of strong wind blew and brushed past my cheeks, carrying with the sound of a strong wave of the Bohai Sea crashing along the shore. "Then wee to Andingzhen. Once again, we met both Tian Song and Duan Deming. Tian Song said that he wanted us toe with him to meet somebody. We thought he was the crooked cop who was ordered by his boss to take us. But that didn''t happen. Fast forward to when we were at the base with Chu Jie. Duan Deming rushed out, but he was shot. When we took him to the hospital, he was just as surprised to learn that Tian Song was a spy. He told us that he saw Tian Song calling someone whose name began with ''R.'' We took that as Rodey, so our suspicion strengthened on him." Silence. "The final incident when Ming was killed. Ming was in his custody, but when she was attacked, I knew something was wrong. Twice, he failed to save the victims. The officers that were supposed to guard her conveniently left the ce unattended, especially when he knew that Tian Song was there too. He could attack her. So how could he be so careless? So I wondered if everything that happened was because...Duan Deming ''wasn''t able'' to save them or if he ''didn''t want'' to save them? One incident of the three gave me the answer that it was indeed Duan Deming and not Tian Song." No answer as if it wanted me to continue. "There was only one time when Tian Song was actually not a part of the incident, and that was when Chu Jie was kidnapped. Sure, he was in Andingzhen, but he wasn''t in the base where we were kept. When the woman ran with Chu Jie and shot Duan Deming, he didn''t mention that he saw Tian Song anywhere. If he wanted to frame him, he would have said that he saw him. But he didn''t, and that meant that he didn''t know his real identity. Then I remembered what Xin Lei told me once. She said that when she chased the car, Chu Jie seemed as if he was pointing at somebody. Then I realized it. He was pointing at Duan Deming because he must have helped that woman push Chu Jie to her instead of saving him. That shot was also a decoy to make us believe why he couldn''t save him." I heard the robotic voice. "That was a nice deduction. What next?" I said, "I thought about the time we were in the police headquarters. It became clear that Duan Deming slipped the evidence because he bumped into Xin Lei while Tian Song walked straight up to us under Guard Wu''s watch. It wasn''t possible for him to slip when he was such in a clear view, but Duan Deming bumped suddenly, so he had that chance to slip in that momentary confusion. When we escaped, I heard the sound of the ss sample breaking, and when I linked it, I knew he feigned to break it on purpose to destroy the evidence. It was his sweat that was on Liao Chuntao, so I became a hundred percent sure that he pretended to be Liao Chuntao''s boyfriend." "Then wee to Langfang. Ming was supposed to be safe in his custody, but she still wasn''t. Even if Liao Huifang said that she saw Tian Song holding the knife, I felt it was too much of a coincidence that once again, they both were there, and once again, Duan Deming seemed helpless. I never thought him to be that weak. He told us that somebody, probably Tian Song called the guards to lure them out, but it was easy for him to do that rather than Tian Song. By then, he apparently knew his truth, so it should be obvious that he told his officers not to take any order from Tian Song. But they did, and he came inside and stabbed Ming." I sensed for any movements that that person would make, but I didn''t feel any. I shook my head. "That''s why I felt I was such a fool. We already had the answer right in front of us when Chu Jie was kidnapped. That was the only time when Tian Song wasn''t there. So it had to be Duan Deming. But it took me Ming''s death to realize it. Unfortunately, her death and the circumstances put everything in ce for me. And precisely why I didn''t let Xin Lei tell him about the fact that we had already recorded Ming''s confession. Otherwise, he would have somehow made any preparations to destroy it as well." I truly felt so stupid. If I had realized it earlier, then the innocent Ming would have been alive. "It was Duan Deming who dumped Liao Chuntao''s body. It was he who slipped the note to Ming to shut her mouth, and it was him who killed her. He framed Xin Lei and me for stealing the evidence, and he helped that woman escape with Chu Jie." I heard that person typing again. "So if Duan Deming is with me, then who is Tian Song? What is his identity? Didn''t he say that he saw Tian Song calling someone whose name began from R?" I raised my brow and was silent for a moment. "Tian Song...he isn''t with you. He isn''t with the cops either because he was doing his own investigation. That means he was an undercover agent acting to work as a cop. By now, you would have also figured out his identity." Silence. "Chinese Intelligence Bureau. He was never our enemy since the beginning. He was on our side, but we misunderstood Duan Deming to be the one." Chapter 119: Showdown in Tianjin (12) Chapter 119: Showdown in Tianjin (12) ---A few minutes before--- *Xin Lei* When that woman escaped, I couldn''t chase behind her anymore. I had to find Liao Huifang. I was worried if any enemy caught her. I walked in the direction where I heard her voice calling me thest time. It was dark, and I had to use my shlight to make my way. After walking and stumbling through the mess, I heard some voices from a distance. I paused in my steps and narrowed my eyes. It seemed to be an argument. I made no sound as I walked again. I immediately switched off my shlight. The voices became more clear, and I hid behind a pole. I craned my neck a bit to peek at the other side. Liao Huifang! I saw her. But the most shocking thing was that Duan Deming was holding her on gunpoint. What!? Why is heWhy is the scene so different? Wasn''t it supposed to be Tian Song holding her hostage? And there was Tian Song, aiming his gun at him. What the hell is going on? Then his voice snapped me out of my confusion. "Yes, I killed Ming." Duan Deming said. I froze. I widened my eyes and stared at him, speechless. As I kept on listening to his confessions, it started to make all sense. Gosh! It never struck me that Duan Deming was behind everything. "I helped Chu Jie escape with Sufy." I blinked my eyes. Suddenly, the image of Chu Jie shed past my eyes, who was struggling with that woman but also trying to point at something when he saw me. He was desperate, and he seemed... terrified. He was pointing at Duan Deming. That''s why he looked more afraid than before. When Tian Song said the purpose behind Duan Deming getting shot, I understood it. He was about to shoot Liao Huifang while I was searching a way to get her out. Then I heard her ask, "Why is Tian Song involved?" I paused. That was right. Who was Tian Song? "He is rted to something that Xin Lei''s brother does." Duan Deming said. I froze. Did I hear it right? Bro...big brother Zhen? It felt as if I heard his name mentioned after so long. I didn''t know where he was, and I desperately wanted to find him, but I never got any clue. I felt the corner of my eyes turn sore and wet. I missed him. I missed big brother so much. But now Tian Song... How? How is Tian Song rted... wait- My thoughts were interrupted when Duan Deming said, "Meet Tian Song, an officer, working in the Chinese Intelligence Services." My jaw dropped wide open. It felt as if a thunderbolt struck on me. I already suspected that it could be that case but hearing it from his mouth still shook me to the core. Tian Song was like my brother Fuck, he was on our side, and we thought of him as our enemy! I wished to bang my head on the wall. Everything made senseevery single thing. "...when I slipped the sample in Xin Lei''s pocket" Yes, sure enough, it was you. I remembered how he bumped into me. That was the only chance he could have slipped in, and then I saw it slipping it from his hands. He purposely did that. But I felt relieved to know that Tian Song had already switched the sample and the real evidence was with him. It made me feel satisfied when he showed Duan Deming his real position. I loved it when that arrogance was wiped off from his face. I smirked. He was not that important in the gang as Rodey. But because he was riled up, Duan Deming was now more impatient to kill Liao Huifang. Damn. I had to do something. I had my gun with me, but I couldn''t get a clear shot because Liao Huifang was partly in view too. Plus, the darkness wasn''t helping me. I was racking my brain to find a solution when I saw Tian Song staring at me. I blinked my eyes. Did he really see me, or was that my illusion? It was just momentary, and then he already withdrew his gaze. I couldn''t understand. Was he signaling me something? I panicked because I didn''t have time. But what could I do? I didn''t have a clear shot, and there was a risk of making noise if I moved. Oh, wait. It could be his trick! Just as I predicted in the next moment, Duan Deming turned his head towards my direction, and instantly, I heard a shot fired by Tian Song. Duan Deming groaned in pain. The bullet hit his shoulder, and Liao Huifang finally escaped from his clutches. He tried to take his gun again, but Tian Song kicked right on his thigh where he had been shot. Ouch. That must have hurt. I heard Duan Deming curse. "You bastard...how dare you to trick me" I smiled. It was a psychological trick. Whenever any person standing in front of us looked surprised or shocked as if he saw someone behind us, it is a natural reaction for the other person to turn around and check. And in this situation, it was a fifty-fifty likely possibility that either me or Bai Li could have been here. I smiled and typed. "Technically, he didn''t." ---Present--- I moved and walked out of my spot. I came forward, and now the view was more visible. "Xin Lei!" Liao Huifang cried and jumped on me. She hugged me tightly. I felt her shoulders trembling and heard muffled sobs. Duan Deming used that harshnguage for Liao Chuntao. He made fun of her feelings and how she died. It would have terribly hurt her to listen to all that. She loved and respected Liao Chuntao so much, after all. At this moment, she seemed like a little child to me, scared and terrified and hurt. I faintly smiled and softly patted her back. "This man...h-he is a bastard!" She wailed. I nodded. No doubt about that. I cupped her face and wiped her tears. I typed. "Everything is fine now. Don''t cry, okay?" She nodded. My gaze fell at Tian Song, who stared back at me with an impassive expression. He seemed unaffected. Suddenly, I didn''t know how to face him. We treated him as our enemy, but he turned out to be on our side this whole time. "Hah! Herees Xin Lei." Duan Deming sneered. I narrowed my eyes at him. I saw him gritting his teeth as if he was bearing a lot of pain. His forehead was covered in sweat. "Do you think you won? Hah! In your dreams! The clients would have already escaped by now. The deal is done, and you couldn''t stop it." I nced at Tian Song, but he said nothing. I raised my brow and sneered. I typed. "You still have the energy to think about the deal? Worry about yourself first. Bleeding from your shoulder and thigh, and you have nowhere to escape." That changed his expression for a moment. I felt satisfied. I typed. "You can only pray for your mysterious boss to save you but will it? After all, you are nobody special." Now he seemed ugly. Heughed. "I don''t think you want to see that teenage boy and that filthy dog alive." I smiled. I typed. "We will see them alive. We will find and save them." Duan Deming chuckled. "How? With the help of your pathetic boyfriend? He cannot deal with his own PTSD. He cannot even save himself from that darkness, and he is out to save other people? What a joke!" I felt my blood boil in anger. I will never hear anybody insulting Bai Li like that! I got to his side and dangerously smiled at him. I typed. "Don''t try to cross my limits ever again." And I raised my feet and pressed it hard on the wound on his thigh. "Ahhhhh.!" His eyes popped out of his sockets, and he coughed hard. "Get off!" He screamed. I pressed it harder and harder until I saw a thick stream of blood trickling from his blood. He was gasping hard. He tried to shake my foot, but he groaned in pain as he lifted his arm where Tian Song shot the bullet. I twisted my foot, and he yelped. I typed. "This is for ying with Liao Chuntao''s feelings and mercilessly killing her and Fu Meili." I twisted my foot anti-clockwise. I typed. "This is for kidnapping Chu Jie and stabbing Ming to death." "Aaahhh..." Once again, I moved my foot, crushing it on his wound. I typed again. "And this is for insulting Bai Li. Don''t ever utter his name from your filthy mouth." "Fuck!" I saw his eyes roll backwards and he stopped resisting. He had fainted. I sneered and pulled my foot back. Bastard! "I see you are quite ferocious, just like Zhen." Tian Song said from my side. Chapter 120: Showdown in Tianjin (13) Chapter 120: Showdown in Tianjin (13) *Xin Lei* I looked at him and raised my brow. I smiled and typed. "A little bit." I pursed my lips. I typed again. "We are sorry that we misunderstood you." Liao Huifang coughed a bit. Tian Song shrugged. "I understand." I thought for a moment. "I heard what Duan Deming confessed. So I also understand that you were innocent. But where did you want to take us to Andingzhen?" "To meet Zhen." I widened my eyes. I furiously typed. "Big brother? You wanted Bai Li and me to meet big brother?" "Yes." This was a serious revtion. Here I was, wondering where big brother was all the time, and Tian Song just wanted to take us right at him. I sighed. "Not only in Andingzhen, but I also tried to take you at Dongcheng too when you two visited the police headquarters." Huh? How? But he said nothing. I blinked my eyes and typed. "Um, how?" "When you escaped. I wanted to catch you two and use it as a pretext to let you meet him." He turned grim. "Unfortunately, I couldn''t." I see. I anxiously typed. "Duan Deming said that the clients might have escaped. Is it true?" Tian Song had no change in his expression. "No. Before I came here, I already ryed to my team to look for them. I just got a message that they saw them escaping and are following them." He said nothing further. Liao Huifang asked in a quiet voice. "I hope they catch them." Tian Song nced at her. "I trust them." I nodded, and so did she. I typed. "Do they need your help?" "They can handle it." I felt relieved. I typed. "Can youe with me to find Bai Li? Before I came here, I saw a woman dressed in ck. She had a gun with her, and she escaped in the direction where Bai Li is." He narrowed his eyes. "Who?" Liao Huifang also looked at me questioningly. I shook my head and typed. "I didn''t see her face. She had covered her face with a mask. It was hardly possible in the darkness, but at least I figured out that she was a woman. I didn''t know why she went there, but I am worried about Bai Li." Tian Song softly nodded. "We should leave." "What about him? We cannot leave him here." Liao Huifang said, pointing at Duan Deming. There was an indescribable anger in her gaze. Tian Song said, "Don''t worry." He took out a set of handcuffs. He went to Duan Deming''s side and dragged him towards a pole. He raised his arm and locked his wrist against the pole with that handcuff. Then he found a rope and tied his feet with it. He also tied a cloth around his mouth. "I will immediately call two of my men toe here and take him away. Until then, he would be tied up. The cuffs are special. He wouldn''t be able to unlock or break it even if he wakes up." He also took his phone with him. Tian Song gave the instructions to this ce through his earpiece. He looked at him. "Do you know where Bai Li is?" I nodded. I typed. "I know the way." --- Liao Huifang was sticking to my side as we kept on walking. Well, she always did, but now I felt her behavior a little different. Tian Song was stoic, and he didn''t much say or took the initiative to talk. I looked at Liao Huifang and raised my brow questioningly. I signed. "What happened?" She stiffened and awkwardly smiled. She nervously nced at Tian Song. Then she looked back at me and made a pitiful face. I didn''t understand any of it. Why was she making that face as if she made some big mistake? She stuck closer to me and leaned her face towards my ear. She whispered. "Xin Lei. I am dead." I blinked my eyes. I nkly looked at her. "Before you came, I bumped into Tian Song. At that time, I didn''t know his real identity. So...so I got angry at him and pped him. I thought he was sis''s boyfriend." Now that I looked at Tian Song, I could see a faint handprint on his cheek. Liao Huifang lowered her head guiltily. "A-and then I fought with him." I looked at her in surprise. Like fist fight? She nodded at me as if she understood my unsaid question. "But, I lost." Her voice was meek. My mouth twitched. Well, it wasn''t a surprise. She was still learning to fight while Tian Song had already undergone rigorous training when he must have joined the Intelligence Bureau. The difference in their strength was obviously notparable. I patted her head and smiled. I was about to type, but she stopped me. "Don''t type. He would hear it too!" I sighed. I mouthed. "It''s okay. You did your best." Liao Huifang still looked a little nervous. "But that is not all. I...I also bit his hand while trying to escape from him towards Duan Deming." I had no words to say. Now that I looked at him again, his hand, indeed, had the bite marks on it. "I am scared, Xin Lei." She sobbed. I signed. "Why?" Liao Huifang looked at me as if I was an idiot. She urgently whispered. "Can''t you see how scary he looks? He is expressionless the whole time, but actually, that is scarier. What if he beats me up because I hurt him? And I hurt him twice! He wouldn''t let me go!" She cried. "..." "What if he arrests me for hitting an officer on duty? Don''t they throw you in jail if you fight with them? Xin Lei, please save me." She begged. "..." "Isn''t your brother an officer too? Can you ask him to say to Tian Song to let me go?" "..." I flicked her forehead. "Ow!" She said a little loudly. Tian Song stopped and nced at us. I smiled and shook my head. Liao Huifang didn''t even dare to raise her head. I signed. "You are an idiot. He wouldn''t do anything like that. You are overthinking." "Why?" I signed. "He would understand that it was a misunderstanding." Liao Huifang bit her lips. "I hope he does." I typed and asked Tian Song. "Do you know who tampered with the gantry cranes?" "No. My team is investigating that as well." There was silence. It was difficult to walk because apparently another massive chunk of wall had copsed, and it made the path messier. I typed. "Do you think Yi Xing or Yi Xiaosi is the boss of this whole operation?" "It is not definite. They could be. They couldn''t be either." But I wondered what was the purpose of making the gantry cranes copse? I paused. I typed again. "How is my brother?" "Zhen is fine." Tian Song paused. "But he has lost a little weight recently." My heart ached for him. Stupid big brother. Are you not eating well? He was always like that, neglecting his health. "He mes it on you, though." I jerked my head towards him. I typed. "What!? Why me?" Tian Song expressionlessly said, "He says that he wouldn''t have lost so much weight if he didn''t have a certain troublesome sister who couldn''t stay put and be safe. She always gives him a headache." "..." I felt terribly wronged. I typed. "He should be proud of me." "He isn''t. He says that you are a doctor, so stay in the hospital and treat patients. Don''t bother with such a dangerous job." I harrumphed. "That was why he sent me to bring you two to him. He wanted you out of this mess." I sighed. I understood his concern. But well, I was stubborn, just like him. Tian Song then gave me a mysterious nce. I didn''t understand the meaning of his gaze. But I felt a bad sense of foreboding. "I should warn you that he knows about your rtionship with Bai Li." I coughed hard. Fuck! So soon? How? "He doesn''t seem too happy about it." I broke out into cold sweat. "Zhen wants to meet two sooner because he wants to meet Bai Li." Oh no. My brother...wasn''t exactly that easygoing as my father. I felt a headacheing. I already didn''t wish to reunite with him anymore. He was going to give Bai Li a hard time. I typed. "How does he know?" "I told him." "..." What!? I red at him furiously. I couldn''t believe it. He shrugged. "Zhen told me to report everything rted to you. So everything includes everything." My chest heaved up and down, feeling breathless. Aaaaahhh, I so want to beat Tian Song now! Why did he tell him? I wanted to break the news to big brother to have the least impact. Ughhhh! I could feel the storming from miles away! We kept on walking while I had a new problem to think about. We stopped as we heard some noises. Chapter 121: Showdown in Tianjin (14) Chapter 121: Showdown in Tianjin (14) --- *Bai Li* It was silence as I revealed everything. I could only hear the sound of the wind brushing past me. I said, "I said what I wanted to. Now your turn. Why do you want to kill Zhang Ning?" It said nothing for a while. I didn''t have time. Zhang Ning might be bleeding, and if this went on, then, she could pass out. I heard the pitter-patter of that person typing. "Because I like it." I said nothing. Shouldn''t it like killing me more than her? Zhang Ning gasped again. "Ah... pain" She moved uneasily in my arms. I said, "Don''t move. You would aggravate your condition." "Where is Chu Jie and Cocoa?" I knew that it wouldn''t answer me; nevertheless I asked. Once again, I heard the sound of her typing. "I have nothing to say." I gritted my teeth. I knew this was not the time to lose my calm, but I couldn''t help but get worried about Cocoa and Chu Jie. "Why do you kill your victims?" "I have nothing to say." Silence. This was an excellent chance to catch this person, but I had to prioritize Zhang Ning. I could hear her breathing getting more ragged and weak. It typed again. "How about I finish her off and get on my way?" "You...who are you?" Zhang Ning asked. It typed. "Your death." "W-why? What have I... done to you?" I sensed that she was getting tired. "Shouldn''t you know it better than me?" I narrowed my eyes. This person...does it know Zhang Ning personally? "I...don''t know what...you are talking about... Please let us go" It typed. "Sure. After I kill you first. One more shot and game over." I heard it move and sensed it walking towards us. "Leave her soldier. You wouldn''t be able to save her." I twitched my brow. Suddenly, I felt breathless and ufortable. That person was right. How was I supposed to help Zhang Ning? I didn''t have a gun. Yi Xing''s gun was lying somewhere far ahead where I couldn''t reach. The person in front of me had a gun loaded, and it was ready to shoot Zhang Ning at any moment. I felt wet and cold on my forehead. Was I sweating? Shit. I am panicking again. What should I do? I don''t see anyway. If I move, then that person wouldn''t hesitate to shoot her down. I felt my body shaking a bit. No, no, no. Zhang Ning is going to die if I just sat here doing nothing. I moved a bit, but then I heard the robotic voice again. "Don''t do anything stupid, soldier. If you forced me to shoot you, then how would you find Chu Jie and Cocoa? Don''t you want to see your dog again?" Cocoa I gritted my teeth. I...I cannot do anything. This is useless. I cannot save Zhang Ning. She will die just like Tan Ye. Once again, I would be the cause of somebody''s death. I froze. Again? Another death? I gasped sharply. Suddenly, I felt an urge to puke, and I felt dizzy. ''Your negligence killed Tan Ye, Major Bai Li.'' ''You still suffer from PTSD.'' ''Major Bai Li. This court doesn''t see you sit to serve in the Army anymore.'' ''This court gives you a dishonorable discharge.'' I felt my throat gag and a sharp pain shot in my head. I clutched my head, pressing it hard, trying to ease it, but it was of no use. The pain wasn''t lessening a bit. In my daze, I heard that person say something in a robotic voice, but I couldn''t hear it clearly. "I see. You...getting another anxiety" What? What is it speaking? I cannot hear anything. I felt as if everything was going nk. Then I felt somebody shift in my arms. "...Li...you okay?" Who is talking? I cannot hear anything! Who is it? Who is moving? Oh yes...it''s Zhang Ning...I remember now No...I cannot give up like this. "Ha! Give up, Bai Li! You are good for nothing!" What? It''s my voice. "Give up. You cannot do anything right. That poor woman is going to die too." "No, Bai Li. You are strong. You can do this." Huh? It was my voice again... what is happening? One voice was telling me to give up, and the other was telling me to go on. Ughhhh! Two voices were fighting against each other, and I didn''t know whom to listen to. No, no, no. C-Calm down. Remember what Kang Yuan said. "Bai Li. If you find yourself getting anxious again, then try these methods. First, breathe in and out and rx your body. Droop your shoulders that would have be stiff and let your body loosen it up." I took some deep breaths in and out, but it wasn''t helping at all! "Repeat this mantra in your head. ''This feeling is only temporary. I will get over it.'' When you continuously say it, you train your mind to think positively." I repeated that same line over and over again until I got sick of it. "Think about the good times you spent in recent days. Remember them. Remember the feelings that those memories gave you and let its positivity fill your heart." I didn''t need to think about it twice. The only memories that flooded my heart were about Xin Lei. Even though I couldn''t see them, even if I couldn''t picture them, the sensations, the emotions, the touch, and everything was livid in my mind. The first time I met Xin Lei, the night we confessed our feelings, the night we first kissed, and the time we spent together overwhelmed me. I remembered the feeling of her hugs, her smell, and the sensation of her soft body pressed against mine. I didn''t know what she looked like, but I imagined her smiling at me. ''Bai Li. Promise me that you would never me yourself again.'' ''I trust you, Bai Li.'' ''I like you, Bai Li.'' Surprisingly, I felt my heart wasn''t racing like a marathon as before. I wasn''t entirely calm. I knew that, but I didn''t have those wild thoughts banging my head anymore. Xin Lei... please hug me againI cannot do this, Xin Lei. You trust me, but I am letting you down again and again. I remembered the situation I was in. There was no way out; Zhang Ning''s life depended on me, and as I thought that, I felt myself feeling negative again. ''Give up Bai Li! You are useless.'' ''No, Bai Li. You are smart and strong, and you can do this.'' No...please stopstop talking already. I am so...tired. I sensed someone''s footstepsing near me. It was going to shoot. No...I have to stop it. I tried to get up, but I stumbled. Then I don''t know what happened. *Bang* G-gun shots? Ah...I failed again. Zhang Ning is dead just like Tan Ye. I lost again. I couldn''t save her. I could faintly hear some footsteps rapidly running around. I smelled the gunpowder in the air. There was somemotion going on. But nothing was registering in my mind. Another sharp pain shot in my head. I was shivering from head to toe as if somebody had drowned me in ice water. Thest thing I felt before passing out was somebody wrapping me in its arms. Its skin was so soft, just like Xin Lei. Ah? Why does it feel so familiar? I felt a hand patting my head and shaking me. I felt something warm and wet drop on my cheek. I felt it holding my hand and clutching it hard with all its might. Who was it? Why was it trembling, just like me? But I liked it. I liked its smell. It was a sweet candy smell that reminded me of Xin Lei. I felt my eyelids shutting down. And then it was nothing. --- ''Bai Li... please save me. I am shot, Bai Li. Please save me! ''I don''t want to die, Bai Li. Only you can help me.'' ''Why aren''t you doing anything!'' ''Bai Li. It hurts...pain'' I heard a woman crying. It was from Zhang Ning. I recognized her voice. ''I am dead, Bai Li. All because of you! You couldn''t save me!'' Then I heard a man''s voice. ''You failed me too.'' W-was it Tan Ye? ''I was just a simple worker. Why did I have to die? Why weren''t you careful, soldier? I would have been alive now if not for your carelessness!'' I...I ''I am dead.'' ''I am dead.'' ''You couldn''t save us.'' No. No. I did my best. I I wanted to defend myself, but I couldn''t. Suddenly, I felt two hands grasp my neck, strangling it. I was feeling suffocated. ''We died. Now you have to die too, soldier. Only your death can avenge us.'' ''Die.'' ''Die!'' I gasped sharply and suddenly got up. "Haaaaa!" I breathed heavily like I had climbed a huge mountain. I was still in a daze when I felt somebody tightly hug me. Chapter 122: You knew? Chapter 122: You knew? --- *Xin Lei* I was keeping a tight watch over Bai Li, whoid on the bed unconscious. Yes, right now, we were at the hospital. Dawn was just about to break out, and the first ray of sunshine was just beginning to faintly light the ward. I held his hand firmly in my palms. I stared at his handsome face, which now looked tired and hurt. I bit my lip. I remembered his state I saw when Tian Song, Liao Huifang, and I barged in the scene. --- That strange woman...As expected, I saw that same mysterious woman cloaked in ck, holding a gun in her hand and pointing it at Bai Li. Zhang Ning and Yi Xing were lying on the ground, both hit with a bullet. Zhang Ning was barely hanging onto her consciousness. But when I saw Bai Li...I felt as if somebody sucked the soul out of my body. He was clutching his head as if he was in terrible pain. His forehead and the lines of his cheeks were contorted in such a distressed expression as if he was fighting a battle within himself. At that moment, that woman also noticed us. But to our surprise, she didn''t try to fight back. Instead, she escaped. Tian Song immediately went after her. Bai Li was groaning in pain. I rushed to his side, and that''s when I realized that he was sweating like crazy. But I didn''t feel even a bit disgusted. I had a strong urge to cry when I saw Bai Li struggling with his anxiety. Immediately, I hugged him hard. He was trembling. My skin and dress got soaked in his sweat, but I didn''t mind it. At that moment, I could only see how his tall and strong stature seemed so small in my embrace. He was breathing heavily and was about to pass out. Bai Li. I patted his head and gently shook him, but it was as if he couldn''t feel it at all. I felt my eyes turn sore. "Bai Li!" Liao Huifang was also worried. "I-is it another attack?" I tremblingly nodded. "He looks so pale. We should get him to the hospital. Zhang Ning and Yi Xing are injured too." --- Tian Song and his team made all the arrangements in the hospital. I was closely watching Bai Li''s condition. A few hourster, when I came back from the restroom, I saw him gasping in his sleep. I widened my eyes and ran up to him. "No...don''t" He was mumbling something. A bad dream? Suddenly, he shook violently and sucking arge amount of air; he got up. He looked even paler than before. "W-what? What is happening?" I quickly took my phone and typed it. "Bai Li. It''s me. Xin Lei." Bai Li, who seemed in a stupor, turned his head in my direction. "Xin Lei?" Instead of typing again, I sat on the bed and hugged him. "Xin Lei...it''s you." I nodded. I brushed my fingers through his hair, and I noticed that breathing was slowly turning steady and normal. I felt him wrap his arms around my waist. He buried his face on my neck. We stayed like that for a few minutes. I said nothing. He said nothing either. He spoke after a long time and in a deathly quiet voice. "I failed again. Zhang Ning...she-she...that person killed her." His embrace tightened. I blinked my eyes. "I couldn''t save her." I widened my eyes. I quickly typed. "Zhang Ning is alive, Bai Li." Bai Li stiffened. "What? But that person shot her." He pulled back and I could see that he looked incredulous. I typed. "Yes, She was shot, and so was Yi Xing, but Tian Song and his team took you all to the hospital on time. Her surgery just got over, and she is unconscious at the moment." "So...is she safe?" I smiled. I typed. "Yes." His expression eased a bit, but I could still see the lingering stress on his face. I understood he wanted to say something to me. I waited. "...I got another attack." I said nothing. "I tried hard. I really tried to be calm. I did all the tips that Kang Yuan told me. But I still failed." Silence. "Xin Lei. I don''t think I would be able to cure my-" I put my finger over his lips. He stopped talking. I typed. "I know you have tried your best. You don''t need to exin anything to me. And don''t talk like that." "How could I not? If not for youing there in time, then Zhang Ning could really be dead right now. I had no way out." I stared at him. I typed. "Even if it were the case, it wouldn''t be your fault. That woman shot Zhang Ning, not you. You are not guilty." Bai Li furrowed his brows. "Woman? It was a woman?" I typed. "Yes. But she escaped as soon as we reached there." I thought about something. "Didn''t she talk to you at all?" He shook his head. "No. I mean yes, but not with her mouth. She used text-to-speech just like you." I frowned. That woman didn''t talk to me either. "She must not be wanting to take the risk of anybody recognizing her voice." I nodded. That exins it. I cupped his face and lowered his head to rest on myp. "En. This feels sofortable." I chuckled. I took his hand and moved his fingers. ''Before you woke up, you seemed to have a bad dream.'' There was a beat of silence. Bai Li said, "Yes. I had a bad dream. In it, I heard Tan Ye and Zhang Ning ming me for their death. They were cursing me to die, and they clutched my neck, strangling me." I tightened my grasp. I lowered my head and softly kissed his lips. I pressed it for a while before I moved back. I typed. "Nobody can curse you, not even in your dream. I will protect you." Bai Liughed. "Yes. You are so strong. I need you to protect me." This was the first time I was seeing him acting so coquettishly. I liked this side of his. I typed. "Bai Li. Don''t say that you cannot cure it. PTSD takes time to heal, and you have to give that time to yourself. Even if a little, following Yuan''s tips would have calmed you down, just for a moment." He nodded. "It did. For a few moments, I felt a little better." I typed. "See? You are getting therestep by step. Don''t expect everything to be fine with just one session. Training your mind to think positively in that state takes patience. Don''t give up, okay?" "En." Then I narrowed my eyes and pinched his cheeks hard. "Ow! What was that for?" Bai Li seemed aggrieved. I harrumphed. I typed. "I told you before not to me yourself, yet you did it again. You didn''t listen to me." Bai Li seemed like a child who did something wrong. He said nothing. I typed. "How should I punish you?" Bai Li seemed as if he was seriously thinking. "How about I let you assault me? Strip me and do anything as you please." I raised my brow andughed. I typed. "How is that a punishment for you?" "Of course, it is. A patient should be resting rather than making out. Am I not in the loss here?" "..." Bai Li grabbed my head and pulled me towards him. Our lips merged as if they were apart from each other for so long. He clutched my head tighter and deepened the kiss. They meshed against each other again and again. God knew how long we were kissing madly like that when somebody suddenly barged in. "Xin Lei! Did Bai Li wake up-" We froze. Our lips stopped ravaging. It was Liao Huifang. "Ughh" We breathlessly pulled away. I quickly tidied my hair. Bai Li got up and said, "Why do you always have such horrible timing, Liao Huifang? I swear I would not let your love life go in peace! This is the second time!" She coughed. "I-I didn''t mean to interrupt. And how is that my fault! A patient should be resting instead of making out!" "Idiot. Xin Lei was punishing me! Why did you have to interrupt!?" Did you have to confess that? I looked incredulously at Bai Li. Liao Huifang was dumbfounded. "How in the world is that a punishment for you! You were clearly enjoying it. Don''t take me as a fool. Hmph. But you seem fine since you can argue like that." Bai Li snorted. I typed. "Where is Tian Song?" She looked a bit stiff, and awkwardly smiled. Is she still scared of him? I shook my head. "He is outside. Oh yes. He told me to tell you two that we have to go with him after Bai Li is discharged." Bai Li asked. "Go where? Oh, wait. Is he taking us to meet Xin Zhen?" I widened my eyes. I looked at Bai Li, shocked, and so did Liao Huifang. I typed. "You knew? How do you know that he is working with my brother in the Intelligence Bureau?" Chapter 123: That woman (1) Chapter 123: That woman (1) *Xin Lei* Bai Li said, "I kind of had my suspicions on Duan Deming since Ming died. Once I figured out that he was a mole, Tian Song''s identity became clear to me." I pouted. I typed. "I see. That is why you stopped me from telling about the recording to Duan Deming." He nodded. Somebody knocked on the door, and I saw Yuan standing at the entrance. "Can Ie in?" "Of course." Bai Li said. Yuan said, "I heard that you were here, so I came by to check on you. How are you feeling now?" Bai Li slowly nodded. "Better." I anxiously nced at Yuan, but he just nodded at me. "I know Xin Lei must have talked to you, but I am here as a professional. Did you remember my tips when you got that attack?" Bai Li said, "I did. I did everything you said but-" "It''s alright, Bai Li. You did well. Initially, people don''t immediately remember the methods to calm down. The anxiety consumes them so fast that it is hard to think about anything else. It is an achievement even if they did any one technique, and you tried all of them. That''s a very good start." Ha patted him on the shoulder. "If you could calm down with the tips, then that would have been excellent, but my main motive was to see how much you can remember and control your emotions in that state." Bai Li said, "I did feel a little better just for a few moments." Yuan smiled. "That''s great. Soon, your duration would increase to stay calm. Now it is a few moments; then, it would be a few minutes until eventually when you would be all fine. We will do our next session when you get some time free. Until then, practice breathing techniques and exercise daily. It helps in the long run." I thought about it. I typed. "Why don''t youe with us? Tian Song is taking us with him to meet a big brother. If youe with us, then you two will get a chance to have your next session." Yuan paused. He seemed a bit stiff. "Oh" I wondered what happened. Wasn''t he feelingfortable? I typed. "Is there a problem?" "Eh? Ah, no, no. I don''t mind. What do you say, Bai Li?" He quickly nced at Bai Li. He nodded too. "That''s a good idea." I frowned. It seemed that he was a little tense. Wait. Was he worried about big brother? Ah...now I kind of understood. But it had been a long time since our dating. I hoped big brother don''t trouble him. It was Tian Song who knocked. "Everything is ready. We will leave in thirty minutes." We nodded. "Zhang Ning is awake now. She has asked if you could meet her." "Of course." Bai Li said, "We need to talk to her." We went into Zhang Ning''s ward. She faintly nced at us and weakly smiled. Naturally, Zhang Chao was also there. "Ning" His gaze shifted at us, and he nodded. I typed. "How are you now?" She looked pale and weak. "I-I am good." I typed. "What did the doctor say?" Zhang Chao said, "Ning needs to be kept in observation for twenty-four hours. Sheshe bled a lot, so she is weak." he choked. "Dad... stop. I am fine." I nodded. He looked at Bai Li and said, "Ning just told me how you saved her again. I...I don''t think there is anything in my power to thank you enough after how you saved her thrice." Bai Li said, "I didn''t save her from getting shot. Why are you thanking me?" Yuan and I shared nces. We sighed. It was still a long way before he stops to unconsciously me himself. Zhang Chao looked at him, surprised. "But you saved her from Yi Xing again. She told me how you fought with his goons and even defeated them. If not for you, then I don''t know where that bastard might have taken her." "And" Zhang Ning said, "Bai Li... really, I don''t me you for that person who shot me. Anybody would have been helpless in your position. Please don''t be too hard on yourself." Bai Li didn''t respond. I typed. "What about Yi Xing?" Zhang Chao sneered. "He is as good as finished. He dared to kidnap my daughter. Now even Yi Xiaosi wouldn''t be able to save him. Once he wakes up, his next stop is jail." He looked at Kang Yuan and seemed as if he was sizing him up. "Who is he? I feel like I have seen you somewhere." Yuan smiled. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhang. I am Kang Yuan. I am Xin Lei''s friend and Bai Li''s doctor." The father-daughter pair exchanged nces with each other. "Doctor for what?" Zhang Ning asked. As I watched her staring at Bai Li, I felt as if she was really worried about him. "Is he hurt?" My brow twitched. Ugh...Was it okay to tell them? Zhang Chao said, "Right, I remember now. You are that famous psychologist. I have heard a lot about you." "Yes, I am that Kang Yuan. Don''t worry. Bai Li is fine." Zhang Ning looked at Bai Li, concerned. "Bai Li...what''s wrong? Why do you need a doctor?" Yuan said, "I apologize, Miss. But doctor-patient confidentiality." "Oh...I-I am sorry." "No problem." Bai Li said, "Actually, we came here to ask you something. Do you remember anything about that woman who shot you?" Zhang Chao and Zhang Ning widened their eyes. "Woman? It was a woman?" I nodded. Zhang Chao gritted his teeth. "Who was she? How dare she harm Ning!" "That''s what we want to know." Zhang Ning said, "I don''t know...I didn''t even recognize that she was a woman. I could barely see. It was all dizzy and spinning at that time." Bai Li tilted his head. "But she shot you. There must be a reason." I wondered. That woman could be the boss, but why did she shoot Zhang Ning? Shouldn''t her enemy have been Bai Li? "She said, ''Shouldn''t you know it better than me?'' when you asked her why she wanted to kill you. I think you didn''t hear it clearly in your condition, but I felt that it was personal." Zhang Ning blinked her eyes. For a few moments, she looked confused, but then she widened her eyes as if something dawned upon her. Her expression turned pale, and she looked at Zhang Chao, frightened. Zhang Chao also seemed to realize the same thing, and I saw his body stiffen and tense up. Silence. Bai Li said, "I think this silence means that you have realized the identity of that woman." Both of them didn''t look good. They seemed to hesitate, saying anything further. I typed. "If you know anything about it, then tell us. We need to know." After what it looked like much contemtion, Zhang Ning softly spoke but not to us. She asked Zhang Chao, "Dad...i-is she back?" Zhang Chao pursed his lips. "It cannot be possible, Ning. She cannot be here. There must be a misunderstanding. I didn''t get any such news about hering back." But it seemed as if he was convincing himself. "B-but, who else could it be? Only she has a grudge on me, Dad! Only she can do this" "We would appreciate it if you two stopped talking in circles and directlye to the point." Bai Li said. Zhang Ning stared at us for a long time before she slowly said, "If that person was a woman and if what Bai Li felt was true then...then it could be my... little sister, Zhang Xin." I frowned. I typed. "Zhang Xin? But didn''t you say that she is abroad for studies?" Silence again. "She is supposed to be, but" "From your tone, it doesn''t seem like she went abroad for studies." Once again, they stiffened. There was something really wrong. It was clear that there was some big secret they were hiding. Zhang Chao seemed grim. "We are sorry, but we cannot tell you about it." "Mr. Zhang. I don''t care what family secret you have, but that woman has something to do with the murders and the answer that we are looking for. So we want to know." They said nothing. "Bai Li, please try to understand-" "Take it as I am asking in exchange for saving your daughter three times. Didn''t you say you want to repay me? Telling the secret is in your power." "You" Zhang Ning bit her lip. She said, "Dad. Bai Li is right. We promised that we would give him any help if he needed it." Zhang Chao tiredly sat down on the chair beside her and rubbed his temples. "That is a long story." Bai Li and I nced at Tian Song''s direction. He inly said, "We can leave a littleter." Bai Li said, "So tell us. What secret is it about Zhang Xin?" Zhang Chao instructed his party members not toe inside the ward and disturb us until he came out. He sat back again, and so did we. "We doubt that Xin is back for revenge." I typed. "What revenge?" He took a deep breath. "Revenge about how we punished her." "Punished, why?" Liao Huifang asked. "My wife Qiyue''s death. Thirteen years ago, it was" he clenched his fingers in a fist, "it was Xin who killed her." Chapter 124: That woman (2) Chapter 124: That woman (2) *Xin Lei* There was a long stretch of silence after Zhang Chao said such shocking news. It was hardly believable. Liao Huifang had her mouth dropped wide open. Yuan furrowed his brows while Bai Li and Tian Song seemed expressionless as if it was not much of a shock to them. I looked at Zhang Ning, dumbfounded. I typed. "You said that you were twelve when Mrs. Zhang Qiyue died. By how many years is your sister younger than you?" Zhang Ning nervously said, "Two" I blinked my eyes. I typed. "You mean to say that a ten-year-old girl murdered her own mother?" Silence. Zhang Chao said in a grim voice. "I knew that it seemed unbelievable. That''s why we didn''t want to tell you. But unfortunately, it is the truth." Yuan said, "You understand that you are talking about a child, right?" Zhang Chao gave a wry smile. "Trust me. Nobody understands it better than me, Mr. Kang." It was hard to digest the fact. I couldn''t picture it. How could a ten-year-old child be so ruthless to kill her own mother? Yi Xiaosi told us that Zhang Qiyue''s death was most probably murder and that her murderer was Zhang Chao. So how did Zhang Xine in the picture? Bai Li said, "Tell us everything from the beginning." Zhang Chao looked like he was in a daze. "Ning was born three yearster into Qiyue and my marriage. Two yearster, Xin was born. We loved them equally, of course. But Xin...ever since she started to grow older year by year, her behavior was turning odd." I frowned. "Odd how?" Bai Li asked. Zhang Ning softly said, "We don''t know. It was hard to pinpoint. But she looked like...she was always dissatisfied with something. She began to withdraw from us. We tried to talk to her, but she always looked like she was in a daze. She ignored us. Then one day...when I was seven years old, I saw her cutting up my favorite doll into pieces." I raised my brow. Zhang Ning trembled. "I was so horrified. Xin was tearing apart the doll''s dress. She was cutting her hair and breaking her body, and the whole time, she had a weird smile on her face as if she was finally satisfied with something. I cried and went to Dad. But when he confronted her, Xin said, ''She was ugly looking. So I cut her up. She annoyed me.''" Zhang Chao said, "Ning was greatly affected by it. That doll was her favorite. When Qiyue came to know, she also scolded her, but Xin didn''t respond. I asked her to apologize to Ning, but she didn''t. She ran away. At that time, I didn''t take her behavior seriously. She was only five years old. I thought that she might be mad about something, so she took it out on her doll. But then she started to target all of Ning''s things. In a way, she started bullying her. But" He pursed his lips and looked guilty. "Qiuyue and my rtionship were going downhill. We used to fight a lot so that I couldn''t pay much attention to my daughters. There was my work too. I hardly got time for them." "What were the arguments about?" Bai Li asked. He sighed. "You know that I am a politician. My work methods are not always clean, and neither does other politicians have a clean background. Qiuyue didn''t like my methods. She wanted me to stop them, but I couldn''t. That was my work, and I had my own ways to do it. I couldn''t change them. So we often argued a lot. My work and the arguments with Qiuyue made me neglect my daughters." He paused. "But then, one day, something serious happened. Ning was always fond of small animals, so Qiuyue brought her a small kitten as a pet. I didn''t mind it. I thought that perhaps a pet would change Xin too. Perhaps, she would stop being so withdrawn. Things were peaceful for quite a few days. Even Xin seemed happy. But Ning came crying to me one day." Liao Huifang asked, "Why?" Zhang Ning closed her eyes. She seemed as if she remembered something painful. She slowly said, "One day, I was trying to find the kitten, but I didn''t see her anywhere in the house. I searched for it everywhere and in all corners. Through my bedroom window, I saw Xin. I could also see the kitten''s tail. I felt relieved and ran towards the garden where they were. But when I reached there" she choked, "I...I...saw her strangling the kitten." I widened my eyes. She burst into tears. Her chest was heaving up and down in breathlessness. Zhang Chao immediately held her hand. "Ning. Are you alright? Should I call the doctor?" She weakly shook her head. "I am fine, Dad." She looked at us. "I couldn''t believe it. The kitten was...dead, and she was still strangling him. I puked right there because it was so horrific. I ran towards her and pushed her away. When I looked at Xin, she didn''t feel remorseful at all. She had that same smile on her face when she broke my doll. That was the first time that I got so scared of her. She looked like a different person. I cried hard that day when the kitten died." Zhang Chao slowly said, "This was something we couldn''t bear. Qiuyue and I were so shocked. We didn''t understand why she would kill an animal like that. Qiuyue was furious. She demanded an answer from her. In response, Xin said, ''Mommy bought a kitten for my elder sister but not for me. Mommy and Daddy don''t love me. You only love my elder sister. That''s why I hated him. I wanted my own kitten too. If I cannot get mine, then elder sister cannot have one either.''" I understood. By now, it was clear that Zhang Xin was mentally unsound. Zhang Chao pressed his forehead. "Obviously, it wasn''t like that. We loved both Ning and Xin equally. Qiuyue brought the kitten for Ning because she expressed her desire to have a pet. We would have listened to Xin too. And the kitten didn''t just belong to Ning alone. Qiuyue brought him for both of them to y with. I didn''t know how Xin believed that we loved only Ning. That was the incident where I couldn''t ignore it. It was clear that Xin was...not well." Yuan said, "For a child to develop that mental state is rare if there is no traumatizing incident that may have happened in the past. I mean, every mental state has a reason. It cannot form out of nowhere and without any reason." Zhang Chao shook his head. "None of my daughters had any such traumatizing incident that happened to them. Yes, sometimes, Qiuyue and I fought, but we didn''t let that affect them. I don''t think that was a strong reason for her to develop such behavior." "Do any of your family members, yours or on Mrs. Zhang''s side, have a history of such behavior? Mental illnesses are hereditary, and they may run in families." Zhang Chao said, "Actually, yes. Qiuyue''s grandfather had bipr disorder. After much discussion, we decided to call for a psychiatrist. We really didn''t want to do that. I didn''t want my daughter to be sick. I was afraid of the oue, but I had no choice. The psychiatrist said the same thing as Mr. Kang. Since Qiuyue''s grandfather had bipr disorder, he was sure that it-it came in her genes." We didn''t say anything. After a long time, he said, "We were devastated. But the doctor assured us that he would contact the best child psychiatrist for Xin. I immediately agreed. It was also because Xin''s behavior was getting violent day by day. I didn''t want to dy it any further." I typed. "Then what happened?" "The treatment began. Xin refused to speak or cooperate in the sessions. But we didn''t give up. Qiuyue was also patient with her. She would gently try to exin it Xin was doing something wrong. We were cautious in not letting her feel that we loved Ning more. Qiuyue was very attentive to her those days. But Xin seemed to be more and more angry." Zhang Chao turned silent. "T-then came the night when Qiuyue was killed." Bai Li asked, "What happened?" "...That day Xin seemed normal. She was behaving nicely, and she didn''t seem withdrawn. We were ecstatic. We thought that the treatment was finally working, and she was beginning to change. The day went by without anything happening much. We didn''t find anything wrong with her. That night, she asked Qiuyue to sleep with her in her room. She happily agreed." He stopped speaking, and he seemed as if he couldn''t continue further. Zhang Ning sobbed. "But the next morning, Dad found M-mom dead. Her" Tears rolled out of her eyes, "t-throat was shed, and Xin was holding the knife in her hands" Chapter 125: That woman (3) Chapter 125: That woman (3) *Xin Lei* A ten-year-old daughter could actually kill her own motherit was hard for me to believe. Zhang Chao seemed distressed as he spoke again. "You can''t even understand how shocked I was. Just the day before, everything seemed alright. Xin...she seemed and behaved like any other normal child. We found hope, but Qiuyue...she was dead. She wasn''t breathing anymore. Xin was sitting at her side as if nothing happened. She was smiling as if nothing ever happened. Even I was nauseated with the scene, but Xin seemed unaffected." It was Yuan who softly asked, "You must have asked her about it. What did she say?" Zhang Chao said, "What did she say? Xin said that Qiuyue was being annoying. She knew that the psychiatrist was for her treatment, and she hated that we thought of her as sick. Qiuyue used to scold her, but after the meeting with the psychiatrist, she was more patient towards her. So she thought that something was different. And then once again...she started ming Ning. We love Ning more than her, we are partial towards her, and we only want her as our daughter." Zhang Ning seemed sad. "She thought we wanted to distance ourselves from her. Xin said that Qiuyue made her angry for thinking her as sick. She started to hate her." "That''s why she k-killed Mom! She...How could she" Zhang Ning cried. "It waster that I came to know that Xin might have inherited my Grandfather''s condition. Her mental state wasn''t right when she killed that kitten and Mom. But-but even if I knew that I couldn''t forgive her. I still cannot let it go. I lost Mom so young. I miss her so much, even now. I still me her sometimes, even though I know I shouldn''t." "Ning...it''s alright." Zhang Chao sighed. So Zhang Xin killed Zhang Qiuyue. Ah...now I see the truth behind the news of her ident. Bai Li said, "I see. Now I understand. You faked her ident to give answers to the public. You didn''t want anybody to know that your own daughter killed her." Zhang Chao stared at him and said nothing. "Zhang Qiuyue was already dead when she was in the car." He slowly nodded. "Yes...I had no option left. After all, Xin was so young. I didn''t want it to affect her future. She didn''t do it on purpose. It might be harsh, but I know Qiuyue would have wanted the same thing. That ident covered the injuries that Xin inflicted on her. Only my trusted workers know this secret. When I announced her death, I knew I would have to face backsh. I heard the rumors that were floating around that I killed my wife and covered it up with an ident. Everybody knew about our fights and arguments. Naturally, I was the main suspect. But I could do nothing." I carefully observed him but his expression said that he was serious. At this point, it was difficult for me to gauge whether he meant it or not. I narrowed my eyes. I typed. "But what about the driver who died with her? I am sure he was very much alive when he drove the car." As expected, Zhang Chao stiffened. I saw sweat forming on his forehead, and he was sping his hands in nervousness. "That... wasn''t supposed to happen." Bai Li asked, "What do you mean?" "I cannot tell you that." Bai Li smiled. "But I can already guess what might have happened. It must be one of the many secrets in your closet." "Bai Li" Zhang Ning weakly said, "T-That is not what you are thinking." "It is exactly what I am thinking. You didn''t tell the driver that you were going to leave a dead Mrs. Zhang in the car. You probably covered her neck with some cloth to hide that fatal scar. You fed him some lies that she was feeling weak, so she was sleeping or something like that. He had no idea that you had nned an ident on the way." Silence. "The esteemed Mr. Zhang Chao didn''t want anybody else to know her death. Why would the driver agree to fake an ident? It was dangerous. Things could go wrong because you wanted to show an ident serious enough to make her death believable. He might not have wanted to take the risk, and even if you fed him with money, there was a chance he might leak out the truth in the future or might ckmail you with it. So, you simply didn''t tell him. The truck collided with the car, and he didn''t even know that it was all nned. Mrs. Zhang couldn''t be any more dead, but a breathing and living person got killed." His silence admitted everything. I felt so furious at him that I wished to p the daylights out of him. I typed. "Mr. Zhang. You had no right to take innocent life to hide your wife''s murder." "I did everything to protect my daughter. It was cruel, but I was left with no choice." I looked at him in shock. I typed. "So? You wanted to protect your daughter, but didn''t that driver have his family too? Did you think about his family? His parents? His wife? His children? How could you get so selfish! A person who had nothing to do with your wife''s death died just like that! Don''t you feel ashamed!" Zhang Chao quickly said, "I gave his family a heftypensation. I didn''t leave them stranded because their breadwinner died. They are living afortable life with the money." Bai Liughed. "Mr. Zhang. If Imit a crime and for hiding it, I use Zhang Ning and kill her, and then Ie to you, throwing a cheque at your face, do you think you would be satisfied with that sort ofpensation? Would you want that money?" Zhang Chao said nothing. "Tell me. If ites to your daughter, will you tolerate that shit? It''s like you are saying, ''Thank you for letting me use his death to cover my ass. This cheque is your reward. Enjoy.''" No answer. I typed. "Mr. Zhang, you can give them money, but can your money rece his existence in their lives? Can that money give them his love?" Bai Li said, "Giving his familypensation is actually an insult to them after how you killed that man for your own benefit without even batting an eyelid. I think if his family came to know the truth, then they would have thrown the cheque back at your face." I looked at Zhang Ning and typed. "What do you have to say about this?" Zhang Ning looked pale, but I didn''t care. At this point, I could only imagine how that driver''s family would have felt devastated to learn about his death. "I agree with you." She looked at us tearfully, "Even when I came to know about it, I was angry at Dad for a long time. The man was innocent, yet he had to die just to protect my sister. But for how long would I have been furious at him? A-and if Xin hadn''t killed Mom, then nothing like this would have happened." Yuan said in a grave voice. "But that was not any way to handle a situation. Just because you have power, that doesn''t mean you will cross all your limits." Bai Li said, "Mr. Zhang, I hope youe out with the truth." "Wait, what? Zhang Chao looked shocked. "Are you crazy!" I typed. "Mr. Zhang. We are sane. And you heard him right. The man deserves justice, and his family deserves to know the truth behind his death. We cannot let this matter go." "No! It''s already been thirteen years!" "So?" Bai Li retorted. "Even if it had been thirty years, I would have said the same. You murdered him, and you want to live your life by just convincing yourself that thatpensation was enough. A life cannot bepensated with money. You legit murdered him, and you deserve punishment." I typed. "Bettere clean yourself or don''t force us to testify. We are all witnesses to your confession." I narrowed my eyes at Zhang Ning and typed. "This is what you should have done when you came to know the truth." Zhang Ning shrank back. She bit her lip. "I-I know, but I couldn''t...He is my Dad, and I had already lost my mother! I didn''t want to lose him too." She burst out into tears. "He is the only one I have now" Bai Li shook his head. "You are a politician''s daughter. You should know better than anyone else what a politician''s job is. It is to serve people. Sure everyone loves their family, but if the people like you who are meant to serve others think selfishly, then why are you even at that position?" Zhang Ning froze and said nothing. "What happened after Mrs. Zhang''s death?" Chapter 126: That woman (4) Chapter 126: That woman (4) *Xin Lei* I watched Zhang Chao''s expressions, and it seemed as if he looked withdrawn from the conversation. He didn''t seem so into talking to us anymore. It must be because we threatened him to confess about that driver''s death. But I didn''t care. Just thinking about that innocent man dragged into their family mess made my blood boil in anger. He had nothing to do with it. I looked at Bai Li, and he waited before asking in a stern voice, "Mr. Zhang. You are not done giving all our answers." "Dad" Zhang Ning slowly lifted her hand and pressed it on his. Zhang Chao sighed. He looked back at us and said, "Since Xin had be so dangerous, we kept her closely monitored. We isted her from everyone in a separate room so that she doesn''t harm anybody else. Naturally, we continued her treatment. But the more she started growing, the more it became difficult to handle her. Even the doctors had a hard time. Once when I came back from work, I heard how she got into a fight with Ning. She even hit her head with a vase in a fit of anger. Things were getting difficult to control even for me. She was eighteen when that fight happened." He rubbed his temples, and he seemed tired. "I-I had enough of it. She had already killed Qiyue. I couldn''t afford another horrifying incident like that happen to Ning. So, I sent her abroad for better treatment after discussing it with the psychiatrist. Actually, it really wasn''t a punishment. But naturally, Xin felt it that way." Zhang Ning nodded. "Yes, Xin obviously disagreed. She didn''t want to leave, and her behavior turned even more aggressive. But Dad had already made the decision. I wondered if it was right because she hated us more than before. But" "Ning, I had no choice. I thought a change in the environment would help her too. So I thought that it was for the best." I nced at Yuan, and as expected, he seemed grave. As a psychologist, he must have his opinion too. He said, "It wasn''t for the best, Mr. Zhang. If her mental state was unstable, then you shouldn''t have forced her to leave abroad. She already misunderstood that you loved Zhang Ning more than her, and then that decision must have just reinforced that belief in her that she is unneeded and unloved. Did you at least talk to her before sending her abroad?" "I did. But she wasn''t ready to listen. She thought that I wanted to abandon her. But-but what other choice did I have?" I typed. "So Zhang Xin was abroad for six years, and now two you think that she is back?" Zhang Ning nodded. "That''s what we think." "But I didn''t get any news about hering back. How can shee back when I am kept in the dark?" I typed. "Perhaps she got someone in her favor who helped her out and also kept it a secret from you." "That seems the most probable case," Bai Li said. "The disappearances of the victims started almost a year back." Zhang Chao looked shocked. "What? Do you mean that Xin might be back in the country for one year, and I didn''t even get any clue about it?" My lips curved into a smile, and I typed. "It isn''t impossible. After all, she is ''your'' daughter. She must have got that from you - tricking and using people for her own benefit." Zhang Chao angrily red at me. I knew I must have hit a sore spot, but he couldn''t retort. "You" "But Dad, do you think that Xin is behind these murders? Can she go really that far?" Zhang Chao seemed grim, but he didn''t respond. "Perhaps she hated mom, so she...but the other strangers. Why would she kill them without any reason?" I wondered. If Zhang Xin could kill her own mother when she was just ten, then why can she not kill others? They are strangers to her, after all. How difficult would it be? As for a reason, if she was mentally unstable, then perhaps she might be randomly killing them for her own satisfactionsome kind of warped logic maybe which she thought was right. But that warped reason killed Fu Meili. I recalled Fu Biyu''s crying face and Fu Ting''s deste expression. And then there was Zhang Qiyue. A stifling pain enveloped my chest. My heart ached for Zhang Qiuyue. How sad is that the daughter whom she gave birth was the one who killed her There she was trying her best to help her daughter, but what did she get in return? Death by her daughter''s hands. I didn''t know why, but my mother''s memories came shing by in my mind. Her gentle smile, the warmth in her gaze, and how lovingly she hugged me... everything felt so distant now that tears filled my eyes. She loved big brother and me so very much. She never differentiated between us. She was always there for us...just like that...silently standing beside us and loving us with everything she had. I faintly remember how nk my brother looked during her funeral. There was no expression on his face at all as if he felt no grief. But I knew what hell of a storm was inside his heart. I was the same too. Dad kept smiling for us because he didn''t want us to feel lonely. Even if I was too young, I understood that. He was bottling his own pain. He was fighting his own battle of losing his loved one, but he never once broke down in front of us. Dad always remained strong just like a mountain and loving us double than before... silently trying to give us the part of Mom''s love as well. Mom''s warmth was gone forever. She left us when I was also just nine, almost as young as Zhang Ning and Zhang Xin. In that sense, I understood how Zhang Ning must have felt. Losing one''s parent at such a young age is the most painful experience any child could go through. "Xin Lei" Yuan looked at me, and I could see the concern on his face. On my other side, I felt Bai Li''s fingers entwining against mine. I smiled and shook my head. I mouthed. "I am fine." Yuan stared at me for a while before he nodded. Even though Bai Li said nothing, I felt that he understood my pain. The way he tightly gripped my hand said his unsaid words to me. Memories are indeed a mystery. One never knows when it would suddenly grip you into the past. Bai Li shifted his gaze at Zhang Chao''s direction and said, "Find about Zhang Xin''s whereabouts. If she is indeed the killer, then she must be here." Zhang Chao slowly nodded. "I will." "Call us when you get any news about her. And" he narrowed his eyes, "don''t forget what we said earlier. You have toe out with how you hid Mrs. Zhang''s murder." "Bai Li-" "I don''t care about your reputation or that shit. But if you don''te clean, then we will have to do your job. Zhang Xin was a child when she killed Mrs. Zhang, but you were not. You were a full-grown adult capable of doing the right thing, yet you killed an innocent man." Silence. It was time for us to leave. As we stepped out of the ward, Liao Huifang exhaled a sharp breath. "Gosh, that was too much to take. It was so depressing and frightening. Just in what shit have we stepped into?" I had the same thoughts. This was way tooplicated. I typed. "Who do you think would have helped here back into the country? I mean, if she could hide for a whole year without letting Zhang Chao get any hint about it, then it must be someone powerful. I doubt she would have pulled it off all alone, especially when she was back in the country." Bai Li agreed. "Yes. She is not alone. Zhang Chao himself is so influential. But he didn''t get any wind of it. It is hard to press any news from him if it concerns him, but she did it anyway." "Maybe someone of the rival party just like Zhang Chao''s?" Liao Huifang asked. Yuan said, "Or it could be someone unrted to politics but still powerful enough like maybe a businessman." "How must have she made such a powerful acquaintance?" There were a lot of mysteries to unfold. I typed. "Do you think Zhang Chao woulde clean with it?" "Doesn''t matter." Tian Song, who stood behind me, said, "I already recorded our conversation. That is the evidence." As expected of a capable Intelligence officer. "We should go. I have already informed Zhen about you. He is waiting." I nodded. --- An hourter, we stood in front of a tall building. The way towards this building was nothing but a bumpy ride. It felt as if Tian Song was taking to another part of the world. I stared at the building. My brother was there somewhere, maybe even watching us from above. Big brother...I can finally meet you. Chapter 127: Whos next? Chapter 127: Who''s next? --- A certain bar at Dongcheng. "Yue!" The owner, a man in his mid-forties, called a young woman serving drinks at a table. She just touched twenty a few days ago. "Yes, sir." She inly said with no change in her expression. "Take these drinks and go to the first floor in the lounge. One of the man is our regr here, so be nice." Although he didn''t need to tell her that because she didn''t cause any trouble until now. Ying Yue nodded. She took the tray in her hands and walked upstairs. Yue knocked on the door. "Come in." She twisted the knob and gently pushed the door. As she entered, she saw three men sitting on the big couch with cigarettes lit in their mouths. Ying Yue furrowed her brows a bit, but she went back to her original expression in no time. She knew that customers here liked to smoke a lot, but she always detested that smell. She still couldn''t get used to that thin cloud of smoke smelled like something was on fire. It was suffocating. Ying Yue politely bowed. She was fairly new to this bar, so she wondered who was the regr of this bar. The single-seat couch on her left looked as if somebody was sitting on it a few minutes ago. There were four sses and three men on the couch. They were discussing something when they looked up at her. "Ah, here are our drinks." As she served them, she faintly heard their conversation. "Damn that boy. This is the first time that we cannot have fun." The second man gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Why did our boss listen to that boy''s request?" "I still remember how he tantly insulted us. I cannot wait that long!" "That''s why we are here to meet him." Ying Yue was impassive. The first thing she learned when she started working in this bar was not to ask any questions about any guest or whatever she heard. There were all types of people and all types of deals going under the table. She had just to serve the drinks as the waitress and keep her mouth shut. As soon as she served the third ss to thest guest in line, the man grabbed her wrist. Ying Yue didn''t show any expression. "Yes, sir?" "Don''t you know how to smile?" The man was short-tempered. He got irked for no reason. He was in a bad mood just thinking about that teenage boy, and Ying Yue annoyed him further. Now he just wanted an excuse to vent. "Why were you serving the drinks with that nk and dead expression? Are you looking down on me, you bitch?" She wasn''t affected by that curse. Ying Yue said, "I had no intention as such, Sir." "Then why didn''t you smile!?" He spoke in a much harsher tone than before. "Hey, calm down, man. Let it go." The first man snorted. Ying Yue seriously said, "When I joined here, there was nothing as such said in the rules topulsory smile while serving the drinks. Sir, this is the normal expression I work with. I didn''t look down on you." "Are you talking back to me!?" He roared and pinched her wrist harder than before. Ying Yue winced for a moment. She blinked her eyes. "Sir, I don''t understand. How is it talking back to you? You asked me two questions. I simply answered them." "Shut up!" He pulled her and forced her to sit on hisp. Ying Yue stiffened a bit. "You talk a lot." "Sir, please let me go." He sneered. "Isn''t your job to serve the guests? Do your job properly." He ced his hand on her thigh. Ying Yue calmly said, "Sir, my job is to serve drinks, not to serve your sexual gratification. That is not what I am paid for." The other two men widened their eyes. Nobody ever talked to him like that before. The man''s blood boiled in anger. He pinched her chin hard. "What will you do if I use you for my sexual gratification, you bitch?" "I will take it to the owner." The man burst intoughter. "You think he would help you?" "Yes, sir. The owner has the responsibility to take care of its employees from any harassment, and he does take it." She said it as a matter of fact. Even though the owner said to shut their mouths, that didn''t mean he let anybody harass his workers, especially the waitresses. He had rules, and every guest knew it. The owner himself belonged to the underworld once, so no guest went against him. "That will be when you will be able to leave this room after I have my way with you." Ying Yue didn''t show it on her face, but her heart skipped several beats in anxiety. He was about to tear her dress apart, but a hand grabbed his wrist. "Stop." Ying Yue took this chance and quickly stepped back. She felt relieved. She looked up to see the man who stopped him. She mildly raised her brows as she distinctly remembered him. "Rodey! Leave my hand!" Rodey tilted his head and smiled. "You know my rules, bastard." He gulped. That was right. As long as they had anything to deal with Rodey, they had to do it his way. And he had that freedom to enforce his rules because he was the right hand of the boss. "Tell me what my rule is." He said nothing. Rodey tightened the grasp on his wrist. The man''s brows furrowed in pain. He was furious, but he didn''t have the balls to fight against Rodey. "Anything but sexual harassment." Ying Yue''s eyelids slightly trembled as she recalled the past incident. ''Even if I am a viin, I have a principle. Rodey doesn''t rape women.'' "Good." He released his hand. Nobody knew why Rodey had that principle. But they just knew to follow it without arguing. Whether it be kidnapping or smuggling or anything, as long as one had to go through Rodey, they had to follow the rule. Even if they kidnapped women, they weren''t allowed to touch them. Rodey narrowed her eyes at Ying Yue, who silently stood at the side and said, "Do you need an invitation to serve my ss?" Ying Yue picked up the tray again and served him his drink. "Get out." Ying Yue bowed and left the room. As she stepped out, she didn''t move for a long time. He is the same man who killed those men. When that incident was over, she was a little fearful of the policeing at her door one day, interrogating the four deaths. Ying Yue wasn''t the type to lie. So, it was the first time a situation came where she thought she might have to. This time, it was hard, to tell the truth because Rodey had killed those men and saved her. How could she let the man who helped her go to jail because of her? But that day never came. No police cars came by, and there was no interrogation. Inwardly, she felt relieved. I think he didn''t recognize me since he didn''t react, she thought. There was no change in her expression like always. She didn''t think about it much and left. --- Inside the lounge, the first man quickly came back to the topic to ease the tension. "Rodey. You know why we came here." Rodeyzily took a drag from his cigarette. His attention was on the door for a moment before he retracted his gaze back to them. "I know." "We talked to the boss, and it also agreed on our thoughts. It has promised that teenage boy to let him live until his birthday." The second man smiled. "But that doesn''t mean that we cannot find another source of enjoyment to kill time." "So we have to find another fish who we can trap in our. As always. The same method." Rodey rested his head on his cheek. "Who is next?" The second man said, "We have shortlisted some candidates that can fall for it. But we have to expedite since we don''t have much time like we gave that woman and that boy." Rodey looked at the details with a bored expression. "Choose any one of them and get done with it." They nodded. The man who harassed Ying Yue said, "I heard that Duan Deming is caught." Rodey looked unaffected. "He couldn''t take care of a single deal." "Comes from the man who got caught by the army." Rodeyughed. "That was fun, though. It made me realize so many things." "You don''t want him out, right? After all, he has always threatened your position." "When did he threaten my position? I don''t remember. You need to see a doctor. Get out now, you three. The discussion is over." --- As the three men went out with the third one more agitated than before, Rodey leaned back on his couch and stared at the wine ss he held, alone in the lounge. After a few minutes, he picked up the phone and dialed the owner''s extension number. "Call that waitress back here." Chapter 128: Xin Zhen Chapter 128: Xin Zhen --- *Xin Lei* Tian Song led us inside the building, and as we kept on walking, my heart was racing in nervousness and excitement to meet my brother. We got out of the elevator and stepped into a room that looked more like a lounge. Tian Song stopped, and so did we. He turned and said, "Wait here for a moment." And he left. "This ce is so cool. It looks so mysterious like in the thriller movies." Liao Huifang looked around and eximed, seemingly excited. But where she seemed excited, the expressions on the two men beside me were not so good. Bai Li and Yuan looked a little - no a lot more distressed. Bai Li said, exhaled. "Now that I think about it, it finally struck me that I am meeting your brother as your boyfriend too. I was only thinking about the case in the hospital. Is he going to eat me up?" "..." I couldn''t console him otherwise. Big brother wasn''t that easygoing. "Rong Zhengsheng said that Xin Nianzu and he are pr opposites." I couldn''t agree more. "Your Dad was so nice. I think he caught onto our rtionship, but he didn''t grill me. Will your brother be nice too?" I pursed my lips. "Xin Lei, I do not like your silence." Bai Li coughed. I typed. "He is not that bad. Don''t worry. You will be fine." Bai Li''s eyebrow twitched. "Previously, you said that ''we'' will be fine and now it''s just ''you.'' Are you abandoning me, Xin Lei?" Liao Huifang cracked inughter. "Poor Bai Li. He is left all alone to fend for himself." "Shut up." I coughed and looked away in embarrassment. I nced at Yuan and typed. "Why do you look so pale, Yuan?" Yuan cleared his throat. "Nothing it''s been ten years since I met your brother, so I am just a bit nervous. After all, I was your ex." I sighed. I typed. "He is really not that bad." "So how good am I, Xin Lei?" I froze. I heard the familiar voice from behind my back. Well, not just his voice; I could feel the chills too. I shivered and straightened up. I slowly turned, and my brother''s face came into view, his tall stature brooding over me as he kept on walking towards us. He got his looks from Dad, which was so apparent with the simr brows, eyes, and lips that were just like him. On the other hand, I looked more like Mom. His gaze was sharp and alert, and a grave expression marred his handsome face. There was a light stubble grown on his chin, and I could see faint bags under his eyes. Just like Tian Song said, bro had indeed lost weight. He looked so thinner than thest time I saw him. But what worried me the most was the way he addressed me. Xin Lei. I gulped. He called me Lei Lei just like my Dad did, but when he was annoyed or furious, he would call me by my full name. I wished to run somewhere far away and nevere back. Bro stood in front of me, and I immediately hugged him. Let''s just act pitiful and calm him down. I typed. "Brother, I missed you so much! You disappeared so suddenly, and I got so worried about you." Bro stared at me with a scrutinizing gaze, and he flicked my forehead. "Stop with that drama." Ow! It hurt. I lowered my head, pouting my lips. "You are a doctor. Since when did you stop using your scalpel and start to use a magnifying ss instead? We have some vacancies. Should I hire you as a detective? After all, the doctor''s degree is wasted on you now." He sneered. Bro had a sharp tongue. In that sense, he and Bai Li were quite simr. I typed. "If you and Dad hadn''t disappeared, then I wouldn''t have to put my detective hat on." Bro didn''t respond. Instead, he looked at the others. His nce fell on Yuan first. "Hello, Mr. ex-boyfriend, who couldn''t make his rtionshipst for more than a month. Nice to meet you... again." Everybody except him and Tian Song coughed hard. I couldn''t believe bro said that! I quickly looked at Yuan, and awkwardly smiled. His smile faltered, but he still lookedposed. I internally cried. "H-hello broth-" he coughed, "I mean Mr. Xin." "Good that you realized that we are not close enough for you to call me brother." Bro coldly said. Alright. His mood was really bad. "Are you also giving up on your doctor''s job like my idiot sister and joining the investigation line of work?" My mouth twitched. "No, Mr. Xin. I am here for work only." "Oh, yes, I remember now." Then his sharp gaze fell upon Bai Li, and I already wanted to faint. He sized him up and down before it finally settled on his face. "And hello, Mr. current boyfriend, who my sister seems to ''like'' very much. Nice to meet you." "..." The emphasis on like Bai Li turned his head in his direction and said, "Hello, Xin Zhen. Nice to meet you too. About the like part, it''s not just her. The feeling is mutual." I widened my eyes and stared at him, dumbfounded. Wasn''t he nervous just a few moments ago? He didn''t seem to be bothered with the ex and current stuff. Bro narrowed his eyes at him. I broke into a cold sweat. What is this invisible pressure I am feeling? "I am not impressed." "I didn''t mean to impress you either. I am just stating a fact." Silence. I have to do something, or there would be a world war three here! I typed. "Bro. Meet Liao Huifang!" Liao Huifang seemed startled. She nervously looked at bro and smiled. "H-hello. I am Liao Huifang. I am in your sister''s care-" "My sister doesn''t have the time to babysit. Why are you tagging along? If every victim''s rtive started to tag along with her, then it would be a noisy circus. This is a dangerous case, not a pic." She froze. Bro! I red at him in disbelief. Actually, I understood that he didn''t want civilians to interfere and risk their lives but his tone Bro, you could have said with a little gentler voice. I shook my head. "This is not the way you talk to someone Zhen!" Suddenly, I heard a woman''s voice. She walked towards us, wearing a knee length business skirt beige in shade topped with a white shirt. Her hair was wavy in the ends with a streak of brown shade on it. She was beautiful. The woman sighed. "You just met your sister, and this is how you wee them?" Bro looked indifferent. She looked at me and smiled. "Hello, I am Shi Ruiling. I work with Zhen and Song. We are colleagues." I nodded. She nced at bro. "I imagined a tearful reunion, but you are such a party pooper. Who scolds everybody in the first meeting?" I held in my chuckle. "Clearly, you don''t know me enough." Bro inlymented. She rolled her eyes. "Come on in. If left to your cold brother here, then he would never let you in. He has been cooped up in his room for far too long that has forgotten the basic courtesies. Song, at least you could have reminded him." Tian Song seemed unconcerned. "My job was to bring them there. I did." She looked dumbfounded. "You two...are impossible." Shi Ruiling introduced herself to Bai Li. She suddenly squealed. "Aaaaahhh...you are the soldier! I was dying to meet you!" I blinked my eyes. Huh? Bai Li asked, "Me?" She pped her hands once. "Yes! My Dad is a soldier, too, in the army. He talks about you a lot. In fact, you know him." She giggled. "Major General Shi Jianguo." --- Dongcheng. Ying Yue once again went back to the lounge after the owner received a call. She wondered if the other three men were still inside. She entered the lounge. Rodey opened his eyes and smiled. "You seem to attract pests wherever you go." Ying Yue softly spoke. "You remember." "Of course I do. My brain and memory work just fine." She politely bowed. "I apologize for the trouble." Rodey shrugged. "I must say. Your way of dealing with trouble is quite interesting." Ying Yue was impassive. She paused and asked, "The police didn''te asking regarding those goons." He chuckled. "So naive. Do you think the police have the time to think about four worthless goons? Did you imagine me behind bars for killing them? You are indeed interesting." Ying Yue said nothing. Rodeyzily asked, "I am curious. Why are you working in a ce like this? Shouldn''t a prim and proper girl like you work in a more respectable ce?" "The pay is high here. It helps with my... family''s expenses." Rodey raised his brow. He got up and slowly walked step by step until he was just a few inches away from her. Ying Yue''s expression didn''t twitch. "Ho" he chuckled again, and as he lifted her chin, he asked, "So will you sleep with me if I pay more?" Chapter 129: Facts vs Feelings Chapter 129: Facts vs Feelings --- "So, will you sleep with me if I pay more?" Rodey had a devilish smile on his lips. Ying Yue blinked her eyes and looked confused. "Why would you want to sleep with a boring woman like me when you can pick many other interesting women?" She gently asked. "Data also shows that 66.2% of handsome men desire women more who can keep them interested enough for the men to think about having sex. The definition of ''interested'' can vary from having the ability to make fun conversations, look bold and beautiful or flirt with their partner. I don''t fulfill any of the criteria above. So, I fail to understand why would you want to sleep with me?" Rodey had half-expected her to be scared by him. He wanted to see her nervous and terrified. Obviously, it was a joke but, clearly, it wasn''t for her. Rodey pressed his forehead andughed out loud. Ying Yue calmly and expressionlessly watched himugh at her. I didn''t say any joke though, she thought. "Babe, I am talking about a one-night stand, not a rtionship where I don''t know why but two people like to live together for the rest of their lives." Rodey seemed perplexed. "Just a waste of time." Ying Yue inly said, "A study shows that people tend to get into rtionships to find simr or like-minded people like themselves so that they can live afortable life. They like thepany of those who can understand each other and their personalities." "Ah Ha Ha Ha! There is nofortable life, babe. It''s all an illusion. Understand each other? What a joke!" Rodey took a step towards her with his gaze turning dark. "Everybody is selfish and the foremost person they understand is only their own self. That''s why they want other like minded people who can probably understand their fucked up mind theirs" He chuckled. Ying Yue kept quiet. "It''s just a night. I only need your body which is attractive enough to turn me on. I don''t need you to talk or entertain me." Rodey tilted his head. "But then again, I will have to kill you after I fuck you." Ying Yue just listlessly stared at him. "You see" Rodey smiled and leaned his face closer to hers, "I don''t keep them alive to see the next day. Poor them." He took out his gun and pointed it at her forehead. "There will be a nice hole in between your brows. Round and crisp." She slightly frowned but overall her expression didn''t change. "Weren''t they innocent?" "And who said that I am a saint? I think it was already clear to you that I am a criminal. Actually, a wanted criminal at that. You know what people like us do, right? Murder, kidnapping all that fancy stuff." He chuckled. Now he expected her to be a little scared of him. Perhaps she would think that he would kill her now. But she didn''t change much. ''What is this woman exactly made up of?'' Rodey tested it more. "You know? All those women who I fucked; you should have seen their expression when I aimed my gun at them. Pure fear. They begged. They cried. They pleaded to let them live. So pathetic, isn''t it?" Ying Yue seemed to be in deep thought. "It''s not. Everybody likes to live. That is what consensus say." "Do you not fear me?" She tilted her head. "You didn''t do anything to me until now that has threatened my life. I have no reason to fear you." Rodey pressed his gun in between her brows. "Now? What if I shoot a bullet through here?" "Certainly, I will die." She inly stated. His brow twitched. "I meant do you still not fear me? Do you not fear death?" "Everybody dies at some point. Humans are not immortal." "So it wouldn''t bother you if you turn into a corpse right now?" Ying Yue softly said, "My mother would certainly be sad and disappointed about my death." Rodey enounced each word. "And. You?" "I cannot change my fate. I cannot run away from here. Bullet is faster than a human''s speed. If it''s my time to die, then I will die anyway." "Won''t you beg and cry?" "I don''t see the point in doing that. If you have decided to kill me, then it doesn''t matter how much I beg you." "Perhaps you can change my mind. How about I let you live in exchange for sleeping with me?" Ying Yue wasn''t much affected. "That would be coercion. It would be rape if I chose to live in exchange. Didn''t you say that you have a principle that you don''t rape women?" Rodey stared at her before he withdrew his gun. He sneered. "The other women should learn from you. They sleep with a criminal and then expect to see the sun rise the next day. How foolish. They be a risk which we are bound to eliminate." Ying Yue wondered. "I have a read a study-" "Why do you like to talk about data?" Rodey cut her off. "Statistics and all...ugh so boring." Ying Yue stared at him. "Numbers and data are hard facts. You cannot misunderstand it or interpret it in a wrong way as opposed to feelings." Rodey slightly widened his eyes in surprise. She lowered her head. "I fail to understand feelings. I have caused many troubles because I was like that since I was small. It is hard. But facts never go wrong. So I study as much data as possible to make my point. I rely on data because I don''t have anything else to base myments upon. And so as per my information, you shouldn''t be interested in me." Rodey curiously smiled. "On the contrary, you are making me want to sleep with you even more. Isn''t it contradicting your ''data''?" Ying Yue slightly furrowed her brows. "Certainly. ording to the data, it shouldn''t happen like that. I see. You must be an exception. Also, you shouldn''t waste your money on me. You should use it for your family." Rodey stared nkly at her for a few seconds before heughed hard. "Family? You talk about interesting things. What is a family? I never had that kind of a thing in my life." "Technically, you should since you cannot be born without your parents having sex. A mother and a father primarily constitute a family." Rodey looked at her dumbfounded. "Obviously I know that. But I still don''t have that kind of people in my life. Like I said, family and rtionships are all an illusion." He sneered. "Worthless." Rodey put his gun back. "It was fun talking to you so on that good note, I will not kill you." Ying Yue blinked her eyes rapidly. She couldn''tprehend what he said. ''Fun... talking to me? Nobody ever said that to me before. He is really strange.'' Rodey smirked. "I don''t force women but if you change your mind then do let me know. A fuck is always weed." And he winked. "For now, I have to find another woman. It shouldn''t be that difficult." As Rodey was about to step out, Ying Yue asked, "Are you going to kill her too?" Rodey turned his head and raised his brow. "If she begs me for her life, then I surely would." --- The bar owner raised his brow as he looked at Rodey. "You seem to be in a good mood." Rodey didn''t respond to it and instead said, "How much do you pay her?" He squinted his brows. "Decent enough." "Double it on my ount." The owner was surprised. "Are you for real?" "Do you think I am joking?" "Why her?" "No reason." The owner nodded. "By the way, that woman over there was eying you the whole time." Rodey saw the woman and noticed that she was seductively looking at him. He smirked. --- An hourter, Ying Yue changed back from her uniform to her normal clothes. She politely bowed towards the owner. "Wait. Take this." The owner handed her a cheque. Ying Yue took it and noticed the amount. "Sir. You have made a mistake. The amount is double than what I am paid for." "Such honesty." The ownerughed. "Can you write another cheque?" "The cheque is just fine." "But the amount" "That is fine too. That is your new sry from now on." "Why?" "Don''t ask more questions and just take it." Ying Yue was in a dilemma. "I cannot take it." "I am the boss. I decide things here." She pursed her lips. "Just know that you have earned it. Nothing shady there." Ying Yue slowly nodded. She was still in a trance, holding that cheque. She heard some soft noises in an alley. Ying Yue frowned. She saw that it was Rodey and a woman, partially naked with their clothes messed up. "Rodey...how about we date?" She seductively bit her lower lip. "We are perfect for each other." Rodey smiled. "Didn''t we decide that it was a one time fuck thing?" "And if we date we can fuck many times~~" Rodey leaned towards her and that woman looked excited. "Sure darling." In the next moment, her eyes widened and she lowered her head to see blood trickling from her stomach. "R-Rodey" "How about you find someone in hell?" Rodey chuckled. He pushed her away and she copsed on the ground. He turned and saw Ying Yue staring back at him. "And hello again." He smiled. Chapter 130: The deal that took place in Tianjin Chapter 130: The deal that took ce in Tianjin --- *Xin Lei* Shi Ruiling took us inside a big room where we finally settled down. There were only a handful of people present who were talking just a moment ago, but the second we entered, they scurried away to their desks as if they saw a monster and buried their heads in theputer seriously doing some work. "..." What happened? "I saw that," said bro, icily ncing at everybody. "S-sorry, sir. We didn''t realize the time-" But bro cut him off. "Five minutes past break time, and you still didn''t realize it? If you didn''t realize it for a whole 300 seconds, then should I send you all back to school to learn how a clock works? Clearly, you are notpetent enough for the job where time is precious." Nobody said a word. I could see the pitiful looks they were giving to him, but bro didn''t budge. "Five minutes is not that long" Liao Huifang softly murmured. "Exactly why you need people to babysit you. Dilly dally in a dangerous situation and then expect others to save you like a damsel in distress." Bro shot a re at her. She froze and shut her mouth. She pursed her lips and showed a wronged expression. "Forget it, Zhen." Shi Ruiling waved her hand. She pped her hands towards the people. "Back to work now, everybody." "You are spoiling them, and that is why they don''t learn." He sternly said. I typed. "Bro, you are acting like a strict school principal." Bro narrowed his eyes at me, and I regretted saying it. He sneered. "So how should I act? Like you? Ditzy and carefree, who pokes her useless nose in other people''s business when her job is in the operation theatre? You and Dad are enough. If I would be like you, then our family is doomed." "..." Liao Huifang coughed from my side. "Ahem!" Shi Ruiling quickly turned towards Tian Song and said, "Song- oof! I still call you by that name." She shook her head. I frowned. I typed. "Still meaning?" It was Bai Li who replied. "Tian Song is not his real name. He was undercover, so that was the name he used. When I realized that, I was sure that that was not his real name." Oh yeah...of course. Why would he use his real name in an undercover operation? "What happened to your intellect, Xin Lei? Have you fed to the dogs? I didn''t expect that you couldn''t realize such a simple thing. That man is smarter than you. Have some shame." I sobbed. Why is bro''s mood so bad? If he learned that Bai Li had decoded that code first that he sent me in the beginning, warning that there was a corrupt cop in the police, then he would chew me alive! I looked at Tian Song and typed. "What is your real name?" "Luo Zhiqiang." "Zhiqiang means that ''the will is strong.'' Nice name." Liao Huifang muttered. She cleared her throat as I nced at her. "Just ament." "Is the chit chat over?" Bro coldly asked. Shi Ruiling sighed. "Seriously, Zhen, youare no fun at all." "Then go to an amusement park if you want to have fun." Shi Ruiling''s expression seemed sour. As we sat down, Bai Li said, "I remember now. Major General said to me once that he has a daughter." "I am the same. I am the same." She smiled. "He talks on and on about you. Clearly, he is a doting parent. I see. So you work with the Intelligence." "Yeah. Dad asked me to join the army, but I felt morefortable doing this job than the frontlines." We nodded. "And by the way, he talks on and on about you too." She giggled. "You are the best soldier that he ever got to work with. That is why he is so invested in proving you innocent. Not only him, but Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan treat you with a lot of respect." I smiled. "Major General is hyping things up really" I patted his hand. Hehe, he seemed embarrassed. Then suddenly, bro said to me, "Xin Lei. Sit here beside me." "..." I followed his gaze and saw that his face was ugly, looking at my hand on top of Bai Li''s. I coughed and quietly withdrew it. He sneered. "Have your legs got frozen? Now you got a problem sitting with your brother? Is he more important now? I see, sisters really be useless after falling in love." Bai Li said, "He is right, Xin Lei. After all, you have met him after so long. While we have been ''together'' for the past few days. Obviously, he has been missing you." "Who is missing her?" He coldly shot back. It suddenly felt so chilly now. Naturally, it was because of bro. His expression was not...good. Shi Ruiling quietly signed me to sit beside bro, and I did. I grinned and kissed him on his cheek. He snorted, but his mood looked a little better. I typed. "Bro, why did you disappear all of a sudden?" "I had to. We got whispers about illegal dealingseverything from moneyundering to drugs. When we investigated, we realized that this wasn''t something small. There were a lot of transactions going on secretly. The gang used some unique method to make the deals, and the gravity of certain deals was so big that we knew a powerful person was behind it." "Yes." Shi Ruiling nodded. "This was a dangerous mission, so our Chief decided to let us go missing. We could fool the culprits for a long time, but I think they still doubted that the Intelligence is entirely out of the investigation. So just like how Duan Deming acted like a cop, they must be thinking along those same lines that we must be secretly carrying out our investigation too. "Plus, it was dangerous. There were high chances that they could attack our family members. So even I cut off all my contact with Dad. I think he understood it because he didn''t try to interfere and find out my whereabouts." Bai Li said, "Yes, he must have. That''s why he didn''t talk about you when I metst time in the hospital." She nodded. I typed. "And Dad?" "I cannot believe he let himself get kidnapped. He is getting old." Bro sneered. "But well, he escaped, so I think there is still some spark left. Actually, the day he escaped, I had already nned with Zhiqiang to raid the base." Ah, that day when our pictures were out as wanted criminals. It was the same day we attacked Gen Gen''s base too. "But his kidnapping made me realize that the work method was the same. Gen Gen was involved in illegal dealings too. And he kidnapped Dad. So we understood that the same gang does the kidnappings of the victims and these dealings. That is what happened in Tianjin." Bai Li asked, "What did we exchange in the deal?" Bro quietly stared at him and asked him, "What do you think?" "Xin Lei said that there were some foreigners and Asians. The Asians looked like Koreans. So I think that they were from North Korea." "Why that ce?" "Because South Korea is really an advanced country. North Korea is always at loggerheads with South Korea, and it always searches for some leverage that would put their country above South Korea. South Korea is greatly advanced in technology, so I bet they would want something on simr lines from China topete with them and raise their ce higher than them in the world. Yi Xing''s assistant, Zhao Wenyan, handed a small case to the clients, which I am pretty sure could be a USB that might contain some of our innovative technologies. If North Korea could produce something new in technology, then it would be advantageous to them." "And the foreigners?" "Xin Lei said that she heard them speaking Russian. So, they are from Russia. Russia is one of thergest arms exporters, second only to the USA. The Russians handed Zhao Wenyan a big bag, and they were loading more from the ship by which they came. The bag must contain arms and weapons of thetest manufacture and technology. Perhaps, we were giving them our technology, and in exchange, Russia was supplying us with arms and ammunition, while for North Korea, they might have negotiated some rights to China. Maybe givingnd for setting the gang''s base there to expand their scope of operations or a say in their country''s politics." I smiled and felt proud of Bai Li. I grinned at bro. Bro dryly said, "He was Major in the Army. He could at least deduce that much." I pouted. "And while you are staying away and dumb from the political affairs, you couldn''t open your mouth at all to contribute in the conversation." I bit my lip hard and shrank back in my seat. I typed. "What is the technology that China was going to give them?" Suddenly, Liao Huifang''s phone buzzed. She looked through it and eximed. "Finally! It''s Qi Qiang. Didn''t I say about him, who is my University friend?" I widened my eyes. Bai Li asked, "Did he reply to you?" She nodded. "Yes! Qi Qiang said that he wants to talk to us." Chapter 131: The dark side of the Internet Chapter 131: The dark side of the Inte *Xin Lei* "Who is Qi Qiang?" Shi Ruiling asked. I typed. "He is Liao Huifang''s friend. She had asked him to find about the FriendsChat app through which Duan Deming trapped Liao Chuntao." "Yes. He studies in the Computer and technology department. He knows about this inte stuff, so I asked his help." Liao Huifang nodded. Luo Zhiqiang slowly said, "We can take his help to tally what we have found until now." Bro nodded. "Bring theptop and connect the call to our system." "Right." We set theptop, and Liao Huifang connected her phone to it for the video call. In a few seconds, we saw a young boy looking back at us, wearing headphones. His hair was a little wavy, and he was quite fair. He wore square spectacles, and I could see a light stubble on his chin. There were bags under his eyes, which said that he might be working on theputer for too long. "Qi Qiang!" Liao Huifang eximed. "Hey. I- Woah." He looked at all of us and looked puzzled. "When did you join together with so many people?" "More like she forcefully tagged along." Bro coldly replied. He looked nk for a moment. "Ah yeah...I get it now." Qi Qiang nodded as if he hit a realization. "What do you get, Qi Qiang!" Liao Huifang furiously yelled. "That you are annoying and clingy. You must have forced them to take you with them, right?" I giggled and nced at her. She bit her lip and I saw her face flushed probably in embarrassment. "No need to dig into that stupid!" He snorted. Bai Li chuckled. "Such a lovely camaraderie." "It is not." "It is not." They both said simultaneously. Liao Huifang then introduced him to all of us, and he nodded. I typed. "Why did it take you so much time to respond?" Qi Qiang looked at me, surprised. "Why are you talking through the phone?" Ah But before I could say anything, Bro frostily stared at him and said, "Any problem if my sister cannot speak?" Qi Qiang seemed afraid of bro. He seemed nervous and startled. I sighed. He coughed and looked awkward. "Ah, I didn''t realize...I am sorry" He apologized. I smiled and shook my head. "W-well back to the topic. I was busy digging information about the app. When Liao Huifang told me about it, I thought that it wouldn''t be that of a big deal, but as I investigated further, I realized that things were way tooplicated. I lost track of time, and I waspletely cooped up in my room. This app FriendsChat is something really fancy but in a very dangerous way." Bai Li asked, "How?" Qi Qiang opened his mouth, but he shut it again as if thinking something. "How much do you know about the inte?" Bai Li was the first to say. "I am a noob." I typed. "I don''t know much in detail." Liao Huifang sheepishly smiled. "I know only about art and drawings." Luo Zhiqiang said nothing. Shi Ruiling said, "I guess I have quite a knowledge about it." Bro said, "Same." He nodded. "So, for Liao Huifang, Sis Xin Lei and Bro Bai Li, let me exin simpler terms. Tell me. How do you find a house? If you want to visit somebody, what do you do if you don''t know the way?" "We ask for the address." Bai Li said. "Street or road name, the name of the apartment or the building, block number, city, etc." "Right. The Inte works the same way. It is not something physical as a house. You cannot take a taxi and reach a destination like a physical home. Just like all ces have a distinct address, the millions of websites on the Inte have an address too. A virtual address, which we also call it as a website URL or an IP address. For example, or . These URLs are called Uniform Resource Locator, and just like a physical address, they take us to the website it''s intended to use for. So, when you type, , in the address bar, it takes you to the Google homepage simr to reaching the house." We nodded. I typed. "What about FriendsChat? We typed it in the browser and app store and tried to find it everywhere, but we couldn''t find it on the Inte." "Of course, you wouldn''t find it." "Why not?" Bai Li asked. "What if you cannot find the house?" Qi Qiang asked. "Maybe the address is wrong." "Or maybe the ce is so well hidden that it isn''t visible to you even if it''s still there. What kind of ces are they?" Bai Li narrowed his eyes. "The ces which one doesn''t want them to be found. Like the ck market." "Exactly. They are present, but they cannot be found, and that is the same case with the Inte. To understand it, you need to know what the Inte is mainlyposed of. There are three main parts by which the Inte is made of - The Surface web, the Deep Web, and the Dark Web." I felt chills run through my spine as I heard it. It sounded something very sinister. "Now, the thing is that most of the websites ''want'' to be found. They work hard to increase their visibility on the Inte, like maybe a fashion website or emerce, and so on where they want maximum users to visit them and carry out transactions. And you find these sites using Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. So, it''s basically a matter of search engines finding these sites and putting it before you." I slowly nodded. "These websites belong to the surface web where they are open to all. You type it in the search engine, and you find them. This makes up around 10% of the Inte and includes everything and anything that can be found via search engines like Google. Things like Facebook, Amazon, and Wikipedia are all part of the surface web." Bai Li murmured. "Right" "Now imagine an iceberg. Only a tip of it is visible above the water. That is the surface web. The rest of the huge mass of that iceberg is below the water. That is what 90% of what the Inte is made up of - Deep Web and Dark Web, which is hidden from everybody." "What about the search engines?" "That is when wee to Search Engine Optimization or SEO. That is what makes the website visible on your searches. Imagine a. SEO can only catch those websites that have visibility like some sort of rock with pointed spikes. If you cast a, it can easily hook through them and bring them out. But if a piece of rock is absolutely smooth with no rough edges and spikes at all, then will that hook on to it?" I shook my head. "That''s how the Dark and Deep Web is configured. They are smooth so that the-like search engines, don''t hook onto them at all. The search engines cannot index them so they are invisible to others. Deep Web isn''t easily essed without passwords. This can include things like your email ount, pages you use to do online banking,pany servers, and so on. They just have broken links hovering in the space. While the Dark Web is like the ck market, you mentioned earlier. The users there don''t want themselves to be found. So they hide behind anonymous virtual walls. Everything from pornography, drugs, kidnapping and murder, weapons on sale, credit card scams can take ce through Dark Web. Theypletely go undetected by SEO." "I see. So FriendsChat belongs to the Dark Web." "Yes. It is hosted there, and that''s why you weren''t able to find it." I typed. "So how did the FriendsChat app reach Liao Chuntao, Chu Jie, and the other victims?" Qi Qiang said, "Because if the users or whoever is operating it wants to, then they can send fake emails to their victims to visit the page. They can configure the settings so that their intended target can ess their site. If that person didn''t respond after a certain time limit passes, then they might delete that mail and all traces from the inbox of that victim. But I think they already choose targets such that they are sure that they fall for it. Plus, there are also people who hover in many online forums. Through them too, the culprits can know what they want and what they can offer them to fall for their trick." We paused and thought about it. "Like Sister Chuntao. She might have made ounts on dating websites or have inquired in forums on how to be more of an extrovert. The culprits might have noticed it and thought she could be an easy target if they yed it right. Or Chu Jie. He might have ranted somewhere on how he is being bullied in the school or how his parents pressurize him for studies, so ordingly, they targeted his weak side." Chapter 132: Black market of the Internet Chapter 132: ck market of the Inte *Xin Lei* Bro slowly nodded as Qi Qiang finished. "That is what we concluded too. When Zhiqiang told us about that app when he raided Gen Gen''s base, we got into searching, and when we didn''t find the app, we naturally thought of the Dark Web." Qi Qiang nodded. "Yup. The Dark Web is the inte''s ck market. But it is not necessarily bad." Bai Li asked, "What do you mean?" "Dark Web gives anonymity, so naturally, it is a boon for criminals. But it is also used byw enforcement for secretmunication or exchange information. Many journalists hide their identities to dig in for details for crime reports and all." Shi Ruiling nodded. "He is right. Though not often, we have used to gather intelligence about our different missions if we had to. But we use it sparingly." I typed. "How do you ess the Dark Web if one really has to?" "Actually, getting into the Dark Web is easy. You need a dark web browser like Tor. You download it, and you navigate through it as you do in other search engines. The only difference is that the URLs end .onion instead of . Onion because that''s what Tor stands for - The Onion Router. The dark web is just like the onion with itsyers andyers that you have to deal with." That was pretty interesting actually, the symbolism that is. Pretty apt. Liao Huifang said, "I think my brain will burst with all this information." "Well, you already have the deficiency of that, so no wonder." Qi Qiang shrugged. "Shut up, Qiang!" He shrugged and said, "Back to the topic, though Dark Web is easy to ess, it''s a whole another story to find something inside the Dark Web like the FriendsChat. That needs skills. That is not easy. People over there also frequently change their addresses, so it bes whole dynamic stuff hopping from one ce to another. It doesn''t sit in just one ce. That''s why I couldn''t respond to your messages. I was trying to ess FriendsChat through the Dark Web, and that is not easy because even though my identity would be anonymous, I don''t want to be caught by that group, trying to find their whereabouts. I was engaged in working about a series of codes to get down to their app." "Were you able to?" Bai Li asked. He half nodded. "I am still trying though I am very near to it. I have written my own software, and I am perfecting it. There are still some calctions to be done. You see, The Dark Web is like a whole another world. Just like how we have some customs and methods, the Dark Web has it too. That is what you do right when you visit a new country? Learn its culture before you go there. You need to know about the culture in the Dark Web, too, or else it''s easy to get fooled. Once we get ess to the app, we can see their chat records and possibly find a clue about their location." I anxiously typed. "what about Chu Jie and Cocoa?" "Once we enter their app, we can find out about them too, provided if the gang may have spilled his location sometime before on the app. If they would have discussed it over the chat or their forum, then we can get a chance to ess their records." Shi Ruiling eximed. "That''s so cool! You wrote your own software." Qi Qiang looked proud. "Well, it still needs some work, but it''s almost done." Bai Li said, "So what the gang does is that they send out fake emails pretending to be legit so that the victims fall for it. Once they enter FriendsChat, somebody from their side acts like their friend or lover or whatever the victim needs them to be. They gain their trust, and then somehow convince them to meet that person. Then he or she takes the victim to their base and kills them." Luo Zhiqiang said, "It''s the same with the deals. The same gangmunicates to the other parties or clients using this forum andpletes the transactions. Through that, they discuss the ce to visit andplete the rest of the deal." Bro coldly said, "We are trying to trace the locations from where they essed the forum and did all the deals. Our team is working on it, but as the boy said, it''s difficult to find them. Even with the state of the art technology, it is difficult. Naturally, the culprits also seem to be well versed with this stuff." He narrowed his eyes at Qi Qiang, and he straightened up. "Y-yes, sir?" "How about you work with our tech team?" I was surprised. Qi Qiang''s eyes brightened. "Really? It would be my honor. Chinese Intelligence has some really cool stuff, and I can learn a lot from your team." He nodded. Shi Ruiling seemed to agree as well. "That''s a great idea. If you worked together, your software would be finished much earlier, and our team can help you in testing out for any vulnerabilities as well." Qi Qiang furiously nodded. I nced at Bai Li, and he seemed grave. "So they kidnap people and kill them while also carrying out the illegal dealings with other countries in the background." I typed. "But the question is why? Why do they kill them? What is the purpose?" "Wait. When we visited the base in Langfang, Natural Park, we got a video recording, right?" I nodded and typed. "It wasn''t working, though." Bro said, "Show it to me, idiot. You should have done so from the beginning." "..." I handed him the small camera. He squinted his eyes and thoroughly checked it but not before wearing the gloves. "The footage can be retrieved. Zhiqiang. Give it to the team to restore the data in it. Also, take theptop and introduce Qi Qiang to our team." Luo Zhiqiang took it and went out. "We can know what they did to their victims in that base and their purpose behind these scams." I typed. "I hope we find out about Chu Jie and Cocoa sooner. Time is ticking by." Bai Li said, "...Yes. But cocoa...he is there with him. He wouldn''t let anybody hurt Chu Jie." He smiled, but I sensed loneliness and a hint of worry for Cocoa in his gaze. Yuan said, "Don''t stress, Bai Li. Stay positive, and everything would be fine." He nodded. Bro sneered. "Ho...what a beautiful camaraderie between the ex and current boyfriends. I am so touched." "..." Yuan said, "I am just trying to help him." "And, are you sure that there might not be any lingering feelings that would stop you from truly helping him?" I red at bro. I signed. "That was not a nice thing to say!" "Truth always hurts, little sister." Bro shrugged. "It''s alright. I don''t mind. Actually, that''s a logical conclusion considering the situation but rest assured, I will not ever mix my personal and professional affairs. Plus, Xin Lei and I are just friends now." Kang smiled. "It better be that way." I sighed. Shi Ruiling shook her head "Let''s just hope that they don''t try to contact any other target before we crack their base." --- Dongcheng. After disposing of that woman''s body he just fucked, Rodey walked up to Ying Yue and smiled. "Hey, babe." Ying Yue didn''t know what to think. She just stood frozen to her ce. "She didn''t fulfill her promise, so you killed her." Rodey leaned on the wall. "What promise?" "You cleared to her that it was just a one time...one time" she lowered her head as she never said those vulgar words in her life. "One time fuck?" Rodey sneered. Ying Yue abruptly nodded. "But she asked for a rtionship. You didn''t like it, so youDid you kill the other women too because they asked you out?" "I don''t like someone who cannot understand such a simple thing like one-night stand. How difficult is it? One night of pleasure and then move on." "You could have just ignored her." "What''s the fun if I ignored her?" Silence. "She might have a family who could be depended on her for their living." "She should have thought about it before trying to cross her limits. Just look at her and me. Was she worthy of me?" Heughed sinisterly. Rodey took a step forward and whispered. "Pretend you never saw it, and you can live to see the next day, okay?" He walked away. --- The three men who met Rodey in the bar separated on a sidewalk and went their own ways. But the third man who tried to harass Ying Yue walked a distance before he stopped. He took out his phone and saw at Ying Yue''s picture that he secretly captured it after he left. She was working, serving drinks at a table. He sneered and licked his lower lip. He opened his call log and dialed a number. "I have found our next target. I want her captured by hook or by crook. And then" He slurped his tongue over his lips. "Before our usual fun, I will have some quality time of my own with her. I can''t wait to pin her beneath me and make a mess of her." Chapter 133: Their mothers memories Chapter 133: Their mother''s memories --- *Xin Lei* Till bro''s team was working on restoring data from the video camera we found, everyone else was chatting around. I went to Bai Li''s side and hugged him. "I like your brother. He is cool." He chuckled. I widened my eyes in surprise. I typed. "Are you for real?" He shrugged. "Why not? Actually, I find him to be an ideal big brother. Most of the brothers really dote on their younger sisters. Not that it''s wrong, but they really don''t do anything even if their sisters act spoiled. I like men who can toughen up for their sisters and daughters. Xin Zhen loves you, but he also scolds you if he finds that youck somewhere. That kind of rtionship is nice" I giggled. I type. "I don''t think any other man would have talked like this about his potential future brother-inw considering the way how he treated you at the entrance." "Ah, that. I don''t mind. Well, brothers are also protective of their sisters, so it''s reasonable. Everybody is on guard when ites to sister/daughter''s boyfriend. I have to win his heart, and we will be good buddies in no time." I coughed. Buddies...I wonder. But I imagined Bai Li and bro acting like ''buddies,'' and somehow, the image of my bro made me shudder. Bai Li wrapped his hands around my waist and kissed my forehead. "By the way, was your Mom strict? Does Xin Zhen resemble her personality-wise?" I typed. "No ways! Mom was very warm and gentle. Even if she scolded us, it felt so loving and caring. She hardly got that angry." He frowned, and I could sense his curiosity as he asked. "But your Dad doesn''t seem to be that strict too. So howe Xin Zhen is so cold? Personality-wise, he doesn''t seem to resemble your Mom or Dad." I thought about it and typed. "Actually, Bro wasn''t always like that. He was still quiet and reserved even when he was a boy, but he smiled a lot and was sometimes carefree like other boys his age. But since Mom''s death, he changed. From that day, we stood in the cemetery for Mom''s funeral, bro wasn''t the same anymore. He became more withdrawn, and since then, he was always like that." The memories of my mother once again made me feel a bit mncholic. I felt Bai Li''s hand on the back of my head, and he pulled me in his embrace. I smiled, and I felt tears filling my eyes. I typed. "Bro and I would alwayspete for Mom''s affection. He would always tease me by saying that Mom loved him more than me." I heard Bai Li softly chuckle. "Typical of any older sibling. Wait. Did he tell you that you were adopted?" Iughed and felt my eyes turn sore. I typed. "Yes, he did. How did you know?" "I could guess that. All older siblings love to y that prank on their younger siblings." I typed. "He did. He said that Mom and Dad picked me from near a trash can and adopted me since I was pitiful. I was only four years old when he told me that, and like any other naive kid, I believed him." I felt Bai Li''s hand brushing through my hair. It felt so nice and peaceful. His sturdy hold on meforted me. "What happened then?" I typed. "I cried hard. I really thought I was adopted, and then guess what?" "What?" I giggled and typed. "I ran away from home." "What!?" Iughed and typed. "Yes. I loved bro and looked up to him, and so I believed his words. I didn''t bother to ask Mom and Dad because I thought, why would bro lie to me? But then bro found me in a sh because I hid in my usual spot in the park where we yed. I was crying. He panicked and scolded me. "Are you stupid to believe that? Idiot! You are my real sister! Don''t believe everything so easily! You will be eaten by the wolves one day!" He told the truth, and that was the only time he begged me not to say this to Mom or Dad." "I can imagine. If they learned that a four-year daughter ran away, any parent would panic." he chuckled. I nodded and typed. "But they still found out. We tried to behave normally as best as we could when we returned, but I had cried so hard that Mom immediately noticed it. After much questioning, bro had toe out with the truth." "And how did they react?" I typed. "Hehe~~Dad gave him a nice beating, and Mom forced him to kneel on the durian for a long time." I recalled Mom''s angry words as sheshed out at bro. ''You do not y pranks like that, young man! What if somebody had kidnapped her when she ran away! There are many bad people around. Kneel on the durian and reflect upon your actions!'' I typed. "I enjoyed seeing Bro''s pitiful state like that." Bai Li cupped my face and smiled. "You have a good family. I would have loved to meet your mother." My eyes brightened, but the vision of Bai Li in front me turned a little blur with my tears. I typed. "En. I am sure that she would have definitely liked you a lot." Bai Li felt his way and slowly pressed his thumb on my cheek, wiping the tear away. "It must be hard on your family after she...left. I am sorry for making you sad." I kissed his hand and shook my head. He pulled me in his embrace again and tightly hugged me. I typed. "If you don''t mind, then can I ask you about your parents?" "Sure." "How were they? Bai Li chuckled. "My mom was really...how can I say...she was very clumsy. Half of the time, she crashed into something or someone while walking her way. The only thing Dad was busy for the entire day was to make sure that she didn''t get into an ident." Iughed. "Dad doted on her a lot. He even despised me a little because he thought I stole Mom from him ever since I was born." Aww, that is so cute. "Mom was clumsy and a little forgetful too. But she liked cooking a lot. She made the most delicious food. Everybody in our neighborhood was a fan of her food." I typed. "My mom was the opposite. She liked to cook and was very orderly about things but her cooking skills well...But she always tried her best. We knew that. It was usually Dad who cooked most of the time while Mom would sometimes learn some new recipes." Bai Li smiled as I looked up at him. "Wouldn''t it have been perfect if our Moms had met? Mom had opened her own small cooking ss, but as I said, she was clumsy. You can just imagine the mess she made while teaching. Her ss was moreedy than a cooking session. Haha. Your mom would have taught her about orderliness while my Mom would have taught her how to cook. It would have been a fantastic duo." I grinned. That would have been perfect. But now that I remember, Mom did use to attend a one cooking ss. She was hell-bent in improving herself as she felt terrible for letting Dad cook most of the time. I forgot the name of that cooking ss, though. I was really young, maybe four or five, when Mom started. I typed. "What was the name of your Mom''s cooking ss?" Bai Li smiled. "Yixi''s Home Cooking. Bai Yixi was my mother''s name." I frowned and tilted my head. Was that the ss? I would ask Dad sometimeter. He would surely remember it. "Xin Lei!" A dangerous voice suddenly came from behind my back. I jumped, feeling startled. I turned and looked at my bro, whose expression was sour and ugly. Oops...did he see us getting intimate? Oh, God! I sobbed. I could hear him gritting his teeth in annoyance. "Do I need to remind your pea-sized brain that I haven''t yet epted Bai Li? Keep your distance, youngdy." His voice sounded as cold as the Arctic. Bai Li coughed. "We were just hugging." Bro sneered. "Yes, of course. Now you are just hugging and kissing, and tomorrow, you two will be rolling naked in the sheets together. Do you take me as an idiot? I know how it works." I wanted to puke three liters of blood. Rolling naked in the sheets? Oof! Bro really had no filter in his mouth! "Your brother is really something else" Bai Li whispered. I agreed a hundred percent. "Zhen!" Shi Ruiling stepped in, holding her hands on her waist and ring at bro. "How could you talk like that! Xin Lei is your sister, and Bai Li could be a part of our family in the future. Talk like a respectable brother-inw." She hit him on the shoulder. Hm? Our family? I rapidly blinked my eyes. Perhaps bro understood my confusion, so he said, "She said it right. Our family. Shi Ruiling is my girlfriend." Chapter 134: The victims fate (1) Chapter 134: The victim''s fate (1) *Xin Lei* Bro and Shi Ruilingpletely took me aback by this news. I stared at them, dumbfounded. That was... awesome. Bai Liughed. "I seeThat''s why you said that you know how it works. First, hugging and then rolling in the sheets together? You have that experience, oh great Xin Zhen." "Hahaha! Bai Li. You hit the nail on the head!" Shi Ruiling threw back her head andughed loudly. I coughed and nced at bro. Sure enough, he seemed ugly. He gave a threatening nce to her, but she seemed unaffected. "What? Didn''t he tell the truth?" She tiptoed and kissed his cheek. "... Darling~~." "You! That is our personal affairs!" Bro pushed her away. "But, we are all family!" She pouted. Bro sneered. "Bai Li is yet to be. Don''t test my patience." I was still in a daze. Seriously...my bro has a girlfriend. He is in a rtionship. Aaaahh, that is so cool!! My gaze brightened, and I looked at Shi Ruiling. I rapidly typed. "So, you are my sister-inw!" "Isshhh" She grinned and looked embarrassed. She hooked her arm around bro''s and said, "Right, Zhen?" Bro looked indifferent and snorted. I typed. "Oof bro! Why are you still so cold? Shouldn''t you be excited to introduce us? When did this happen? Where did you meet? How? Who confessed first? Tell me everything!" Bro coldly said, "This is not the ce for that chat, idiot. There are ces where-" Shi Ruiling shook her head. "Yes, yes, Mr. school principal, we get it. Tsk. So boring." Bro''s eyebrow twitched. I pouted. I typed. "Does Dad know about it?" Shi Ruiling scratched her head. "Well, I met him once through the video call. I said I was his colleague and we didn''t behave suspiciously or said anything about our rtionship, but I think...he has caught onto us. He didn''t say it, but I think he doubts that we are together." Bai, Li nodded. "Just like Xin Lei and me. When we talked, I kind of sensed that he knows. Well, congrattions to you two. I think you are a perfect match." I furiously nodded. Bro sneered. "Heh! This buttering is not going to help you impress me, soldier." Bai Li chuckled. "I genuinely mean it. You are so cold like ice, while Shi Ruiling is like a gentle spring in your life. Like I said, a perfect match. She wouldpensate for your gloomy nature with her cheerful smiles." I burst intoughter. "Exactly!" Shi Ruiling pped her hands once. "Ah, Bai Li. Dad is so right about you. You are awesome." "There are already way too many carefree people here. We don''t need more." I noticed bro shooting deathly res at Bai Li. It seemed more hostile than before. I wonder what is going on. I will ask Shi Ruilingter. Hmph. Bro, is no fun. Bro cleared his throat. "And this is not the time for any love talk. I came here to tell you stupid souls that we have restored the data from the video. Let''s go." The atmosphere turned serious, and Bai Li and I nodded. We assembled in the main room again, where Luo Zhiqiang and Liao Huifang set up the monitor. Luo Zhiqiang said, "The quality is a little hazy and distorted, but we can still roughly see the recording." He switched on the recording, and the picture materialized on the screen. It was the same base as Natural Park. It was quite dark, and we saw a woman in the center. As I kept on watching, I ryed the happenings to Bai Li too. There were people around her, murmuring and chuckling. There were the same chairs we saw in the base, and in that video, everybody had taken their seats. We could only see the backs of all those people present. It was dark, so their faces weren''t clearly visible. Then suddenly, a source of bright light shone on the woman. "Aaah" she faintly whispered. "Ooooohhhh, she is waking up." The woman slowly raised her head and looked around. It wasn''t Liao Chuntao. Perhaps, it was some other innocent victim. She blinked her eyes as she seemed to try to adjust to the light. "What is happening? Where am I?" "A ce where we have lots of fun, darling." I shuddered with the way that man talked. I felt an ominous feeling rising in my chest. The woman now seemed to bepletely awake, and she frantically looked around again. "This where am I?" Then I suddenly heard a robotic voice. It didn''te from any of the men sitting there. Bai Li murmured. "That voice...it sounds like somebody else is behind those men who is talking." I nodded. Liao Huifang said, "Didn''t we see a king-like chair on the base above all? Steps were leading to the upper floor, and there was a lone chair there." I typed. "That must be the boss''s seat." The person who spoke in a robotic voice said, "Wee to our world. I hope we all have a great time here." The woman panicked. "What is going on? Where am I?" She tried to moves and struggle, but her hands and feet were tied with ropes. She widened her eyes and looked terrified. Tears pooled in her eyes, and she cried. "I don''t understand. Where is Li Wei? Where is my boyfriend?" "Oh, are you talking about me?" One of the men came in view, but he wasn''t fully recognizable in the dark. He didn''t go into the light, but that woman seemed to recognize him. But I knew that voice. "Duan Deming." Bai Li said. "He faked a name and fooled another woman just like Liao Chuntao." I slowly nodded. My heart ached for that woman who seemed so desperate and hopeful as she saw him. "Li Wei! Thank God you are here! W-what is going on? Please tell me. Untie me. Who are these people?" Everybodyughed. She trembled, and she looked at Duan Deming, but he stood on his spot. "Li Wei! Please! I am getting scared. Is this a prank?" "Oh, if you are talking about our rtionship, then it surely was a prank. But what will happen to you here...that is a reality." "W-what? Prank? No" the woman seemed shocked, and tears rolled down her cheeks, "It is not possibleDon''t we love each other" "Love? Just like how I love 70 other women? Aww, you look so cute. I had my fun chatting with you. But the farce is over now." "Lie? Why? Why did you do this to me! W-why did you pretend?" She sobbed. "I-I ran away from my home for you. I lied to my parents to you. Why did you do this? And why did you bring me here?" "She asks too many questions." The boss spoke. I felt my heart racing faster. What were they going to do with her? Then one of the men stood up from his seat and went to her side. "Why did we bring you here? To have fun," heughed with a sinister ring in his voice, "To see your blood." "Wohooooo!!" "That was a cool pose, man." "''To see your blood''...that was fucking awesome!" The man bowed. "Thank you." The woman was more terrified. "Who are you, crazy people! What the hell are you talking?" Silence. There wasplete silence in the room. Then we suddenly a crisp sound. *SLAP* Out of nowhere, the man harshly pped the woman on the cheek. The woman''s head tilted to the right, and she seemed shocked. "You bitch! You are the same! You are the same as everyone else! How dare you call us crazy?" He pulled her hair and pped her again. "Aaahh" "Crazy? Insane? Mad? Are you insulting us, you bitch! I had enough. Every single time, every single person call us weird. It is you! Not us!" That man seemed to lose it. He kicked her again and again. "No, pleaselet me go. Li Wei. Please help me" She raised her head towards Duan Deming, but he didn''t move from his position. "Li Wei, please...I am sorry...I-I am so sorry please forgive me...I will not call you crazy again. But let me go...Mom and Dad...they are worried about me" She cried harder and harder. "Heh! You didn''t think about your parents when you decided to run away from home." "Now, let''s start with the fun." One of them brought a plier with him and grabbed that woman''s hand after untying it. She violently tried to resist but to no avail. "Ah, how beautiful nails are yours. So clean and bright. Hm.. " he tilted his head. "What if I make it more beautiful? I think the shade of red nail paint will suit you the most. But oops, we don''t have any nail polish. Oh, I have an idea." "N-no... please stay away from me" The man hoped the plier in her nail and, in a snap, pulled her nail out. "AAAHHHHH!!!!" Her nail detached and fell, and her index finger was covered with blood as it rapidly dripped down. "Ah, so beautiful! This is what I meant by red nail paint. Look. It suits your nails so much. This is the best shade!" "Hey, why is she crying?" "Yeah. The blood looks so pretty on her fingers!" "Che! She doesn''t appreciate our art at all!" One by one, the man started to pluck her nails out and her screams only grew louder and louder. I shut my eyes and lowered my head, covering my ears with my hands while tears trickled down my cheeks. No, I cannot see it. I cannot watch it anymore! "Aaaahhh" It was Liao Huifang who screamed. "Stop it. Stop the video. It''s horrible... please stop" she sobbed. There was silence as the screams andughs stopped resounding in the room. Chapter 135: The victims fate (2) Chapter 135: The victim''s fate (2) *Xin Lei* Silence. I was shivering and the brutal moment when that man plucked out that woman''s nail was still so vivid in my mind. That was simply too cruel. The desperation to escape and that hope with which the woman looked at Duan Deming to save her made my heartache. How would she be feeling to realize that he betrayed her? Those bastards... they wereughing as if she was not even human. "Xin Lei" I felt a hand on my head, and I raised it to look at Bai Li, who seemed concerned. "Are you okay?" He gently asked. I simply rested my head on his shoulder and slowly nodded. Shi Ruiling went over to Liao Huifang''s side, who seemed terrified and frozen. "Dear, it''s okay. I know it''s difficult, and I praise you for being so strong" She patted her shoulder. Liao Huifang said while sniffling. "My sister...did they torture like that to my sister too?" Tears were streaming down her eyes as they were looking red and tired. Nobody responded. "No...that cannot be...my sister...did she really die such a horrible death?" I got up and hugged her. She tightly embraced me as she broke down into tears. Luo Zhiqiang slowly nudged her and offered her a ss of water. "Drink some. You will feel better." Liao Huifang sniffled and took a sip. I looked at bro, and he seemed grave. It might look like he was unaffected, but I could sense that he was stressed out with the recording. It took a while before we calmed down a bit. Bro said, "Both of you can leave. The rest of us will see the recording." Bai Li seemed to agree too. "Yes. Don''t fret it. I don''t think we will get any clue out of this. So, you can skip it." I shook my head and typed. "No, bro, Bai Li. I will see it. I want to know what these bastards want and how far they can go. We have to know what they did with others to get a full grasp of the situation." Yuan sighed. "No. Mr. Xin is right. It can be too brutal for you to keep watching, especially for Liao Huifang, whose sister was kidnapped. If Liao Chuntao is there in the recording, then...it''s best to stay out of it." Shi Ruiling nodded as well. Liao Huifang wiped her tears and seemed determined. "No. I will watch it. It just took me by shock with what they did, but I am okay. I want to see if my sister is there." I nced at Luo Zhiqiang, who was staring at her for a long time. We sighed. I went back to sit with Bai Li, and bro switched on the tape. Once again, her painful and blood-curdling screams and cries resounded in the room. Everyone in that room simply enjoyed what was happening to her. And just like that, she died Under their torture, she breathed herst. "Che! Shested only an hour. What a waste!" "No spark at all!" I clenched my dress and bit my lip hard. I stared at those men in the dark with disgust and hatred. I was so angry! They don''t even deserve to be called humans! They are monsters! Cold-blooded monsters! As the recording went on, we saw numerous other victims just like that woman before. They didn''t have any specific age bar. But they made everybody suffer in theirst breaths. All those victims, they would have never imagined that they would die such brutal deaths at the hands of such insane people. Their methods of torture varied too. Some of them used acid to throw on them, some used knives and scalpels to pierce their flesh agonizingly, some used boiling water to hurt them while some hit and beat them until their bones broke. But there was no easy death. Those bastards made it sure that all the victims got a slow and painful end. I really felt the need to gag, but I held on. And then...we saw Liao Chuntao. Just like I thought, Liao Huifang froze. She was mildly shaking, and I could see digging her nails in her palms. She kept staring at the video without even blinking her eyes for a moment. From the video, we heard Liao Chuntao speak, "Youwhere am I?" She seemed nk, and there was no expression on her face. I know she must be terrified like hell, but it didn''t show on her face. "Woah! Look! The bitch looks so calm andposed." One of the menughed. "Poor her. I think she hasn''t understood what is going on." "Is she mentally crack?" I gritted my teeth, enraged. You are mentally crack bastards! I felt my eyes going wet as I saw her helpless. Liao Chuntao asked, "What is going on? Where is Fang Mo?" That must be another fake name of that bastard, Duan Deming! "Here I am, darling." In all the videos, the men made sure that they didn''te in the light or expose their face. They were near to the victims, yet they did everything in the shadows. "Fang Mo" She looked up at the figure in the dark. "Do you like my surprise, babe?" He chuckled, and I had the urge to rip off his face. I felt Bai Li''s hand on mine, and he softly whispered. "I know. I know what you are feeling right now. Even if I cannot see, I understand how cruel their deaths might have been." I lowered my head and tried to hold back my tears. He intertwined his fingers in mine. "Imprint this image in your mind, Xin Lei. Burn these memories inside you. Their time is going to end soon. Those bastards are walking dead men. We will soon have our justice." I wrote on his palm, "Yes, Bai Li. Those bastards will pay for sure." Bai Li smiled. In the video, Liao Chuntao said nothing. She calmly watched at Duan Deming, who was simply standing there. "I see...this is all a scam. You lied. You never loved me." Liao Huifang softly gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. There was silence. "Hey, aren''t you scared of what will happen to you? You are stuck here with us!" "We are going to have fun with you! Do you know what kind of fun?" "The kind where there will be a lot of mess and blood. Oh yes...that beautiful sight of blood" Liao Chuntao still said nothing. She didn''t resist, she didn''t cry, and she didn''t try to fight back. It felt as if she had already epted her fate. But I could see her faintly whisper something as she shut her eyes. Nobody could hear her. I think nobody even noticed that she spoke something. The movement of her lips was too light and hardly noticeable, but I still caught it. What did she say? But the men seemed to be agitated. They lost it even morepared to the previous victims. Something was different with them. After she realized that she was fooled, Liao Chuntao said nothing. From the moment Duan Deming revealed his true colors, she didn''t say a word. She calmly sat there, not responding at all. Then it beganher torture. They beat her up so much that it could send shivers down one''s spine. She looked pained, but she didn''tin. She only watched towards the direction where Duan Deming was standing. She didn''t divert her sight from him even for a second. No matter how much they beat her, she didn''t cry. She only kept looking at Duan Deming''s way. Even I could feel how intense her gaze was as she stared at him without batting her eyelids. I sensed a strange determination in it. I felt that she was trying to send him a message like ''Your end wille soon.'' It was so distinct that even I shuddered. It felt like she was cursing him, which he obviously deserved. I wondered if Duan Deming was affected by it? Was he scared even just a little bit? Liao Chuntao seemed stubborn and the men attacking her grew fierce and harsh. Was it because she was not giving them the reaction they wanted? "The fuck! She wasn''t that good at all." "Che. I can see her blood, but it is not satisfying as before." "Shepletely ruined my mood." Liao Huifang broke down into tears as we all saw her sister''s battered state. It was horrible. Her body had turned all ck and blue. We could see her bones hanging from inside her skin. I saw her tears trickling down her eyes. Liao Chuntao was heavily breathing heavily, and she looked like she was going to say something as she moved her lips. It seemed so hard for her to talk. It seemed as if she was using everyst bit of her strength in saying those words. Liao Chuntao nced at everybody in the video, and then it finally settled on Duan Deming once again. Once again, her gaze looked sharp and intense. She softly whispered, "Everyone of youwill pay...for your sins...You will... suffer retribution...one day for sure" And just like that, Liao Chuntao copsed on the ground, lifeless and her eyes shut forever into the deep slumber. Chapter 136: The psychology of sadists Chapter 136: The psychology of sadists *Xin Lei* Bro paused the video, and we all sat in silence. It was like giving thest respects to Liao Chuntao. Liao Huifang stared hard at her sister in that video, lying motionless on the floor for a long time before she buried her head in her hands and burst into tears. She suddenly got up and dashed away from the room. I quickly got up to follow her, but Bai Li held my hand. He softly whispered. "Leave her alone for some time, Xin Lei." I bit my lip. "Yes, Lei Lei." Bro grimly looked at me, "Give her some time. She needs it. Let her be." I felt tears trickling down my cheeks and slowly sat back. A few momentster, Luo Zhiqiang said, "I wille back in a while." I nced up at him. His gaze seemed cold and devoid of any expression. He soon left. Silence. Everything was so shocking and hard to digest. The images of those bastards who tortured the innocent people kept on shing in my mind again and again until I wished not to remember it anymore. I tremblingly took the phone in my hand and typed. "All those people...they kidnapped them just because they wanted to have their ''fun'' with them?" Bai Li said, "It may be ''just'' for us, but that is not the case with them. They think what they are doing is right. You heard how and what those men said. They were enjoying making their victims suffer." "That is, they are sadists but with a far worse mentality." Yuan said, "Not all sadists are that harmful and detrimental to society. But what these people did clearly ascertains the fact that their minds are not functioning normally like the rest of us." Shi Ruiling nodded. "I could see that. An apt word is crazy, but I feel that it is too less to describe them." "Yes. As a psychologist, I was carefully examining their behavior. Everybody had onemon point. They liked blood, and so they liked to torture others to see that blood again and again. That gives them a sense of satisfaction. You can almostpare it to sexual release. For them, the sight of blood is their gratification. That''s what I heard again and again. ''Ah, the blood..'', ''Hey, look! The blood ising out'' or ''It is so beautiful.'' They were focussing heavily as to when they will see the messy state of their victims. They are clear signs that they are not in their right state of mind." I stomped my foot as I felt rage engulf every cell of my body. I furiously typed. "If they want to see blood that much, then why don''t they torture themselves! Their own bodies have blood within them too!" Yuan sadly smiled and sighed. "Unfortunately, that''s not how it works, Xin Lei. Their mental state is deranged. They are sadists. They want to derive pleasure by torturing ''others,'' not themselves. If that were the case, then they would be masochists." Bai Li nodded. "No doubt. In the years of my service, I havee across many cases like that, including domestic violence. They don''t feel guilty about what they do." I typed. "But why do they do that! How can anybody''s thinking be so cruel and degenerate! How many people have they killed just for the sake of their own pleasure!" Bro coldly said, "It''s hard to say." I looked at Yuan, and he nodded. "There are many factors. Most of them may have had a terrible past. They could have been the victims of torture at some point. That may have changed their mindset and affected their thinking. They may have had a troubled childhood, failed marriages of their parents because of which they suffered, or abusive parents who hit and beat them up. Some may have suffered betrayal, and it may have flipped their switch. Neglect, physical abuse, mental and emotional harassment, and other such things may have hurt them to the point that they grew up to be like that. You know a child learns from the environment he or she grows up in. Thatrgely influences one''s mental state. If that environment is hell or harmful to anybody, then it can affect them. Of course, some of them may be naturally born like that. Maybe some psychological condition runs in their family, so they inherited those genes. It can be a mixture of everything." Bai Li said, "Right. I had heard somewhere that such people who are victims don''t have an outlet to release their frustrations or the injustice they suffered." Yuan continued. "Those people are scared to stand up to their abusers or the person/s responsible. They don''t go against them because a psychological barrier in their minds prevents them from getting that courage. But that doesn''t mean that they are not angry inside. So for them, torturing and killing these innocent people is a way to let it all out. When they stand at the same pedestal where their abusers stood at one time, they get a sense of superiority. For that period, they think of themselves as the boss who can do anything. They don''t have to be scared of anybody. Instead, they want the other people to be scared of them the same way they had been at one point." I looked at him, stunned. This didn''t make any sense. I typed. "But shouldn''t those people understand it all the more how it is like to suffer? How can they inflict the same pain on others?" Bai Li said, "Of course not all people are like that. Not all people turn out like those crazy sadists. Many people have suffered and instead have helped other abused people like them to give them a better life." "Right." Yuan agreed. "Human mind isplex, Xin Lei. Some cane out of it and retain their sanity even in the worst if the situations but some cannot. Instead, they get lost in that darkness. Some people grow up to be wanting to help simr people in need, and some want to see others suffering the same as them. It''s like they want to say, ''Why should only I suffer?'' It''s hard to say what makes their mind decide which path to take." I typed. "But if these people are so dangerous, how can the people around let them be free?" Bro snorted. "Baby sister, that''s what they do. Hide their true nature of everybody. Do you think these people are all run away patients from a Mental Hospital? No. If you check on their background, then every one of them would have a decent job. Maybe a white-cor worker, a chef, a teacher, a gym trainer, or anything. They act normal on the outside for others. They have mastered themselves to present in such a way that they ''look and talk'' normally." Yuan nodded. "Of course. They cannot go on about saying that I like blood, or I like torturing others. That is not a ''hobby'' that they can share with others. So they keep it hidden. And when they are alone or with the people they can show their true nature to, theye out. From the outside, these people look and behavepletely normally. You can hardly guess that they might be such dangerous predators in reality." I lowered my head. I clenched my fingers into a fist. Just how many people have needlessly suffered Shi Ruiling said, "Didn''t you also see how they got pissed off when almost all the victims called them crazy or insane? They cannot bear anybody to call them someone as weird." Bai Li nodded. "That''s why they were harsher. On the contrary, Liao Chuntao didn''t give them the expected reaction. They wanted her to scream and cry and beg for help the same way other victims had, or they must have at one point in the past. So they got especially more agitated with her. I kind of felt strange when I heard how they talked with her. They were disappointed with her." Bro sneered. "She was the first one to give them a shock with her reaction. They killed her in the end, but I felt that they still weren''t satisfied even if they won like always." That was true. I typed. "Liao Chuntao was so brave. She understood what they wanted and had the courage not to give them that. It must have been so terrifying." Silence. Shi Ruiling faintly smiled. "Indeed. She must have definitely freaked out, but even in that situation, she managed to stayposed. That takes a lot of mental strength." I typed. "I will check on Liao Huifang." Bro stared at me and nodded. Bai Li smiled. "Go." I stepped outside the room and headed upstairs. I think I had seen her running towards the terrace. I climbed two flights of stairs, and I saw the terrace door slightly ajar. I budged it a little. I saw Liao Huifang, but then it took me aback to see her resting her head and crying on Luo Zhiqiang''s chest. Chapter 137: The grief that connects them Chapter 137: The grief that connects them --- A few minutes before Xin Lei came. Liao Huifang ran out of the room and randomly climbed upstairs with no specific destination to go to. She just wanted to be away to have a breath of fresh air. She didn''t even realize that she was unconsciously holding her breath for the whole time she watched her sister in that video. She pushed the terrace door open, rushed towards the railing, and copsed on the ground, holding onto it. All the memories she spent with Liao Chuntao came rushing to her at once. Sis... why can''t this be a bad dream? Why can''t I wake up and realize that everything was a lie? Sis, I want to see you again Weren''t you going to cheer me on in my uing artpetition? I wanted to win for you. I wanted to show you my best art until now. I wanted to tell the whole world that it was because of you that I became so capable. I wanted to show how amazing my sis is. Why? Why can I not do it anymore!? Liao Huifang cried loudly as she let her heart out.. gripping pain squeezed her heart as she recalled how her sister suffered at the hands of those bastards and how she breathed herst. Liao Huifang kept wiping her tears, but more of them continuously rolled down. Then she felt a soft presence on her shoulder. Tremblingly, she raised her head, and her teary and wet gaze met Luo Zhiqiang''s. His expression was unreadable. Luo Zhiqiang whispered. "Get up. You will catch a cold here." Liao Huifang bit her lip and said while gasping as she cried. "L-leave. I want to be alone." She desperately tried to wipe her tears again. She didn''t mind himing here, but she felt a little embarrassed about showing her crying face. Her cheeks were all wet, and she thought that she looked ugly. Wait, why do I care if I look ugly in front of him? She thought while still shedding tears. Silence. Luo Zhiqiang slowly helped her get up. He paused. "Wait for a moment." He quickly disappeared and already reappeared in a sh, bringing a ss of water. "You will feel better." Liao Huifang blinked her eyelids. Again? "You already offered me water just a few minutes ago." Luo Zhiqiang nkly looked at her. His expression didn''t twitch a bit. "Right." He withdrew his hand and then seemed to be in deep thought. "Do you want to drink juice or c or shake?" She sniffled. "Why are you so insistent in letting me drink something?" "Do you want to eat instead?" He seriously asked back. She burst into softughter. She lowered her head. *Plop* Luo Zhiqiang stayed quiet for a moment. "Your sister was a strong woman." Liao Huifang trembled. She smiled amidst her falling tears. "E-en." She fiddled with her fingers and said, "She may not have looked like it, but she always protected me. She would always seriously fight back for me whenever anybody bullied me when I was little. She took care of me more like a mother than a sister. But when...when now it was my turn to protect her, I couldn''t. I saw her getting fooled into love. I wanted to save her...but.I couldn''t do it at all!" The corner of her eyes ached as she felt helpless. "Why? Why am I so useless? Sis was always there by my side. Yet when she needed me, I could be of no help. Even if I had my suspicions, I couldn''t act on time to save her. And now she is gone! All because of me!" Liao Huifang broke down. Luo Zhiqiang quietly listened to her. "If I had acted sooner, then sis would have been alive!" She bit her lip hard. "My sis...she didn''t deserve such death. Such a kind and loving woman who always thought of others, who didn''t think even for a second before dropping out of high school to pave the way for my studies..., S-she didn''t deserve this at all...she was supposed... supposed to be present in my artspetition." She fumbled and took out her phone. Her fingers trembled as she unlocked it and opened a picture. "See?" Luo Zhiqiang looked at it. It was a beautiful art piece with two women''s backs in it, holding hand in hand. They were just their backs, but the emotions it gave off from the woman who looked older than her were so heart wrenching that it would shake anybody''s core. The color and shades to that background and the intrinsic details were so beautifully carved out that it was breathtaking. He slowly said, "It''s you and your sister, right?" She pursed her lips, and her vision blurred. "...Yes. I wanted to dedicate this to sis. The artpetition is organized at a big scale, and I-I wanted to show her this...it was my dream...that...that...she would sit in the audience, and I would present this picture on the stage" Sheughed. "Sis always said that she didn''t understand art, but I know...I know that she would have definitely understood this. I wanted to show that it''s all because of her that I am here today...I wanted to see her expression. I wanted to see her shocked and surprised to know that I dedicated my first art to herI wanted to see her beautiful smile.... wanted her to pat me on my backI was confident I would win, and I wanted to bring her on stage with me to show everyone who she was..." Tears fell on her phone screen and on the woman''s picture that depicted Liao Chuntao. She clutched her phone hard. "Every person who ridiculed her for being lifeless like a doll, who insulted her for not smiling often and being... boring, I wanted to show them that my sis is the strongest person on Earth. She is the best, and nobody could be ever like her... What she did for me needed guts and sacrifice. How many people can selflessly pull that off? She might have definitely felt sad that she couldn''t study more, but she never onceined. Luo Zhiqiang...my sis and my dream...I couldn''t pro-protect them. Why? It was supposed to be my turn to pay her back, but she...left mePlease...I want her back...I cannot see her cold body like that. I want to see her alive and smile at me once again..." Liao Huifang raised her head and cried hard. She didn''t know why she was sharing this with him. She barely knew him, and until now, she hated him because she misunderstood him. She didn''t know. But something about his presence affected her. Luo Zhiqiang didn''t say much. He didn''t ask much. He just silently listened, and perhaps that was what Liao Huifang needed - perhaps somebody who just quietly listened to her about how amazing her sister was, about her own hopes and her dreams. He had something inexplicable in him that made her want to let out her cries and sorrow. Liao Huifang covered her face with her hands. She slowly felt a soft hand on her head. It rested on it, and he gently patted her. Luo Zhiqiang said, "I know. I understand." She smiled. She knew he was consoling her. "You think that I might be consoling you, but I am not. I lost my younger brother in an ident." Liao Huifang widened her eyes and looked at him, stunned. "It was an ordinary day. We were returning from school. I was twelve, and he was nine. I remember to buy something from the stationary store for my school project. I got so engrossed tin buying different stuff for my project. I was excited. I didn''t realize when he left my side and got out of the store. He got attracted by a balloon vendor across the street, and he ran towards him. The signal was green. He suddenly tried to cross the road and the iing car driver was startled. He couldn''t stop his car on time. My brother...the car hit him, and he was thrown to the other side. He died on the spot." Luo Zhiqiang retold the past with such an impassive and dead expression that one could feel that he felt nothing at all. But the reality was the exact opposite. A storm raged in his heart every time whenever he would think about his younger brother being thrown away by the car. Liao Huifang covered her mouth in disbelief. "I was his elder brother. I was supposed to protect him, right? Like how your sister always protected you. But I failed. Just a few seconds of distraction cost his life. So trust me when I say that I understand how you feel." Suddenly, a new wave of tears burst out, and she crashed her head on his chest. He is the same...he has also lost his brother. He mes himself too. The pain of losing and failing to protect their loved ones connected them, so she couldn''t help it. Luo Zhiqiang froze. That was the first time any woman was so close to him. His gaze softened as he lowered his head and saw her crying hard. And that was when Xin Lei came and saw them together. Chapter 138: A dangerous offer Chapter 138: A dangerous offer *Xin Lei* I silently watched them as Liao Huifang cried hard, resting on Luo Zhiqiang. I wondered... something seemed different with him too. For a moment, I thought I imagined things Was he smiling just now? It was so faint that I could hardly see it. My intuition said that I shouldn''t disturb them, so I waited quietly in the corner. Then, a few minutester, Liao Huifang withdrew and wiped her tears. She sniffled and softly smiled, but which seemed sad and painful. "Sorry for your" Luo Zhiqiang shook his head. "You don''t have to apologize." "No...you had to recall it b-because of me" I nced at Luo Zhiqiang, and...he also seemed in grief. Did something happen? "I recall it every day. Not a day had gone by since my brother''s death that I haven''t remembered him and that I didn''t remember that day when he left me forever. It is carved in my mind. I never let myself forget it." I widened my eyes in surprise. Brother? Liao Huifang seemed hesitant, but she said nothing. Silence hung in the air. It seemed as it was time, so I gently knocked on the door. Liao Huifang was startled, and she looked at my side. "X-Xin Lei!" I smiled and walked up to her. Luo Zhiqiang seemed to go back to his usual expression, and he looked indifferent once again. I typed. "I was worried about you, so thought that I should check on you but" I sneakily nced at him and typed again, "I think it isn''t necessary anymore." She lowered her head and seemed embarrassed. My intuition is saying once again that something will definitely I coughed. I hugged her tightly and patted her back. She softly said, "Thank you" I smiled and signed. "Let''s go." She nodded. *** --- Dongcheng. Ying Yue reached her home after her work in the bar. Her mother, Ying Lan, hugged her in a warm embrace. "Dear, you are back." Ying nodded. "You must be tired. I will set the dinner for us." "Mom, you should have had your dinner earlier. I said not to wait for me." Ying Lan gently smiled and flicked her forehead. "I like to eat with you." She pouted. "Don''t you like to eat with your mother anymore?" Ying Yue shook her head as her mother started again with the same conversation. "It''s not good for you to be hungry this long." "And so it is not for you too. Hmph, now no arguments." "Cousin!" A woman ran up to her Ying Yue. She was her cousin - her mother''s sister''s daughter. She was two years older than her and was currently studying at the same University as her. "Cousin, you are back." Xue Jingjing gently smiled. However, Ying Lan''s mood turned a bit sour. She pursed her lips. "Cousin, how was your day?" She brightly smiled to which Ying Lan inwardly scoffed. As if you care about that. Ying Yue inly said without much change in her expression. "Same as always." She sighed. "Oh, is it Yue?" Ying Lan''s expression turned worse. That was her elder sister, Xue Xiying. Ever since her husband''s death, they were living together with Ying Yue and Ying Lan. No matter how much Ying Lan wanted to drive them away, she couldn''t because there was debt they had to pay that Xue Xiying''s husband left them with. "You must be tired." Xue Xiying smiled. "Jingjing, why are you crowding at the door? Let your sistere inside first." She helplessly shook her head. "Sorry, Lan. Seriously this childcks delicacy." Ying Lan grudgingly smiled. Xue Jingjing sheepishly said, "Sorry, Mom. Oh, yes! Let''s all have our dinner now." Ying Lan asked, "But didn''t you already have your dinner?" Xue Xiying''s smile twitched. "Huh?" "I saw Jingjing bringing some containers when she returned an hour, and I smelled food''s aroma from it. She didn''t say anything to me, but then I saw the empty containers in the trash can. So you two didn''t wait for dinner. If you eat now, it would be heavy on your stomach." They stiffened for a bit, but Xue Xiying quickly said, "Ah sis, that wasn''t our dinner. It was just some light snacks. Jingjing! You didn''t offer your aunt! How rude!" She berated her. Xue Jingjing panicked. "I-I thought I kept one container for aunt." "Forget it." Ying Lan very well knew this mother-daughter duo''s acting. That was their dinner in reality, and they didn''t bother to bring some for her and Ying Yue. "Yue. Let''s go." Xue Xiying quickly said, "Lan, are you mad? Jingjing will apologize. It''s my mistake. I should have checked it with-" "Forget it, sis." Ying Lan smiled and cut her off. "Let''s have dinner." Xue Xiying and Xue Jingjing awkwardly smiled. At the dinner table, they talked a little while Ying Yue didn''t react much as usual. Ying Lan would just hum. Xue Jingjing smiled. "Sis" Ying Yue raised her head and looked at her expressionlessly. "You know about my project, right? I am in fashion designing, and in my annual project, I have to create a unique design for a gown. Hehe~~ I needed some materials for that. You must have got your paycheck tonight, right? Can you give me some money?" She sweetly smiled. Ying Lan clenched her fingers into her fist. "Jingjing dear, didn''t you already bring all the stuff you neededst week? You had asked Yue" "Sorry, aunt. When I checked, I realized that I needed some more. I missed it out the first time." "Jingjing, you cannot be so careless!" Xue Xiying scolded her. "Yue dear, I am sorry for the mess she made, but if you could help her a bit" Ying Yue said nothing. Ying Lan gritted her teeth. "Sis, it is her important project. How can she forget?" "Don''t be so harsh, Lan. Jingjing is still young. She can make mistakes." She scoffed. Twenty-two and she is still young? Then Xue Xiying probed. "Lan, it was difficult for my husband too to help you when you had nobody to depend on. If not for him, then Yue would have..." Her gaze dimmed. "It''s alright, Lan. I understand. Jingjing, make do with the materials you have." A vein popped on Ying Lan''s forehead. Once again...once again, she reminds me of my debt. Ying Yue didn''t respond. She calmly opened her bag and handed them a few bills. "It''s alright. I don''t mind. Take this and buy whatever you need." Xue Jingjing''s gaze brightened, but she expertly hid it. "No sisHow can I? Aunt is right. I was careless." "It''s okay. Take it. Project is important." Ying Lan wanted to stop her, but she couldn''t. She could only bear the injustice in silence. Her heart ached to see her daughter giving her hard-earned money to them. She was even suspicious of whether Xue Jingjing wanted it for her project or she wanted to waste it on shopping. Xue Xiying smiled. "Thank you, dear. I knew that Yue would understand. But Jingjing, be careful next time, okay? Don''t bother her every time." "Okay, Mom!" She cheerfully said. The Xue''s were happy but not Ying Lan. She narrowed her eyes. "Jingjing. When you go shopping for your materials, tell me too. I have some things to buy too, so I will apany you." This way, I would make sure that she uses the money only for the project materials and not waste on anything else. Hmph! Xue Jingjing and Xue Xiying stiffened. "Aunt. Why do you take the trouble? I will bring what you need." She smiled. "No, I wille with you. I am bored sitting in the home all day anyway." Xue Xiying pursed her lips. "Lan, it isn''t necessary" "Why are you so against meing with her?" "No, of course not! I think it''s a good idea. Jingjing, take aunt with you too, okay?" Xue Jingjing awkwardly smiled. "Sure" Ying Yue got up. "I am full. I am going back. I have toplete some assignments." She quickly went inside her room and closed the door behind. She softly sighed. She knew her mother didn''t like the Xue duo live with them, but they were helpless. As for her, she didn''t have any opinion about them. It''s just that she didn''t like seeing her mother sad. Her gaze dimmed. She didn''t want to see her mother troubled. But she wasn''t capable enough to free themselves from them. Her Uncle''s debt bound them. The pay she got today was high, and it would certainly help, but she needed more. Once shepensates for the help given to her by the Xue family, they could finally live in peace. Ying Yue logged in to her ounts to check if she could get some other high paying job. She had applied for many job openings. As she was browsing through her mails, one of them caught her attention. ''Are you troubled with your family expenses? Do you want to gain financial independence as soon as possible? Join FriendsChat and explore the jobs you need. We assure you that we will find the best and high-paying job that is just right for you.'' Ying Yue blinked her eyes. She kept staring at it, deep in thought. She slowly raised her hand and hovered her finger above the ''Join'' button until it was just a few centimeters apart. Chapter 139: I will be her hero Chapter 139: I will be her hero --- *Xin Lei* We went back, and as soon as we entered the room, Shi Ruiling immediately jumped and hugged Liao Huifang. "Are you okay, dear?" Liao Huifang sniffled and nodded. She patted her head. "Good." Bro said, "The video is about to end. Let''s finish it so that we can analyze it for any clues." I nodded. Bro started the video again. At this time, there was confusion in the base. The men looked startled and said, "Hey, did you hear something?" "Yes, the sound came from outside." "I heard a kind of ''thud.''" "Damn! Did somebody see us!?" I froze. It instantly made sense to me. They were Fu Meili and Fu Jun. It must be them. They had seen these people beating Liao Chuntao. That must be when they fell on the ground. Then we heard a robotic voice. "Calm down." It was the boss. "Go outside and search. They cannot run that far in this forest and the dark." Some of the men immediately rushed outside while the others were murmuring among themselves. They seemed nervous and anxious. Then a few minutester, they returned... carrying Fu Meili with them. I clenched my fingers into a fist. Oh no They tied her at the same spot where Liao Chuntao was just a few minutes ago. She timidly looked around and started to cry. "I want to go to mommy and daddy" The bastards snickered at her, and I felt my blood boiling in rage. "Mommy...DaddyI want Mommy and DaddyI want to go back home" Fu Meili looked so frightened that her cries could even melt a hard rock. But everybody there...They didn''t do anything. "Sorry, dear, we cannot send you back home." A man said. "No, I want to go back. Why can''t I?" "Because you have seen something you shouldn''t have." It seemed as if Fu Meili was thinking something, and then she said, "I won''t tell anybody, I promise!" "We cannot do that, little girl. You have to die." A manughed. "Die?" She tilted her head and seemed quizzical. "Didn''t your Mommy tell you? It is when you go to heaven." I bit my lip and felt as if I couldn''t watch it anymore. My heart was thudding faster and faster. I felt my sweat trickling down past my cheeks because I knew that momentthat fateful moment of her death wasing sooner. Bai Li and bro had absolutely no expressions on their faces. They were calmly listening to what was happening without much change in their demeanor. Fu Meili cried even harder. "Mommy...DaddyNo, I don''t want to go there. Take me to Mommy and Daddy!" Her heart-wrenching cries shook my core. If Fu Ting and Fu Biyu saw this...then they would be scarred for life. Fu Meili blinked her eyes and looked someone towards the top. "Uncle, are you the king?" "Uncle King, I want to go to Mommy and Daddy, please!" It must be the boss sitting on his bloody throne as if it rules the entire world. I felt the desperate hope in her wet eyes as she pleaded it for help. "Nobody will help you here." The robotic voice came. Then a man slowly approached her with a knife in his hand, and Fu Meili trembled in ce. "If you don''t send me back to my Mommy and Daddy, then my hero will beat you up!" Everybodyughed at her, but I felt tears pool in my eyes. She was trying her best to threaten them in her own way. "It''s the truth! One day, my hero wille and beat you all." I know she was trying to be brave. She looked like she wanted to be courageous in front of them and scare them, but I knew how terrified she felt with the way her shoulders trembled. That same manughed loudly. "I will wait for him." He raised his hand. "You are a monster. Home... Mommy...Daddy..." She was shaking badly. And the moment came...the most dreaded moment that pulled us all in this vicious case. The moment that started it all. The man swung his hand and shed her throat in a single strike. Silence. I didn''t want to watch it. I didn''t want to see a young and innocent child killed like that, but I couldn''t tear my gaze away. I felt like I needed to know this. I knew the truth, but I felt that I needed to see it with my own eyes - the moment that somebody truly loses his humanity, when one does such irreparable damage that they didn''t even deserve to be called beasts. Even animals, for once, can show mercy to humans and let them go. But these monsters My cheeks turned wet and warm as my tears rolled down. Didn''t his hand tremble even once before shing her neck? Didn''t he feel guilty even for just a moment before he attacked a child for God''s sake! Fu Meili''s small lifeless body copsed on the ground. A small child who had to see so much of this world yet, took herst breath just like that. She must have had so many dreams, right? Maybe she wanted to be a doctor, an actress, or an artist or a chef? There were so many endless possibilities. Fu Biyu and Fu Ting, too, would have thought and nned so many things for her future. They would have had so many dreams and aspirations for her. They would have wanted her to grow into a fine, capable, and independent woman and see that transition happening with their own eyes. They must have wanted to do so much for her. They must have worked hard and saved their money for her education. So many feelings and desires... But it all came to nothing in just a moment. The video then abruptly disturbed, and it ended. Nobody said anything for a long time. Liao Huifang''s condition was just like me, unable to control her sobs. "Excuse me." Bai Li said, and he got up from his seat. His voice was so cold, hoarse, and detached, but it felt as if he was struggling to keep his anger from exploding. It sounded strained andced with the urge to take revenge. I held his hand and got up. I typed. "Where do you want to go?" "Anywhere." I held his hand, and we stepped out of the room. We said nothing while we kept walking in the empty corridor. Only the sound of our footsteps could be heard. "You know, Xin Lei?" He said after a long stretch of silence. I didn''t type or sign anything as I simply waited for him to speak. "For the first time in my life, I feel fortunate that I cannot see." My eyshes trembled a bit. "Just hearing their cries and screams made me feel...I don''t know...Anger is a very small word. It doesn''t nearly justify my bloodthirst to get my hands on those bastards. If I had seen them taking theirst breaths, if I had watched their lives slipping out with my own eyes, I would have broken everything in that room." I sobbed. "Don''t cry, Xin Lei. Everybody who died...they are not pitiful. Every one of them was fighting their own battles in their life. They had their own weaknesses that hindered them from living a normal life. But they were...dealing with it. They didn''t give up. They were strong. Don''t shed tears. Right now, all they need is only justice." I pressed my hand and intertwined my fingers against his. I nced up at him and smiled amongst my falling tears. I typed. "You said not to shed tears, but you are crying, Bai Li." He stopped. I watched his eyes turn a little red. They glistened with the same tears as mine. I saw the trail of those tears sliding down his cheeks, just like how mine were. "I am not crying. Something went inside my eyes." Iughed with a blurry gaze, but then I couldn''t anymore. Bai Li turned to face me. He slowly rested his head on my shoulder. He said nothing, but I felt his warm tears on my neck. He pulled me and wrapped his hands around my waist. I raised my hands and hung around his back. Then I heard themhis soft sobs. I trembled and hugged him tighter. I burst into tears, and I finally broke down in his embrace. We stood like that for a long time. "Xin Lei. I want to kill them. I want to kill every one of them with my own hands. I want to feel their blood. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and blood for blood. They will pay back every drop of the blood that all those innocent people shed with their own. I will make them. They like to give a slow and painful death. I will show them what that death actually feels like." I nodded. "Fu Meili said that one day her hero woulde and beat them all." I said nothing. "I will be that hero for her, Xin Lei. Her hero couldn''t save her from dying, but her hero will definitely give her justice." Chapter 140: Invisible Zhang Xiulan Chapter 140: Invisible Zhang Xin *Xin Lei* It was quitete in the evening when we all had dinner, but nobody could really eat much. Liao Huifang was in her room who refused to have any food. It was understandable. So, I didn''t force her. Bro rested his head on his hand as he listened to everything that Luo Zhiqiang said - about our conversation with Zhang Chao and Zhang Ning in the hospital. "Zhang Xin shows simr traits of a psychopath. She killed Zhang Ning''s pet andter on her mother, Zhang Qiyue. She tried to attack Zhang Ning, which forced Zhang Chao to send her abroad for her treatment under the guise of studies." Bai Li said, "That woman used a voice changer too to speak. She also hinted at Zhang Ning that she must know why she attacked her. So we can only guess that Zhang Xin is back. We have told Zhang Chao to find out about her and inform us, but I am sure he won''t say a word." Bro snorted. "Of course, he wouldn''t. Why would he willingly tell us about her, even if found out? Politicians are crafty." I typed. "Plus, he is salty about the fact that we forced him to confess about that innocent driver''s murder. He wouldn''t tell us anything simply because he wants to take revenge." Shi Ruiling frowned. "But who would have helped her? To pull that off in Tianjin Port, I don''t think she did it alone. Somebody else messed up with that gantry crane while she went off to attack Zhang Ning." "Not just gantry crane," Bro gravely said, "the fact that she could return to Beijing and was in hiding for one whole year from the Zhang family; she must have found outside help. Zhang Chao is influential." I recalled everything that happened in Tianjin Port until now, and something didn''t add up. I typed. "Something doesn''t add up." Bro raised his right brow, and he seemed amused. "Ho...so, my dumb sister finally detected that something is wrong with the whole situation." My brow twitched. "There is still hope, I guess." He chuckled. Fuming, I grabbed one pillow and threw at him, but he easily dodged it like a pro. "You really like to bully her, don''t you?" Bai Li shook his head. Bro coldly sent him death res. "Don''t interfere between a brother-sister rtionship. You are already showing your true colors, aren''t you?" He sneered. "..." What true colors? Bai Li smiled as he turned in my direction. "Ignore your brother. I know that my Xin Lei is smart." I blushed and hit on his shoulder. Yuan coughed from my side. *Crack* The pen that bro held in his hand cruelly broke into two pieces. I could literally feel as if I was in the Arctic. The cold winds he let off were just too harsh to bear. "That was so cringy." Bro glowered at us. "And what the hell is ''my'' Xin Lei? You have got quite the guts. Heh! Aren''t you too eager? Oh, is it because you were a monk for thirty-two years? Now is your hidden horninessing out?" He sneered. My mouth twitched. "You are just jealous because you cannot be that sweet like me." Bai Li came up with an equally good response. "Sweet? It''s disgusting." Bro''s expression was ugly. "Zhen, you are in no position toment about Bai Li being a monk, okay? You are just a year younger than him, that means thirty-one, and we started dating about just a year ago. So, for the past thirty years, you weren''t also any less than a monk." Shi Ruiling rolled her eyes. Silence. It seemed as if Bai Li was itching toment on something, but he held back. Bro turned his head in slow motion towards her, and well...his smile was not very... pleasant. Bro narrowed his eyes andughed. "I sometimes wonder whose girlfriend you are." "I always stand on the side of justice." Shi, Ruiling thoughtfully nodded her head. "You are unnecessarily bullying him. I won''t stand for it even if I am your girlfriend." She smiled and winked at me. Sister-inw...I sobbed. You are the best! Bro seemed in a worse mood than before. He shot a re at me, and I straightened up. "When are you going to start?" Huh? Oh, what I felt wrong about the situation "Clearly, you are getting dumb." I harrumphed and typed. "Well. I don''t understand the point of copsing the gantry cranes. Weren''t they there for a deal? Why would she jeopardize it just to kill Zhang Ning? I mean sure she might hate her, but she could have got other chances to attack her. And we stopped the deal. So it failed. So why?" Bai Li nodded. "That is the part which doesn''t fit. We stopped the deal. The clients were unable to escape, after which Luo Zhiqiang and your team caught them. They suffered a loss of up to millions of dors. For what? Just to kill Zhang Ning? Weren''t they preparing for this deal for quite a while? So why would they risk it like this?" He asked bro, "Did the clients confess anything?" "No." Luo Zhiqiang shook his head. "They don''t know anything about them. They didn''t know what they looked like. Allmunication was via phone or mails, which cannot be tracked. They lead us to a dead end." "What about Zhao Wenyan? Didn''t he hand over the USB to them?" "He was only there for Yi Xing. They nned to expose Zhang Chao through the clients, so they pretended to be from their side and save Zhang Ning. We checked the USB too. It didn''t contain any confidential information about China that could threaten national security." I typed. "This is too strange. Well, they pretended as someone from the Zhang party, but when was the real boss going toe? Zhang Xin appeared after the cranes broke down. She didn''t appear before. So when was she nning to meet the clients? And that also means that the real USB is still with her. Perhaps she could n another deal." Bro squinted his eyes. "We are tracking the movements of Zhang Xin too. But there is no information about her." "What do you mean?" "Yup." It was Qi Qiang who spoke after a long time through the monitor. "When you talked about Zhang Xin, I already started to search for her information. But as brother Xin Zhen said, there is absolutely nothing, not even a single photo of hers. It''s like somebody has very expertly kept her identity hidden." I typed. "It must be Zhang Chao. When Zhang Xin killed Zhang Qiuyue, he might have erased all information about her so that the truth doesn''te out." "Maybe. But the scale at which it is hidden, I don''t think it can bepletely him. I also hacked the data when she was sent abroad, but all the files and records are deleted. From childhood until now, there is nothing about her. Like you will seriously even doubt the existence of Zhang Xin in this world if her father and sister wouldn''t have told you about her." I was stunned. Qi Qiang said, "But I am still trying. I have to make sure that they don''t doubt anyone trying to ess their information." We nodded. "Duan Deming is in your custody, right? Did he say anything?" Bai Li asked. "No." Bro coldly said, "We haven''t done extensive interrogation, but he was justughing like crazy. He thinks that his boss or whatever will n something to save him out of our clutches." He snorted. "As if." "Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan are also busy trying to locate Rodey''s whereabouts. He would be careful more than ever now." "What do you think about his escape?" Bai Li said nothing. I looked at him, and he seemed as if something was really bothering him. Bro didn''t push him for an answer, either. "Boy." Bro looked towards the monitor. Qi Qiang was startled. "M-me?" "Who else is a young boy here?" Bro said. Qi Qiang coughed. "I-I am twenty-three" "Yet not old enough to be a man. Anyway, my team will be supporting you toplete your software to go into that Dark Web." He nodded. "Luo Zhiqiang. Ask Team B to keep trying to find out about Zhang Xin." But he didn''t respond. Luo Zhiqiang looked in a daze, and it seemed as if he didn''t hear him. "Zhiqiang?" Bro called him again. Luo Zhiqiang snapped out. "Zhen." Bro quietly stared at him for a few seconds and then said, "Ask Team B to continue the search about Zhang Xin." He nodded. Was he okay? "Sis." Qi Qiang called. I looked at him questioningly. "How is Liao Huifang" He seemed disheartened. "She must be in a lot of pain Sis Chuntao was everything for her. She is my good friend, and even though we argue sometimes, I care about her. She has refused to eat, but don''t let her be hungry." I faintly smiled. I typed. "I know. It may take a while toe terms to her death, but we all are here for her and you too, right?" He nodded. "Yes." Bai Li said, "We are depending on you to reach the culprits. Do your best to help your friend so that we give justice to Liao Chuntao and everybody else." Qi Qiang seemed determined. "Yes, brother. I will." Chapter 141: Now I get it Chapter 141: Now I get it *Xin Lei* You don''t n to sleep in the same room as my sister, now do you?" Bro threateningly narrowed his eyes at Bai Li. Well, after brainstorming different possibilities about the culprit, we thought to take a good rest for a few hours before Qi Qiang would be ready with the software. I didn''t want World War Three happening right now, so I quickly typed. "I will sleep with Liao Huifang." Bai Li nodded. "That''s a good idea." "Wait. Have you already slept together?" Now his voice was even fierce. Well, we had only slept together as purely sleeping together. It wasn''t sex. But I knew bro wouldn''t understand. I gulped. "Tell me, Xin Lei. Did you sleep with him?" His voice was getting lower and lower. What should I do? "Rest assured, Xin Zhen. We haven''t done anything that you are thinking about." Bro still seemed as if he didn''t believe Bai Li at all. "How did you spend thest days then? No,st ''nights.'' Don''t tell me that when the moon shone in the night sky, you two tucked yourselves into bed like obedient children." He sneered. "Pah! Stop it, Zhen." Shi Ruiling was already dragging him away. Phew! "Let her sleep with Liao Huifang. This is not the time for you to poke in your sister''s affairs. Liao Huifang needs her. You are wasting time." Bro seemed dissatisfied. He looked at Bai Li. "You. Don''t hover around Xin Lei''s room. You got it? You and Kang Yuan will stay in the same room. Don''t daree out to meet her." I sighed. "Yes, yes, now let''s go." Shi Ruiling dragged him away. Luo Zhiqiang didn''t move. "Zhiqiang, aren''t youing?" Bro asked. He paused and then said, "Hm." Yuan smiled. "I will go now. I really have to freshen up, or I will stink." He went away, and Bai Li immediately hugged me from behind. "I will miss you." I giggled and typed. "It''s just one night." "Seems like you are just fine without me." He pouted. I patted and kissed his cheek. I typed. "Goodnight." "Goodnight." I went inside my room and found Liao Huifang curled up in the duvet. I climbed on the bed and sat beside her. I slowly ced my hand on her head and gently caressed it across her hair. She stiffened a bit. Then she turned my side and hugged my waist. I heard her sniffling as she clutched me tighter. I hugged her back and silently gave her my support. I typed after a while. "We will get them. We will get them all, okay? Everybody will be punished." "En." She softly mumbled. Soon, I heard her soft breaths and saw that she fell asleep. I wiped the corner of her eyes and gently covered her with the nket. Iid beside her and huddled under the duvet too. I kept watching her until my eyelids felt heavy. *** --- Xin Zhen came out of the shower, wiping his wet hair. Warm drops of water sexily dripped down his toned chest that seemed to oppose the cold aura he emanated from him. Shi Ruiling giggled and hugged him from behind. "Hey, handsome." She huskily whispered in his ear. Xin Zhen expressionlessly nced at her. He snorted and pushed her away. "Hey!" She pouted. "Such a beautiful girlfriend is trying to seduce you, and you are pushing her away?" She immediately blocked his way in the front. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pressed herself against his chest. "My boyfriend seems to be in a chilly mood. What must have happened?" She dramatically frowned as if she was thinking hard. He sneered. "Stop with your overacting. I know everything." "Know what?" "About why you are so supportive of Bai Li." She raised her brow. "Of course, I would be. And you should be too, you know. He is Xin Lei''s boyfriend. You should treat him better. I mean, I understand that as an elder brother, you are concerned about her, but you shouldn''t be. My dad knows him too. Bai Li has worked for years under him, and you know that. He can attest to the fact that Bai Li is the best man that Xin Lei could ever have." "Heh! Did you conveniently forget that Shi Jianguo is the same dad who was trying to pair you up with Bai Li until now?" Shi Ruiling rapidly blinked her eyelids at him. She withdrew her hands from his neck and slowly covered her mouth with them, feeling utterly shocked and speechless. "NOW I see why you are so cold towards him! I get it now! You think I was siding with Bai Li this whole time because you think I have feelings for him?" Xin Zhen red at her. "I know you don''t have feelings for him. But how am I supposed to react when the man that your Dad had approved for you came in front of us one day? Isn''t he sort of my rival?" Shi Ruiling nkly stared at him. She shook her head and eximed. "Ah, Zhen...why are you so cute? You thought of Bai Li more as your rival than your sister''s boyfriend." His expression soured. "I was also concerned about Lei Lei." She grinned. "Hehe~~ But you have to admit that 70% was your jealousy, and 30% was only about your sister." "Shut up. I know how your Dad was going on and on about how he really wanted you to marry him. You said so yourself many times." Shi Ruiling said, "Well, that were just some passingments. He was just joking." "He was serious." "Even if he was, he has already dropped it now that he knows that he is dating Xin Lei." "What dating? I haven''t approved of him yet for Lei Lei." She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure." She smiled and then wrapped her hands around him again. "Heh...I didn''t know that my boyfriend can get jealous too." "I am not jealous." His voice was cold. "You are. Come on. He has known Bai Li for years already, so naturally, he might be a little biased." "Hmph. He clearly wants you to be with him." "Zhen. Do you think that Dad will not approve of you? He will love you just like he loves Bai Li. My dad is cool. Plus, you are Xin Lei''s brother, who is his girlfriend! Isn''t it awesome! That will make things way easier!" Xin Zhen snorted. "I saw how you were so excited to meet him. Did you want to see your father''s choice and check if you made the right choice with me?" She pinched his cheeks, which he tried to dodge. "Ayou aren not just a right choice for me. You are perfect. And duh. As I said, he is my future sister-inw''s boyfriend. Obviously, I have to be polite and nice." "Be polite and nice only to me, not towards other men, especially that man that your father has already approved of for you. I never give that attention to any other woman." Shi Ruiling stepped on her toes and pressed her lips on his. "That''s why you are the best boyfriend." "You always took his side over me in the conversation up until now." She sighed. "Because clearly, you were at fault for unnecessarily troubling him. What were that about Bai Li being horny and a monk until now? You were bullying him!" "Why can''t it be true?" He looked ugly. "Zhen, cross your heart and say that you really feel Bai Li is like that." Silence. "See?" Xin Zhen looked away. She patted his cheek. "Your sister has an excellent taste-" As soon as she said that, Xin Zhen shot a re at her. "I am just saying. You don''t have to be worried about Bai Li and me." She dramatically pointed at her chest. "I have given my heart to you. Forever, it will be yours, till death do us part." "Stop it, drama queen." Shi Ruiling pouted and looked at him pitifully. "How long are you going to hold a grudge? I am sorry. Please don''t be mad, boyfriend." Xin Zhen narrowed his eyes and pulled her waist. "Keep your distance from him." Her brow twitched. Why is he still worried about Bai Li and me? Really...that ship is never going to sail anywhere. But she had to agree to appease her mad boyfriend. "Alright, darling~~ I will keep my distance. Whatever you say." Xin Zhen snorted and seemed to be in a good mood now. He dipped his head, and hungrily captured her lips as he trapped her in his arms. Shi Ruiling responded with the same passion as she expertly moved her lips across his. Soon, their wet tongues intertwined, and they sloppily started to undress each other in haste. "Mmmmnnn" A soft moan escaped her mouth as his fingers seductively grazed on her skin. Xin Zhen pushed her on the bed, and her back softly bumped on it. Her silky hair fluttered on the bed. But they never left each other''s lips even for a moment. In a matter of seconds, they werepletely naked. Chapter 142: Where did your amazing IQ disappear? Chapter 142: Where did your amazing IQ disappear? --- Xin Zhen pinned her in between his arms and started trailing his wet and hot kisses from her lips down to her neckline till his lips met the soft mountains on her chest. Without wasting a second more, he imed her left breast in his mouth while his palm was kneading her right breast in a circr motion. "AhhnnZhenahh" Shi Ruiling clutched the pillow in her fist as the familiar pleasure started to bubble in the pit of her stomach. He switched the breasts and was now sucking on her right one with equal vigor as before. "Zhen...ah more" She pushed her chest towards him more so that her breast enters deeper in his mouth. He nipped and sucked on her bud hard until his saliva started to drop down her chest valley. She immediately felt something wet coursing in herher region. "AhZhen...I love how you make...hah" she breathed heavily, "love to my breasts" Xin Zhen smirked. He raised his head to kiss her lips again. "You will love it even more when I make love to you down there." After Xin Zhen had his fill with her luscious breasts, he dipped his head in between her legs and flicked his tongue over her pink nub. It jolted a sharp tingling sensation across her body. Shi Ruiling clutched his hair hard as the pleasure was intensifying. His fingers were doing their magic in her core as he kept thrusting them in and out without giving her any time to think. But just as she was about to release, Xin Zhen withdrew his mouth. "Zhen!" She eximed in frustration and begged. "Don''t stop, pleaseI am about to" "I know. I am not stopping. I am preparing for much better." He slyly smiled. And in the next moment, Xin Zhen plunged his hard member into her core, which had already sprung up for action long ago. Shi Ruiling widened her eyes. "Ahhnnn!!!" She didn''t release, yet she felt as if something exploded from within her when he entered the exact moment she was about toe. That feeling was euphoric. Xin Zhen bent down and smashed his lips on hers while he already started moving inside her haven. He smothered her lips with a full-blown attack. He grabbed her knees and, with their support, started pounding inside her faster and faster. With every next turn, it went deeper and harder inside her. Shi Ruiling wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to taste him better. "MnnnZhen" A satisfied moan escaped her mouth into his. Xin Zhen once again moved to feast on her breasts that made Shi Ruiling squirm under him. She smiled as she watched him sucking and biting her breasts. "I love you, Zhen." She softly whispered. Xin Zhen stopped his movements. He narrowed his eyes at her as he saw her eyes shining a bit. "Why are your eyes wet?" He gently caressed her cheek. "Am I thrusting too hard? Should I slow down?" "No, idiot. I will kill you if you slow down your pace." "Then, why?" "Nothing. Just got a little emotional." She raised her head and pecked his lips. He frowned but before he could say anything else, she already slipped her tongue inside his mouth and fiercely swirled it with hers. Their soft tongues meshed with each other. "Zhen, please don''t stop" Xin Zhen grabbed her head and responded to her kiss with equal fervor. She rubbed her thighs against his to encourage him to thrust faster. "Fuck!" He throated a sexy groan and increased his pace like crazy. "Ahn..Ahnn...YesZhen... that''s where...hit there moreah faster please" The world in front of her blurred as she could think of nothing else apart from their connection. The wet sounds of their lovemaking were softly echoing throughout the room, coupled with their moans and groans and their ragged breaths. As his member and her core made naked contact, again and again, they both lost track of time. Their sweats mixed and as he rammed, again and again, they were close to their orgasm. "Aah Zhen" Her body shuddered hard as she finally came. Her release sent shivers across her spine, and she was breathing hard with her breasts heaving up and down. The bed was slightly creaking with their passionate movements on the bed. Xin Zhen grabbed her thighs and gave onest hard thrust. "Ennn!!!" His member stiffened inside her and spurted bouts of his warm release deep inside her womb. "Ughh." He groaned in satisfaction. "Feels so good" They panted and exhaled hard. Sweat glistened on their bodies. He kissed her lips and said, "I love you too." Shi Ruiling chuckled. They did two more rounds before Xin Zhen was about to pull out, but Shi Ruiling stopped him. "Don''t. Let''s stay like this." Xin Zhen''s softened member was about to rise to his glory again. He said in a raspy voice. "You don''t seem to want to sleep tonight. You should. Tomorrow, we have lots of work to do." He sighed and shifted his body toy on his side while he was still inside her as she wanted. He pulled her in his arms and rested his head on top of hers. She rested her head on his chest. "Something is on your mind, right?" Xin Zhen asked as hebed his fingers through her silky hair. Shi Ruiling smiled. "It''s nothing...I was just wondering how cute you were when you were so protective of Xin Lei." He snorted. "She is my sister and the youngest in our family. Of course, I would be a little protective." "Protective brothers don''t bully their sisters." Xin Zhen sneered. "Don''t expect any mercy from me if she acts stupid. We are a family of intellectuals. If she acts dumb, I will beat her up." She rolled her eyes. "Plus, only I am allowed to insult her. Perks of being the elder brother." He proudly said. "Hehe~~ But now Bai Li won''t let you." Xin Zhen''s expression turned ugly. "Should I throw you into his room since you want to talk about him that much?" He sneered. "How can you bear to throw your girlfriend in someone else''s room after spending such passionate time with her?" She pouted. "How can you bear to say some other man''s name on the bed when you are in my arms right now?" He shot back. "Seriously, Zhen" Shi Ruiling found it unbelievable. "You are still hung up on it." He snorted. "Bai Li is Xin Lei - XIN LEI''S boyfriend." She emphasized on Xin Lei. Xin Zhen red at her. "I am saying this for thest time. I. Have. Still. Not. epted. Him." "Your father seems to have." She dryly said. "I don''t care about him." Her mouth twitched. "If I am not satisfied, then I will not let them be together. It doesn''t matter what Dad thinks." Shi Ruiling blinked her eyes. "If you are that protective about your sister, I wonder how you will act if ites to our daughter one day." He sneered. "Our daughter will bring a boyfriend? In your dreams! I will not allow her to date until she turns at least thirty. And after that, if she finds one, I will simply kill him." Shi Ruiling was speechless. "So all in all, you want her to be single all her life." He shrugged. "I am capable enough to provide her for her whole life." "She will also need love in her life, not just money." "Will we not be there for that?" Her mouth twitched. "Love as in rtionship kind of love. Like how we are in one." He snickered. "A man will dare touch my daughter? Will I not break his arms and legs before that happens? Will he not be lying crippled in the hospital?" Shi Ruiling gave up. It is impossible to talk to this man, she thought. Xin Zhen kissed her forehead. "Anyway, aren''t we talking quite far ahead?" Shi Ruiling cleared her throat and drew circles on his chest. "It is actually not that far" "Hm?" "I mean, maybe...you will have to start thinking about them." "I don''t understand. Thinking about who?" "A child" she whispered. "Why would I think of a child?" Ughhhh. Shi Ruiling wanted to bang her head somewhere. How can any man be this clueless? She tried once more. "I mean that Xin Lei wouldn''t be the youngest member in your family anymore" "Why not?" Shi Ruiling inwardly sobbed. Why am I dating this man again? "Why don''t you think that for yourself?" Xin Zhen frowned. "I am the eldest son of the Xin family, and then came Lei Lei. Naturally, she is the youngest." She gritted her teeth. "Yes, she is. But she won''t be in the future." "Why not?" Shi Ruiling was dumbfounded. How can this man not understand even after dropping so many hints? Is he really the same intelligent Xin Zhen that I know? Where did your amazing IQ disappear? Come back! "Ughhh Zhen!!! Because I am pregnant!" Chapter 143: A bad dream Chapter 143: A bad dream --- The next morning, Zhang Ning closed her call and put her phone aside as shey on the hospital bed to rest. She sighed and looked up at the ceiling. As she shut her eyes, the memory of Bai Li carrying her in his arms shed in her mind. She bent and looked at her ankle that was hurt. She recalled how Bai Li had checked on it as his fingers grazed past her skin. Suddenly, she felt her heart beating faster and felt a strange warmth coursing through her body. She couldn''t help but constantly think about Bai Li. He is one amazing man First, he saved her from the bullet, then from Yi Xing''s harassment, and then once again from Yi Xing and his goons in the port. The more she thought about it, the more she found it unbelievable for a blind person to fight so expertly. Something tickled her from within as she thought about Bai Li. Then she recalled how Bai Li was sweating when that woman in ck was going to shoot. Zhang Ning frowned. What happened to him at that time? Why did he suddenly get so afraid? He was sweating so hard. Zhang Ning refused to believe that he got scared of that woman who could be supposedly Zhang Xin. Bai Li was strong and brave. An excellent ex-soldier from the Army. She was in deep thought. At that time in the port, she had looked at him up close to how he was terrified about something. But it strangely pricked her heart to see him so defenseless. Wasn''t that other doctor with them? Kang YuanA psychologist. Is it rted to Bai Li? How can I help him? When she thought about how Xin Lei rushed towards him and how hisplexion seemed a little better as he copsed in her arms, somehow Zhang Ning felt that it was strangely Annoying? She tilted her head as she didn''t understand the feeling surging in her heart right now. Why didn''t I like it? Aren''t they dating? Of course, they would be...close. Once again, she felt bitter in her heart. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted as she heard a *ck* from the window side. Zhang Ning turned her head and widened her eyes in disbelief. She was about to scream, but somebody was quicker in covering her mouth. The intruder woman removed her mask, and she smiled at Zhang Ning, tightening her grasp on her mouth. She struggled and fought, but it was of no use. "Tsk, tsk, elder sister. What kind of greeting is this?" "Mmnn...mmppf!" "Aren''t you happy to meet your beloved younger sister after six years, sis?" --- *Xin Lei* I freshened up and quickly took a shower. I headed out to see only a few people working. Others might be gone to have their breakfast, it seems. So, the room and the corridor were quieter than usual. I wonder if Bai Li is up. I went towards the room where Bai Li and Yuan were staying. Just as I reached, the door opened, and Yuan came outside. "Hey." He smiled at me. "Good morning." I typed. "Good morning." Yuan asked, "How is Liao Huifang? Did she sleep well?" I nodded and typed. "She criedst night a lot, but I made her go to sleepter. She is still resting." "Good. She should have a heavy breakfast now since she didn''t eat anythingst night; otherwise, she will get sick." I nodded. I typed again. "Is Bai Li up?" Yuan hesitated and seemed a bit tense. Hm? I felt worried now. I typed. "Did something happen?" Yuan sighed. "Welst night, he seemed to have a bad dream." I quickly typed. "Bad dream? Is he okay? Is it about his PTSD? Did he recall his past?" "No, it''s not about his past. Well, actually quitete in the night, a dog barked from outside. As soon as Bai Li heard it, he jumped up and said ''Cocoa!''" I froze. Now that I recall, I heard a dog barking too. When I looked outside, I saw that it was a stray dog roaming around. To be honest, even I thought for a moment that it was Cocoa. My shoulders drooped. "Bai Li was insisting that it was Cocoa, but I knew he wasn''t. ''No, it''s Cocoa. Check outside! He is calling for me!'' That''s what he was repeating. He was about to rush out from the room, and I panicked that he might hurt himself. I checked outside and saw that it was a stray dog. I told the same to Bai Li. He didn''t react much, but as a psychologist, how can he hide his thoughts from me? He seemed disappointed and sad. I knew he was missing Cocoa." Bai Li It felt as if somebody squeezed my heart. Yuan continued. "I talked to him a little to make him feel better. We then went to rest, but he suddenly woke up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating. He was delirious for a few minutes before I calmed him down. He wasn''t ready to say, but I convinced him. He had a bad dream in which he saw Cocoa dead. He had lost him forever." I trembled and widened my eyes. "I assured him that it was a dream, and Cocoa is fine wherever he might be." Yuan sighed. "He absent-mindedly nodded. After that, we slept again, but I realized that even after two hours, Bai Li wasn''t able to sleep. He was restlessly shifting on the bed. So, I gave him a mild dose of medicine to relieve his stress and anxiety. He was finally able to sleep an hourter. That''s why he is still sleeping now. Last night was hard for him." I bit my lip. Damn, I couldn''t be there for himst night. He was having such a hard time, but I typed. "I will check on him." And I quickly rushed inside the room. I closed the door behind me and sat on Bai Li''s bed. His one hand was over his head, and the other rested on the bed. He was breathing evenly. I bent down and kissed his forehead. He slightly shuffled in his sleep. I brushed my fingers through his hair and patted his head. Bai Li...I hope you are okay I watched him for a while before I started to feel a little tired too. "Xin Lei?" Hm? I rubbed my eyes and woke up to see that Bai Li had already got up. I straightened up and looked around. I think I fell asleep. I quickly typed. "Bai Li. Are you okay?" "Huh?" He seemed a bit confused, but then he said, "Oh...Did Kang Yuan say anything aboutst night?" I typed. "Yes. Bai Li. Don''t worry. It''s just a dream. Cocoa is fine. I know it." He faintly smiled. "En. I...hope so too" I puffed my cheeks. I typed. "No hope. He IS alright. We will find him and Chu Jie soon. Now bro and Qi Qiang are with us too! We will crack the case in no time. Nothing will happen to Cocoa, okay?" Bai Li sighed. "Yes. Sorry. I couldn''t help myself. For a moment, I really thought it was Cocoa." I typed. "You don''t have to be sorry. It is natural to think that way. I, too, heard that dog barking, and I also felt that it was Cocoa." He nodded. I smiled and typed. "Don''t think negative. We will not let anything happen to them." "Time is slipping by, Xin Lei. What if they already did something" I hugged him tightly. His hands were slightly shaking, and as I took them in mine, I moved his fingers. "Cocoa and Chu Jie are safe. I feel it. Don''t underestimate a woman''s intuition." Bai Li softly chuckled. "En." I raised my head and pressed my lips on his. Bai Li gently cupped my cheek and moved his lips in tandem with mine. The gentle kiss soon turned ferocious and hungry as he dove in my mouth, already iming my tongue. Damn, I wanted more! I took his hand and slowly lowered it so that his hand touched my breast. I felt him stiffen, and his kiss grew even wilder. I urged him, and he squeezed my breast in his palm. Even though our clothes were on, it sent butterflies in my stomach. I gasped in excitement and pulled his head towards me to kiss harder. "Xin Lei" Bai Li was gently kneading my left breast as he pleased, and I was more than happy to let him. Our lips had already turned wet. In a daze, Bai Li was about to push me back on the bed. *Knock Knock* We froze. I sobbed. Why do people have such wrong timing? We were going to the good part. "Xin Lei." I stiffened. Damn, it was Bro. If he would see us like this, then I am dead. "My dear younger sister, if you don''t open the door in five seconds, then be ready for your fate because I will barge in, and if I found that you were doing anything naughty with that man, then I will beat you up!" Chapter 144: Deja Vu Chapter 144: Deja Vu *Xin Lei* Bai Li and I quickly straightened up. I tidied my clothes and hair. Bai Li chuckled. "Don''t worry. Just act normal." I red at him. How can he be so rxed? Bro is waiting like an Asura outside. I harrumphed and opened the door. There it was, icy winds blowing even colder than the Arctic. "Good morning, little sister." He sneered. "Why am I seeing you in this room so early in the morning? What were you doing with him alone?" I gulped. My gaze shifted at Yuan, and he seemed apologetic with that look in his eyes. My mouth twitched. I typed. "Bai Li had a bad dream. Yuan said that he had a rough time sleepingst night, so I came to check on him." "Ho.How did your clothes get disheveled then?" I did tidy my clothes, but it seems that Bro still noticed it. "Well, she fell on my bed. Her foot slipped, and she fell on me, so I woke up as well. We just got up, and then you knocked." Bai Li said. It took me a second, but I furiously nodded, agreeing with him. "How convenient. My sis cannot even walk properly. Do you need me to buy you sses? Has your vision deteriorated that you will slip your foot now?" "..." Why is bro in a bad mood early in the morning? "Oof Zhen, stop!" Shi Ruiling came and pulled him back. "Why are you grilling them with your temper so early in the morning?" Exactly my point. I sobbed. Phew! Our savior came. But bro red at her and shook her hand off. He coldly said, "Don''t talk to me." Huh? Even our savior failed? It seemed like Shi Ruiling was fine, but Bro was mad about something. She sighed. "I said I am sorry no~~" Bro ignored her and red at me. "Come outside when you are done ying." He said in displeasure, and he walked away. The heavy atmosphere seemed to lighten up after his departure. Bai Li asked, "Weren''t you two quite lovey-dovey yesterday? Why does it feel like a war now?" Shi Ruiling pouted. "Well, we made lovest night. It was quite intense." I choked up and coughed hard, and so did Yuan. I widened my eyes at her. What? Made love? Bro and her... Suddenly, I felt my cheeks heat up, listening about his sex life. Yuan said in embarrassment. "Why are you telling us about that! Shouldn''t it be personal?" "And shouldn''t his mood be quite happy after spending an erotic night with you?" Bai Li asked back. "Why is he so angry then?" "Because I told him that I am pregnant." Silence. I rapidly blinked my eyes. It took a few seconds to register. "What?" Yuan and Bai Li asked at once. "I told him I am pregnant." I furiously typed. "You are pregnant!?" Shi Ruiling grinned. "Yup. You are going to be an Aunt soon." I was dumbfounded. Bro''s child...that means my nephew or niece!!! Ah!!! We are going to have an addition to our family!!! I rushed to hug her. I pulled back and quickly typed. "Congrattions! Oh, my God! I will be an Aunt in nine months!" I was already jumping around in excitement. "Congrattions." "Congrattions." Bai Li and Yuan both said. Then Bai Li asked, "Then shouldn''t he be over the moon now? He is going to be a father. Why is he sulking like a little child?" I wondered about a possibility, and it didn''t seem it was the case, but I still asked. I typed. "Doesn''t bro want a child now? Is he against it?" I was anxious and typed again. "If he had dared to say that, then tell me. Dad and I will beat him up!" Shi Ruiling burst intoughter. "Ahahaha. Aww, you are so adorable. But no, dear. That is not the case. Zhen is really, really happy. Just like Bai Li said, he is over the moon now with this news. He wasughing like an idiotst night. He even cried in joy." Phew. I typed. "Then, why?" "Well, at first, he fired non-stop questions at me. How many months? When did Ie to know? Why didn''t I tell him before and all that but then he realized something, and that was my doom. He said that if I knew, then why did I seduce himst night in having sex?" She rolled her eyes. "He thought our intense make out could have hurt our baby." Ahhhh that! Oof! And here I wondered why bro was so serious? I shook my head. "And then he started to me himself for not being careful. Then his mood turned worse, and he got at an angry at me for initiating sex." She whined. "But I was feeling horny! I couldn''t help it! The rest of the night was a silent war. He didn''t talk to me at all." I coughed. "And listen to this, Xin Lei!" She hugged me and sobbed. "He has given an ultimatum that we will not have any sex for the rest of the nine months until the baby arrives! He is so cruel! How will I bear it! Boohoo" Yuan coughed again. Bai Li seemed to frown and asked, "Isn''t Xin Zhen right though? Can sex not hurt the baby? I mean when the man *ahem* enters" I giggled and typed. "No, it doesn''t. The fetus is well protected in its amniotic sac in the mother''s womb. The male''s penis or his sperm doesn''t reach it. So it''s safe." "Oh, I see" "But Zhen wasn''t ready to listen!" I sighed and typed. "Let''s go out for now, or else Bro will roar once again." We nodded. When we went outside, I saw Liao Huifang already on the breakfast table with Luo Zhiqiang. "Xin Lei." I nodded and hugged her. "Xin Lei, you should try these dumplings! Luo Zhiqiang made them. They are simply delicious! So yummy!" Her gaze sparkled. Luo Zhiqiang was impassive. I noticed him ncing at her for just a second, and then he withdrew it. I squinted my eyes. Ho... "Heh! Why didn''t I ever get the honor of eating your food, Zhiqiang?" Bro came in. "Zhen!" Shi Ruiling waved her hand at him, but he ignored her. She pouted. I sighed. This was not going to be easy. Luo Zhiqiang said, "I was in the mood today to cook." Bro sneered. "Can you not make that mood appear more often for your friend here?" Luo Zhiqiang didn''tment. We had our breakfast, and just like Liao Huifang said, it was really delicious. I typed. "Bro, don''t you think that sister-inw should have a proper check-up at the hospital?" "Check up for what?" Liao Huifang asked. I beamed. "She is pregnant. I am going to be an Aunt!" "What!?" She was stunned too. "Congrattions, Miss Shi." Shi Ruiling grinned. "Thank you, dear. And you can call me Shi Ruiling. Miss Shi is too formal." She nodded. Bro seemed to ponder over what I said. "Hospital is dangerous. We are in hiding." Bai Li shrugged. "No problem. We can go to bring the gynecologist here. We are not in hiding so that it will be safe. Naturally, we will take the doctor in secrecy too. We will take precautions that nobody will follow us here. Plus, we will get to meet Zhang Ning too to know if they got any information on Zhang Xin." I nodded and typed. "Don''t worry. I know one doctor who I can trust." Bro thought for a while and nodded. "Okay." --- Bai Li and I reached the hospital an hourter. Liao Huifang decided to stay back. She wanted to chat with Qi Qiang too. We talked with the gynecologist I knew. I had seen her yesterday when we came to meet Zhang Ning. I recognized her, but I didn''t get the time to talk. We had met at a medical conference before, so we were good friends. Si Ming, my friend, nodded. "Of course, I wille with you. Don''t worry. You know, as doctors, we don''t reveal any personal information. There is total confidentiality." She sternly said, adjusting her sses. Si Ming was always very particr about her professional ethics and values, so I knew I could trust her. I nodded. We talked to her a bit more and left. We had to meet Zhang Ning too, so we told her to wait. We were near Zhang Ning''s ward, and just then, I received a call. It was Dad. I typed. "It''s Dad. I wille back in a bit." He nodded. I chatted with Dad on the video call, and he wanted to know if I met Bro. He asked a bit about him, and I answered him what transpired. I nodded and felt that he seemed relieved. I smiled. It may not look like it, but I understood that Dad was worried about him. I was itching to tell him about the good news, but I couldn''t. It was bro''s thing to tell, so I held in my urge. Dad said he would call again once we go back, so we ended our call. I walked back to where Bai Li was, but he wasn''t at his ce where I left him. Why do I feel Deja vu? I heard some noises from Zhang Ning''s ward, and I froze. Did something happen? I quickly went inside and froze to see Zhang Ning quivering in Bai Li''s arms. Chapter 145: A second attack on Zhang Ning Chapter 145: A second attack on Zhang Ning *Bai Li* I had nothing better to do until Xin Lei would return, so I was going to sit on the bench, but then I heard some soft noises from Zhang Ning''s ward in the right. I narrowed my eyes. I felt my way and stepped a little closer towards the ward. I reached what felt like the door. I pinned my ear to it, and I could hear somebody''s gasping voice from the ward. I sensed she might be resisting something. The voices were muffled as if somebody...was choking her. My suspicions were confirmed because I heard somebody else talking, and then Zhang Ning respond to her, but their voices were too soft to decipher anything though I could feel that it might be a woman. Zhang Xin? If it was her, she might be trying to kill Zhang Ning just like she attacked her at the Tianjin Port. But how did she enter her ward? "...is the truth...killed mom" Zhang Qiuyue? Then they talked about something more that I couldn''t hear, but then I heard Zhang Ning''s muffled voice. "No! He won''t...believe you" I heard a soft chuckle. But then their voices suddenly stopped. "Mmpff!!" Zhang Ning yelped a little loudly this time. Did she sense me? Because I could hear her hasty footsteps. I didn''t have time to think about it. I budged the door, and as expected, it was locked from the inside. I stepped back and, in one huge step, kicked the door hard. *ck* I heard a clicking sound that meant the lock was undone. I pushed the door open, and I heard Zhang Ning''s faint voice. "B-Bai Li?" "Zhang Ning." I felt a gust of wind brush past my face from straight ahead. Window? And I could still sense the presence of a third person. I heard her shift a step towards the window. "Zhang Xin?" No response. Why isn''t she saying anything again? "Ah!" Judging Zhang Ning''s cry, I went towards her, and she suddenlynded in my arms. She gasped and coughed hard. "Haaa" She clutched my arm and tried to stand up. Then a few momentster, she said. "You!" Hm? Zhang Ning eximed but as a reaction to what? Did Zhang Xin sign something? But why didn''t she talk? I heard a shuffling noise, and then there was silence. Did she escape? "Ughh" I snapped out and asked, "Zhang Ning, are you okay?" *Cough cough* "Yesmy throat hurt a bit" I felt her shivering. "It''s okay. She isn''t here now. You are safe." "I am *cough* sorry...I always seem to bring trouble to you" "Well, it''s not you. It''s the culprit who is targeting you." "Oh... r-right. Um, Bai Li, can I ask you something?" "Yes?" I sensed a bit of tension in her voice. "Do you li-" "Bai Li?" I heard the familiar robotic voice that Xin Lei always used. I sensed hering near me and heard her rapidly typing on her phone. "What happened? Why is Zhang Ning in such a state?" I felt Zhang Ning jolt and clutch my sleeve. Whatever she might be wanting to ask, she didn''t. "Xin she was here" Zhang Ning weakly said. "What!?" She typed. So, I was right. From the conversation, it was evident that they were talking about Zhang Qiuyue, so it must have been Zhang Xin. I felt Xin Lei touching my arms and helping Zhang Ning sit on the bed. I heard her pitter-patter again. "Are you hurt anywhere? Wait, there are faint marks on your neck." I said, "I heard her muffling sounds, so I guess Zhang Xin was choking her." I heard the robotic voice again. "Don''t worry. I have checked the marks. Thankfully, they are not deep and harsh. Your coughing will also recover soon enough." "Thank you...and yes, she was strangling me*cough cough* I was so terrified. I thought the guards woulde in, but they didn''t. I was starting to feel dizzy and *cough* I felt I would die, but then she suddenly stopped. I think she felt your... presence so let me go and tried to escape." "She entered through the window, right?" She gasped. "Yes. I was resting, and then I felt a shadow...loom over me" she was breathlessly speaking. "Then?" "I panicked, and I was going to shout for help, but she covered my mouth. I tried to resist, but I was feeling weak, so...she had the upper hand...and then she started strangling me" I heard her sniffling and sobbing. "I heard something rted to Zhang Qiuyue. What was she saying?" "That! She- *cough cough*." She gasped and coughed again. I heard Xin Lei typing again. "Stop. Don''t get too excited to speak, or you will hurt your throat." "O-okay" A minuteter, she slowly spoke. "It was the same old story. She was ming me for everything that happened. But...but this time she went so far as to say that I killed Mom. I didn''t know she hated me to that extent to pin her...crime on me" I heard her soft sobs. "Xin asked Mom to sleep with her that night. Dad found her holding the knife with which she...s-stabbed Mom...and now she says thatI hoped that things would change after six years. Maybe she would have changed but it has turned for the worse! Shepletely hates the Zhang family now." "Ning, Ning!" I heard the familiar voice of Zhang Chao behind me. His footsteps sounded rushed and urgent as he passed by me. "Ning! I heard that Bai Li suddenly broke the door...what happened!" "Dad!" I heard Zhang Ning cry. "X-Xin barged into my room. She tried to strangle meIt''s just we thought. She is back. She has returned to take revenge." "So it is trueI, too, just got the news that Xin wasn''t abroad. She is really back." Zhang Chao''s voice sounded tired. I asked. "Where are the guards who were supposed to stand outside her ward? I didn''t sense anybody outside." "I interrogated them. Xin manipted them to leave her ward somehow. Naturally, I fired them. Ughh...this is so difficult. I have to use all my resources to find her, or one day, she would really be sessful in killing Ning! Thank God that you coincidentally came here in the hospital, too, or else...she would have strangled Ning to death." I heard Xin Lei typing. "Do you have Zhang Xin''s photo?" "No, we don''t." Huh? This is strange. I said, "Aren''t you family? Shouldn''t you have some of her pictures?" "We had. Actually" I sensed Zhang Chao pause, and then I heard him sigh. "Well, actually, we did have pictures. But after that night, Qiuyue was...I immediately wiped all records of her when I sent her abroad. Though in our home, we still had a few photos, but the room where we had kept it caught on fire one day." Hm "When did the fire ident happen?" Zhang Ning answered. "I think it was about seven to eight months after Xin left abroad. I had asked Dad to keep at least some of her pictures as memories. But then the room caught on fire, and everything we had left of her was destroyed in that fire. All of it was burned into ashes. Even the camera with her digital photos was unusable anymore." I heard Xin Lei typing. "What was the cause of the fire?" "Some electrical malfunction. The board short-circuited, and the curtains caught on fire that spread to the rest of the room. Until the fire safety team came to extinguish it, everything was already destroyed." Zhang Xin wanted to erase all the evidence of her existence. No wonder even Qi Qiang couldn''t find anything on her. I asked, "Do you know any ce where Zhang Xin might be? I mean any hint about her whereabouts. Like any ce she used to like visiting as a child?" "No.," Zhang Chao said, "After Qiuyue''s death, we didn''t let her go anywhere. She was basically cooped up at home. And after we brought the psychiatrist, we didn''t let her leave her room anytime. So she doesn''t have any of those secret ces you might be suggesting." We left soon after. In the corridor, I heard Xin Lei type. "What exactly happened?" "I don''t know much myself, but I heard some noises from her ward, and when I broke in, Zhang Xin already escaped. It was in the nick of time, or Zhang Ning would have been dead." She typed again. "What was she asking you?" "Hm? Oh, that. I don''t know. You called me, and then she stopped talking. Why?" Xin Lei was awfully quiet. I recalled the time outside Yi Xiaosi''s office when she was in a simr mood when I saved Zhang Ning from Yi Xing. I coughed. Did she feel bad seeing Zhang Ning in my arms? Damn! "UghhZhang Ning tripped from her bed, so I just really helped her, that''s all." I nervously said. I heard her typing again. "Why do you always exin yourself? I know. I trust you. But I don''t trust her." "What do you mean?" "I think Zhang Ning likes you." Chapter 146: Cutting off a rivals feelings Chapter 146: Cutting off a rival''s feelings *Xin Lei* This was the third time after Yi Xing''s harassment and the attack in Tianjin Port that she somehownded in his arms. And today she was shaking and quivering in his embrace. Ugghh...Damn, I felt so annoyed! I understood that she might be attacked and was injured on top of that, but...but why only her! And why is Bai Li supposed to save her every time! They might be my suspicions before, but now I was sure. Zhang Ning liked Bai Li. It was so clear. Her gaze, when she looked at him as I just entered the room, said everything. It was filled with delight and admiration. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she seemed nervous - that kind of nervousness you see when a man or a woman is with his or her crush. That made me feel so irritated. It seemed as if she was asking him about something, and I couldn''t quite catch it, but she suddenly stopped when she saw me. That increased my suspicions even more. Was she... going to confess? Bai Li asked, "Zhang Ning likes me? I don''t think so" His voice snapped me out of my daze. "..." I guess he didn''t understand his own charm. I typed. "Trust a woman''s intuition. She likes you. When I entered and saw her in YOUR arms, she was blushing a bit." Bai Li coughed. "I was only there to-" I held his hand to cut him off and typed. "I know. You were there to save her and catch Zhang Xin, but it is sparking a whole lot of different emotions in Zhang Ning." "Ugh" I continued to type. "I mean, why not? You have saved her so many times that I have already lost the count of it. A handsome ex-soldier, brave and courageous, always present at the scene to save the princess. How romantic, isn''t it?" "Okay, wait." Bai Li held my wrist and pulled me back and startled, I tripped a bit, but he caught my waist. He took me into a corner, and I wondered why he brought me here. I questioningly looked up at him, and I widened my eyes as I saw his sullen face. "I am sorry. II...ugh well now that you mention it, it has been indeed like that... Sorry... other than saving her, I had no other intentions for her, nor do I have any." Ugh shit! It must have looked like that I was ming Bai Li. Was my tone too harsh? But I was angry at Zhang Ning, not at him, but I made him misunderstand me. Damn!. "I-If somebody is out there to kill her, then I cannot turn a blind eye but-but sorry for hurting you. I didn''t mean to do that...so...so please don''t break up with me!" Then he lowered his head. "..." I exhaled a deep sigh. Why is Bai Li so cute? Hehe~ I feel like it will be so easy to bully him in the future. I quickly typed. "No, I am sorry. I wasn''t angry at you. I said that I trust you. It''s not you. It''s Zhang Ning. I am getting annoyed at her for always clinging onto you, and now that I realized she likes you, I am getting even more furious." I raised my head and kissed his chin. I typed. "It might have sounded that I am pissed off at you, but I am not. Really." Bai Li still seemed a little frigid. "No, it''s my fault. Instead of holding her, I should have helped her to bed already, but my mind wandered off to think about how Zhang Xin might have entered and escaped and so-so it" A brave soldier stuttering like that in front of his girlfriend looked so cute to me. Am I a bully? Suddenly, from the corner of my eye, I saw Zhang Ning limping on her foot anding in our direction. Why is sheing here? She was looking around left and right as if she was searching for somebody, and I faintly caught her lips moving, saying something. Bai Li Great. Now she is here to find him again. Why? Isn''t it enough how he saved her just now? What else is left to talk? I narrowed my eyes and something evil popped in my head. I am sorry for this, Zhang Ning. But I need to cut off your feelings for my boyfriend because I don''t want to bother with the trouble of another woman''s interference in our rtionship. I stepped up on my foot and pressed my breasts onto Bai Li''s chest. "What are you doing?" His voice had turned a bit raspy. I checked on Zhang Ning, and she seemed close enough to us. I wrapped my hands around his neck from there, I typed. "Hmm. I was indeed jealous to see two you so close just now." As expected, Zhang Ning stopped as she heard the robotic voice. I typed again. "Even if it''s your duty as an ex-soldier, I still felt hurt. What if Zhang Ning starts to like you? After all, you have saved her so many times already." Zhang Ning was secretly approaching us closer and closer. Bai Li seemed to panic again. Ugh...I felt so guilty. I was saying it to make Zhang Ning hear us, but well, he didn''t know I was acting now. Bai Li stuttered again. "I-I am sorry. It''s nothing like that. I had no other intentions." I typed again. "Prove it to me that you had no other intentions. You hurt me, so nowpensate. Kiss me." I nced at Zhang Ning, and sure enough, she seemed pale and frozen in ce. "That''s it?" Bai Li asked. "Shouldn''t I kowtow and apologize to you? Shouldn''t you make me kneel on the durian as the punishment for the rest of the day? It could be the next day, too, if you wish" I rolled my eyes. His seriousness can make someone speechless sometimes I typed. "No. Kiss me. If I don''t feel your kiss passionate enough, then I might think that you like" Bai Li didn''t waste a second further. He suddenly grabbed the back of my head and crashed his lips onto mine. I quickly nced at Zhang Ning again, and now, as she was peeking at us, her condition seemed to turn worse from being pale to as white as a sheet. Now, Miss Zhang, watch real close so that you understand once and for all that Bai Li is mine. Bai Li pushed me until my back hit the wall while smothering his kisses on me. His white teeth nipped and feasted on my lips until I parted them to wee his tongue inside my mouth. He clutched my hair in his fist and stuck his tongue down my throat as he deepened his kiss. A low groan escaped his throat, and our bodies unconsciously pressed even closer. My eyes flew open as I felt something poking in between my thighs. Damn, Bai Li was hard! Ugh, why are we in the hospital! Where is the bed when you need one! But it gave a rush of excitement within me, and I swept my tongue across his just like he was doing to me. He parted, a little breathless, and I thought it was over, but he imed my lips again, fiercely rubbing and shing his lips on mine like a thundering storm. I didn''t back out either, and I bit down on his lower lip so hard that I could taste his blood sliding on my tongue. "Ugh...Xin Lei!" He huskily and breathlessly uttered my name. I felt his little brother down there got more hard as it was poking even fiercely than before. And fuck, it was grinding on my sweet spot! It felt like... something violent was building within me. I felt like I so wanted him inside me right now to fill that damn hollow space in me! "...Xin Lei, I like you." He whispered as he was still kissing and biting me. Now my gaze was starting turn watery. In a daze, I could still hear his moans and the soft wet sounds of our hot kiss. Alright, if this didn''t stop, then it would get hard for both of us. No pun intended. I broke the kiss with great difficulty and remorse. "Why did you stop? Hah" He was panting as he spoke. "... don''t stop" Bai Li was still showering gentle kisses on me. I sobbed. Why did I have to ask him to kiss me? Now we both are hot and excited but cannot do anything about it. All because of Zhang Ning! Hm, wait? Was she still here? Ipletely forgot about her. I peeked a little, and she was still standing on the same spot. Like seriously? Or was she too frozen to move? I finally pushed away Bai Li and typed. "You passed." "Huh?" His gaze seemed dark and ssy. I typed. "That kiss was passionate enough. I forgive you since you proved to me that you only like me." Bai Li seemed as if he was slowly regaining hisposure. "Of course I like only you. Even if Zhang Ning likes me, I can only feel sorry for her. But I cannot reciprocate her feelings because" He cupped my face and kissed me again. "because I only like you. My heart is filled with you. All of it. There is no space left for anybody else to enter." Chapter 147: Take me to your home Chapter 147: Take me to your home *Xin Lei* It felt as if my heart woulde out of my chest. I was bold just a minute ago, but his words suddenly made me shy and ecstatic. No space for anybody left to enterHe likes me that much... It felt as if I was already flying in the air high up in the sky. A giddy feeling enveloped my chest. My nce shifted towards Zhang Ning, and she wasn''t in her ce anymore. Phew! She finally left. Good thing she listened to Bai Li. Now, she wouldn''t have any other useless thoughts about Bai Li and give up on him! I cleared my throat and typed. "That''s good. Now, Ipletely forgive you." Bai Li chuckled. "Thank you, girlfriend." I typed. "Let''s go. Si Ming would be waiting for us." "En." As we went outside, we found numerous cops barricading the area and carrying out their search for Zhang Xin. Bai Li asked one officer. "Did you find her?" "No. She escaped through the window, and the only possible direction is the left because it''s a dead-end at the right. Towards the left is the main market street, and it''s easy to go unnoticed there." We nodded. "Did Zhang Ning say what she was wearing?" I typed. "I think she was wearing all ck again." "You can cross-check with all the clothes shops nearby where she could change into another set of clothes. She wouldn''t keep on wearing the same clothes if all ck catches attention. Nowadays, all the decent shops have CCTV, so it''s hardly usible she might take the risk of exposing her face. But better safe than sorry." That made sense. The officer made a note and nodded. "Got it. We will check the shops." Si Ming asked, "What is this all about?" I sighed. "It''s a long story, but you only need to know that nothing we discuss and what you see must be heard by anybody else." Si Ming thoughtfully nodded. "I understand." "Also, let''s take a detour. Xin Lei. Open the map on your phone." I typed. "Done." Bai Li seemed as if he was trying to sense something, and then he said. "Good. We aren''t in the earshot. Is there any empty or abandoned ce around 1 or 1.5 kilometers? Zhang Xin would have to change her clothes, but if she cannot do it in a clothes store, then she must have a ce somewhere nearby which is not used by anyone and which is free of any security." I typed. "There is one. Just ten minutes up ahead. But how would she have gone there for those ten minutes too? She could still be caught." Then it struck me. I rapidly typed again. "Wait. Her partner, who has been helping her this whole time." Bai Li nodded. "Perhaps he would be ready with his bike somewhere, and she hopped onto it after she escaped from Zhang Ning''s ward. Until they reached the ce, she must have worn a jacket of some sort to hide at least her upper body. Let''s quickly go to that ce. Maybe we could still find them." I typed. "But we don''t have any guns with us." "We have." Bai Li tapped his finger near his waist. I faintly saw two bulges. "Xin Zhen gave them to me before we left. He thought we might need it, of course not before he instructed me not to let a single scratch befall on his dearest sister." A...my bro is so sweet. "If you get hurt, then he would kill both of us and personally bury us in the ground." "..." "Nice sense of humor, your brother got there." I sighed. I typed. "What about Si Ming? She cannote with us there. It could be dangerous." "I know. We were supposed to take her back, but I didn''t know that Zhang Xin would make her appearance. That''s why it''s better to call your brother and ask Luo Zhiqiang to pick her up. Until then, we would leave her in a safe ce." Si Ming had no issues either. I typed. "Alright. It''s decided then." *** --- Dongcheng. During the day, Ying Yue had sses at University, and at night, she would work in the bar as her part-time job. Today, her studies got over earlier, so she was free for the rest of the day. "Cousin." Xue Jingjing gently called her out. Ying Yue expressionlessly looked back at her. "Cousin. I want you to meet somebody." She pulled a young man''s arm forward. "Cousin. He is Yang Mo." Yang Mo smiled. "Hello, Ying Yue. It''s nice to meet you." "Hello." "Cousin." Xue Jingjing shyly said, "Yang Mo and I are dating now. So I wanted you to be the first to meet him." "Boyfriend?" Ying Yue quizzically tilted her head. "Yes." Xue Jingjing quietly observed her reaction. She wanted to see if it affected her, but Ying Yue was always so impassive that it was hard to detect her expression. "Cousin...I hope you don''t mind us dating" she bit her lip and looked guilty. Yang Mo patted her head. "It''s alright, Jingjing. I know she wouldn''t mind us." Ying Yue asked, "Why would it affect me that you are dating him?" Xue Jingjing showed a troubled expression. "Cousin, you don''t need to hide. I know that you...you like Yang Mo. But trust me, I had no intention of snatching him from you. Yang Mo c-confessed to me and I-I liked him for a long time, so I couldn''t refuse" "I don''t like Yang Mo. Where did you get that idea from?" Xue Jingjing held her hands. "Cousin, justst month, you lied to his ex-girlfriend how he was cheating on her, and then she broke up with him. You did it because you felt jealous of her." Ying Yue was unaffected. "No. I saw Yang Mo kissing another girl in the bar where I work. The next day, his girlfriend coincidentally sat beside me in the canteen, and she said how Yang Mo treated her so nicely. I thought it was only fair to tell how wrong she was." She looked at Yang Mo. "Data suggests that around 20-25%, it is highly probable for a man who cheated before to cheat again. Either be cautious of him or better, find another suitable man." Yang Mo''s expression was ugly, but he still smiled. "Ying Yue. I think there is a misunderstanding. I didn''t cheat." "If there is a misunderstanding, why didn''t you clear it with your ex-girlfriend and get back with her rather than finding a new one? And my eyesight has no problems. It wasn''t your girlfriend that you were kissing that night in the bar. If it''s not her, then it''s another woman, and if it''s another woman, then that means you were cheating." Yang Mo froze and couldn''t retort. Xue Jingjing quickly said, "Seriously, sis, you don''t need to try so hard to deny that you like Yang Mo. I don''t want you to resent me because we are together." Ying Yue furrowed her brows. She felt puzzled. "Like Yang Mo? I think you are suggesting the rtionship type of like. But as far as I remember since my childhood and until now, I haven''t experienced the kind of like you are mentioning-" ''You are quite interesting.'' Suddenly, out of nowhere, Rodey''s face with his lipsced in a devilish smile, and his words popped in her head, and she couldn''tplete her sentence. Ying Yue was in a daze, and Xue Jingjing assumed her silence that she liked Yang Mo indeed. A faint smirk curved her lips upward. Yang Mo faintly sneered too as he thought that Ying Yue liked him. He felt satisfied. Xue Jingjing pitifully looked at her. "Sis...see? As I thought you" Ying Yue snapped out. For the first time, she couldn''t understand what just happened to her. She was in deep thought. "I will leave. I have to get ready for my part-time job." "But sis" "Xue Jingjing. I can only say what I think and what the data says about men like Yang Mo. After that, it''s up to you if you still want to continue with the rtionship. I won''t interfere. As your cousin, it was my duty to warn you at least once. I did my responsibility. The rest is up to you. Now, excuse me." Ying Yue turned back and quickly walked away, leaving a smug on Xue Jingjing and Yang Mo''s faces. Xue Jingjing secretly smirked. That felt good. Cousin must have run away to hide somewhere and cry her eyes out that she lost Yang Mo to me. Sorry sis, but Yang Mo is mine. --- Ying Yue walked out of the campus in a daze as she was still thinking about the moment when Rodey crossed her mind. That was strange. Why did I think about him at that time? As she was lost in her stupor, a hand came out from a dark alley and grabbed her arm and dragged her inside. Ying Yue gasped, but that man covered her mouth. Her heart raced in trepidation. A murderer? A rapist? Then she heard the man groaning in pain. He pointed his gun at her temple. "Ugh.." Ying Yue slowly turned her head and was shocked to see Rodey sweating and panting. She looked down and saw that his abdomen was bleeding. He narrowed his eyes and pressed the gun deeper. "Do as I say or I will shoot you dead right here. Take me to your home." Chapter 148: Bringing in a wanted criminal Chapter 148: Bringing in a wanted criminal *Xin Lei* We reached just near one abandoned shop that was deste and shut off. The shutters were down, and there was no sign of any life. I typed. "We are here. The main shutters are closed. We have to check for any windows." Bai Li nodded. We turned around the backside and found a small opening. We cautiously approached it, hiding from the view. I gently pinned my ear, but I couldn''t hear any voices. I peeked from the gap, and I saw no shadows of anybody''s presence. Bai Li softly whispered. "I sense that nobody is here." I nodded and held his hand to sign in ASL. "It doesn''t seem like anybody is here." "Let''s go inside but be on your guard." My gun was ready in my hands. I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The shop was small and with hardly any ces to hide. At just first nce, I saw that nobody was really here. It was dusty and dirty, with empty boxes lying around the floor. But I could see footprints on the floor. Since it was too dusty, it was natural that there would be prints. I typed. "There are footprints; I mean shoe prints to be exact." "Two?" I typed. "Yes. Two shoe prints. They seem like regr sports shoes, and the prints also seem fresh." "So they were here. But Zhang Xin already changed and quickly escaped with her partner. Look for if there are any ck clothes." I switched on my shlight and looked around. I checked all the boxes, but I couldn''t find ck clothes discarded by Zhang Xin. I sighed and typed. "There is nothing here." "She might have taken the clothes with her and nned to discard it somewhere else. I guess we are a littlete." I thoroughly rechecked the room for any clues, but there were none. Giving up on our chase, we went outside. Bai Li said, "It''s okay. We will find them." I nodded. *** --- From the terrace of the opposite building, Zhang Xin watched Bai Li and Xin Lei leave the shop. "I underestimated Bai Li. I didn''t know he would sniff this ce out. Thanks for the heads up." The shadow looming over her widened, and the man has hidden in the dark came out. "En." "If he hadn''t interfered, then I would have already gotten my hands on my dear sister." She sighed. "I would have to wait for another chance now to see her blood. I was so close." He nodded. "Let''s go." --- Dongcheng. In the dark alley away from in sight by everybody, Rodey pointed his gun at her Ying Yue''s head. "Take me to your home." Ying Yue didn''t move. She looked at his abdomen injury. "You are injured. I will take you to the hospital." "Heh!" Rodey was panting as he sneered. "Hospital and then jail? Don''t you know that I am a criminal? The army is on a lookout for me. Take me to your home and let me lie low for a while." "But-" Rodey pressed his gun deeper into her temple. "Do you want to die?" "I cannot oppose my fate if you really pull the trigger." She was impassive. Rodey tiredly rested his head on her shoulder. She froze. He chuckled as he sweated. "Right. I forgot. You don''t fear death. I caught the wrong person." Ying Yue was strangely feeling ufortable not because he was leaning on her, but the sight of his blood oozing out was making her oddly nervous. She didn''t have the time to think. "Bury your face on my shoulder." "What?" Ying Yue supported him in her arms and made sure that his face was hidden. "Hide your gun." Rodey narrowed his eyes and judged her expression for a moment before he pulled it back and kept in his jacket. Ying Yue walked with him outside the alley and quickly stopped a cab. She said to the driver as he was suspiciously looking at them. "My friend is injured. Please take us to this address." "Not to the hospital?" Ying Yue didn''t panic. "No. It isn''t any heavy injury. I can treat him in my home." The driver didn''t get a good look at Rodey, but he felt weak and pale. "Okay, Miss. Please take a seat." She nodded and helped Rodey inside the cab. During the ride, Ying Yue kept her palm pressed on his wound so that more blood didn''t flow out and also made sure that his face wasn''t visible to be recognized. As the cab reached her home, Ying Yue said, "Take a turn at the backside." Ying Yue stepped down with Rodey. "Are you sure he doesn''t need hospital treatment?" Ying Yue shook her head. "I can handle it." The driver shrugged and left. Ying Yue was a little nervous now. She couldn''t take him inside from the front door, so she made the driver stop the car here. Mom should be taking her nap at this time, and Aunt would be out with her friends. Ying Yue asked, "Can you walk?" Rodey nodded. She opened the back door to the kitchen, and there was nobody inside. She let out a relieved sigh. "Come inside." She quickly checked Ying Lan''s room and saw that was sleeping indeed. Xue Xiying wasn''t at home either. Her room was upstairs, and she called Rodey. "You cane now." But she didn''t hear his response. She frowned and looked back and was shocked to see Rodey on the verge of passing out. Ying Yue quickly supported him. "Are you okay?" "I am...fine." "You cannot walk anymore. I will take you." As she climbed the stairs, she already felt tired at the fourth step. Rodey was tall and quite muscr, so he was heavy to support him and carry him upstairs. But Ying Yue only hoped that nobody appeared right now. Somehow, she reached in front of her room and opened the door. She quickly dragged Rodey inside and locked the door behind her. Ying Yue finally felt relieved. All this while her heart was racing in fear that somebody would see her. This was the first time she was doing things secretly, hiding from everybody. She immediately put Rodey on the bed. She wanted to check his wound, but that needed to lift his shirt up. She didn''t think much about it and shifted his shirt a little upwards. As expected, it was a stab wound, but she noticed that it was shallow. Thankfully, the cut wasn''t deep enough, but he passed out because of the blood loss. Ying Yue thought for a moment. Turmeric paste was quite effective in stopping the blood flow and heal such shallow wounds to some extent. She quickly stepped out and went into the kitchen to make turmeric paste. She headed back with the medical kit and shut the door again. --- A few hourster, Rodey finally woke up as his eyelids fluttered open. He immediately put his guard up as he saw an unfamiliar surrounding but then he slowly remembered how he had threatened Ying Yue to take him home. Is this her home? Rodey tried to get up, but a dull pain shot at his side. He looked down and saw that his wound was disinfected and wrapped in a bandage. He looked around to see a modestly sized bedroom. It wasn''t too big or small. All the things were neatly lined on shelves. In short, it was orderly and organized. "Not bad..." he muttered. "Heh. Itpletely opposes my chaotic life." Then he heard the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. It stopped, and the door opened. Ying Yue came out neatly dressed while drying her hair. Rodey tilted his head, and his gaze squinted as he saw her pale and moist neckline. I would really like to leave a mark there Ying Yue blinked her eyes. She didn''t expect that he would be awake. "You are awake." Rodey withdrew his dark gaze from her inviting neck andzily said, "Nice room you got here." "How is your injury?" Ying Yue asked. He shrugged. "Nothing much. I have seen worse." She pursed her lips. "This is a nice ce to hide. I will stay here for a day and leave." He smiled. "Of course, if you have any problems, then my gun will talk to you." Ying Yue didn''t show much change in her expression. "Che. It''s so boring to threaten you." He sneered. "Why don''t you react to how people normally should? Scared and terrified." Ying Yue was about to say something, but they heard a knock. "Yue. Yue." Ying Lan''s concerned voice came from outside. Ying Yue froze, and she panicked a bit. She urgently whispered. "It''s Mom. Quickly. Hide." She pushed Rodey into the bathroom. "Don''te out until I say." "Yue dear, are you alright?" Ying Yue opened the door. "Mom." Ying Lan immediately stepped inside. "Yue! Tell me where you are hurt!" She was checking her from head to toe. She blinked her eyes in confusion. "I am not hurt, Mom." "Don''t lie to me! I saw blood drops on the stairs. Where did you injure yourself? How did you get hurt?" Chapter 149: Easy solution Chapter 149: Easy solution --- Ying Yue immediately understood. That must be Rodey''s blood when I helped him up. But now I already said that I am not injured. Ying Lan looked concerned. "Dear, tell me. Where are you hurt?" She was solemn. "Tell the truth. Jingjing...did she do something to you?" Ying Yue shook her head. "No, Mom. And why would she hurt me?" "Hmph. They don''t like us - the sister and niece of mine. They already take your hard-earned money, and I know they only fool around with it to buy expensive stuff. It won''t surprise me if she hurts you just to get more money. Is it like that? Did something happen at the university?" "No, Mom. Nothing happened at the University. Thatthat was the sauce." "Huh?" Ying, Yue nodded. "Yes, Mom. That was not blood. That was ketchup. I brought some sandwiches with me, so maybe that time some sauce fell on the stairs. The color is really simr." "Really? So you are not hurt?" Ying Lan felt relieved. "No. Mom." She nodded. "Good, good. That gave me such a scare." She patted her head. "You are my only daughter. If something happened to you, then I wouldn''t be able to live anymore. I have only you after your father left us." Ying Lan felt emotional. Ying Yue hugged her and wiped her tears. "I am alright, Mom. You rest for a bit more. I will clean the stairs of the ketchup." Ying Lan nodded. She went away, and Ying Yue closed the door, sighing in relief. "Heh~ I thought that you were unable to lie." Rodey stepped out of the bathroom, chuckling softly. Ying Yue nodded. "I cannot, especially to Mom. But I had no choice." Rodey stared at her. "How loving your mother is. ''Yue, are you hurt? Did you injure yourself?'' Che! Feels like I am in a disgusting fairy tale. It makes me want to puke." ''Get away from my sight, you bastard, son!'' A woman harshly pped a six-year boy in Rodey''s memories. ''Why? Why were you even born?'' ''I should have killed you! I should have strangled you when I first saw your disgusting face!'' ''Go bring more money for me! Don''t be more useless than you already are!'' ''No...no let me live. Take him! Take him away! Kill him. He is unwanted anyway!'' Ying Yue slightly furrowed her brows. She listened to him with a deadpan expression and seemed to be in deep thought. Rodey came out of his stupor. He casually picked up a book from her shelf as he asked, "By the way, who is this Jingjing?" "My cousin. She is mom''s elder sister''s daughter." "Got a beef with her?" "No." "Your mom doesn''t think so." "She doesn''t like them, so maybe she understood her." "And you?" "What?" Ying Yue didn''t understand. "Do you like her?" "I don''t particrly dislike her. You can say I am neutral." Rodey raised his brow. "Doesn''t she steal your money?" Ying Yue said, "She doesn''t steal it. She asks, and I give." "Just like that?" "I have to." "Why?" "We are in their debt. Uncle- Jingjing''s father helped us once. After he died, Aunt and Jingjing had nobody left, so they shifted here." "Ho...so, you take care of them as payback for what your Uncle helped you." "Yes." She didn''t hide it. "Then what if you cleared your debt?" "Mom doesn''t like to live with them. So I thought of moving into a new ce with her once I clear my debt. Mom will be happier that way." "And this house?" "Aunt and Jingjing can live here. After Uncle passed away, they had no ce to go to." "What about their own home?" "...Uncle couldn''t pay the loan, so the bank took the house. Aunt wasn''t working either." Rodey sneered. "So naive." He picked up his gun and walked up to her. He was casually ying with it in his hand. "Don''t you realize how easy it is to solve your problem?" Ying Yue blinked at him quizzically. "Two bullets - one in your Aunt and the other in Jingjing''s foreheads. Two round holes and your problem solved forever." "..." Rodey took a huge leap of a step towards her, and suddenly his face was in too close proximity to hers. Ying Yue''s heart skipped beating for a moment. "What do you say?" Rodey said amusedly, tapping her chin with his gun. "My gun is ready and itching for action. I can do this favor for you in exchange for letting me stay here, babe." "Killing them is not a solution. I can earn money and pay them back. Why shed blood then?" Rodey stared at her and chuckled. "Haha... because shedding blood gives a permanent solution. Do you think you can pay them back? You will never be able to pay them back." She earnestly asked, "Why not? It''s not much, but I havepensated ten thousand Yuan from my two million debt. It''s still little -" "You think it''s about two million?" Rodeyughed. "You will understand it one day the hard way. But whenever you need, my bullets are ready for you." Ying Yue was puzzled. She didn''t understand what Rodey meant. Once I pay two million, it will be over. Then why is he saying that? "Yue! Can youe to the kitchen, please?" Ying Lan called her. "Yes, Mom." She said. "I need to go. Stay here, and don''t make any noise." Ying Yue quickly went out. Rodey was bored now. Suddenly, Ying Yue''s phone buzzed, which was lying on the table. Rodey ignored it, but it kept on buzzing continuously. Irritated, he walked towards the table. Unknown to him, a mail from FriendsChat disyed on the screen. Rodey picked her phone and was just about to see it --- *Xin Lei* Bro was pacing back and forth outside the room while inside, Si Ming was checking on Shi Ruiling. This was the first time that I was seeing him so nervous. I sighed and typed. "Bro, Shi Ruiling will be fine. It''s just a normal check-up." Bro red at me, but he said nothing. After fifteen minutes, Si Ming came out. Bro rushed like lightning towards her. "How is she?" Bro anxiously asked. Si Ming nodded. "Both mother and baby are healthy." "Are you sure?" "..." Si Ming frowned. "Are you doubting my capabilities?" "Last night...we had an intense makeout." "*Ahem!*" Bai Li coughed. "Shut up, Bai Li!" Liao Huifang onlyughed. Bro looked back at Si Ming. "Did it have any negative effect on them?" Si Ming shook her head. "I see what you mean now. Don''t worry. Both are fine. Sex is not harmful to the baby. Although, you do have to make sure that at least for the first trimester, you two refrain from such intense activities. You can still do it gently." I coughed. Bro dered. "We will stop it altogether." "..." "Ah, no. You don''t have to take that extreme step. Just be cautious." "No. We won''t have any sex until she gives birth." Si Ming said, "I am a certified gynecologist to say that it''s fine to have sex. It''s not dangerous. It just shouldn''t be too intense." "No." He coldly said. Si Ming didn''t continue. "Alright. If that is what you wish. I just didn''t want you to have any misconceptions about sex and pregnancy." I sighed. "These are some vitamins and supplements that Miss Shi should start. If there is any difort she feels, please call me on this number." Bro had a long and detailed discussion about the do''s and don''ts at this time. Luo Zhiqiang then went away with her to take her back. Shi Ruiling came outside too. "Zhen! Xin Lei!" I grinned and hugged her. "Zhen was worrying over nothing! I told you that it''s fine." She said. Bro snorted. "Yeah, sure." Shi Ruiling pouted but sighed and let it go. She looked at Bai Li and me and asked, "Oh yes, what happened to Zhang Xin?" "She escaped. We were a littlete." Bai Li said. "What did Zhang Ning have to say about it?" "The same story, ording to her. Zhang Xin hates her, so she wants to kill her. We checked in an empty store around and found their footprints, but there was nothing else. Did Duan Deming say anything?" Bro sneered. "Duan Deming? He is still in his delusion that the boss is going to save him. I don''t see how. He is refusing to admit that he knows the boss. He says that he never saw him or her. He just gets orders. Only Rodey knows who the true identity." I narrowed my eyes. Bai Li said in a low voice. "It can be. It cannot be. I agree Rodey might know. He is the right-hand man. But Duan Deming can know as well. He might be lying. We have to grill him hard to know the truth." We nodded. "Sir." One of his staff came. "Qi Qiang and our team are ready with the dark web software." Chapter 150: Treading the dark waters of Internet (1) Chapter 150: Treading the dark waters of Inte (1) *Xin Lei* We gathered around the monitor where Qi Qiang was already talking to some of bro''s staff. The screen showed a dark greyish background that looked simr to Google or Bing. "The specialty of this software is that I would bepletely undetected in the Dark Web. Of course, we have anonymity and secrecy there, but the people managing Tor rys are shrewd. Our location or IP address is notpletely hidden there, so if the hackers want, they can tap into our details. On top of being connected to a VPN-" "What is a VPN?" Bai Li asked. "Virtual Private Network. It is used for safe browsing over the inte, especially when you are out on travel using public wifis. When your system is directly connected to the browser, the ISP - Inte Service Provider can see your real IP with which you are surfing the. But VPN gives you a temporary IP address until you are connected with it, so you have privacy. Your movements on the Inte cannot be tracked. All the activities are encoded and unreadable in transit. Your ISP cannot read your connections, and you can visit any website without your ISP knowing anything. So, of course, while surfing the Dark Web, VPN is a must. But I have also coded many configurations in my software that makes me able to visit any onion site without the owner of that site detecting my presence." "Yes, sir." The officer said, "We have thoroughly tested it. The boy is a genius. We surfed in many dark websites, including somewhere the criminals are a part of, but it didn''t trigger any red rm. We entered and left without leaving any suspicions." I was amazed and nodded in appreciation. "That''s great," Bro said. I typed. "Wow bro, you praised him." Bro shot a cold stare at me. "I appreciate true talent, unlike an airhead like you." I pouted. Qi Qiang typed a string of words on the screen and said, "This is the dark web." I looked through it, and a particr ad caught my sight. I typed. "Is that a sale on electronics?" I was dumbfounded. It looked like any other emerce website. He nodded. "You can shop in the dark web just like you can in a normal one. Look, there is even 50% off on smartphones andptops. Obviously, 50% is a scam." ... Seriously? I thought only criminal activities took ce here. "But of course you can also find killers for murder on-demand and rapists on hire. Everything from drug pedaling, pornography to arms trafficking can be done through here." I sighed. Technology was supposed to be used for the betterment of society. But well, everything had its downside. I typed. "How do these people pay?" "Bitcoins or cryptocurrency. That is the virtual payment system they use." Ah, I had heard of that. Bai Li asked, "How do you go to FriendsChat from there?" Qi Qiang said, "I will have to search a bit for that. It''s not like the regr browser. You can just type the URL, or if you don''t know, you can hit the search bar in Google to look up about it, and usually, the first link in search results is the correct URL. But on the dark web, we need to know the exact URL right down to itsst decimal. It contains random characters and strings. It should be precise, and it ends with .onion extension. Let me find it." Qi Qiang''s finding meant that he was once again typing some indecipherable string of codes so fast on the ck screen that it was barely readable. It was lightning fast. His finger movements seemed like he was typing on air. "Hm. This is it. This is the FriendsChat homepage." Liao Huifang said, "Yes, this is it. This is what I roughly saw on sis''s phone." Bai Li asked, "What does it open into?" Qi Qiang said, "For that, I will have to log in and give some credentials. Well, I can create fake credentials, but if you know someone from here whose credentials we can use, it will be much easier to ess his profile. We can also see who all he is friends with and the other members of this scam and all his chat history too." I typed. "But, we don''t know whose credentials to use." Luo Zhiqiang said, "Duan Deming''s. His code name is Neal. That may be the user name he may be using." "What about Rodey?" Bai Li asked, "He is the right-hand man. We can get to know more information." Qi, Qiang nodded. He typed Rodey in the username field, but it threw an error. He tried a bunch of times, but his ount didn''t open. I typed. "Any problem?" "There is no person as Rodey in FriendsChat." Ah? This was shocking. "How is this possible?" Bai Li said, "Rodey is an integral part of this gang and scam. Even in the Army, I came to know that he has very close connections with the boss. It is impossible that he doesn''t have an ount here. Did you try with allbinations?" "Yes, big brother. If I have a hint of username, then it''s easy to crack it and log in, but no matter what permutation andbination I used, he is not there. That only means that this Rodey guy isn''t on FriendsChat." That was indeed... unbelievable. Someone like Rodey wasn''t a part of FriendsChat, yet he handled all the operations closely. "This is strange" Bai Li seemed to be in deep thought. "If he is not in FriendsChat, then is the only responsible for bringing the victims to them?" He muttered to himself rather than speaking out loud. Luo Zhiqiang said, "Then we can only use Neal." Bro said, "But he is captured right now, and the gang surely knows about it. If they detect activity from his ount when he is locked up and doesn''t have ess to any mobile orptop, then they will get suspicious." Qi Qiang shook his head. "Don''t worry. They wouldn''t find out. All of the sites in the dark web need credentials to go further, so I have already started a background job in the software that whatever I do here or with whoever''s ount will be undetectable and untraceable. They wouldn''t sniff out anything." Shi Ruiling nodded. "That''s great, then." Qi, Qiang nodded. He got back to work, and it didn''t take much time before he cracked the password. As he signed in, we finally saw their site through which they carried out their vicious deals. "It''s kind of a chat forum. On the left side, we can see Neal''s friend list, and on the main window, we see his chat history. If I go further up, then I can see thousands of chat records and with people having different usernames." Duan Deming, aka Neal''s chats, was visible in front of us. They were the same names as some of the women who called him out when they were tortured in the base. "Thest person he chatted with was - huh? Liao Chuntao?" I widened my eyes. Liao Huifang was dumbstruck as well. Qi Qiang asked in shock. "Liao Huifang...your sis used her real name on the forum?" Liao Huifang pursed her lips. "Sis really didn''t know much about the Inte. She hardly had any social media ounts." He slowly nodded. As expected, the chat consisted of Duan Deming pretending to be sweet to Liao Chuntao and speaking all the flowery words that can move any woman''s heart. Considering Liao Chuntao, who was innocent about such intentions, it wasn''t difficult for her to fall into the trap. I peeked at Liao Huifang, and I felt her gaze dim as she looked at the screen. Luo Zhiqiang cleared his throat, and she snapped out. She silently wiped the corner of her eye. Bro said, "What else is there?" "There is his friend list. Then in his transaction history, I can see some receipts of some private deals. There is a whole group having a long list of almost a hundred friends." I typed. "Some of them would definitely be those men that were present on the base." "It could be. There is Sufy, Forsaken, Jumpythreat, Melonmelon, and all kinds of names here. All their chat history more or less show the same things. With Sufy, it is different. He talks more about work. Like thest they talked about was someone about TroubledTeen. They were discussing how to bring him from outside of the hotpot restaurant in Andingzhen. This Sufy was supposed to wear a red dress and meet him in front of a bus stop." I stiffened. Outside the hotpot restaurant? Andingzhen? Woman in a red dress? I quickly typed. "TroubledTeen must be Chu Jie! This is the same method with which he was kidnapped. Bai Li and I were there when it happened!" Bai Li nodded. "Sufy is also the same name which we found in Gen Gen''s base. What other names are there?" Qi Qiang scrolled down. "Bloodygame, Ilikeascars...oh, this one is interesting. One of the user names is CrimsonInstinct." Chapter 151: Treading the dark waters of Internet (2) Chapter 151: Treading the dark waters of Inte (2) *Xin Lei* That was an interesting username, indeed. More like a username, it felt like...it was an apt description of someone''s mentality who liked crimson blood. His instinct drew him towards it. Bai Li said, "Is that the boss''s user name?" Qi Qiang checked some more and said, "Wow, you are right, bro. I checked the chat records of Neal with CrimsonInstinct, and through it, I could also see others chatting with this person. Everybody addressed CrimsonInstinct as their boss." I widened my eyes. I had a different feeling when I saw that name, but I didn''t know it belonged to the main boss. "How did you know, big brother?" "I just had a feelingIt is very particr, unlike other user ID''s, and I got the feeling that the person had really put thought into choosing this name. It is not random." Yuan nodded. "I had the same feeling. The others seem casual and sort of chosen at the spur of the moment. With this name only, I gathered that the boss might have psychological issues associated with sadism, but he or she is really intelligent. It chose a name that depicted his personality. They cannot show themselves in front of the world but online, and behind these virtual walls, he wanted to have his own identity." Bai Li agreed. "True. It''s more like he is proud of letting that beast out that he is forced to hide. So someone like CrimsonInstinct felt like the boss to me because the bosses of any criminal organization don''t do things randomly. The rest of the IDs definitely belonged to those men in the base." I typed. "I agree. Their behavior when they treated the innocent people felt brash and thoughtless. They would hardly think that much about a user name." Bro asked, "Can you see the boss''s profile?" Qi Qiang said, "On it. Here it is. Most of the chat records are a discussion with the other members about how" he felt hesitant, "how it was fun to deal with the victims." He scrolled down to see the chat records. Bloodygame : That was so satisfying." Forsaken : Haha! That man''s scream still resounds in my ears. It was so exciting to see him shouting at the top of his voice. Nittyoicky : Nah! I love it the most when they beg for mercy. They cry, ''No! Let us go!''" Meanie : I agree that their cries were melodious. Boss! What part did you like the most? Ilikeascars : Yes, yes! Tell us~~ Bloodygame : I cannot wait to know. Forsaken : it''s definitely how they shouted when we poured acid on them. Nittyoicky : Shut it. It''s definitely how they always cry to get out. Seeyouihell32 : Oh,e on. Let the boss tell us. CrimsonInstinct : Hm, it''s indeed difficult to answer. But it''s neither the screams nor the cries. Its blood. Their crimson blood flowing out of their cuts and wounds was what satisfied me the most. Careless : Ahaha! You are our boss for some reason. It is perfect. Seeyouihell32 : Heh! The boss beat you two." Forsaken : Damn! Boss is the best. Of course, their screams are nothing aspared to the beautiful blood~~ Nittyoicky : Why didn''t I think of that before *sighs* CrimsonInstinct : Alright friends, enough discussion. We will meet again next time when we have a fresh target delivered to our doorstep again. Careless : Woohoo! I cannot wait! As I signed the conversation to Bai Li by holding his hands, his jaws tightened, and I could hear him gritting his teeth. Yuan said from my side. "It is the same as when we watch a movie, and after it''s over, we cannot help ourselves from discussing it with our friends and family." Liao Huifang clenched her fists. "Did they talk like this about sis too? Were they discussing it like it''s some a fucking movie was going on!" I patted her shoulder and shook my head. Shi Ruiling faintly smiled. "I understand your pain, dear. But we promise that we would catch them soon. Your sister and each one of the victims will definitely get justice." She weakly nodded. Qi Qiang cleared his throat and said, "By the way, I also see some videos uploaded by CrimsonInstinct." When he yed them, we saw the same videos of the victim''s torture in the base. Bro leaned in and narrowed his eyes. "What are they doing with the videos? I can see that the boss has posted it elsewhere." Qi Qiang quickly surfed through the sites, and he widened his eyes in shock. I typed. "What happened? What did you see?" "I told you that there is a market here in the Dark Web that people can hire and pay for murder or torture on demand, right?" Silence. Ugh...I got a bad feeling about this. I already felt my stomach churning in disgust. "The gang is not only watching the videos among themselves and in their group, but they are also selling it to the customers outside of their gang. Look." Qi Qiang pointed his cursor in a different link. "See this video here? It''s the same one which we saw earlier. The user has requested that he wants to see someone getting hit by a metal rod again and again. And CrimsonInstinct has posted this particr video to the mass audience outside." I felt a chill run down my spine. "Simrly, there are other requests like burning in acid, strangling, knives, and all...The boss negotiates with them and sells the video in the Dark Market. In exchange, the users pay them using bitcoins for getting ess to see the video." Qi Qiang shuffled around the pages. "Here in the transaction history of CrimsonInstinct, we can see the bitcoins receipts of the users who purchased the videos. There are even live streams sometimes. They join via their webcams and see the torture taking ce in real-time." With the long list of transaction history, I could already tell that this bastard CrimsonInstinct would be earning in millions. "And it''s not just these videos. I can see this person chatting about some other kind of deals too. Here they are talking about guns and drugs. They are smuggling drugs to many countries like the USA, Russia, etc." Bro seemed grim. "These deals tally with the reports we got. There has been an increase in the number of under the table dealings. Fake bills, weapons, and drugs." I saw thest deal mentioned as the one that happened in Tianjin. Bai Li asked, "Do you see what CrimsonInstinct was going to trade with the foreigners in exchange for weapons?" "Hm...here it is! It''s a USB. It contains the technology of the Dark Web and how to use it to their own country''s advantage to hide and carry out their dealings. Andit mentions that the USB contains some of China''s military and intelligence secrets too." "Military?" "Intelligence?" Bai Li and bro spoke out at once. "Yes" I typed. "But the USB we retrieved from Zhao Wenyan was fake, right? It didn''t contain any secrets." Luo Zhiqiang nodded. "There is nothing in it that is detrimental to China''s safety and security." There was a moment of silence as we pondered over it. Bai Li asked, "Qi Qiang. Do you see any discussion about Chu Jie?" I bit my lip and prayed to get some clue about Chu Jie and Cocoa. Qi Qiang rapidly typed a string of keywords, and we could see another chat discussion. "This is thetest one. I think this is it. They didn''t mention Chu Jie anywhere, but they are repeatedly mentioning a teenager. Plus, the discussion seems heated." Hm? "Oh, here they say that there is a dog with him too." I froze, and I felt Bai Li stiffen as well. "What are they saying!? What are they talking about? It''s Cocoa, right?" Bai Li was restlessly shifting in his seat, and his expression seemed hopeful and anxious. I immediately held his arm. I wrapped my arm around his and intertwined my fingers against his long ones. He seemed to calm down and nodded. "I am sorry." I shook my head and kissed his cheek. I signed. "It will be fine." "*Ahem*" Bro cleared his throat and squinted his gaze at me. I coughed. Bro said, "Why is the discussion heated?" Qi Qiang said, "Mmm...I have opened the chat screen here. ording to the messages that I read here, all the members are angry and furious about something. They are cursing Chu Jie." I typed. "Why?" As Qi Qiang zoomed in the chats, I read on. Careless : What the fuck? We have to wait seven days to kill that boy and the dog? Why!" Bloodygame : Boss, why did you agree to his request!" Ilikeascars : The nerve of that boy to ask not to kill him or that dog and that man for seven days until his birthday! What shit!" I widened my eyes in disbelief. Is that true? Qi Qiang said, "That is it. They kidnapped the teenager, and then they say how he requested not to kill him or Cocoa until his birthday. And the shocking part is CrimsonInstinct has agreed. They will not touch him until seven days are over." Bai Li quickly asked, "When did this chat happen?" "Two days ago." "This is the third day, which is almost going to end. That means" My heart raced in trepidation. "We have four days left to find Chu Jie and Cocoa." Chapter 152: Treading the dark waters of Internet (3) Chapter 152: Treading the dark waters of Inte (3) *Xin Lei* Four days...In four days, we had to find Chu Jie and Cocoa and save them. We had already missed three days, and now I felt the time pressure really building up on me. I typed. "Do you see if they are talking about any location? Are they mentioning any ce in their messages?" Qi Qiang shook his head. "No. I don''t see them specifically talking about any ce. They are only cursing him for putting that request. But wait...at the start, there is some chaos about the location." Bai Li nodded. "There should be. Their usual base was in Langfang. But after that got exposed by us, and after what happened in Andingzhen, they were bound to change the ce." Bro said in a grave tone. "The usual customers who visit the site must definitely ask about the sudden change." "Right. They have kept Chu Jie and Cocoa somewhere else, but where? They must have left a hint about it. Somebody." Qi Qiang scrolled upwards to see the chat history while the rest of us read through it too to find any clue. Ilikeascars : Hey, what is with the change in the location? Bloodygame : Isn''t our usual ce in that park? Careless : Boss, why did we change the ce? CrimsonInstinct: I know there is an inconvenience, my dear friends, but we cannot use that ce anymore. It is seized by the authorities. Nittyoicky : What? Why? That was such a cool ce!" Injuriedxx : It was dark and so mysterious. Hehe, no matter how they much screamed, nobody could hear them. Bloodygame : *shrugs* Well, I don''t mind. As long as I enjoy my time with our trophies, I am okay with any location. Careless : Haha, I am ready to sail the seven seas if I have to. Nittyoicky : Boss, where this new ce! Does it have all our special tools for torture? Ilikeascars : Somebody is already getting too excited~~ Nittyoicky : Shut up! Boss~~~ CrimsonInstinct : Thanks, @Careless, for understanding. Don''t worry, all of you. The new ce is just as fine and equipped with everything we need. Actually Careless : What, what, boss? Injuredxx : Tell us! CrimsonInstinct : Well, this ce is really closer to my heart and home. It is very special to me. I cherish this ce. This is all where it started. Bloodygame : Ho~~ this is interestingDid you meet your first love here? Nittyoicky : That can be so true~~ Ilikeascars : Oooooohhh, that is so emotional!! Injuredxx : I didn''t know boss can be so romantic, haha! CrimsonInstinct : *chuckles* Well, you could say it like that. I found my first love here. Everybody : Ooooohhhhh~~ Qi Qiang scrolled some more, but the discussion about the location was over. This much was the only part where they mentioned anything about the possible ce in the chat. He said, "This is it. And then they started to curse Chu Jie for asking seven days." They didn''t give any exact ce, and I had a feeling that they wouldn''t expose it so easily even if they were chatting in their trusted forum. They didn''t even mention any rough direction rtive to Langfang with which we could guess the ce. Closer to heart and home...what ce could it be? I wondered. Zhang Xin...home...I think it could be... "I think it''s Dongcheng." Bai Li said as if he read my mind. Maybe I was right. I wanted to know what Bai Li thought. I typed. "Dongcheng?" "Yes. Closer to heart and home. I still don''t know what heart could mean. It said something about falling in love, which I have no idea about. But home...if we consider Zhang Xin as the true culprit, then Dongcheng would be her home because that''s where the Zhang family lives. They were in Andingzhen and Langfang only for the rallies. But their home is at Dongcheng." Liao Huifang said, "But would she take the risk of setting up a base in Dongcheng where her father''s influence is the most prominent? That would be so dangerous." I typed. "She would be in his territory and easier to track. But if she could hide for one year from him, I don''t see it as difficult for her." Yuan touched his chin. "But home can be a subjective term. What Zhang Xin might consider home cannot necessarily be Dongcheng." That was a good point. Luo Zhiqiang slowly spoke. "Plus, ording to her, she suffered in her home where she thought that Zhang Chao loved Zhang Ning more than her. Zhang Chao and Zhang Qiuyue also fought a lot, so there were heated arguments when she was small. She would hardly consider that as her home." Shi Ruiling added. "And didn''t Zhang Chao locked her up after Zhang Qiuyue''s murder? He brought psychiatrists too to treat her. She would surely hate that ce that treated her as a prisoner." Bro said, "The points are valid enough, but there is another hint in what CrimsonInstinct said." Bai Li continued. "Yes. It said that the ce is where it all started. Zhang Xin killed Zhang Qiuyue when she was only nine years old. So we can consider that as her start. She was a child, and as a child, she was living with her parents. I am not saying that it could be the Zhang mansion, which is impossible anyway for her, but it could be very well Dongcheng. That''s where it started in the literal sense." I slowly nodded. Yuan said, "I agree. And it can also reinforce her mentality. Perhaps she also chose Dongcheng as if she wasughing at Zhang Chao. She is doing everything right under his nose and where he holds the most power, yet he didn''t get any clue about his daughter already back from abroad and who even established her base. He drove her away, and she was back in the same ce." Bai Li agreed. "So Dongcheng is our best bet. When Sufy in Andingzhen went away with Chu Jie, we didn''t know the route she took. But there was a road that leads back to Dongcheng, which was quite near the Andingzhen''s base. She could have very well used it." I typed. "You are right. We should leave for Dongcheng as soon as possible if that is the case. But I wonder, why did CrimsonInstinct listen to Chu Jie''s request?" "Yes! That is what bothering me too" Liao Huifang seemed confused as me. "I mean, of course, all the victims begged them to let them go, but they didn''t listen to anybody at that time. So why did they listen to Chu Jie?" Qi Qiang said, "ording to what I read here, CrimsonInstinct says that the boy and the dog were courageous. He impressed her." Bai Li''s gaze deepened, and he seemed in thought. "Something must have definitely happened. Maybe Chu Jie and Cocoa put resistance against them but not quite in the usual way. He must have said something that would have taken the boss by real surprise. And I don''t think Chu Jie asked for it first. The thing about seven days." "Then?" "CrimsonInstinct got impressed with him or what he spoke, and most probably, it said to him to ask anything he wants. It would fulfill any one of his wishes. Obviously, Chu Jie wasn''t allowed to ask to let him go. That was out of limits. He was their prey. They wouldn''t leave him. So anything other than that. It is simr to how you fulfill someone''sst wish. Like, ''You are going to die anyway. Why not I fulfill yourst desire?''" Bro snickered. "Yes. Instead of getting angry at Chu Jie, it became happy, and out of sheer amusement, it granted him what he asked." This person was really... unpredictable. I typed. "That is why the others are so furious. Their boss is making them wait for seven days, and they cannot hold themselves that long." Qi Qiang nodded. "Yeah. This is the first time it seems that they are vehemently opposing their boss." "But why only seven days? Chu Jie could have asked for more if it was his wish." I shook my head and typed. "No. There is a limit to the number of days he could have asked for. In fact, I am even surprised that CrimsonInstinct agreed to wait for seven days." Bai Li nodded. "Indeed. Maybe a day or two, but seven? Is there anything special theing Thursday?" "Oh, I can find out. I will check Chu Jie''s information. Give me a sec." Qi Qiang rapidly typed on his keyboard again. "Here it is. Oh, there is a reason. Theing Thursday is Chu Jie''s birthday." That took me by surprise. Birthday? "Ah, now I get it. Chu Jie must have asked to let him live until at least his birthday is over. Seven days is indeed hard, but if you think about in terms of a birthday thates once a year, then the boss would have allowed it." Bai Li clenched his fists, and his voice was deep and grave. "It''s not just about sparing their lives for seven more days just to wait and die. Chu Jie and Cocoa are hoping too. The hope that we would find them before the seven days are over. This is not about letting them live for seven days. This is about giving us seven days to find those bastards, free Chu Jie, and Cocoa, and put an end to this vicious cycle once and for all." Chapter 153: I dont give a fucking damn Chapter 153: I don''t give a fucking damn *** --- Dongcheng. At Ying Yue''s home, Rodey was just about to turn over her phone. *Click* Rodey narrowed his eyes. He took tworge steps behind him and hid in the bathroom with the door slightly ajar to see who entered. The door opened, and Xue Jingjing stepped in, nervously looking left and right and then at her back before she quickly closed the door. "Phew!" She wiped her forehead covered with sweat out of sheer anxiety of breaking into Ying Yue''s room. Rodey silently kept on watching. He already figured out that she must be Ying Yue''s cousin that she was talking about. She would be the only one close to her age living here. "Well, thankfully that bitch is in the kitchen, so I can quickly do my work." Rodey snickered. Bitch huh? His hand automatically went out to reach his pocket, where he felt his gun''s bulge. He took it out and waszily twirling it in his hand. Unaware of the danger looming behind her back that was ready to shoot at her any second, Xue Jingjing quickly started to search around her room near the bedside table and in her university bag. "Come on, where is your purse?" She muttered to herself. She was always looking towards the door to check if she heard somebodying towards here. After much digging through Ying Yue''s books and other stuff, she finally found her purse. "Ah, thank God! Che." She sneered, "What useless books are that disgusting bookworm carrying around with her? Well, apart from reading that, she is so dumb anyway. So easy to fool her." Xue Jingjing quickly opened her purse and widened her eyes as she saw a thick bundle of money notes in it. Well, technically, it wasn''t that thick as one was imagining but for her, seeing even ten-fifteen bills bundled together too was a great thing. "Fuck!" She cursed. "That bitch. When did she get so rich? How does she have so much money lying here?" Rodey tilted his head as he squinted his gaze. She took out the bills and pped them against her fingers. Her eyes sparkled in delight. Rodey knew that it was the money given by the bar owner to her that night. He sneered. I told you that you wouldn''t ever be able to pay them back. "Damn Yue has so much money, and she only gives us a tiny bit of it! How dare she! If not for Dad, who paid for her surgery, then she would have been dead already. All this money should be mine! How didn''t she hand it over to us? Even that aunt! Because she came shopping with me, I couldn''t buy any dresses I wanted!" Rodey raised his brow and stared at her like how a predator hunted his prey. He more or less now understood Ying Yue''s situation. He smiled and raised his arm straight until the tip of his gun pointed at the back of her head. Heh~~ should I kill you now? Poor you. You wouldn''t even know what got you. Xue Jingjing unceremoniously grabbed all the notes and stuffed them in her pocket. "Now I can go on a date with Yang Mo with no worries. Heh, this much money is more than enough to have a luxurious date in the mall." She chuckled. Rodey''s finger touched the trigger of his gun. "Too bad it is me who is going out with Yang Mo and not that bitch. Poor her. She likes him, but I snatched him away from her." Xue Jingjing made a menacing face as she inwardly sneered at Ying Yue. "It was so easy." Rodey suddenly withdrew his finger from the trigger and leaned in as he narrowed his eyes. "Sorry, sis. You like Yang Mo. You even tried to meddle in his rtionship with his ex to make them break up, but what did that get you? Nothing. Yang Mo is mine. Not just Yang Mo. Whatever is yours will always be mine, sis. Be it money or love. I will snatch everything from you." She said with a nasty expression. Xue Jingjing carefully ced the purse in Ying Yue''s bag as she found it. The gun was aimed at her, but Rodey didn''t shoot, and just like that, she left the room. Rodey stepped out of the bathroom with a dangerous and dark expressionced on his face as he saw Xue Jingjing''s retreating back. Heh~ she likes someone? This is interesting --- After dinner, Ying Yue helped Ying Lan wash the dishes while the Xue mother-daughter already left for their rooms. Xue Jingjing pretended as if nothing happened the whole time. She wasn''t worried about the time when Ying Yue would find the money missing in her purse. Bitch would not dare doubt me anyway. But AuntIf she said anything, then I can just fool them with my tearful act. Ying Lan smiled. "I will go and rest now." She nodded. As the kitchen and the dining area was empty, Ying Yue quickly took out one te and filled it with the remaining food left after dinner. She had purposely made an extra serving. She went upstairs and entered her room. Rodey was lying on the bed, ying with his gun that would scare anybody to run off. "You must be hungry. I have brought some food." Rodey raised his brow. "Ho~~" He just wanted to lie low in her home. He didn''t expect that she would take care of him like that.l, bringing food and all. "You eat it first." He smiled. Ying Yue blinked her eyes. "I already had my dinner just now." "Only one bite of everything that is there on the te." She was puzzled and didn''t understand, but she quickly took a bite of everything. "Like this?" Rodey observed her movements and expressions. "Good. That means you didn''t put any poison or sleeping pills in it to knock me out for the cops to catch me." "I wouldn''t do that." "Why wouldn''t you? Am I not a criminal?" "I would have directly taken you to the police station before if I had to. You were close to passing out when you grabbed me. I wouldn''t go through the trouble now to knock you out. You were also unconscious for three hours in my room when I brought you here. I could have called the cops at that time too." Rodey already knew everything, and his intuition told him that Ying Yue wouldn''t do that, but he felt an urge to bully her somehow. He wanted to make her feel bad that perhaps he didn''t trust her. He sneered. "Don''t expect me to say sorry for testing you." "I am not offended either," Ying Yue stated. His brow twitched. After a moment of silence. She looked puzzled. "Were you trying to offend me?" He rolled his eyes. "Forget it. Oh, why don''t you check your purse? Maybe you will find something missing." "What?" "Check it." Ying Yue opened her bag and found her purse. She opened it and stared at it unblinkingly. "The money...where is the money?" She panicked a bit and searched her purse throughout. She tumbled it upside down. She looked up at Rodey and asked, "Thisdo, you know what happened? The money was just inside. I need it to buy mom''s medicine." She looked a little flustered. She checked in her bag again but didn''t find it. What now? Where did the money disappear? Rodeyughed. "You dear cousin snuck into the room to ''take'' some money which, ording to her, should be hers." She froze. "Jingjing came here? Did she see you?" "That''s what you are worried about? Would your dinner been so peaceful had she seen me?" Indeed But she felt relieved and nodded. "So it was Jingjing who took it. I thought somebody stole it." Rodey widened his eyes in disbelief. "Idiot. Are you dumb?" "I don''t understand." Rodey leaned back on the bed. "Your money ''is'' stolen. By your cousin. What else do you call sneaking in someone''s room and taking something without permission?" Ying Yue was confused. "But she is my sister. She wouldn''t steal money from me." "I wonder how you survived until now in this house with two money-loving wolves on your back? How didn''t you get eaten raw by them until now?" She pursed her lips as she didn''t miss his sarcasm. "Perhaps she needs it for her project" He sneered. "Oh, she needs it, yes, but to go on a wonderful date with her boyfriend, Yang Mo, who ''you'' like." Rodey carefully gauged her expression as he said thest two words. Ying Yue frowned. "She wants to go on a date? She should have told me. If she needed it, then I would have given her some money." Rodey was silent. It was like that thest two words didn''t even register in her mind. "Such a nice sister, or should I say dumb? Your cousin said something about how you like that guy and how she snatched him away from you. And here you so nicely want to give her money for her date like a goody-two-shoes." Ying Yue looked at him, perplexed. Rodey narrowed his eyes andughed with a sinister ring to it. "Didn''t you say that you don''t understand feelings? But you already like a guy. Isn''t it contradicting? We are practically strangers. I don''t give a fucking damn. You didn''t have to lie to me." Chapter 154: The sound of something breaking inside him Chapter 154: The sound of something breaking inside him --- Ying Yue didn''t grasp the displeasure in his tone. "I don''t like Yang Mo," she inly said without much emotion. And Rodey believed it. It was impossible not to when Ying Yue said it without feeling any ounce of sadness. It didn''t seem like she was hiding any pain in her gaze or looked flustered at the mention of Yang Mo. On the contrary, she seemed like she didn''t even care about it at all. The ridicule in Rodey''s gaze lessened. Somehow, he felt morefortable. "That bitch is having too many delusions," Rodey sneered. Ying Yue somewhat understood his personality a bit. She softly said, "Cursing, somebody is not good." Rodey stretched his arms. "And do you know that your cousin was calling you a bitch too? She even dered that whatever is yours will always be hers, and she will always snatch it away from you, whether it is money or love. Such a nice sisterly bond. I''m so jealous." Ying Yue froze. She lowered her gaze. Why would Jingjing say that about me? I don''t recall doing anything that could make her hate me. "Maybe she doesn''t like me because Uncle paid for my surgery. That was why it took a toll on his loan for his home, and he couldn''t pay back his installment. Then he passed away in an ident, and the bank seized their home. That is when they started living with us. I see. Then it makes sense. She must be ming me." Ying Yue thought she wouldn''t feel much about it, but a pang of sadness still surged in her heart. "What was the surgery for?" "I got into an ident ten years back. Jingjing, her friends, and I were ying together, but we went too far until the road. I tripped and fell, and a car hit me. I was badly bleeding and immediately taken to the hospital by some kind passers-by. Mom could raise a million through her and Dad''s savings, but she was short of two million for my treatment. If Uncle hadn''t paid that two million for it, then I could have died. So we are in his debt." Her gaze softened. "Uncle was a nice man." Rodey narrowed his eyes. Some thoughts were swirling in his mind, but he kept that to himself. He let it be at that. "So, how do you n to take the money back from her?" Ying Yue said, "It''s alright. I will add that money as a part of paying my debt." "Che. Such a disappointment you are. You should bang her head on the wall or stab her in the gut and then force the confession out of her. That will also get your money back and send a message that you aren''t a pushover. I really wonder how you survived with these greedy wolves until now." "Technically, banging her head on the wall or stabbing her in the gut can put me to jail for at least ten years. ording to thew, it will be considered as an attempt to murder. Mom will also be disappointed and sad." Ying Yue seriously said. Rodey rolled his eyes. "You should learn the art of ckmailing, babe." He shifted the food te towards him and took a bite of the curry rice. Rodey stiffened a bit as the taste of spicy curry settled on his tongue. "Who made this?" "My mom." Nobody knew what he was thinking. He just lowered his gaze and kept on eating. "It''s tasty." Ying Yue faintly smiled and nodded. "Mom is a good cook." "Who cooked these prawns?" "Me." "It''s terrible." "..." Ying Yue had a faint sense of anticipation for his praise, but it all got drowned. "Mom said it was good." "She was being polite." Strike two! "Didn''t you taste the prawns yourself?" He asked. "I did." "And? Did you like it?" "I found it okay." "Clearly, there is a problem with your taste buds too." Strike three. That was brutal, but she didn''t mind it. But Rodey continued. "I see you didn''t inherit her talent at all." "..." Another strike. Fourth. But Ying Yue seemed earnest and determined. "I admit I am not a good cook like Mom. I will try harder next time and give you a better dish next time." Rodey''s hand stopped in mid-air as he shot a nce at her. Next time? Is there going to be a next time? Ying Yue asked, "What were you saying about ckmailing? Apart from the fact that it is illegal too like an attempt to murder, I don''t know what I can ckmail Jingjing with." Rodey chuckled. "That''s because you are dumb." She pursed her lips. Strangely enough, she didn''t feel bad when Rodey said such things. Her ssmates in school and sometimes Jingjing made fun of her inability to express herself or understand something easy for others. She used to feel just a bit sad and lonely. "Yue is so stupid." "Yue is dumb. Didn''t you see that Fanfan liked that boy?" "Idiot." "Our team won but see how Yue is standing there like a dumb person. Doesn''t she feel happy?" "What is with that dead expression on her face?" "Yue is so boring!" Rodey''s voice snapped her out. "There is a reason to ckmail her, but you like to paint everyone white as if they are angels. No wonder they could exploit you this long." She frowned and didn''t understand. "What reason?" "Figure it out yourself, babe." Then she asked, "How did you get hurt?" He was silent for a long time. Rodey narrowed his eyes. "You can say that I got my revenge today. It is an old story of years back. Unfortunately, that bastard still had somest thread of strength left, so he attacked me as I was rejoicing. But he still died, and I am alive. I won." "Who was that man?" Ying Yue suddenly felt embarrassed. She didn''t want to ask this because, somehow, from his silence earlier, she thought that she shouldn''t pry. But the question was out of her mouth even before she knew it. "Sorry. I didn''t mean to ask-" "My father." Ying Yue jerked her head in surprise. This time, there was the true expression of shock and bewilderment on her face. "A-ah?" Rodey smiled. "Yes. That bastard was my father. My rapist father." Itpletely took her aback. Rapist? That means he Rodey already read her question from her gaze, which was as clear as daylight. "Yup. My mom was raped, and I am the disgusting and unwanted fruit of that one fateful night." He carelessly said as if it didn''t even bother him. Ying Yue was in a dilemma. She suddenly didn''t know what to speak. She felt a strange sense of tightening in her throat. She wanted to say something, but words failed her. She fiddled with her fingers. "Do you want to tell me about it?" Rodeyughed. "You want to listen to such a boring story?" He popped in another tasteless prawn in his mouth. Something stirred inside her. ''Yue is so boring!'' She intensely stared at him with dead seriousness. "Please don''tugh it off as boring. It''s your life where you must have suffered. You have passed through that sad and tough phase. It must be...hell for you. I cannot imagine nor understand that. But I know for the fact that you managed to emerge through it despite the circumstances." Rodey widened his eyes, and he slowly raised his head towards her in disbelief. His hand was trembling a bit. "I see, so that''s why you have that principle that you wouldn''t ever rape a woman not because you feel that you can get any woman, but you don''t want to turn out to be like your father. That is a big achievement if you could understand that. Even if just a little bit, feel proud of yourself. So...so don''t speak so carelessly as if it doesn''t affect you." Rodey stared at her as if she was an alien. "You want me to feel proud of myself? Don''t you know I am a criminal? Do you know how many people have I murdered and also drove towards their death?" "But, you didn''t drive any woman to suicide." His mind suddenly felt nk to him. Even with his utmost resistance, he felt something breaking inside him. The first time in years, something so hard and imprable that had formed long ago in his heart was beginning to crack. Ying Yue continued. "Of course, you havemitted serious crimes letting innocent people die. That is unjustified, and you... should be punished. But I want to let you know that even if it may be just 1%, there is still a little conscience in your heart. So there is a 1% goodness in you. That is much better than being 100% evil." Rodey couldn''t make sense of anything. Who is this woman? Why is she saying things like this? Is she dumb? I have killed people. What conscience? What goodness? He wanted tough out loud. But at the same time, why did he have an urge to cry? Suddenly, his phone buzzed, disrupting him from his thoughts. He took it out in a daze and stiffened as he saw the caller name. Iing call - Boss. Chapter 155: Trauma simulation Chapter 155: Trauma simtion --- *Xin Lei* Dongcheng. That''s where we had to go. We had to return to the ce where it all began. We started in Dongcheng, where I first met Bai Li and began investigating Dad''s case on Fu Ting and a quest to find little Fu Meili. That case opened up a whole other can of worms that took us to Andingzhen where Chu Jie and Cocoa got kidnapped, Langfang where we discovered the horrible truth in the Natural Park and finally found Fu Meili, lying dead and buried under the ground, and then Tianjin where we stopped the deal. And now our journey was taking us back to Dongcheng. I shuddered. It was akin topleting a circuit. Going around and around, we would head back to our starting point. My instinct was telling me that it would soon be over. This was thest stop. This was thest link where everything would fall into ce. I believed that this would be thest and final confrontation. The boss who was hiding behind those virtual walls was soon to be exposed. I recalled Liao Chuntao, not uttering anything until the end. I remembered Fu Meili''s fear and cries. I remembered all those countless victims who suffered such horrifying death at the hands of that boss. I clenched my dress. Something stirred inside me. It will end. It was all going to end. We will soon find Chu Jie and Cocoa. The boss managed to escape all this time. But not this time. As if Bai Li felt my thoughts too, he silently intertwined his hand against mine. I looked up at him and smiled. I traced my finger on his palm. "We will soon find them. Cocoa will be back with us." Bai Li smiled and slowly nodded. "En." But amidst his smile, I could sense a faint trace of worry and nervousness. "I want to fight Xin Lei. I want to avenge them. I gave them my word. But can I do it? Every time I lose to my PTSD. Will I be a disappointment again?" "You won''t be a disappointment, Bai Li." It was Yuan who spoke from behind me. "Despite that, you cannot see, you have served the Army for five years and led many operations. You have lived your life fairly well. You need to trust yourself, Bai Li. Of course, you continue the medication I am giving you, but I have another method which can greatly help you deal with your anxiety." I brightened. Another way to treat Bai Li? If it works, then he wouldn''t have to suffer anymore! I quickly typed. "What is it? What method? Will it help Bai Li?" Yuan nodded and sat beside us. "It will. It is called Exposure Therapy. It is one of the methods with which we treat PTSD too. This type of intervention helps people face and control their fears by exposing them to the trauma memory they experienced in the context of a safe environment." Bai Li asked, "Safe environment?" "Yup. Basically, it means that we will try to simte or replicate the situation that you faced, which instilled fear in your mind. Exposure either by mental imagination, writing your memories down, or visiting that ce that reminds you of the trauma is the method. When you repeatedly expose yourself to the memories, you gradually be less sensitive about it. That anxiety in your heart starts to ease. Plus, when you remember the scene over and over again, it can unlock some of your other memory that may have gotten shut down because you felt too guilty." I nodded. Sure, Bai Li would feel ufortable in the beginning to remember and go through it, but if it can lessen his anxiety, then it was worth giving a shot. Bai Li sped his hands, and I sensed his nervousness. Of course, remembering how an innocent man died by your hands, even if idental, would be hard to bear. I typed. "So, Bai Li has to write down his memories?" Yuan said, "Actually, the best method would be for Bai Li to visit that ce where that traumatic event urred. Physically experiencing it again has more effect. But of course, we cannot visit that ce now since we are far from Dongcheng. So writing memories is the best option." He sighed. "Though we can use virtual reality, we don''t have the tools for it." I typed. "Virtual Reality?" "Yes. Like how it''s used in games. You feel as if you are a part of that game who is ying in that artificial world. You can interact, move around, and sense like in the real world. We can create a virtual environment to resemble the traumatic event. That would have more impact. That is the second-best option after physically visiting the ce in real life. But well, it requires lots of tools for it." "I can do it." I was startled to hear Qi Qiang''s voice. He grinned sheepishly. "I didn''t mean to listen in your conversation, but I can help you with the virtual environment. I have the software for it to create any environment and situation you need. I have yed numerous games using VR, too, so I''m well versed in it. I don''t think you will have to worry about the goggles and helmet and all stuff. Bro Zhen''s Intelligence team will surely have it. Virtual Reality is actually also used by the military and other police forces to simte security and ns for an attack. VR is pretty useful to map out location and n strategy if they have to raid any base or hideout." Bai Li said, "I think I had heard about it in the Army too before. But it wasn''t there for a good thirteen years when I was in, so I think they might have recently started it." Yuan seemed amazed, as well. "Qi Qiang...you are amazing. I didn''t know that you could help us with VR, too, not just the dark web. You are aputer genius!" I looked at Qi Qiang in appreciation. "You are our tech angel! You are brilliant!" Qi Qiang seemed to blush furiously. "It''s nothing much really... Every hacker or coder knows this stuff. It''s nothing special." I shook my head and typed. "Of course, it is special. You know so many things, and without you, we couldn''t havee this far. We wouldn''t have gotten any clues about the boss and Chu Jie if not for you. And now, you are also helping us with treating Bai Li''s PTSD. It is admirable that you know these things and can also implement this stuff practically to help us. You have got the talent and have worked hard on it. Of course, it''s special." "That...that.. you are making too much out of it" He murmured. "Aww, is somebody getting shy?" Liao Huifang just entered. "Don''t tell me you got a crush on sis Xin Lei now?" *Cough Cough* Qi Qiang coughed hard, and I could only helplessly shake my head. But I felt good to see Liao Huifang a little more cheerful than before. Luo Zhiqiang just came from behind her. I nced at both of them and raised my eyebrow. Hehhh...is her cheerfulness because of him? "Stupid Huifang! Watch your mouth! What nonsense are you spouting!?" "But your face is so red~~I think Bai Li got a new rival." "I will take you on, kid." Bai Li said to which I looked at him dumbfounded. Ah? I tugged him. "What? A rival is a rival. I will take him seriously if he really likes you." My mouth twitched. "YouDon''t listen to her! She is an idiot anyway! And it''s hot here. That''s why my face is red!" Qi Qiang quickly spoke. "I can see the air conditioning on, Qiang." She sneered. Qi Qiang red at her. "It is just switched on! There is no cooling! It isn''t working properly." Iughed, watching the antics of these two. Luo Zhiqiang said, "I heard some of the conversation. Like Qi Qiang said, we do have VR equipment if you need them." I typed. "Really? That is awesome! Then we can use VR, as Yuan said." Yuan nodded. "It''s decided then. How much time will you need to configure VR, Qi Qiang?" "Not much. I will have to know the details from bro Bai Li, and then I will ordingly create a replica of that event in my software. Once it''s done, we can connect the VR headset with my software, and Bro Yuan will be able to use it." We nodded. Bai Li said, "I will tell you the scene and detailster." "Okay." "For now, can you look more into Zhang Xin? Maybe somewhere you can find her details about her or the one helping her. Anything. Even a blurry photo is fine." "On it." Qi Qiang zapped through a bunch of information with such lightning speed that it was hardly visible. The. He stopped at a certain piece and said, "I think I got something." Chapter 156: Real or fake? Chapter 156: Real or fake? *Xin Lei* Qi Qiang said, "Zhang Xin was sent to Scond when she was eighteen years old. If there is a man who helped here back to China without getting detected by the Zhang family, then I thought I could find something where she stayed for those six years. I got her address through Zhang family records, so I checked if anybody else popped up around her neighborhood within six months or one year of her stay. Maybe she got acquainted with somebody powerful there." That was usible. "It was hard to find out about him because his records had also mysteriously disappeared just like there are no records about Zhang Xin." Bai Li asked, "What is it?" "In the apartment next to hers, there was a man who moved in four months after her stay. He was of Asian ethnicity and, to be exact, Chinese. I think that he is her aplice because first, he is Chinese, and second, he left Scond around the same time Zhang Xin came back to China. A new tenant upied his apartment just a few days after his departure." I typed. "Do you know his name?" "That is the problem. I could somehow get only his name, but when I cannot find him anywhere. It''s as if he doesn''t even exist. There are no records of him anywhere, and even his flight details and arrival date of when he returned, Beijing is wiped off." "What is his name?" "Sheng Yu Zhu." I thought about it, but I didn''t recall any influential family with the surname Sheng. Bai Li furrowed his brows as well, while Luo Zhiqiang seemed to be in deep thought as well. "I haven''t heard about any Sheng family in politics or business that is influential enough to match the Zhangs." Luo Zhiqiang expressionlessly said. Liao Huifang said, "It could be a fake name too. If he as has erased his records, then he can use a fake name too to deceive people." I wondered the same. Bai Li slightly rubbed his chin. "It could be... Though the back of my mind says that it couldn''t be too." "I feel the same." Luo Zhiqiang said. Liao Huifang and I nced at them and then looked at each other in confusion. Liao Huifang asked, "Why do you think so?" Luo Zhiqiang shifted his gaze at her. "You can say Instinct or experience." "Yup." Bai Li nodded. "I have served fourteen years in the army. I have seen and handled thousands of cases and investigations, and with that experience, you get the hang of identifying between fake and real names. Almost every other drug per or gun smugglers use fake names, but there have been people who have tried to fool us using their real names because they think that the cops would dismiss it as a fake name and wouldn''t investigate it." Luo Zhiqiang nodded. I agreed, as well. It was the same in my profession. There are some conditions and illnesses which are difficult to detect because there are no symptoms, but there have been times when I could just say that it was there. And it turned out to be right after doing more tests. So yes, what Bai Li said was rtable. "You can just say it''s the experience that develops the knack to differentiate that something is wrong. For now, it could lead to an empty trail or nothing at all, and we could be very well wasting time but Qi Qiang." "Yes, bro." "I still want you to check if you can find anything about the Sheng family that may have anything to do with the Zhang family or may have any connections with their rival parties." "Okay." *** --- Dongcheng. Rodey was lying on the couch, with his hand behind the back of his head, resting on the headrest. The call from the boss was to remind him to quickly find another scapegoat for their fun until the time came when they would deal with Chu Jie. That was what he discussed, too, with the three clients at the bar that night when Ying Yue came to serve their drinks. Rodey had carelessly left it to them to choose any person among the four-five photos and then inform him. But until now, he didn''t get any call. What are those fuckers doing? How much time do you need to fucking choose a person? He nced at Ying Yue, who was sleeping on the bed, covering herself with the duvet. ''Even if it''s just 1%, there is a little goodness in you. That is much better than being 100% evil.'' He sneered. What a foolish woman. If she can call me good, no wonder that cousin bitch of hers is exploiting her until now. ''Would you like to tell me about it?'' Rodey was surprised with himself. Well, it had been years since somebody bothered to ask him about his life. Not that he would have said anything either. But if the boss''s call had note at that time, then he was almost about to say it. And that made him surprised and shocked. Was I really about to tell her? Strange. Never felt like that before. Nobody had asked him about it, so for a moment, he didn''t know where and how to begin. Forget it. "Why do you kill people?" Suddenly he heard Ying Yue''s soft voiceing from the duvet. Rodey smirked. "Why don''t you kill people?" There was silence. "Legally, it could arise to manyplications. I would go to jail and have to spend the rest of my life there. That could pose a problem for my mother. She has nobody to rely on other than me. The chances of my conviction could be above 70% since I will not be able to hide my crimes." By now, Rodey had already expected this sort of stuff from her. "What if you didn''t get caught? What if you don''t have to go to jail?" "I cannot kill people." He chuckled with an evil ring to it. "Of course, you cannot. That is the difference between us. A fucking useless thing called as morality. That is what makes you not kill people, and the absence of it in me makes me do the opposite. You don''t have the heart to pull the trigger. But other than that, I kill people because I hate happy families. There is no such thing as that. A happy family is only an illusion, babe. People should actually thank me for it. I bring them to reality." Ying Yue tilted her head. "Statistically, one out of five may have problems." He snorted. "Babe, there are problems in those other four families too. They are just hidden behind their house''s four walls." "I have a happy family." Rodey burst out in quietughter. "Living with your bitch cousin and Aunt can hardly be considered as ''happy.''" "I am talking about my mother." Rodey turned his face towards her and looked at her amusingly. "Just your mother? How are only you and your mother a family? And as long as those bitches stay with you, they are a part of it. See? All families are empty and broken. Your own cousin wants to steal everything from you." Ying Yue seemed as if she wanted to say something, but she didn''t. "Now, before I make a hole in your head, sleep." Rodey already shut his eyes, but he didn''t sleep. ''There is still 1% goodness in you.'' Heh. What a joke. --- Three hourster, into the night, Ying Yue heard the sound of someone groaning. She was a light sleeper, so that woke her up. She saw Rodey breathing a little heavily. She got up and immediately checked on him. FeverHe is sweating too. It must be because of the wound. Ying Yue thought for a moment and went out. The next morning as Rodey opened his eyes in a daze, he found Ying Yue kneeling beside the couch earnestly looking at him. "Are you okay now?" She gently asked. He had his guard up and narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here?" "You had a feverst night." Now he realized that he was feeling a little cold at his forehead. He touched it, and indeed it was wet. He saw a bowl filled with water and some cloth strips. Then he looked back at her. "Were you sitting like this for the entire night?" She nodded. "You were feeling quite ufortable. You were also murmuring something in your sleep." He raised his eyebrow questioningly at her. "What do you mean?" "''Mom don''t hit me anymore... please stopand-''" Rodey froze and sprung on his feet. He suddenly grabbed her neck and dragged her up. "Say that again," He said in an extremely quiet and dangerous voice that could send shivers down someone''s spine. Ying Yue''s eyelids trembled, and her face paled a bit as he squeezed her throat. Her gaze slowly met his that had darkened in a dangerous glint. Chapter 157: Something stirring and changing Chapter 157: Something stirring and changing --- Ying Yue didn''t know what went wrong that triggered him. He was dangerous and scary, and she knew that, but something felt different to her this time. "Say that again," Rodey growled. *Cough cough* She frowned and felt gagged at her throat. "Y-your mom-" Rodey took out his gun and pressed it hard on her temple. "Since you helped stay the night and treated me, I will not fucking kill you. But forget about whatever you heard. If you dare open your mouth and spit it out to others, then this time, I would not hesitate to shoot you through your head." Ying Yue stared at him with aplicated gaze. To her, he felt akin to a wounded wolf. He seemedzy and indifferent until now, but now it felt as if something had stirred him from within. She lowered her gaze, nodded, and said, "I am sorry." Rodey narrowed his eyes. He was furious, but more at himself than her. It was a past he didn''t like to touch, yet he uttered something like that to Ying Yue. Knowingly or unknowingly, she was making him face something that he had already forgotten so long ago...or did he? Rodey let of her neck, and she stumbled a bit. Then something struck him. "Why did I not wake up from my sleep if I had that dream?" Ying Yue blinked her eyes. "You were sleeping." "Idiot, I know that. I always wake up when I have that dream, but how did I end up keeping on sleeping? That is my question." He threateningly stepped towards her and touched her chin with his gun. "Did you do something?" Ying Yue was puzzled. She thought for a moment and said, "Are you referring to how I patted your head?" "What?" "You were ufortable and restless. So, I thought to pat your head. I always feel calm when Mom does that to me whenever I am sick or tired. It took a while, but you seemed better than before, and then you slept quite soundly." "You patted my head?" Rodey didn''t know where to begin. Shock was an understatement. "Yes." "You patted a killer''s head?" "Yes." As always, Ying Yue didn''t get the gist. Rodey withdrew the gun and twirled it in his hand. "Do you know that I always have my guard up, and if in that fever, I had gotten up and didn''t recognize you, then you would have been dead? I wouldn''t have so much as spared a nce at you before I shot you." Ying Yue frowned. "You shouldn''t carelessly and recklessly approach me, babe. Not good for your life." She said, "But I couldn''t just leave you like that. You are at my house. Technically, you are my guest. It was my responsibility to look after you." He raised his brow. Somehow Rodey failed to imagine what that scene would have looked like. When was thest time anybody pat my head? He tilted his head as he wondered. Nah. It was never. Rodey smiled. "You have got quite the guts to do that. Anyway, babe, time for me to leave. Of course, you know not to say a word outside, right?" He smiled. Rodey took a step towards her window, but he stopped and looked at her again. He slowly walked towards her, and Ying Yue straightened up as the distance kept on decreasing. Suddenly, her heart felt as if it would leap out of her chest. Strange. I experienced this yesterday too. Why do I feel ufortable in the chest? Am I sick? Rodey leaned in, and their faces were just inches apart now. A devilish smirk curved the corner of his lips. "I don''t like to force, but I think this much would be fine, and I don''t see you would have any problem either." Ying Yue confusedly blinked at him, but before she knew it, he slightly pecked her cheek and withdrew. "Take this as my thanks." She froze. She was dumbfounded. She was shocked. She was everything. Ying quickly covered her cheek in utter surprise. For the first time, her mind went nk. Rodey was already about to step outside, but she quickly snapped out from her daze. "T-that!" He stopped. "You are still hurt" she fiddled with her fingers. "Doesn''t matter." Ying Yue quickly looked left and right. She found her handkerchief and handed it out to him. "Take this if your wound bleeds again." Rodey raised his brow. "Aren''t you quite caring for a criminal?" "I am just doing what I feel is right." "Didn''t you say that you don''t understand feelings?" She couldn''t retort. Strangely enough, her heart messed up whenever he was around. He grabbed her handkerchief and jumped out. Ying Yue copsed on the bed, and once again, she touched her cheek in a daze. --- As Rodey jumped down the window, from the corner of his eye, he saw someone''s movement and hid in a corner. Xue Jingjing came humming outside, apparently in a good mood. She was nicely dressed up with an attractive dress and a new pair of sandals. Rodey leaned on the wall and quietly watched her like a hawk. It seems somebody is going on a date. He observed her purse, and she was looking at it with a happy expression on her face. She seemed to be counting something and felt satisfied. Rodey sneered. He stepped out of the shadows and quietly walked behind her. His footsteps were quiet and silent like a cat. He grabbed her arm and pushed her against the wall, such as her back was to him. Xue Jingjing gasped. "Ah!" She tried to turn her head to look at Rodey, but to her horror, he calmly pointed his gun at her. Xue Jingjing was scared shitless. She was trembling and shaking and all over. She was about to cry for help, but he pressed his gun even deeper. "No sound, bitch. Not a word. I have a veeeeeery bad temper." She froze and stood still. She got even more terrified of him, and tears already started to roll down her cheeks. "W-who are you? W-what do you want? Please let me go. I don''t have anything. Please, please don''t kill me." Naturally, she thought that he must be a thief, trying to steal at gunpoint. Rodey chuckled. "Sure, you do. Something that doesn''t belong to you." "I-I don''t understand." "Open your bag, or I will drill a hole in your head, nice at the center. You will be a corpse in no time." Hezily said. Xue Jingjing shakingly opened her purse. Sweat trickled down her forehead that mixed with her tears. "Now, take out the cash." Xue Jingjing bit her lip. This is the money I took from Yuest night! "You need my bullet to move your fucking useless hand?" Xue Jingjing trembled and quickly took out all the money. Rodey smiled. "Nice money you got there. Now, be a good girl and hand it over." "S-sir can we please talk? I-I need this money. Please don''t steal it." "Steal?" Rodeyughed as if he heard the biggest joke. "Wow, bitch. A thief herself begging me not to steal? You steal someone else''s money. I steal yours." She froze. How would he know? That''s not possible. It must be a misunderstanding. "N-no! This is my money! Why would I steal it?" "Heh, ~~ Then how did you get this money?" She fidgeted with her dress. "I-I work." "Where?" Xue Jingjing was utterly nk. His threat was making her unable to think anything. But she quickly said as she remembered what Ying Yue did. "I work in a bar!" "Which bar? What is the address? Xue Jingjing bit her lip once again. She turned pale. What is that bar''s name where she works! Where is it!? She never bothered or cared to know about Ying Yue or her life, so she naturally didn''t know. Rodey sinisterly chuckled. "Takes you so long to remember that bar''s name?" "T-that I am feeling a little sick, so I am f-forgetful.. " "Yet, you have the energy to go on a date and enjoy while you are sick?" She turned as white as a sheet. Rodey didn''t wait any longer and grabbed the bills from her hand. "T-that" Rodey dug the gun in her temple until it was beginning to hurt and leave a scar. "Ah-ah ouch!" "Don''t ever take me for a fool, bitch. I would have shot you already for your nonsense but...anyway, thanks for the cash. Enjoy your penniless date." Rodey already disappeared in a sh as he stepped back. Xue Jingjing quickly looked back but he was already gone. "Fuck! All the money I took from Yue is gone now! What will I do now? I was supposed to go on a date with Yang Mo! Curse my luck for that thief to appear now!" --- Ying Yue was taking a shower, still in a daze of what happened. She couldn''t help herself touching her cheek again and again, where Rodey pecked her. All these sensations were the first time for her. Calm down, calm down, she said to herself. No matter how hard she tried, the giddy feeling in her chest refused to calm down. As she came out of the bathroom, still figuring out her thoughts, she saw some money bills lying on the bed. Ying Yue blinked her eyes. There was a note at the side. ''Next time, fight and take back rightfully what you own, babe.'' Chapter 158: Reliving that fateful night (1) Chapter 158: Reliving that fateful night (1) --- *Bai Li* Before we left for Dongcheng to find the culprits, Kang Yuan suggested the exposure therapy for me toplete one session. Xin Zhen and Luo Zhiqiang brought the necessary VR equipment after our discussion, and Xin Lei said she would help Kang Yuan check the software with Qi Qiang. I heard Qi Qiang''s voice. "Everything is ready." I was standing at a corner, trying to be one with the wall so that nobody could see me. Now I was feeling to run away from all this. I wasn''t sure if I could face the moment again when my bullet killed Tan Ye. I heard some soft stepsing towards me, and I listened to the familiar robotic voice. "Nervous?" Xin Lei''s sweet smell wafted through my nostrils, and I felt a little better. Just her presence was enough. I pursed my lips. "A little." Fuck little! I was already feeling as if I was riding a rollercoaster. I was going to face something akin to a nightmare for me. I felt her taking my hands in hers, and I sensed a soft sensation on the back of my knuckles as her lips touched them. I could feel my lips curling up in a smile. Even this small gesture made my heart flutter. Now I felt even better. How does she always manage to do this? Ease my tension. It must be magic. I felt her slowly open my fist, and she moved my fingers in signnguage. I could sense the letters and words she was making. "Don''t be. It is just a simtion. Yuan will stop if you feel too ufortable." I knew she must have understood my anxiousness. "En. Kiss me again, and I will feel much better to face it." I shamelessly said. I imagined her to be giggling right now and grinned. "Your kiss is my lucky charm." I heard her type on her phone. "Is this really the first time you are dating? Your flirting seems experienced." Good point but I smiled and ced my lips on her forehead. "Love teaches you many things, including sweet talk." I felt her cing her hands on my shoulders. She tiptoed, and once again, I felt the soft sensation of her lips on mine. I kissed her back as I moved my lips across hers. It was a short and gentle but firm kiss through which I felt her assuring me. "En. Now I got the strength to do it." "Xin Lei, it''s done," I heard Kang Yuan''s voice. Xin Lei held my hand and guided me towards my seat. Kang Yuan put the headset around my head and ears. After a moment, he said, "Okay, everything is set up. Bai Li." "Yes." "At my instruction, Qi Qiang will switch on the program. You will hear the familiar sounds of the time when you were at that container terminal. All the obstacles and things are exactly ced as you had said. You will start to feel the simr sensations you had at that time. The chase, the situation, and everything. I aim to make you experience it again so that even if a little bit, it may start to have less effect on you." I nodded. "Don''t worry. It is a controlled environment. That night is not happening again. There could be a time when you feel confused about it. If you feel it''s out of your capacity to bear, then tell me immediately. I will stop." "Okay." "Are you ready?" I took a deep breath. I shut my eyes and imagined Xin Lei tightly holding my hands. I thought of all our times together. I remembered her trust in me. I opened my eyes and said, "I am ready." "Okay. Qi Qiang. Do it." I felt a buzz in my head, and just like Kang Yuan said, I could feel the simr sensations I had when I was in that terminal. "Arf!" I froze. Cocoa... Cocoa! After so long Even if it was just a simtion, it shook my heart to hear my buddy''s voice. Then I felt something nudge my leg. "It''s Cocoa in the VR." Kang Yuan said. I instinctively lowered my arm to touch him, but I felt nothing. I didn''t feel his furry head and ears. My hand froze in mid-air, and I clenched my fist. Right...it''s VR. It''s only VR. "It''s alright, Bai Li. I understand how you might be feeling about Cocoa." I slowly nodded. "Do you want to go ahead?" "Yes." "Good. Now try to navigate the same path you did when you were present that night, trying to catch Rodey." Alright, here it begins. I shut my eyes for a moment to map out the ce. I entered the terminal through the west gate. Then it was a straight path for a minute as Cocoa led me through the ce. It was a little windy, and just like that night, I felt a cold sensation brushing past my face as I walked through. Somehow, even the ground felt the same. This VR was damn impressive. It felt as if I was really back that night. "Arf." I felt Cocoa nudge me to go right. I had set up my n to capture him at the northwest corner. Then I had heard some footsteps. I stopped. It was Rodey. As nned, he fell for it and came. "Hide," I said to Cocoa. He guided me to a corner. I raised my hands and felt the storage containers stacked on top of one another. I nodded, satisfied to know that I wasn''t in the view. The footsteps grew closer and closer, and I sensed Rodey just a few yards away from my hiding spot. I could faintly smell the smoke of a cigarette that he might be using. I knew Rodey must be gauging the ce too. I shifted a little back. We had to corner him from the front and the back. "Cocoa, cover from the back." And I sensed Cocoa swiftly leaving my side. I knew the direction and angle at which Rodey was standing in rtion to me, so it was better to send Cocoa to cover the backside to capture him. I waited a while more before I was sure to confront him. "Don''t waste my time, you shit." First, I had to dismantle the gun away from him. As expected, I heard the faint nk of his gun. That sound made me understand where his hand was. I quickly aimed at that angle. *Bang* "Ah!" *Thud* I heard the sound of the gun drop on the ground. "Fuck!" I smiled and slowly stepped out, raising my hand and pointing my gun in his direction. Judging our simr heights, it would be aiming at his face. "Nice to meet you, Rodey - the boss''s most important and the right-hand man." "Hoo, it''s youthe blind soldier. I see, a set up aye? Interesting." I slightly narrowed my eyes. How does he know I am blind? I said, "I don''t think we have met before." I heard him chuckle. "Yes, we haven''t. But I wanted to. And here we are. Finally, I got the honor to meet the capable and outstanding soldier, Major Bai Li." "How do you know my rank and name?" "I have my methods and connections, too, Major, just like you have them. Isn''t that how you got to know about me?" I knew he was trying to throw me off bnce, and this wasn''t a time to get distracted by it. One mistake and I could lose him. I said, "You cannot run anywhere, Rodey. Better to turn yourself in before my bullet talks to you." I heard himugh. "You cannot catch me, Major. Even if this were a setup, I would still go unharmed and uncaught." "Quite the confidence you got there." "Of course. Though, I must admit that you managed to trap Rodey. I am impressed. But your heroic deed ends here." Suddenly, I heard some footstepsing in our direction. "Hello...Who are you- Aah!!" That was him. Tan Ye. "Y-you...who are you two? You have guns...who are you? Why are you here?" I stopped my movements in the VR. My heart thudded faster as Tan Ye entered the scene. This was ita few minutester, I would kill Tan Ye. My bullet would pierce through his head, and he would die. I felt sweat trickle down my forehead. "Bai Li. You are going great," I heard Kang Yuan say to me. "I will pause for a moment and ask. Do you want to continue?" I clenched my pants and nodded. "I-I am fine." "Alright." I was back at the VR. Tan Ye sounded terrified. I quickly asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here? Nobody is supposed to be in this terminal. Get out of this ce right now!" "W-what? But I was called here for a delivery." "Impossible! Don''t waste time and leave." Then I heard Rodey''s sinister chuckle. "Too bad, it''ste now, Major Bai Li." And like how I remembered, I heard Tan Ye''s scream a momentter. "Ahh!" "Drop your gun, Major, or I have my dagger ready to sh his neck any moment." Chapter 159: Reliving that fateful night (2) Chapter 159: Reliving that fateful night (2) *Bai Li* As I navigated through the VR and the memories coincided with my therapy, I remembered how Rodey caught hold of Tan Ye. This is bad. How did Tan Yee here? My n wasn''t supposed to fail. The container was supposed to be empty. How did a civilian enter? Fuck! Rodey took that one second of distraction to grab Tan Ye. But I had to be calm. Situations like these arise in the mission sometimes. There was always a factor of the unknown which one cannot predict, and you just had to deal with it. So, I cannot lose my focus. I didn''t back down my gun because if I did, that would be a sign of giving up, and like hell, I was going to after Rodey was so close. But there was Tan Ye. I couldn''t be reckless. There was only one way, and that was Cocoa attacking him from the back and taking him by surprise so that Tan Ye could run away. I would take the chance to shoot him. I heard Rodey say, "Come on, Major, Drop your gun." I didn''t. "Oh yes, and while you are at it, order your dog toe back from wherever he is nning to attack me." Fuck, he knows about Cocoa too! I knew by this time, Cocoa would have already arrived in his position and would be waiting for mymand. "Ah, ah! No please let me go" I heard Tan Ye cry. His voice sounded fearful and anxious. Rodeyughed. "I think you don''t care about this civilian anymore. Your decision to back down could save him but well" "No, no, please help. Don''t kill me, please" "No, wait. Don''t harm him," I said. I said that, but I had another n in my mind. Considering how Tan Ye spoke, I figured his height reached up to Rodey''s neck. I was trained to figure that out because angles and directions were a key for a blind person like me to shoot. I cannot afford to shoot someone else identally. From Rodey''s data, I knew that he was quite tall, and we had simr heights. When Rodey was speaking to me, I was able to match my neck level as I talked. But with Tan Ye, his voice sounded from a little lower height. I figured I had a chance to take him down if I shot through his head. It was unfortunate because I wanted to catch him alive, but if he escaped now, I had chances next to impossible to trap him again. Rodey wasn''t a fool. So, I nned to lower my gun for a moment to make him believe that I am backing down. And then at the right moment when I would sense that Tan Ye was out of danger, I would shoot him. That was my n, but "Arf!" What? Why is Cocoa barking? No, stay quiet. "Arf! Arf!" "Ah, herees your best buddy," Rodey chuckled. "Is he going to bite me? Because if he does, then" I heard Tan Ye gasp. "No, please!" "No, wait! Cocoa. Step back." "Arf! Arf! Arf!" This is getting bad. Why is Cocoa barking so much? He never ignored my orders before. "Cocoa, stop." "Arf!" "Stay!" "Arf! Arf!" Why is he so restless? "Sorry, Major, but your dog is threatening toe our way, so I have no choice to kill this man." "No! Don''t kill me... please...I have a family... please, they are waiting for me" "Hooo, then all the more reason to kill you." I cursed. This was getting out of hand. "Say goodbye to the world." "Arf! Arf!" "Cocoa, stay," I gritted my teeth. "Grrr" he growled, but he sounded as if he was refusing to back down. What was troubling him? "Stop, Rodey. You wouldn''t get anything by killing him. Even if you do, you will lose your protection, and I won''t hesitate to kill you." Rodey chuckled. "Let''s see that Major as to who wins." "Arf! Arf!" "Cocoa!" "Goodbye, civilian." Fuck! I had no time. He was going to kill him. I raised my gun back at the level I held previously that aimed at his head. *Bang* And then I heard a gasp...hisst cry as he died. That was the moment of truth. But at present, as I was in the VR, I started breathing hard as I sensed Tan Ye dying again. My hands were trembling. Only hands? Or was it me as a whole shaking badly? No...he is dead...I killed him...I missed my shot. ''You killed me, soldier.'' ''I am dead because of you.'' ''Why did you miss the shot?'' ''What face will you show to my family now?'' ''You killed me, soldier.'' ''You killed me, soldier.'' ''You killed me, soldier.'' "Stop it. Stop it!" I raised my arms to my ears and screamed. "Stop! Please don''t talk anymore. Stop it." "Qi Qiang. Stop the program!" Kang Yuan? Was it him? I felt somebody taking my headset out. The voices in my head stopped, and it was silence. There was no gunshot sound anymore. There was no Tan Ye''s voice cursing and ming me. "Bai Li. Calm down. Take deep breaths," I faintly heard Kang Yuan say. But I still felt a little dizzy. "Bai Li, it''s fine. You came this far. You did great. Try to rx. Take deep breaths and stretch your hands and legs." I absent-mindedly nodded at his words and did as he told. Then I felt somebody wiping my forehead. The familiar scent hit my nose, and I knew it was Xin Lei. She hugged me from behind my back, and I felt her hands around my neck. She gently caressed my cheek, and I couldn''t help but lean on her arm. I felt tired. I rested my head on her arm and shut my eyes. Slowly, I sensed my muddled thoughts bing clearer. My chest felt lighter. My heart that was beating and jumping like crazy, was beginning to calm down. My stiffened muscles felt rxed. She intertwined her fingers with mine and moved them in signnguage. "Bai Li, I am proud of you. You are awesome." My lips automatically curved. "I am not that awesome. I left it midway," I whispered. I felt her shake her head and kiss my cheek. She said nothing more and simply but tightly kept hugging me. "We will stop here for now," Kang Yuan said. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at his way. "No. Iwant to continue." There was a moment of silence. "It''s okay, Bai Li. You don''t have to force yourself. You reached this far. We can take things slowly." I shook my head. "No, I want to do it." I heard him sigh. "Bai Li. I know you might be feeling toplete the therapy faster and cure yourself. But we cannot rush, and you cannot push yourself. Thest thing I want is to have a reverse or a negative effect on your mind." "Yes, bro" It was Qi Qiang''s concerned voice, "You look pale. You should rest as bro Yuan says." I pursed my lips. I couldn''t disagree that a part of me was rushing to get it over with so that I am not scared anymore and so that Tan Ye''s death wouldn''t haunt me anymore. But the back of my mind was telling me to do it again. It felt like I was missing something, but before I could figure it out, I screamed and gave up. Something was beginning to form in my mind as I faced the scene again. I felt as if I heard something when Tan Ye was shot. What was it? I didn''t know. And to know that, I had to go back to VR once again. "Trust me, Kang Yuan. I am not pushing myself. There is something...I don''t know what, but I felt something when Tan Ye in VR died. I want to know what it was." "I see. It must be about unlocking a memory that you would have forgotten. Are you sure?" I nodded. There was a beat of silence. "Alright. But take a ten minutes break and rest. Then we will continue. Walk and stretch your muscles and rx." "Okay." I felt Xin Lei shift and sit beside me. I heard her typing. "You will do great. I am so proud of my boyfriend." Ah, why is she so sweet? I kissed her forehead. We both sat like that for five minutes, and then she dragged me up to walk. The ten-minute break was over, and I was back on my seat. I said, "Qi Qiang. Start from a little before the point when I shot. Take it backward by a minute." "Alright." "Let''s start," said Kang Yuan. I felt the familiar buzz in my head as it started. "Say goodbye to the world," Rodey said. "Arf! Arf!" "Cocoa, stay." "Grrr" he growled. "Stop, Rodey. You wouldn''t get anything by killing him. Even if you do, you will lose your protection, and I won''t hesitate to kill you." Rodey chuckled. "Let''s see that Major as to who wins." "Arf! Arf!" "Cocoa!" "Goodbye, civilian." Once again, I raised my hand. *Bang* This time I shut my eyes as I tried to remember what was the sound I heard. *ck* "Ah" I opened my eyes. That ck sound...it''s unmistakable. It was the sound any bullet made when it hit something metallic. But how? This is impossible if... Chapter 160: Reliving that fateful night (3) Chapter 160: Reliving that fateful night (3) *Bai Li* That ck sound I heard wasn''t the part of the VR I was in because Qi Qiang could only replicate the situation based on how much I remembered. At that time, I didn''t know there was such a sound. But when I fired my bullet at Rodey this time, that sound came naturally to me even if it was not in the VR. It was unmistakable. I shut my eyes and imagined the scenario once again. I lowered my arms first to fool Rodey, but when he was about to kill Tan Ye, I raised my hands again and fired. *ck* "Ah" I was right. It wasn''t an illusion. This was the thing that the back of my mind was pointing at. I said, "Qi Qiang. Backward the time again at the same time I started." "Okay." Those conversations repeated. "Cocoa!" "Goodbye, civilian." *Bang* Then in my memories, I heard that sound again just before Tan Ye''s gasp. I concentrated on hearing that sound once again. *ck* "Ah" That was it. That was something missing that I felt since I started with VR. I found it. It was beginning to make sense to me, yet it didn''t at the same time. In the past, after I heard that gasp, I had asked to check if Tan Ye was fine "Civilian. Are you alright?" But instead of his assuring voice, I heard that familiar evil chuckle. "Unfortunately, it''s me who is alright, Major." I froze. "Tsk. Tsk. The poor civilian is dead...by your bullet." Wait what? No...how is that possible? I shot at Rodey. It shouldn''t be the civilian. "See? There is a nice, crisp hole in between his brows. Oh, I forgot, you cannot see." It was like somebody sucked the soul out of me. The civilian was dead? "Arf! Arf!" Was the civilian dead? I shot the civilian? But I had aimed at Rodey. I was confident at my shot. It cannot be the civilian who died, but why do I still hear Rodey''s voice? I still couldn''t make anything out of it. I felt numb and unable to process anything. An innocent man died at the hands of a soldier who missed his shot. How was I supposed to face myself? What was I supposed to say to his family? Suddenly, I felt the ground shaking beneath me. Ah no...was it me who was trembling? I was on the verge of copsing. "...Bye, Major...Nice meeting you...time to go" W-what? "Arf! Arf!" I faintly sensed Cocoa circling me and nudging my leg, but I couldn''t move my body. I felt paralyzed. "Grrr...arf!" Cocoa grabbed my thigh with his paws, and then I felt him biting my pants and pulling me hard, but I couldn''t focus. I didn''t hear Rodey''s voice after that. Did he leave? He escaped. Somehow, I forced myself to move and took a step forward. One step and two trembling steps, and then I rushed towards the civilian. I sensed him lying on the ground, and I bent on my knees. I felt my way with my hands and touched his neck to check his pulse. Nothing. My heart was racing like crazy. Was it even beating at 72 beats per minute? My breaths turned ragged, and my hands were shaking when I made my way up to his head. My trembling fingers felt something warm and wet as I touched his forehead. Blood And that unmistakable bullet hole It was true. I had killed a civilian. I had failed my mission. At present, I opened my eyes and jolted. "I am done. Please switch it off." I heard Kang Yuan''s voice, who stood beside me. "Sure?" "Yes, I am." "Qi Qiang. Switch off the VR." "Alright." I felt him taking out the headset, and I leaned back on my seat, resting my head on it. I exhaled a deep breath. I sensed Xin Lei''s presence behind me, and then I felt a pair of soft hands, pressing my head for a gentle massage. Ah, I really needed it. I felt like my head would explode any moment She said nothing, but I sensed that she was happy and proud of me. "Bai Li," Kang Yuan said, "How was it? Do you feel any difference going through the experience for the first and second times?" I nodded. "A hell lot of it." "In a good way or a bad way?" I faintly smiled. "Both." "That''s a good start if you feel even a little bit positive. Let''s start with it. What is the good feeling? How will you describe it?" I held Xin Lei''s hands and got up straight back on the seat. I slightly turned my head in his direction and smiled. "I am pretty sure that I didn''t kill Tan Ye." Then there was silence for a long time. I had expected it. It was Xin Lei first who shook me so hard that I could already see stars in front of me, feeling dizzy. I heard her urgently typing on her phone. "What? What? Say that again. What did you say?" "I said that I am pretty sure that I didn''t kill Tan Ye." Then it was Xin Zhen who slowly asked, "Is it rted to that unlocking of a certain memory? Did you remember something?" I nodded. "What is it?" Kang Yuan asked. I took a deep breath. "When I fired my shot, I heard two sounds back to back. First, there was a *ck* sound. Then it was Tan Ye''s gasp exactly a second apart." Then I didn''t continue further. I heard Xin Lei type. "So? What does that mean?" I gave a hint. "There was no exit wound on Tan Ye''s head. It wasn''t a through and through shot." It was quiet again as I sensed everybody might be thinking about it. Though I was sure that Xin Zhen and Luo Zhiqiang must have got the point already. After a few moments, I heard a sharp gasp. "Heh" I felt the mocking in Xin Zhen''s voice as he spoke, "I think my dumb sister finally got it. Zhiqiang must have also understood it, right?" "Hm." I imagined Xin Lei to be pouting at his words. I heard her typing. "Is it really what I think it is?" It was unbelievable for me as well, but it made perfect sense. I said, "It is. There is no other exnation." "Hey, hey! Tell me too" Liao Huifang said, "I don''t understand." "Me too," and Qi Qiang followed her. I said, "Well, the cking sound was of two objects shing or colliding together. It happens when something metallic makes the collision against something else. And that was a bullet hitting a metal pole or something simr in the terminal. But if my shot hit Tan Ye and the bullet was stuck in his head because I already said that there was no exit wound, then how could my bullet end up hitting the pole?" Qi Qiang said, "I still don''t understand hehe" Xin Zhen continued, "Because there were" *** --- Dongcheng. Shi Jianguo was out, visiting the container terminal with Su Weiyuan. They hadn''t given up to prove Bai Li innocent of Tan Ye''s death, so they thought to revisit the crime scene. Lu Zihao was busy nning to track Rodey with his team. "What do you think, Captain Su Weiyuan?" He calmly said, "We are missing something, Major General." "So, let''s find it." Even if the area was already investigated and searched, Shi Jianguo wanted to check it again for himself. They were at the same ce where Tan Ye, Bai Li, and Rodey were at that night. They got into the same positions and tried to reenact the scene. Shi Jianguo looked at Su Weiyuan, who was taking Bai Li''s position. Then he looked back. There were huge metal poles and many storage containersid side by side behind him. "Let''s see over there." Su Weiyuan nodded, and they both searched around a bit. Su Weiyuan''s sharp gaze was checking everything like a hawk. Then as he moved past a pole, his sightnded on something, and he narrowed his eyes. He moved closer, and his suspicions deepened. "Major General." Shi Jianguo went to his side. "Hm?" "Look at this," Su Weiyuan pointed at what he found. There was a small dent in the pole. They both recognized it very well. Shi Jianguo looked back and forth between Bai Li''s position and this dent. "This pole is straight in line with where he stood." Su Weiyuan nodded. "Say, Captain. Was there an exit wound on Tan Ye''s head?" He asked him even though they both knew the answer. Su Weiyuan shook his head. "No, Major General. The bullet was inside his head." "So how is there a mark of a bullet hitting this pole? If Bai Li''s bullet never left Tan Ye, then how was this mark formed?" "Major General. That only leads to one conclusion." Shi Jianguo smiled. "What is it?" "There were two bullets shot that night." Chapter 161: Reverse trap Chapter 161: Reverse trap --- *Bai Li* "Because there were two bullets that were shot that night," Xin Zhen said. I nodded. "What!?" Liao Huifang and Qi Qiang eximed. It was just as shocking for me when things fell into ce as I remembered everything. I heard Xin Lei''s pitter-patter on her phone. "Your bullet hit the pole." "While somebody else''s bullet hit Tan Ye," Ipleted. "There was somebody else standing behind me at a distance, which made that shot. No wonder Cocoa was barking so much and seemed so restless." I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice, "What do you mean?" "I had instructed Cocoa to go at the backside and attack Rodey if necessary on mymand. Naturally, he was supposed to be quiet. But when Rodey caught hold of Tan Ye, he suddenly ignored mymand and started to bark loudly. I was surprised because he never did that. He kept on barking, and I panicked because he exposed his location to Rodey." I took a pause. "I urged him to be quiet, but he didn''t listen to me, and I couldn''t understand why he sounded so anxious. My whole attention was on the civilian Tan Ye, whom Rodey had caught. Rodey had a dagger in his hand as he told me, and I didn''t want him to hurt Tan Ye identally. But Rodey was already about to strike him, and I raised my arm to shoot." I shut my eyes for a moment and opened them again. "This was the order in which things happened. I shot at Rodey, there was a cking sound, and almost a secondter, Tan Ye gasped in pain." I heard Liao Huifang say, "Is the order important? I still don''t understand why you concluded that there were two bullets." Luo Zhiqiang said, "The order is important. Isn''t it, Bai Li?" I smiled. "Yes, it is. This is what must have happened. I shot a bullet, and at the right moment, Rodey turned or bent to aside for a second. My bullet missed him, and it hit the pole instead, and at that same time, that is a secondter, somebody else standing behind me shot a bullet too. He aimed at Tan Ye, so the bullet pierced his head. And then he gasped and copsed, dead. Does it make sense now?" "Woah! I understand now, bro!" Qi Qiang said. "It makes sense now. But why wasn''t the second shot heard?" "He put a silencer on his gun." "Ah...right. But why didn''t you remember that you heard that cking sound?" I sighed. "It was all a mess. Immediately after Tan Ye gasped, Rodeyughed and said how he died by my bullet. I just felt utterly nk. I heard that sound, but it slipped off my mind. Everything happened in a matter of seconds, and before I could think more, Rodey broke that news to me. Naturally, only I had shot a bullet, so I thought it was really mine with which he died. And when I assumed that, guilt took all over me. It is the worst thing for any soldier or cop to know that an innocent civilian died by your ends in an ident. I rushed towards him, and when I felt the blood and the bullet hole on his head, I was...pletely numb. I couldn''t think of anything else." That moment of confirming Tan Ye''s death was imprinted in my mind so firmly that I still felt the chills whenever I recalled it. The guilt that had enveloped at that time still felt fresh to me. I felt Xin Lei wrapping her arms around me and jumping in my embrace. I heard her typing. "It must have been hard, right?" I slowly nodded. "It was. But I tried to convince myself that I couldn''t be wrong in my shot. It was really Rodey that I had aimed for. How did Tan Ye die then? I had trained hard for years so that I know when and where to shoot and at whom. When I sensed Tan Ye''s nk pulse, I felt that I failed my hard training. Everything went down the drain. But my stubborn mind refused to believe that I killed him. I fought my best in the court-martial, but then they brought my PTSD in the argument, and then once again, I wasn''t sure of myself anymore because when Cocoa barked against my orders, I had indeed got anxious about Tan Ye and that our n would fail." I stopped, and there was silence for a moment. I heard Shi Ruiling say, "So Cocoa barked because" I said, "It was in the VR that I realized. Because he already sensed someone was standing behind me. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and instinct. That was why he sounded so ready to attack. He was growling in impatience and danger, and I failed to detect that. I was only thinking about Tan Ye. He was a hostage, and if Cocoa recklessly attacked Rodey, then he could have hurt Tan Ye in that fight. So I didn''t let him move from his spot." I heard Xin Lei typing. "But didn''t Cocoa chase after that man afterward?" I shook my head. "He tried to tell me that. When Rodey escaped, he was biting and pulling my pants as if he wanted to guide me somewhere. But I didn''t move because I was too shocked by Tan Ye''s death. I couldn''t have left him alone. It was because of me. Firstly, I didn''t give Cocoa any order to chase after somebody. And secondly, he might have sensed my conflicting feelings and got worried about me. So he stayed by my side. I sensed that because he was circling me and nudging his head on me out of concern and care." I pursed my lips. "It is still my fault, though. If I had understood Cocoa''s signs, then the tragedy would have never happened. I call myself his best buddy, but I failed to understand him." I heard Xin Lei quickly type again. "It was not your fault. You did your best that you could in that situation." "I agree with Xin Lei," Kang Yuan said. "With Tan Ye''s arrival, everything became messed up. You did a wonderful job, nevertheless." "But bro, doesn''t it seem too much of a coincidence that Rodey had an aplice already ready at his position who shot Tan Ye?" Qi Qiang sounded doubtful. I narrowed my eyes at Qi Qiang''s question. "It wasn''t a coincidence. And the aplice is not the worrying only part." "It was Tan Ye himself," Xin Zhen said with a hint of coldness in his tone. I nodded. "His presence at the container terminal itself is filled with suspicion. I am sure that the terminal was out of operation when I chose it as my ce to catch Rodey. The situation could have turned into an encounter, so why would I select a ce where there was a chance of even one civilian present? So Tan Ye got work at thest moment for a delivery?" I shook my head. "It is unbelievable." Shi Ruiling said, "So Tan Ye''s presence was pre-nned." "That was what Major General Shi Jianguo suggested too. When we met recently, he said that the details of the person who called the owner of the terminal were nowhere to be found. The number with which he called became unavable. The owner called Tan Ye to do the delivery butter, when Major General checked the address, it led to an empty house. Nobody was living there. It was cold and abandoned." I heard Xin Lei''s robotic voice through the phone again. "But what about the bullet? The forensics confirmed that it was your bullet, right? How is that possible?" "Somebody altered the report, little sis," Xin Zhen said, "He must have recovered Bai Li''s bullet from the near the pole after everything was over and showed that bullet as the one found from Tan Ye''s body while he must have discarded his own bullet." I heard Liao Huifang ask, "But bullets are different, right? Hehe, at least I know that much. That culprit and Bai Li''s bullet shouldn''t match, right?" I smiled. "What if he uses the same model of the gun as me? The bullets would be simr too. There would be no difference between the bullet found in Tan Ye''s head and the bullet I hit on the pole. They will look and feel the same. Of course, you can still identify which bullet was fired from which gun, but that is the trick. The autopsy report said that it was my gun. So, clearly, it was forged. They must have coated Tan Ye''s blood and DNA on my bullet and threw away the culprit''s one. And vi. I became the guilty soldier." Silence for a moment. I heard Xin Lei typing and sensed the nervousness from that sound alone. "Bai Li. If Tan Ye''s presence was pre-nned and if that somebody could easily forge the autopsy report, putting all the me on you, then doesn''t that mean that it wasn''t Rodey who fell in your trap, but you did?" I let out a deep breath. "That is the sad part. My mission to catch Rodey and its details were only known to a tight-knit group of people in the Army. If this was a set up for me, then no doubt... somebody in the Army works with the true culprit behind these deaths." Chapter 162: A stifling feeling... Chapter 162: A stifling feeling... *** --- Dongcheng. Major General Shi Jianguo''s expression was extremely grim and severe. "Two bullets." Su Weiyuan said, "Yes, Major General." "Do you realize that this opens a whole new can of worms, Captain? If there were two bullets shot, then that means everything was nned before-hand." He slowly nodded. "And to n those things ahead of time, it was important to know all the details of Bai Li''s mission. How will he meet Rodey, when and where... without this information, the culprit who shot Tan Ye couldn''t have made the preparations." Su Weiyuan said nothing. "Do you understand where this assumption leads to, Captain?" "I fully understand it, Major General." "Do you understand that this also jeopardizes the Army''s reputation? If it goes out that somebody from the Army is bent and is involved in the brutal killings, then it will cause a massive storm in the nation. People will lose their trust in the Army and defense of China. We cannot afford that, Captain." Su Weiyuan didn''t respond. "So on one side, there is one soldier who is innocent and got a dishonorable discharge, used of identally killing a civilian. On the other side, there is the whole Army who will suffer the repercussion of this truth if ites to light." Su Weiyuan was impassive. Naturally, he understood his context. "One soldier versus the entire Army. What should we choose?" Silence. "Any sane person would choose thetter because it epasses more threat than a mere soldier''s reputation and honor. So technically, we should keep our mouths shut, pretend that we never figured out anything and do nothing so that we protect the Army." He said nothing. "But what are we going to do?" Su Weiyuan stared straight back at him and calmly said, "I will check who all knew about Bai Li''s mission." Shi Jianguo squinted his gaze. "Meet me when you get all the details." He nodded. --- Rodey, once again, reached the same bar, which was his usual spot for meetings with the clients. Even if it was bright sunshine outside, inside the bar, it felt as if it was the middle of the night. The same three clients who he metst time were seated at their same ce again. "What the fuck is taking you so long to choose one person? Boss called me. They are getting impatient." The man who nned to kidnap Ying Yue waved his hand, "Don''t worry. Today. Today we will definitely kidnap her. We have sent the fake mail as always, but she hasn''t responded yet." Rodey took a sip of the scotch and raised his eyebrow. "It''s a woman?" The man sneered. "Yes, she is." "Then, if she is not responding, then forget her. We cannot make the boss wait. Choose someone else. Do it quickly, you bastards." The second man shook his head. "Nah, it''s alright. We have sent another invitation to her with even more lucrative offers this time. She is bound to fall for it. Today, she will be with us." "We still have three more days until we deal with that teenager. We have enough time for our enjoyment." Rodey shrugged. "Do it faster and get that woman already." --- Ying Yue was getting ready as she gave a final touch to her light makeup. She checked herself in the mirror and nodded. She picked her phone and opened the message again. It was another mail sent from FriendsChat. ''The first twenty sessful candidates who pass the interview will be given a chance to join a prestigiouspany of their choice and earn up to 1000$ a month. The interviews are open only until two in the afternoon. Late entries will not be allowed under any circumstances.'' As soon as Ying Yue received this message, she couldn''t help but seriously think about it. A thousand dors was not a small amount for her, and if she could earn that much, it would make her expenses so much easier for her - the debt, Ying Lan''s medicines, and her University fees. Today was also an off day from her University, so she had no problem visiting that ce chosen for the interview. She had only until two pm so she couldn''t afford to waste time. Ying Yue didn''t know if she would pass the interview or not, but she thought that at least, she had to give one try. She packed her bag and quickly left. "Ah Yue," Ying Lan gently smiled at her. "Isn''t it an off day at your University? Where are you going?" "Mom, there is an interview going on for a job. I want to give it a try. If I could clear it and enter the top twenty, then I can earn up to 1000$ a month." Ying Lan widened her eyes. "Is it true?" She nodded. "I have also cross-checked it. I contacted the person-in-charge, and he has verified it. The interviews are open until only two pm. So I have to hurry." Ying Lan was worried. "Are you sure, dear? You already work too hard. I don''t want you to take on an additional workload. You have University too." She gently said, "It''s okay, Mom. If I secure a job here, then I can leave one of my part-time jobs." Ying Lan sighed. "Alright" Ying Yue held her hands. "Thank you, Mom. A thousand dors can really help us." "What! A thousand dors!" Suddenly, they heard Xue Jingjing rushing up to them with a sparkled gaze. "Yue, what are you talking about?" Ying Lan''s mouth twitched. Ying Yue wasn''t much affected. She told her about the job offer, and Xue Jingjing''s got even more delighted. "Wow, thousand dors! Why didn''t you tell me, Yue?" If I could somehow clear this interview, then I will be loaded with money! This bitch didn''t tell me about it on purpose so she could hog all of the money. So sly! She was pissed off because of her canceled date with Yang Mo and the stolen money. But now she heard about the thousand dors, and she already forgot all about it. Ying Yue was nk. "I thought you don''t like to work." Xue Jingjing''s eyebrow twitched. But who can refuse a thousand dors! She awkwardly smiled. "What are you saying, Yue? I would also like to help you out with the expenses. But I wasn''t getting a proper job until now" Ying Lan inwardly sneered. Such lies! Xue Jingjing immediately held her hands. "Cousin, how about we go together? Plus, if we both go, then there are more chances for either one of us to get a spot. Even if one of us could be selected" "That''s a great idea," Xue Xiying came too. "I think Yue should take Jingjing with her too. Right, sis?" She gently smiled at her. "Jingjing will get a chance to be more responsible now. It is good for her." Ying Lan gritted her teeth. As if you will spend any on the household if Jingjing gets the job! Ying Yue nodded. "Okay." "Thank you, Yue! I will get ready in five minutes." As they left, Ying Lan sighed. God, please let Yue get the job and not Jingjing. At the entrance, Ying Yue hugged her mother. "I wille back by evening." She nodded. "All the best." Xue Xiying whispered in Jingjing''s ear as she hugged her too. "You know what to do, right? Don''t let Yue get the job. Do anything to make her fail." Xue Jingjing sneered and nodded. "Yes, Mom." She then loudly said, "Good luck, dear." "Thanks, Mom!" As Ying Yue and Xue Jingjing left, Ying Lan couldn''t help but feel something stifling inside her. As Yue''s figure was moving farther and farther away, a strange sense of anxiety and restlessness enveloped her chest. Ying Lan seemed troubled. What is this ufortable feeling for Yue? Why do I feel that...something bad is about to happen? --- At exactly one-thirty pm, Ying Yue and Xue Jingjing reached the designated spot. It was a three-story ss building that seemed new and glistening in the sunlight, giving that corporate feel. "Wow," Xue Jingjing eximed. "Looks ssy." "Let''s go inside." Ying Yue said. They opened the door, but to their surprise, they found the reception area empty. Xue Jingjing frowned. "Where is everybody? I thought there would be other applicants too." Ying Yue didn''t understand. Strange "Yue, is this even the right address?" Xue Jingjing rolled her eyes. "It is. This is the street and building mentioned in the address." "Show me the address! Don''t tell me you screwed it up." Xue Jingjing snatched her mobile and checked the address. She frowned. Indeed, this is the right address... Suddenly, two men, wearing ck masks, barged in the building and pointed their guns at them. "Aahh!" Xue Jingjing shrieked in horror. Ying Yue froze and she felt as if her heart nearly stopped beating. Xue Jingjing nced between the two men, sweating and trembling. "W-who are you two?" One man sneered. "Your road to hell. Thank you so much for falling in the trap, you two." Chapter 163: Cruelly abandoned Chapter 163: Cruelly abandoned Ying Yue was watching them with an impassive nce, but her heart was racing like crazy. She didn''t know what was going on and why these men suddenly appeared, saying that it was a trap. ...A trap? She slightly trembled and clenched her dress in her fist. Was this interview fake? A scam? But why? Why do they want us? I don''t even know them. Xue Jingjing, on the other side, was already starting to lose it. First, that thief who stole all the money at gunpoint and now these two men She shuddered, seeing their guns pointed at her. A fight or flight response was already making her body shiver in fear. "T-this" she jerked her head towards Ying Yue and gritted her teeth. "Yue, what the hell is this! Who are these people?" "I don''t know." The second manughed. "Everybody would be so happy. There was supposed to be only this bitch here" he pointed his finger at Ying Yue, "but now we have got two!" He looked at Xue Jingjing. Tears rolled down from her cheeks. Her instinct obviously told her that the men were here to kidnap them. "Y-you... what do you want?" Then she thought about the thief she shed with in the morning. "You want money, right! Yue will give you as much as you want but leave us" She shook Ying Yue and eximed. "Why are you just standing there!? Take out all your money!" The first manughed out loud. "Money? Hahaha! You are so funny! But don''t worry. You will soone to know your fate. Hahaha!" Ying Yue seemed calm. Even if she was afraid of them to a certain extent, she didn''t show it on her face. She was secretly looking for and thinking about possible ways to escape. There was the main entrance, which was blocked by the two men and a window on the right side, but it seemed already locked tight. It would waste too much time to unlock it and escape. They would be already caught. There was only one chance, and that was to let the men take her and Xue Jingjing outside, and before they put them in their car, somehow push them away and escape. Of course, it sounded easy, but in reality, it was too difficult, especially when they were carrying guns. Ying Yue silently took a deep breath. We have no other option left. She inly said, "Please don''t shoot us. We will go with you." "What! Yue, are you crazy?" Xue Jingjing looked at her in horror. "Are you out of your mind?" The men were impressed. "Ho...she looks like a sensible girl. Nowe, and let''s go going already." "No!" Xue Jingjing screamed and red at her. "Yue, what the hell are you doing?" She looked at the two men, "Take her if you want but let me go please" she sobbed, "wasn''t she your target anyway? I wasn''t supposed toe with her, but she forced me! Please don''t involve me in this!" She shamelessly begged for herself. Ying Yue froze. Her gaze slightly dimmed, but she said nothing. The two men didn''t give a fuck to what she said and were dragging them outside. "No, no, please! Somebody help!" She cried. "Hahaha! Nobody can hear you here. Exactly why we chose this ce." They dragged them out at gunpoint, and we''re reaching near the car. Ying Yue''s heart sped faster in her chest. She thought of something and got ready. As soon as the men opened the door of the car, Ying Yue grabbed it in a sh and forcibly opened the door wider with all her strength, hitting the first man with it and taking them by surprise. The men were standing one behind the other, with the second one watching over Xue Jingjing at the side. The door harshly hit the first man, and the gun slipped from his hands. He stumbled on the second man behind him, and they both fell together on the ground, colliding with each other. "Run!" Ying Yue grabbed Xue Jingjing''s hand and dashed away. "H-huh?" She was confused as hell as it was all of a sudden, but she snapped out. They were away from those men''s grasp. She looked at Ying Yue, dumbfounded. Did this dumbo actually save us? Heh, of course, she should! It was because of this bitch that we got into this situation in the first ce! "Hey!" The men watched them running away and quickly got up. They took their guns and fired many shots, but it didn''t hit them. "Fuck! Let''s chase after them!" The adrenaline in Ying Yue was in full swing, and at every second, her heart was beating faster and faster. Sweat covered her forehead, but she kept on running, holding Xue Jingjing''s hand. The men kept chasing after Ying Yue and Xue Jingjing. "Stop running away!" Ying Yue took a right turn, and just a few more yards ahead, they would reach the main road. Once they reach the main market area, they could find some help from those people. "Hah..hah...I am tired, Yue" Xue Jingjing huffed and puffed breathlessly. She was slowing down a bit. "We cannot stop, Jingjing. They are after us." "It''s all because of you! What kind of phony interview did you agree to? Do you not have the brains to figure out a scam? Are you so dumb? Now, I''m stuck because of you!" Ying Yue said nothing. "Wait, I think we have lost them already. Let''s stop. I cannot run anymore" Ying Yue urgently said, "Jingjing, please. It is still dangerous. Once we reach the main road, we will be safe." Xue Jingjing shook her hand away. "Shut up! Don''t tell me what to do. We got into this mess because of you." She looked at her in disdain. She inhaled deep breaths and fanned herself. Ying Yue paled. She looked back, panicked, and was restless. "Let''s go, Jingjing." "Shut up. We have already lost them." "There they are!" The men shouted. "Hey, stop!" Xue Jingjing froze, and Ying Yue widened her eyes. "Jingjing, I told you." "Damn!" Xue Jingjing cursed, and as they started to run, her knees wobbled, and she fell. "Yue!" Ying Yue looked back and was shocked. She quickly came to her aid, but the distance was already lessening between them and the kidnappers. Xue Jingjing cried. "Yue, please save me! Help me get up." Ying Yue helped her up, but Xue Jingjing was terrified of those men. They looked ready to shoot. It was clear to her that both of them couldn''t escape unharmed. Somebody was bound to get caught. Xue Jingjing bit her lower lip and stared at Ying Yue. Don''t me me for this, Yue. It''s only right for you topensate since you brought us into this mess. Those men want you in the first ce, so why should I suffer? Xue Jingjing pulled Ying Yue hard, and with her support, she stood up. But that force pushed Ying Yue down, and she fell instead. Xue Jingjing quickly grabbed this chance, shook her hand off, and ran away. Ying Yue fell on her knees, and she gasped as she copsed. She looked at Xue Jingjing, horrified as she left her alone and ran for her life. Xue Jingjing looked back once and saw the horror and disbelief in her eyes. Ying Yue was always impassive, and it was hard to detect her emotions, but at this moment, even Xue Jingjing could feel it - the sense of abandonment. I don''t feel guilty, Yue. Xue Jingjing tore her gaze away from her and kept on running away. "You bitch!" The men grabbed her arm and dragged her up. "How dare you hit us and run away?" He raised his hand and pped her cheek. Ying Yue''s head was harshly thrown to her side with that p. A burning sensation stung her cheek. The crisp sound of that p was so loud that even Xue Jingjing heard it. She froze. Don''t think about her, Jingjing! That bitch deserves it!. The second man chased after Xue Jingjing and also shot in her direction, but she had already disappeared into the main road. "Fuck! If I kept chasing after her now, she would surely get help. Lucky bitch," he cursed. He went back and saw his partner manhandling Ying Yue. "What about that other woman?" "Tsk. She escaped." "Fuck! We could have got a bonus if we brought her too. But at least" he pulled her hair, and she gritted her teeth in pain, "we managed to catch the main target. Otherwise, we would have been dead if we had lost her too!" "We have already wasted enough time. Let''s go." "What if that other woman causes a ruckus?" "Heh! Did you not see how she abandoned her? Will she open her mouth to get herself into trouble? She would just make an excuse and won''t even mention this incident to anybody." Ying Yue stiffened. No...Mom "Let''s visit your hell, woman." The men sneered. "Everybody, especially one man, in particr, is restless to get his hands on you." Chapter 164: You are scared, arent you? Chapter 164: You are scared, aren''t you? --- *Xin Lei* It was in the evening that we were getting to leave for Dongcheng, but before that, we had another thing to do. Luo Zhiqiang led Bai Li, Liao Huifang, and me to Duan Deming''s cell, where he was kept after we caught him in Tianjin Port. The door had a number of security codes and procedures to be done before it was opened, and Luo Zhiqiang did it all with utmost patience. We entered and found Duan Deming locked up in his seat with his arms and legs shackled with the cuffs. In almost only forty-eight hours, he seemed like a whole different person. He seemed tired, he had lost a considerable amount of weight, and a light stubble was on his chin. Duan Deming raised his head, and our gazes met. "Heh! Look who is here. My so-called best partner. Oh yes, who also belongs to the IB. A spy!" Luo Zhiqiang seemed unaffected. Suddenly, Liao Huifang burst out in anger. "As if you were any honest cop! You were also just a spy for those pathetic culprits." I nodded. "Ooohhh...it''s the little sister. How are you doing? And how is your sister? Oh, right, I forgot! Poor thing is no more in this world" he sighed, "Haish, truly saddening." "You" "But she did a noble job of providing enjoyment to so many distressed souls. Her death was so fascinating..." I gritted my teeth as a disgusting smirkced on his lips. "You bastard!" Liao Huifang almost jumped at him, but Luo Zhiqiang swiftly caught her arm. I, too, pulled her back and shook my head. Her eyes teared up. "But" "No." Luo Zhiqiang gave a firm answer. Duan Demingughed. "Ahahaha! Poor little sister. Do you feel bad? Aww, your sister was truly pitiful. She loved me so much. She was so excited to introduce me to you. But what did she get? I must say, though, it was fun ying with your sister~" Bastard I clenched my fingers into a fist, and I had this strong urge to punch him in the face. Break his teeth, break his nose, gauge his eyes out, everything! Somebody could be this insensitive towards someone''s feelings... "I will kill you!" Liao Huifang yelled. "There is no need, Liao Huifang." Bai Li''s calm voice came from my side. I looked at him, and he seemed to be unperturbed by his provocations. ProvocationsYes, I knew that Duan Deming was saying this all on purpose just to rule us up. But I still felt a fire surge in me as he insulted Liao Chuntao. I remembered her eyes filled with hopelessness and despair and betrayal. At that memory, I wished to end Duan Deming''s life! Bai Li smiled. "Are you sure you found her death fascinating...or maybe you are just scared out of your wits?" Duan Deming stoppedughing and narrowed his eyes at Bai Li. "Scared of her? And we?" "Yes, and particrly you." He chuckled. "How so?" "Because didn''t her death remind you of your... wife''s death?" Duan Deming visibly froze. I faintly smiled as I felt satisfied to see his mouth shut up. "There was a video recorder we found in Natural Park, and in it, we saw all the victims and how your disgusting buddies killed them. But out of all those innocent people, only Liao Chuntao stood out as different. Do you know why?" Silence. "Xin Lei told me that when we were watching the video and when Liao Chuntao cursed you all at herst breath, she was specifically looking at your direction. Nobody''s faces could be seen, but everybody agreed that they felt your figure tremble in the dark. You were actually scared of her, weren''t you?" "Heh! Who would be scared of a weak woman?" "You, who had simrly killed your wife with your own hands." Duan Deming red at Bai Li. "What nonsense!" Bai Li said, "We investigated you and found that your wife was mysteriously stabbed in your house. It was imed that a thief broke in and killed her and stole all the money and jewelry in the house. He stole everything except your wife''s diamond ring. Was the thief that stupid to forget the ring on her finger? But that led to nowhere. It was a simple robbery, and you, who were a cop, should have been able to find him out. But you didn''t. How would you when there was no thief in the first ce?" Silence. "You left the ring on her as a taunt, right? I can guess why. Because your wife was cheating on you. On the same day, there was another incident where a man died in an identthe same thing. The driver who crashed into his car was not found because that driver was you. That man was your wife''s lover. First, you killed him, and then perhaps before you killed her, you mocked her that you already knew everything, and her lover was dead by your hands. That ring was a taunt to her that even in her death, she was bound to you as your wife." "That bitch dared to have an affair behind my back!" Duan Deming screamed and violently struggled, but the cuffs had him locked so he could p like a dying fish in his ce. "She deserved it!" I red at him and furiously typed. "Any woman would have done that! We found that her lover was a psychiatrist who was treating her. She was his patient. That''s when they fell in love. But why do you think your wife had to visit him or a doctor for that matter in the first ce! What brought her to that stage that she was so depressed and almost lifeless that she wished to seek treatment? From her medical records that he had, we read that you were doing domestic violence!" My chest heaved up and down breathlessly as I typed again. "You were beating and torturing her every day, didn''t you? She wanted a divorce, but you refused her and beat her even more. She was helpless to go to the cops, too, because you were one yourself! Why would even thew help her when you would abuse your power and obstruct justice?" Luo Zhiqiang said, "You simply pinned the me of her torture marks on that invisible thief saying that he would have beat her up before he killed her." Duan Deming sneered. "She was my wife. I was allowed to do whatever I want to with her, and she should deal with it. But she didn''t have any right to find another man when I was her husband. Who did she think she was to even utter about divorce?" I watched him, speechless and dumbfounded. I felt so disgusted to know that men like him still existed in this world even when our 21st century had moved so forward with women''s rights. Bai Li said, "But she still scared you." "She was just another weak and pathetic woman." "But the power of words is never weak, Duan Deming." He stiffened. "She might have been physically unable to fight back against you, but she must have cursed you as she breathed herst. That was why you trembled when Liao Chuntao also bore her gaze into you. You found your wife in her. Their hateful gazes, coupled with theirst words, stirred you and frightened you. You are not mocking Liao Chuntao because you want tough at her. That is just your defense mechanism to convince yourself that you are not affected by them." "Shut up! Who is scared of those losers!?" Duan Deming violently moved again. I sneered and typed. "You are. Maybe you might be even thinking that your wife''s ghost will haunt you one day. Maybe that fear alone will kill you one day." Bai Li smiled. "That would be the best way to die, isn''t it? But we didn''te here for just that. I think you can answer some questions of mine." Duan Deming seemed not to pay attention as he was sweating a bit. I raised my brow as he looked riled up. He was really scared of them. Maybe he even believed it. Is that why he looked so thin and tired? Because of the fear? "Duan Deming," Luo Zhiqiang called him. "What?" He startled and looked irritated. "It''s not just you in the police force. Somebody from the Army is also with your gang in this, right?" Duan Deming was quiet. He looked expressionless, but for a moment, I saw his eyebrow twitch. He definitely knew something. Bai Li asked, "Who is it from the Army that is with you?" "I don''t understand what you are talking about." "Don''t bother acting innocent. I figured out what exactly happened in the container terminal with Rodey that night. It was somebody else who shot Tan Ye and put the me on me. Somebody was silently standing behind me, waiting for the right moment. I want to know who it was? Who shot Tan Ye and altered the autopsy report?" Chapter 165: Only thirty-six hours left Chapter 165: Only thirty-six hours left *Xin Lei* Duan Deming suddenlyughed out loud. "Who was it? Are you asking me?" He looked at him in disbelief. "Why would I tell you and betray my gang? Are you out of your mind, ex-soldier?" I rolled my eyes. I didn''t know whether to feel angry or pitiful for him. Bai Li chuckled. "Betray? Are you talking about betrayal? Oh, I see. Are you still living in your illusion that they are going to rescue you? The IB has caught one of their precious members. They must be racking their brains to save you, right?" Bai Li paused. "Like how they did for Rodey. Like how they helped him escape outside the court." Duan Deming said, "Why not?" "Are you sure they woulde to save you or...kill you to keep your mouth shut?" Now, Duan Deming seemed a little anxious, but he didn''t bend at all. "I know these are your pathetic tricks, Bai Li, to make me go against them. But they are not going to work." Luo Zhiqiang said, "Don''t make a fool out of yourself, Duan Deming. You are not valuable to them as much as you are thinking." I typed. "And if you help us, then obviously we will help you to lighten your punishment. By now, you should already know what awaits you in the court after the truth of the brutal killings wille out. Of course, you know my Dad. He will do his best." Naturally, that was a lie. After knowing how Duan Deming was a part of those brutal killings, like hell, we would do anything to lighten his punishment! We were already itching to kill him in the worst way possible! Duan Deming sneered. "You cannot bribe me with that because sooner orter, I would be a free man. I wouldn''t need your ''kind'' help because I would never be in jail." His confidence...I fail to understand from where does he get it? Bai Li slowly stepped forward and grabbed his neck. He kept pressing on it so hard that Duan Deming gasped and started coughing. "Somebody from the army is with you, right?" Duan Deming seemed in pain, but he was smiling like a maniac. "Indeed, there is somebody from the army who is with us. He shot Tan Ye, and he helped Rodey escape. But I will never tell you who he is," and then he startedughing again, "Or maybe I will...if you let me go." Damn! As if letting him go was any option! "And if you think that you can force me to tell his identity by torturing me, then you are wrong. I will never bend to your torture." I believed him. People like him were really stubborn. He looked as if he had lost it. His trust in them was so unshakeable that he wouldn''t betray them. Bai Li harshly shook him away and smiled. "You will tell sooner orter. Trust me." We left him in his cell. I typed. "What now?" Bai Li said, "Don''t worry. We will figure something out. I will also ask Su Weiyuan to check if he gets any clue. Right now, we should leave for Dongcheng." I nodded. Suddenly, one of the IB employees came rushing. "Sir." Luo Zhiqiang asked, "Hm? Why are you in such a hurry?" "Qi Qiang has some urgent news to say!" We exchanged surprised nces and quickly ran. Shi Ruiling and Bro were already there with grim expressions on their faces. She was pressing the space between her brows. I quickly typed. "What happened? What''s wrong?" Liao Huifang said, "Yeah, why is the atmosphere so tense?" Qi Qiang was on the monitor, and he seemed troubled too. Bai Li asked, "I am not getting a good feeling. What is it?" "Bro...I was searching for any information about that man who is helping Zhang Xin when I heard a message tone on FriendsChat. When I checked it, I saw that the chat was quite busy in some discussions. When I read through it, I saw that...that" Ugh...I was getting anxious now. "That they have kidnapped another woman this time." I froze. My whole body felt numb to me. Another kidnapping? "What!?" Liao Huifang eximed. "They kidnapped a woman?" Qi Qiang nodded. "Yes. Everybody is happy and celebrating in the chat" I typed. "But why? What was the need? They have already kidnapped Chu Jie!" I anxiously looked at Bai Li, who had not spoken anything for a while now. He had the same look as my brother. Then he slowly asked, "Qi Qiang. What are they talking about?" Qi Qiang was scrolling through the chat, and he disyed it on the screen. Bloodygame : Have you heard? Finally, we got someone else! Yay! Nittyoicky : Oh finally! I was wondering how long it would take to bring another fucking person. Ilikeascars : Oh I know. It''s a woman. Gosh, I am so excited. Women are always way fun to y with than men. Ditzybitzy : I soooo agree. They are so pathetic. Cry after we only cut them once. ONCE! Injuredxx : Now we don''t have to wait three days more for that fucking teenager~~ Until that dayes, we will have fun with this woman. Hahaha! Nittyoicky : But I heard it was going to be two women. Somebody else came with her for that fake interview too. But she managed to escape. Tsk. Bloodygame : What, seriously? Man, that''s such a shame! Tch! Two women...ah, you broke my fantasy! Ilikeascars : No, kidding! We could have had twice the fun! CrimsonInstinct enters the chat. "Boss!" CrimsonInstinct : I see everyone is already talking about our new fun *chuckles* Injuredxx : Yo, boss! Bloodygame : I cannot wait! CrimsonInstinct : Patience, guys. She is not here yet. My able men will be bringing her any time. "Boooo" Nittyoicky : By the way, I heard that she is not among the targets we had selected. Ilikeascars : Oh, yes! There were two women in the five pictures, but this woman was not among them. Why change to apletely different person? Ditzybitzy : Hm...that is a good question. This has never happened before CrimsonInstinct : Don''t worry. I have already checked it. Our friend, Risfun, suggested that. Apparently, that woman pissed him off in the bar while he and our other friends were having a meeting with Rodey. So, he wanted her to be the target to have revenge *sighs* As long as we get somebody, I didn''t mind this change. Nittyoicky : Oooooooooo Ilikeascars : This would be more fun then. Risfun is pissed off, huh? Injuredxx : But we won''t fall in any trouble, right? Bloodygame : Haha, have we ever? You are such a coward. Injuredxx : Idiot! I meant we haven''t done any background check on her. All our previous targets were carefully selected. That''s why we never got into any problem. CrimsonInstinct : That is a valid concern. But I have done my part. That woman only has a mother and lives with her aunt and cousin. The aunt and cousin don''t care much about her, and what would her lone, widow mother do? So we are safe. Ditzybitzy : Ahahahaha! Boss is the best! Everything is sorted out now. Injuredxx : Then, I am relieved. I don''t have any problem then. Bloodygame : Well, we can enjoy to our heart''s content now. Ilikeascars : I wonder what Risfun would do to that woman. I am curious about his revenge Injuredxx : Isn''t it? We watched the chat unfold in silence. Now it was Bai Li''s turn to press the space in between his brows. Shi Ruiling eximed. "I cannot believe that they kidnapped another woman because they cannot wait for Chu Jie! How insane are these bastards!" I copsed on the couch in disbelief. "They want to satisfy themselves until Chu Jie''s turnes! Fucking bastards!" "Calm down, Ruiling." Bro''s stern voice came. "It''s not good for you." "But Zhen!" He shook his head. Bai Li said, "I am an idiot! I should have seen thating. They were not allowed to do anything to Chu Jie and Cocoa. But that didn''t mean they cannot find another victim for their ''fun.''" Bro snorted. "No need to feel guilty. Even if you had figured that out, it would have been difficult to track the victim. We wouldn''t have known who they would have chosen. In the chat forum, I didn''t see them mention any details or disclosure of them." Qi Qiang nodded. "They just talk about them here and there but not much about their identity. Like, they said that the woman lives with her mother, aunt, and cousin, but well...there could be many families like that in Beijing. We cannot track them like that. They didn''t give any family name." My hands trembled as I typed. "Now our time limit has reduced even further. We had three days to rescue Chu Jie and Cocoa but now to save that woman, we might have only half the time." Bai Li seemed furious and frustrated. "They wouldn''t keep her alive for much longer. We had seventy-two hours before. But now...we might have only thirty-six hours remaining to figure everything out and save her, Chu Jie and Cocoa." Chapter 166: Waking up at a strange place Chapter 166: Waking up at a strange ce *** --- "...Are you alright?" Ying Yue''s eyelids fluttered. "...wake up...sis" She felt as if somebody was talking to her. But when she tried to open her eyes, she felt a numb pain course through her head. Then she felt as if somebody was gently shaking her shoulder. "Are you alright?" "Ugh" Ying Yue fought the dull pain and slowly opened her eyes. At first, everything was dizzy and spinning in front of her eyes. She blinked her eyes more, and that hazy figure was beginning to clear. Somebody was leaning over and shaking her shoulder. "Sis, can you hear me? Sis?" Ying Yue finally saw a young boy, worriedly looking at her. Huh? Who is he? He seems like a teenager. She turned her head in confusion, left and right, and realized that she was in a strange room that she never saw before. The ceiling was different. The walls were dirty and dusty. This...I don''t understand...Where am I? Then the memories began toe to her one by one. The interview message from FriendsChat, how she left with Xue Jingjing, two masked men barging in and pointing their guns at them, their escape and then Ying Yue widened her eyes as she remembered everything. She woke up with a jerk. Xue Jingjing left me and then...those men captured me and hit me in the head. Then it was all ck for her. Once again, she felt an ache in her head as she had suddenly got up. "Ah" "Slowly, sis! You will hurt yourself." Ying Yue faced sideways to look at him. "You...who are you? What is this ce?" "My name is Chu Jie. I am sixteen years old. This ce" he bit down his lip, and his body mildly trembled. "This is a horrible ce, sis! All the people here...they are monsters. They kidnapped me so that they can...k-kill me" He burst into tears. "And now, they have kidnapped you too! They want to kill us!" Ying Yue heard everything, but she still felt as if she failed to understand anything. But when she looked at his shaking figure, sniffling and sobbing, her heart ached for the boy. She was unsure of what to do and thought for a moment. She wasn''t good at consoling people. Whenever anybody cried in her school when she was young, she had no idea what she should do. She always wished to help, but how? So, she used to just nkly stand at the same ce, unable to get an answer. Ying Yue seriously thought about it and recalled how Ying Lan would hug her or pat her head whenever she felt down. That always makes me feel calm. Ying Yue inward nodded. She raised her hand and gently ced it on Chu Jie''s head. She brushed her fingers through his hair. Maybe hugging will be too much. He might feel ufortable. "It''s alright. D-don''t cryEverything will be fie fine." Am I saying the right thing? Ying Yue was too nervous. Chu Jie sobbed even harder, and he jumped in her arms. He tightly hugged her and buried his face in her neck. Ying Yue froze for a moment. Apart from her mother, nobody had hugged her like this ever. But she felt a little nice to know that for the first time, she could be reliable and of help to someone. "You don''t know...this is all really scary... They are horrible." She softly patted his back. "Don''t cry. I am here." Chu Jie slowly calmed down, and his violent burst of tears reduced to sniffling. "En." Ying gently asked, "Will you tell me everything from the beginning?" Chu Jie wiped his tears and retold what happened. The most terrifying part was when they showed how they put the man''s hand in boiling water and tortured him. Then he told about his confrontation and to wait for seven days to spare him until his birthday. Ying Yue''s expression turned grim as she kept on listening. "So...there is no personal grudge with the people who died before?" Chu Jie shook his head. "They bring us here just to enjoy torturing us. That is the only reason. They are insane! They were talking about blood, and it''s beautiful color and how they enjoyed seeing it as if it''spletely normal!" Ying Yue didn''t know what to think about this. She had no idea that a normal day would take such a horrible turn. But once again, like that night when those four men were threatening to rape her, she didn''t fear the thought of her possible death. Yes, she felt sad about Ying Lan, but that was the only limit until which her feelings extended. She never had any opinion when it came to herself. Mom will be so worried for me Chu Jie was in disbelief to see her unaffected. She didn''t get scared or didn''t freak out. Her expression was more or less the same for the entire time he told everything. "Sisaren''t you scared at all?" Ying Yue said, "Death is actually a verymon urrence as opposed to what people assume. 26% of the young adult poption still die due to unforeseen circumstances. This situation is one of them. If this is my fate, then, unfortunately, I cannot fight back." Chu Jie looked at her dumbfounded. Huh? What 26%? "Sis, I think you are not getting it. You might die here. They have killed people, and they will kill us too." "I understood it." "So, don''t you want to live?" Ying Yue''s voice was low. "I am not in any position to resist. I don''t know how to fight. If there are really about twenty to twenty-five people involved, as you said, then I cannot do anything. I don''t know martial arts to attack and defend myself. How will I win against so many people alone with no skills to fight? And" she looked around the room, "I don''t see a way to get out of here. They must have tight security outside, too, as they show in movies. So, I understand that I cannot escape. Maybe, I am really fated to die here." Chu Jie wanted to say a ton of things, but he felt he couldn''t retort what she said. This was the first time he met someone like her who was so calm about the possibility of her death. He was seriously puzzled. "You must be thinking that I am weird, right?" She asked. "Huh? No, not at all. Why did you think that?" "Everybody says that about me. Whenever I talk, they make awkward expressions, and then they avoid meter." That hit Chu Jie hard. So was she bullied too, like how I am? "Not at all! I think you are cool!" His eyes sparkled. Ying Yue furrowed her brows. "Cool?" "Yes. I have never met a person like you. You are so calm andposed even in this horrible situation. You didn''t even flinch when I talked about those people. I admit that your way of thinking is quite different, but that is not necessarily bad. I quite like it!" She curiously looked at Chu Jie as if trying to digest the fact that somebody actually said this about her. Finally, there is someone else other than Mom, who thinks that I am not weird. A warm feeling fluttered in her chest. Then suddenly, Rodey''s face shed in her mind. ''You are interesting.'' No, there is someone else too As she was lost in her thoughts, she felt a warm sensation on her cheek. Hm? Ying Yue turned and was startled. She jolted backward in surprise. Her mouth opened in a small ''O.'' "A dog" "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa leaned towards her and started sniffing her face and neck. Then he circled her two times before he began to wag his tail furiously. "Arf!" "Cocoa!" Chu Jie smiled and patted his furry head. "Arf!" He licked Chu Jie''s hand. Ying Yue furrowed her brows in confusion. "Who?" "I told you that Cocoa jumped in the car to save me, right? When that woman took me away?" Ying Yue nodded. Chu Jie pointed at the German shepherd dog. "He is Cocoa." --- The same three men at the bar were rejoicing and clinking their wine sses when Rodey entered the room. "Ah, Rodey! Good news as always. We caught the woman. She is kept at the same ce as that teenager." Rodey snorted. "Whatever." He sat down in his seat and poured himself a ss too. The third man, nicknamed - Risfun, smirked. "Now, I will take my own sweet time with that bitch." Rodey waszily browsing on his burner phone and didn''t pay attention. "Heh. That fucking waitress dared oppose my advances that night. Now, I will show her how much she pissed me off." Rodey''s fingers stopped browsing. He slowly raised his head and spoke with a hardly audible voice. "Who?" Risfun said, "You forgot? That night a waitress came here. I was trying to touch her, but then she started talking some weird shit. And then you stopped me from doing anything to her! Che. I am talking about that waitress. Haha! She is the one we kidnapped so that I can have my revenge! Hahaha!" He slowly said, "Show me her picture." Rodey knew the answer, but he had to see it for himself. Risfun shrugged. He took out his phone and showed it to him. Rodey nkly stared at the screen as Ying Yue''s picture shed on it. Chapter 167: A big fat lie Chapter 167: A big fat lie --- Beijing Military Commission. "Captain Su. Here are all the details you requested." Su Weiyuan raised his head from Tan Ye''s autopsy report that he was going through. Sergeant Zi Mimi saluted. He nodded. "Keep it here. You have brought this information just as I told you, right?" She nodded. "Yes, Captain. I have brought this information secretly. Nobody knows about the request of Major Bai Li''s mission files." "Leave." Sergeant Zi Mimi straightened up and left. Su Weiyuan read through the files. It listed all the detailed information about Bai Li''s mission. As expected, the information was kept to a very tight-knit group of officers. Excluding Major General Shi Jianguo, Lin Zihao, and himself, only two others knew everything. One was Major Yu Zichen, who recently retired from the army, and the other was the sergeant who brought him the files - Sergeant Zi Mimi. Major Yu Zichen was previously handling the case before it got to Bai Li, so naturally, he knew everything. An encounter with one of the gangs who worked for the culprit left him invalid in the left arm. On his wife''s insistence, he decided to retire from the army. But before he retired, he was involved in the nning to catch Rodey with Bai Li. Sergeant Zi Mimi worked under hismand, and so when the case transferred to Bai Li, it was inevitable that she knew everything too. Su Weiyuan read some more and put the file down. He leaned back on his seat. Is one of these four the culprit who shot Tan Ye? But no matter what, he had absolute trust in Lin Zihao and Shi Jianguo. Bai Li, Lin Zihao, and himself have worked under Shi Jianguo since the beginning, so the bond they shared was closer than any blood rtions. But he couldn''t say the same thing about Major Yu Zichen. Undoubtedly, he was an exemry soldier and had sessfully led many missions to sess. But the timing of his retirement with the incident at the container terminal was quite suspicious for Su Weiyuan. Tan Ye died, Bai Li got a dishonorable discharge, and almost immediately afterward, Major Yu Zichen retired. That timing didn''t settle well with Su Weiyuan. Sergeant Zi Mimi was surprised by his retirement because she expressed how she never thought that being invalid would make him quit. He had the spark and passion for his country. But apart from these five soldiers, nobody had any idea of Bai Li''s mission, and everybody swore toplete secrecy. Su Weiyuan got up. He put his gun in the holster and headed out. He knocked on Major General''s cabin. "Come in." Su Weiyuan saluted. "Did you get anything?" He said everything that he thought until now. "I think we should question Major Yu Zichen." Shi Jianguo narrowed his eyes. He nodded after a moment. "Do it. Also." "Yes, Major General." "Keep an eye on Sergeant Zi Mimi too." --- For the first time in his life, it took an enormous amount of self-control in Rodey not to twitch even a single expression on his face. After staring at Ying Yue''s photo for God knows how long, he still behaved as if it meant nothing to him. He tilted his head. "She wasn''t among the list of targets we chose." Risfunughed. "I know. But what does it matter? Fun is fun, no matter if it is her or any of those other five. She already made an enemy out of me, and what better chance than to target her now? We wanted someone anyway." The second man shrugged. "We can choose someone from the five targets at ater time." "And boss?" Risfun said, "I already talked to the boss. It already knows everything and also did a background check on her." "...I see." Rodey lowered his gaze and leaned back on his seat. He looked at the ceiling in a daze. A target...she is only a target. One of the countless targets we had. Why should I care? Risfun sneered. "Who does she thinks she is? Once I get my hands on her, she wille to know how far I can go." Rodey unconsciously balled his fist on the couch. A strange feeling erupted in his chest as he heard him speak about Ying Yue. Her face popped into his mind, which he was unable to get it out of. "Ah, I can''t wait to see her bleed. I can''t wait to see her cry and beg for mercy." His jaw slowly tightened, and he had an urge to punch somebody hard. He was restlessly and impatiently tapping his finger on the couch rest. Cry and beg? And her? The memory of that night shed across his eyes when she was calmly standing her ground, surrounded by four rapists. Wasn''t that the first time I thought that she was interesting? Then he snapped out. What the fuck is this annoying feeling? She was stupid to fall for the trap. It''s all her fault. Doesn''t she have a brain to think! Suddenly, Rodey didn''t know at exactly what or whom he was furious on? That man, Risfun? Ying Yue? Or himself... "She is already kept where that boy is. Oh, finally, we get to enjoy after so long. How should we start? Knife? Hunter? Acid? Hm, every single option seems so tempting." Rodey stomped his feet on the ground and suddenly got up. His dark gaze was lit with an inexplicable fire and rage that seemed to have no reason for him. The three men were startled. "Hey, what''s wrong?" "Why did you suddenly get up?" Rodey said, "I am leaving." "What? So soon? Come on! We have just started yet." He red at them menacingly and growled in an animalistic temper. "Now, will you tell me what I should do and what I should not?" The men visibly gulped. "Of course not." Rodey left in a horrible mood. As he reached the corner, it felt as if the bubbling volcano inside him finally erupted. He kicked the wall with his feet and threw a punch too. No matter how many times he did that, he failed to calm down. "Ughh" He groaned, and his brows furrowed as he felt pain. He looked down and saw that his wound had reopened, causing the blood to trickle out again. Once again, that annoying feeling welled up in his chest because he rememberedst night how Ying Yue tended to him. She hid him in her room, brought food for him not to let him leave hungry, and was awake the whole night to take care of his fever. ''Take this handkerchief if your wound bleeds again.'' Rodey stood rooted at his spot. He took out her handkerchief from his pocket that she had handed him just this morning. He was staring at it so intensely as if he would hear Ying Yue''s voice at any moment. But he didn''t. He clenched the handkerchief in his fist, wrinkling it into creases with an unreadable expression light in his gaze. --- Xue Jingjing ran and ran until she finally caught a cab on the main road and drove towards home. She was sweating buckets and was constantly looking left and right out of the window as if she was afraid that the masked men would appear again. She was restlessly shifting on the seat with a trembling body. "Mam, are you okay?" The cab driver asked, noticing her pale condition. "H-huh?" "You don''t look good." Xue Jingjing wiped the sweat off her forehead and awkwardly smiled. "I am fine." "Are you sure? Should I take you to the hospital?" "No! Just take me home! Don''t be so nosy and just do your job, got it?" She snapped at him. The driver''s face darkened. Hmph! I was just asking out of concern! There is no value left for being kind anymore in this world. The incident kept reying in her mind, and the image of Ying Yue left alone hovered endlessly like a curse. It''s not my fault! I was right in saving myself. Why should I suffer because of her stupidity to fall for that fake interview trap! Then she slowly calmed down. Yes, I am right. Plus, it''s good riddance from that bitch. She was so annoying. But damn, she was the money bank, and I lost her. Who would take care of my expenses now? The cab soon reached her apartment. Xue Jingjing nervously stepped out. She had already thought of an excuse that she had to say. Ying Lan watched her from a distance and hurried outside. Finally, they are back. Yue is back. "Jingjing. You came back so soon? Where is Yue?" She looked around but didn''t see her. She stiffened. "Aunt... that...my interview got over already a-and Yue have to wait for a while for her turn. So, I came back since I had nothing left to do." "Huh? But the results?" She panicked. "They are going to take a day or two to announce it." But Ying Lan was heavily dissatisfied. "Jingjing, how could you leave her alone? Couldn''t you have waited until Yue''s turn was over too? What was the rush? You have an off day anyway and have nothing to do. Weren''t you sticking to Yue in the morning to let her take you along with her? And now you left her? How could you?" Chapter 168: All contact cut off Chapter 168: All contact cut off --- *Xin Lei* We were preparing to leave Tianjin. Since time was running short, Bro made arrangements for a flight for all to Beijing. It was a special airne of the Intelligence Bureau that we could use to transport Duan Deming without any problem. There was a tight security prison to transport criminals across the air. "Hahaha! Once wend in Dongcheng, I am free! My gang will have surely sent someone by now to take me out," Duan Demingughed like a maniac. "You losers! You cannot do anything! Hahaha!" Liao Huifang was also ready to jump at him any moment to beat the shit out of him, but Luo Zhiqiang held her back. "Forget it," he shook his head. "Ho!" Duan Deming sneered. "I see something is cooking between you two, aye? Wow, Song. I didn''t know that you can like somebody too." Luo Zhiqiang seemed unaffected while Liao Huifang burst out. "You!" I dragged her away from Duan Deming and nodded. I typed. "Don''t fall for his provocation." She bit her lip and slowly nodded. We went back to our seats. Two officers were strictly guarding Duan Deming. I typed. "Where would we be heading to after wend in Beijing?" Bro said, "Where Dad is." I brightened. Dad! Finally, I will meet Dad in person! From the other side of the seat, I heard Yuan cough. Bro shot a re at him. He sneered. "Why are you so nervous, Kang Yuan? Afraid to meet Dad? Oh right. You are the ex-boyfriend, after all. Meeting Dad would be too much for your fragile heart, wouldn''t it?" "O-of course not. I am happy to meet him after so long." "Heh!" Yuan quietly retreated in his seat, and I sighed. "Ugh" Shi Ruiling came in, holding her head. I immediately went to her side and patted her back and typed. "Are you okay?" Bro sprung on his feet and made herfortably sit. "Ugh, this morning sicknessI have puked like five times already." I typed. "The first three months are always tough." "I didn''t know it will be this tough. I cannot seem to eat anything either. Every dish makes me puke." Bro said, "Don''t worry. We will get through this together." "Aww, you are so sweet, Zhen," she pinched his cheek, and I giggled. My phone buzzed, and I recognized the same secure line number that Lin Zihao used to call. I quickly typed. "Bai Li. It''s Lin Zihao." "Put it on speaker. I think he got a clue on Tan Ye." "Bai Li. It''s me," Shi Jianguo''s voice came from the other end. "Major General." "Dad!" Shi Ruiling widened her eyes. "Ruiling? Is it you?" His voice sounded shocked. "Yes, Dad! I missed you so much! How are you? Are you taking care of your health? You are not cking on it, right, just because I am not there?" There was a long pause. Shi Ruiling giggled. "Dad, are you crying?" "I am not. I am just taken aback. I didn''t expect you to be with Bai Li and Xin Lei." "Hehe. It''s a long story which I will tell you with," she looked at Bro and then her belly, "another big news as well." I observed Bro. Bro seemed as if he was confident, but I knew him better than himself. It was his girlfriend''s father speaking. His future father-inw. How would he not be nervous? "Really? What news?" Major General asked. I sensed the curiosity in his tone. "You have to wait for that~" "How long?" "Hmm... that''s a surprise." "Ruiling" He sighed. "Sorry, Dad. But you have to wait. But for now, let''s go back to the topic," then she turned serious, "Dad, did you call regarding Tan Ye?" Bai Li said, "Do you know something?" "Yes, it is regarding Tan Ye. Su Weiyuan had gone to visit retired Major Yu Zichen for some questioning regarding his death." "I see. Because the timing of his retirement is quite convenient. And?" There was a beat of silence. Major General said, "I am not able to contact Su Weiyuan anymore." *** --- Dongcheng. Ying Lan was furious at Xue Jingjing. A gnawing feeling pricked her chest that something terrible was going to happen. She was worried like crazy. So, when she saw Xue Jingjinge back, she felt greatly relieved to know that Ying Yue was back too. But now, not seeing Ying Yue anywhere, the anxiety returned. "How could you, Jingjing?" Xue Jingjing gritted her teeth. What is her problem! "A-aunt, I am so sorry. It was just taking a long while, so" She red at her. "Do you think that Yue would have left you alone if it was her in your ce?" She stiffened. Suddenly, the incident shed in her mind again. Ying Yue had helped her when Jingjing copsed on the ground, but she ran away, leaving Ying Yue with those masked men. Of course, she knew the answer because it had really happened. She had experienced it just an hour ago. Ying Yue didn''t leave her alone. She sped her sweaty hands.m together. "That I just-" "Sis, what is happening?" Xue Xiying came, hearing all the fuss. "Mom!" "Jingjing." "Hmph. I will tell you," Ying Lan said. When Ying Lan retold everything, Xue Xiying said, "Sis, it''s just an interview. What is the big deal if Jingjing came back alone? Yue would return after some time too." Ying Lan clenched her fists. "But why couldn''t she wait? She has an off day, and she came back home anyway! She has no work to do. Yue would have never left her!" Xue Xiying''s mouth twitched. Just what is wrong with this idiot sister of mine? Why is making such a big fuss out of nothing? And why should my daughter wait for Yue? She is not her servant! But she smiled in concern no matter how much she cursed her in her heart. "Sis, is anything the matter? I don''t feel it''s such a big thing" "Of course, you wouldn''t feel that! Nothing is a big matter when ites to Yue. But it is when it concerns Jingjing. If Yue had left her instead, then you two would have surely made such a big fuss!" Her chest heaved up and down breathlessly. Ying Lan never spoke to them like that in all these years, and she always kept her bitterness for them hidden in her heart. But today, she was restless and worried about Ying Yue. She just couldn''t throw that bad and unnerving feeling out of her, and so she snapped. Xue Jingjing and Xue Xiying were shocked beyond words. How dare she talk to us like that! Their faces contorted into ugly expressions. Ying Lan ignored their stunned looks and dialed Ying Yue''s number. But it was unreachable. She tried again and again, but it didn''t connect. The ominous feeling intensified. "Yue''s phone is unreachable. This has never happened before!" Xue Jingjing panicked and said, "Aunty, maybe she is busy in her interview. You shouldn''t disturb-" "Just stop talking. Both of you just leave me alone!" Ying Lan cut her off. She stomped her feet and angrily left. Xue Xiying eximed. "What is her problem! How dare she talk to her elder sister like that! Who cares about that Yue bitch? She is not a toddler. She wille back on her own!" "S-she won''te back, Mom." Xue Xiying frowned. "Huh? Why wouldn''t she?" Xue Jingjing dragged her mother into her room and locked the door. "Jingjing, why did you lock the door?" She was confused. Xue Jingjing suddenly broke down in tears. "Mom, I am so scared" Xue Xiying widened her eyes. "Why are you crying, my dear? Tell your Mom everything. Don''t worry. I will help you." Sniffling and sobbing as she recounted everything, Xue Xiying covered her mouth with her hand in utter disbelief. She suddenly grabbed her shoulders. "Jingjing. You did the correct thing by lying to Lan. Listen to me. She must never know what happened today." "R-really?" She whispered. "Of course! Didn''t you see how she snapped at us just now? She would be so mad if she knew the truth of how you left Yue. She might even go to the police!" Xue Jingjing paled. Cops? J-Jail? "No, mom! I don''t want to go to jail." "That''s why I am telling you to keep your mouth shut. Don''t say anything." "But Aunt would ask about Yue when she wouldn''t return by the evening.?" Xue Xiying shrugged. "So what? You already said that you left before her. What happened to Yue after that is none of our concern. How would you know anything if you weren''t there anymore?" "But Mom, Aunt will definitely go to the cops to drop aint about missing Yue. What will we do then? What if the cops find out about the kidnapping? They will know that I was lying!" Xue Xiying hit her head. "Idiot. I just said that. What happens after you left the ce doesn''t matter. You returned home safe, right? That means the kidnapping happened after you were gone. We don''t know anything about it. So, you are unrted to the case." "Ah, r-right" she nervously wiped her forehead. She nodded. "Now, stop crying and act as if nothing happened. Even if the cops came, act normal and stick to the lie. Everything would be alright." Xue Xiying smiled. "Just do as I say, and nobody would evere to know what happened today with Yue." Chapter 169: Rest in hell Chapter 169: Rest in hell --- *Xin Lei* "I am not able to contact Su Weiyuan anymore," Major General said. "How long?" Bai Li asked. "It''s been two hours already. And you know thatmunication is the key. Neither cell phone is reachable nor radio." I typed. "So did any fight ensue between Su Weiyuan and the retired Major Yu Zichen? Maybe he is Tan Ye''s culprit, and when Su Weiyuan confronted him, he attacked him to shut him up." Bai Li nodded. "Possible. What about Yu Zichen? Where is he? Or has he disappeared too?" "Nope. He is at his home as per the report I got just a minute ago." Luo Zhiqiang said, "So, did he win against him? Maybe he knocked him out and kept somewhere tied up and then went back home or maybe killed him and the returned." "That is a new voice I hear." "Dad, there are many new voices and faces here with us. You will meet them soon enough." Shi Ruiling said. "I see." Bai Li seemed to think for a moment before he spoke. "What Luo Zhiqiang said might be possible. But given the situation, it seems difficult." I frowned and typed. "What situation?" "Ex-Major Yu Zichen is invalid with his left arm. It happened during one of the missions. Of course, he can fight, but if youpare him and me, I am in a better position than him in the front lines because I can use both of my arms, which is essential, especially if you are fighting thugs as in plural. Even if Su Weiyuan was alone, it would still be difficult for Yu Zichen to overpower him. Su Weiyuan is strong, he has his gun, and he is not stupid to fall for traps." "So, Yu Zichen might have set many - as you say thugs, as in plural - to wee your soldier friend." Bro''s voice was cold. I read between the lines. "Once again, it''s possible. That implies one important thing." Major General said, "Su Weiyuan''s visit to his home wasn''t a secret anymore apparently. Somebody informed Yu Zichen ahead of time of a short pop up visit." Bai Li added. "Or maybe Su Weiyuan knew his visit was going to bepromised and pretended to fell in the trap on purpose." "Captain didn''t say anything about this n to me." "Last minute decision perhaps. He knew someone woulde for him, so he yed along anyway. Who knew that he was going to meet Yu Zichen?" "Technically, it should be only me." "And not technically?" "Take a guess. "Sergeant Zi Mimi." "Right. He didn''t tell her about his visit, but after how she secretly brought your mission files for him, she might have figured it out his destination anyway." I typed. "Who is she?" "Sergeant Zi Mimi used to work under Yu Zichen''smand before the case got transferred to me." Liao Huifang eximed. "Then, isn''t she the main suspect?" Yuan slowly nodded. "She worked under him, so naturally, her loyalty might still lie with him. She secretly sent him a message, and he prepared in advance to ambush Su Weiyuan." "Possible. But we don''t know exactly what happened. There are two scenarios. Su Weiyuan might have been really ambushed. No forenning. No pretending." Bro said, "In that case, he is stuck and needs help in escape." "The second is Su Weiyuan has nned to fell in the trap on purpose to lure out the truth." "Then our ''help'' interference would only cause trouble to his mission." I typed. "That means the question is, do we have to help him or not? Our help might screw things up, or it would still if we didn''t help." "Right." Ugh...what kind of problem was this? Damned if we did. Damned if we didn''t. "What does your gut feeling say, Major?" "I am not a Major anymore, Major General." "Doesn''t matter." Bai Li shut his eyes. He was quiet for a long time, seemingly seriously contemting what his ex-colleague, also a good friend''s choice could have been. Actually, these were the kind of times when you were put to the test how well you knew your friend and how well you could guess their decisions. And I could sense that faint strain in his expression to prove that right because Su Weiyuan''s life was on the line. I gently pinched the space between his brow and eased the light creases that lifted his lips into a soft smile. He opened his eyes. "My gut feeling? I think it''s both." *** --- Dongcheng. Sergeant Zi Mimi looked at the clock ticking on the wall in the office. The cabin in front of her belonged to Su Weiyuan. He hadn''t returned since he had mysteriously left. She closed her files and got up. She took her car keys and left the base. Zi Mimi took the driver''s seat and started the engine. Shepleted all the identification formalities at the main gate and drove out of the Beijing Military Commission. A whileter, she reached the ce - just opposite to Yu Zichen''s home but not before parking her car a few blocks before in an abandoned garage used by not even a single living soul. She put on her shades and stepped out. She had already changed into casual wear from her army uniform, so she easily blended in with the crowd. She walked and walked, crossing the blocks, and reached the building opposite his apartment. Not quite the opposite. Diagonally opposite to the right. It was just a three-story apartment with only two ts in it where two families still lived. It was quite a run-down apartment, so almost all families had left for a better ce. For such a rundown and almost haunted ce, the families never felt any need for security, so there was no desk at the entrance with a register on it and no security guard. The middle-ss families had a lot on their te in their lives, especially concerning financial scarcity, so they didn''t bother with the rest of the rooms, who lived in them or not. Zi Mimi climbed the stairs to the highest floor - the third. There were three rooms on each floor, and there was no upancy in the remaining two on the third floor. She knocked on the door as a code. Twice consecutive and then once after a brief pause. She waited. One second. Two seconds. Then a click. The knob moved, and a man opened a door. *WARNING - SHORT MATURE SCENE* Zi Mimi entered and closed the door behind her, locking it. He smiled and immediately captured her lips in a heated kiss. She moaned and clung on to him like a ko, passionately responding to his aggressive kiss. Their tongues intertwined, and they roamed their hands all over each other''s body. They had already decided. Pleasure first. Work talkter. He lifted her and took her to the bedroom and threw her on the bouncy bed. Zi Mimi refused to leave his lips as if she would die if she did. In just a few minutes, the forey turned hardcore, and they were naked, already sweating by their orgasms. Zi Mimi seductively smiled and climbed on top of him, sitting on his abdomen. She yed with his hardened length, stroking it with her fingers. "Ah... Mimi...yes that''s right" He threw his head back, moaning and groaning with pleasure. She rained kisses on his chest, licking with her tongue on them. He was unable to hold back any longer with how her breasts teasingly collided with his chest. He grabbed her waist and thrusted his hot member inside her in one fell but harsh swoop. "Ahhhh!!!" She shut her eyes, taking in his entire length. She always liked it rough, and he did just that. He fiercely bobbed her up and down, pping her hips on his thighs and going deeper and harder. The bed creaked heavily. She clutched onto his shoulders. "Ahn...more...more...ah yes...harder... right thereAhhnnn" The wet sounds of their union echoed throughout the room, and after what it felt like so long, he twitched and came inside her. Just as she liked again. Rough, harsh, and raw sex. Zi Mimi copsed on top of him, panting hard but not before kissing and devouring his lips damn hard. He was more satisfied with her hungry initiative and, as a reward, gave her a few quick and rapid thrusts, spilling his fluid inside her again. They sighed, satisfied. She brushed her hand through his chest and asked, "What about Captain Su Weiyuan?" "I have captured him. Don''t worry about that, babe." "So, did he figure out that I gave him out?" "Damn, yes. He is one smart soldier." "But Major General can figure it out too. About me. He will make that connection. I brought him the files so I could have easily guessed where Captain had gone." "All conjecture. You were in your office the whole time. Didn''t leave your spot. You didn''t send any message ormunicate with me, so there is no electronic trail. He wouldn''t have anything on you." "What are you going to do with him?" He smiled. "Depends on how much he knows. If he knows too much, well then...Rest in hell." Chapter 170: See that world for yourself Chapter 170: See that world for yourself --- Time: 4:30 PM, 33 hours left. Ying Yue and Cocoa had their gazes locked and were staring at each other for God knows how long. She shifted a little in her ce that caused him to bark. "Arf." Ying Yue stiffened a bit. Cocoa leaned to nudge his face on her, but she shifted to back. He was furiously wagging his tail, dissatisfied for not being able to nudge and lick her. "Ooo" he softly howled. Chu Jie observed their silent interaction and then looked at Ying Yue. "Are you afraid of dogs?" She softly bit on her lower lip. "A little." "Why? Dogs are so cute!" "Arf." Cocoa followed as if he agreed. "ThatI was young, an angry dog chased after me when I wasing back from school. Thankfully, a shop owner shooed him off. Otherwise, he would have bitten me. So, since then, I am a little afraid of dogs." Chu Jie''s gaze brightened. "You don''t have to be afraid of Cocoa! He is a good dog. He won''t bite you. Actually, he wants to be friends with you." "Arf! Arf!" "Really?" "Yes. Why don''t you pet him?" She instantly shook her head. "It''s okay! I will help you. Trust me. He won''t hurt you." Ying Yue thought for a moment. She slowly raised her hand towards his head. Cocoa wagged his tail even more. But, she withdrew at thest moment. "I cannot do it." "Ooo" he sadly howled. Chu Jie sighed. He held her hand. "Try it." He slowly kept her hand on Cocoa''s head even though she was slightly resisting. She instinctively shut her eyes. "Arf! Arf!" "See? He didn''t do anything." She opened her left eye and saw that Cocoa was obediently standing at his ce. "Oh" She nodded and slowly started to ruffle his fur, but she was still nervous that he would jump on her. But nothing like that happened, so she finally sighed in relief. Ying Yue was steadily growing morefortable. "Arf!" Cocoa gently jumped on herp and started licking her cheek. "Grr" "See? Cocoa is a nice dog. I know that because he has always protected me." "I see. He is really nice. And cute too," she softly smiled. "Hehe." Suddenly, they heard a groan. "Ah" Ying Yue raised her head and, at the corner, saw a man lying on the floor, restlessly shifting on his ce. "Uncle! Are you alright?" Chu Jie bounced up on his feet and ran towards him. Ying Yue quickly went too, followed by Cocoa. She widened her eyes as she saw that the man''s arm was a serious, bloody mess. "What happened to his arm?" "It''s all those monsters! He is just like us, who they kidnapped. He is the man I told you whose hand they dipped in boiling water in front of me, and they wereughing!" Ying Yue bent down and helped the man with Chu Jie. Cocoa was worriedly standing at his side too. "Ah" She couldn''t even imagine how painful it was. Boiling water Her gaze dimmed as she felt bad for the man. She wanted to help him, but there was nothing in the room or with her that could tend to his wound even a little bit. "Sorry, I am unable to help you." The man slowly opened his eyes, breathing heavily. "W-who is she?" His expression turned from serious to shock and then to horrifying when he learned everything. He copsed back on the wall, defeated. "They will never let us go. I am only alive because of this boy who asked to let us live for seven days. There are hardly thirty-two and a half hours remaining now. I don''t see any hope." "Wow, Uncle, I am still amazed. How can you guess the time? We can''t even see if it''s day or night outside." He faintly smiled. "It''s nothing, kid. Maths and science are my favorite subjects, so I am good at probability, calctions, and guessing. But I like science more." Ying Yue asked, "What do you do?" He frowned in pain as he felt the burning stinging in his arm. "As in?" "Your profession." "Oh, that. Sorry for such a stupid question. I am a doctor. To be precise, my specialization is in ophthalmology." Chu Jie sheepishly smiled. "Wait, I know what that means" Ying Yue said, "Eye doctor, in simple terms." The man nodded. "Oh, yes! I remember now." The man smiled in a self-deprecating manner. "Which is why the men outside were going to gauge my eyeballs out in the beginning. Because I am an ophthalmologist. Ironic, right? But they didn''t after Chu Jie spoke. So, I guess they are saving the best for thest after these remaining thirty-two hours are over." Silence. "Forget it. I have given up on my fate already. I am thankful to this boy for the extra seven days, but it didn''t change anything, and it wouldn''t." "Grrr" Cocoa fiercely nudged his head on his good left arm. Chu Jie protested. "No! I am sure big brother Bai Li and sister Xin Lei would definitely save us! Cocoa also wants to say the same thing - to trust them." "Arf! Arf!" The man helplessly shook his head. "Oh, I didn''t introduce myself. My name is Long Hu. I am thirty-six." "My name is Ying Yue. I am twenty and studying at University. You-" Suddenly, the door barged open, and a man came inside with a creepy and sinister smile on his face. Everybody froze while Cocoa glowered at him and was ready to set his sharp ws on him. "Arf! Arf!" "Heh! Come out, our new target, you woman. Get ready for the first session of your hell." --- This was the first time that Rodey had stepped in this ce where his boss and the men tortured their victims. Everybody was stupefied to see himing as the door opened. "Rodey! Are you really here?" "Haha! Are you finally joining in the fun too?" "Great! The woman will be here in no time. We have already sent someone to escort her here." One of them sneered. "And then it begins. Gosh, I am drooling already." Rodey outwardly smiled, no matter how much of strong resistance in his heart was shaking him up from within. He clenched his fist in his pocket, where he was gripping on to Ying Yue''s handkerchief. "I am not interested in your fun." "Che. So boring." He sighed. "Ah, I still feel so bad thinking that the other woman escaped. Whenever I think of two treats in front of me, I get so excited. But" "Yeah, such bad luck for us." Rodey frowned. "What other woman?" "Oh, you don''t know? There was this other woman with the woman we caught at the interview ce. Oh, wait. Where are the two men who went to grab them? They will tell you everything." The two kidnappers - the same masked men appeared before Rodey. The man on the left said, "Yes, there was another woman. We were also surprised to see two women at that ce. When we dragged them out, the woman whom we caught and is here now, pushed us using the car door and escaped with her friend." The other man continued. "We chased after them, and as we caught up to them, we saw that the friend fell on the ground. The target was helping her stand up, but the friend pushed her to gain support. Our target fell, and her friend ran away. I chased after the woman, too, but she had already reached the main road, so I gave up." Rodey finished listening from start to end without a single change in his expression. Then he suddenly burst out inughter. "Ahahahaha!" His reaction dumbfounded the men. "Hey, what happened to him?" "Why are youughing? I don''t think it was a funny joke." "Yeah, we should be mourning that we lost her." Rodey was stillughing like crazy. "You don''t have to mourn anymore." Everybody looked at each other in confusion. "Why?" Then his smile disappeared just as suddenly as it hade. "Hold on to that woman." That earned him a series of protests. "What? No. Why wait for more?" "Yeah, no more waiting! She is alreadying." Rodey gave one threatening nce, and everybody shut up. "I said, send her back. I am going out for a while. So, behave." And with that said, he already left without exining anything else. Risfun was the most annoyed. "Damn, what is that, Rodey nning?" --- At Ying Yue''s home, Ying Lan was worriedly pacing back and forth, waiting for her. No matter how many times she called, her phone was always unreachable. "Yue...why is she sote? Why isn''t she picking up her phone!" Xue Xiying and Xue Jingjing were seated on the chairs near the dining table, uninterested in her worry and calmly eating apples. They shared a nce and smirked. Suddenly, the door barged open and shut at almost the same time. Rodey''s figure dashed as if lightning had struck and his hand was already tightly gripping onto the back of Jingjing''s neck, choking her. He banged her head on the table with a loud thud and leaned near her face,ced with shock, fear, and rm. He smiled. "You got a real bad habit of pushing your cousin, right? This time you got no idea in what kind of world you have shoved her into. So, let me take you so that you see that world for yourself." Chapter 171: Reunion with Xin Nianzu Chapter 171: Reunion with Xin Nianzu Time: 5:46 PM. Thirty-one hour, forty-four minutes left. --- *Xin Lei* "Lei Lei." I jumped into Dad''s embrace when I saw his figure d in the familiar ck suit and trouser. I buried my face in his chest and hugged him hard. Wended Dongcheng just twenty minutes ago and immediately headed to where Dad was. Meeting him again felt as if such a long time had already passed. I rushed as soon as I stepped out of the car. Every step I ran made towards the room made me even more eager than ever to meet him. He chuckled. "Hey, big girls don''t cry now." I pouted and looked at him. I thoroughly checked him from head to toe to check if he was alright. He wiped a tiny tear from the corner of my eye with his thumb. "I am fine, my sweet candy." That was like music to my ears. Dad sometimes called me candy because, well, I love to eat candies. My eyes turned sore again with tears, hearing that after so long. This wasn''t a dream. Dad was finally in front of me. I signed. "I missed you so much!" He smiled and patted my head. "I missed you too, dear." "Such a baby." I heard bro snicker and red at him. "Will I not get a reunion hug from my son?" He nced at bro. Bro shrugged. "You seem fine, Dad. Too fine, I guess. And I think Lei Lei has given you my part of the hug, too, with how tightly she was choking you to death." I furiously typed. "I wasn''t choking him! It was an emotional hug! You have no delicacy at all." He sneered. "Sure. I think Dad was safer with Gen Gen than you. At least, he was still alive there." I bit my lip, and Dad burst intoughter. "Ahahaha, I missed your brother-sister banter." "Heh! Who is her brother? I am not a brother of any idiot sister." Dad snorted. "Same old and cold Zhen Zhen." Shi Ruiling suddenly burst intoughter. "Zhen Zhen. That is so cute." Dad''s gaze brightened. "Isn''t it? Lei Lei and Zhen Zhen. Such cute nicknames, but Zhen doesn''t like it. Clearly, he doesn''t have any naming sense." She furiously nodded. "In the future, he shouldn''t take part in deciding names for his children. He will choose boring names, just like his personality." Shi Ruiling suddenly coughed hard. Bro seemed impassive as if he wasn''t shocked at all. "Oh, dear. Are you alright?" Dad asked, concerned. "Hahaha...I am fine. T-that just took me by surprise." "Hoooo...why so?" I blinked my eyes at Dad''s curious smile. Wait, he cannot know about her pregnancy, right? Why do I feel that he does? As expected, Shi Ruiling seemed nervous. "N-no particr reason, Mr. Xin." "Pah! Mr. Xin is too formal, Shi Ruiling. Call me, Uncle." "Oh. Okay. If you don''t mind... Uncle." Dad nodded. "That''s right. I am happy now. So, back to the question. Why did it take you by surprise?" Shi Ruiling''s expression was so damn funny that I had to hold in myughter. It was like I could hear her thoughts. He hasn''t forgotten yet? She peeked at Bro for help, but he didn''t bother to help her at all. He even nced away from her as if this had nothing to do with him. Sometimes, I really pitied her for a boyfriend like Bro Shi Ruiling smiled. "Oh, thatI mean, I just cannot imagine Zh- Xin Zhen having a girlfriend, much less children. He is so cold, heartless, and definitely NOT HELPFUL at all. Which girl would like him? She must be an idiot to fall for a log of wood who is so NOT HELPFUL at all. Haha." Bro''s expression turned from worse to ugly. Dadughed back too. "Haha! Well, you are right. What can I say? I always thought I raised both my children the best I could, but why did he turn so cold, I wonder? Zhen, this is high time you change yourself, or how will I get my grandchildren? This is my age to y with lots and lots of them. You are thirty-one already. Find someone sensible like Shi Ruiling and hook up with her already." This earned a series of coughs, including me. Well, Dad was always quite forward. "Clearly, old age has gotten to your head, old man," Bro sneered. Dad ignored him and then looked at me. "Well, my son is hopeless, but I still have a capable daughter." Wait. What? "So, all my hopes are onto you, Lei Lei. When are you and Bai Li giving me a grandchild?" *** --- At the same time, in Ying Yue''s home. Rodey''s grip on Xue Jingjing''s neck was so tight and cruel that she could hardly move her head. Ying Lan and Xue Xiying, who stood frozen at first, finally snapped back into reality. Xue Xiying sprung on her feet, but before she could scream, Rodey took out his gun and pointed at her head. "Utter a fucking annoying scream out of your mouth, and you will be dead right this instant." She gulped back her shrill in horror. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and her voice could hardlye out. It was almost a whisper now. "W-who are you?" Rodey burst into evilughter. "Who am I? Somebody who you shouldn''t mess with, yet you did. Somebody you shouldn''t have pissed off, yet you did it anyway." Xue Jingjing choked, and she struggled to speak. "I don''t understandWhat are you t-talking about?" He chuckled. "Your brain is in the dump, right? Otherwise, how would you have forgotten our short morning meeting today?" Xue Jingjing was breathless. She painfully furrowed her brows, but then she suddenly widened her eyes. "Seems like now, you remember." Is he the thief? No wonder I felt as if I heard his voice somewhere before! Ying Lan cautiously said, "What do you mean?" "Y-you already stole all the money I had *cough* I have no more! M-mom... please help" she started sobbing, "He stole all the money from me...at gunpoint." Xue Xiying was shocked. "What! T-then why did youe back again? You have already robbed her." Rodey clutched her neck even harder, and she furiously coughed. "Jingjing! Please let her go." Xue Xiying cried. "Whose money was it, bitch?" Xue Jingjing paled. She was barely able to think. "I-I already said it was mi-" Rodey pulled her head up, holding her neck, and banged it hard on the table again. "Ah!!" The pain made her dizzy, and tears came rolling down. "*Cough cough*." "Jingjing!" Her mother shrieked. Rodey''s gun made her unable to move from her spot. Ying Lan was a little afraid too now. "Whose. Money. Was. It?" He growled. "Y-Yue! It was Yue''s money!" She confessed. Ying Lan was aghast. "Yue? How did you get her money?" Rodey smiled. "Ding ding! Right answer. Now answer her question, bitch." She bit her lip hard. "I-I took it from her..st night" "Took it? Took it!? Or stole it! You stole money from my daughter!" She tremblingly pointed her finger at her. Xue Xiying quickly said, "No. It must be a misunderstanding, Lan. My Jingjing would never do this." "I fully understand what your daughter is capable of! You can be this shameless! You both are only here for the money that my Yue earns with hard work! You just want-" "Save your family drama for sometime else." Rodey snarled. "I am not done yet." He looked down at Xue Jingjing and gave that cold smile again that could give chills to anyone. She shivered involuntarily. He lowered his head and said, "Now that you have beautifully confessed to stealing, tell me another thing, bitch." "W-what?" She sobbed as she whispered. "Ten years ago, when your cousin was hit by the car and almost fatally injured herself in that ident, it was you who pushed her onto the road, right? Sneakily from behind?" She froze. It felt as if blood stopped flowing in her body. Xue Xiying turned pale. Both of them looked white as if they saw a ghost. Ying Lan rapidly blinked her eyes as her mouth formed an ''O'' in disbelief. "What?" Rodey ignored her and kept sneering at Jingjing. "It was one sunny morning or evening. Whatever. You were ying together with your friends and Yue. Then while heading back home, you reached the main street. Yue was walking in front of you. You saw a caring. So, you thought, why not? How would she know that you pushed her?" He continued, ignoring their horrified looks. "So, with the hatred and loathe that your twelve-year-old self had for a ten-year-old Yue because your father liked her maybe more than you and I mean, why not? You are just trash and bitch from the inside out. Who would like you anyway? So, you shoved her on the road and bam!" "No!" Xue Jingjing finally found her voice. "No! Lies! All lies! She fell by herself, tripping on her foot." "Yes!" Xue Xiying stood up for her defense. "How can a nobody stranger like you use my daughter? Jingjing did no such thing! What evidence do you have?" Rodeyughed. "Evidence? I don''t need evidence. I have seen enough bastards and sluts like her to know what happened. I don''t even have to guess anymore. "That''s why your father coughed up that amount of money for her surgery. He knew that you pushed her, right?" Chapter 172: Please save her Chapter 172: Please save her Time: 6:02 PM. Thirty-one hour and twenty-eight minutes left. Impossible... It''s impossible. Xue Jingjing slightly craned her neck to nce at Rodey amidst the tearing pain now coursing through her body. She was stunned to see such a handsome man before her, smiling coldly at her. For a moment, she couldn''t breathe. His dark gaze, menacing yet breathtaking expression and that devilish smirk on his face made him look like the bad boy type where girls flocked around such guys. But then his increasing pressure on her neck made here back to reality. No! He cannot know this! How can he know what happened? Nobody knows the truth! Xue Xiying''s state was just as terrible. "Since nobody knew that you pushed babe, you and your pathetic mother begged your father to keep quiet about it. He felt pitiful, seeing your ugly faces with tears and snot, so he said nothing. But, hepensated in his own way by paying her bills that obviously didn''t sit well with you two but given the situation, you couldn''t do anything. But you did when he died." Rodeyughed as if a crazy ghost had taken over him. "I mean, hey! Babe and her mother obviously don''t know anything, so why not take advantage? We will live here, iming that they should pay our debt. They didn''t even know that you brought it upon yourself." He spoke with an overdramatic expression, "''If not for my husband, Yue wouldn''t have been alive...'' ''We are homeless because all the money went to her surgery'' And so began the emotional shit." Ying Lan had to take the support of a chair to steady herself. Now that she remembered in those days, her brother-inw seemed as if he wanted to say something to her so many times, but he always hesitated. She didn''t know why, but he looked guilty of something. She still vividly remembered how Ying Yue was so close to her death, lying pale on that hospital bed. There was almost no hope in hering out alive. She could have really lost the only child she had. Ying Lan quietly said with a grim expression. "Please leave her." "Yes, Lan. Tell this man! Jingjing never pushed Yue! She is innocent. How can she hurt her sister?" Xue Jingjing frantically said, "Yes, Aunt. I love Yue. I could never hurt her! This man is lying! We don''t even know him. How can you believe him over me?" "Ahahaha! Never hurt her?" Rodey narrowed his eyes. A predatory light shed past his dark and dangerous gaze. He roughly dragged her up from the chair. *SLAP* Xue Jingjing''s face was harshly thrown to the right as a loud, crisp p resounded throughout the room Silence. "J-Jingjing!" Xue Xiying supported her. Jingjing was shell-shocked, and that strong, burning pain on her cheek turned her eyes wet again. A clear palm-print imprinted on it. "Y-you you" He clutched her hair and ruthlessly pulled it as if he would tear it apart from her head. "Ahhh!" "Never hurt her? Just like how you pushed her again when she helped you, and you ran away today, letting her get kidnapped? Is this your sisterly love? Wow. I am so touched that I am about to cry now." "What!?" Ying Lan was horrified. "K-Kidnapped? My Yue my Yue is kidnapped?" He didn''t respond and sneered at Jingjing. "Aww. It seems like you didn''t tell her about your selfless sisterly love that you disyed today." "Jingjing. What''s going on?" Ying Lan was trembling. "Where is Yue? You said that she was still at the interview ce. Where is she? Why am I unable to contact her?" "A-AuntNo please listen-" Ying Lan suddenly grabbed her and pped her on the same cheek again. Jingjing felt as if her cheek would slit open. Her face was a mess now. "Where is Yue!!" She violently shook her. "Lan!" Xue Xiying interfered. "How could you hit her!? How dare you p my -" *PAK* Xue Xiying''s face was tilted to the side too as Ying Lan tightly pped across her face. She looked at her dumbfounded. "Lan...you beat me...you beat your elder sister!" "Shut up!" Tears trickled down. "My Yue...I cannot believe," she gasped, "you two could go to this length to hurt her...Just what did my daughter ever do to you that you hate her so much. Even animals won''t go this far!" "Aunt. I-It''s really a misunderstanding. I don''t know anything" Ying Lan was utterly disgusted with her acting. "Shut your mouth Jingjing!" She rushed towards Rodey. "Y-you know where my daughter is, right?" Her small, slightly aged body was shivering, "My Yue...you know where she is. P-please, bring her back... please, I cannot live without her. W-what do they want from her? Money? I will give you everything I have, o-okay? Take all my jewelry and assets that I have. But please, please bring my daughter back" Her eyes turned red and sore. She had folded her hands, almost begging him. Rodey looked at her with a sharp gaze. His tall body towered over her in a threatening stance. "What if I bring her back but kill you instead?" He smiled. "You understand, right? If I let her go free, then somebody has topensate" Ying Lan''s teary gaze brightened. "Will my daughter be safe if you kill me? Will she be fine? Will you bring her back? Then kill me! I just want my Yue alive. Kill me if that makes her free." She tremblingly brought his hand, holding the gun and pointed it at her forehead. "Shoot me. But promise me that you will let Yue goPlease. She is only twenty. She has so much to see of this world yet," she sobbed, "I have lived enough. It doesn''t matter if I die. So-so please kill me and bring her back if that''s what it takes." Rodey stood rooted the whole time. The past came haunting back to him. ''Take him! Kill him! He is unwanted anyway.'' ''Please don''t kill me. I want to live. Do anything you want to with him!'' ''He is just a burden. He is filthy. He makes me feel filthy!'' ''I am disgusted to be his mother. Kill him, but please let me go'' His mother''s begging and crying voice kept hammering inside his head. That was one mother who was ready to sacrifice her child''s life to save her own, and there was this one in front of him. Rodey expressionlessly looked at Ying Lan and calmly withdrew the gun. His hawk-like gaze fell on Jingjing again, and she cowered behind her mother. He took onerge step and grabbed her arm. "Let me go! I didn''t hurt her! I did nothing! Mom, please help!" "Jingjing" Xue Xiying broke into tears, but she was helpless. Rodey sneered. "I said and exposed what I had to. Now time to take you to your hell." Her eyes widened in horror. "W-what?" "You really have a poor memory. Didn''t I say before that I will show you what kind of world you pushed babe into? I am taking you exactly there." He knocked the back of her head with his gun. "Ah" A sharp pain shot in her head, and she fainted. "This makes things easier." "Jingjing!" Xue Xiying was about to catch her, but Rodeynded one straight and hard kick on her belly, and she copsed with a thud, clutching her stomach. "Ahhh!!" She was almost close to passing out. Rodey carried Jingjing on his shoulder and walked out. "Not a word to the cops," He warned Ying Lan. "W-wait! Yue. What about Yue? You said if you kill me, then Yue will be free." Ying Lan said, but he kept on walking away. "Please don''t go!" She chased after him, "Where is Yue? Who took her? Please bring her back...T-take me with you too! I want to see her." She kept crying, but he didn''t stop and now he was almost at the door. Her voice was almost a whisper now. "You...you are the man who stayed in her roomst night, right?" The foot that was about to step out stopped. He slowly turned. "What?" "I know it was you. I knew something was wrong with Yue yesterday. She seemed too nervous about something. She even lied about the blood on the stairs. I may be old, but I know the difference between blood and ketchup. So when I went to check on her, I heard whispersing from her room. I heard a man''s voice and then hers talking back to him." He stayed quiet. "Yue had never lied until now, much less hide a man in her room. She never even had a boyfriend." Silence. "I-I don''t know who you are and how you met Yue. But I trust her. She must have a reason for what she did. And I think that you think differently about her too. Apart from me, no one likes to be with Yue. Nobody ever treated her nicely, but you came all the way here to avenge her kidnapping. That means you care about her. So-so please" her shoulders trembled, "Please don''t let any harme to her. Please save her..." Rodey stood there for a long time. Without saying anything, he turned once again, and before he disappeared with Jingjing, he said onest thing, "Your curry rice was delicious." Chapter 173: Escape is pointless Chapter 173: Escape is pointless Same time at Xin Lei''s side. --- *Xin Lei* If I had been drinking water, then I would have surely spit it out by now. Bai Li and I both coughed at once. Dad was really something else. Bai Li and my child "Dad!" Bro suddenly roared. "What are you saying? And Xin Lei. Snap out of your stupid dream already! I can see you must be imagining your children." I blushed and typed. "I wasn''t thinking that!" Dad shrugged. "What did I say wrong? Lei Lei is also old enough to give me grandbabies. Isn''t she already dating Bai Li? What''s the problem?" Then his gaze fell on Bai Li, and he beamed. "Bai Li. Finally, we meet!" Bai Li smiled and brought his hand forward in his direction. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Xin." Bro snorted and looked away. "Call me, Uncle. The same goes for you three too," he looked at Luo Zhiqiang, Liao Huifang, and Kang Yuan. "Well, Yuan already calls me that, isn''t it?" I shook my head at Yuan''s state. He seemed so anxious as if he would run away the moment he got his chance. "Huh? O-oh yes. But how can I call you that now?" I mean" "Of course you can. So what if you broke up with her? I still like you. You are a good man. That doesn''t affect our rtionship." His smile felt a little dull and faint to me, but he said nothing in response to Dad. Now I was sure that something was up with him. I mentally made a note to talk to himter. Bai Li said, "Thank you for all the help in Fu Ting''s case. You were here. That''s why we could be at ease investigating in Langfang." Dad smiled. "Don''t thank me. That was my job. I should thank you for having my daughter''s back till now." Bai Li scratched his head. "Actually, you should thank Cocoa. I had refused Xin Lei to help her in the beginning. I am not a soldier anymore, so frankly, I didn''t want to get in any mess. But he pulled my leg and dragged me to her side." Dadughed. "I admire your honesty. And I was excited to meet Cocoa too but...it''s alright. They will be fine. I know we will save him and Chu Jie. I can feel the time ising near. Call it my instinct." He nodded. The doorbell rang, and we nced at each other. Luo Zhiqiang said, "I will check." He came after a minute with another man walking beside him. "Dad!" Shi Ruiling hopped into Major General Shi Jianguo''s embrace. "Ruiling, my child." He smiled and patted her head. It was an emotional moment for both of them, just like it was for Dad and me. "Dad, how are you here?" "I told him." Dad said, "Major General and I got acquainted when Lin Zihao kept in protection in the army base. I just got to know that Captain Su Weiyuan has disappeared, so I called him here since you were alling too." We nodded. Bai Li asked, "Any clue about his whereabouts?" Major General shook his head. "I am pretty sure that Sergeant Zi Mimi had sent a message to ex-Major Yu Zichen, but I didn''t find any burner phone anywhere. She didn''t send out any secret radio ormunication." Bai Li narrowed his eyes. "It is easy to suspect her so that she might have discarded it somewhere else." "But it is impossible in the army grounds. When you enter or leave the base, your belongings are always checked along with doing a body checkup. If there is any unidentified and unregistered equipment with you, the security immediately questions the soldier. No such questioning happened to Sergeant Zi. Then how did she contact Yu Zichen?" "Time is running short. We will have to pay a visit to Yu Zichen for the answers. Let''s go." *** --- Time: 7:00 PM. Thirty hours and thirty minutes left. Su Weiyuan woke up in a dark ce as his eyelids slowly fluttered. There was only a small source of light from the bulb hung above him. He blinked his eyes, adjusting to the light. The cogs of his brain instantly got alert, and he sat up straight in attention. He narrowed his eyes as he saw his arms and legs tied to the chair he was sitting. His mouth was covered with tape. As expected, he thought. Like any trained soldier, he studied the ce where he was kept. It was a small room with no windows. There was a door at the far end of his left side. Apart from that, there was nothing: no furniture or no old boxes lying here and there. His mind instantly went back to the scene where he just came out of Yu Zichen''s home after talking to him. As soon as he walked further, he detected movement behind his back. It took him by surprise for a moment because he didn''t expect the attack after he met with Yu Zichen. They have set a trap, he thought. He knew the men behind him were going to attack him. He made a split-second decision. And that was to let them kidnap him. He wanted them to take him where he would meet Tan Ye''s murderer. But he also knew it would look too suspicious if he just let them attack him as if he didn''t sense anyone''s presence. He was too trained to miss it. So he turned. He seriously fought them for a few minutes until he knew one man had a set tripwire. So he fell for it, busy fighting with two men at once, and another man knocked him out. And so he was in this ce now. Su Weiyuan moved his wrists. He rubbed his shoes against each other, but his wrists and ankles were tightly tied. "They are special ropes, Captain. You cannot free yourself from them. Escape is pointless." He heard a deep and gruff voice as the door opened, and a tall figure entered the dimly lit room. --- At the same time, where Ying Yue was, everybody had no idea why she was sent back. When one of the guards came to take her, Cocoa was ready to slit his throat with his sharp ws. But the man aimed his gun at him, and Chu Jie covered him in fear. "No, don''t shoot him!" Ying Yue said, "It''s okay. Chu Jie." She stared at Cocoa and then at the gun, the man was aiming at him. "Grrr" She slowly put her hand on his furry head and petted him. Cocoa rubbed his head on her palm and licked it. "Arf." Then she stood up and said, "Please don''t risk your lives for me. I will go." "Sis" Chu Jie teared up. He knew what horrible things were going to happen to her. Long Hu also felt helpless. Nobody was in a situation to help her. She went away, but to their surprise, she returned just five minutester as the man pushed her back into the room. Long Hu widened his eyes. "You came back?" "Sis!" Chu Jie beamed and jumped in her arms. He cried as he hugged her tightly. "Sis, what happened? I-I thought I would never see you again," he sniffled. Cocoa circled her and furiously nudged his head on her hand. Ying Yue was in a daze. She didn''t even hear their questions. Her gaze seemed distant and felt as if she was in disbelief. "Sis?" Chu Jie shook her shoulder. "Are you okay? Where are you lost?" Ying Yue snapped back. "Huh?" Long Hu asked, "What happened?" She slowly said, "I don''t know myself. I was walking with the guard, and a man suddenly came up to him. He said to him to take me back." They blinked their eyes in confusion. "Why?" They spoke in unison. Ying Yue lowered her gaze. "They were orders from somebody. The other man said to hold on for some time until he is back." "Orders? Who gave them? Did he say a name?" Her heart skipped a beat. She didn''t know if it was true or not. Did I hear it correctly? Or maybe I am mistaken. "The other guard said that the orders were from Rodey." Chu Jie frowned. "Rodey? I never heard that name." The little hope that lit in her heart instantly vanished. Her gaze dimmed, and she pursed her lips. I see. So, I heard it wrong. Maybe I was thinking about him too much that I misheard. Long Hu said, "I have heard that name." Ying Yue froze. She raised her head and looked at him in anticipation. She rushed to his side and sat beside him. "You know him?" "No. I haven''t seen him. But I have heard the men outside talking about him sometimes. From what I understood, Rodey neveres here, and he is an important figure in this gang. He handles outside operations. If you heard Rodey''s name who gave the order, then maybe you are right." So he is really here. She knew that Rodey was involved in criminal activities, but she never expected to get kidnapped by his gang. She was lost in her thoughts when a scream from outside jolted her into reality. "Hey, let me go! Why did you bring me here!?" The voice cried loudly. "Help! Somebody, please help!" Ying Yue widened her eyes in shock as she recognized the voice she knew all too well. Jingjing? Chapter 174: Meeting Yu Zichen Chapter 174: Meeting Yu Zichen Time: 7:36 PM. Twenty-nine hours and fifty-four minutes left. --- *Xin Lei* It was already dark by the time we reached retired Major General Yu Zichen''s home. Bro, Shi Ruiling, Luo Zhiqiang, and Liao Huifang chose to stay back and work with Qi Qiang if they could find anything about Zhang Xin and her mystery supporter. Major General Shi was with us. I rang the doorbell three times, and it opened as I saw a woman step out. She looked at the three of us in turns and asked, "Yes?" Bai Li said, "Is Yu Zichen home?" She slightly furrowed her brows. "Why do you want him?" "You must be his wife." "Yes, I am." "We need to discuss a case, especially what happened to one soldier who met him today this morning." "You are from the army," she stated. "Ex-Major Bai Li, Chinese Army." "Major General Shi Jianguo, Chinese Army." "He is not at home." Major General asked, "Where is he?" "Out to buy some stuff from the supermarket." Bai Li smiled. "Are you sure he is at the supermarket, not some shady, abandoned ce behind it where there possibly could be a soldier tied up with ropes in a dark room?" She narrowed her eyes. "Are you implying that my husband can do that?" "Well, we can only see if my implication is correct after we meet him. Trust me. As a fellow ex-soldier andrade, that is thest thing I want to be true." She was quiet and seemed to weigh our words against her judgment. "He is really out for about twenty-five minutes." "Did you send him to the supermarket, or did he offer to go?" ''Kind of both. He wanted to go out. The soy sauce was finished, so I asked him to buy it with some other essentials." "It''s kind of cold outside. Can we get a cup of coffee?" Bai Li said. I smiled at her. She pursed her lips and said, "Come in." We entered to find a modestly sized home. It was simple, with only minimal stuff needed. There were photo frames hung on the wall with a woman smiling with a man as they hugged each other. That must be Yu Zichen. Overall, her home gave a pleasant feeling. She came back after a few minutes, carrying a tray with three cups. I helped her with it. "Zichen has already answered all the questions to Captain Su Weiyuan. There is nothing more we can tell you." Her voice felt cold and distant. Major General said, "Unfortunately, Captain Su Weiyuan is unreachable, so we have to trouble you again for the answers." "Unreachable as in kidnapped, right? And you are suspecting Zichen for it?" Silence. "This is what Zichen gets for serving the army for all these years." Her voice was getting more strained, and I could feel the mes of anger erupting from her tone. Clearly, she was displeased. "Zichen served the nation and the army with all his heart. He even became invalid with his left arm in one mission. What more do you want? After living his life, holding it on the line for so many years, can he not live in peace now?" She lowered her head and wiped the corner of her eye. Ugh... Suddenly, I felt too guilty. Bai Li slowly asked, "Why did he retire from the Army?" She looked at us with a hint of displeasure that I could clearly feel it. "That was the same question yourrade asked. One civilian died, and you find the timing too suspicious that Zichen left the army. Am I not right!? You are suspecting him of murder too!" She heavily breathed, and tears rolled down her cheeks. Major General said, "Mam, I understand your feelings. But please try to understand our side too. It is confirmed that, unfortunately, a soldier from the army is a traitor. We must investigate whatever or whoever suspicious wee across." She red at us. "There was no reason that you are thinking about it to be! I told Zichen to retire because I had enough! I am proud of Zichen that he worked courageously to protect the nation for all these years. But do you know how hard it is for me as a wife to see him leave for any mission?" She gasped and burst out into tears. "I-I don''t even know if he wille back alive! Will he win? Will he lose? Will he make it back? Or will I get the news of his death, knocking at my door just any moment? It was so hard to live with that fear twenty-four hours. The fear of seeing his dead body the next time ate me alive every moment!" My heart ached for her. Indeed, a soldier''s job was glorious and respectful for the outside world, but only the family knew how difficult it was to see their son or daughter or husband or wife or brother or sister work on the frontlines. She sniffled. "In thest mission, he almost lost his left arm. That is still better than him losing his life altogether. But, that broke my patience. So, I forced him to retire. He was mumbling to continue service but I gave him two options. Either retire or divorce!" "..." Bai Li and Major General Shi coughed. She red at us. "Do you have any problem with that? Zichen has served the country enough. Now, he should just rest and enjoy a peaceful life. It was a coincidence that it matched the timing when that civilian died. His death is unfortunate, and I feel terrible for his family, but Zichen has got nothing to do with it!" Nobody said anything for a while. "Jiao?" We heard a voice and turned to look at the door. There he was, Yu Zichen carrying a stic bag full of supplies. "Zichen." She rushed towards him and quickly hugged him. He patted her head. "Why are you crying?" Then he looked at us, but he didn''t seem to be surprised. He nced at Jiao again and sighed. "It''s alright, Jiao. Let me talk to them." "I already cleared everything. There is nothing left to talk." He smiled. "Give me ten minutes, please." She pursed her lips. She suspiciously eyed us and silently left the room. Yu Zichen sat in front of us. "I apologize for Jiao''s outburst. I already know what she must have said." We shook our heads. Bai Li said, "We don''t mind. She should get a medal for her bravery, too, for living with a soldier. I think all family members should. Living with that fear is not a joke. I am d you chose to retire." He smiled. "Well, divorce was clearly not an option." I typed. "True. You made a wise choice." Major General Shi nodded. "Of course. She is a lovely woman. Her will to fight for your honor was amazing. You are lucky to have her as your wife. Only a fool would choose to divorce." Bai Li said, "I apologize for the suspicion." Major General sighed. "We are sorry." Yu Zichen said, "Please, you don''t have to, Bai Li and Major General. At your ce, even I would have suspected you. The timing indeed felt suspicious. Actually, I already kind of expected that you woulde to meet me one day regarding it. And Su Weiyuan came today. As expected, Jiao talked to him more than me. She didn''t let me say anything. She did all the defending." Bai Li chuckled. "I can imagine his expression after facing your wife." "Yeah, he had the same face as you three. But why did youe here too? I thought he would have told you everything." I typed. "He is missing." Silence. Major General said, "Neither he has contacted us, nor we are able to reach him." Bai Li asked, "At first, we thought that Sergent Zi Mimi informed you of his possible visit, so you might have nted men to subdue him." Yu Zichen slightly widened his eyes. He murmured. "Sergeant Zi Mimi...No wonder my mission almost failed." I frowned and typed. "What do you mean?" "It seemed that somebody had tipped off the gang when my team barged in to raid. It was the samest mission when my arm became invalid. That''s why they were so ready to counter-attack us. We still marginally won, though." "You never doubted her." "Our rtionship was just like you have with Lin Zihao and Su Weiyuan. I trusted her. We had worked together for numerous missions, and she never let me down once. Are you really sure of her involvement?" "Only I knew that Su Weiyuan was going to meet you. He had informed me. But she brought all the mission files and then he left. It wasn''t hard to guess his destination. She has definitely informed somebody." Bai Li tilted his head. "The question is, if not, you then who?" I heard Major General''s phone buzz. And then a secondter, my phone buzzed too. I checked it and saw a message pop up. It opened to a map with a green dot stationary at one point. I blinked my eyes. What is this dot? And what number is this? But, Major General answered my unsaid questions. "Bai Li. It''s a message from Su Weiyuan. It''s a map with a ring green dot on it. He has given his location." Chapter 175: Figured it out Chapter 175: Figured it out --- At the secret base where Chu Jie, Ying Yue, Cocoa, and Long Hu were kept, another loud shrill echoed throughout the ce. Xue Jingjing was thrown on the ground. She hit her elbows and knees as she collided on the ground that felt as if her bones almost broke. The men around her were dumbfounded. The guards who kidnapped Ying Yue eximed. "Hey, she is the same woman who escaped!" That immediately started murmurs. "Wohoo! So we got a double treat after all!" "This is freaking amazing!" Everybody looked at Rodey in appreciation. "Thanks a bunch, Rodey. We didn''t know you went to pick her up." "You made things more interesting now." Rodey smirked and didn''t respond. Xue Jingjing slowly turned around and jolted to see so many peopleughing at her. Then her nce shifted at Rodey, and she burst into tears. "Y-you! What is this ce? Why did you bring me here? Let me go!" One of the menughed. "What is this ce? Hmm...a ce where we gather to see a particr crimson shade of blood for having loads of fun~" She knitted her brows in confusion. "Why did he bring you here?" He chuckled. "So that we can have loads of fun with you." She froze and looked at them, horrified. "Let you go? No chance!" The men startedughing again. Xue Jingjing had no idea what the hell was going on. "I-I don''t understand" Stream of tears rolled down her cheeks, "I just want to go back! Y-you all have kidnapped me! That''s a crime! You will all go to jail!" Everybodyughed even more. "Jail? And us? You talk funny things. And don''t shout so much. Nobody is going to hear you. Your screams won''t reach anybody''s ears." Rodey sneered and was satisfied to see the horrified look and tears on her face. Even though he never participated in what they called ''fun,'' he decided to stay here for the first time to see how they torture her. Suddenly, they heard a voice from the inte. "I see everybody is gathered. Oh, and our toy is here as well!" "Boss!" Everybody cheered, "You are here!" "Thank you for your patience." Then after a moment of silence, the boss, aka CrimsonInstinct, said, "From what I remember, she is not the same woman we caught." Xue Jingjing froze. She was already starting to freak out with her shaking and trembling body. As soon as she heard what voice from the inte, she thought about Ying Yue. Are they talking about Yue? Is she here too? She suddenly eximed. "Yes! I am not the woman! It wasn''t supposed to be me! Didn''t you kidnap Yue? Then why did you bring me here?" She sniffled and cried, "There is a big misunderstanding here so-so please let me goDo whatever you want with that Yue bitch. I was not involved in all this!" She was hopeful that after this, they would let her go. Rodey coldly smiled at her. If left to him, he would have already drilled a hole in her head. Even at this point, she was pushing Yue to the fire. Silence. CrimsonInstinctughed out loud. "Oh, dear. I like this woman. I can see my reflection in you. We are really simr." Xue Jingjing was delighted and wiped her tears. "I am d. I knew it was a misunderstanding. You wanted Yue, and she is already here. Can you please let me go now?" A beat of silence. "Sure." Xue Jingjing hopped up in excitement. She didn''t know what freakishly scary ce this was, but she realized it wasn''t any good. The people here weren''t normal, even dangerous, and she wanted to escape from this hell as soon as possible. Thank God! She nced at Rodey and inwardly sneered. You kidnapped me here, but I am out now! Haha! Rodey knew what she was thinking by the look she gave. But he could onlyugh at her stupidity. Fool. Your brain is seriously in your knees. "Open the door, Bloodygame." "Yes, boss!" He stepped forward and opened the door. Xue Jingjing rushed towards the exit, but as soon as she kept her hand on the door to step out, Bloodygame smirked and suddenly shut the door in a sh. "AHHHHH!" she let out a scream that could pop anybody''s ears out. The door jammed her hand between itself and the wall hard. The pain that shot up in her palm as the door sliced in her skin and slowly crushed her bone was simply unbearable and excruciating. She looked at her hand in horror as a stream of blood was gushing out akin to a river. The eyes that had dried up became wet again. "AAHHHH! MY HAND!!!" Rodey chuckled at her sight. CrimsonInstinct said through the inte. "Sure, we will have fun with that ''Yue'' too that you speak of. But if we get a double treat to enjoy ourselves, then why to let it go?" The voice sinisterlyughed. "Wee to our heaven, dear. I hope you serve us well." --- Su Weiyuan was calmly watching the man walk inside. But he didn''te into the light, so his face was still hidden in the dark. "Captain Su Weiyuan. Good to see you." Su Weiyuan instantly recognized that it was a voice changer machine with which he talked. "A little birdie told me that you and yourmander are looking into something along the lines of proving someone innocent. Who is it, I wonder?" Silence. There was not any other sound except the man speaking. "Oh, is it ex-Major Bai Li?" Su Weiyuan kept boring his sharp gaze at his dark figure. The man slowly walked in the dark as if he was taking a stroll. "Is this about that civilian''s death? But isn''t it already proved that Bai Li killed him? So why are you unnecessarily digging that case again?" He sighed. "Captain Su Weiyuan. Have you forgotten how Bai Li suffers from PTSD? It''s clear that freaked out at thest moment and shot the wrong person. I admire the brotherhood you share with Bai Li. But there is a limit to how much blind belief you have in him. It feels like you cannot ept that he did the wrong thing. That he killed the man. So, you are hell-bent on proving him innocent even if he is not." Su Weiyuan narrowed his eyes. "The little birdie also told me that yourmander was sniffling around to see the autopsy report again of Tan Ye. Then you went to visit Yu Zichen." Su Weiyuan smiled from inside. "So, I think you have figured out something. Am I right?" He stayed silent. He wasn''t in a position to say anything anyway because of the cloth tied on his mouth. "I want to know how much you know." Silence. "Oops. Silly me. I forgot your mouth is covered. How will you speak?" Without still showing his face, he came forward and took out the cloth. Su Weiyuan took a deep breath after feeling stuffy and suffocated for so long. He looked up at him. "If you think Bai Li is guilty, then why have you brought me here?" Silence. "What I do shouldn''t interfere with anything. If Bai Li is truly guilty, then no matter how much we investigate, again and again, we will get the same result that Bai Li killed Tan Ye. So, what are you afraid of?" "Tell me what you know. Depending on how much you know, I can think of what to do." Su Weiyuan shook his head. "You will kill me anyway, no matter how less or how more I know. You are going to kill me if I tell you that I know your identity. You will still kill me if I told you that I don''t know anything." "Of course not. I cannot be that harsh." "You secretly are an ally of the culprits. I know how much harsher you can get and why not since you killed Tan Ye to get Bai Li out of the army because he was getting way too close in grabbing your neck." Silence again. "He could have caught Rodey if not for your interference, and that begs the question, how was it possible for anyone to know about his mission. Apart from Lin Zihao, Major General and me, only Sergeant Zi Mimi and Major Yu Zichen knew about it." "I see. Of course, it would be Yu Zichen. After all, he handled the case previously. He retired too just after it got over." "No. That''s why I met him today. I believed when his wife, Yu Jiao, said that she forced him to retire. She has quite a strong personality. I don''t see Yu Zichen taking any option other than to retire at her insistence." "Then, there is nobody left, Captain." "Are you forgetting Sergeant Zi Mimi?" "She worked under Yu Zichen''smand." "But if Yu Zichen''s retirement is a coincidence, then it means that she works under someone else''smand too. Secretly and unofficially." Silence. "I figured out who." No answer. "When I thought about who else could know about it in the army, I suddenly remembered a strange thing that started particrly happening after the incident at the container terminal." Chapter 176: The guilty soldier Chapter 176: The guilty soldier Time: 8:45 PM. Twenty-eight hours and forty-five minutes remaining. The man in the dark frowned. He narrowed his eyes. What is he talking about? There is no way I left any clue. Su Weiyuan smiled. "Why don''t you guess?" He got irked at his provocation. "Heh! You are just trying to shake me off, Captain. I know these tactics of interrogation that you are trying with me. But they are not going to work." He shrugged. "They are not any tactics. Why don''t you think for yourself for a few minutes and try to guess what that thing is." The man got just a bit restless. Su Weiyuan sounded as if he really knew or figured out something. "Don''t y games with me. It''s of no use." Su Weiyuan raised his brow. "That''s it? You cannot think of anything?" The man clenched his fists and gritted his teeth in anger. He wished to kill him right then and there, but he had to know what this thing was that Su Weiyuan was saying. If somebody else figured out the truth just like him, then it would be messy andplicated. So, he had to know that loose thread hanging around his neck, which he would instantly cut off to erase all the evidence. Su Weiyuan sighed. "I didn''t expect this from you." He raised his head and looked up at him. "Cocoa." The man rapidly blinked his eyes. Huh? What is he talking about? "Cocoa doesn''t like you, right? That''s why he always ferociously barks and growls at you whenever he sees you" The man in the dark furrowed his brows. So what? "Or should I say that he started barking at you, particrly after Tan Ye''s death? He didn''t use to do that before." The man stayed quiet. He slowly knitted his brows as he tried to think what Su Weiyuan said, particrly trying to recall if it was really the case. Then his eyes slowly widened in realization and his mouth opened in shock. It was indeed, correct. He knew that Cocoa never liked him, so Cocoa always maintained his distance from him while he was generally close to all the other soldiers apart from Bai Li. But his behavior towards him was never that aggressive. Now that the man thought about it, he realized that in those instances when he met Bai Li after Tan Ye''s death, Cocoa exhibited wilder and more ferocious behavior as if he would attack him at the next moment. There was silence for a long time. Su Weiyuan smiled. "I think that at least now you understood what I said. Cocoa always barked at you because he recognized your scent from the time when you were there in the container terminal, standing behind Bai Li and aiming at Tan Ye." Silence. "And why not? Dogs have a strong instinct and even a stronger sense of smell." He chuckled. "I think that in your borate n to kick Bai Li out of the army, you missed out on the fact that dogs cannot speak like humans, but they can still catch the culprit and point us at them. It was unfortunate that Bai Li got an anxiety attack after Tan Ye''s death, so his mind was too messed up to realize Cocoa''s signs." He smiled. "Perhaps you knew that Cocoa would not chase after you to catch you if Bai Li got an attack. He would stay with him to support him. That''s how dogs are. You purposely triggered Bai Li''s PTSD to guilt-trip him to think that he killed Tan Ye. You knew Bai Li would be a mess, and Cocoa wouldn''t leave him in that state. That''s why you were not worried about Cocoaing to pin his ws in you." Su Weiyuan''s gaze twinkled. "But you forgot that your body odor already reached his sharp nose. There was no way you could have avoided that, and you forgot it anyway." After a long pause, he said, "Cocoa was telling us who the real culprit is from the beginning, but we were stupid enough not to recognize it." The man shut his eyes for a moment. An error from his side. A serious mistake he made in calction. He thought that he had covered everything - all the routes and evidence that could possibly point him as Tan Ye''s murderer. But he missed Cocoa and his sense of smell. And that smell is registered in Cocoa''s brain. He cannot do anything to make him forget it or throw that memory out. It was his luck that Bai Li didn''t catch on to Cocoa''s weird and changed behavior until he was with him. But Cocoa was still a threat to him. So, there was only one option left. The man chuckled and thenughed. "I admit I missed it, Captain Su. I never thought about it that way. That was quite a wless deduction. But what use it is of anyway? We have not only that teenager with us but also Cocoa with him. The next thing I would do after I kill you is to kill that bastard dog once and for all. He was a nuisance anyway." Su Weiyuan remained silent. He raised his gun and aimed at him. "Well, you already know who I am, right?" Silence. "That makes me keeping you alive, a tough choice to make. You see, that will be a serious threat to my position and career in the army if you babbled your mouth. So, I need to shut it for good." Su Weiyuan was calm. "Your death was unfortunate. A criminal from your previous mission cruelly killed you to take his revenge. He got his chance when he saw you alone,ing out of Yu Zichen''s home. He shot you and ran away." "That is your story to exin my sudden death?" He smiled. "It''s a convincing story, isn''t it? I have all the resources and power to make that lie a truth. Fake story, fake suspects, fake culprit to me - everything is possible, Captain Su. Now, time for you to bid your goodbye to the world." The man chuckled and clicked the lock on the gun. He aimed it exactly at the center of Su Weiyuan''s forehead. His finger was on the trigger, slowly pressing it more and more. *BANG* "Ah!!!" A bullet from his right hit the man''s wrist, making him lose the grip to his gun, and it fell on the ground faraway with a loud ck sound. The man was shocked and couldn''tprehend what happened so suddenly. He looked at his wrist from where blood was starting to trickle out. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." A voice came from behind him. Su Weiyuan smiled. The man entered, holding a gun in his hand, aiming at the culprit. The culprit widened his eyes. "B-Bai Li?" Bai Li smiled. "Yes. Bai Li. The guilty soldier you kicked out of the army. Nice to meet you again. But what is the rush to kill Su Weiyuan? Let''s talk a bit more...General Song Xiaosheng." --- On the other side, Ying Yue waspletely taken aback. She suddenly heard a loud screaming from outside that belonged to no other than Xue Jingjing. "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa was barking restlessly at the noise. Ying Yue was shocked to her wits. Jingjing is here too? How? Didn''t she Her gaze dimmed at remembering how she left her at the mercy of the goons and escaped herself. Perhaps she didn''t like her, but she never expected that she would abandon her like that. She clenched her dress. How is Jingjing here? Then her heart sped up in fear. Did the goons chase her till our home and dragged her here? Maybe after I was thrown here, they followed after her again. If they know about our home, then is M-mom here too? Did they kidnap Mom and Aunt as well? Did they hurt Mom? Her face paled. Mom...is she safe? "Grrr" Cocoa sniffed near her cheek and licked it furiously. "Sis, what happened?" Chu Jie worriedly asked. "Who is that woman?" Long Hu asked, his arm writhing in pain. "Why are they bringing so many people? When I was here before Chu Jie, there was nobody except me. And now, there are suddenly four people plus Cocoa." "Arf." "This is really strange." "That woman is my cousin," Ying Yue said. They both looked dumbfounded at her. "Your cousin?" She nodded and said what happened today afternoon when she was kidnapped. Chu Jie widened his eyes. "So, they chased her until the end?" Long Hu said, "Maybe they felt that she was a threat to them and may lodge a policeint against them. They didn''t want any investigation, so they grabbed her too." "But there is Mom and Aunt too at my home. Have they brought them here too? Mom...I don''t want anything to happen to her." She looked stressed and anxious. "But I heard only your cousin''s scream now," Chu Jie said, "Maybe they never reached your home. Maybe they caught her when she was still outside." That calmed her just a bit. It did feel like there was nobody other than Jingjing. "AHHHH!!!" They heard another loud scream. Ying Yue was expressionless, but inwardly, that scream shook her heart. What could they be doing to her? Chapter 177: He is my prey Chapter 177: He is my prey Ying Yue was torn apart. On one side, she was disappointed with Xue Jingjing that she abandoned her. She even med her for forcing Jingjing toe to the interview while the truth was the opposite. But hearing her loud scream and cries now, she couldn''t help but be worried for her. It was almost reflex since, in her own way, she always cared about her for all these years. She quickly got up, went up to the door, and banged on it. "Jingjing? Is that you? What is happening outside? What is going on?" "Shut up, bitch!" The guard from outside yelled at her. "Just stay inside until you are called." The other guardughed. "Don''t worry. Your turn wille soon." She pursed her lips. The more she heard her screams, the more her heart was racing with fear. "Sis! Don''t provoke them, or they can take you away," Chu Jie urgently whispered. He held her arm and pulled her back. "But-" Long Hu intervened. "He is right. Just stay quiet for now." She lowered her gaze. For now, she could onlyply. --- Time: 10:01 PM. Twenty-seven hours and twenty-nine minutes left. Rodey, on the other side, was enjoying the torture show. He was standing at the dark corner, sneering at her with a dangerous glint in his gaze. Xue Jingjing copsed on the ground. She was in so much pain that even her eyes refused to form tears anymore. She was bleeding from various parts of her body - her hand that got stuck between the door and the wall, her nails which two men forcefully pulled out of her fingers with clippers, and her arms and legs where hot acid was sprinkled on them. They beat her all ck and blue and pierced her skin with numerous sharp objects, exactly at those ces where they poured acid on her. She wanted to cry, but couldn''t. She wanted to scream, but not a sound came out of her tired throat. She already screamed to the point that she thought she might lose her voice. "Please let me go... please stop" her voice was almost a whisper. One of the menughed. "But it has been hardly two hours. You are already begging us?" "I thought she had more spark." "But I think we should stop now. We don''t want her to die so soon." Ilikeascars nodded. "Yes. We have to save her and her cousin until thest. We shouldn''t get too excited." Xue Jingjing trembled and widened her eyes. Her pleading and begging just went to deaf ears. They wereughing at her pathetic state. And they wanted to torture her even more. It still hadn''t ended. Tears gushed out, and she was crying hysterically. Their sinisterughter sent chills across her spine. She had no idea that such crazy people existed in this world. "I want to go out...I don''t want to be here...Mom... p-please...let me go... please" They onlyughed at her. Rodey smirked at her condition. He was never a part of this side, but he strangely enjoyed her state. Imagining Ying Yue in this condition and then watching Xue Jingjing like that made him feel extremely satisfied. But he didn''t know why. He couldn''tprehend why he felt that way. A guard came up to him and said, "Boss has called you." Rodey nodded. A minuteter, he entered the boss''s room. There was a screen on the wall through which the boss was watching Jingjing''s show, calmly seated its ce and sipping tea. "Rodey." The boss used its real voice to speak to him. There was no secrecy between them. "Boss." The boss smiled. "I am surprised to see you here. I told you so many times to visit here sometimes. But you were always morefortable outside. What changed this time?" Rodey shrugged. "Nothing. Just came to know the mess up of the other woman so thought to bring her here too." It nodded. "I am impressed. She was a loose end for us anyway. I am happy with your work. d that you brought her here. We would have more variety now." Rodey snickered. "Go easy on her boss. She already looks ready to breathe herst. You will get bored with your toy." "Indeed. We have to save her and the other woman till the boy''s turnes up." Rodey didn''t twitch even a single muscle on his face when the boss mentioned Ying Yue. But a stuffy feeling arose in his chest. ''Please don''t let any harme to her... Please save her'' Ying Lan''s voice reverberated in his mind. "Rodey? Where are you lost?" "Nothing." "Good. I called you here for another purpose." "What is it?" "Neal." Rodey raised his brow. "Neal? Who?" Then he chuckled as he remembered. "Oh, that spy cop? The IB caught him in Tianjin, right? Pathetic." "Yes. That''s the problem. He is with them who works for us. That''s not good news." "You want me to finish him?" Hezily asked. The boss nodded. "I am confident that he wouldn''t have said anything until now." He snorted. "Why would he? He probably- no, he definitely thinks that we are going to save him. So, he is not betraying us. For now. Such a fool. He still doesn''t know his position." The boss sighed. "But how long would he wait? If he feels that we won''te for him, then he could say some unnecessary things." Rodey shrugged. "I am cool with it. He was a headache for me anyway." The boss tapped its finger on the desk. "It took me a lot of resources to find that the IB is going to shift Neal in the special prison in their headquarters tonight. Once they reach there, it would be impossible for us to touch him. They have tight security that we cannotpromise." Rodey understood. "So, the only way is to finish him off on the way." The boss nodded. "Cool. It will be done." "Also. I am unable to contact the General for a while. Last time he said that some soldiers were sniffing out the truth behind that man''s death." Rodey narrowed his eyes. "What? To prove Bai Li innocent?" Heughed. "They still haven''t given up?" A sudden silence descended. Rodey said, "Wasn''t the General going to finish the soldier he caught? Maybe, he is busy giving the finishing touches, so he is unavable. He will call you back like always. Anyway. Off I go. Oh, by the way. What happened to that woman you wanted to kill for revenge? Your sister, right?" The boss stopped tapping its finger. There was an eerie silence that hung in the air. "She is still well under protection. Unfortunately, I missed my chance in Tianjin and then at the hospital. I failed twice. I am disappointed with myself." "But, of course, you are not going to give up," Rodey smiled. "Never. I can only rest when she dies." Rodey nodded. "Gotta go now." "Rodey." He stopped and turned. "What?" The boss''s gaze was serious and unblinking. "Do you think that Bai Li can reach us?" Rodey smiled. "Technically, he cannot. After I finish off Neal tonight, there shouldn''t be any link left for him toe to us." "But?" "But he is Bai Li. He is one smartass. Trust me. If the General hadn''t interfered that night in the container terminal, then his n to catch me would have been a hundred percent sess. General Song was in the army as a spy, so that saved me. Otherwise, I was as good as dead. Don''t underestimate Bai Li just because he is blind." "Oh, trust me too." The boss smiled. "I am not underestimating his abilities even for a second." "Yes. So, there is always a chance that he would figure something out. Be cautious. Well, the best way I would suggest is to kill him off as well-" "No." The boss cut Rodey off as it narrowed its eyes at him. "Bai Li." The boss stood up from its seat and walked near the screen. It ced its hand on the screen at the spot where Jingjing was lying on the ground. "He is my prey. Nobody will touch him." Rodey was surprised for a moment. "Sure. Whatever. Take your sweet time with that bitch. I am off." --- Rodey stepped out of the boss''s room. He went into a corner and took out a cigarette. He lit it and puffed out a long drag. "Fuck. Why do I have to deal with Neal? Such a pain" Honestly, he wanted someone else to do the job, but Boss trusted him more than anything else. Such an important job was bound toe to him, especially since IB was involved. Two men came out of the torture room, and Rodey heard some murmurs. He craned his neck and saw Risfun and Bloodygame talking. Risfun said in frustration. "That other woman is fine and all, but when will I get toy my hands on that waitress? I sooo want to ravage her right now!" Rodey clenched his fists. A dangerous light flickered across his gaze. He imagined Risfun touching Ying Yue. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What the fuck is this annoying feeling? Why am I so irritated? Chapter 178: Long time no see Chapter 178: Long time no see Time: 10:05 PM. --- *Bai Li* What Su Weiyuan said was the same thing I figured out exactly almost an hour ago. It was obviously someone from the army who had attacked Su Weiyuan. The question was, if not Yu Zichen, then who? At his home, Xin Lei and Major General got messages about a location, and Major General was sure that it was Su Weiyuan''s message. I was too, only because he was smart as hell. He must have already taken a small transmitter with him when he left to visit Yu Zichen and hidden somewhere on his body. He knew he could be attacked. So, at the right time, he switched it on, and it sent signals about his location. I heard Yu Zichen say, "I know this ce. It''s an hour away from here. There are nothing but old residential apartments that are going to be demolished." I heard Xin Lei''s pitter-patter on the phone. "A perfect ce for hiding Su Weiyuan." Major General said from my right. "We should get going now. Su Weiyuan knows that we will need some time to get there. We need to move fast." I nodded. "Wait. I wille with you too," Yu Zichen said. I said, "Are you sure?" "I am. I know the ce quite well. I can check for any hidden guards. Plus, I also have heat sensor goggles. We will need that to know how many people are guarding the ce and at what positions. We cannot dive just straight into the ce." "Heat sensor goggles are of no use to me." I heard him snort. "You don''t need heat sensor goggles, Bai Li. Your senses are sharp enough to detect any movement. You can detect them and take them down at the same time." I shrugged. "I am talking about the three of us." I heard Major General''s gruff voice. "Good n." I asked, "Is there any building opposite to where Su Weiyuan is kept from where anyone of you can track the guards? We can use bluetooth earpieces. One of us hiding in the other building will ry the location and direction where any guard is standing using those goggles, and we can move ordingly to knock them out." Yu Zichen said, "That is the same n, I thought. I know a building that we can use." I heard Xin Lei typing. "Are you all sure there would be no guards in the other apartments?" I shook my head. "They wouldn''t waste resources. They already have their hands full with Su Weiyuan." "I think there would be two or three guards at max." Xin Lei typed. "Plus, Sergeant Zi Mimi." "Zichen?" I heard his wife''s voice from a distance. "Are you going somewhere?" "Well...y-yes" We told her everything, and as I expected, her reaction wasn''t in favor of himing with us as well. "Zichen. I already told you that I don''t want you to be a part of all this anymore." Her voice sounded strained and with a hint of fear and anxiety that I felt creep in her tone. "I know. I know. I promise I will take care of myself. Just thisst time, please?" Xin Lei suddenly nudged my waist with her elbow. I instantly understood. I cleared my throat and said, "I think you two should talk it out. We will wait outside. And Yu Zichen. It''s fine with us, even if you cannote. Just give us your heat sensor goggles. We will be sure to return them in one piece." "Shut up, Bai Li," He spat in what I felt was anger? What? I am trying to help you here! People seriously don''t feel grateful anymore. Xin Lei kept pushing me from my back, and I could hear murmurs of Yu Zichen and his wife talking as the door closed. I heard Major General chuckle. "Poor Zichen Stuck between his wife and us." "That''s why I was helping him to make a choice. It should always be the wife. Does he want to live as a divorcee for the rest of his life?" I felt Xin Lei''s fingers slowly touch my cheek, and she suddenly pinched them. Hm? I sensed she might be giggling. Then I smelled her scent wafting closer and closer to me. Her body was almost in my embrace until I felt her soft lips on mine. I rapidly blinked my eyes. I didn''t know what happened to make her so happy, but I loved these small surprises that Xin Lei would suddenly shower on me. But it was only for a second. I was ready to kiss her back. I already leaned forward to press my lips on hers, but she already pulled back in the next moment. Damn, it was just a peck! How does that count? I furrowed my brows and said, pursing my lips. "That''s it? When did it start? When did it end? I didn''t feel it. Do it again." "*Ahem*" Major General coughed, and I realized that he was there too. Was she embarrassed? "Major General. Can you look away for a moment? No, make that five minutes." I felt Xin Lei hit me on my waist again. "You young generation...Ah, I am feeling so old all of a sudden." I heard him sigh. Then I heard Xin Lei typing. "This is your reward for saying that a wife should always be the man''s choice." I grinned. "Will you kiss me again if I say it again? I can chant it like a mantra if you want." She typed. "Sure. But after we help Su Weiyuan and get him out of there." Is that it? "Where is Yu Zichen? Why isn''t heing back already?" And I felt that they both burst intoughter. "Arf! Arf!" I jerked my head to the side. "Cocoa?" I almost took a step forward, but I felt Xin Lei pulling me back. "Bai Li. Calm down," Major General said. "That is a stray dog." I felt Xin Lei rubbing my arm and patting it. I sensed that she was worried about me. I smiled. "Nothing. I... thought it was Cocoa for a second." "Arf! Arf! Arf!" "Arf! Arf! Arf!" The dog kept barking for quite a while. I heard Xin Lei type. "Why is it barking so much?" I said, "Maybe there is another dog nearby he doesn''t like or somebody with who he has a beef with. Dogs start barking and growling when they see or sense someone they don''t like-" I froze. It felt as if the blood in my veins stopped flowing. Suddenly, a picture in my mind turned so clear that it was foggy all this time. What I just said to Xin Lei suddenly struck me with the truth that was walking by side all this time. Fuck! That was what Cocoa was trying to tell me. And I always wondered why he got so restless at times. I felt Xin Lei nudge me gently, and I snapped out from my thoughts. Major General said, "I feel you have figured something out." I heard Xin Lei typing. "I feel the same. What is it?" I covered my face with my hands. "I feel I am so stupid! I am an idiot. Cocoa was telling the truth from the beginning, but I couldn''t understand it! I was so pulled in by my PTSD and Tan Ye''s death and the guilt that I failed to understand what Cocoa said all this time." "What are you talking about?" "I know who killed Tan Ye. Now, I know who was behind me who shot Tan Ye and escaped. It is as clear as day." Silence. There was silence for a long time. "I see" I heard Major General slowly say, "I understand where you are getting at." I heard the robotic voice again. "I think I know who you might be talking about." I felt the door open and heard Yu Zichen''s voice. "Phew! I finally got the green signal from Jiao. We can leave. I have brought all the things we need. Hey. What happened?" I smiled. "We have figured out the culprit. Now let''s go." --- At present, as nned, it was a piece of cake to fight those measly guards. Yu Zichen used those fancy goggles from the other building, and we won in a matter of minutes. It wasn''t even a fight. Just a one-sided knockout. The only person we didn''t knock out was Sergeant Zi Mimi. "B-Bai Li?" I heard General Song stutter. I smiled. "Yes, General Song. The guilty soldier who you kicked out of the army. Long time no see." "How are you here? Why" "You see. Su Weiyuan is quite capable." Then I looked in his direction and said, "By the way, Weiyuan. When did you do it?" "It was in my shoe all the time. I rubbed my shoes against each other and pretended to try to loosen up the rope tied on my ankles." "And then you pressed it. It switched on and immediately sent us the message." "Pretty much." "Su Weiyuan!" General Song suddenly burst out. Chapter 179: You cannot kill me! Chapter 179: You cannot kill me! Time: 10:30 PM. Twenty-six hours remaining. *Xin Lei* General Song looked like somebody sucked the soul of his body. He was only stuttering and whimpering in pain by Bai Li''s shot. I nced at my side, and there was another person who looked just the same as him. It was Sergeant Zi Mimi. I grabbed her arm, and she bared her fangs at me like a beast. She resisted with all her force, but I struck one hard and fast jab on the back of her knee and tumbled like a fallen domino. "UghYou" "Attention, Sergeant!" Zi Mimi suddenly straightened up. Yu Zichen smiled. "Good to know that you still recognize me. I thought you forgot all about yourmander after your betrayal." She said nothing. Major General Shi walked up to General Song and said, "Hello General Song. I didn''t expect to see you here of all ces with a Captain tied up on a chair, and instead of rescuing him, you were talking to him as if a normal get-together was going on." "Major General! What is going on!" I could sense it - his panic, rm, confusion, and anger all mixed up by being attacked and caught all of a sudden. "That is something you should answer. What is going on here? What happened in the container terminal that night? And what is your rtionship with Sergeant Zi Mimi?" I felt Zi Mimi stiffen. Her expression didn''t change, but her bodynguage did. General Song scowled. "What rtionship? What nonsense are you spouting?" Bai Li took one big step ahead. He ced his hand on General Song''s shoulder. Su Weiyuan, already free from the ropes and had secured him by his wrists on his back. Bai Li smiled, and with a movement that I could hardly see with my eye, hended a strong fist on his face. "Ugh" He stumbled at his back, but Su Weiyuan held on to him. That was quite satisfying to see him groaning in pain with blood gushing out all over from nose and mouth. Medically speaking, it was now impossible to fix his crooked and broken nose. His teeth were intact, but one more punch and they were on their way to roll out of his mouth as well. Major General sighed. "Bai Li. Could you not do anything to his mouth yet? We need him to talk." He stuck out his tongue. "Oops. I couldn''t control my strength. Sorry, General. My mistake. Now, you already know that I am running out of patience. Will you still act indifferent to your affair with Sergeant Zi Mimi?" He seemed as if he was in a daze. Bai Li turned his head in our direction and said, "Isn''t it right, Sergeant? You are sexually involved with this oldie, right?" "I don''t know what you are talking about. These are all baseless allegations." "If they are baseless, then why do I see a hickey on your neck?" Zi Mimi suddenly touched her neck and softly pped on some spots, but then she stiffened. I raised my brow and chuckled. Bai Li said, "I heard that faint sound. You touched your neck, didn''t you? And you forgot that I cannot see. Caught you." "Fuck you!" I narrowed my eyes and jabbed at her sore knee again. Her eyes rolled back, and she almost fainted. I felt disgusted to know about their affair. General Song was as older as her father''s age, for God''s sake! And she had sex with him! Ugh! General Song coughed and spat out some more blood. "How can you say it''s me?" Bai Li said, "Because Zi Mimi didn''t send any message outside the army base, notifying Yu Zichen or anybody that Su Weiyuan left. If there was any burner phone, then she couldn''t have kept it hidden. But she was still able to send across the message. How? That meant that she didn''t have any need to use any phone. Because the person she notified about Su Weiyuan was already present IN the base." Both were silent. "Now the question was who? Then thanks to another buddy of Cocoa I met tonight, I remembered why he always growled and barked at you. It was you at the container terminal and who shot Tan Ye. Cocoa recognized your scent whenever we met again. It was the same in Andingzhen when you came to take Xin Lei and me in the army''s custody or when we met in your office. He was trying to tell us that it was you." General Song kept resisting and ring at us, but it was of no use. "Then there was another thing that led me to think that it was you. I didn''t shoot Tan Ye. But the autopsy report didn''t seem to agree. It wasn''t my bullet, yet it showed that it was. So, it led me to conclude that only a person with power, position, and influence can pressurize the doctors to generate fake reports. Only a person in a position to threaten can force all the ones below him to dance at hismand. General Song. Don''t you seem to fit in that category?" Silence. "A prestigious position with considerable influence and resources to make your job done - whatever you want and however you want. Isn''t it you?" His jaw seemed to tighten. "Now that it is clear who is the traitor, start talking already. Where are Cocoa and Chu Jie? Who are you working for?" General Song chuckled and thenughed out loud. "So what if you know about me? What will you do? I will never tell you where your stupid dog and that teenager is. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You cannot kill me either otherwise, how would you know anything about us?" Bai Li said nothing. His expression seemed grim. "Hahaha! You always think you are so smart, right? You were nothing but like an annoying piece of bone stuck in meat. That''s why I had to throw you out of the army, or you wouldn''t have given up on your chase. First I threw Yu Zichen and then you! Hahaha!" I frowned. Yu Zichen said, "I retired on my own ount." "But I ordered those men to make you invalid during your mission. Just harm you anyhow, I didn''t care. Arms, legs, face, or your whole body. I investigated and found that your wife wasn''t in much favor of your soldier''s life. So, the moment you got hurt, I knew your wife would snap and force you to retire." I widened my eyes in disbelief. He yed a psychological trap and used Yu Zichen''s wife to force him to retire. I felt a gust of wind past me. Yu Zichen suddenly grabbed General Song with his right hand, dragged him up, and punched a fist on his stomach. "Ahhh" He bent in pain, and Yu Zichennded a sharp elbow strike on his spine exactly at the center of his back. "General!" Zi Mimi shifted uneasily and tried to rush at him, but I tightly held on to her. This was getting annoying, so I forced to sit on a chair and tied her wrist on it with the same rope that were used to tie Su Weiyuan. Yu Zichen''s aura felt too dark and dangerous. His gaze was so chilly that it suddenly felt too cold. "Fucking bastard! How dare you use my wife!" He kept on punching and kicking him, with each blow more lethal and deadlier than before. "She is my wife! She had got nothing to do with my mission. You had no right to investigate and use her for your filthy purpose. You bastard!" Major General finally had to intervene. "Yu Zichen. He will be punished. Calm down." "How can I fucking calm down!? He had the nerve to use my wife! My wife! I don''t care if I retire, but I won''t tolerate it if anybody used my wife''s feelings to achieve that! Does he even know how pathetic her condition was when I was in the hospital? She didn''t sleep. She didn''t eat. She was crying almost the whole day. She had be so thin. She kept on nursing me till I was discharged. No matter how much I asked her to eat, she didn''t!" His outburst quieted the ce down. Even I felt his fury seeping into me when I heard how much his Jiao suffered. I was dying to kill that General already! General Songughed. "Ha! So sad, isn''t it? I feel terrible for Yu Jiao." Without warning, Yu Zichen grabbed his hand and mercilessly twisted it. "Aaaahh! Fuck!" Major General helplessly sighed. "Don''t you dare utter her name from your filthy mouth or will kill end that disgusting life of yours right this instant!" General Song eerilyughed again while he was trembling and shaking after his punches. "That is your bad luck. You cannot kill me because I am your only ticket to know anything about the gang or that teenager''s location. You don''t know anything, and you need me! Hahaha!" "CrimsonInstinct." One word from Bai Li suddenly shut General Song''s mouth. "That is your boss''s code name, right?" Chapter 180: General Songs end Chapter 180: General Song''s end Time: 11:05 PM. Twenty-six hours and thirty-four minutes remaining. *Xin Lei* It felt as if General Song wanted to hide his shock but failed miserably. He did his best not to show it on his face, but that second of his body stiffening and his eyes slightly widening gave him up. That meant that he knew about the boss. "CrimsonInstinct is your boss. Your gang uses an app - FriendsChat to lure in the victims and then kill them. That is how they caught Chu Jie too." General Song refused to say anything. He said, "I don''t know, and neither are you getting anything from me." Major General squinted his eyes. "General Song. It would be in your best interests to tell everything." He snorted. "Sure. You can try." Bai Li said, "Do you think that Zhang Chao is going to help you out?" He shot a sharp gaze at him. "What?" "You are working for her daughter." His eyes widened as if they would pop out of their sockets. "You think that Zhang Chao can cover you if you threaten him to expose everything? Are you relying on that? Because he wouldn''t want his daughter''s crimes to be told all over the world. His reputation would take a big hit. He will lose his seat for sure. So, throw that help in the trash can already. As a politician, he would think and act for his own benefit. So, General Song. You are mistaken. Zhang Chao wouldn''t help you get out of anything." General Song chuckled. "You know quite a few things, Bai Li. But you are still not close enough. I would get all the help I need, and I don''t have to threaten anybody with anything." I narrowed my eyes. He surely meant Zhang Chao, but he didn''t mention his name. He was cautious until the end. Bastard. Bai Li shook his head. "Really, General Song? Do you think he would want to associate with you?" "Associate? What the fuck are you talking about?" "You must have understood that your career in the Army is over. You killed Tan Ye, forged the autopsy report to kick me out by misusing your power, harmed Yu Zichen, kidnapped and attempted to murder Su Weiyuan, and are a part of a vicious gang who kills people for fun. Then there is your affair with Sergeant Zi Mimi too. There might be many more charges against you to be still dug out. You know what will happen to you, right?" Silence. "A soldierbeled as a traitor and a shiny dishonorable dischargeing your way. They will take away all your medals and glory. They would strip you of your prestigious position you had over the years. The army would quietly deal with you privately because they don''t want the citizens to lose their trust. Of course, you know how it works, right?" he smiled. Su Weiyuan said with an expressionless countenance on his face. "The highest-ranking soldier of the Army is a traitor; there would be serious repercussions if this came out." Major General said, "Are you really in the illusion that Zhang Chao would help you, knowing that he could get in trouble trying to save a traitor? Will he think about you or himself?" I faintly smiled because it seemed as if General Song didn''t seem so sure anymore. I could sense a cloud of suspicion in his gaze and a sense of anxiety creeping in it too. We exchanged silent nces. I typed. "I think he won''t hesitate to kill you either. You know. To keep your mouth shut? I mean, look what happened to Duan Deming. He is with IB but is your boss helping him at all? What makes you think you are any different?" General Song glowered at us. "Heh. That man is just a little pawn. He is unimportant. Do you think the boss has the time to deal with every pest?" Bai Li said, "A threat is a threat when you are caught, General. Being a pawn or king doesn''t matter. For your boss, you or Duan Deming are just ticking time bombs." He smiled. "But you know that the Army won''t kill you. And who knows, your boss might kill you the same way as it does to others? I mean, why not have some fun along the way?" General Song took a deep breath. "I will tell you everything, but in return, you won''t expose anything about me." "Beggars can''t be choosers." "Bai Li!" He shrugged. "Either choose to spit out everything you know and stay alive or don''t say anything but die either way." General Song gritted his teeth. "Alright...You are right. The boss and the other men use the dark web through which they ess the app and sends out fake emails to trap them...and sometimes to do illegal deals too." "What is your role in all this?" Yu Zichen asked. "Protection mainly. And ears to keep tabs on any information from other countries since we do illegal trading. Being in the army gives me the advantages to know what is going on with other countries." "They have kidnapped another woman, right?" He nodded. "Because they cannot kill Chu Jie, so they kidnapped another woman." Bai Li quietly asked. "Tell me one important thing. Who killed Fu Meili?" The air suddenly felt a lot quieter. My eyelids flickered as I remembered how we had found her buried in the Natural Park. That bone-chilling memory still sent a shiver down my spine. And now, once again, I felt my gaze go blurry with tears. "I know that everyone is guilty of her murder. But I want to know who shed her throat. Who swung the knife and ended her life?" Bai Li seemed deadly serious. I felt a dark aura emanating from him that could make anyone shiver and which made me recall his promise. ''I couldn''t save her from dying. But I will give her the justice she deserves.'' ''I will be her hero.'' General Song said, "I heard it was someone who went by the username - Bloodygame." I had seen that username on the dark web when Qi Qiang was showing the chat records. "...I see." Then Bai Li gave his coldest smile ever. He inclined towards him and said with a quiet but deadly voice, "And you didn''t do anything about the fact that they killed an eight-year-old girl?" General Song said nothing. "Not even a little bit of conscience shook you to know that they killed a little girl and buried her. Just a child who identally stumbled across your crimes. Just a child who wanted to see so much of this world, but she couldn''t." "She was a threat-" Suddenly Bai Li grabbed his head and banged it hard on the table. "Ughh!!" "Just like you, isn''t it? Now you are no more than a threat either for your boss." Blood oozed out from his forehead, and he clutched it, blinking his eyes. "Bai Li, you bastard." "I cannot be more of a bastard than you. Now spit it out. Where are the others kept? And give me a name." "Ugh" Major General said, "Do you want to add more pain? I will dly bang your head again." "W-wait! I will tell you. C-Chu Jie and the others a-are kept at-" *CRASH. BANG. BANG.* "Ah!" Suddenly, the tiny window at the opposite wall shattered into pieces, and General Song slowly copsed on the floor with blood gushing out of his neck. We froze for a moment. I looked at him, stunned and aghast. Sergeant Zi Mimi on my side copsed, too, as I saw a hole drill in her temple. Her head bobbed sideways, and she seemed motionless. What happened? "Fuck! Somebody got a whiff of it, and they came to kill the General!" Yu Zichen cursed. Su Weiyuan dashed towards the window and peeked. "The man is escaping." Bai Li rained curses. "Fuck! We cannot waste time. Go and try to catch him!" Major General shouted. "Let''s go! We have to stop him." Su Weiyuan and the others quickly left the ce. Bai Li asked, "Xin Lei. Sergeant Zi Mimi?" I checked her pulse and shook my head. I typed. "Dead. Bullet pierced through her temple into the brain. Instant death." "Damn." I quickly held General Song''s head and put my hand on his wound to stop the blood. "Ugh" General Song was squirming restlessly on the floor. His eyes were rolling back because he was having difficulty breathing. "How does it look, Xin Lei?" I cursed because I knew he would die at any moment. I quickly typed. "The bullet has definitely damaged his windpipe. Even if I am stopping the blood flow, he might have only a few minutes to survive. He needs an emergency operation, but we will be toote till we reach the hospital." "Fuck!" "B-B-Bai Li" Bai Li leaned. "General. Where are Chu Jie and the others kept? What ce is that?" He was tightly knitting his brows as if he was gathering his everyst bit of strength to speak. He was sweating hard. "S...S-Sch" "Sch?" Bai Li said. "S-Schaaahh" He suddenly gasped hard. His eyeballs froze at the spot, and his head rolled backward. "General? General?" I typed. "General Song is dead." Chapter 181: Attack on Duan Deming Chapter 181: Attack on Duan Deming Time: 12.44 AM. Twenty-five hours and forty-six minutes remaining. *Xin Lei* In the Army base, General Song and Sergeant Zi Mimi''s bodies were handled by the soldiers as they were doing their usual procedures. Bai Li, Major Genera Shi, Su Weiyuan, and Yu Zichen had a lot to answer to the officials. It wasplete silence as the higher-ranking officials knew what happened. I was there, too, as I gave my statement. Everybody epted one fact. It was a disaster. General Song, the highest-ranking soldier of the Chinese Army, was a traitor who spied for the mysterious gang. He was involved in illegal dealings and murders of so many innocent people, including Tan Ye. He kicked out one honest soldier on false charges of killing a civilian and attempted murder on a Captain. The Army''s reputation was as good as finished. I was waiting outside since all the soldiers and the upper management got into an emergency meeting to discuss the next action n. I sighed. General Song and Sergeant Zi Mimi died, and we couldn''t catch the shooter either. When Su Weiyuan and the others came back, they said that the killer already fled the scene. It had already been an hour since the meeting started, and another thirty minutes mark was about to be crossed. The door opened, and everybody finally returned. I quickly walked up to Bai Li and typed. *What happened?" Bai Li said, "As expected. We cannot disclose the fact that General Song actively betrayed the Army. Major General Shi is still talking to those old booties." Yu Zichen shrugged. "It''s decided that General Song was forced to submit to the culprits or they would take serious action against his family. He tried to save Su Weiyuan, but the gang got a whiff of it, and they killed him." Su Weiyuan said, "More like he sacrificed his life." I looked at them, dumbfounded. I quickly typed. "But if we don''t bring out the fact that General Song killed Tan Ye, then how would it clear Bai Li''s name? Somebody shot him if Bai Li didn''t." Bai Li smiled and patted my head. "It''s kind of sorted out too. We will say that General confessed at thest moment that he was threatened with his family if he didn''t kill Tan Ye and put the me on me." That was crazy! What are those idiots officials thinking!? Bai Li said, "I know what you are thinking. It is unfair to Tan Ye''s family. They deserve to know the true culprit and his true reason." I furiously nodded. Su Weiyuan smiled. "Don''t worry. Bai Li gave those old booties a nice dose. We said that whatever the circumstances, we will tell the truth to Tan Ye''s family. We will ask them, if possible, to keep secrecy about this fact. We won''t force them." I pursed my lips. Yu Zichen shook his head. "It''s okay, Xin Lei. Even if we cannot expose General Song''s deeds to the public, his years of service and reputation in the Army have been already destroyed. The soldiers who once respected him aren''t even mourning his death anymore." Bai Li said, "And the most important thing any soldier could lose is his or her honor. Ask me how that feels. That is why he was ready to spill out about the gang. He might be a martyr in the civilians'' eyes but is a traitor for the Army forever. That traitor tag against one''s name is something that is a nightmare for any soldier. His family would suffer a setback, too, because he betrayed. His soul would never rest in peace." I slowly nodded. I hugged Bai Li and caressed my hand through his back. I ced a soft kiss on his cheek. He hugged me back, and we stayed like that for a few moments. Major General Shi returned after a few minutes too. "Done?" He nodded. "Tomorrow, Su Weiyuan and I will visit Tan Ye''s family and exin everything." We nodded. Bai Li asked, "Where is Lin Zihao?" "He has tracked the bar where Rodey used to regrly visit to meet some people. He has headed there to investigate." "Call us if he finds something." My phone buzzed, and I checked that it was Bro''s call. "Lei Lei." Bro''s voice was cold and grim as he spoke. I immediately figured something was wrong. Bai Li narrowed his eyes. "What has happened?" "Duan Deming, who Luo Zhiqiang took tonight to shift in IB prison, was attacked midway." --- Time: 1:32 AM. We quickly reached the hospital where Duan Deming was admitted. "Xin Lei!" Liao Huifang jumped into my hug and started sobbing quietly. What happened to her? Bro was outside the ward with a serious expression on his face. I looked at him questioningly. Bai Li asked, "Why are you crying?" Shi Ruiling said, "Zhen didn''t get the time to say the whole thing, but Luo Zhiqiang was shot as well in the attack." I widened my eyes in disbelief. Liao Huifang trembled more as she heard it and cried even harder. "What exactly happened?" Bai Li asked. She sighed. "Well, one of our officers was driving the van, and suddenly everybody heard a shot. It was a bullet shot at the tire. It punctured and the van lost its bnce, but he somehow made it stop. Then there was another shot immediately after, and it pierced straight through Duan Deming''s chest. Luo Zhiqiang and the other officers got out. He ordered them to look after Duan Deming and call an ambnce while he chased after the attacker for quite far. He had a gunfight against him in which he was shot in the shoulder." Liao Huifang once again burst into soft sobs and hugged me tighter. It was natural since I figured that she might like Luo Zhiqiang "Xin Lei...he was bleeding very badly when I saw him in the hospitalHis eyes were shut...i-is he going to?" I shook my head and quickly typed. "Nothing will happen to Luo Zhiqiang. Trust me. A shot at the shoulder isn''t life-threatening. See, even Bai Li was shot in the shoulder. But he is fine and kicking alive, right?" "*Ahem*" Bai Li coughed. Liao Huifang slowly nodded and seemed to calm down. I typed. "What are the doctors saying?" The atmosphere felt even tenser now. I could already feel the gloominess oozing out of the air. Shi Ruiling said, "Luo Zhiqiang will be fine." I nodded and smiled at Liao Huifang. See? I told you. She softly smiled back. "And Duan Deming?" Bai Li asked. "That is the problem. He was shot in the chest, very close to the heart. The doctors also cannot say anything for now." Fuck. Closer to the heart meant that many vital arteries and nerves around it could have got damaged. It could affect the blood and oxygen supply to the rest of his organs, and that could make his condition even more dangerous! He might even slip into aa. Ughh...what rotten luck! My head was starting to ache. First, somebody killed General Song and Zi Mimi, and now Duan Deming is so close to losing his life as well. He was our only hope now to know anything about the boss and the hideout. Shi Ruiling''s voice snapped me back from my thoughts. "Luo Zhiqiang also shot at the attacker. It was on his abdomen." "Who was he? Did Luo Zhiqiang see his face?" Bro narrowed his eyes. "He caught his side profile. The attacker was Rodey." --- *** Rodey returned to the base, huffing, and puffing, clutching his abdomen, then was slightly bleeding. He cursed. That bastard shot me where I was already hurt on my stomach! Thankfully, the bullet only grazed past me, or I was a goner. "Boss Rodey." The guards came to him and helped him stand as he almost staggered his way. "Scram!" he coldly said, "I don''t need your help." "But the boss wouldn''t like it" they hesitated. Everybody knew how Rodey was an important member of the gang and equally to the boss. "Fuck off!" The pain was pissing him off. The guards straightened up and ran away with tail in between their legs. Rodey leaned on the wall, tired. His hand in his pocket touched Ying Yue''s handkerchief. He took it out and stared at it for a long time. ''Use it if your wound starts bleeding again.'' Her soft and concerned voice rang in his ears. The troubled expression on her small face shed past his eyes. ''Please save my daughter'' Their words kept hammering in his mind. He punched a fist on the wall. Fuck! I don''t have any idea what to do! --- The door to the room slowly opened where Chu Jie, Cocoa, Long Hu, and Ying Yue were kept. The man codenamed as Risfun, quietly tip-toed in the room. Everybody was sleeping as they got tired. His gaze fell on Ying Yue, and an eerie smile lit his lips. He stepped towards her, and Ying Yue''s brows furrowed as she felt a presence. She blinked and opened her eyes and inwardly froze to see the same man who tried to sexually assault her in the bar. Risfun smiled disgustingly as he flicked his tongue over his lower lip, eyeing her body. "Hey, babe." He whispered. "I cannot wait anymore. Let''s have some fun together." Chapter 182: Lets get started... Chapter 182: Let''s get started... Ying Yue slightly trembled by the way he spoke. She could clearly feel the lust in his gaze and words. She recalled how he was trying to feel her in the bar, and if not for Rodey, she didn''t know what would have happened. She peeked outside, but there was nobody. Risfun smirked. "There is nobody who would disturb us, darling. We will have some fun, and you will be back without anybody knowing anything." He sighed. "We are ying with that other woman" She stiffened on hearing Xue Jingjing''s mention from his mouth. "...But I cannot wait. I always wanted you. I was so desperate to have you. But that damn Rodey suddenly stuffed her on us, and we had to postpone your fun time." Ying Yue felt as if thunder struck her. Her body froze, and she felt paralyzed for a moment. She raised her head and stared at him, dumbfounded. "R-Rodey?" "Yeah. He dragged that woman here. Not that we are not happy. We are thrilled to have more fun, but" he sneered, "you were my target. I specifically chose you, but then Rodey forced me to wait, shoving that other woman on us and telling us to deal with her first." Her gaze got unfocused, and she went into a trance. Rodey...Rodey brought JingjingWhy? Why would he bring her here In a daze, she already couldn''t hear what Risfun was saying anymore. She was only thinking about Rodey. For a moment...just for a moment, she thought that maybe he knew how Jingjing abandoned her, so he brought her here for revenge. Maybe, just maybe, he was angry for her sake. And at that thought, she suddenly felt something warm gushing in her heart with all its force like it never did before, like how water breaks a dam apart and flows out with all its strength. Something was tickling her from within. Something was bubbling in her chest. It was the same sensation she felt when Rodey had pecked her on her cheek. She didn''t know what it was. It was indescribable for her that she couldn''t fathom its meaning. Did he kidnap Jingjing because he...cares about me? That was quite bold to imagine for her. In all her twenty years, she knew that only her mother cared about her. There was absolutely nobody else. She wanted to think that it was like that, but she didn''t want to assume either. She didn''t want false hopes. No... Maybe he brought her another reason. Maybe, it has nothing to do with me... Ying Yue knew that they were worlds apart and not just with the way they lived. Not only because she was aw-abiding citizen and he was a criminal, but because she felt he was too far from her reach. Rodey had that aura; he had that charisma that attracted thousands of women to flock around him. Out of all those women, why would he care about a woman named Ying Yue, who, ording to herself, was boring and not that pretty aspared to those numerous women he had flings with. Why would she be any special for him? She fidgeted with her dress, and an indescribable pain surged in her heart. Her feelings rose up and down as if she was riding a rollercoaster. Suddenly, somebody held her hand, and she snapped back from her stupor. Startled, she looked up and saw Risfun smiling at and dragging her up. "Stop." Panic flooded her chest. She resisted his grip, but it was too strong. "Come on, babe," he whispered, "We will be back in no time." "No!" "Grrrr" Risfun froze as he heard an angry growl from behind him. He looked behind to see Cocoa glowering at him with a sharp gaze akin to a wild animal who was hunting. "GrrrArf!" Chu Jie and Long Hu suddenly woke up with his barking. "Eh...what happened? Why are you barking Cocoa-" Chu Jie shuddered and widened his eyes as he saw Risfun holding onto Ying Yue''s wrist. Long Hu said, "Hey, what are you doing!?" "Sis! Hey, leave her!" Cocoa threateningly stepped towards him, and his gaze turned more ferocious than ever. His ws were ready to tear apart his throat. "Arf! Arf!" Risfun stumbled for a moment, but then he remembered that he brought a gun with him. He took it out and aimed at Cocoa. Everybody widened their eyes in horror. "Heh! There is only one answer to filthy dogs like you. A bullet." Ying Yue turned pale. She didn''t want anybody else to get harmed because of her. "N-no. Don''t shoot him." Cocoa didn''t budge and kept his stance. Chu Jie cried. "Why are you here? Get out! You know sis has more time, then why are you taking her away?" "Fuck off, kid! Don''t tell me what to do." Long Hu was in no position to help. His arm was hurting like crazy. Risfun started to drag Ying Yue with him. "No, sis!!" Cocoa seemed to stare at his hand that held the gun. He suddenly jumped off to a side, away from the gun''s aim, and then leaped towards him in a sh. Risfun was startled. The gun almost fell from his hands, but he quickly caught on to it. "Arf!" Cocoa raised his paw and shed his left cheek with his razor-sharp ws. "Aaaahhh!" His skin tore, and blood oozed out of his face. This made him even more furious. He had a muscr build, so unlike other men who lost to Cocoa by only his one strike, Risfun managed to hold onto himself. He was able to resist Cocoa and his attacks. "Arf! Arf!" But Cocoa still scratched and bit him wherever he could. They were engaged in a deadly battle where nobody gave up. Risfun was mad in rage. It broke his patience. He finally secured his gun''s grip, and instead of shooting at Cocoa, he aimed at Chu Jie. Chu Jie froze. "No!" Ying Yue gasped. "Heh!" Risfun knew he couldn''t shoot him dead because he was the prize and fruit of their patience for waiting for seven days. But he could definitely hurt him. Risfun pushed Cocoa back with his other hand, and taking advantage of that split second, he fired a shot, and it grazed past Chu Jie''s arm. "Ahhh" Chu Jie stumbled and copsed, clutching his arm. "Chu Jie!" Long Hu and Ying Yue screamed at once. She said, "No, stop. I wille with you" Cocoa stopped as he heard Chu Jie''s whimpers. "Grrr" Cocoa jumped off and ran towards Chu Jie. Chu Jie was sniffling as a sharp pain shot in his arm. "It hurts" Long Hu gritted his teeth. "You bastard! How could you do this?" Cocoa worriedly circled Chu Jie and was smelling his arm and his wound. He licked on the blood that was trickling out. "Hurts" "Arf. Arf." He nudged his furry body against him to calm him down. Risfun sneered. "Well, that takes care of you." Without waiting for a second longer, he started to drag Ying Yue again. "Arf!" "No!" Ying Yue shook her head and signaled him to stop. Cocoa quietly sat back. Just take care of Chu Jie, she intensely stared at him. "Ooo" he softly howled. His instinct told him that both needed help, but he listened to Ying Yue, who seemed desperate. Just like how he couldn''t leave Bai Li alone at that time in the terminal when he had an anxiety attack, he couldn''t leave Chu Jie alone too now. He sensed that he was crying in pain. Risfun shut the door and threw Ying Yue in another room. Her chest was heaving breathlessly in fear and panic, and she slowly looked up. Risfun licked his lips. "You had quite an attitude that night. Let me crush it now into dust. Babe, I am so dying to enter you, yum yum. I wonder how you would taste like" Ying Yue didn''t want to show she was scared of him, but she felt she was failing. "You know Rodey''s principle. If you touch me, then he won''t tolerate it." Risfunughed. "That shitty principle of not raping a woman? Tsk. So boring. Don''t worry, babe. He won''t know anything. I''ll make sure of it. Now let''s get started" And with that, he began to unbuckle his belt. She was shifting backward, but her back bumped on the bed. "Hmm, you are quite beautiful actually...and now let me taint your wless body with my marks" His pants slipped off, and his hard member sprung out. She looked away in disgust. "Look. It''s so hot and ready to devour you." He couldn''t wait anymore and immediately wanted to ram inside her core. Ying Yue resisted and protested and threw whatever she could find at him, but he onlyughed it off. Risfun inclined towards her to grab her shoulder and tear apart her dress. With that bloody and scratched face, he looked even more horrifying. Ying Yue shut her eyes, the corner of her eyes getting wet. It''s over *CRACK* She suddenly heard a loud crack, followed by a piercing scream. "Ahhhhhh!!!" Chapter 183: Come with me Chapter 183: Come with me Time: 1:32 AM. Twenty-four hours and fifty-eight minutes left. "Ahhhhhhh!!!" Risfun''s eyes almost popped out of his sockets as his wrist bone cruelly broke apart at the center. He felt every second of the time as the wrist snapped. Ying Yue didn''t know what happened, so she slowly opened her eyes to peek. Then her gaze widened as she saw Rodey holding onto that man''s wrist that was almost hanging off his arm like a loose screw. There was a bone-chilling smile on his lips and gaze as dark as a thunderstorm. The expression on his face was pure malice. "Somebody has seemed to forget his position, Risfun." "Ahhh..ahhh...stop...my hand! What are you doing, Rodey? Let me go!" Ying Yue was staring at Rodey with a silly expression on her face. H-he came A sense of relief washed over her heart. The panic and fear died down in an instant. Rodey''s bloodthirsty gaze was focussed entirely on him. "Tell me. What did I tell you in the bar before?" "Rodey m-my hand" He was panting as excruciating pain attacked him as if bolts of lightning struck him. "What did I tell you before?" Risfun gritted his teeth and looked at him as sweat trickled down the sides of his head. "Why are you going so far for this woman!? This is between her and me!" Rodey put crushing pressure on his wrist again, and he almost passed out. "R-Rodeyyou are getting too ahead of yourself" Rodey sneered and chuckled. "And why not? All of you here are just ants for me. You just ignored the boss''s right-handmands, and you know the boss knows my principle, so in effect, you have gone against the boss too. I am Rodey, and who are you? What is your position here?" He leaned in and whispered. "Just like that useless cop spy who I shot just now." "Rodey!" "Voice. Down." Rodey dangerously enounced each word. From the corner of his eye, he looked at Ying Yue, whose clothes were slightly disheveled. That lowered the temperature until it felt chilly. He coldly smiled. "Quite the nerve to go against my orders even when I warned you in the bar." Risfun was squirming in pain. "We bring them here to have fun! Forcing women to have sex with me is fun for me! Why are you interfering!? It has got nothing to do with you!" Ying Yue slightly shuddered. The way he just said that was so heartless and cruel as if it meant nothing to him. And it didn''t either. Rodey tilted his head. "It has got everything to do with me." Nobody knew when Rodey moved his leg, and itnded straight on that man''s hardened member, crushing it on the floor. "AHHHHH!" Risfun clutched his balls, and that broken penis was dangling just like his loose wrist on his arm. Rodey lifted his foot and crashed it on his member once again. Ying Yue was utterly horrified. Not that she felt anything for the man, but the sheer cruelty still took her aback. Blood spurted out, and it dyed the floor in red. Risfun was in so much pain that he couldn''t even welp anymore. His manhood was broken and crushed out of order, and the pain that arose with it made him stars in front of his eyes. It didn''t end there. Rodey kept rubbing his shoe on his member, grinding it against the hard floor and spraying out more blood. Risfun was already losing his focus. Tears gushed out as the pain was just too much to bear. He couldn''t even whimper. Ying Yue turned her head away from that gruesome scene. She felt a nauseating feeling in her throat. Rodey smiled. "This is much better than directly cutting it off, don''t you agree? This is much more ''fun'' as you say." Risfun glowered at him, and bearing the acute pain, he forced himself to say, "I-I...will...I will kill you" Rodey chuckled. "Shouldn''t you be able to first stand on your feet to do that? Your threat isn''t much threatening with the way you are lying on the floor with that dysfunctional penis dangling around. But I am not done with you yet." Ying Yue knitted her brows. Not done? Rodey took out his small dagger. He bent and forced the tongue out of his mouth. Risfun widened his eyes. "Mmnnnn!!" He couldn''t even move because even a slight shift in his ce caused a terrible pain down there as if his body was splitting into half. Rodey leaned until he could whisper in his ear. "There is something else you should know apart from my principle." Ying Yue couldn''t hear what he was saying. Risfun looked at him in horror. He was getting a bad feeling, seeing the dagger in his hand. Dread crept in his body. The smile on Rodey''s face disappeared, and it changed into something darker and sinister and... possessive. "Only I can call her babe." And in the next instant, his tongue was severed in a sh, and it flew outside on the floor. Ying Yue covered her mouth and was almost close to puking. Blood gushed in his mouth like a never-ending waterfall. Now, with his tongue gone, he was unabto even whimper. He could only silently lie on the floor, writhing in pain. Rodey wondered if he should finish him by shooting him in the head but decided against it. The massive blood loss alone from his penis and mouth would kill him in a few minutes. And not just kill; it would make him feel every second that he was dying. Risfun was wriggling in pain and panic like a fish taken out of water who ps its body. Rodeyzily waited. Risfun writhed and squirmed, and every moment he felt that his life was sucked out of him. The world was getting dimmer and hazier. This was the end. At hisst moments, he thought, Hahais this how all those... people felt when they died? A crazy smile curved his lips. I-I see...It is indeed... horribleso painful... He slowly turned limp, and his body stopped moving. Risfun was dead. Ying Yue softly asked, "Is he d-" "Yup. Dead." "I see" The threat was gone. She was safe. "Th-thank you" For the first time, tears rimmed in her eyes. She really thought for a moment that she would lose her dignity tonight. Rodey then silently looked at her. "How the fuck did you end up here? Don''t you have brains to understand that everything was a hoax?" He didn''t want to burst out like that, but seeing her here and his helplessness to save her made him irritated and mad. Since the time he saw her here, he felt totally confused. There were two voices in his head that ripped his head off. One said to save her, and one said to ignore what happens to her. She was just another target. He wanted to throw that first voice out, but he couldn''t. It screamed and screamed that he would regret it if he saw her die. And that was making him frustrated every second. Saving her meant going against the boss. Even today, he instinctively went out to help her because the thought of another man touching her ignited a strange but deadly fury in his heart that he didn''t understand. Ying Yue lowered her head. "Sorry...I need money so I-" "Shut up! Just shut up!" She jolted and stopped talking. "Money, money, money! Do you even know that you don''t need to work to pay the debt? Because your cousin pushed you ten years ago in the first ce! That ident was because of her, and you, like a fool, is paying her back!" "W-what?" Her mouth dropped open in shock. Rodey said, "Yes. But forget it for now. Juste with me. I will take you out of here." She froze. "You are letting me free?" "Don''t ask questions and juste with me quickly," his jaw tightened in anxiousness. "And the others? Chu Jie, Long Hu and Cocoa?" "Do you think I am running a charity here? It''s only you. Now stop wasting time and get up." But she didn''t. He impatiently said, "Get up fast." Ying Yue shook her head. "I will note with you." "Say what?" "I cannot leave the rest and selfishly escape. If you are not taking them with you, then I won''te either." Rodey looked at her as if she was crazy. "Babe, you don''t even know them." "Not much, but I know that they are nice people. Everybody wanted to help me when this man took me away. Everybody was worried about me when that guard took me away. Chu Jie even cried and protested. Cocoa was constantly beside me, nudging me in concern. Long Hu tried his best to help even with his hurt arm. They also want to escape from this ce. My conscience will never let me live in peace, knowing that I left them here." "Are you in your freaking mind!" Her gaze slightly dimmed. "I know how it feels to be abandoned." Rodey wanted to bang his head somewhere. "That bitch was your cousin. But they are fucking strangers to you!" She faintly smiled. "Still connected to me by humanity. Sorry, Rodey. I will escape with them together if I have to. Otherwise, I stay here." Chapter 184: Vegetative state Chapter 184: Vegetative state Time: 5:53 AM. Neen hours and forty-seven minutes left. --- *Xin Lei* Duan Deming''s surgery took almost six hours before the cardiologist came out of the operation theatre. The doctor took out his mask. Bro quietly asked, "How is he?" "We have taken out the bullet, but it had hit too close to the heart. Two major arteries are damaged, which have made his condition too serious." I typed even though I knew what he was going to say. "What do you mean?" He sighed. "He has slipped into a vegetative state." Silence. "The operation was sessful, but we cannot say for sure when he would regain his consciousness. He can wake up tomorrow, in a week, in a month, or it may take up to years too. We cannot calcte it." I shut my eyes, feeling discouraged. "We will constantly monitor his condition and use different treatment methods to help him recover if possible. We will try our best." We only nodded, and he left. He would surely try to wake him up, but we didn''t have that much time to save Chu Jie and the others. Time was limited We talked to the other doctor who treated Luo Zhiqiang, and thankfully, he was okay. Liao Huifang was in his ward, waiting for him to wake up. I typed. "What will we do now?" Bai Li said, "We have to figure it out on our own. At least, General Song left a clue." Shi Ruiling asked, "What clue?" "The ce where they are kept. He couldn''t say it entirely. He died before that. But the sound of the word felt like something starting from Smaybe Sc something. Then he spoke incoherently, and I couldn''t hear it clearly." I nodded. It was the same for me. Bro''s expression seemed grim. "This is too less to work upon. There are a thousand ces that start with S and a few less with Sc but still difficult. It could be anything." I typed. "Name of the road? Street? Apartment or building?" "A shop? Cafe? An alley? There are too many options," Shi Ruiling sighed. "How will we know what he was pointing at?" Bai Li said, "We will figure it out. We have one hint that whatever that ce is like a home to the boss. We can map out all ces starting from Sc in Dongcheng. Maybe from one of them, we can get a clue." Well, for now, we had no other option. *** --- When Ying Yue had returned to the room, Chu Jie and Long Hu couldn''t contain their shocks to see her okay. They thought that she was done for. But when she exined what happened and how Rodey saved her, their shock knew no bounds. "Sis really? Rodey saved you? Isn''t he one of the gang members? Why would he do that?" Long Hu had his mouth wide open. "Seriously? He killed that man!? He killed one of his own? Am I dreaming?" She shook her head. "It is true. Because he has a principle." "Principle?" They frowned in confusion. "He doesn''t rape women, and neither does he allow anybody in this gang to do that either." Chu Jie was dumbfounded. "Really? They have principles too?" Long Hu held aplicated gaze. "Rodey seriously has that principle?" She nodded. "How do you know that?" She slightly clutched her dress. "A-actually...we know each other from before." When she said everything about how they met a few times, particrly when he was ready to take her away, they almost fainted. "Sis!" "Ying Yue!" They both eximed in unison. They wanted to pull their hair out. "He wanted to take you out, and you refused!? Why? Are you crazy? You could have been free!" "Sis! This was your chance to escape! Why did you let it go!" She shook her head. "I cannot leave you here and escape by myself." That left them even more stunned. "Why would you think about us? We are strangers to you." "I cannot do that. However possible, you all have helped me. I couldn''t abandon you in return for your kindness. I never will." Chu Jie turned emotional, and he hopped into her embrace. "Sis...you are an idiot. You should have left" He sniffled and sobbed as he hugged her. "Grrrr" Cocoa softly nudged her arm. Long Hu asked, "But why would he help you out of here?" Chu Jie nodded. "Isn''t it betrayal? Isn''t this going against them?" Ying Yue wasn''t sure herself. But she didn''t dare think anything that got her hopes up. Suddenly, the door barged open, and two bulky men came inside. "You bitch. Come out. It''s your turn now." Everybody froze. "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa was already in his stance to attack. Ying Yue pulled him back and somehow calmed him. "No...sis" Long Hu tried to get up and said, "Take me instead of her. But leave her." The guard kicked him on the stomach. "Shut up! You don''t tell us what to do, bastard!" She paled. "Long Hu!" "Ugh" Long Hu furiously coughed and stumbled back. "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa growled fiercely and pounced on one of the guards, and wed his face out. "Ahhhh!!" The other guard widened his eyes and quickly took out the tranquilizer dart. He shot it at Cocoa, who was scratching the first man. "Grrr" The dart hit Cocoa. He stumbled and copsed unconscious on the floor. He shook his head to fight the dizziness, but he couldn''t. "Cocoa!" Chu Jie cried and rushed to his side. He was helplessly rubbing his head. "You! What did you do?" "Shut it! Now that dog will be quiet for a while." The first man rained curses on Cocoa. "Fucking dog!" Ying Yue quickly stood up. "Stop, please. I wille. Don''t hurt them." They sneered. "You don''t have a choice." The other guard grabbed her arm and harshly dragged her out of the room. --- They threw Ying Yue at the center where the light suddenly shone upon her. Her eyes shut with sudden brightness. The men around her started to cheer loudly. "Oh, she is here!" "Not bad, huh" They whistled and rejoiced. "I cannot believe that Risfun is dead, though." Murmurs quickly ensued. "This is the first time that one of us has died because of our toy." "Rodey went this far to kill him. He is really serious about it, huh?" "That is what happens when you mess with Rodey. He was a fool to challenge him." They looked at her with curious gazes. It was always the victims who died, not their torturers. This was the first time that something changed. One of them wasn''t with them anymore. Even the boss, who was silently sitting on its throne, looked at Ying Yue with an indescribable feeling. When the boss came to know about what happened, the incident indeed took it aback. The boss knew about Rodey''s principle and his seriousness towards it. It knew everything about Rodey and why that principle meant so much to him. But it didn''t imagine that Rodey would kill him with so much cruelty. Not with the kind by which the others tortured. Rodey wasn''t that type. Certainly not of the type to crush the penis and then cut off the tongue. His solution was to straightaway shoot the person in the head. Simple and not messy at all. He didn''t care about being ruthless in the form of death he gave. So Risfun''s death intrigued the boss to know why Rodey changed like that. Would he have done that for any other woman? ...or only for her? On the other side, Ying Yue''s gaze finally adjusted to the light. She didn''t change her expression much with the men allughing and mocking her. Ilikeascars sneered as he walked up to her, carrying a belt in his hand. "Hey, woman. Do you know why you are here?" "To torture me." Everybody was dumbfounded. She was saying it so calmly and with such ease that it took them aback. "I know what is going to happen to me." "So what do you think about us?" he smiled. Ying Yue remembered something that Long Hu said, "Never ever say that they are crazy or insane. They flip out when anybody says that they are out of their minds." "Everybody has different tastes for entertainment and fun. Though I disagree with your methods, in the end, everybody is different." Silence. "And you don''t care that you are going to die here?" Some other man questioned. Rodey, who was watching everything from the corner in the dark, was getting strangely restless even though he didn''t show it on his face. Why the fuck did you note with me!? He cursed. The moment he saw the guard push her, he had a strange urge to shoot him dead! And now, she was talking to some crazy bastards. Yeah, now go ahead and pull out your statistics, or whatever you call it, he spoke to himself. Ying Yue said, "Statistically speaking, 1,50,000 people die every day around the globe. My death wouldn''t be a strange urrence." I knew it, Rodey thought. Everybody looked at her in disbelief and shock. And strangely they were restless probably because Her calmness in this situation reminded them of Liao Chuntao...and herst words before she died. Chapter 185: Tell us what happened Chapter 185: Tell us what happened Time: 6:35 AM. Eighteen hours and fifty-five minutes left. --- *Xin Lei* Luo Zhiqiang was discharged from the hospital as he was out of danger now. For Duan Deming, we had already lost all hope but still told the doctor to inform us if he wakes up in a rare chance. Back at the apartment where Dad was, he said, "I heard what happened. It''s unfortunate." I nodded. Then I saw someone else who looked all too familiar to me. "Qi Qiang!" Liao Huifang eximed and rushed towards him. He raised his head from hisptop, and just as he was about to say something, Liao Huifang pounced on him. "Qi Qiang! How are you here?" He pushed her away and wiped his shirt. "Ew Liao Huifang. Stay away. You must haven''t even taken a bath yet." I chuckled. She hit him on the head. "Shut up! You don''t look anything different than a zombie, either." He adjusted his sses and said, "At least I am clean. Shoo. Don''te close to me." "Hah! Now I will rub all of myself on you." And she inched towards him. Qi Qiang hopped off the couch and ran. "Hey! Stay away from me, you filthy dumbo." They were ying their tug-of-war when Luo Zhiqiang suddenly cleared his throat. I held in my smile as his expression seemed cold and dark. I guess their feelings are mutual hoho~~ "I think somebody does not like it. I can sense something dark emanating from my side." Bai Limented. I typed. "It''s Luo Zhiqiang." "I thought so." I giggled. "Nice to meet you, Qi Qiang." Bai Li smiled. "Big bro! Big sis!" I nodded and smiled. I typed. "Who brought you here?" "Big brother Xin Zhen. He sent an officer from IB to pick me up, and he brought me here." Big bro just shrugged. "We are all in Dongcheng, so why not gather together?" "A very bright boy indeed," Dad said, "I am amazed how he works on theptop. I cannot even see him typing. He taught me so many things, too, while you were gone." Qi Qiang grinned. "That was just some basic thingsOh yes! I searched for some ces starting from SC in Dongcheng." We immediately gathered around him. Bai Li asked, "What did you find?" "There are many ces. I have opened the map here and marked all the ces. Maybe it can help." We took a look, and I said the same to Bai Li. I listed out all the ces, and he shook his head. Shi Ruiling sighed. "There are so many ces. Cafes, shops, malls, street names..." "But none of them feels it''s the base. No. I think we are looking at this from the wrong direction. We are missing something out. I don''t know what." Bai Li brushed his hand through his hair and sighed. There was silence as we all put on our thinking caps. Dad rubbed his chin. "Something starting from SC...it cannot necessarily be that way." I typed. "I get that feeling. Like maybe we have to generalize it." Bro narrowed his eyes. "I think the General might be pointing towards something more basic, and we are looking at specifics. This isn''t helping." Qi Qiang and Liao Huifang frowned. "I don''t understand." Bai Li said. "Like um... We have to sort by ces that start with SC, but they are not their actual names. For example, Aromas is a cafe in Dongcheng that starts with AR, but if you look at it from the point of view as to what kind of ce it basically is, then ites down to the fact that it is a cafe. So it starts from CA. Aromas is the specific name, but generally, it''s a cafe." I typed. "Like the Pheonix mall, which is the biggest shopping mall in Dongcheng. It starts with PH, but it''s basically a mall, so we can say that it starts from MA." "Aaah, now I get it." They nodded. I typed. "I think that''s what we were missing out. That''s why these ces are not making any sense." "Yeah. I think he was trying to say what sort of ce is that, not it''s actual name." Dad shrugged. "Plus, the spots on the map are all functioning and crowded ces. The boss would hardly choose it as a ce where they want to torture victims. Too much visibility. They cannot bring victims without anybody ever noticing them." Suddenly, my phone buzzed, and I frowned as I looked at an unknown number. "Who is it?" Bro asked. I shook my head, indicating that I had no idea. "Pick it up." As soon as I clicked on the green button, I heard a panicked voice from the other end. "Is it Xin Lei? I am Zhang Chao. Please help me!" Eh? What happened? Bai Li asked, "Zhang Chao? What happened? Why do you seem in panic?" "Is that you, Bai Li? Please. I need your help and mainly Xin Lei''s. M-my Ning is injured. Somebody just almost knocked her against a car. She is b-bleeding...I-I don''t know what to do" An attack on Zhang Ning again? I quickly typed. "Is it Zhang Xin?" "I am not sure. I have asked my assistant to investigate. Right now, the culprit is unclear, but I think it could be her. Pleasee quickly. I-I" Bai Li asked, "But you must have your own doctor, right?" "Right now, I cannot trust anybody!" He suddenly yelled in frustration. "The attack was too close to our home, and I don''t know if the culprit is nearby. What if some doctor I call turns out to be in disguise, and instead of treating her, he kills her! I can only think of you!" Zhang Chao was too riled up. I could even hear him breathing heavily on the other end and the sound of his "...A-and sorry if it seems rude, but you cannot talk, so I can verify that you are the real doctor. And Bai Li cannot see either so..." Suddenly, bro banged his fist on the table. His expression wasn''t a very good sight to see. Ughh I signed and said that it was fine. I wasn''t offended. Dad raised his hand and gave one nce to him. Shi Ruiling patted his shoulder, and he only cursed. Bai Li said, "Zhang Chao. People can pretend to be mute and blind." "I have my methods to ''verify.'' Now, please, will youe? I know you don''t like me because I...I got my driver killed to hide Qiuyue''s death, but please help Ning! She wasn''t involved!" I typed. "Is she in your house?" "Yes." Bai Li asked, "So she doesn''t need hospitalization?" "I don''t think it''s that serious...she has hit her head, but other than that, there are no injuries on her body." I typed. "Okay. We will be there." "Thank you. Pleasee fast. Should I send someone to pick you?" Bai Li said, "We wille on our own." "Okay... pleasee fast. I am waiting!" He hung up. "Fucking bastard!" Bro cursed. I hugged bro and smiled. He snorted. "You can be fine with it, but I am not." Dad asked, "Are you really going?" I typed. "I cannot ignore if he has called me as a doctor." Bai Li said, "Let''s go. Maybe we can get some clue to the ce there." I typed. "I thought the same." Liao Huifang said, "I wille with you too!" Luo Zhiqiang slowly got up. "I think I can help you as well." I typed. "You should rest, Luo Zhiqiang. Liao Huifang cane if she wants." Bro said, "She is right. You rest, Zhiqiang. Help us in cracking their base down until Xin Lei is done treating Zhang Ning." "I will look for more such general ces," Qi Qiang already started typing on hisptop. "Let''s go, Xin Lei." --- The guard let us in, and as soon as we got inside, Zhang Chao hurriedly came towards us. "Thank God! I will take you to her room. Ning is getting even paler. Please" His brows were tightly knitted together. I nodded. He took us to her room, and I saw Zhang Ning lying on the bed, breathing heavily with sweat covered on her forehead. She was slightly trembling and shaking. I sat beside her and took her pulse. It was getting weaker and weaker. Her gaze seemed unfocused too. I checked her wound on her head, and it indeed looked bad. Her forehead felt hot, too, with a fever. I listed some things down and typed. "Get these things quickly. I will stitch her wound and bandage it." Zhang Chao immediately handed it over to one guard. "Do as she says." "Ugh." Zhang Ning mumbled. "Dad" He sat on her other side and patted her head. "Ning Ning don''t worry. Look. Xin Lei is here. You will be fine in no time. Just stay strong" "Dad" I typed. "Don''t say anything and rest. Don''t strain yourself. It will be more painful if you speak." The guard brought everything I needed, and I immediately got to work. I stitched her wound in ten minutes and quickly wrapped her head with medical tape. I typed. "It''s done. I have injected some medicine to lower down her temperature. Let her rest now." Zhang Chao said, "Thank you...I am so grateful to you." Bai Li said, "So, show your gratitude by telling us what happened." Chapter 186: The little drawings Chapter 186: The little drawings Time: 6: 30 AM. Eighteen hours left. *Xin Lei* We went outside, letting Zhang Ning rest. Zhang Chao took us into his study. Bai Li roughly turned his head his way and asked, "What happened?" "Ning was partying all night with her friends, and when she returned at almost 5:30 in the morning, a car suddenly drove past her at high speed and knocked her out. Her head hit a pole, and that''s how she got the injury." I typed. "Did she see who was driving the car? Did she say anything when you brought her back home?" Zhang Chao was seemingly restlessly, tapping his finger on the desk. "No. She wasn''t in any state to speak." Bai Li tilted his head. "Did you check the CCTV of the area where she was hit?" "Of course! When Xin Lei was treating her, my guard had already brought the footage for me to look." Then his fists tightened. "I saw how my Ning was thrown off by that car! Thankfully, I think Ning spotted it, racing towards her at thest moment, so she stepped out of the way a bit. At least at least it didn''t do much damage" The strain in his voice was evident. "When I took a look at the CCTV, I saw that car. Actually, even I am not sure who it was. I couldn''t see the driver''s face, but she was definitely a woman. I could make that out from the body structure of that woman sitting on the driver''s seat." I typed. "Can you show us the footage?" Zhang Chao bought his tab and yed the footage. As he said, Zhang Ning was walking when headlights shone at a distance. The car came at high speed. She turned just when it was a few yards away from her, and she tried to dodge, but the car still managed to hit her. Zhang Ning was pushed away, and her head hit the pole. Then she copsed on the ground. I rewound the tape and focused on the driver this time. Once again, as Zhang Chao said, the driver''s face wasn''t visible, but I could see her body. The street light shining on the seat for a moment allowed me to verify her gender. It was definitely a woman. "It''s a woman, right?" I typed. "Yes. It is a woman." Liao Huifang said, "Ah, yes...I mean, I can see the chest." Zhang Chao banged his fist on the desk. "I was hoping for the driver to be a man. But if it''s a woman, then... then it couldn''t be anyone other than Xin! She has already tried to kill her twice." He covered his face with his hands. "I don''t know what sin I have done to get a daughter like her. She is hell-bent on killing her family!" "How did you find Zhang Ning?" Bai Li asked. "I was trying to call her since it was quitete, but she didn''t pick up. I called her almost ten times, but nobody answered. I got a bad feeling and immediately sent guards to look for her where she had the party. But they saw her at the side of the road, lying unconscious. They brought her back, and I immediately called you because I knew it was a nned attack." We stepped out of the study and walked around the house until Zhang Ning was resting. But just like Zhang Chao had said before, there was nothing about Zhang Xin anywhere. "Let''s go to Zhang Xin''s room." Liao Huifang said, "I don''t think there won''t be anything there. Didn''t he say the fire destroyed everything?" I typed. "This whole ce feels like only Zhang Ning lived here from the beginning." He shrugged. "Just to get a feel of it. That ce which caught on fire was the storeroom where her photos were kept. Her own room is different." We went to Zhang Xin''s room as guided by the guard. It was locked, and he opened it for us. Her room was quite dusty and out of shape, and I already sneezed like ten times. Surprisingly, the things in this room were kept as it is even though they were never cleaned. There were some toys and all the children stuff still lying on the bed. I walked with Bai Li, holding his hand while he took the general feel of the room. "Hey, I found a drawing book!" Liao Huifang eximed. "I found it in her drawer. Oh, but it''s so dusty." She came to us and showed the book. There were many pictures drawn, clearly by a child. "What is it in the pictures?" Bai Li asked. She said. "Actually, all of these drawings give a sorrowful feeling. There are a man and a woman and two little girls in the middle, but there is a line between the man and a little girl and the woman and the other little girl." I nodded. I could sense mncholy in the picture. Bai Li said, "They are the Zhang couple and daughters. But which one is standing with Zhang Qiuyue and which one with Zhang Chao? And why the division?" I had no idea either. There were some other pictures in which it seemed like the man and the woman were fighting. I typed. "Weren''t Zhang Chao and Zhang Qiuyue fought quite often?" He nodded. "I think she drew just one of their many fights." On the next page, I saw a little girl carrying a kitten in her hands. The background was of a garden. The girl''s hands were around the kitten''s neck, and that girl had a creepy smile on her face. I shuddered. It was a simple drawing with limited abilities like how a child usually draws, but it still sent shivers down my spine. When I said the same to Bai Li, he blinked his eyes. "Didn''t Zhang Ning say that Zhang Qiuyue had brought her a cat? And Zhang Xin killed her?" I typed. "I think she has drawn herself." Liao Huifang said, "Zhang Xin might be a criminal, but these drawings are good, considering her age at that time." Then there was one picture of a woman lying dead, bleeding from her neck. Definitely Zhang Qiuyue. Then as she flipped the pages, we saw some more drawings, but Zhang Qiuyue wasn''t there anymore. It was only the man and two little girls. But one of them was standing far from the man and the other little girl. I described the same to Bai Li. "At this point, I think Zhang Qiuyue was dead, so she isn''t in the pictures too." Liao Huifang nodded. "And maybe it represents how she feels that Zhang Chao only loved Zhang Ning, so they are together while she is standing alone at the side." Then there were other pictures of a little girl trying to run away from some people who wanted to drag her back. I typed. "I think these are her doctors. The psychiatrists that Zhang Chao hired to treat her." Liao Huifang said, "Ugh, why am I feeling so bad? These drawings depict her life here." There were many other pictures of the two girls fighting, then one of them screaming and shouting, and basically, it was her life probably after she killed Zhang Qiuyue. Liao Huifang said, "The pictures end here." "Is there another drawing book?" "I found only this one. By the way, I noticed that all her drawings seemed to be more left-aligned on the page." I looked at the pictures again, and indeed, that was the case. There was quite a space left on the right side of the pages. Now that I look at the room Bai Li said, "She is a lefty. When I felt the things in this room, I sensed that they leaned more on the left side." The guard knocked on the door and said, "Young miss Zhang Ning is awake." We went back to her room and saw her leaning on the pillow. I rechecked her pulse and typed. "You are much better now. The temperature has cooled down as well." "Thank you" she slightly nodded. Then she looked at Bai Li. "Oh... Bai Li is here too. I thought only Xin Lei came" "How are you feeling?" "Much better" I slightly narrowed my eyes as she seemed a little bit fidgety. Of course, it was because Bai Li was here. From my side, I saw Liao Huifang frowning at Zhang Ning. She seemed to be staring at her a little differently. I tugged her dress and looked at her questioningly. She whispered. "N-nothing. It just felt weird now somehow. I don''t know what." I frowned. Did she realize it, too, that Zhang Ning likes Bai Li? I looked at Zhang Ning and typed. "I think you will feel better if you walk a bit. Your arms and legs seem stiff." Zhang Chao nodded. "That''s a good idea. A breath of fresh air will do you good." "Okay" I helped her out of the bed and we went outside at the corridor. "I-I was wondering if Bai Li can- I mean you three can stay here for some time. I am feeling quite lonely and I don''t have any close friends" I raised my brow. We had to hurry up and find Chu Jie and the others and we didn''t have much time left. Staying with her was Bai Li suddenly said, "Alright. But we cannot stay for long." Chapter 187: All black Chapter 187: All ck Time: 7:02 AM. Seventeen hours and twenty-eight minutes left. *Xin Lei* Zhang Ning''splexion suddenly seemed much better now. "Oh, thank you so much!" I had already told Bai Li that Zhang Ning liked him, so he must have figured out her intention, but he still agreed to stay. Maybe he wanted to investigate more so I sighed. On my side, Liao Huifang was still looking at Zhang Ning as if she was seriously concentrating on something. Zhang Chao asked, "I know it''s early for breakfast, but will you join us?" We shrugged. At the breakfast table, I helped put the food on Bai Li''s te and guided his hands towards the chopsticks. Zhang asked, "You all seem tired." I typed. "We couldn''t get any sleepst night." "Why not?" Bai Li said, "Too many things happened. Zhang Chao. You must have heard about General Song''s death, right?" A look of concern and stress immediately formed on his face. He put his chopsticks down. "Yes. I just got a call an hour back, informing me of his death. It is regrettable. His death has shocked me. He was an exemry soldier. I had taken his help on so many asions for protection and security, and he always had splendidly did his job. I cannot believe somebody can shoot him dead. I heard he sacrificed his life to save another soldier." I raised my brow at his hypocrisy and inwardly snorted. As if he cared about him. "But, you know" Bai Li slowly leaned in his direction, "I am not sure. These are just rumors. But I heard that he had some secrets. One of which was that he might have been using his influence to do illegal dealings with other countries. You know, he was the General and all stuff, so he had more ess to the confidential data of the other countries." Zhang Chao frowned. "Really?" "Yes. I mean, they are just hearsay, but it is said that General Song was involved in what happened in Tianjin, too, in the background" "Is that so?" "Where your daughter was there too." "What!?" Zhang Chao and Zhang Ning seemed startled, and they exchanged shocked nces. "What do you mean? Of course, Zhang Ning was there! She was kidnapped by that bastard Yi Xing!" Zhang Chao seemed furious and fuming in anger. "Dad, stop!" Zhang Ning shook her head. I typed. "Ugh. Are you forgetting Zhang Xin? She was the masked woman in ck?" Then they blinked their eyes rapidly. "Oh...Xin" Bai Li asked, "Why do you sound so startled? Have you forgotten that you have two daughters?" Zhang Chao awkwardly smiled. He shifted a little ufortably on his seat. "It''s just that...after what happened years back and how Xin left abroad, it was only Ning with me all this time. I know I shouldn''t, but...I feel a little distant from her. So, when you said my daughter, I naturally assumed it to be Ning" I raised my brow and quietly sipped my tea. Zhang Chao said, "But wait. You say General Song was involved in what happened in Tianjin. So does that mean" he gasped, "are you implying that General Song worked for her?" "I am not implying anything. As I said, they are just rumors." "Dad, do you think that it could be true? After all, if she could hide from us all this time, then" Zhang Chao nodded. "I didn''t even know when she gathered so many influential connections by herself. Especially if anybody knew her conditionIt was a nightmare after Qiuyue''s death." Bai Li spoke, "That reminds me. We checked her room." "Ah, yes, the guard told me. I don''t know why you felt the need to go there. Apart from some toys, that room has nothing." "No reason. A room says a lot about one''s personality. So, I just wanted to check it out. Is Zhang Xin a lefty?" They nodded. "Yeah." Zhang Ning said, "Mom was a lefty too." "And you?" "I am a righty." "I see." "Why do you ask?" He shrugged. "Just curious. It''s intriguing to know how lefty people think. So, I am always interested to know about them if Ie across anybody who is a lefty. Their ways of thinking and problem solving is quite fascinating." "Well, yes. Xin is very smart. Even in kindergarten and school, she used to learn stuff faster than the others. I mean before Dad decided to home school her after she killed Mom" I typed. "She is quite an artist too." Bai Li nodded. "We got her picture book in her room. From what Xin Lei and Liao Huifang said about her drawings, I think she would have turned into a fine artist in the future if she wanted." Liao Huifang said, "Yes. Her drawings are simple but quite realistic. I am studying arts, and I can definitely say that." I typed. "What will you do about Zhang Xin?" Zhang Chao said, "Naturally, I have sent my guards to investigate" "But no lead until now," Bai Li finished his sentence. His jaw seemed to tighten. "Just once I know who that man is supporting her, then I can catch them in no time." We finished our breakfast. Zhang Ning said, "I will go for a shower. We have extra guestrooms. If you want, then you three can freshen up." "No, thanks," Bai Li smiled. I typed. "Make sure you don''t get your head wet. Be gentle while washing your face." She nodded. We sat around for a while and decided that we would tell Zhang Ning that we were leaving after her bath got done. We had to work on finding the base, and time was slipping like sand from our hands. Twenty minutester, we were in front of her room. Liao Huifang knocked. "It''s us." "Coming." The door opened a minuteter, and Zhang Ning stepped out, wearing a new dress. "Do you need anything?" Bai Li said, "We have to leave. As you wished, we spent some time with you, but we really need to leave now." Zhang Ning''s expression turned a little dim. "Is that so Sure. Thank you for amodating my request." "No problem." My phone buzzed. It was bro''s message. He was asking when we would be back. I typed my message, but I couldn''t send it. I checked and found that there was no signal bar. I typed. "Is there no signal here?" "Oh, yes. Thework in this part is a little weak. We have called the carpenters to work on the walls to solve that problem. The walls have gotten old now. You can go outside to get yourwork back." I typed. "Bai Li. It''s bro''s message. I will be back in a minute." He nodded. I walked down the stairs and a bit farther in the hall, but there was still no signal. I sighed and went all the way outside and finally sent my reply. I just stepped back in the house at the entrance, and my nce casually fell on them above, standing in the corridor and talking. Then I stopped. Wait. Something didn''t feel right. I blinked my eyes. I took a step back and raised my head to look up at the corridor again. I felt as if I noticed something that I had seen somewhere before. What was it? I saw them again. Bai Li, Liao Huifang, and Zhang Ning standing a floor above me. There was an image forming in my mind, but it was hazy and blurred. I couldn''t figure it out. Something was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn''t make it out what it was. I kept staring at them over and over again until I finally found what was wrong. Until I finally realized what I noticed. And until I finally knew who was CrimsonInstinct - the boss. Instinctively, I opened my mouth to call Bai Li. I didn''t even remember that I couldn''t talk. But then, I felt a hand over my mouth, covering it. I froze. The grip tightened on my mouth, and I then I was sure that I was right. I raised my foot to jab on his, but as if already seeing through it, he took his foot back. I struggled and tried to remove his hold over mine. Suddenly, the man covered my nose with a cloth. A faint smell invaded my nostrils. Fuck! Chloroform! I did my best to hold my breath. Panicked, I looked up at Bai Li. I knew I had to make a sound, any sound to bring his attention here, but he had so tightly held my wrists and waist that I couldn''t move at all. The distance between the first-floor corridor and the entrance was quite wide, so even Liao Huifang''s attention didn''t divert here where a man was trying to kidnap me. And someone didn''t let it divert either. My jaw tightened, and I was close to feeling suffocated. Holding breath was getting difficult. The man pressed the cloth more, and I finally couldn''t hold my breath any longer. Everything was starting to spin in front of me. Bai Li''s figure was getting more and more distant and blurry. Bai Li Bai Li I tried to fight that dizziness with all my strength, but I felt getting more and more sucked into it. For a moment, I felt as if I saw that Bai Li turned in my direction. But that man moved. He dragged me away, and then it was all ck. Chapter 188: The meaning of Fu Meilis drawing Chapter 188: The meaning of Fu Meili''s drawing *Bai Li* "Bai Li. Is anything the problem?" Zhang Ning asked. It was strange. I turned on an impulse. It felt as if Xin Lei was calling me. "NothingCan you see Xin Leiing?" I heard Liao Huifang speak, "No. She is still not here." "It has been fifteen minutes already. She just went to send a text." Then Zhang Ning spoke, "I think she might be talking to someone on the phone?" Still, my gut feeling was saying that something was wrong. Why am I not feeling calm? There was an unsettling feeling gripping my chest. Just a moment ago, I felt it in my bones that she was calling me. But, now I couldn''t sense it anymore. I felt a tug from my side. "Are you alright, Bai Li? You seem alert for some reason" Zhang Ning''s voice sounded strained. I touched her fingertips and shook it away. "Nothing." Then I turned towards Liao Huifang''s direction. "Call Xin Lei. She shouldn''t take this much time." "Alright." I heard some pitter-patter of her typing. "Keep it on speaker." I heard the call connecting, but then it got disconnected. That uneasy feeling was intensifying. "Try again." Once again, the call didn''t connect. "I am unable to reach her phone." "Liao Huifang. Take me outside to where Xin Lei is." "I wille with you too," I heard Zhang Ning speak. "No. Do one help. I want the CCTV footage of thest fifteen minutes where Xin Lei was." "CCTV? Why? Don''t worry, Bai Li. Xin Lei must be here only. You are taking unnecessary stress." "I never ignore my gut feeling. Something is wrong." "We should check outside quickly then!" I sensed the urgency in Liao Huifang''s voice. She held my hand and walked down the hallway. As we stepped out, I felt warm as the sunlight fell on me. "Do you see Xin Lei anywhere?" "I-I am just looking around everywhere, but I cannot see her." "Call her again." No response. "Take me around." Liao Huifang guided me outside, and we walked around the whole ce, but there was no sign of her. Suddenly, we stopped. "What happened?" "Bai Li! I see two guards lying here copsed on the ground." I quickly bent on my knees and felt my way towards them. I felt their pulse on their necks. "Alive but unconscious." "W-what happened?" "Bai Li!" I heard Zhang Ning''s voice. I sensed her stop in front of me, and I heard her huffing breathlessly. "I-I checked the CCTV." "Somebody kidnapped Xin Lei, isn''t it?" "I don''t know...the footage is all ck." Her voice seemed to tremble. "So, there is no footage?" "No...I saw Xin Lei going outside, but then it turned ck. Somebody has hacked our security! I cannot see thest fifteen minutes, and then the footagees back from the point when Bai Li and Liao Huifang head out. But, how do you know Xin Lei is kidnapped?" It was Liao Huifang who spoke, "Look at these guards here. Somebody has knocked them out. And I cannot reach Xin Lei''s phone at all." There was silence for a moment. I said nothing. Right now, I felt my mind go nk. "Ning! What is thismotion?" I heard Zhang Chao''s voice shouting from a distance and then his hurried footstepsing towards us. "Ning. I heard you asked for security footage. What happened?" "Dad! Xin Lei... somebody kidnapped her from here!" "Say what!? Don''t joke around, Ning!" "I am not. I just saw the footage. It''s nk, and the guards here are unconscious too." "Impossible! How can somebody enter here?" I asked, "That is my question too. Some nice security you have here, Zhang Chao. The attacker knocked out your guards and tampered with your security footage. Excellent." "B-Bai Li" Zhang Ning''s voice sounded stressed. "I don''t understand. Based on all the incidents, the target should be me. Xin has already attacked me three times. Why would she take Xin Lei away?" "This is strange indeed," Zhang Chao spoke from my right. "Of course, Xin can recognize Ning. There cannot be a misunderstanding. She cannot mistake Xin Lei for Ning." "It cannot be anyone other than Xin. She knows our home. She knows our guards and how and where we ce them. She knows about the security cameras too. It is impossible for an outsider to do this." "Xin would be the death of me one day!" Zhang Chao said. I just silently listened to their conversation. Liao Huifang asked, "Bai Li. What will we do now? How will we find her?" I sensed the panic in her tone. "Let''s go back. I need some time to think." "Bai Li," Zhang Ning suddenly held my hand, "I promise I will help you look for her. We will use all our resources to find her." I smiled and withdrew my hand. "Thanks but no need. Your security has already helped us enough. Somebody kidnapped a woman in broad daylight from an influential and powerful politician''s home where the security should be the maximum and the best of all. I don''t think your resources would be of any use." "B-Bai Lidon''t say it like thatI-" "Let''s go, Liao Huifang." She held my hand, and we began to walk away, but then I stopped. I turned. "If your ''resources'' do find that kidnapper, then let him or her know that if they hurt even a strand of my Xin Lei''s hair, then I would personally pull out all the hair from their scalp with my bare hands." --- Liao Huifang suddenly stopped me in the middle of the road. "There is something wrong." "Well, Xin Lei is kidnapped, so something is definitely wrong." "No, I mean...why do you think Xin Lei could have been kidnapped? Isn''t the target supposed to be Zhang Ning?" I said, "She must have figured something out." "She just went out to send a text. What could she have figured out?" "What do you think she realized?" I asked back. "Maybe who CrimsonInstinct is?" I narrowed my eyes. "So, you know as well who is the boss." There was a pause. "Wait. What? You know it too?" Her voice sounded as if she was in disbelief. "Just figured out in this lovely morning, which is not so lovely anymore." "How?" "I think our methods through which we identified the boss are different, but I would love to know your reason." "I finally figured out what Fu Meili had drawn in the Natural Park. And I think that''s what Xin Lei saw too." "What?" "Fu Meili''s drawing. She had drawn a triangle with a line stretching from the top vertex to the base of the triangle in a diagonal direction. And then some little dots around it?" "Yes, I remember." "I know what that is now. No wonder I was feeling so strange today." "Why?" "Because I saw that design today!" Silence. She continued. "It''s actually not a triangle." "Then what is it?" "It''s a diamond. I mean to say that they are earrings. When I saw those earrings today, I felt that something felt oddly familiar. Then I finally recognized what it was. I remembered what Fu Meili drew in the Natural Park." I knitted my brows. "But, Fu Meili drew a triangle." "No. It is a diamond. What Fu Meili saw was its optical illusion. Remember, we said that Fu Meili was down while the boss was sitting on a floor above her? And there was a kind of spotlight from behind the seat?" I nodded. "A diamond, if seen from different angles, feels as if it is shaped like a triangle. We had a full course on drawing optical illusions. The light shone from behind the boss as a spotlight, and when Fu Meili tried to see towards that person, perhaps it was too bright that she couldn''t see the lower part of the earring. You know how a diamond is generally portrayed, right? It looks like two triangles are reversed in opposite directions and merged together on their bases, one vertex pointing at the top and one vertex one-eighty degrees below." I slowly nodded. "From Fu Meili''s angle, it looked like a triangle to her. The diagonal line is just one of the diamond''s four edges that you can feel with your hand when you touch its 3D shape. Fu Meili drew the 2D version of it. And the dots around it were the sparkles. When the earring shone, it glittered, and she saw some circles around it because of the light''s reflection over them." I said, "Wait a minute. So, when Xin Lei came back, we were on the corridor a floor above, and Xin Lei was down." "Exactly. It was the simr positions in which Fu Meili and the boss were. From Xin Lei''s angle, she saw what Fu Meili saw, and she realized what that drawing meant. Xin Lei realized it is actually a diamond earring which anybody in Fu Meili''s angle could have mistaken it as a triangle." "And exactly at that time, somebody realized that Xin Lei realized something that threatened to expose its identity, so they attacked her." Chapter 189: I know who you are Chapter 189: I know who you are Time: 8:17 AM. Sixteen hours and thirteen minutes left. --- *** "Fuck!" Ditzybitzy cursed as he shed a belt on Ying Yue''s back. "Why aren''t you screaming!? Come on! Scream. Cry. Beg us!" Ying Yue''s condition was pale as the men continuously kept on torturing her. Sweat covered her forehead, and her lips were trembling. But, she didn''t make a sound. She refused to cry and scream for them because she knew that''s what they wanted. "This bitch is just like that other woman! She refused to cry either!" "Just who are these freaking women! Don''t they feel pain?" Pain? Of course, she felt pain. Her back felt as if it was burning inva. Every hit from the belt felt like her skin was being torn apart. But, Ying Yue was someone who was always in control of her emotions. She would always seem impassive, and that''s what she thought today was useful to her. If they were stubborn to hurt her, then she had decided, too, not to give them the satisfaction. Until herst breath, she won''t provide these people with the entertainment they wanted from her. And every time she bit her lip to bear the pain inflicted on her, Rodey felt a burning p on his cheek. Her eyes were wet, but she didn''t let a single tear fall. His palm was already hurt and stabbed by his nails that he kept digging them into it. A deadly storm brew in his dark gaze and his hand was almost on his gun, seemingly wanting to shoot everybody dead. Going against the boss He never knew that one day, this question would ever gue him. Rodey shut his eyes. *SLASH* Every hit on her was tearing him apart from within. The resilience with which Ying Yue refused to bow down before them made him feel even more guilty. And the fact that...she wasn''t calling out to him for his help shook his heart. She knows that I am here, right? But, she isn''t asking for my help. Is it because she knows that I will get into trouble? He didn''t know how to feel about this. She was in serious trouble herself, but she was thinking about him. "Come on. Cry!" One of the men screamed. "We can see blood, but it isn''t topped with your beautiful voice." Rodey clenched his fists. Ying Yue kept silent. Ditzybitzy was about to kick her in frustration, and as soon as Rodey realized that, his mouth automatically moved. "Enough!" Ditzybitzy got startled and almost stumbled on his foot. Ying Yue slightly trembled, hearing his voice. "Hey, Rodey. What happened?" Rodey signaled a guard. "Take her away." That got him a series of protests. "Hey! What are you doing?" "What the hell, Rodey? Why are you taking her away?" "Shut up, you freaks," Rodey spat, "Do you want to kill her already? You can do that if you want, but the boss is not here right now." They went quiet at the mention of the boss. "Just look at her. She may not scream, but she looks so pathetic and ready to cut off from this world. Are you nuts doing that when the boss isn''t present? Have you fed your brains to the dogs, you fools? Boss personally likes to see all the victims dying, and if she breathes herst when the boss isn''t around, then you better be ready to breathe yourst too. Fucking idiots!" That made everyone shut up. They were convinced too. Their boss was present at all times. Now that they looked at Ying Yue, her condition seemed too pale. Bloodygame said, "I think Rodey is right. When the bosses back, we will kill her and that other bitch together." They nodded their heads. They didn''t want to do any stupid in excitement and face their boss''s wrath. They admired and respected their boss, but they feared it too. The guard grabbed Ying Yue''s arm and dragged her up. He walked away with her. The fist that Rodey clenched finally eased out, and he stared at Ying Yue with an unreadable gaze. --- *Bai Li* Back at the apartment where everyone was gathered, it was dead silence. "So, they kidnapped Lei Lei?" I heard Xin Zhen''s grim voice from my left. I said, "I will find her. Anyhow. I will not let anything happen to her." "That doesn''t mean that the boss wouldn''t let anything happen to her." I sensed that he was trying hard not to be anxious, but the strain in his voice gave him away. From my right, I heard Kang Yuan say, "Xin Lei is a strong woman. I know she will persist until wee to help her. She would not give up." I nodded. "I believe in her too. And I will find her before anything happens." Silence. "Xin Zhen, are you ming yourself for sending the message?" I asked. "Zhen, that is crazy." Shi Ruiling spoke, sounding in distress. "I am not ming myself." "Don''t lie! I can read your face like an open book!" Then I heard Xin Nianzu''s voice, "Zhen, this is not the time to self-me. ''Lei Lei wouldn''t have gone out to reply to me if I hadn''t sent the text.'' We are wasting time with this." It was quiet for a moment before Xin Zhen spoke, "Qi Qiang." "Yes." "Hack into Zhang Chao''s security." I smiled. "Aye, Aye!" I heard Qi Qiang immediately getting to work with the sound of him hitting the keyboard''s strokes. Five minutester, he spoke, "Got it." I asked, "What do you see?" "Hah! That Zhang father-daughter were lying! The footage didn''t go nk. They altered it temporarily just to show you two that there was no evidence. But, I can see what happened as clear as day. A man attacked sis Xin Lei from behind and put a cloth on her mouth. She tried to resist, but" "Chloroform." Xin Zhen said. "Then?" "She seemed as if she was raising her hand upwards, maybe calling someone, but that man took her away." I clenched my fingers on my trousers. She was calling me...I knew it. I felt it. I waste... "Calm down, Bai Li," Kang Yuan softly said, "I think I know what you are thinking, but just as Uncle said, there is no one to me, and we don''t have time for that either." I took a deep breath and let it out. I nodded. "Good." I asked, "Qi Qiang. What happened before Xin Lei was kidnapped?" "Wait a sec. Yes, here. Sis just stepped near the entrance, and she looked up. She stopped and looked up again and was staring for quite long towards the corridor. Then, her expression changed, and it seems like she realized something. I see her mouth moving, and it feels that she wanted to say something, but then the man covered her mouth." "Just like what I predicted!" Liao Huifang eximed, "I knew it. It happened just like I thought." Xin Nianzu said, "If it is what we are thinking, then our job bes a bit easier." "But bro. I don''t understand. Where does Zhang Xine into all this?" I narrowed my eyes. "I know where shees from, but I will tell that to youter. For now, please search some information for me." "What is it?" --- Time: 9:02 AM. *Xin Lei* Ugh Why is my head aching so much...it feels as if it will split apart I tried to open my eyes, but a sharp pain shot in my forehead. Damn! I tried again and slowly opened them this time. The pain lessened a bit, and I sighed in relief. Why does the ground seem so blurry? I blinked my eyes and tried to focus. The image became clear, and I saw an unfamiliar ce. Hm? My feet were tied to a chair. That made mepletely awake. I raised my head and looked around. I was sitting on a chair, with my wrists and feet tied to it. The room was dark and dpidated. A dusty smell hit my nostrils, and I sneezed. I shut my eyes and recalled what happened. "Hello, Xin Lei. Nice to meet you." A robotic voice reverberated in the room. I slightly stiffened. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the figure hiding in the darkness. I sneered. "It seems that you have to say something. Oh, I forgot. You cannot talk. Poor thing. I am sorry for being insensitive." I rolled my eyes. Then that figure slowly kept a phone under my hand without revealing itself. The text-to-speech app was open. I could only move my fingers, but that was enough. I typed. "First a fall, your jab at my being mute won''t affect me. I don''t give a shit what others think about me, especially disgusting criminals like you." Silence. "Secondly, don''t bother to hide your voice. I know who you are. Come out in the light already...Zhang Ning." Chapter 190: Your countdown begins Chapter 190: Your countdown begins *Xin Lei* I saw her slowlying out in the light where I was. As our gazes met, Zhang Ning tilted her head and giggled. "Just as I expected, you know who I am. I felt it in your expression when you came back." I typed. "You did a good job of hiding until now." "Isn''t it?" I smiled and typed. "But, only cowards hide." The smile on her face flickered just a bit. I continued typing. "First, you hid behind your sister. You med everything on her and got away. And now you are hiding behind a username - CrimsonInstinct." Then her smilepletely disappeared. I chuckled and typed again. "You see, Zhang Ning. I am not pitiful. I cannot speak, but at least I don''t have to hide from the world. I don''t fear that people will find my true self because my hands are not stained by blood like yours. You, on the other hand" I tsked at her and snickered. My fingers hit the keypad again. "Poor you. You did nothing but hide and run away. And it''s pitiful that you have to live your life like that because your true self will make people send you to a mental institution." She bent towards me and squinted her gaze. "Xin Lei, I am warning you...in your limits." I looked at her expression and found it satisfying to see her riled up and ufortable. I enjoyed hitting her sore spot. I typed. "I think it''s best that you don''t utter the word ''limits'' because clearly, you don''t have any, and you have already crossed every limit that there is." Zhang Ning stared at me, and then she suddenlyughed out loud. "What limits, Xin Lei? They are not any limits. Haven''t you heard?" She giggled creepily, "One has to cross all boundaries and do everything it can to know the purpose of one''s life. To know who you are and what you truly want." She pouted. "I did just that. It is not wrong to get to know oneself." I raised my brow. I typed. "And what is the use of such identity if you cannot show it to the world?" Zhang Ning smiled. "Who says that I don''t have a world?" I burst intoughter. "What is so funny?" I felt her voice turn from yful to grim. I shook my head and typed. "World? That dark web is what you call the world? That is not a world. That is just a bunch of cowards like you who cannote to light." Zhang Ning was swinging a small dagger in her hand, but it hardly affected me. "Because people like you don''t ept us." I nodded and typed. "You see, Zhang Ning. When the majority of people have a general morality towards something that should or should not be done, it is not ''them'' who are crazy, it''s ''you.'' You expect people to ept that you like killing people?" She frowned and pouted her lips again. "Why not? Everybody does things they like to do. Everybody has hobbies. Cooking, gardening, drawing...Why can I not have one?" I narrowed my eyes. Well, I knew whoever the boss was was a crazy person, but talking to her felt like a really different experience. She said spilling blood was her hobby? She wasparing murder to cooking, gardening, drawing, and other normal hobbies... Clearly, she cannot be reasoned with. I typed. "So, you like seeing blood?" She smiled. "Yes!" I typed. "You like hurting people?" "Yes, yes! Now, you understand me." I typed one word. No, actually two. "Bai Li." Her million-dor smile faltered, and I saw her stiffen. Yup. I had hit right on the spot. I typed again. "If you get the chance to hurt him, then will you?" No answer. She was staring at me, expressionlessly as if she seemed to process it. I typed. "I bet you will. It would be so much fun just like you did with others." Now, she was shifting her weight back and forth on her feet. I typed. "Seeing his painful expression as blood would trickle out of him" "Stop." I kept on typing, ignoring her. "The sight of the dagger piercing his skin or his nails being wed out or him screaming when you throw acid on his face" "Stop." Yeah, I wanted to stop too. I didn''t even want to imagine Bai Li in pain, and I felt my heart getting ripped apart, but I had to make her realize something through her thick skull. I hit the keypad again. "And you know? Bai Li is a tall man with a lot of mass and muscles. Like, so more mass, more blood! Just the way you like it." "Stop it, you bitch!" Zhang Ning suddenly swung the dagger. But I didn''t close my eyes. Instead of cutting me, she stabbed the knife on the chair, just near to my neck. I heard her breathing heavily as she let out deep breaths. I smiled and typed. "What happened? Did I say something wrong? I don''t think so. I just described what you do to other people." Her gaze flickered, and I felt madness in them but also confusion and disarray. "Don''t talk about Bai Li like that." I typed. "Why not?" She said nothing. I chuckled and typed again. "You like Bai Li, right?" She froze. "That''s why, strangely enough, you cannot think of doing the same things to him. That is exactly what their loved ones feel when you kill people. So, who do you think you are to murder someone when you feel the same emotions for somebody else?" I heard her teeth grinding and sensed it was taking effort for her to control her anger. I typed. "Oh, and if you think that I am pitiful because I cannot speak, then do you think Bai Li is pitiful too? Isn''t he blind?" Zhang Ning red at me. "Xin Lei! So what if he is blind? Can hepare to you?" She sneered. "He is strong, and he can fight, and he saved me despite that he cannot see. Isn''t it impressive?" I chuckled. I typed again. "Impressive, but unfortunately, he doesn''t like you. And he never will." That stirred her up again. "You think you are any special? I am a politician''s daughter. I can give him so much more than you can ever imagine. You know...I can also help him regain his sight." I rolled my eyes. I shifted the phone a bit and typed. "I can already vouch that he would rather choose to stay blind than taking your help to get back his sight. Poor you. I thought that you would understand your boundaries when you saw Bai Li and me kissing in the hospital." She suddenly jerked her head towards me. Then she chuckled and burst intoughter. "You bitch...you did that on purpose. You knew I was there." I shrugged. "But unfortunately, you are living in too much delusion," my fingers were already tired from typing now. "How did you feel seeing Bai Li getting excited for me?" I sneered. She clenched her fists. "You know he tastes delicious. His tongue works wonders. But oh no. You will never feel that because Bai Li will never look at you. Literally and figuratively." I typed. "And now you kidnapped me." I sighed, "I can only feel pitiful for your fate once Bai Li finds me." Zhang Ning giggled like a small child, which sounded eerie and creepy. "He will never find you." I blinked my eyes. I typed. "I don''t know where you get the confidence from. He will find me, and if you think he cannot, then clearly you don''t know him enough." I snickered, "And you im you like him?" Zhang Ning grabbed my chin and squeezed it. A dull pain coursed through my jaw, but I didn''t falter in my expression. "What if I kill you? I need to eliminate you so that I can have Bai Li all to me." Iughed and typed. "Kill me? Then I feel more pitiful for your fate. Go ahead. Kill me." She just kept staring at me. I typed. "Say. Bai Li must have said something to you, right? When he realized that I was gone? He must have definitely warned you something. What was it?" Suddenly, I saw her expression change. She averted her gaze. I smiled, feeling victorious. I typed. "So yeah. Your silence gave away everything. My advice to you. Take his warning seriously because, you know, he likes me too much." I sighed and typed again. "I don''t know what he will do if he sees my dead body. If your love for blood can make you go crazy, then so do my death can make Bai Li go insane. And you should probably stay away from him at that state." Zhang Ningughed with a sinister ring to it. "I will never let that daye." She turned and began to leave. I typed. "Bai Li is a force from whom you cannot hide, Zhang Ning. He will find you even if he has to go to hell and drag you out of it. So, your countdown begins because he will hunt you down until he makes you pay." Chapter 191: The little girl and the rabbit Chapter 191: The little girl and the rabbit Time: 11:04 AM. Thirteen hours and twenty-six minutes left. *Bai Li* Qi Qiang gave me the information I needed, so I set out towards my destination with Liao Huifang. I was ny percent sure that I was right in what I had figured out. I just needed thatst ten percent assurance. I heard Liao Huifang say, "Yes, this is the address that Qiang gave." I nodded. "Let''s go." She pressed the doorbell, and a few momentster, I heard someone opening the door. "Yes?" The voice was gentle and sounded that of an elderly woman. "Hello. We are here to meet Mr. Gong. Is he at home?" "Yes, he is. Who are you two?" "Somebody who needs your help in finding a criminal." "Criminal?" I heard her softly gasp, "How can my husband have anything to do with a criminal?" I shook my head. "Not now. It''s about something that happened years ago. We need confirmation." "Mam, we really need your help," Liao Huifang urged, "Our friends are in danger, and only you can help us." There was a short pause. "Alright. Come in." Liao Huifang guided me inside, and we sat on a couch. Then I heard slow and soft footsteps, which stopped a few meters before us. "Hello. My wife said that you wanted to meet me. However, I don''t understand how I can help you with finding any criminal. I am or wasn''t involved in any such incident in the past." I said, "It''s not an official crime. But something did happen in the past that perhaps you witnessed." I sensed him sitting on the couch in front of us. "I am not sure... what is this incident you are talking about?" I asked, "You were the janitor of Imperial School in Dongcheng, right? Around fifteen to sixteen years back?" Silence. There wasplete silence for a long time. I heard a sharp gasp from Mrs. Gong. "How do you know?" His voice sounded low and strained. There was a distinct fear that I caught from his voice. I could imagine how pale he must be looking now. And alert too. "Trust us, Mr. Gong. We mean no harm. We want you to answer some questions." "No. No! I-I don''t know anything! Please leave." I knew it. My instinct was right. "Mr. Gong-" "No, please go" his voice was trembling, "I-I- don''t have anything to say" "Bai Li" Liao Huifang whispered, sounding in distress. "Mr. Gong. You have a daughter, right? She is married and has a daughter of her own." No answer. "How old is your grand-daughter? Seven? Eight?" Silence. "Do you know that the criminal for whom we are here is behind the murder of an eight-year-old girl?" "W-what?" "Yes. It''s the truth. A very harsh and sad one. That criminal not only killed a little girl but has snatched the happiness of hundreds of families by murdering their loved ones. That little girl and all those who died were innocent. They were just living their lives, without bothering anybody and maybe searching for happiness, love or friendship along the way, but what they got was a slow and painful death which they didn''t deserve." I said, "That little girl was your granddaughter''s age, Mr. Gong. You should understand it better than anybody else what her family must be going through by losing their child and what must be done to give them justice." The couple said nothing for a while. "Tell me," he softly said, "What do you want to know?" I faintly smiled. "Thank you. I know it''s hard for you, but please don''t worry about your safety. Until this is over, we will protect you." "Okay." "Will you tell me why you suddenly resigned from your janitor''s job in the school?" I heard some restless movement and shifting from his side. "I-I couldn''t stay there anymore." "Were you threatened to leave?" "No, no. I chose to leave by my choice." "Why?" "Because I saw something after which I didn''t dare work in that school anymore." I lowered my tone. "What was it?" I heard Mr. Gong taking a deep breath. "I was a janitor in Imperial School. My job was to keep the school premises clean and arrange everything back to order once all the children and staff left. I was also responsible for managing a small pet house that the school had. For a short period, I remember, one of the teachers had brought a rabbit to show to the children and y with him in their break times. I heard that the teacher brought it because she wanted the children to learn more about small animals and care for them." He paused. I gave him the time he needed. "O-one day when I was cleaning the y area, I came across the pet house where the rabbit was kept. But there was a child there too, who seemed to be ying with it. It wasn''t break time, so I wondered what she was doing there. I thought she would y for some time and leave, so I turned to leave myself, but then I heard a small whimper." I think I knew where this was going. "I-Itook a closer look and saw that the girl was... stabbing the rabbit with a branch twig." Liao Huifang gasped from my side. "A-and the horrifying thing was that she was smiling andughing as if she was enjoying it. The poor rabbit was in pain and tears, it was bleeding, but she kept pricking him with the twig as if it was a game. That smile on her face was so creepy...i-it still send shivers down my spine. She must be only eight or nine, and I was horrified to see such cruelty from her" I asked, "What did you do?" "I... couldn''t do anything for the time being. B-because she wasn''t an ordinary child. So, I talked to that teacher who brought the rabbit. Even she was shocked to learn it, and she refused to believe me at first. But, when that rabbit died after a few days, she finally did. She came to me and said what took ce. She was scared, just like me. I asked if we can talk to the principal about it, but she said not to utter a word to anybody, or we would lose our heads!" "Why so?" There was an uneasy silence that hung in the air. "Mr. Gong. I know who you are talking about." "Y-you do?" He sounded in disbelief. I nodded. "I just want to hear it from a third person so that I am absolutely sure. Why did the teacher advise against taking any action?" "Because the school principal knew the child''s father. If we had said what we saw, then it would have reached the father''s ears, and he wasn''t someone to be messed with, especially ordinary people like me or that teacher. That''s why I never dared to speak to that child because I was afraid she would babble it out to her father that I knew and perhaps he would have...h-hurt or threatened my family to shut me up." I heard his soft sobs. "Who was that child who killed that rabbit?" "She was...no...is the daughter of the most influential politician in Beijing... Zhang Chao''s daughter, Zhang Ning." He broke down in tears, and I heard his strained voice and gasps. "I...I still feel guilty that I couldn''t do anything. But I was scared for my family. Everybody knows how politicians have power, and they can do anything with it to hide their secrets. And this was his daughter. He wouldn''t want the public to know his daughter''s insanity at just nine years of age. I was scared of Zhang Ning too. She looked so crazy and sinister. She was abnormal. I thought that she would really kill me if I had confronted her. It is strange for an adult to be afraid of a child, isn''t it? It doesn''t make sense. But I was! I was terrified of her." Mrs. Gong cried. "My husband even had so many dreams because of her. He couldn''t sleep for months. He always dreamt that Zhang Ning stabbed him and killed him in dreams... those days were horrible" Liao Huifang softly asked, "What happened after that?" "NothingThe teacher convinced me not to say anything, and I was already scared out of my wits, so I agreed. We didn''t want to mess with Zhang Chao. So, we carried on with our lives. But, I wasn''t able to act normal. Whenever I saw Zhang Ning in school, I flinched in fear. I was paranoid. I felt they woulde to know about it sooner orter. I couldn''t live like that...it was torture. So, I resigned." "And the teacher?" "She resigned as well soon after I did. She came to visit me onest time and said she was moving to another city with her family. Once again, we promised that we won''t say anything that happened to anybody." We talked some more and left their home after reassuring them that they would be safe. Liao Huifang eximed from my side. "This Zhang Ning is crazy! Gosh, she is insane!" "She is, isn''t she?" A woman''s voice spoke from behind us. We stopped. But, I felt that voice familiar. I had heard it before. I smiled. "About time you showed yourself...Zhang Xin or should I say..." I turned. "...the barmaid from the Micro Pub." Chapter 192: Unexpected help Chapter 192: Unexpected help Time: 11.51 AM. Twelve hours and thirty-nine minutes left. Ying Yue was pushed inside the room once again by the guard. "Arf! Arf!" "Sis!" Chu Jie and Cocoa immediately surrounded her. Long Hu asked, "Ying Yue... what happened?" Ying Yue seemed pale, and she copsed on the ground. They saw that her dress was a bit torn apart like irregr stripes on her back, and there were bloody marks on it. "Did they hit you with a belt or a hunter?" Ying Yue was sweating, and she finally let out her whimpers and soft cries that she was controlling from letting out in front of those men. She was kicked in her stomach, too. She was clutching her abdomen, and it felt like she would burst from the pain. "Ah" Chu Jie''s eyes watered. "Sis they hurt you so much" "Grrrr" Cocoa was standing behind her, gently sniffing her wound and licking on her injuries. He was rubbing his head on her arm as well tofort her. Long Hu worriedly said, "Chu Jie. Bring her here slowly and make her lie on the floor." Chu Jie supported her and helped her lie down. He burst out, "Why are we here!? A-are we going to die here?" Tears streamed down his eyes, and he shuddered. Out of the seven days, hardly almost two days were remaining, but that was for Long Hu and himself. For Ying Yue, it seemed like they would kill her before that, and it meant that there was even lesser time left. "I-I amfineI will be...okay...Don''t worry" "How can we not worry! You look so much in pain. They have hit you so much. How can you be alright?" He felt extremely guilty. "Sis...sis, it''s all my fault. If I hadn''t asked them for seven days, then they wouldn''t have kidnapped you. I-I am sorry...I didn''t know that they could think of bringing another person because the boss promised me seven days...Sis" Ying shook her head. "Don''t be sorry, Chu Jie. It''s not," she coughed, "your fault. T-they would have caught me one or the other day if not now...don''t me yourself, please. It was my fault for not being cautious and falling into their trap." "Sis" Chu Jie''s gaze then fell on Cocoa, who seemed to fidget around the door. He was sniffing it and shifting back and forth. "Cocoa." "Grrr" Long Hu frowned. "He is doing that for quite a while now." "Grrr" Chu Jie said, "I don''t know. Is there something outside?" Cocoa didn''t budge from his ce. "Arf!" Suddenly, the door opened, and Cocoa straightened up. "Grrr" He took his position. Long Hu and Chu Jie for alert as well. But, instead of a guard, they saw a different man who they never met before. His aura exuded danger and darkness. His gaze was threatening and rming, but as soon as it fell on a certain woman, that storm seemed to wash away. Cocoa instantly recognized Rodey. He fiercely hopped in front of Ying Yue, Chu Jie, and Long Hu in a protective stance. His eyes glowered in a challenge. "GrrrGrrr" His low growls were so menacing that it could make anybody wet their pants, but Rodey was only watching in amusement. "Hey~~~ the soldier''s dog, aren''t you? Long time no see." "Arf!" "So, where is your buddy? I don''t see him anywhere. Shouldn''t hee to save you all like a hero?" He chuckled. "Are you missing him?" Chu Jie eximed. "Big bro Bai Li would definitelye for us!" Rodey didn''t respond. His sight went onto Long Hu, and he said, "You are still alive with that hand?" he looked surprised. Long Hu''s expression darkened. He gritted his teeth but said nothing because he didn''t want to make trouble for anyone here. Only he knew just how much his right arm was hurting and burning like hell! Rodey took a step forward, but Cocoa didn''t let him. "Arf!" He was almost ready to attack him. Rodey narrowed his eyes. Ying Yue gasped from her side in pain. Rodey stiffened a bit, and he took another step, but Cocoa wasn''t letting him. He was keeping his guard like an immovable wall. And now Rodey was getting pissed off. "Get him off my way. He is pissing me off." Chu Jie trembled. He felt something different about this man that made him more scared than those guards before. "C-cocoa" "Arf! Arf!" Ying Yue weakly raised her hand and patted his fur. Cocoa withdrew his threatening stance, but his hawk-like sight didn''t leave Rodey. It was as if he was warning him, ''One wrong step and ima w your throat.'' Rodey sneered. He bent over Ying Yue''s side and saw her pale condition. It was as if all the color faded away from her. His gaze dimmed, and once again, that strange fury erupted in this chest. Why! Why can I not see her like that!? It''s so annoying. He took a deep breath. "You knew I was there, right? Watching everything." Ying Yue quietly stared at him. "Yes." "Why didn''t you call me?" "I" her brows furrowed in pain, "didn''t want to get you in trouble" Rodey tilted his head and didn''t know what to think about this species. Yes, species. She almost felt like an alien to him. "And you are still thinking about me when you are in this pathetic state? Should I say that you are a fool?" "You already k-killed one of your men to protect me. T-that is*cough* enough. I understood that you... didn''t want to let them know that we already know each other" Rodey narrowed his eyes. "And that doesn''t affect you? Do you hate me now?" He sneered. "I didn''t do anything but let them do as they please." Ying Yue faintly smiled. "I don''t expect you to...betray them for me. I don''t mean anything to you. I know that." He froze. For a moment, he was almost going to say something. He didn''t know what. But, he felt a strong resistance in his chest. His fingers curled into a tight fist, and if there had been a punching bag, he would have already shredded and broken it into pieces. Such was the frustration he was going through. Rodeybed his hair through his fingers once, feeling irritated. Chu Jie and Long Hu had no idea what was going on. They were still shocked to see Ying Yue calmly talking to such a scary man as if he was her friend. "Okay, now listen, babe. I will get you out of here." "But I told you-" "Yeah yeah, shut up already." Rodey red at the rest of them in disdain. Chu Jie and Long Hu shifted a little back in fear, but Cocoa fearlessly matched him with his equally dangerous re. "Grrr" "I will take them out too." Everybody widened their eyes. "W-what?" His jaw tightened. "What what? You won''t fucking leave without them, right?" Rodey was annoyed and angry as hell. Ying Yue said, "Y-yes but" "So. I. Will. Take. Them. Out. Too." He said while grinding his teeth hard. If he had to help them escape just to take Ying Yue out, then so be it. Chu Jie whispered in disbelief. "Y-you will help us out? Really?" His heart was bursting with excitement. "Shut it, kid. I am not talking to you." Rodey growled. Chu Jie froze and quietly withdrew with a sulky face. "Arf." Cocoa barked. Rodey said, "I will do something. Just stay put until then and keep your mouths shut." Ying Yue was still in a daze. Was he really aodating her request? "Why?" "I don''t have to answer you anything. Just don''t mess up anything when I let you out of here." She pursed her lips. She really wanted to know his answer. She wanted to know what he was thinking about her. Was he ready to betray his gang because of her? That made her nervous for him but also excited at the prospect that perhaps...he saw her differently. Maybe she really had a tiny ce in his life. Long Hu asked, "But, how will you do it? There are guards" "That is my problem, bastard. Don''t make me waste my breath on you." He sneered. "You look after your messy arm." His eyebrow twitched in displeasure, but he couldn''t retort. Rodey got up but slightly frowned. Ying Yue asked, "Is it your injury? Is it still hurting?" Well, what would he say that he got a new one by Luo Zhiqiang when he killed Duan Deming? "None of your business," he coldly said, "Look after your own and then talk." He stepped out and lit a cigarette. He puffed a long drag and was just silently watching the e.pty space ahead. He didn''t know what he was going to do to let them out. But, he knew one thing for sure that he would definitely take Ying Yue out of here. He chuckled to himself. Going against the Boss? It was akin to suicide. That was a death wish. There were chances that he could die if he got exposed. But, he didn''t feel scared of it. He just wanted to see Ying Yue free. ''There is still 1% goodness in you.'' He could die. And he was ready to take that chance. Just for that woman who made him believe that there was still a semnce of something left inside him that made him human. He wasn''t a monster. Chapter 193: That mystery man with Zhang Xiulan Chapter 193: That mystery man with Zhang Xin Back to the time when Bai Li met Zhang Xin. *Bai Li* "You are the barmaid of Micro Pub," I said. "Long time no see, Major Bai Li." I sensed a hint of amusement and yfulness in her tone as she spoke. "I am not a Major anymore. I see you aren''t using your voice changer like you did in Tianjin." I heard her taking two steps in front of me. "I don''t have to anymore." "Because I know the truth. So, you don''t fear me recognizing your voice and making Zhang Ning know that we have met before." "You haven''t lost your touch." I shrugged. From my side, I heard Liao Huifang cough. "Bai Li...is she really Zhang Xin? Who we were looking for all this time?" There was a pause after I heard Zhang Xin speak, "You were in Tianjin, weren''t you?" Liao Huifang tugged me. I said, "You can say anything you want. She has her own motives, but in the very least, she is not our enemy." I heard her chuckle. "The man who is helping you, he is that same man who was hiding behind the counter when we were talking and thenter shot the thugs outside Micro Pub, right? When I...got an attack?" "Yes. He is him." "Is he here too?" "He is always with me." I thought so. I was sensing a quite intense gaze from somewhere, focussing on us. It was impossible not to feel it. Part of my training in the army and part of the training to use other senses when I got blind. "But I don''t see your girlfriend with you. A fight?" She asked. "Xin Lei is too sweet for us to get into any fight. Your dear sister kidnapped her." Silence. "I think we need to talk." --- Present. Time: 12:35 PM. Eleven hours and fifty-five minutes left. I offered her toe with us, but she refused. She had her own hiding ce where she felt safer from Zhang Ning and the Zhang family spies. This time, I distinctly heard the footsteps of somebody else walking with us. That man isn''t hiding anymore, I see. "Gosh, Bai Li!" Liao Huifang pulled me and whispered with a strange excitement that I failed to understand, "I didn''t even notice when that man appeared beside us. But damn, he is hot!" My mouth twitched. "Are you sure you want to praise another man? If I let my mouth loose in front of Luo Zhiqiang" Suddenly, I heard her cough hard. "W-what nonsense are you talking!? Luo Zhiqiang and I have nothing like that...b-between us" I felt the hesitation in her voice, and I grinned. "Sure if you say~" "I was just saying what any woman would say. Beauty should be appreciated. And how can you threaten me like that? Don''t you have a heart?" "Didn''t you have a heart when you barged into my making out session with Xin Lei and that too twice?" "You still hold a grudge about it?" She sounded in disbelief. "I am very vengeful." Zhang Xin, aka the barmaid, stopped us. "Sit here." "What is this ce?" "An abandoned building, but on the outside, it looks like it is still in function," she chuckled. "I have hired some ghost employees, too, to look the part." "I see." "So, tell me about Xin Lei." "Wouldn''t you introduce us to the man beside you, who I think is still sending some threatening nces at us? I can feel it. We only know the name - Sheng Yu Zhu." Then there was silence for a long time. Liao Huifang whispered. "They are looking at each other, but I cannot make out the expression on their faces." Zhang Xin asked, "How do you know his name? I-" "Deleted all his records and yours?" I smiled. "Something nobody should have known about you and him and Scond?" I sensed the atmosphere turning even grimmer and silent. "Does the Zhang family know?" She spoke in a low voice, and I felt how important it was to keep their identity a secret. "Nope. Only us and IB." "But how did you know?" Her tone was more persistent now with a hint of curiosity. "Information in exchange for information. I know he is not Sheng Yu Zhu that he ims to be. Then who is he?" "Who do you think I am?" It was the first time that the man spoke. His voice was distinct with a heavy tone to it and which had had a sense ofmand in it. But, not everyone can speak with authority like that. "You have to be somebody influential as same as Zhang family''s power and connections; otherwise, it''s impossible to hide for this long." "Correct." "But there is no family with thest name Sheng. Not in politics mainly but not any influential business either." There was a pause. "You just said that is not my real name." His voice was low but crisp, and I felt it kindazy, too as if he was enjoying this. I said, "I have worked fourteen years in the army. My gut feeling says that it''s not your real name, but it is notpletely a lie either." "Interesting. What do you conclude then?" "If it is a truth and a lie both at the same time, then have you jumbled up the order of your name?" I heard him chuckle softly. "Maybe." "But I still haven''t heard any influential people in power from either Yu or Zhu family. So what is it?" This was a mystery to me. Just who was he? The man spoke, "Why do you think a family who is not influential can be connected to such other influential family? In what circumstances? Think." I thought and thought for a while. How are two families usually connected? Friendship? Business? Marriage? Usually, all of these three connections are known to the world whenever there is any powerful family concerned unless "In business, people might not know the connections from the underworld and in marriage...they might not know if there is a hidden mistress. I am leaning more towards the second option." "I must say your years in the army were not wasted after all. You caught it quick." I smiled. "Zhu Yusheng. Zhu is my mother''s maiden name." "And?" There was a beat of silence. "Yi Xiaosi''s illegitimate son." "What!?" Liao Huifang suddenly burst into violent coughing. "Yi Xiaosi? Wait. That politician Yi Xiaosi? Are you his son? Yi Xing''s brother?" "Yes." That indeed took me back. As far as we knew, Yi Xiaosi had two sons. Yi Xing was the eldest, and there was a second one too. So, he was the third son. But illegitimate. "No wonder there wasn''t remotely any mention about you. Yi Xiaosi wouldn''t want to expose your identity to the public." He didn''t reply to that, but I took that as a yes. I smiled. "Your father was really interested to tell us about Zhang Qiuyue and her death and how Zhang Chao was guilty but seems like there are some things hidden in his closet too. If you don''t mind me asking, who is your mother?" "Zhu Rong. She was a florist." Was "She is dead." Zhu Yusheng spoke with such impassiveness in his tone that it felt like he wasn''t affected at all, but oftentimes, it was to mask the exact opposite feelings. "So, Yi Xiaosi fell in love with her or she with him?" "Both." "And he betrayed his wife by sleeping with your mother." "Pretty much." "Zhu Rong didn''t know that he was married?" "She didn''t even know who Yi Xiaosi was as a politician. She had shifted from another city and had no idea about politics." "Your father lied big time." "He is not my father." "I see. How did Zhu Rong die?" There was silence. "I remember that Yi Xiaosi''s wife isn''t alive anymore, either." Silence. "Do you have something to do with it?" "Maybe because she had something to do with my mother''s death." "His wife didn''t try to find out that Zhu Rong didn''t know anything?" "Even if she did, would she have believed it? Considering that man''s position, power, and money." "Is that why you are targeting Yi Xing too?" I heard him chuckle. "Yes, but he was doomed anyway." "Because of his love for Zhang Ning." "It was bound to get him into trouble. I hardly even do anything, and he is out." "It was you who tampered with the gantry cranes, right?" "To make way for Xin." "So that she kills Zhang Ning." This time, I heard her voice speaking. "But yourrades ruined my chance." "I am not sorry for that." "Why not?" "She deserves to die for sure, but not so easily by just a bullet." She chuckled. "d to know that we share the same sentiments, but I just wanted to weaken her. I would have taken my own sweet time to end her life." She said after a moment, "And then Zhang Chao''s." Chapter 194: Her life in the Zhang residence (1) Chapter 194: Her life in the Zhang residence (1) *Bai Li* "So, two heirs from rival parties joined their hands together to take revenge on their families," I said. I heard Zhang Xin speak, "We are not any heirs from the Yi or Zhang family. We are only someone connected by the empathy of their mother''s deaths. I want to destroy the Zhang family, and Yusheng wants to uproot the Yi family." Liao Huifang spoke, "And you two met in Scond?" "Yes. As to why I was in Scond, my dearest sister would have told you that already." I felt the sarcasm in her tone. "For psychiatric treatment, apparently." Silence. I asked, "What happened after Zhang Qiuyue''s death?" "Murder." I got the cue. "What happened after Zhang Qiuyue''s murder?" She chuckled, but it didn''t feel like she was enjoying this. I sensed her sadness in it. I sensed the oppression that she must have gone through. "Do you know how it feels to be treated like a psycho?" I said nothing. "I should rephrase it. Do you know how it feels to be treated like a psycho when you are normal? And you shouldn''t just ask what happened after Mom''s murder. Even before it happened, our lives were nothing but hell." I knew she wanted to say more. I waited. "As far as I can remember, since the time I began to understand stuff, Ning did nothing but bully me. Pulling my hair, stealing my toys and ruining them, ordering me around . At first, it felt like it''s any other elder sibling who bullies her younger one. But then it escted one day. She killed the kitten that Mom bought for me." I heard Liao Huifang say, "And Zhang Ning said that it was you who killed her kitten!" "Hahaha. She reversed everything, didn''t she? I was the perpetrator while she was the victim. It is the exact opposite. That kitten was the sweetest thing ever. And Ning killed it with her bare hands. I saw it happen with my own eyes." I said, "In the garden where she had a creepy smile on her face." "Wait, you saw my picture book?" "I cannot see but Xin Lei and Liao Huifang did, and they said what they saw." "Yes, we saw your picture book." Zhang Xin said, "I thought they destroyed everything about me." "They have your room locked up, and apart from some toys and other stuff, there was nothing." "Ho~~~" she burst intoughter, "was she keeping it as a souvenir? You know, like a prize. Whatever, but yes, that was Zhang Ning." "So, I was right, indeed." "What do you mean?" "When I heard Liao Huifang describing what you drew in the garden was the time when I first began to doubt Zhang Ning." "Why?" "Because if I imagine it right, then that picture could be only drawn by someone who was watching it happening from the sidelines. To draw yourself like that, I think it wasn''t the case, especially if there was a creepy smile on the girl''s face. I mean, you really cannot know your own expression that well. And if you were the killer and you drew yourself, then you would have drawn it as a normal smile, not a creepy one." "Creepy is something defined as what ''others'' think about you. Nobody thinks they are creepy themselves." "I am impressed," Zhu Yusheng said. I shrugged. I heard Zhang Xin''s voice. "You are right. Mom brought that kitten for me because she realized that Ning was careless. She had a tendency to break stuff and damage things, so she gave the responsibility to me. Partly, she brought the kitten because I like animals and partly because she wanted Ning to slowly learn to take care of others. Everything cannot be broken and destroyed." She chuckled. "Little did she know that it wasn''t Ning''s tendency to see things ruined. She was born with a messed up head. And she realized it toote when that kitten was dead. She understood that something was wrong with her." "Then?" "I remember how much I had cried that day. I went to Mom and broke down. She was horrified, and she immediately confronted Ning. She was just as shocked to see the kitten dead. At first, Ning denied a lot, but when I repeated what happened, she showed that sinister smile again." "Ning said, "That kitten didn''te to me when I called it so many times. I got mad. Nobody says no to Zhang Ning. So, he had to die."" I heard Liao Huifang gasp. "T-that is just horrible" I let out a deep breath. I felt as if I just wanted to reach Zhang Ning at this moment and squeeze the life out of her. My hands were itching to grab her neck. I could understand Zhang Xin''s emotions because I have Cocoa in my life too. Brutality against animals is what I never tolerated, and it always boiled my blood in fury whenever I heard about people torturing and killing animals for fun. "What happened then?" She took a pause. "That''s when the arguments began between Mom and Zhang Chao. She wanted Zhang Ning to meet a specialist. She understood that something was very wrong and abnormal with her. She wasn''t just damaging toys and stuff, but now she had killed a living and breathing animal. She killed somebody when she was just a child." "But, Zhang Chao was against it. He shrugged off all the matters saying that she was just a kid and didn''t know well. Mom knew that he was thinking about his political reputation and not about his daughter''s well-being, which caused fights between them. She insisted a lot to show Zhang Ning to a doctor, but he didn''t let her." "So, she took a little part of the matter in her own hands. She tried to teach Ning the value of life, that bullying is bad, that hurting others was a terrible thing to do, but that made Ning even more frustrated with her. So, she bonded more with Zhang Chao because he didn''t say the things that she didn''t want to listen." I slowly nodded my head. "So, your family got divided that way. You and Zhang Qiuyue on one side and Zhang Ning and Zhang Chao on the other side. That''s what that drawing meant where you four were standing in it but had a line between you two sides." "Yes. Things slowly got really bad. Mom was trying her best, but Ning was distancing herself more and more, and Zhang Chao was only adding more oil to the fire." I sensed she snickered. "Ningpletely misunderstood Mom. She treated her as an enemy who questioned how a mother could say that her own daughter was crazy? Mom was so cruel. She felt that Mom loved me more than her, and that escted her violent behavior." She chuckled. "Mom didn''t love me more. It''s because we both were sane, so we stood on the same side. It triggered her. She used to lock me in the room and order the staff not to give me any food and water. She used to make a mess of my room. She pushed me and made me fall and hurt myself so many times that I lost the count." "Then, one day, Mom punished her because she hurt me with a knife. Mom got angry and locked her up to reflect on her mistake. When Mom released her, she suddenly acted obediently. She even apologized to me." I squinted my gaze. Zhang Xin burst intoughter, but once again, I felt the sorrow in her tone. I knew where this was heading. "Mom was so happy...She thought that Ning was finally willing to change. She never apologized before, but that day she did. The next few days were peaceful. Or it seemed to be. She behaved like any normal kid. She stopped her violent behavior. She stopped bullying me. She listened to Mom, and Mom felt that Ning was slowly changing. Maybe it was just a phase that was wearing off." Then there was silence for a long time. I felt Liao Huifang was about to say something, but I pressed her hand and shook my head. "Let her take her time," I whispered. "En" I heard her exhale, and she spoke, "One day, she asked to sleep with Mom. I never believed that she had truly changed. I was on guard and doubted her intentions and warned Mom not to agree. But, Mom was too happy to spend some time with her because they grew distant over the past few months. So, she wanted to bond with her." "I said I would sleep with them, too, but Ning expertly convinced Mom that she wanted to be alone with her. I was helpless before Mom as she agreed. The next day, I saw her lying dead on the bed in the pool of her own blood, and eyes shut forever. Her throat was slit, and Ning wasn''t anywhere, but I already realized what had happened." "Stop it, Xin," I heard Zhu Yusheng speak. For the first time, I felt the strain in his voice. "Let me say it, Yusheng. I am fine." I said, "You must have confronted Ning and Zhang Chao with the truth." "I did. And that''s when living in the Zhang residence for me grew worse. It wasn''t a home for me anymore. It was hell." Chapter 195: Her life in the Zhang residence (2) Chapter 195: Her life in the Zhang residence (2) Time: 1:22 PM. Eleven hours and eight minutes remaining. *Bai Li* "You know what Zhang Chao said when I ran into his room, crying and screaming to tell him that Ning killed Mom?" I said, "With your tone, I can say that he must be very thrilled." Her voice got low as she spoke, "The news didn''t even twitch a single muscle on his face. The only thing that he uttered was ''That''s unfortunate.'' And I was just standing there looking at him, shocked. That was it, and then he went back to reading the morning newspaper again as if it was so insignificant not worth his time." Sheughed. "His wife died in the dead of night by her own cold-blooded daughter who slit her throat, and his reaction was ''That''s unfortunate.'' That''s when I realized why Ning is the way she is. Why she bonded with Zhang Chao over the years. She got her messed up head from him." I remembered how Kang Yuan had said that mental conditions could be hereditary that were passed through genes. That could be one of the reasons why some may be born with warped thinking or brain. I said, "And then Zhang Chao faked her ident with that innocent driver to hide her murder." There was a pause, and then I heard her voice as if she was in a little shock. "Zhang Chao actually confessed that?" "Of course, by saying that he didn''t want people to know that you are crazy and treat you differently." Silence. Then she burst out inughter. "He is one bastard, isn''t he? Scared of people treating me differently? Isn''t he the one who did that because I was sane?" "I kept on screaming for days that Ning killed Mom, but it all turned to deaf ears. Nobody listened to me. Nobody bothered with me, and that''s when they started to torture me. Mom wasn''t there anymore to protect me, so it''s like they got free reigns. The biggest source of terror was, of course, Ning." "This went on for a few months when one day, there came doctors in the house. Guess what for whom?" I said nothing. "Guess why he brought the doctors?" Liao Huifang softly said from my side, "He told the doctors that you killed Zhang Qiuyue." "Oohh this girl is smart. I like you." I sensed Zhu Yusheng shift in his seat, but he didn''t get up. I whispered. "Did he move?" "He just scooted a little closer to Zhang Xin and is holding her hand now," Liao Huifang spoke in a low voice. "I see" "Zhang Xin too...she is looking as if she is strong and unaffected, but I can see her shoulders slightly trembling. She is not crying, but I can see the corner of her eyes is damp. I feel terrible for her Bai Li" I faintly smiled. "It is not easy to recall the hell one has lived and gone through, no matter how tough or strong you have be." I turned my head her way and slowly asked, "What did the doctors do?" Zhang Xin chuckled, which sounded sad and painful, and once again, I felt just how many wounds she might have got in that hell. "You should ask what they didn''t do." I waited. I heard her taking a long and deep breath. "They didn''t even treat me as a human, much less a child at that. I was locked up in a different room after Mom''s murder by Zhang Chao. I wasn''t allowed to go anywhere. The doctors came every day and tried to force me to confess that I killed Mom. They pretended to care about me and said that they understood my state of mind and weren''t judging me for murdering her. They just wanted eptance from me so that they can ''help'' me to change myself." "I cried a lot. I screamed a lot. I yelled until my throat became sore and hurt. They used all sorts of methods for me to ''confess.'' Injections that made me dizzy. I don''t know what the hell they used to drug me with. Shock treatment where they used to pin all wires and tubes on my body. They did that for the entire day. They cuffed my hands and feet with shackles so that I didn''t move." I shut my eyes. I felt every fiber in my body tense and contract in response to the volcano that was about to burst. My feet were trembling, and I just wanted to get up and barge into Zhang Ning''s ce and beat the shit out of her. "As if that wasn''t enough during the whole day, Ning used toe during the night to have some of her ''own'' fun with me. I was shackled to the bed. So, she was free to hit and beat me, pull my hair, stab me with needles, etc etc etc. She put dead cockroaches in my food that the maids used to bring for me. And then she giggled andughed. I remember I had slept hungry for many nights straight. The next day the doctors came again and the cycle continued." "By the time I turned a teenager, I was already a mad and psycho girl in everyone''s eyes. Even the maids and butlers used to look at me with disgust. All those years...I didn''t even know what was happening to me. The medicines, the shock, the torture, everything made me question if I was even alive anymore." I heard Liao Huifang gasp and sniffle. "I am sorry" "Why are you, sorry? Don''t be." I asked, "Why did he send you to Scond?" "Because as I grew older, I resisted more. Even the drugs weren''t working on me, no matter how much the doctors increased the dosages. I got used to the electric currents coursing through my body that it stopped hurting anymore. I got numb to all the pain, and that increased the strength in me to oppose." "Zhang Chao found it harder to deal with me. Guess the doctors also told him that. That''s when he decided to send me abroad. I had overheard some maids talking that he was afraid I would break free and spill out all the beans. So, abroad was a safe option where nobody knew me. And that was what I wanted." "You wanted to go abroad by your choice? I thought you were forced." Liao Huifang asked. "I wanted to be out of the Zhang residence. I didn''t care how. Of course, he had his eyes on me but being away from that hell gave me the freedom to move and act even if it wasn''t much. That was enough for me to start my revenge. Ning protested that she didn''t want me to leave," she chuckled, "Such a lovely sisterly bond. She didn''t want me to go so that she doesn''t lose her toy." "But Zhang Chao still went ahead with it." "Why not? He is a politician first. He cares about his career and the seat on which he is sticking his ass. He doesn''t want to lose it. So, he came to me and smiled and said, ''Xin, I am doing this for your own good. The doctors believe that you will recover faster with the treatment abroad.'' And I inwardlyughed at his stupidity because he fell in my n. I won for the first time!" "And you met Zhu Yusheng there?" "A stroke of luck. Even the heavens were with me. He belongs to the Yi family, the biggest rival of the Zhang family in politics. I was free from the Zhang residence, but I had no power. Zhu Yusheng gave me that." "Is that so?" I heard Zhu Yusheng speak, "I hate Yi Xiaosi, but that doesn''t mean that he hates me. After all, I am the son of the woman he actually loved. He wants to disclose my identity and recognize me as his son, but not so soon. I was sent to Scond so that nobody gets a whiff about me until he was ready." I raised my brow. "I see. He didn''t give you the public status, but in exchange, he gave you some authority and power that you could use abroad if you needed. It was his guilt that made him do that." "Pretty much." Zhang Xin said, "We got to know each other and we had the same goal. To avenge our mother''s deaths. So, we joined hands. He suppressed all my movements and news to Zhang Chao. Zhang Chao still got the information about me but only what I wanted him to know so that he didn''t take me out of Scond." "I waited for six years for my revenge. My years in the Zhang residence had taken a serious toll on my health. I was impatient to kill Ning, but Zhu Yusheng said that I had be too weak. I was against the Zhang family, too powerful and influential. I was not ready to fight back." "All those drugs and medicines had weakened my body, and I had to get real treatment to flush out all the effects. I trained hard in martial arts to be strong, and Zhu Yusheng helped me every step of my way, from treatment to learning how to fight to make myself capable of having my revenge. And then, I returned to make the murderers pay." Chapter 196: The place that Zhang Ning calls her home Chapter 196: The ce that Zhang Ning calls her home Time: 2:30 PM. Nine hours left. I said, "You returnedst year." I heard Zhang Xin''s voice. "Not exactlyst year. Six months back. When we returned, Yusheng introduced me to the jailor, Uncle Wu." "That man we met when Xin Lei and I sneaked in the police headquarters." "Yup. I met him through Yusheng, and Uncle Wu arranged to give me a job as a barmaid." "And as a waitress in the tea shop too." She chuckled. "Yes. He assured they were safe jobs for me, and Zhang Chao wouldn''t get any whiff about my presence." From my side, Liao Huifang asked, "Wait a minute. How did you fool him when you were not in Scond?" "Body double. Yusheng arranged a body double for me, who looked exactly like me. She went to the doctors in ce of me and faked to get treatment from them. Zhang Chao''s spies were giving information about her whereabouts till now. But, after the incident in Tianjin, I knew they would suspect something was wrong, so we pulled her out of the scene and made her flee the country. She looked like me, so nobody knows how she actually looks anyway." "Ah" "And here, you two began nning your revenge," I said. "Yes. We targeted both the Yi and Zhang family at once. They are enemies anyway. It was easier to attack them that way through each other. I helped Yusheng weaken the Yi family while he was investigating the Zhang family." A question was bugging my mind for a long time. "Why didn''t you say anything when we first met?" I heard her let out a deep breath. "Because honestly, I didn''t even know your investigation was rted to Ning. You were investigating the case about Fu Meili, which at first, was a normal kidnapping case for everyone. Even you didn''t know at that point that it was connected to the Zhang family." That was true, indeed. "It was when the truth about all those victims and their deaths in the Natural Park came to light that I began to suspect Ning because that area falls under Zhang Chao''s jurisdiction. One kidnapping, I didn''t find anything wrong, but so many people buried in that park...that ticked off my rm. And when I heard how those victims died with such brutality, I instantly knew it was Ning. It couldn''t be anyone other than her. I felt it in my bones. That just fucking shocked me out of my wits." I sensed Liao Huifang gasp, "So, you were unaware about her gang?" "Yes. I knew she was sick in the head, but to this point that she will create her own gang on such a big scale just to kill people was even beyond my imagination. Yes, that bitch killed Mom and had tortured me in those years, but we were still family. She had her own messed up reasons like she felt Mom thought she was crazy and loved me more, and I snatched Mom away from her. So, for her, it was justifiable to hurt us. But,plete strangers who she didn''t know at all? I never knew she would go that far." I rubbed my chin. "I guess I know how it happened. Until you were eighteen, you were in the Zhang residence, so Zhang Ning didn''t have to find anybody else to satisfy her thrill to torture people. She gained that through you. But that changed when Zhang Chao sent you to Scond." Liao Huifang said, "Wasn''t Zhang Ning saying that she didn''t want him to send her away?" I nodded. "That was exactly why. She didn''t want to lose her toy. But Zhang Xin was gone, and she didn''t know what to do anymore." Zhang Xinughed. "Right. It is the same that Yusheng and I concluded when we learned all those deaths." "Since the time you went away, Zhang Ning didn''t have any outlet. She lost the source of her entertainment, and she had no idea what to do all these years to satisfy herself. Untilst year, when perhaps she finally lost control and decided to target other people. It wasn''t easy to set up her gang because she is a politician''s daughter too. She has her image to maintain. That is why, too, she remained quiet till now." "Then she found out about the dark web." "Yup. She might have searched online about such amunity of people who were just like her who were sadists. She found them on the dark web, and she also found her perfect ce to hide and have fun at the same time. She became CrimsonInstinct. She set up the gang, the members of it, how to fool the victims and bring them to her. She made it like a business." Liao Huifang shifted a bit. I heard her gnashing her teeth and sensed her anger. "She had no fear that those families would try to find out what happened!" I slowly nodded. "She was careful to choose such people that didn''t have much family background or nobody to question their disappearance, certainly not enough to stick to the investigation like you. And even if they did, she had Duan Deming on the cop''s side to stop them from doing anything." "She killed my sisterthat bitch killed my sister" I patted her head as I heard her sobbing. Her small body was quivering. "Ah" Zhang Xin spoke, "Your sister, huh...I envy you so much. You must have had a good rtionship with her that you came this far to get her justice." She sniffled. "Yes. Sis was the best sister in the whole world. She was awesome. No, she is. She is still alive in my heart. She...she did so much for me, but I-I couldn''t do anything for her" I felt her crying hard and pulled her in my arms. I never had a sibling, and spending all this time with her the past few days made me feel as if I now had a little sister too. Our bickering reminded me how Xin Lei and Xin Zhen fought petty fights. As a big brother, how could I see her cry? I smiled. "Liao Chuntao is awesome, no doubt. She didn''t cry to Zhang Ning''s torture until the very end." Silence. "Is that so?" Zhang Xin gently asked, and I nodded. "She was brave, indeed. Not everybody could pull off what she did if she didn''t bend to Ning''s will. That requires a really strong heart and mind." "I admire your sister," I heard Zhu Yusheng say, feeling his seriousness. I sensed Liao Huifang calm down. I felt my way towards her face and wiped her tears. "Don''t cry. I can imagine how ugly you must be looking now. I don''t want to have an ugly little sister." I felt her slightly freeze, but then she chuckled. "Big brothers spoil their little sisters like princesses, not make fun of them." "Do you see Xin Zhen spoiling Xin Lei?" She suddenly went silent. "I will be that kind of brother so that you don''t disturb Xin Lei and my naughty time." "You...are impossible." I grinned. "I take that as apliment." I felt the mood lift a little bit. I said, "You attacked her twice but didn''t seed." I heard her snort. "Unfortunately, your friends came just when I was about to shoot her again in Tianjin, and I had no idea you were going toe to the hospital, so I missed my chance again. I had to withdraw." "We had followed you to the warehouse where you had left your clothes." "We know. Yusheng and I saw you two. I thought we could have a little reunion, and I tell you the truth about Ning, but there were Zhang''s family''s guards, too, who were following your way. So, I didn''te forward. Now, tell me. How did you find out about Yusheng?" I smiled. "There is apetent young man who is expert with technology and hacking stuff. He can practically break through anything." "He is my friend. We study at the same University. He is a technology major. He also found out about the dark web and even showed us the app forum." "We learned about Zhang Ning''s online identity and her gang through that." "Impressive" Zhang Xin softly said. "For us, we had to do a lot of digging," she sighed, "why didn''t we know this guy before? What about Xin Lei?" "She figured Zhang Ning''s identity when we were in the Zhang residence. She was away for a few minutes, and that''s when she was kidnapped." "I see. It seemed that you got a clue. I followed you to that old man''s house because I figured that you figured out about Zhang Ning." "Yup, I had." "So, you also know her real base." "Pretty much." "Which is?" "I think you know it too." She chuckled. "I heard your conversation with the couple. It is the Imperial School. Once a prestigious school but just an abandoned, old building now." I shut my eyes and tried to be calm. "Yes. The ce that she calls her home because that''s where she first learned the thrill of spilling blood by killing a rabbit." Chapter 197: To cut off her wings Chapter 197: To cut off her wings Time: 3:20 PM. Nine hours and ten minutes left. --- *Xin Lei* I had to get out of here. But the question was, how? I looked around every nook and corner of the room. Now that the darkness was finally sinking in my sight, I was able to see the room through it. I was a little taken aback with the structure. A ssroom? Yes, it was definitely a ssroom. At first, I thought there was only my chair in which I was tied to, but now that I look at it, it is one of the chairs that looks identical to others. There were other simr benches and desks beside me. In front of me, at a distance, there was a small podium, and behind it was the ckboard. There was a desk and chair just at the corner of the podium, too, I guessed for teachers. Then there were many big white charts pinned on the wall. I could faintly see a sort of timetable on one of them with different subjects and ss time. Another had many flowers drawn on it. There was a picture chart of animated fruits and vegetables, too, which I knew was used to show them to children to learn about them and identify them. There were two windows on the opposite end of the wall where the main door was. They were blocked with the curtains, and that was why the room was so dim in lighting. Am I in a school? That puzzled me a lot. Zhang Ning kidnapped me and kept me in a school? Is this her base? But then I suddenly remembered what General Song murmured just before he died. Sc...Sch Did he mean school? Now, it all made sense to me. This ssroom and all...this abandoned school was her base. I looked at all the charts and then the ckboard to see if I could find the school''s name. And there it was written on the top of the ckboard, the writing with that white chalk still faintly visible. I squinted my gaze. ImImperial... Imperial High... I recognized this school. Many years back, it was a prestigious school where majorly the sons and daughters of wealthy families could get in. I remembered how much I bugged Dad when I was small to admit me in this school because I heard this was a cool school with cool kids. He wasn''t crazy wealthy as the other families, but financially, he was very much above average. Getting me in wasn''t a problem. But, Dad straightaway refused to admit either big bro or me in this school. I was mad at him for a long time and grumpily epted to go to another school of his choice. Now, I was grown up and able to think beyond just what I wanted. As I looked back, I knew why Dad didn''t want me in this school. Our worlds were just too different. Wealthy kids weremonly known to bully more, even the kids of other affluent families. They looked at people like us with disdain. Then who was I who was much less rich than they were? My life would have been difficult with these rich kids around, and of course, Dad never wanted that. I chuckled. All wealthy families, huh...Businessmen, celebrities, politicians Politician I raised my brow, feeling amused. Ooohh...Is this perhaps Zhang Ning''s school? Wait. If this school is the main base, then that means Chu Jie and Cocoa are here too! Zhang Ning has kept me in the same base as them! Ah, I am so near to them! Okay, so there were two windows and the main door. Obviously, all three of them closed. That made things difficult, very difficult, but not impossible, I guess. I sighed. I tried to concentrate on any sounds if I could hear them from outside, but there was nothing. I had to escape, and then I had to look for Chu Jie, Cocoa, and that other woman they kidnapped. For that, I first needed to know how many guards are stationed outside the room and what the situation was outside the window. I looked at my wrists and feet tied to the chair and smiled. This position looked helpless at a nce but was actually favorable for getting out. I just had to continuously move and shake my wrist back and forth and at all sides against the rope as much as possible in the tiny breathing space to widen it little by little and loosen its grip on me. Once my wrist was free, untying the rest of the rope was a child''s y. I smiled. Come on, Xin Lei. Let''s do this. --- *Bai Li* "First, I want to kill Zhang Chao." Zhang Xin dered. This time, after much convincing, we finally took her and Zhu Yusheng to where everyone was. I heard Xin Zhen speak in a low voice. "I thought you would be itching to kill your sister first." "She is the desert. I am saving her for thest. I want to end Zhang Chao first. Even without Ning, she had suffered living with him. That old man has lived enough now." Then came Xin Nianzu''s voice. "You see. I am awyer. I should be against all this since murder is against thew. I should be stopping you all. What you are doing is a crime as civilians. You don''t have an official authority to kill anybody. You all can go to jail. It''s all in thew book." I asked, "Are you going to stop us?" "As awyer, I should protectw and order of the country if I witness such cases." "But?" "Thew and order of the country are already messed up with a General as a traitor of the Army and politicians misusing their power and hiring cops to act as a spy and bring hurdles to justice. I don''t see thew that I once swore to protect. So, you can do as you please." I smiled. "What you are doing is restorew and order of this country, not destroy it. So, I am cool." I sensed Xin Zhen sneer. "You want to act all cool and impress even in this old age?" "What''s age got to do with being cool, stupid son? Look at you. You are thirty-one but not even as half as cool as me." I chuckled, and so did everybody. I heard a soft sigh from my side where Zhang Xin was sitting. I sensed her shift a little in her seat and felt as if she was... feeling ufortable? I heard Liao Huifang''s voice. "But he is Zhang Chao. He would have all the security in this world. How is it possible to even touch that man?" It was Zhu Yusheng who spoke, "The Yi family will help us." I raised my brow. "Seems like you have your n set in motion." "We were preparing for this moment for six years," Zhang Xin spoke. "I want to destroy Ning''s backbone first. She was flying in the clouds all this time because Zhang Chao was there to protect her. I want to cut off her wings so that shees crashing down. I want to corner her until she has nowhere to go." I nodded. "Fair enough. I think Qi Qiang can give us his schedule right down to his bathroom time." I heard him giggle. "Of course! There is nothing that Qi Qiang cannot do! Zhang Chao''s schedule is child''s y for me." Then I heard the sound of rapid typing on the keyboard. I asked Zhu Yusheng, *How will the Yi family help us?" "By taking the blow of Zhang Chao''s death." Xin Nianzu said, "I see. The enmity between the Yi and Zhang families rose to such an extent that Yi Xiaosi plotted to kill Zhang Chao. I can already see the headlines." "Not just political enmity." It struck me, and I smiled. "I see. Zhang Chao knew about Yi Xiaosi''s secret affair and also the identity of his son from her. He threatened him with this truth, and Yi Xiaosi had no choice but to shut his mouth. That saves us a lot of trouble." Xin Zhen said, "Well, we got a nice scapegoat." Xin Nianzu chuckled. "Nice n. Oh, and if Yi Xiaosi asks me to be his defensewyer in the future, say that I am busy." This n was good and all, but I couldn''t help but worry about Xin Lei. My mind was always going back to her and her safety. Are you fine, Xin Lei? I aming for you. Just please be okay "Bai Li. She will be fine," I heard Xin Nianzu say and felt the confidence and determination in his tone. "I can see your worry for her. My daughter is strong. Have faith in her. She knows that we areing for her. Until then, she will do her best to protect herself." "Don''t underestimate my sister," Xin Zhen snorted. I chuckled. "I would never." Just then, I heard Qi Qiang''s excited voice. "I found it! I found Zhang Chao''s schedule!" Chapter 198: What is so funny? Chapter 198: What is so funny? Time: 4:33 PM. Seven hours and fifty-three minutes left. --- *** Zhang Chao quickly opened the door to his car and sat inside. He had just got off a call with his daughter, Zhang Ning, who was very upset and had made a mess of the house. It happened after she returned from the base and started throwing and smashing things around. The maids got terrified of her behavior, and even if they wanted to stop her, they didn''t dare to. One of them quickly informed the guard, and he, in turn, called Zhang Chao, reporting him of the current state. When Zhang Chao investigated, he found that she met Xin Lei thest time and some conversation with her made her so furious. Zhang Chao''s jaw tightened. "That bitch!" He somewhat assumed the context of their conversation. "Bai Li" he murmured. He knew it was rted to Bai Li because Zhang Ning had made a simr mess in the hospital when she had seen him and Xin Lei kiss. Her temper exploded, and it took a great deal for Zhang Chao to calm her down. "That bitch! She kissed him! She kissed him, Dad! The nerve of that bitch! Bai Li is mine! I love him and want to marry him! He can be only mine! How dare she touch him!" "Ning dear...calm down" He cautiously tried to approach her. "How can I calm down! That bitch is nothing in front of me! I am Zhang Ning! I can give him everything he wants. Nothing is impossible for me. How can that bitch with no statuspare to me!" And she flipped the table off, enraged. Her chest was heaving up and down, and she clenched her fists. Then she suddenly startedughing out of the blue. "Dad. It would be cool if I can bring her to my base~" She tilted her head and giggled. "I will show her who exactly is Zhang Ning and how she messed up with the wrong person. She shouldn''t have touched my Bai Li." Zhang shook her head. "No. No. No. She shouldn''t have even thought about my Bai Li. She has no right to be his girlfriend. Only I have. Bai Li is so strong and charismatic. Only someone like me can match him and stay by his side." Zhang Chao quickly nodded. "Yes, yes. If you like Bai Li, then he can only be your husband." Truthfully, he didn''t like Bai Li because he was just a mere ex-soldier. He had no money and status to match the Zhang family, and he didn''t want to ept such a man for Zhang Ning, who wasn''t as powerful as him. But before her, he was helpless. He saw how much she liked him, and for now, he could only agree. Zhang Chao promised that he would ''take care'' of Xin Lei, but before that happened, Zhang Ning kidnapped her in the Zhang residence. He remembered how it came as a shock to him when Zhang Ning confessed to him that she liked Bai Li. She was already spellbound by him when he saved her during that rally from a bullet and then when he beat up Yi Xing to protect her from being forcibly kissed. "Dad. I want Bai Li!" She dered one day. But the problem was his rtionship with Xin Lei, and he didn''t take it seriously because of his political connections and power. If my daughter wants Bai Li, then she will get him. Who is that woman? I can get her out of his life in just a few seconds, he snickered. And now, he had to go back home to calm down his daughter once again. He got a headache. Just what did that bitch say to her that got her so riled up? "Take me back to Zhang residence," he ordered the driver. "Sir. We just received a report that one of the guards found a threat message against you." "What!? A threat?" Zhang Chao was shocked. "Yes, sir. It is written in the message that the person threatens that they will end your life. It is not certain, but we think it''s the Yi family. The motive is quite clear. Yi Xing was shot by Zhang Xin in Tianjin and now-" "They fucking want revenge. That bastard Yi Xiaosi! I knew he wouldn''t sit still!" "Yes, sir. The chief security officer of your personal protection called our guard and said that they secretly investigated and found that they are ready to attack us on the normal route we take to go to Zhang residence." "Fuck!" He cursed and swore Yi Xiaosi. Zhang Chao immediately called the chief and spoke to him. "What the fuck is going on?" "Yes, sir. It is true. We just came to know about their n. We also detected movement from the Yi family, and it seems that they have set a trap to catch you." Zhang Chao gritted his teeth. He took a few deep breaths to calm down. "What now?" "Sir, we cannot use the same route to go back home. Actually, I would normally advise you to stay at your office and be safe, but they can target Miss Zhang in the Zhang residence" "No!" Zhang Chao eximed, "That Yi Xiaosi can do anything! His son was hurt, so he can hurt my Ning, too, to avenge him! I cannot stay here, knowing that she could be in danger! What if our guards arepromised, too, in the Zhang residence?" "That is exactly what I thought too. But don''t worry, sir. We have found an alternate route for you to take. That area around that road is under construction, so it''s closed, but we can use it to fool them. They will be waiting for you at your usual route, but we would have already slipped past them." Zhang Chao nodded. "Let''s do that." He hung up the phone and said to the driver, "Take the car by the new route." "Yes, sir!" There were two cars, one of them driving ahead of his car and the other one behind him. His car was sandwiched, no, protected by the guards from front and back. They took a turn towards the new road, and were driving through it. Zhang Chao tried to call Zhang Ning and inform her about this situation, but she wasn''t picking up her phone. Damn! She must be busy throwing all the stuff around. Once again, he rained curses on Yi Xiaosi. Let me get this threat done and over with, and then see, Xiaosi, how I deal with you! The nerve of you to attack Zhang Chao!? Zhang Chao was lost in his thoughts when his car suddenly bumped against something, and he snapped out. "Hey! What the fuck are you doing?" He cursed at the driver. He saw that his car had collided with the front car and the car at the back just stopped at the right time to prevent collision with Zhang Chao''s car. All three cars had stopped because of the sudden impact. "What happened? Why did the car collide?" But, the driver said nothing. Zhang Chao looked around and found that the road was deserted. There were no under construction buildings or structures. "Wasn''t this road under construction? Why is it so deserted?" The guards from the other two cars quickly came out and rushed towards Zhang Chao''s car, But then suddenly, a series of bullet shots rang from a distance. Zhang Chao froze. One by one, all the guards surrounding his car, toppled down on the ground with a hole in their heads. Nobody knew what happened and when did it ur but in a matter of a few seconds, all of Zhang Chao''s protection was lying dead on the ground. Zhang Chao frantically moved his head left and right, feeling confused as hell, but there was nothing now. Silence. There was nobody apart from him and the driver. "What the hell is going on? All the guards...they are dead! Who shot them? Isn''t this supposed to be the safe route?" Silence. "Hey, driver! I am talking to you! Are you listening to me!? What the hell is happening?" Suddenly, the driver burst intoughter. Panic set in Zhang Chao. He wanted to get out of the car, but he was afraid he would be shot the moment he stepped out. "Why are youughing? What''s so funny?" "Your fate, Zhang Chao. That is what is so funny to me." He was stunned and furious at the same time. "How dare youugh at me? And how dare you utter my name?" "Why not?" The driver looked back at Zhang Chao and chuckled. "If not Zhang Chao, then what should I call you?" Zhang Chao had no idea what was going on now. "There is only one thing that I can call you other than your name, but I don''t prefer to call you by that because you are undeserving of that title." "Huh?" "Isn''t it right, Zhang Chao? Or should I say...Dad?" The driver slowly took out its mask. As soon as the face came in full view, Zhang Chao felt as if he was struck by thunder. It was a face he knew all too well. He tremblingly pointed his finger at that woman in front of him. "Y-y-you...X-Xin?" Chapter 199: Guard in disguise Chapter 199: Guard in disguise Time: 5:07 PM. --- *Xin Lei* Come on, Xin Lei...you can do this For thest hour, I was trying to get my right wrist out of the ropes, but contrary to my expectations, it proved to be a little tricky. Not that it was impossible, but it took more time than usual and oof the guards! They wereing in every ten-fifteen minutes to check on me. But now, I could finally see the light. I felt my wrist was half-dead with all that shaking and moving, but the ropes were starting to loosen up. Yes! Ah, it finally came out! I sobbed. I stretched and circled my wrist that had turned so red. Damn that Zhang Ning! Now that my one hand was free, the job was easy! I quickly untied my left wrist and feet and exhaled a deep sigh. I did it! Without making any sound, I silently stepped near the window and moved the curtain just a bit to see what was going outside. The sun was still out but was going to set soon. It must be around 5-5.30 PM. I saw the entrance of Imperial High School and then a broad pathway that leads to the actual building here. There was an old yground on the right side. As expected, there were guards in front of the school''s entrance and hovering inside the pathway, taking rounds. Wait. What floor am I on? I couldn''t fully peek outside, or I would expose myself, but judging from the height, it seemed around the fourth floor. Was this the topmost floor? And where were Chu Jie and Cocoa kept? I bit my lip and then smiled. Well, somebody can help me~~ With quiet steps, I walked towards the door through all the desks and tables and stood at the back of it. I looked around and found a piece of chalk lying on the floor. I picked it up and threw it on the far side. As expected, I heard the guards immediately talking. "Hey. What was the sound inside?" "I heard that too. Wait. I will check." The door opened. The guard slowly stepped inside, and I pressed myself aligned to the door to hide. He walked in farther and gasped, looking towards the empty chair. Naturally, he seemed shocked. "That woman...she is not here" He was about to call out his buddy outside, but I dashed out of my hiding, crept up behind his back, andnded a crisp karate chop on the side of his neck. Ah, how this is my favorite move. The side of the neck has a carotid artery that supplies blood to the brain, and a hit at that artery momentarily stops the blood flow to the brain, making that person unconscious. Plus, the neck is an important part of the body that supports the head and very sensitive to impact because it isn''t protected by any bones. So, getting hit on the neck is quite painful to bear. "Ah" The guard clutched his neck and stumbled. His eyes were rolling back, and he copsed on the floor, unconscious. One down. I waited at the back of the door again. "Hey, what happened?" The second guard came in, trying to look for his buddy. But this time, I didn''t knock him out. I needed answers, and somebody had to stay conscious to give me those. I hopped on his backside and jabbed my knee on the back of his knee. "Ahh" He tripped and stumbled on his other knee. Grabbing this chance, I quickly clutched his hand that was holding the gun and raised it upwards. I knocked the gun out of his hand and aimed it at his temple. He seemed to freeze and look at me in shock. Then he looked at the other unconscious guard and seemed even more aghast. "Y-youyou were tied to the chair! How could you get out! What did you do to him?" I quickly took out his phone and typed. "Shut it," I narrowed my eyes and dug the gun deeper on his flesh, "Where are Chu Jie and Cocoa kept?" "What?" I typed. "Idiot. The teenager and the dog. There must be another woman, too, who you kidnapped." "I don''t know." I typed. "Tsk. So, you are not of any use to me. I will finish you right here then." I pressed my finger on the trigger. "No, No!" His eyes popped out, "Don''t press the trigger!" I typed. "If you don''t have answers to my questions, then you serve no purpose. Better off dead." "No, I have! T-they are on the fifth floor." I typed. "That is the topmost floor?" "YesThey are kept in one room at the end of the corridor." I typed. "How many guards are there?" "T-two guarding that room, and two of them guarding the torture room." I squinted my eyes. Torture room. The name said for itself. I typed. "All those men who hurt the people, are they here too? Right now?" "Some of them...not all." "What about the cameras?" He gulped, and I pushed his head, pressing the gun. "T-they are ced on all corridors for monitoring. There is one camera in each corridor that covers the ce." I nodded. "I gave all your answers now! Now you will let me go, right?" He seemed afraid and hopeful at the same time. I smiled and typed. "No." And I knocked him out, hitting his head with the back of the gun''s handle. He fell unconscious too. As for the cameras on the corridor I couldn''t get out of this room without being spotted by the shiny ss lenses. I looked down at the guards and stared at them. I chuckled. Not if I am one of them. I undressed the uniform from one of the guards and wore it on top of my dress. I pressed my chest to make it look t. Then it was all heavy work now to put them on the chair. I tied the guards on the chairs with the ropes used on me and some lying around in the ssroom, seemingly as part of art and craft. That was enough for them. I also found some tape and covered their mouths with it. This was all sorted out. I took the gun and let out a deep breath. Now, Xin Lei. Time to get our friends out of this hell. --- *** Zhang Chao felt as if his soul flew out of his body as he realized who was in front of him in the driver''s disguise. "X-Xin" he took a sharp gasp, "You" "Surprise, surprise!" Zhang Xin giggled, "How did you find the surprise visit from your daughter''Daddy~~~''? Long time huh? Six years" He straightened up and started to sweat. "How are you here? What are you doing disguising as a driver!?" Zhang Xin shook her head. "Come on, ''Dad.'' Is this how you greet your daughter who came back after six years?" She pouted. "Shut up! You are not my daughter! A crazy woman like you is not my daughter!" He panicked and burst out in anger. "Come on. What are you so afraid of? Only we two are here. At least, now you can admit it as to who is really crazy between my dear sister and I" she chuckled, "Nobody is listening to us. Who is crazy, who did all the bullying, and who killed Mom?" Her voice turned cold. Zhang Chao was startled by her intense and cold gaze. She looked so different to him than when she left for Scond. She looked stronger, fiercer, sharper, and colder. Her body that had turned so weak by the drugs and shock treatment looked so toned and fit now. She wasn''t a weakling Xin anymore who had to bear their torture in the past and only cry and scream that fell on deaf ears. This was apletely different Zhang Xin that came back to finally have her revenge, and he felt it in his very bones. It made him shudder, and he felt goosebumps crawl on his skin as he saw that her gaze held no feelings for him as a family. Now, without his guards'' protection and stranded alone on this deserted ce with his daughter who wanted him dead, he got scared out of his wits. Zhang Chao took a deep breath and spoke, but his smile faltered. "Xin, I know that you are angry with Dad for making you go through all that, but i-it was for your own good, dear. I am your father. How can I want anything bad happen to you? The t-treatment and everything...you needed that to recoverit was all to make you better!" Zhang Xin raised her brow andughed. "But didn''t my dear sister kill Mom? Then why was I treated? We are not twin sisters to get you confused~" He gulped. "Xin..how can Ning kill her?" "She was sleeping with her that night, and she hated her. I love Mom. You see the difference in feelings? But oops! What do you know anything about feelings?" She clicked her tongue, "You are not the man with whom people can talk about their feelings nor who understands them." Chapter 200: Your turn now Chapter 200: Your turn now Time: 5:40 PM. Six hours and fifty minutes remaining. The situation came to a standstill. Zhang Chao realized it was fruitless to keep any pretense in front of her. But, he wasn''t in any situation to provoke her either. "Xin, please understand...Ning was fragile at that age. She would have gone worse if we had forced treatment on her. Didn''t she already hate Qiuyue for that?" Zhang Xin took out her gun, which almost made him jump in a scare. "So, you handed your sane daughter over to them? For one daughter, you sacrificed another." He felt his breath stuck in his throat. "Of course, it''s not like that! Y-you are my daughter too? How can I differentiate? Xin...Dad loves you too..." She chuckled. "It surely didn''t feel like that to me in my ''growing up'' years. But, let''s not talk about me anymore." He silently let out a sigh of relief. She smiled. "Let''s talk about Mom." He froze. Zhang Xin''s gaze turned cold and sharp. "''It''s unfortunate.'' Those were your words when I came to you crying that day about Mom. Just that." Zhang Chao internally frowned. Did I say that? Honestly, any matter rted to Zhang Qiuyue was so insignificant to him that he used to forget it just after almost half a day had passed. Marriage to her was pure business. He didn''t bother with her most of the time. "Your wife was dead and murdered, but that was the only reaction I got from you. It''s unfortunate." Zhang Xin pointed the gun at his temple, and he jumped back, terrified. She giggled. "Now, it''s my turn to say that about you." As he understood her context, her irises slowly widened. "X-Xin...you must have remembered it wrong! Yes, yes! Qiuyue was my wife. I can never be so harsh to her! You are misunderstanding!" Beads of sweat were trickling down his forehead. "Zhang Chao." She dropped all her act and stared straight at him with her razor-sharp gaze that could slice anybody in half. He felt the chills creeping upon his skin. She called him by his name with a voice that could instill pure fear in anybody. "I can never misunderstand when it''s rted to Mom. Never ever. I remember every single thing just as it happened." "Xin, Qiuyue-" "Don''t take her name from your filthy mouth!" This was the first time that she burst out like that. Startled, he stopped talking. "She is only my Mom. Neither she is that bitch''s Mom, nor she is your wife. Not like you treated her as that either." Her body was slightly quivering as all the memories came flooding in. All those happy memories with her came to an end that night; sheid dead on the bed with her throat slit. Her eyshes trembled as she felt her eyes sting with tears, but no. She wouldn''t cry in front of this monster. She had promised to herself that she would never break down in front of him. She would stay strong for herself and her mother. "I can forgive you for not loving her," she slowly spoke, "because I know that your marriage was business for you to boost your political career." Then she suddenly leaned and grabbed his throat. Zhang Chao widened his eyes and looked at her in horror. Her fingers tightened their grasp on his neck ever so slowly, and with each passing moment, the feeling of suffocation increased. He felt theck of oxygen. "But I can never forgive you for not even giving her the respect she deserved. You don''t love her? Okay. But, you should have had the basic decency to at least treat her better. As a human and not just a tool you discarded as soon as it''s use got over." Then she just as suddenly released his neck. Zhang Chao coughed hard. He inhaled a mouthful of breath a couple of times. "Xin! I am your father! How dare you treat me like that!" He red at her and his teeth ground against each other. She blinked her eyes andughed. "Father? What is that? Never heard of it before. And this is nothing. You are going to see something much worse." Suddenly, he heard a knock on his window side. Zhang Chao thought it was some help for him, but to his utter shock, it wasn''t anything like that. "Open the window, Zhang Chao." "B-B-Bai Li" His face paled to a whole another degree. Bai Li was smiling at him without a care in this world, which made him feel even more cornered. "Bai Li! Save me! She is Zhang Xin! She is the one you were searching for! She is trying to kill me now! Save me, Bai Li! She killed everybody, and now she wants to kill me too! She is crazy and dangerous. Please help me get out of here!" Zhang Xin raised her brow in amusement. Bai Li smiled. "Sure, I will save you. But, open the window first. No, it''s better to open the door and have some talk." "Sure~~" she smiled. Bai Li got in. But Zhang Chao wasn''t thrilled because he understood that they were in this together. Otherwise, why would she listen to him so easily? "How was your day? Busy? After all, you are a politician and have to govern so many things for citizens'' wellbeing. One of which is killing off people and freeing them from all their worldly worries, isn''t it?" Zhang Xin chuckled. "Then there is a huge task upon you to hide your daughter''s noble work, too, because after all, she is also helping the poor souls let go of their sad and depressed lives to live happily ever after in their afterlife. Like father, like daughter." Zhang Chao''s heart jumped in his chest. He knows...He knows about Ning. It''s not just Xin Lei! He couldn''t say or retort anything. "But I think it''s time for you to give up on your sad life too. Your lovely wife is dead, and one daughter turned crazy. Is this even a family? It must be so hard living for you, right? Don''t worry. We are here just for that." Zhang Chao panicked. "Bai Li! What the hell are you saying! How can you think of killing me!? Do you know who I am!?" Bai Li tilted his head. "Piece of shit? No...even shit is better than you. My bad." "Bai Li! Y-youyou killed all my guards, right? You murdered them! Now you are threatening me! This is a felony!" Bai Li held his wrist and squeezed it hard until his bone broke. It didn''t even take a second for him to crush it. "AHHHHH!!!" His eyes popped out of his sockets. Zhang Xin was thoroughly enjoying the show. This much pain was nothingpared to what she and Zhang Qiuyue suffered. Bai Li said, "NOW, you feel that this is murder? Where did this feeling disappear when you let your daughter torture and kill hundreds of people?" Then he narrowed his eyes. "And where was this fear when you crushed Zhang Qiuyue with a car?" "She was already dead!" Zhang Xin''s aura turned even deadlier, and she punched a fist straight at his face. The blow was so heavy and lethal that his head rolled back in that sheer pressure. "Aahhh!" The most affected part was the bone in his nose that broke with a crisp sound. Blood started streaming out of his nostrils, and the pain almost made him ck out. "How could hit me Xin! Is this what Qiuyue taught you!?" He red. "Better than what you taught Ning. And Mom didn''t teach me this. I learned this myself after realizing that she should have broken every bone in your body a long time back. Unfortunately, she didn''t." Zhang Chao panted and said, "That''s why I never liked you! You are just like that bitch Qiuyue! Always interfering in what you shouldn''t. She was always against my work methods. She was against Ning. She was so fucking irritating! Her job was just to give me benefits as my wife and then keep her fucking mouth shut. But she babbled on and on about how this is wrong, how this and that shouldn''t be done and all nonsense! Hah! She was teaching me politics! The nerve of her!" Zhang Xin clenched her fist. He madlyughed. "I was so happy to know that Ning killed her! That''s my girl! I didn''t have to dirty my hands, yet I was freed! Haha! That''s how a daughter should be. You should have been like Ning, and I would have loved you so much. Don''t me me for neglecting you." "After Qiuyue was gone, you began to irritate me with her death and standing up for some fucking justice. I had no choice but to leave you with those doctors. Or what? Let you ruin everything for me if the truth had gotten out? I am not insane!" Bai Li grabbed his head and banged his head on the window so hard that it broke into pieces. The shards pierced his skin, and blood trickled out. "You are not insane. You are beyond that. Do you know why we brought you here?" No answer. "Zhang Qiuyue was dead, yet you were merciless to kill her again by crashing her with a truck." Silence. Zhang Xin coldly smiled. "Now, it''s your turn to know how it feels to be crushed by a truck." Chapter 201: Finally! Chapter 201: Finally! --- *** On the fourth floor, Rodey had emptied the corridor that led to the room where Ying Yue and the others were kept. He also disabled all the cameras. He already knocked out the man monitoring the footage not to raise the rm for the broken footage. Inside the room, Cocoa was continuously hovering around the door and scratching it and quietly growling at the same time. "What is Cocoa doing exactly?" Long Hu asked for the hundredth time already. "I don''t know...Hey Cocoa,e here." "Grrr" Ying Yue''s brows furrowed in pain as her back hurt. She slowly spoke, "Maybe there is someone outside." The door slowly opened, and Rodey stepped inside. "Arf!" He rushed towards Ying Yue and picked her up in his arms in an easy swoop. Ying Yue softly gasped, and she instinctively wrapped her hands around his neck. He was careful not to touch her wounds on her back. "Rodey" Chu Jie also immediately got up, and Long Hu straightened up. "What happened?" He coldly said, "We are leaving." Chu Jie ane Long Hu''s expressions bloomed in joy. "Are we really leaving from here!?" "Shut up, and don''t waste my time. They quickly got up. Chu Jie helped Long Hu and supported his good arm on his neck. As soon as they got outside, Cocoa started moving in another direction. "Hey!" Rodey urgently whispered, "Get him here!" Chu Jie supported Long Hu on the wall and immediately followed him. He grabbed him. "Cocoa! Why are you going over there?" "Grrr" Chu Jie tried to hold onto him, but he seemed adamant about going in the opposite direction. "Cocoa! We have to escape, and we have to follow Rodey! We cannot go to this side." "Arf. Arf." Cocoa refused to budge. "Grrrr" He seemed restless and anxious to go over that side. "What is there, Cocoa?" Rodey called from behind. "Are you nuts? Why are you two wasting time? If that dog doesn''t want toe, then I don''t care! I am leaving. You decide if you want toe or not." "Rodey please-" "Shut up, babe. I am taking them out, but if they don''t want toe, then it''s not my problem." Chu Jie desperately said, "No, wait! We areing!" But Cocoa didn''t listen. He charged ahead at full speed. Chu Jie was horrified. No! Suddenly, from a distance, he saw a silhouette of a guarding this way. He turned even paler. "C-cocoa...that''s a guard." "Fuck!" Rodey cursed. "How can a guard be here!?" He quickly put Ying Yue down but still held her waist with one arm. He swiftly took out his gun and aimed at that iing figure. His finger was on the trigger, and he had just begun to press it when Cocoa''s reaction stunned him. Cocoa dashed and jumped on the guard, but instead of attacking him with his razor sharp ws, he began to lick the guard''s cheek. He was furiously wagging his tail and circling the guard. Huh? Chu Jie and the rest were dumbfounded. Ying Yue asked, "Why is he licking the guard? "This is unbelievable" Long Hu was still rooted to his spot. "Arf. Arf!" Cocoa was nudging his head against the guard''s cheek. That guard slowly raised its cap, and the face came in clear view. Chu Jie felt as if lightning struck him. Then his eyes teared up as he recognized the figure. "S-sis Xin Lei" Xin Lei waspletely overtaken by Cocoa, who was showing her all the love in this world. His licking was making herugh. She finally raised her head, and when she saw Chu Jie, her face brightened as if lit by millions ofmps. At first, he stumbled in his steps, but then he picked up speed and jumped on her just like Cocoa did. "Sis! Sis Xin Lei! You are here!" Xin Lei hugged Cocoa and Chu Jie hard, and her eyes watered too as she finally met them. She ruffled Cocoa''s fur and kissed on his head. Then she patted Chu Jie''s head too. She took out the guard''s phone, whose uniform she stole, and typed. "I found you! I finally found you guys! Cocoa! Chu Jie!" "Arf!" He furiously licked her cheeks again. Chu Jie burst into tears. "Sis...sis, you are here. I knew you woulde for us. Where is bro Bai Li?" Xin Lei sighed and typed. "Actually, I was kidnapped here too." "What?" He widened his eyes in shock. She nodded and typed again. "I figured out the boss''s identity, and then I was kidnapped. When I woke up, I found I was here. I somehow freed myself and disabled the guards outside my room." Chu Jie then said, "Oh, then you disguised as one of them?" She nodded. "That''s awesome. Sis, you are so cool! You fought them and also stole their clothes!" "Hey!" Rodey impatiently said, "If your reunion is over, then can we leave?" Even Rodey was shocked to see her out of the blue. And amazed too that she knocked out the guards by herself. Bai Li certainly has good taste in women; he thought to himself. Then he looked down at Ying Yue and stared at her. Well, so do I. Xin Lei quickly got up and narrowed her eyes at him. She aimed her gun at him with one hand and with the other hand, typed, "Rodey, aren''t you?" "No, sis!" Chu Jie stopped her. "Don''t shoot him." Xin Lei frowned. "He is helping us get out of here." She widened her eyes in disbelief and looked at him in shock. What!? Rodey? Chu Jie nodded. One by one, Xin Lei looked at Long Hu and was shocked to see his messy arm. She understood what must have happened. Then her gaze shifted at Ying Yue, who was also curiously looking back at her. But the most interesting thing was how Rodey was holding onto her waist. It was protective and even possessive. Xin Lei slowly raised her brow, and her sixth sense told her what was going on and why Rodey might be helping them escape. I see "I don''t have time for your shit," Rodey coldly said. He picked up Ying Yue again and began to walk away. "Sis! Let''s follow him. He knows the way." Xin Lei was still cautious, so she followed them but had her guard up. Rodey took them to the torture room, and for a moment, Chu Jie and Long Hu froze. "Why are we going back here? T-this is the torture room" "Shut up and follow me. I know what I am doing," he red at them. Through the dark torture room as they passed by, Chu Jie shuddered as he remembered what he had witnessed with Long Hu. Long Hu began to sweat too. He felt as if the pain in his arm suddenly came alive. Xin Lei also felt chilly but angry at the same time. Suddenly, they heard a whimper. Xin Lei checked and was shocked to see another woman whose condition was even worse. Ying Yue gasped. "Jingjing" "She is your cousin?" Long Hu asked. She nodded. Ying Yue trembled on seeing her pathetic state. She was all bloody and not even recognizable. Rodey said, "I am not taking that bitch, okay?" Xin Lei was taken aback. Why not? She checked her pulse, and it was too weak. She typed. "We have to help her. She is in critical condition." "I don''t give a fuck about it. I am not waiting anymore." Ying Yue''s felt guilty for a moment, but she said nothing, remembering how she selfishly left her behind and then what Rodey said. ''She was the one who pushed you in front of the car.'' Xin Lei had no choice but to support Jingjing on her shoulder and take her too. There was a small staircase that took up to the boss''s room where Zhang Ning always sits and watches everything unfold. "Isn''t this where the boss sits?" "This is even more dangerous." Ying Yue was perplexed too, but she had faith in Rodey in what he was doing. Rodey kicked the door open and entered her room. As they reached the other end of it, they came across a secret passage behind a curtain draped on the wall. Chu Jie widened his eyes. "There is another door here," he whispered. Ying Yue softly asked, "Where does this lead to?" Rodey said, "This is the way through which the bosses to this ce. She doesn''te through the front entrance of the school." "The boss is a woman!?" "This ce is a school!?" Both Long Hu and Chu Jie eximed withpletely different questions that shocked them. Rodey shrugged. Xin Lei nodded. "This is the secret entrance and exit. I will take you out through here." "But isn''t this dangerous?" Chu Jie gulped. "What if the bosses? What if we collide on the way?" "No. She was just here an hour ago and already left for home. She won''t being back again, at least for today." Rodey took the lead, and the rest followed them. But once again, Cocoa was growling. Rodey was pissed off. "What is this dog''s problem! Just as annoying as that Bai Li. Can''t he stay still?" Chapter 202: Zhang Chaos end Chapter 202: Zhang Chao''s end Time: 6:00 PM. Six hours and thirty minutes left. --- *Bai Li* And once again, Zhang Chao was screaming like a mad man. "What do you mean?" I sensed him resist beside him and heard the sound of him trying to break the door. I smiled. "It''s no use. No matter how much you scream or yell, nobody is going to hear it." Then I heard the sound is another engine revving up from a distance in front of us. Zhang Chao''s death ticket had arrived. I heard Zhang Xin say, "Can you hear that, ''Dad''?" The sarcasm in her voice was all too clear. His voice shook as he spoke, "W-why is a truck here? What are you going to do!?" I said, "As we said, you will know how it feels like to be crushed. Just like you did to Zhang Qiuyue. The difference is that she didn''t feel the pain, but you will. Every second of it. We will make sure of it." "Come, Daddy. Let''s go for a ride~" "You two are crazy! You want to murder me! How dare you! I will kill you all! My guards will catch you, and then I will kill you all!" Clearly, he wasn''t reasoning anymore. Our n was simple and straightforward. Zhu Yusheng was driving the truck. He would elerate and pick up speed as he rushes towards our car. Zhang Xin and I will get out, leaving him in the car, and Zhu Yusheng would crash the truck onto it. I heard Zhang Chao breathing heavily and gasping and still fruitlessly trying to resist. "No! You cannot kill me!" I said, "Let''s leave Zhang Xin and let him enjoy hisst moments in peace." "Sure~~ Sayonara Zhang Chao. This is your end." We got out of the car and locked the doors. "No! Come back! Let me out of here!" I heard him banging his hands on the windows. "Yusheng," her voice cold and emotionless, "Do it." "Roger." The sound of that truck speeding up became louder and louder. "Let me out! The truck! It''sing! Xin, please! Forgive me! I beg you. Please forgive me and let me go! I will do whatever you say but don''t kill me. I am your father." He cried. I sensed the trucking closer and closer. "Xin, please-" *CRASH* A loud crash resounded in this abandoned ce. I heard the car moving backward, and the windows break into pieces. "Ahhh!!" Then I heard the truck reverse in the opposite direction as the sound was getting distant, but it again sped up. *CRASH* With the truck''s mass and speed, I could guess that the car would have overturned by now. I faintly smelt petrol in the air. The tank must have split open. I asked, "How are you feeling?" There was silence for a long time. "He is all bloody, Bai Li. He is a mess from head to toe. His eyes seemed to pop out of his sockets as the truck is hitting the car. He is being crushed. He is coughing up blood. He is trying to get out. But now the car is overturned. Gravity isn''t helping him." I said nothing. "Is this what Mom had to go through?" Her voice was quiet. "Strange question, isn''t it? She was dead. Yet, I feel it must have been so painful. Bai Li, tell me. Is he feeling even half of that pain right now?" I smiled. "You bet he is. He is being broken like a kite. He is crushed from all sides of the car. I guess one or two organs might even pop out at any moment." She softly chuckled. But I knew she must be crying right now. I didn''t hear her sobs, but I knew she was shedding tears. Silently. Mourning Zhang Qiuyue''s death. "Bai Li" "Hm?" "Mom wanted me to be a good person. Thest thing she wanted me to be was a cold-blooded killer. But, I just killed my biological father. Do you think she would be sad to see from heaven what I have be?" I said, "No." "Really?" "I mean it. Zhang Qiuyue must be very happy right now." "Why?" "Because you killed the man who tortured you for all those years. You know, Zhang Xin. Zhang Qiuyue wasn''t just his wife. She was your mother too. You think you avenged her murder, but you know what she must be thinking from heaven?" "What?" "She is happy right now, not because you avenged her death. But you also avenged yourself and the horrible treatment you had to go through those years. She must not be thinking as a wife. As a mother, she must be happy because her daughter bore that pain, came out of it, and became strong enough to kill him. For her, you took revenge for all the pain he gave YOU." She said nothing. "My dad used to say, ''Mothers are strange creatures.'' He said to me one day when I was young. He asked Mom, who would she choose if she had to save between him and me one day? Just a hypothetical question." "What did she say?" I smiled. "She said she would choose me in a heartbeat. Not because she didn''t love Dad. But because she said that as parents who are older than me, they had lived much more than me. They have seen the world much more than me. They have experienced it more than me. But I haven''t. So, I deserve to live longer." I raised my hand and felt my way towards her shoulder. "Mothers always think about their children first. So, she is not disappointed in you. She is proud of you. And I don''t think she was hurt by what Zhang Chao did to her. You feel hurt when you love the person who hurt you. I don''t think she ever loved him. She lived with him only for the sake of her daughters." "You are a fine woman who made the culprit pay for what he did to his own daughter. That is what your mother must be thinking. So, hold your head high, Zhang Xin." *BOOM* There was a st, and I heard the car catch on to the fire. The sound of fire crackled in the air, and thest of Zhang Chao''s screams got burned into it. Chapter 203: Something called as a heart Chapter 203: Something called as a heart --- *Xin Lei* We were walking through the secret door that Rodey showed us when Cocoa started growling. I narrowed my eyes. Chu Jie nervously tried to calm Cocoa down. But Cocoa instead bit his pants and began to pull him away. "Grrr...Arf!" "Cocoa! We cannot stop here! Let''s go." "Grrr." He was even fiercer in pulling him now. Rodey seemed to say something when he got quiet too. I was keeping an eye on my back, and I was sure that nobody was following us. Then was it Suddenly, a light shone on us. I was blinded for a second, and then a secondter, I heard somebody talking. "Arf!" "So, the boss was right. I cannot believe that Rodey would betray us!" "Sis...these people... they are the men from the torture room" How did they know? Rodey disabled the cameras. Where did theye from? I looked at Rodey, and instead of looking panicked, he was calm. "Rodey! You betrayed us! You were going to take them away!" "Was he a spy all along?" "If the boss hadn''t given up a heads up, then we would have lost them!" Boss...Zhang NingHow did shee to know about his n? "Rodey, tell us! Are you a spy? Or did you betray us?" "Did you have a change of heart somehow?" One of themughed. Rodey smirked. "Shithheads like you won''t understand anyway." "Rodey! Keep your mouth shut!" I saw that woman in his arms, slightly getting nervous. I could see her clenching his shirt. One man sneered. "Now it''s better for you all that you juste with us without any protest or the boss has given us the freedom to decide whatever we want." Fuck. There were four men and a few guards. Rodey, Cocoa, and I could fight but guarding Chu Jie, the man, and woman, and the other woman I was carrying all at once is difficult I squinted my gaze. Difficult or not, we have to get out of here Rodey nced at me for just a second, and I understood it immediately. *Bang* *Bang* I shot the guard on my right while Rodey shot on his left. I quickly leaned the woman I was carrying on the wall. Rodey pushed Chu Jie and the other two in a corner too. I nudged Cocoa, and he jumped onto the guard in front of him. "Arf!" "Ah! They are shooting!" One of the men ducked his head. "Guards! Catch them!" "Sis" I shook my head and raised my hand in signal not to move from his spot. A guard from my rear was about to attack. I ducked and jabbed his legs with my foot. I shot him the moment he stumbled. One other was aiming a punch straight at my face. I bent to my side and grabbed his wrist. I swung it around his back and hit on his back with my knee. And then a follow up with my bullet. One of the four men was fumbling with his gun, but Rodey shot a bullet through his head, and he copsed dead. He dealt with the guards in no time. One by one, the three of us swiftly took care of all. But when I looked back, I froze. "Sis" Chu Jie was crying as one man was pointing his gun at his temple. Two other guards were behind that man and woman too. When did theye from the back? No, they just snuck in when we were busy fighting, or Cocoa would have sensed them long back. "Grrr" Cocoa was ring at that man holding Chu Jie. But I quickly held him to stand back. Rodey took his position, but we heard another voice. "Don''t try that, my right hand." Zhang NingShe is here... She came forward and looked at us one by one. Then her gaze settled on me. She giggled. "Xin Lei. I am impressed. You got out this far." I just stared at her. Then she looked at Rodey. "Rodey." Rodey said nothing either. At this point, denying anything was futile. "You tried hard, I must say." That woman looked expressionless when I saw her, but I could see her body slightly trembling. She was worried about him. Zhang Ning said, "You looked like as if you didn''t care at all that happened to her" She tilted her head and stared at that woman. "But nothing can slip from my eyes. The moment you brought this woman''s cousin in the base, I knew something was wrong." I was taken aback. Rodey brought the woman that I was carrying on my back? She was still unconscious on her side. "You went out of your way to bring her here. You never showed any interest in what was happening inside. But that changed when we brought this woman. Why? Why did you do so much for her?" Rodey said nothing. Zhang Ningughed. "You know how I realized it, Rodey? Because I recognize those feelings myself. You like that woman, don''t you?" So she knew it too? The woman looked at Rodey, dumbfounded. She almost seemed in disbelief. "That''s why you are ''rescuing'' her from this hell, aren''t you?" She giggled. "Wow. Love can change a person to this extent...I never knew. My right-hand man is now willing to go against me." I typed. "What do you understand about love anyway, Zhang Ning? Monsters like you can never know what feelings are. That''s why you could murder your mother without any guilt." He seemed to stiffen for a moment. I typed. "That''s why you could subject your sister to the torture all those years that you should have gone through. You have no sense of feelings because there is this thing you should have in your chest. It beats for others, but yours is dead. Do you know what that is?" She said nothing. "It''s called a heart. Surely, you would have learned it in your biology ss, but a pity that you didn''t understand what it is." "You bitch, you talking too much!" One man roared at me. Zhang Ning raised her hand. "Take them inside." Rodey shifted a bit, but she said, "If you don''t want me to st your woman''s head into smithereens, then step back. I am very disappointed in you, Rodey. Don''t make me anymore angry." Chapter 204: Gathering forces Chapter 204: Gathering forces Time: 7:10 PM. Five hours and twenty minutes left. --- *Bai Li* "We need a n to get into the school," Luo Zhiqiang said. After Zhang Chao died, I asked Qi Qiang to withhold and suppress his death''s news as best as he could. Until we finished Zhang Ning, I didn''t want any chaos in the city that she could take advantage of. I heard Xin Zhen speak, "What does the ce look like from the satellite?" "Bro, There is one building in the northeast, but with what I can see, it is also abandoned. Previously, it used to be a party hall or something for the rich kids and families to gather." I asked, "And the terrain?" "It is a little far from the main road." I nodded. "I thought so. Usually, schools are on the main road area, but Imperial High was an elite school, so they built it away from the middle-ss crowd." I heard Xin Nianzu''s voice. "True. There are two roads to reach the school. One is the main street, and the otheres from the area of vis and mansions where all the rich people reside." I asked, "Is the road from the main street still in use?" Qi Qiang said, "Yes, bro. The school and that other building itself is abandoned but not the road. Actually, the main street divides itself into two paths. One is the path, which Uncle Xin said. It leads to the rich family area. The other road is important because that is the route the delivery men take for cargo shipping. There is a manufacturing factory on the other end of that road, and its workers have to go through the school for the supplies and all." "And they never felt that anything was wrong with the school?" "I have got the reports here," Shi Ruiling spoke, "They found nothing wrong because there was hardly anyone outside." "But there would be guards patrolling the area." "Exactly. There are but not in any uniform. They have sighted some people wearing in clothes and checking out the school building, but it seems that they pretend to be some sort of government officials whoe to inspect the ce. The building is run down, so it is not impossible for the government to check if something else could be built on thatnd. It happens all the time. So their presence is not suspicious." I narrowed my eyes. "I was worried about how to enter the school, but I think we got the way." Luo Zhiqiang spoke, "From the factory." "Yup," I nodded, "Here is what we will do. First, we need to arrange a truck. Not any truck. Precisely, one of the trucks from that factory." "Why not some other?" Liao Huifang asked. "Because the guards are looking out to know which truckse their way and why. They might have even jotted down their te numbers, and the trucks'' make so that they can secretly verify every time they enter and leave the path in front of the school. If they suddenly see a new truck passing by after all this time, then they would get suspicious." Xin Zhen said, "He is right. We got only one chance at this." "But bro. Isn''t it possible that Zhang Ning could change the location?" I shook my head. "She doesn''t know that I know as well. Only Xin Lei knows the truth, and to her, we are still looking after her whereabouts." I heard Zhang Xin say, "Yusheng and I can do it. Steal the truck, I mean." "And without raising the rm in the factory or the word could go out," Zhu Yusheng said. I said, "Yes. Once we get the truck, we drive until we reach the school, and the truck breaks down. Then we would get out of the back and hide in the other building using the truck''s cover." "Wait. Wait," Liao Huifang interrupted, "What if there are guards in that other building too? Won''t they see you getting in?" "That''s where we need IB''s help. We need you to scout the building, take out any guards, if any, and block theirmunication. We take over the other building, and then we head to the school." I sensed snort. "I have already taken care of that. I have asked my officers to give me a detailed report on the building. Once we get the coordinates, we canunch a sneak attack." I said, "Thanks. Our main priority is to get everyone out first. Xin Lei, Chu Jie, and that woman who is kidnapped." "I hardly think my daughter would leave you alone in the fight." I chuckled. "Well, that is true. She and Cocoa will join me in kicking some butts. So, Chu Jie and the woman." Zhang Xin said, "But we would need somebody to coordinate to escape and protect them from outside the school. The IB will be busy looking out from the other building." "That''s where wee in," a voice came. I smiled. "Hey, Goofball." "Shut up, Bai Li," Lin Zihao snarled. "Dad!" "Hey, my Ruiling." I heard Major General''s voice. Su Weiyuan said, "We would be ready in our positions when you hand Chu Jie and the woman over to us. Once they are out and safe, we will join you in kicking some butts." I chuckled. "Straight to the point as always, Weiyuan." "Yo Bai Li. How are you, buddy?" Lin Zihao patted my shoulder, which seemed too hard to take revenge that I called him Goofball. "I am fine, thanks to your ''pats'' now." "You seem fine, Bai Li," Major General said, "I am d. I thought you would get anxious since Xin Lei is with them." I smiled. I shut my eyes for a moment and thought about Xin Lei. I recalled all the time we shared until now. I slowly opened my eyelids. "No. I want to save them. This time, I don''t want anything toe in my way, not even my weakness. I cannot afford to falter. I will fight, and I will win." Chapter 205: The final showdown (1) Chapter 205: The final showdown (1) Time: 8:01 PM. Four hours and twenty-nine minutes left. *Bai Li* The manufacturingpany that Qi Qiang talked about at the other end of the road to Imperial High was a steel manufacturing nt. Zhu Yusheng stopped the car, and Zhang Xin said, "We are just a few yards away from the nt now." "I can see a guard outside the gates." I said, "Let''s go." I heard Liao Huifang''s voice, "Will he just let us in like that?" I shrugged. "Brute force is always an option. We got out, and Liao Huifang held my hand, guiding me the way. A minuteter, I heard a different voice, which I was sure was the guard. "Who are you? The factory is closed now. Come tomorrow." I said, "We need one help." "What help?" "We need to borrow one of your trucks." "Excuse me?" "We don''t have time for details, but we have to raid the school that is on the other side of the road. There are some civilians kept hostage. Do you understand the gravity of this situation?" "What?" His voice sounded in disbelief and shocked. "But that school is empty and abandoned. Not even a fly goes there." "Apparently, more than some flies do hover in that abandoned building." "Who are you all?" From my side, I sensed Liao Huifang shuffle something. "We are from the secret forces. We are on a task to save the hostages." Simrly, I sensed the other two take out their IDs, too, and so did I. I hope the guard gets fooled by our fake IDs that Qi Qiang and Xin Zhen made for us. Otherwise, brute force was always an option. "You are the police?" "Technically, yes." "But you can take any other truck. The manager will kill me if I give you one of our trucks!" "Firstly, the gang recognizes your trucks, so they won''t doubt us if we use yours. Secondly, if you don''t help us, then you and your manager can see a future of a long time in jail. You understand, right? Many lives are at stake here, and you are refusing to cooperate with the police." Well, threatening could work just fine as well. "N-no! Please don''t arrest me. I will help you! Take as many trucks as you want. Just don''t take me to jail." I nodded. "But I should inform the manager once" "We don''t have time for that, or if you insist, we need to take you into our custody." He quickly said, "It''s alright! I won''t say a word. But at least, c-can I know when will you give the truck back?" "Don''t worry. Before dawn and before the staffes to work, you will have it back. Nobody will know." I heard him softly exhale. "That is good then. Come with me. I will take you all to the garage." As we stopped, I heard the rustling of a bunch of keys and then the sound of it clicking against the lock. I heard the shutter open. I smelled the musty scent in the air and a faint smell of diesel too when I stepped inside. "Here they are. There are five trucks. Which one do you want?" Zhang Xin spoke, "Do all these trucks have passed by the school road? Is there any truck that hasn''t driven there before? We don''t need that one." "No. All these trucks are in use and pass by the school road every day." I nodded. "Which is the oldest one and the most used?" "Ah, the first truck on the left." "We will take that one. Give the keys to him," I pointed at Zhu Yusheng. The guard spoke in a cowered voice, "I-I won''t get into trouble, right? Please give the truck back by dawn, or the manager will fire me. I am the only earner in my family" I raised my hand and felt my way towards his shoulder. "We will. Rest assured." We climbed onto the truck. Before we started, I said, "You should change into the driver''s clothes and the mask now, Zhu Yusheng." "Hm." Since Zhu Yusheng should look the driver''s part, we arranged for a face mask and clothes because I was sure the guards outside the school would definitely interrogate him once we start our n. Zhu Yusheng started the ignition, and we took our seats. The cold night air brushed past my cheek as we drove. Xin Lei. I aming. Please hang on for a little more Liao Huifang said, "Two more minutes, and we will reach the school." "Good. Let''s hide behind." From the bluetooth earpiece that the IB gave us, I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice, "The building northeast to the school is clear. There were a few men, but we have subdued them all. Qi Qiang has blocked themunication too." Liao Huifang asked, "Has anybody from the schoole to investigate?" "No. Even if they did, we will use voice changer and send some fake message to stop them." I heard Zhu Yusheng say, "ETA 50 seconds." We got into our positions. Xin Zhen''s voice came through the earpiece. "I can see your trucking." Then Luo Zhiqiang spoke, "One of the guards in the school is looking your way through the binocrs." "Got it." Zhu Yusheng said, "I am stopping it now." The truck came to a sudden halt with a screeching sound. "Out! Now!" I said. We had to get out before the guards came here to investigate. We nned to stop the truck at a dark spot so nobody would watch us hopping out. Liao Huifang held my hand, and we quickly jumped out, and from my side, Zhang Xin came out too. We ran behind the truck as our cover. "We have reached the building. There are stairs ahead, Bai Li!" "You are from the factory. Why did you stop the truck here?" I heard a voice and whispers from a distance. The guard might be talking to Zhu Yusheng now. We climbed the flight of stairs. I heard the door open, and Xin Zhen spoke, "Good that nothing screwed up until here, or I would have fried you all." Luo Zhiqiang said, "As expected, one guard is talking to Zhu Yusheng." I heard Zhang Xin chuckle. "Zhu Yusheng is doing a fine job acting as a driver. The guard doesn''t seem to catch onto anything." I narrowed my eyes. "Now, let''s wait for Zhu Yusheng to get rid of him and leave. Then let''s meet Zhang Ning and her minions and end this torture chain once and for all." Chapter 206: The final showdown (2) Chapter 206: The final showdown (2) --- *Xin Lei* "No Rodey" The woman screamed as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Grrrrr Arf! Arf!" Rodey was chained to the wall with Zhang Ning''s men beating him up. The rest of us were tied up together as we helplessly watched the torture. Fuck! I gritted my teeth so hard that I wished to tear off Zhang Ning''s face right this instant. I had to admit that Rodey had a strong will. Despite all the kicks and beating, he didn''t whimper or groan in pain. That must have required incredible tolerance. "Hah! Look what pathetic piece of shit you have be!" "Weren''t you so arrogant that you are our boss''s right hand? Now you are not worth even her pinkie." "You always bossed around us with that high and mighty attitude of yours but now" The man punched Rodey in the face. Blood trickled from his lips, yet he didn''t scream. Rodeyughed. "That''s why none of you couldn''t ever climb the ranks to go close to the boss. Pigheads like you will always be the fools following orders. You can only get jealous of me andment your pathetic self." I didn''t know whether to get angry with those men or him. Why do you want to provoke them? "Rodey! Watch your mouth!" The man wore brass knuckles. Suddenly he narrowed his eyes, and I traced his line of sight. What? Why is Rodey bleeding so much from the stomach? Thispletely baffled me. The punches were strong, but it shouldn''t bleed to this point. I furrowed my brows and looked carefully at his injuries. No... they are not the wounds from those punches. Maybe he got them before, and now those hits just aggravated them. This is bad. The blood flow won''t stop if this goes on. "No, please!" The woman that Rodey was carrying was desperately looking at him as if she wanted them to stop. I clenched my fingers. Damn! If Zhang Ning hadn''t arrived, then we would have been free. We were so close to escaping! Now how will we get out of here? Rodey won''t be able to hold on for much longer, either. There is no way we can fool so many guards and the other men. We are outnumbered by almost twenty people! I shut my eyes. I suddenly felt too tired to think. "Grrrr" Cocoa nudged his head on my thigh. The woman was sobbing, and then she looked at Zhang Ning. She was about to say something when Rodey interrupted. "Don''t" He looked at her, deadly serious. Even I felt the chills. Rodey was sweating, and he seemed worse with all that blood loss. The woman stopped and nced back at him. "Don''t...beg her. I" he was breathing hard as he spoke, "I don''t want my woman to beg anybody." I widened my eyes. Was he really that serious about her? The woman seemed to freeze. She was staring at Rodey, and I had no idea what she was thinking. Did she understand what he meant? "Hooo" Zhang Ning smiled and spoke for the first time since they dragged us back. "My woman...Rodey, am I hearing it right? Did you address her as your woman?" Rodey didn''t respond. Then she suddenlyughed. "Hahaha. I knew it. I was right. To think that my right-hand man could fall so deep for a woman. You, who is a criminal, and she, who is aw-abiding citizen? Hahaha. Didn''t you always discard all those women you slept with? There was nothing such as love in your dictionary-" Rodey chuckled. "There was nothing such as love in your dictionary either, boss. Yet you fell for that soldier. Heh! I think this is the biggest joke of all." I froze. Bai Li What is he doing now? He must be worried sick, isn''t he? Why wasn''t I more careful in the mansion? As expected, Zhang Ning''s expression changed. Rodey was turning paler. "You paring babe and me? Sure I am a killer. Sure our worlds are hell different. But at least, she is a normal citizen. But, Bai Li was a soldier. Do you understand? He has...put his life on the line to always save people, whereas you have only killed them. Too ironic, right? Where does that leave you, boss? Do you thinkBai Li would like a woman like you whose ideals are exactly opposite to his own?" Not bad. I never thought he would go against her this much. Rodey keptughing. He was looking straight at Zhang Ning. "What happened, boss? Did you think only you realized what was going on with me? I*cough* knew about your feelings for him the moment you said that you didn''t want me to kill him. ''Bai Li is my prey'' is what you said, right?" Silence. "That''s the first time I saw it in your eyes. It felt something different when you uttered his name. Honestly, that took me by shock. But...it''s no use, boss...it''s no useit will always be a one-sided love" he chuckled. "Shut up, you bastard! How dare you talk to our boss like that!" One man punched on his face, and it got harshly tilted at the side. He coughed hard. "Rodey!" The woman cried. "Stop! He is bleeding...pl-" "Babe!" Rodey suddenly roared and fiercely looked at her. Even Chu Jie and Long Hu jumped up a bit. Cocoa struggled hard against the ropes too and barked. "Grrrrr!! Arf!" "Did you beg and cry when they beat you?" I saw her eyshes slightly tremble. "Answer me! Did you or did you not?" "No" I jerked my head towards her in shock. She didn''t? I took a look at her marks. The wounds on her skin were so horrible that it must have hurt like hell, and with that pain, if she resisted crying, then wasn''t she...just like Liao Chuntao? Rodey said, "Then don''t beg for me either. I am not that weak for anyone to ask mercy for me. This is thest time I am saying. My woman will not beg anybody!" Chapter 207: The final showdown (3) Chapter 207: The final showdown (3) *Xin Lei* Zhang Ning got out of her seat and slowly walked towards Rodey. Her expression was so odd as she approached him. "S-sis...she looks scary" Chu Jie trembled. "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa was getting restless too. He was ring at Zhang Ning and howling at her. She clutched his hair and pulled his head. The woman shrieked in fear. "Do you mean to say that Bai Li will never be mine?" Rodey smiled. "Why don''t...you try asking him yourself, boss? You have kidnapped his woman...and...I know that bastard," he chuckled, "he wille here sooner orter...to-to save her...ask him at that time" Zhang Ning giggled. "Bai Li will never reach me. He doesn''t know anything." I only rolled my eyes at her idiocy. Rodeyughed. "For*cough* how long? He figured out about that useless cop Neal who...I had to shoot to keep his mouth shut. He almost got his hands on that General for whom you had to send another minion to finish him off...that *cough* means he realized that he didn''t shoot the civilian that night. Just how long do you think he will be fooled into thinking that Zhang Xin is the culprit just because you said so? He is not an idiot." Zhang Ning seemed slightly shaken up. I sensed it in her expression though she seemed to try hard not to show it. Rodey shook his head. "Bai Li... that bastard...he reached me two times...Once at the container terminal, and then when he tricked me into catching Xin Nianzu and his army buddies caught me. Nobody could do that, but he did. You say you like him, but you are underestimating him by miles. You are taking him too lightly. He is blind, but his brain works just perfectly fine. Otherwise, why would I deem him as my worthy opponent?" He sneered. Rodey said, "You asked me if Bai Li could reach you or not." She said nothing. "He can, and he will. And that''s when you surely ask him if he will ever love you or not," he mocked. Zhang Ning said, "Hand me the wires." What? What is she doing now? One of the guards immediately came and gave her thin wires. The other end of them was connected to a switch that was turned on. I froze. The woman trembled too. "W-what are you doing?" Zhang Ning smiled. "You must know, right, Rodey? What do we do with this to our toys" Rodey seemed unaffected. "I am in the mood to see you all shaken up with the shock now," she pouted, "Bai Li is mine, and I don''t like it when people say otherwise. So, I have to punish you now~~~." "No!" The woman shrieked. Fuck she haspletely gone crazy! Electric shock when he is that wounded? I struggled against my ropes, but it was useless. They were tied too tight! Zhang Ning pierced the copper end of the wires on his skin, and he shuddered in his ce. His brows tightened, but he didn''t scream. "Rodey!!!" The woman burst into tears and struggled in her ce. Chu Jie jumped back. "Sis!" He shut his eyes, tears trickling down. Zhang Ning gave him shocks over and over again, but he didn''t even whimper. Just what is Rodey made up of? How can he tolerate that? I was utterly speechless at him and furious at Zhang Ning. "Yeah, that''s what we are talking about! Haha!" "More! Shock him more until he begs you, boss!" The men wereughing like crazy. I gritted my teeth and could only feel helpless. But then my sight fell on Cocoa, who was sitting calmly at his ce for a while. He was growling towards Zhang Ning, but he wasn''t moving. Then I saw that he was actually moving, precisely his free hind leg that was scratching the rope with its ws tied to his other leg to the pir. It was damn hard, but I tried my best not to show my disbelief on my face. He was trying to cut through the ropes! I quickly snapped out. No, no. I cannot let him be discovered. I red at Zhang Ning and pretended to resist and move in my ce as if I was protesting, but was actually covering him behind me. Cocoa. I hope you could pull this off. Please I nced at Rodey, who was looking paler than before, but he was simplyughing. I felt my eyebrow twitch. Good thing he is not screaming, but how can heugh either? Rodey said, "Boss...is this the only thing you can do? Come on. You know my history." I frowned. "My mom had been even worse than this when I was a kid. I survived that. Do you think I cannot survive your measly methods?" Huh? His mom? His mom used to beat him? It seems like his pastisn''t that simple. Zhang Ning stopped. "You are right. Even if I cut your body or throw you into boiling water, it won''t matter to you." She turned and looked towards the woman who was crying for Rodey. I froze. Why am I getting a bad feeling? "But I think your woman won''t be able to survive it, right?" She eerilyughed. No...No! Suddenly, Rodey shook hard against the chains that bound him. He snarled. "This has got nothing to do with her." "Oh, I finally see you getting angry! This is so interesting! You were all cocky until now but just look at your face now! Just like how I wanted to see." "Don''t fucking think of touching her, you bitch!" I shivered a bit as his voice roared. His gaze was vicious as if he would eat her alive. Zhang Ning pulled his hair. "Such disrespect to your boss. Hmmm...I think I know how to punish you now." She stared at the woman and giggled. "So Rodey''s woman." Her expression didn''t change even though Zhang Ning was looking at her akin to a monster. "Let''s y, shall we?" Chapter 208: The final showdown (4) Chapter 208: The final showdown (4) Time: 8:30 PM. --- *Bai Li* Inside the building northeast east to Imperial High, Xin Zhen handed me two Glocks 19, and I asked, "Are the guards suspicious yet?" "No." "I think Yusheng is leaving now," Zhang Xin said. "They didn''t doubt a thing." I asked, "There are four floors in the building. How many can you see patrolling in each?" Luo Zhiqiang said, "I can see two guards taking rounds in the corridor. But there can be more in the ssrooms." "So up to 10-12 guards and then those twenty-five men who tortured the victims." "But from the corridor, they can see the guards on the ground. If we take them out, they will alert the whole ce," Zhang Xin said. "Do we know where they are kept? Which floor? We don''t have the time to check all the ssrooms on all the floors." I paused. "It should be on the fourth floor. The highest one. Don''t worry about them catching us, knocking the guards down on the ground. Luo Zhiqiang. At my signal, send a fake message to the guards on the corridors to shift their attention away from the school''s entrance. We will finish them off, and before the others realize it, it would be toote." "Got it." I heard Xin Zhen say, "Let''s go. We don''t have much time." "Wait. I didn''t know you areing with us." "Heh," I sensed him snort, "My sister is dumb, and I have to be there to take her out, or who knows what will happen." My mouth twitched. Am I not going there just for that? "I am also-" "Yeah, I don''t want the risk of you two getting into a reunion makeout in the base. Do you want the others killing off the bastards or waste time in separating you two apart?" I heard Liao Huifang suddenly cough. "That ispletely usible" I smiled. "Why don''t you admit that big brother is worried about his little sister? Such a tsundere you are" "Who cares for that dumb sister?" I sighed. "Are you sure?" "Haven''t your guts increased to question me now, Bai Li?" "..." "Luo Zhiqiang will keep an eye here and give us all the updates we need." "W-wait!" Liao Huifang suddenly said, "I also want to help." "No!" "No." Luo Zhiqiang also said at the same time. His voice sounded a little strained. "But I want to be of help too!" I denied, "This is too dangerous. There are too many people. You won''t even know when and from where a bullet might hit you." "Bai Li is right. And nobody is saying that you are not helping. Monitoring the situation here is just as important as helping them. We can see the guards from here and give them their coordinates to kill them off." I nodded. "I understand your feelings, but we cannot have coteral damage. There is already Chu Jie and the woman who we have to take out, and that is risky enough. There is going to be messy gunfire, and we cannot afford to let anything happen to you." There was silence. "Okay? Help out Luo Zhiqiang. Trust me. You will be helping us out a ton." "Okay" "En." For the next five minutes, we went over our strategy again. I said, "Let''s go." --- Zhu Yusheng joined us at the entrance. He said, "There is one guard on the gate, and the other is inside near the yground." "Alright." I said, "There was a dark spot on the road where Zhu Yusheng had parked the truck, right? We will use it to cross the road to the school using that." The distance between the two sides of the road was just a little more than the average considering the road width that Luo Zhiqiang told me. So, instead of the usual five steps, I ran nine steps with them, and we stopped near the wall. I touched my bluetooth earpiece. "Luo Zhiqiang. Do it now." "Got it." A minuteter, I heard the guards on the ground whisper, "Hey, I think something has happened." Zhang Xin said, "It has worked. The guards in the corridor stopped and listened to their radio and then went away." Luo Zhiqiang ryed the same message. "Done." "I will take over the other side of the gate," Xin Zhen said. Zhang Xin and I stood still. I heard their voices inching closer towards us. Their footsteps were growing nearer. Ten steps... nine steps Five...four...two steps At thest step, he was near enough for my arm to reach him. I grabbed his shoulder and, with my other hand, closed his mouth. At the same time, I heard the other guard gasp as Xin Zhen would have caught him. The guard I got hold of began to struggle, but it got over just as soon as I held his head and twisted it to the side. His neck broke. The crack sound was all too familiar. He turned limp, and I heard his gun fell with a thud. I threw him on the ground. Zhang Xin chuckled. "Poor man didn''t even know what got him." "This was easy. Plus, we should save ammunition. There are a lot of these bastards inside." I heard a simr thud from the other side and then Xin Zhen''s voice, "So boring. Wasn''t even a challenge." "Good for us, isn''t it?" "My skills will be dull at this rate if I killed such pathetic flies." I shrugged. "Let''s go before the guards at the corridor get alert." We quickly moved inside. It was easier to run through the ce as I had already mapped it out beforeing here. Qi Qiang, with his excellent skills, got the map of this ce inside out, so I could basically gauge my way through distance and angles. If I went wrong, then there was no need to worry either because Luo Zhiqiang had fit a small video camera on my shirt who could see where I was going and was there to direct me through my earpiece though I insisted not to rely on him. We climbed the steps to the first floor and stopped as we heard some noises. Chapter 209: The final showdown (5) Chapter 209: The final showdown (5) *Bai Li* Just a staircase above us, I heard some movement. I narrowed my eyes. It was definitely a guard. "Let''s bring him to us." I tapped my foot lightly, just enough for him to hear. We ducked under cover. "Huh?" He mumbled. "16. Is that you?" His footsteps, as he climbed down the stairs, grew closer and louder. I stood in between the first and second steps and waited. He almost seemed to reach the end. My cheeks felt cold. I felt a light gust of air touch them. That meant he was within my reach. Three seconds and he would turn. Three, two, one. I climbed a step, and I must be in hisplete view now. With hisst footsteps, I felt that we stood facing each other. I moved my torso forward and headbutted straight at his face. I heard his steps stagger and sensed him stumble behind farther away from me. Then a thud as he fell. I jumped to his side and kicked on his abdomen. "Ahhh-" I cut off his painful groans as I roughly shot at his face. Silence. "That was neat," I heard Xin Zhen say. "Hey, 21! What was that noise?" I heard another set of footstepsing from above me from my left. Another guard. "I will take care of him," And Xin Zhen did a few secondster. The smell of gunpowder hit my nostrils, and then I heard another thud. "Let''s move." Counting the steps in my head, we climbed towards the second floor. We stopped at the base between the first and second floors. I concentrated on any sounds I could hear. But there was none. Zhang Xin said, "It seems awfully quiet here. But I can hear whispers from the corridor." I nodded. We quietly climbed the stairs. I stuck to the side of the wall near the entrance. The guards seemed to be a little far from us. Zhang Xin said, "They seem to be busy talking." That was in our favor. We had the element of surprise. I gauged the distance. The guard''s voice nearest to me sounded approximately twenty degrees to my right. I said, "I will take the guard on my right." Zhu Yusheng said, "I will take the other one." We got in our positions. I raised my gun. Headshot wasn''t necessary. Centre mass was good enough as long as he was disabled. I fired, and so did Zhu Yusheng at the same time. Two bullets. Two thuds. Silence. "Let''s go to the third floor." But I stopped because just then, I had a click sound. It was unmistakable. Years of training, and I knew somebody else was behind us. "Get down!" "Get down!" Xin Zhen and I said at the same time. *Bang* I moved to my left and felt my way with my hands. There was a pir, and I quickly took cover. That third guard might have been in a ssroom. We missed him. This was a problem because our guns had silencers. His wasn''t. So the shot he fired echoed throughout the building. That meant the other guards we were yet to finish were alert by now. I heard more footstepsing our way. Just how many guards were here? "Stop whoever you are! Come out!" "There is nowhere to go! Come out, you bastards! Who dared to enter here?" I hoped Zhang Xin and Zhu Yusheng were fine. I heard footstepsing from above me. The third-floor guards were joining in too. That was just great. "Ahh!" "Heye- ughh..." That sound came opposite to me. It meant either Zhang Xin or Zhu Yusheng killed them. But there were more. A guard wasing closer to my ce, too, as I heard his footsteps. I waited until he was parallel to me, side by side. I smelled the faint cologne as he came closer. That was the moment. I grabbed his hand and knocked out his gun. "Ughh bastard!" Since I caught his right hand, I knew he would swing his fist with his left on my face. It was just as I expected when I heard the sound of his knuckles cracking. I tilted my head to the side and jabbed a knee straight at his abdomen. I fired twice at him. He was dead. "Bai Li!" Xin Zhen said, "We will handle the guards here and join youter. You know the route. Get going." "I cannot-" "Do as he says, Bai Li!" Zhang Xin yelled, "You are closest to the staircase." There was no time. Every moment was precious. I had to leave these guards to them. The guards from above almost seemed to reach me. I heard footsteps on the right, and I immediately fired a shot. I got a clear path ahead, and I knew that they had taken care of them. From my earpiece, I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice, "Bai Li. A guard at ten o clock position." I fired a shot at that angle. I kept going and reached the third floor. From the railing, I felt my way and found the pir just like there was one on the bottom below. I took cover and shut my eyes to pinpoint any sound I hear. Footsteps, click, smell, instinct anything... "I don''t hear any sound." Luo Zhiqiang''s voice again crackled through the earpiece. "I don''t see anybody ahead. But be on your guard." "As always." I slowly stepped out. Was it that all guards came down on the second floor? No. They are hiding too. It was impossible to leave an entire floor unattended. I took slow, unhurried steps towards the corridor. There was silence. The air was still. But then I heard something. A slight metallic clink but not of a gun. Maybe a watch. I moved but it was a second toote. I felt a hit on my shoulder and staggered towards the wall. I knew another fist was on my way. I jumped to the side. Then I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice. "Bai Li. Are you alright? Can you hear me? Did something happen to the camera? I cannot see the video anymore." Chapter 210: The final showdown (6) Chapter 210: The final showdown (6) Time: 8:56 PM *Bai Li* I had no time to answer Luo Zhiqiang''s question because I was busy jumping to the side, dodging his punch and simultaneously knocking his gun away. The faint smell of gunpowder hit my nostrils and I exactly sensed the direction of it from me. His punch missed and I pped his iing wrist. I heard the gunnd on the floor and kicked it far away. We both stopped but I had aimed my gun at his direction. "Heh! You think you can run away?" I heard the guard''s voice sneering at me. The distaste was so evident. From the few seconds of closebat we had just now, I figured that he wasn''t as useless as the other guards. When he hit me on the shoulder, I felt the weight of his punch on my arm. He wasn''t just taller than me but was also bigger in size. I guessed he was around 280 pounds in weight and four inches taller than me. His voice was heavier and gruffer as he spoke that seemed to match my assessment of him. I smelled a faint smell of tobo and sweat. *Bang Bang* The gunshots were still echoing down at the second floor. Luo Zhiqiang''s voice rang in my ears. "Bai Li. Just give me a hum if you are okay." "Hm," I quietly whispered. Well, I was okay. At least until now. But defeating this big guy was going to take time. Not an impossible fight though. I heard him say, "You have signed a death warrant bying to this ce, man." "Have I?" "Of course." "Actually, there is another option." "What is it?" "How about you free my way? I need to have a good talk with your boss and discuss all sorts of morality with her. You don''t have to get hurt in the process. Spare yourself." "You see the difference between us?" "Actually, I cannot." "Precisely why you are a dead man." "I understand your theory but I assure you practically that won''t be the case. Blind or not, smaller than you or not, the end result will not change. You are going down. I am giving you a choice." "I don''t need any choice." "And my job is to make you regret making that choice." "Easy for you to say. You have a gun. Even if you cannot see, I can feel you have good instincts. The bullet would hit me in no time." I raised my brow. "I can still fight you without a gun. Pure hand to hand." "Who are you kidding?" "I came here to save my buddies. I am not in the mood to kid around. Want to give it a try?" Silence. I strapped my gun in my pocket. I knew he was provoking me and I knew he must be thinking that he won. He was confident purely based on our size differences. Overconfident. He must be already celebrating my death in his mind. Fighting a huge bulk of a man without a gun? That sounded crazy but not impossible. Now there are a few things to keep in mind when you fight a man taller and heavier than you. If this was any other guard smaller than or roughly equal to my body structure, the fight was as good as won already. But not this man. He would take more than a punch to take him down. Tip no. 1. Don''t fight unless you have to when faced with a bigger opponent. Well, I had the choice of shooting him dead, but I didn''t because I needed to show him that he was underestimating people just because they were smaller than him and he is the type of those men who must have been always bullying people exactly because they were smaller than him. So, on behalf of all those smaller people, I will show him that I can take him on just fine. Tip No. 2. Keep your guard up. Which I had. Tip No. 3. I ampletely sane when I say to throw the first punch. The best advantage you can give yourself is ending a fight before your opponent even gets a chance to react. The guard said, "Heh. You I will show you-" And that''s why I threw my fist straight towards his jaw or at least was trying to aim there while he was still talking because his guard was down. It didnd on his jaw and I immediately stepped back. I heard his footing and knew he was charging at me in full force. So Tip No. 3. Use evasive tactics. Move around constantly while staying outside his striking range. I was light on my feet that helped me quickly change my direction. But the problem was that this was a narrow corridor and I didn''t have much room to move around. I needed to have a bigger space. And there were ssrooms on my left ording to the school structure I knew that could just do the trick. I hopped towards my left and felt the walls while dancing around and dodging his hits. It touched one door and I stopped. I felt a wave of cold air rising. Another punch. I banged the door open and ducked as I went inside. "Ugh" I sensed him stagger and at this point he must be bent towards the floor close to falling which was a golden opportunity for me to hit so I jabbed my elbow roughly where his kidney was. I heard the sound of him jumping back. It was like my jab was worth a fly''s sting. Which it was, at least for him. A normal man''s kidney would have been badly crushed by my blow by now. But his huge body absorbed the shock and strength from my hits so it didn''t do a thing. That didn''t mean I lost because every punch helps in the end. I got out of his strike zone and began my dancing around in the ssroom to miss his hits because every missed hit takes off a little steam from the opponent. My ears were solely focused on the direction of his footsteps, his rapid breaths and the faint sound of the air that rings when a hit is about to strike. Then there was my instinct and years of experience that told me how a man fought and what tactics he used. "Bastard. Running away? You are a coward." Chapter 211: The final showdown (7) Chapter 211: The final showdown (7) *Bai Li* "Bastard. Running away? You are a coward." No. I was practical. Since he was taller than me, that meant his arms were longer than me, so he could reach and hit me easily aspared to me reaching him, and so I was keeping my distance. And there was another reason. I was evading him and forcing him to keep up with my pace because I want to tire him out. The heavier the man is, the bulkier he is, so he gets exhausted just as quickly by his own weight. It takes effort to move for a longer period. I was wasting his energy in making him chase after me. It was nothing to do with being a coward. This is a street fight strategy that includes the next tip. Tip No. 4. Attack the opponent with legs. Attacking with arms was no good, but legs are longer than arms so that I can kick him instead. As I danced around, I kept my distance from him by kicking at him. As expected, I sensed his punches lessen. My kicks were keeping him at bay, and I could feel his frustration by his strained breaths. I heard his breaths grew rapid and heavier. I felt his movements getting slower than before. I kept on kicking his way with my legs, and by now, he must be expecting that I will keep on throwing kicks, but this was my chance. There was an element of surprise. I closed in. Now, even if any man was stronger than you, anatomically, everyone was the same. They had the same sensitive areas as the sensory parts of the body - eyes, ears, nose, or groin. They are just as painful to them, too, when hit as they are to smaller people. An open hand p to the ear is just as good as a left hook for shattering an opponent''s equilibrium, if not better. Hitting the nose can blind them momentarily. Their eyes well up with tears, which gives an opportunity to throw a punch. A kick to the groinpromises their mobility, and they cannot concentrate on anything else. The pain is simply too much to bear. One well-ced blow was everything I needed to make him tumble down. And I sensed him out of focus. He was getting exhausted by my kicks and getting his punches all missed throughout the whole time. Instead of a kick, he was expecting, I took a huge step towards him and raised my fist. He was four inches taller than me, so I gauged where his face was. Unceremoniously, I gave a roundhouse punch to his nose and stepped back in my safe zone again. It instantly shattered as I heard the bones cracking. "Ahhh!!" I heard his steps go backward and farther from me. That gave me a few precious moments tond another hit, and so I raised my leg and kicked him in his groin hard. "Fuck!" I heard a slight thud on the floor. Judging that, I guessed he must have fallen to his knees. Game over. He wasn''t even in the position to stand anymore, much less fight me. I took my gun out and aimed at his face''s direction. "Did you learn something new today?" I heard him groaning in pain and huffing and puffing breathlessly. The blow to the nose would be hurting him even to speak anything. "How does it feel to lose to a smaller guy?" Silence. "Tell me. Was I running away from you now the whole time?" He didn''t answer. "Did I finally crush your overconfidence?" I heard him gnashing his teeth. "I hope you got the moral of the story by this small fight. Take it as my goodbye gift before you die." I didn''t wait for a second longer and pulled the trigger. I heard thest thud as he fell. I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice in my earpiece. "Is it over?" "Yup." "The video camera on your shirt seems to be broken. I cannot see any feed." "Perhaps it broke when I staggered because of his punch." I heard Liao Huifang''s voice, "But Bai Li...we cannot give you the directions in this way." She sounded worried. I smiled. "Don''t worry. I will figure it out. Now let''s move onto the fourth floor." --- *** Rodey violently shook the chains that bound him. "DON''T TOUCH HER!" His gaze was ferocious and deadly as he saw Zhang Ning approaching Ying Yue. She was twirling a knife in her hands as she was calmly walking towards her. Sheughed. "Oh, look how impatient you have be. I didn''t even start anything." The men startedughing. "Come on, boss, show him!" "Boss~~ don''t just use a knife. It will be too boring!" "Yeah, we have so many tools at our disposal. We can try so many things on her." "I even brought something new and fancy to try on her!" Zhang Ning giggled. "We will try all of them." Ying Yue stiffened for a moment. But then she slowly calmed down. She preferred if they tortured her rather than beating Rodey. She was ready to take anything if Rodey was spared from the torture. Rodey yelled. "Stop!" For the first time, he was shaking. A nauseating feeling enveloped his chest as Zhang Ning got closer and closer to her. In pure rage, he started to shake the chains that bound him, desperate to stop her. Zhang Ning bent towards Ying Yue and eerily smiled. "I think my friends went too easy on you thest time. You seem fine." Ying Yue didn''t answer. "How will it be fun if you are fine? So, I will have to make things a little more painful here." Xin Lei wanted to rush to help her, but she was tied herself, plus also hiding Cocoa''s attempt to cut his ropes. If she moved, then Cocoa will be visible. Rodey''s aura turned even darker and sinister. Zhang Ning pointed the tip of the knife on her cheek and began to slide ever so slowly. A thin scar formed, and blood started to trickle out, but Ying Yue didn''t flinch. Just as Zhang Ning was about to inch further, she heard a loud crash. Chapter 212: The final showdown (8) Chapter 212: The final showdown (8) --- *Xin Lei* Even I didn''t see when everything happened in a sh. Zhang Ning, who was bent near Ying Yue, hadn''t even turned her head when her wrist was suddenly caught and the knife knocked out of her hand. She seemed frozen and startled. She slowly raised her head and looked up. Rodey''s ferocious and dangerous gaze was glowering at her, and his tall body was looming over her as if a Death God had descended. He was bleeding from his abdomen, but it didn''t look like he felt any pain at all. It was truly unbelievable. Just a few moments ago, I was desperately wishing to somehow help the woman, and at that moment, my wish was actually answered. I traced my sight back to the pir where the chains were fixed in a round hook that had bound Rodey. But now the hook was gone, and there was a huge hole in that pir where it once was. The chains were still attached to his wrist, but he somehow pulled the hook apart from the pir with such great force that it broke apart from it. I stared at him in shock. Even in that injured state, he freaking detached a hook drilled into the pir! Just how much strength did he have? I kept staring at him. It wasn''t just physical force. His scary expression said it all. The emotions he had for the woman propelled him to do that. The threat of seeing her in danger gave him that boost to save her. Zhang Ning seemed to snap back. "You" She also looked at the chains hanging from his wrist and dangling behind him on the floor. "Unbelievable" she murmured. The bastards surrounding us were just as stunned. Nobody could say anything for a while. "R-Rodey broke free?" "He is a monster...he broke the hook" I scoffed. Monsters themselves were saying that Rodey is a monster? "Did you all see that? Just look at his bloody state. He seemed like he would copse at any moment, but he... j-just how freakishly strong he is?" "How can anybody pull that off in that state!" I looked back at Rodey, and he didn''t seem to be affected. His gaze was only locked onto Zhang Ning. "I told you, didn''t I?" His voice was low and threatening, "Don''t touch her." He grabbed her neck and squeezed it. She gasped, and her eyes widened. Rodey dragged her up while strangling her neck and then harshly threw her aside on the floor. "Ah" Chu Jie tugged me, "R-Rodey is amazing...Sis, is he even human?" I had simr doubts now. But suddenly, two men aimed their guns at him. "How dare you do that to our boss!?" Fuck! It was inevitable. Even if Rodey was free, there were just too many men to fight them all. Plus, he was injured too. There was no way he could beat everybody. Zhang Ning coughed and slowly stood as her minions immediately came to her help. "Rodey...you strangled me...youid your filthy hands on me. No, I won''t let you go for this...you will have to payYou hurt Zhang Ning. YOU STRANGLED ZHANG NING!" She screamed at the top of her voice. "For years, I kept you by my side, and you do this! You try to kill me for a bitch!?" I gritted my teeth. She looked even crazier and more dangerous than before. "Grrr" I felt Cocoa softly nudging his head on my arm. I peeked behind and narrowed my eyes. Suddenly, one of the men roared. "How dare you, Rodey! You dare throw our boss! Kill him!" "Yes, kill him!" Everybody joined in. "Not only he betrayed us, but he had the audacity to kill the boss!" "He deserves to die!" "Rodey" the woman softly uttered his name. Rodey looked down at her. "Stay back, babe." Rodey sneered at Zhang Ning. "The one who could kill her own mother is talking this shit now?" "Don''t act so innocent, Rodey. Didn''t you kill your father too?" I widened my eyes. Rodey killed his father? He said, "And you know why. But your mother wasn''t a bastard like that so-called man." "Shut up! Who are you to tell me what I should do and what not?" She looked at the guards behind him. "KILL HIM! I HATE HIM! I DON''T WANT HIM TO LIVE ANYMORE! HE HAS BETRAYED ME! HE WILL PAY THE PRICE!" The guards moved, but just then, Rodey suddenly moved his hands back and grabbed the guard''s wrists. He pulled them forward and smashed their heads against each other. They turned limp and fell. "Kill me?" Rodey chuckled. "Alright. Give me the best challenge you can." Zhang Ning yelled. "What the hell are you all doing!? Get him and kill him!" A hoard of men jumped upon Rodey. The woman panicked and shuffled. But Rodey dodged every single attack and struck deadly blows, making them topple in a pile of heap like trash. He didn''t seem to be fazed by his injuries at all. From the corner of my eye, I saw a guard stealthily approaching with a metal pole from behind him. But this time, I was ready, and so was Cocoa. "Arf!" Cocoa leaped in the air and jumped on the guard with the metal pole. "Ahh!" In an instant, Cocoa ripped off his throat, and he copsed. Everybody stopped for a moment and seemed stunned again. That was my cue. After Cocoa undid his ropes, I signaled him to cut mine. I smiled. I was free. I swung my leg parallel to the ground and tripped a man ahead of me as I hit his feet with my ankle. Zhang Ning pointed her finger at me. "You...when did you two get free?" She seemed to be in shock as she staggered back. "Grrrr." Cocoa was ring at her. I smiled at her while kicking the guard in his gut. Rodey chuckled. "Impossible" one man mumbled to my left, "How did you two" "Don''t waste time! They are just three! How far can they go with so many of us?" "Heh! You are right. Let''s finish these ants off." I got into my stance, and so did Rodey, but suddenly the door barged open, and one guard came rushing in, panting hard. At first, he seemed shocked by the situation here. "Bosswhat" "Oh, shut up. Why did youe running here?" The guard seemed to snap out. "Y-yes! 18 reporting! Our base has been breached! We are under attack by people unknown!" Chapter 213: The final showdown (9) Chapter 213: The final showdown (9) *Xin Lei* I felt my heart stopped beating for a moment. Breach? Attack by people unknown? Bai Li...Bai Li is here. He is here to save us?! Zhang Ning seemed to freeze as she heard the news. I sneered. "What the hell are you saying? How can anybody attack our base?" The guard who came to report said, "Boss, it''s true. Our guards patrolling on the ground are dead, and even the ones on the first floor. There are also reports of gunfire on the second floor. There is nomunication from guard 11, who was patrolling the third floor!" The men began to whisper. "Wait, Guard 11! He is the strongest of all guards here. The tallest and the strongest of all!" "How can he die too! It''s impossible!" "Nobody had won against him ever! His sheer body frightened everybody!" "Answer me! Who killed him!" One man shouted. "S-sir, We deduce that four people havee to attack." Four people? Maybe Luo Zhiqiang and bro too? "Out of them, three were engaged in a fight with the guards from the second floor, but they cleared the way to let a lone man move onto the third floor." "Are you an idiot? Do you mean to say that a single man took down guard 11!?" I smirked. It must be Bai Li. My heart knows it. I feel it. It was Bai Li who killed him. Rodey burst intoughter. "Ahahaha! Oh, so Bai Li is here? That bastard is finally here. Didn''t I tell you, Boss? That he woulde for you. Didn''t I tell you that you cannot fool him with Zhang Xin for much time? Hahaha! Boss, your wish got fulfilled. Now you can ask him if he loves you or not. He hase here himself." Zhang Ning seemed to be riled up. She clenched her fists, and I saw her slightly shaking. She was nervously looking down and then up and then back at us. Then she suddenlyughed as if she got a crazy fit. "It cannot be Bai Li. It cannot be him. He can nevere to hurt me. It''s those people from that wretched IB! Yes, you bitch, it''s your brother. The IB were always behind our tails. No wonder it''s them. My Bai Li can never be a part of them." Huh? Has shepletely lost it now? She giggled. "Bai Li can never do this because he likes me. That''s why he always saved me. Remember? From that bullet in the rally and then from that bastard Yi Xing when he tried to kiss me. And then in Tianjin too when Yi Xing tried to take me away. He has always saved me like a prince because I am his princess. He likes me, so he couldn''t bear to see me in danger." I stared at her unblinkingly. I could only feel dumbfounded at her words. This woman ispletely in denial! She even thinks that Bai Li likes her just because he saved her! Zhang Ning seemed to blush and giggled again. "You know, Bai Li looked so angry when Yi Xing had tried to kiss me. He looked so possessive for me. He didn''t like that another filthy man tried to touch me, so he beat Yi Xing. Because he loves me soooooo much, and you im that Bai Li likes you? I pity you, Xin Lei. But I understand. Bai Li is such a man. So charismatic and strong. No woman can resist him." And now, she waspletely delusional. She was conveniently molding the situations that fit how she wanted to feel. Zhang Ning narrowed her eyes. "I will deal with the pesky IB bugs. They must have nted more men around this ce. But what''s the use? Who can rival my Dad''s power?" Then she looked at the guard. "Call reinforcements from the Zhang residence. And contact Dad too." The guard lowered his head and said nothing. "Are you deaf!? Didn''t you hear me, you fool!" "Boss...I-I am unable to contact the Zhang residence. There is no news about Sir Zhang Chao too. W-we know that he left his party office in the evening, but after that, we are not able to get through anymunication. Somebody has cut off ourmunication line." I squinted my gaze. Cut off themunication line at the Zhang residence? Such a feat can only...Qi Qiang. I smiled. My gut feeling said that Zhang Chao was dead. Bai Li cut off her source of strength first to drive her into a corner. And now he wasing for Zhang Ning. Without Zhang Chao, Zhang Ning had nobody to rely on. She was helpless without his protection. "Oohhh" Rodey grinned. "That bastard soldier is smart. He dealt with Zhang Chao first." "Shut up, Rodey! Watch your mouth!" Then she suddenly pped the guard hard. "That''s impossible! How can you not contact Dad!? Did you even try! Useless!" She quickly took out her phone and most probably was dialing his number. But she seemed to have got no answer. She turned even more anxious and irritated by how she had already called him five times, but there was still no answer. She threw her phone on the ground, and it smashed into pieces. The men took a step back. She began to chew her finger. "No...Dad always picks up my phone. He-he never misses my call. There is some misunderstandingDad will never do this" Zhang Ning gritted her teeth and red at me. "You...you bitch...it''s your brother...it''s that fucking IB! They did something to my Dad! Dad never ignores my calls! You bastards did something to him! I will never forgive you for that!" She charged at me at full speed. I ducked to the side and smashed my elbow on her back. She tripped and stumbled on her knees. She looked around at her men and yelled, "What are you all just standing there like idiots!? Kill them! Kill all of them! I want everybody dead!" Chapter 214: The final showdown (10) Chapter 214: The final showdown (10) *Xin Lei* Damn! Chu Jie, that man and woman are still tied up to that pole. If I don''t do something, then they can attack them. "Arf!" On my right, Cocoa already fiercely jumped on his prey. I ducked and hid behind a pir and grabbed a gun from the guard I had knocked out with my feet. Rodey effortlessly fought men on his side too. But I worried he wouldn''t be able to do it for long. His injuries would weaken him until he could fight no more. I hoped Bai Li and bro reach us until that happened. I peeked from the pir but didn''t find Zhang Ning. Where is she? Where did she go? Did she take the cover of her men and slipped away? But I couldn''t brood on it anymore because I saw a man''s shadowing towards me. I took a step back and let him walk beside him. As soon as he arrived at my side, I jumped behind him. Before he could turn his head, I already fired a shot. I had to go to Chu Jie''s side at any cost. They were still two poles apart from me, and I quickly ran towards them, wasting no time. But suddenly, I felt somebody grab my shoulder. Ugh...I feel as if I will break my bone. He pulled me towards him, but I came back with my own fist aiming at his mouth. He turned his head sideways, and I missed it just by an inch. At the same time, his punch came flying at me. I dodged it by a hair''s breadth, ducking low. But it wasn''t a moment to rejoice because his kick was aimed next at my abdomen. I jumped in the air and jabbed a straight upper knee cut on his chest. "Ugh" He stumbled, and his hold over my shoulder loosened a bit. I twirled around and broke free and, in that split second, shot him in the head. He was dead, and so did I feel that my shoulder was too. Ow! Ow! I slightly massaged my shoulder. Ah, it hurts...He almost broke my vicle. Bastard! "You are dead!" Another man was heading straight for me. I wanted to raise my gun, but it was too painful at my shoulder that I trembled a little. I am not going to make it this way... But then suddenly, a huge body charged on him. His sharp teeth bit on his face hard. "Ahhhh!!! My face! Get away! Cocoa! Ah, thank God...I thought I was dead. Cocoa dealt with him, and in just a few strikes, heid dead. "Arf!" He hopped onto my side and licked my hand. I ruffled his furry head and smiled. You came on time. We had no time and dashed towards Chu Jie and the others. As expected, a man was close to attacking them. I narrowed my eyes, and despite the pain shooting in my shoulder, I raised my gun and shot him. Cocoa killed another man on his way too. "Sis" Chu Jie was crying. I shook my head and mouthed. ''I will get you out of here.'' "No, sis...you get away!" The man said, "Don''t waste your time helping us. We are tied! Run away." The woman nodded. "Yes. This is your time to escape. Don''t think about us." I shook my head again and quickly scrambled to untie them. "Hey, you! You think you can take them away!" Two men were going to pounce on my side, but suddenly, they copsed on the floor with two holes in their heads. Rodey bent towards the woman''s side. She looked at his wounds and bit his lip. "Rodey...you-" "I am fine." Rodey narrowed his eyes at me. "I will take care of her. You do whatever you want to do with those two." My mouth twitched. I looked around to see that the room was quieter than before. Wait. There weren''t these fewer people before. I signed to him. Where did the others go? He sneered. "Bastards are hiding. You see, we took care of all the guards, but the minions who torture people aren''t fighters like them. In their regr life, they are just white-cor workers, so of course, they would run away from that dog and us when they don''t know how to put up a fight." Heughed. "They can only use tools to torture others but don''t have the balls actually to attack us." "Grrr" I blinked my eyes. That wasn''t good. We cannot let them escape! "I know what you are thinking. They will surely bite back in the ass if not caught. But right now, I just want to get babe away from this ce." I slowly nodded. Getting them out is the main priority now. We quickly untied them. "Sis!" Chu Jie tightly hugged me and cried. I patted his head. The man said, "But from where will we escape?" Zhang Ning''s secret route was dangerous too and so was outside the room where Bai Li and bro were fighting. Suddenly we saw something thrown at our side. I frowned. "Fuck! It''s a smoke bomb!" Rodey yelled. I widened my eyes. The ball moved, and loads of white smoke started dispersing outside in heavy density. Chu Jie and the man started coughing. "Arf! Arf!" "Babe! Stay with me." That Zhang Ning wanted us to get separated in this fog and take advantage of this. I pulled Chu Jie and that man to my side. "Sis, I cannot see anything." "This smoke is tearing up my eyes" The man mumbled. That was true. I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes, as well. A tear rolled down my cheek. Ugh, this is not good. How can I fight with such a blurry gaze? I will be killed in no time. I couldn''t even see anything. Rodey and that woman were almost invisible. Calm down. I cannot panic. The more I panic, the more I will miss out on details. Then I heard somebody''s stepsing my way. "Heh! You cannot run away." It was a man''s voice. "You cannot see in this dense fog, but we can," heughed. "The smoke must be making you cry, right? That''s so fucking awesome! Now let me see how you escape. Haha, you cannot even fight anymore! The real fight begins now!" Chapter 215: The final showdown (11) Chapter 215: The final showdown (11) *Bai Li* On the fourth floor, as I was carefully and silently walking my way, I heard footsteps rapid and urgent running around. I touched my way and felt a gap between two pirs. I ducked inside. From my earpiece, I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice, "Bai Li, from here, we can see movement on the fourth floor. A few people are running around. Be on guard." "Hm. I can hear their footsteps too." The footsteps came closer and closer to where I was, but I knew I was in a fairly good blind spot so that they couldn''t see me. The sound of their footsteps stopped. I heard them huffing and puffing and talking to each other. "Fuck! That Rodey is crazy! He broke through the chain all by himself!" I narrowed my eyes. "Seriously, just how strong he is...he was already injured, yet he could fight the guards in his condition." I heard a third voice, "I cannot believe that Rodey went against our boss! He betrayed her for that bitch." "He even tried to take our preys out of this ce. Who could have thought that the boss''s right-hand man would do this one day?" Are they talking about the same Rodey that I know? Did he try to take Chu Jie and all out? He betrayed Zhang Ning? That was one hell of news. From their snippet of conversation, it seemed as if he tried but failed in the escape and got caught. Zhang Ning chained him up, and something happened, and he broke free from those chains. I heard another voice, "And damn if that Rodey wasn''t enough, the other woman and that dog got free too!" I froze. I silently exhaled a deep breath and felt my heart settle down in ease. Safe...Cocoa and Xin Lei are safe... A man''s voice broke my stupor. "Did you see that dog wing the throat out of the guard? It was so grotesque" I smiled as I thought of Cocoa. Wow, buddy. You did a great job there. Then I raised my brow. Is this hypocrisy, I sense? After sending all those victims to death in the worst possible way, NOW you feel that it was gross? "Even that woman knows how to fight! She killed three guards all by herself. I thought she was only a doctor!" "No, kidding. How does she know how to fight?" I smirked. Isn''t my Xin Lei just awesome? Killing the guards is a piece of cake for her, you dumbasses. But I understood one thing from their conversation. All of these men were the torturers. At first, I thought they were guards, but they must be inside where everyone else was. And so these fuckers ran away because Cocoa, Xin Lei, and Rodey were finishing off the guards, and these people didn''t know how to fight, so they got scared of them, especially of Cocoa. An animal''s instinct and sense of attack are way sharper and quicker than the rest of us. Well, that just made things easy for me. Taking them down wouldn''t take much effort. But before that, I had to know one thing. I heard another man''s voice, "But how will we escape? The bastards who attacked our base must be on the lower floors. We cannot run down!" "I think we should stay put here for some time. Rodey is at the back, and the IB is in our front. We can only hide in here and escape at the next chance!" "Anybody knows where the boss went?" "I didn''t see her after all that fight started" "Me too" I see. So, she took another route to get away. It was a fruitless effort anyway because right now "Bai Li," came Luo Zhiqiang''s voice, "The army is at their position now. Major General and Lin Zihao have surrounded the building from all sides." I smiled. That''s why her escape was pointless. I whispered. "Got it." Now let''s see...I heard around ten different voices and sensed another five footsteps. So, there were fifteen people here, unarmed and unguarded. There were supposed to be around 25 torturers in total, so that meant...the rest 10 were still inside. I had to take them out before they became alert and scatter around in different directions. Right now, they were all nicely huddled in one ce as chickens about to die. One of the men said, "Let''s all hide in that ssroom. Quickly!" "Good idea!" "And the boss will surely contact us by then to escape!" I heard them advancing right past me and sensed the second door open to my right. I smiled. All in one ssroom? Even better. The strategy should have been to hide in different rooms, but it was all psychology that came into y. It was a precarious situation for them where enemies were at all sides. In such dangerous circumstances, it was human nature to stay together in a group rather than dividing it for moral support. I whispered in my earpiece, "Luo Zhiqiang. Can you connect my device to a voice changer machine?" "Roger." I heard a buzz. "Done. You must be wanting to use Zhang Ning''s voice, right?" "Yup," I smiled. He did what he had to from his side. I walked up to the side of the door of the ssroom where they were hiding and knocked. There was no answer. They must be startled and thinking it might be their enemies. I adjusted my device, and as I spoke, it took the form of Zhang Ning''s voice. "It''s me." Instantly, I heard urgent whispers from inside. I heard them stepping near the door. "Don''te out," I said. "Boss, it''s really you!" I heard one speaking. "I knew our boss would definitelye to save us!" "Boss, please take us out of here." I said, "I am here to escape with you all, but I cannot take you all at once. We would be too visible." "What should we do, boss?" I smiled. "I will take you the way out two at a time. The rest of you stay here until Ie back." Chapter 216: The final showdown (12) Chapter 216: The final showdown (12) *Bai Li* The door opened, and I heard two distinct footstepsing out. As I sensed them passed by my hidden spot, they stopped just as I had told them to. "Boss, we are here," one quietly whispered. "Boss, where are you?" I came out. Slow and silent. They didn''t sense a thing as I stood behind them. I grabbed their necks and squeezed the side of it where a hell lot of important nerves were present that were enough to render onepletely useless. I heard them sharply gasp and felt them violently struggle. I sensed their arms and legs iling frantically, and they started to breathe hard. They gripped my hand, trying to tear it away but would somebody tell them that it was useless? Well, I guess I should. "I am here," This time, I used my real voice. I felt them stiffen. "Surprise, surprise. Now, I will make this quick. Before you make your way to hell, answer my question. Bloodygame was the one who killed Fu Meili, isn''t it?" They stiffened again. "Nod your heads if it''s true, or I will smash them right now on these walls. It would look so awesome being dyed by your blood, right?" "D-don''t...hah" the man on my left gasped. "P-pl*cough cough*" "Oops. I forgot to undo a little pressure, or how would weaklings like you talk?" I released one of my fingers to make it easy for him. "Now, talk." "Pl-please let us go. We will give you loads of money! Please don''t kill us! We will do anything you want." "Which you aren''t doing it anyways. What was the question I asked you?" "T-that" "You forgot so soon? Do I need to refresh your memory?" And I squeezed his neck tighter, once again putting deadly pressure on all sorts of important nerves. He gasped in pain again. "S-s-stop! I will say..." "Good." I lessened the pressure of my grasp. "Yes... Bloodygame killed that little girl." I nodded. "Next question. Is he among you all hiding in that ssroom?" No answer. "Or maybe is it one of you?" I dug my fingers deep in their soft flesh, and I sensed them frantically shake their heads in disapproval. "You do realize that there is no point in lying, right?" "R-really...we are telling you the truth. I am not Bloodygame." "Me neitherhah..hah" the other man said. Neither of them was Bloodygame because I had heard his voice in the recording when he talked to Fu Meili. I would recognize his voice in a heartbeat, and I already knew when they spoke first. The voice didn''t match. But it was fun ying with them. "Good for you because his end is going to be much worse. Now then, is he among everybody in the room?" I felt them shake their heads. "No...he isn''t with us" "Y-yes...he didn''t escape with us." I raised my brow. "So, he is still inside where the rest of them are?" "I guess so...We didn''t pay attention to who ran away from the room." "But we didn''t see him with us now" I see. "I-I answered your questions, right? Now please let me go" "Me too! We answered everything!" I smiled. "When did I say that I was going to let you go if you answer my questions? Your life and your sins end here." I could have just shot them in their heads, but a quick death was too merciful for them. Instead, I strangled them and made them feel every second the sense of their diminishing lifeline. They were struggling like crazy. I sensed their breaths all going haywire. They were huffing and puffing and gasping, but I only tightened my grasp all the more. A few minutester, I felt them stop struggling. They didn''t move. I sensed their pulse on their neck. Nothing. Dead. Two gone. I dragged their bodies to the side where I hid at the corner and dumped it over there. I heard Luo Zhiqiang''s voice from the earpiece. "Dead?" "Yup." "So this n worked." "Beautifully. Now time for the rest of the thirteen bastards to kick the bucket." --- *Xin Lei* Damn, this smoke! "Arf! Arf!" Thankfully, Cocoa was still by my side, but I saw him shaking his head by the smoke. Wait. Where are Chu Jie and that man? I raised my hand and iled it in front of me, but I felt nobody. I felt my heartbeat quicken. What happened? They were just beside me now. Where did they go? Where was Rodey and that woman? Were they safe? Suddenly, a shot just rang past me. Fuck! That was too close! "Hahaha! I see you! You are helpless in this smoke! You cannot see us, but we can see your silhouettes!" "You all are dead!" "Did you think it would be easy to take us down?" "The fuckers who ran away with their tails in between their legs were just pathetic weaklings. But we aren''t." I heard Rodey''s voice somewhere from my right. He wasughing. "They are pathetic weaklings, but you aren''t? Then why are you taking this smoke curtain to hide your asses? Scared? Afraid to fight me?" I heard nothing. But I agreed with Rodey. That was the first thing that came to my mind when they threw that smoke bomb. Even without Rodey and me, Cocoa was way too difficult for anybody to fight, even if they were more in number. Rodey continued mocking them. "You are just as cowards as they are. Even if you came to me all at once, you would still lose. You know my strength, and now there is a woman and a dog added to it. You don''t have the balls to fight us fair and square." "Rodey!" "So just as you hide your pathetic self from the whole world in this room where you kill people for fun, you are hiding behind the smoke," he chuckled, "You want to prove yourself different from those who ran away, but you actually aren''t." "You bastard!" Chapter 217: The final showdown (13) Chapter 217: The final showdown (13) *Xin Lei* "You bastard!" The man roared, and I heard a shot rang towards my right. *Bang* There was silence for a moment before I heard a low groan. "Ugh" That was Rodey''s voice. Damn, did that shot really hit him!? The manughed, and he said, "Ahahaha! I see you going down! Hahaha! Rodey, you are dead! I hit Rodey, you arrogant bastard! I, Bloodygame, took you out!" I froze. Bloodygame... Bloodygame That''s right...How can I forget this voice? It was the same voice that I heard in the video recording. He was that same man who killed Fu Meili Ipletely missed recognizing his voice because of all this smoke curtain suddenlying out of nowhere. No wonder I felt this voice sounded so familiar! I gritted my teeth. My jaw clenched as I felt an intense fury rage inside me. Fu Meili''s cries were still fresh in my mind. He killed Fu Meili. He killed that little girl! I felt so mad that I wanted to just dash at his ce and kill that son of a bastard! But I forced myself to be calm. Rodey might be injured. I didn''t know the condition of the woman with him either. And now Chu Jie and that man disappeared too from my side. I nudged Cocoa to follow me and rushed towards Rodey, but then I heard that same man''s voice again. "No, no, no, woman. I can see you~~ Don''t bother trying to save them." "Sis!!!" "Hey! Leave us!" I turned towards my left and faintly saw some silhouettes struggling as I heard Chu Jie and that man''s voice. "S-sis!" "Hahaha! We caught you! Did you see it, woman? Oops! I forgot that you cannot see in this smoke. Rodey is done for! And now we caught your buddies here too!" I stiffened. They caught Chu Jie and that man? Another voice came from eleven o''clock direction, "Now only you are left." "Grrr" "Hey, don''t forget that monster dog!" "Oops, my bad." What should I do now? I can hear their voices, and I can shoot in that direction, but I cannot take the risk when Chu Jie and that man aren''t visible. What if they change their positions and my shot hits either of them? No. I cannot do that. I cannot make Cocoa recklessly attack either. That must be why he wasn''t moving from his spot too. I am sure he can smell their scent, but he was being cautious, too, in this smoke with almost no visibility. Suddenly, I heard a sharp gasp. "Ah!!!" And then I heard a thud. "Hey, what happened?" Bloodygame spoke, "What was that noise?" Then I heard another loud noise as if something was smashed. I narrowed my eyes. I faintly saw those men''s silhouettes moving around in confusion. "Grrr" I felt Cocoa suddenly jump past me. I didn''t realize when a man came to my side, but before he could do anything, Cocoa already killed him. But in that short time frame when Cocoa lunged at him, the smoke cleared for a few moments, and I saw a table fan at a distance. A fan...just what I need! The others were totally confused with the sudden noises, so I got my chance to slip at that side. As I reached closer, I saw that there were bloodstains on the fan''s des. I froze. Was this another tool by which they used to hurt people? I imagined them forcing the victim''s hands in the de while it would be switched on. I felt nauseated. But this was the end. Tonight, everything will be over. There will be no more innocent people trapped in this dark ce anymore and getting tortured. I quickly bent and found the plug. It was already attached to the switch. *Bang* Once again, I heard a loud bang, but this time, it belonged to a gunshot. Who fired it? Did they shoot Ch Jie or...no, no! Focus! Damn, I didn''t have time. I quickly switched the fan on. The rotors started moving, and a strong gust of wind came out. It worked! I quickly looked behind and got in my position. "Where is this winding from!?" "The smoke! It''s dispersing!" "What are you just standing there for!?" One of the man''s sight finally fell on me. "There! That woman! She did-" But I quickly shot him, and he copsed. The smoke began to clear away, and more and more men came into my view. Cocoa, too, quickly jumped on the next man who was about to attack. But what shocked me was to see Rodey holding the neck of another man and strangling him. The woman was hiding behind him at a safe distance, but I could see the worry and panic on her face. Two men were already dead beside him. He wasn''t hurt at all by the gunshot! The man, Bloodygame, spoke, and I finally saw his face. He was looking at Rodey in horror. "YouAren''t you dead? I shot you!" Rodey chuckled. "An ant like you can never take me down. I was merely pretending to lie dead under the table, and you took that as me while I took its cover and escaped." I see. So, he wanted to make them believe that he was dead, so they take their attention off him. He faked that painful groan. "Rodey, you bastard! I will kill you now!" He aimed towards him, and I quickly fired a shot, but another man pushed me from the side. Damn. He was hiding in that blind spot! My shot missed his head. Instead, it hit his hand and knocked off the gun. The man who pushed me lunged at me, but I turned to my right. I grabbed his neck and pulled him down, and jabbed my knee at his jaw. Then I shot him as well. "SisHelp me" I looked up to see Chu Jie, who was held at gunpoint. The man sneered. "This ends now." "S-sis" I froze. He was about to press the trigger. No! But just then, he stumbled and fell. "Arf! Arf!" Huh? What happened? Cocoa seemed to be restless. I saw a hole at his right temple as he copsed. "This ends NOW." I stiffened. That voiceBai Li. Chapter 218: The final showdown (14) Chapter 218: The final showdown (14) *Bai Li* When I reached the fourth floor, I started to smell smoke from a distance. I instantly recognized it. It was a smoke bomb. I had seen it before. I had smelt it before. So, they exploded a smoke bomb to take its cover. Like I said to the fifteen dead people on the third floor, these bunch of people were just as cowards as them. At first, I thought there was some spark in those people who remained, but with this smoke I smelled, they proved me wrong. But the smoke did one good thing. It gave me the method to find my way. I just had to trace its smell and find the room. It made my job easier to look for everyone. As I inched closer and closer, I heard whispers and voices and gunshots. I smelt the smoke even denser and thicker than before, and a strong gust of wind continuously passing by me. The wind...it was from a fan, a table fan to be precise because its direction was horizontal, unlike vertical like a ceiling fan. I smiled. It must be Xin Lei who was trying to disperse the smoke. That helped me even more because the smokeing towards me helped me hide my presence under its cover. I must be almost invisible to them, so it gave me a little freedom to move around. The voices grew nearer and louder. I stuck to the side of the wall and kept crawling towards the room. Then I heard one man say that he had held Chu Jie at gunpoint. I knew Xin Lei and Cocoa wouldn''t recklessly attack. Thankfully, I reached on time. I felt the man''s presence diagonally opposite to me. I sensed his voice was forty-five degrees to my right. I shut my eyes. For a moment, I felt my heart leap out of my chest. Once again, it was the same as that time when Tan Ye was held, hostage. The memories of him dying before me shook me a little. But I knew the truth now. I hadn''t made a mistake then. The years of my training hadn''t gone to waste. I didn''t kill Tan Ye. And my shot today wouldn''t kill Chu Jie either. I opened my eyes. I concentrated on the man''s voice onest time. "This ends now." I pulled the trigger and heard a thud. I sensed confusion in the room. Then I slowly entered and said, "This ends NOW." And then I felt it. The moment I stepped in, I felt their presence. The two most important people in my life were here. Xin Lei and Cocoa. I finally found them. They must have seen me by now, but even without their words, I knew how they felt about me. My heart eased to know that both were safe. I didn''te before it was toote. Once again, I cursed my blindness. How must Xin Lei be looking at me now? How was Cocoa looking at me? I wanted to see their expressions because I knew they were seeing mine. "You bastard!" But I didn''t have any more time to think about them because there were still enemies lurking in the room, one of whiching straight my way, judging his rapid and angry footsteps towards me. I smiled. Finally, I could say it after a long time. Finally, I could fight beside my buddy. "Cocoa. Kill." "Arf! Arf!" --- A few moments ago. *Xin Lei* I slowly raised my head and saw the figure who I was waiting for this entire time. Bai Li...he was hereI could see him. He was really here! My eyes watered a tiny bit, and instantly, I felt as if a heavy load was taken off my shoulders. I felt a new sense of vigor now that he was here. The doubt and fear in my heart just vanished as if it was never there before. I didn''t feel alone. Everything would be just fine now. I felt him looking at my way, too, for just a moment. But we didn''t have any time for our reunion. There were still these bastards, and Zhang Ning left to be killed. "You bastard!!!" Suddenly, a man charged towards Bai Li headlong. But Bai Li seemed in peace as he calmly smiled. "Cocoa. Kill." "Arf! Arf!!" Cocoa, who was jumping in his ce ever since the moment Bai Li had entered, took two huge leaps and jumped on the man. His ws tore his skin apart, and he bit on them, sucking his life out of him. "Ahhhh!!!" The man scrambled in pain and was iling like a fish taken out of the water. He copsed dead in no time. Cocoa jumped to Bai Li''s side, and furiously nudged his head against him. "Arf!" He softly smiled and ruffled his head. "Hey, buddy. I finally hear from you." "Arf! Arf!" "You" Bloodygame looked at him in disbelief. "You...how are you here!?" "What the fuck are you doing here?" Another man yelled. Bai Li chuckled. "Not even a hello to your guest? Shouldn''t guests be treated as Gods?" It felt like such a long time since I heard his voice. It was simply music to my ears. His confident, sarcastic and blunt yet sexy and charming voice. Thebination was lethal. "So the soldier is finally here~~ Is that Bai Li''s voice I hear?" Rodey, who had just killed another man,mented as heughed. His condition seemed even paler than before. The blood flowing out of his wound appeared to be increasing as well. The woman was worriedly looking at his way with tears in her eyes. Bai Li said, "Is that Rodey''s voice I hear who betrayed his boss?" Rodey was about to say something, but he coughed hard. He seemed to pant and breathe heavily, and sweat dripped down his head. "Tired already?" Bai Li smirked. "Shut it, you bastard." "How dare you two ignore me!" Bloodygame screamed. Bai Li narrowed his eyes as he looked at Bloodygame''s direction, "This voice...You are the one who killed Fu Meili." Chapter 219: The final showdown (15) Chapter 219: The final showdown (15) *Xin Lei* I felt my jaw tighten, and my hands clenched into fists. Yes. He killed Fu Meili. If looks could kill, then he would have been already dead at least a thousand times by now. Bloodygame scoffed. "Who Fu Meili? I don''t remember." Then he sneered, "It''s hard, you know. There have been so many fun toys here that it''s difficult to remember them all. It''s not like we know their names." I felt my finger so close to pressing the trigger! Bai Li seemed calm. But I knew that behind his calm demeanor on the outside, he was raging like a volcano inside. His deadly, quiet gaze said it all. "Don''t worry. I am here to remind you of exactly that. By the time you painfully breathe yourst, you will remember who Fu Meili was. I will make sure of it." "You? A blind man like you is threatening me? It must be so hard living in delusions." "Why don''t you ask the fifteen dead men outside if I am in any delusion or not?" Silence loomed inside the room. I chuckled. Those cowards were nothing in front of my Bai Li. "Impossible!" He roared. "You want to frighten me, so you are just spewing nonsense! Even the ones who can see cannot take fifteen people on their own! And you say you took them down when you are blind? Nonsense!" Bai Li shrugged. "That''s where brain, intelligence, tactics, and strategiese into y. Unfortunately, you don''t have any of that." The three other men who were still alive with Bloodygame seemed to be frightened now. They were nervously eyeing each other. I narrowed my eyes. It feels as if somebody is nning to escape. With Bai Li, Cocoa, Rodey, and me, they must be feeling outnumbered in terms of strength even if the numbers were the same. "No...no, no, no! You are lying! I will kill you!" He seemed ready to shoot, but just then, a shot rang and hit his wrist. "Ah!!!" The gun slipped from his fingers and fell. "What the fuck, Bai Li? You were waiting for the shot to hit you?" I froze. Bro! That voice was bro''s! Before the other two men could raise their guns, Bro already shot two of them. "Ahhh!! Please don''t shoot me! Spare me!" The third man copsed on his knees and screamed. Bloodygame groaned in pain. "Ahhhh! You bastard...my hand" "Yo, Lei Lei. d that you didn''t kick the bucket until we came," Bro smirked. Bro...he is here too He snorted. "Don''t get all too emotional. I just joined in to separate you and Bai Li in case you two couldn''t stop yourselves from making out after your tearful reunion." "..." Bai Li said, "So, I guess the second floor is clear." "Apparently, some guards thought that they were masters in hiding skills and could kill us in surprise, but oh well," he shrugged, "I proved them wrong." "Where are Zhang Xin and Zhu Yusheng?" I blinked my eyes. Zhang Xin? Then my eyes widened in shock. "I can see the shock on your face, little sis. Yes, she and her boyfriend are a part of this attack too." Bai Li smiled. "You know her, actually." I frowned. Have we met before? "Zhang Xin and Zhu Yusheng went after to find Zhang Ning." Bai Li nodded. "Let''s finish here and join them." "Big bro Bai Li!" Chu Jie hopped to his side as he cried. "I know you and sis woulde to save us! You...you all are finally here" Bai Li felt his way and patted his head. "Hey, kid. Are you alright?" Chu Jie smiled as he wiped his tears. "Bro. How can I not be fine? Cocoa protected me all this time. Cocoa isreally amazing and so strong. You know, he even killed two of the guards when they were after me." "Arf." "Hoooo" Bai Li chuckled. "Good job, Cocoa. I am proud of you, buddy." "Arf! Arf!" He licked his hand and furiously wagged his tail. Suddenly, Rodey said as he panted breathlessly, "Well, your dog surely ruined my escape n. If he hadn''t chased after your woman and wasted my time, then we would have already got out of this ce." My brow twitched. So it''s my fault? "Grrrrr!" Cocoa growled at Rodey. Bai Li smirked. "As if you could have dealt with all these men without Xin Lei or his help. You would have been dead meat by now." Rodey dangerously squinted his gaze. "You wanna try, you bastard? I will show you just who would have been the dead meat." "Rodey" the woman cautiously pulled his arm. "Don''t fight. They are here to help us." "This voice...are you the woman who was kidnapped two days ago?" Bai Li asked. "Yes. My name is Ying Yue." Bro looked behind me and asked, "Then who is this man?" He pointed at the man who was with Chu Jie all along. "I was here before they brought Chu Jie. My name is Long Hu." We nodded. "And that unconscious woman over there?" The woman lowered her gaze. "She is my cousinXu Jingjing." Rodey snorted. "Whatever. I am out of here with babe. I don''t care what you do next, nor am I interested in helping you with Zhang Ning." "Stop," Bro sternly said, "I am taking out Chu Jie, Long Hu, and Xu Jingjing with me. The army is outside, who is ready in their position to take you all into safety. You two wille with me too." Rodey growled. "I don''t need your help. I can take her out myself." Bro snapped. "Stop with your heroism shit, you fucker. I don''t care what you want. All the hostages areing with the IB, and that is me. If I have to knock you out, so be it. You can hardly fight me in your pathetic condition." I coughed. Bro''s tongue wasn''t any less poisonous than Bai Li or Rodey himself. Rodey seemed to grit his teeth. Ying Yue nudged him and slowly nodded. "Let''s go with them." "Fuck!" "Well, the feeling is mutual." Bro touched his earpiece. "Is everything in ce, Zhiqiang?" He must have given his affirmative, to which bro nodded. Bro looked at me. "Youing?" I smiled and shook my head. I wanted to see the end of all this with Bai Li. He silently stared at me for a moment and nodded. Chu Jie said, "Bro, sis, take care." We chuckled. Bai Li said, "Of course." Bro took everybody away. I shot thest man, who was begging us to spare him. Of course, we didn''t. Then I looked down at Bloodygame, who was lying on the ground, holding his wrist and writhing in pain. Bai Li said, "Now, time for you to remember who Fu Meili is." Chapter 220: The final showdown (16) Chapter 220: The final showdown (16) *Xin Lei* Bai Li dragged Bloodygame up and dumped him on the same spot where Fu Meili breathed herst. Even though the ce was different, the feel was just the same. He tried to fight back, but Bai Li kicked him straight in the jaw. Two of his teeth broke, and his mouth began to bleed. Cocoa bit his other hand, and now both of his hands were useless. "Xin Lei. Tie his wrists together at the back." I thought back. Just like Fu Meili was. I saw one dagger lying around and narrowed my eyes. Just the perfect weapon I picked it up and handed it to Bai Li. He smiled and raised it in front of Bloodygame, twirling in his hand. "A fine dagger, isn''t it? Does it ring a bell?" Just like his name, his face and hands were all bloody and messed up now. He looked up towards the dagger. "Does this situation remind you of something?" He violently struggled at his ce. "You bastard! You will pay for this! I will kill you! I will kill you!" I rolled my eyes. Bai Li sighed. "You still don''t understand the situation, don''t you?" He pointed the tip of the dagger in his arm, stabbed it, and began to tear it apart as he slid down. "Aaahhhhh!!!" He frowned. "I should make you understand the situation even better." Bai Li pulled out the dagger, went back to the starting point across the wound, and tore through the same line again, this time stabbing even deeper." Bloodygame''s eyes seemed as if they popped out of his sockets. "AAAHHHHH!!! STOPPPPP!!" "Sshh! Why are you screaming so loudly? What''s wrong? Don''t you like to y with knives? I am ying your favorite game. You should be happy." He didn''t respond. His body slumped and tilted to the side, his brows tightly furrowed on his forehead. I sneered. Finally, this bastard was finally paying for his sins. It wasn''t nearly enough, but he was going there... slowly and painfully towards his end. He gritted his teeth and red at us. "You...you stabbed me...you fucker, you are so dead!" "Xin Lei. He still doesn''t seem to understand. What should I do?" Bai raised his head in my direction. I chuckled. I took the dagger from his hand, and this time, I stabbed it in his gut, but I made sure that I didn''t hit any vital organ for instant death. He had to suffer, after all. Bloodygame puked some blood and copsed on the floor, his body twitching and writhing like crazy. I shut my eyes and thought of Fu Meili. Her tears, her begging, her cries, her frightened expression, and the desperation to go back to her parents. I felt my veins throb and blood pump in a fury. My grasp tightened on the handle, and gnashing my teeth; I twisted the dagger clockwise inside his gut. "AAAHHH!!!" I heard the sounds of all kinds of tissues and muscles tearing apart. Blood sttered from his wound, dyeing the floor crimson. "Stops-stop h-hurts...it hurts" Bai Li said, "A little girl was pleading just like this to let her go. She kept crying and crying, but nobody listened." Bloodygame was panting hard. His eyes were rolling backward. I pulled out the dagger in a sh that tore apart more cells and tissues on the way. Blood sshed even more. He took a sharp gasp, and it seemed as if he wanted to cry and scream in pain, but he didn''t find his voice. He could only whimper and groan. "I can sense you trembling and shivering. This is how terrified she must have felt when she was surrounded by crazy fuckers like you. No way to run. No way to hide. Tied helpless at this spot but still hoping to get free of this hell." Tears gushed out of his eyes. "Pl-please spare me... don''t kill me, please...I don''t want to die" I scoffed. Bai Li smiled. "Fu Meili and the countless other victims didn''t want to die either. They wanted to live. Did anybody listen to them?" Bloodygame took a sharp gasp again. "You know this is the end. You are going to die here and not an instant one. How does it feel to be at the same ce as Fu Meili? Do you remember her now? Because you are begging just like she did." He just shut his eyes and said nothing for a moment. When he opened them again, I saw it. I saw the fear in his gaze. The arrogance that he had just a few minutes was nowhere to be seen. Fear, unease, rm was as clear as day. Tears gushed out of his eyes, but he couldn''t even cry. He was already getting dizzy and tired. "Please...nodon''t kill me...let me go" "Fu Meili cried the same way. But she died anyway. And so will you." Bai Li took the bloody knife from me. He clutched his hair and pulled it hard. "You slit her throat and left her like that, struggling in herst breaths. She could only bear the pain and do nothing else. You onlyughed at her. Now, it''s your turn." He ced the tip of the de on his neck. Bloodygame slowly widened his eyes and vigorously shook his head. "N-No! P-please*cough* don''t" In one strike, Bai Li shed the knife across his neck. Blood, once again, sttered, and some of it sshed on our clothes. He gasped and wiggled in his ce. He furiously iled his body, and the more he did, the more blood flowed out of his arm and gut. His movements grew slower, and he stopped struggling, trying to breathe. His face was a mess of tears and snot. "Now, you will know how much Fu Meili suffered and how pain she was in when she took herst breaths. Every second you will feel life slipping out of you, the more blood you lose. So, congrattions on a painful death. Have a happy time dying." Chapter 221: The final showdown (17) Chapter 221: The final showdown (17) --- *** As Xin Zhen was taking the group with him, he already let Luo Zhiqiang inform Major General Shi Jianguo that everyone is safely secured. Once they are brought out, only Zhang Ning would be left to take care of. But as they kept walking, Rodey finally started to feel the toll of all the fights he had just now. His wound was severely bleeding and he was panting hard. His eyelids were trembling and close to shutting down but he was fighting the dizziness. Ying Yue, who was walking by his side, quickly held his arm. She felt more and more worried seeing his pale condition. "Rodey, please hold on for just a while" Chu Jie and Long Hu were concerned too. They tried to support him to walk, but he shook himself away. "Get lost. I don''t need any help." "Keep doing this and I won''t care if you copse. I am not gonna lift you and take you out if you did," Xin Zhen sneered, "So stop being so uselessly stubborn." "Mind your own business you IB dog of a bastard." "This IB dog of a bastard is taking you out of this ce. Show some respect," he chuckled. "I never asked any!" "Oh yeah? In this state right now, you would have been just a burden on Ying Yue. Poor woman would have had to lift you on her delicate shoulders and walk you out like a baby. I mean, she is already in pain herself." Rodey gritted his teeth. Ying Yue softly spoke, "No, no. I am fine. I can help Rodey." "No need," Rodey coldly spoke. She pursed her lips. She wanted him to lean on her. She couldn''t do anything when he had to fight all those men even though he was injured. She could only hide behind him for safety. So, at least now...she wanted to support him but he pushed her away. "Hey it''s not nice to make a woman sad, you know?" Xin Zhen was enjoying Rodey''s misery. "Shut up, you fucker! You said she is hurt if she helps me and now you are again taunting me because I am not taking it. Make up your fucking mind!" "I don''t need to. I am just enjoying myself," he shrugged. "Bastard!" Rodey cursed under his breath. They walked on further and were close to the exit now. But just as they were about to step down on the first floor, a man from the shadows suddenly jumped behind them, who was lurking and hiding in the dark. "Rodey, you bastard!!" His sudden appearance took everybody by shock and startled them. He held a knife in his hands. "Fuck! Where did hee from?" Xin Zhen cursed. He was carrying Xue Jingjing with him so he got a secondte. Rodey had a hard time recognizing him since he was already getting dizzy from before. So one of them managed to hide until now...Damn! By the time Xin Zhen put her away and raised his gun, the man had already started to madly charge towards Ying Yue. "It''s all because of this woman that you betrayed our boss! Die you bitch!" "Sis Yue!" "Ying Yue!" Chu Jie and Long were horrified. The moment Rodey heard him talking about Ying Yue, Rodey felt his grogginess turn into dust. His sharp senses immediately sensed the danger. He saw him charging towards her and it happened so fast and suddenly that Ying Yue had no time to get away. "WATCH OUT!!!" Even though his injuries were badly hurting him and bleeding like crazy, Rodey, with all thest bit of strength he could gather, he pushed Ying Yue away from that man''s knife and she stumbled to the side. But in that process, he himself got exposed to it and instead of her, the knife stabbed his stomach. "Rodey!!!" Ying Yue sharply gasped and her eyes widened as she saw the knife prate him. "Ughhhh" Rodey coughed as blood spurted out of his already injured wound. A sharp pain shot in his gut. "Haha-" *BANG* Xin Zhen shot the man dead in the next instant but he was just a secondte. If he hadn''t been carrying Xue Jingjing, he would have made it in time. "Rodey!" Ying Yue rushed towards him as he copsed on his knees, holding his stomach. Even more blood began to flow. "Damn! Zhiqiang! Call an ambnce right now! Ry it to the army. Rodey is stabbed and now severely injured," Xin Zhen sted his earpiece with his voice. "Roger!" Chu Jie and Long Hu bent towards him. "Rodey" Ying Yue burst into tears. He took the blow for her. In his already wounded state, he suffered another stab to save her. It should have been me...I should have been killed...why... why is Rodey" "Rodey, Rodey! Please look at me!" She held his head in her arms and leaned him on herp. Rodey was in so much pain that he couldn''t even move any longer. The blood loss only added to his misery. But he could faintly hear her voice. His voice was just a whisper now. "Babeyou look" he gasped in pain, "fuzzy hehe" She trembled hard. Tears from her eyes dropped on his cheeks. "Rodey please stay with me...Don''t close your eyes. You heard the IB, right? The ambnce ising. You will be fine!" Rodey faintly smiled. "Why... are youdon''t care for...a criminal like me... isn''t this a fitting end for me?" "No!" Ying Yue sobbed even harder. "This is not the end! Please... please I beg you.. " she lowered her head, "please don''t say thatplease don''t leave me" Chu Jie couldn''t help but burst into tears as well. No matter if he was a part of them, in the end, he went against them and saved them. "Babe...no...Yue" Ying Yue froze. She stared at him in a daze. My name...he called my name Her heart fluttered with an unknown and strange emotion she never felt before. She didn''t know that Rodey calling her name would sound so sweet. Rodey somehow raised his arm towards her through that harsh pain. His trembling and bloody hand gently held the back of her head and he slowly pulled her towards his face. She quickly said, "I am here! What do you want to say?" Rodey smiled. He forced himself to raise his head and then he pressed his lips on hers. "Idon''t know*cough* if I can hold on...but if...I didn''t...then know that...Idon''t know what...love is...but I think... that''s what I feel for you...from those stupid love stories...I would hear sometimes," he faintly chuckled and his hand slid off from her cheek as thest strand of consciousness remaining inside him, left him and his world turned all ck. Chapter 222: The final showdown (18) Chapter 222: The final showdown (18) --- Zhang Ning huffed breathlessly as she reached the children''s yroom. Her secret door that connected to the entrance and exit, also connected that led to a yroom where she kept some of her torture tools. The whole way, she was trying to call Zhang Chao but to no avail. None of her calls went through. By the time she tried for almost the thirtieth time, she finally realized that something was seriously wrong. Not that the guard didn''t inform her about the situation, but she refused to believe it. She couldn''t imagine her father being taken hostage or kidnapped. "Tch, tch, tch." Zhang Ning froze. The familiar voice crawled goosebumps on her skin. "Come on, elder sister~ I thought you were better than this." The light shone upon her, and Zhang Xin was sitting on a chair, tapping her foot on the floor. She was amused as she watched Zhang Ning''s condition. "Long time no see, sis~~" Zhang Ning gritted her teeth and her dark gaze glinted with utter hatred. "XinI knew it was you! I knew you came for revenge!" she spoke through gritted teeth. "Come on. We meet after so long, and you won''t even hug me? I am your sister!" Zhang Xin pouted. "Shut up!" How did she know that I am here? "How do I know that you are here?" Zhang Xin chuckled. "I can read your mind like an open book." Zhang Ning clenched her fists. "Shouldn''t sisters be able to understand each other? And who knows you better than me? Of course, I knew you woulde here." She looked around the yroom. "This was your favorite ce even back in our younger days. After Mom died, you took me away from my room and imprisoned me in the yroom at Zhang mansion where the doctors would do their ''special treatment'' on me. And then, you woulde after they left and ''yed'' with me too, isn''t it?" Zhang Ning lost her patience. "What did you do to Dad? Tell me! Where have you kept him? Why isn''t he picking my calls?" Zhang Xin dramatically widened her eyes. "What are you saying? Why are you asking me? What have I got to do anything with Dad?" "You are lying! You hate him! You did something to him!" "But I didn''t. Just like you never did anything to Mom. Just like you never hated Mom and never killed her," she tilted her head and smiled. "Isn''t that what you always imed?" Zhang Ning clutched her dress hard. Then she sneered. "Mom wanted me to get treated. Was she even worth calling as a mother? She treated her own daughter as if she was crazy. She wanted everyone to know that I was mad and a psycho! Which mother does that to her child!? So, I killed her. Haha! She deserved it! She deserved to die after she treated me as an outcast!" *SLAP SLAP SLAP* Zhang Xin clutched her hair and pped her three times harshly on both cheeks. "Ahhh" Her head tilted to the side, and her cheeks were burning red, stinging in pain. "Xin! How dare you!" Zhang Xin pped her hard again. "This is how I dare. No matter how much I pped you, it''s not enough. You never understood that Mom loved both of us. We both were her daughters. Why would she be partial? She wanted your treatment because you desperately NEEDED it. And see? This is the result of not getting that. You grew up to be even worse than your child self, and mindlessly started killing people for fun. This is what Mom didn''t want you to be. A cold-blooded, sadistic killer." "You asked what kind of a mother does that to a child? I say what kind of a mother would see her child turn into a monster? And if she did, if she turned a blind eye to everything, then she is truly not deserving to be called as a mother." "Shut up! I am not crazy! I am not mad! This is me! This is Zhang Ning! I like blood. I like to see others in pain! What is wrong with that? Dad always understood me, but you...you did something to him!" Zhang Xin sneered. "Oh please. Don''t behave as if you really loved Dad. You didn''t love him. He was just as crazy as you, so you found sce that he stood with you. If he had tried the same things as Mom did to change you, then you wouldn''t have hesitated to kill him either. He was alive only because he supported you. Otherwise, he was of no use to you because you don''t understand feelings like love. You are incapable of loving anybody." Zhang Ning froze. Her words cut straight into her heart and impaled her like a sword ripping through it. Even though Zhang Chao always stood by her side, she never felt any love for him. She never held any love for her family, Zhang Qiuyue, Xin, or even Zhang Chao. It was just "Heh. You finally realized the truth? It was just convenient for you that a man in a powerful position like his happened to share your psycho nature, and so you got his support as a by-product. So, don''t act as if you are all heartbroken and devastated by Dad''s death. You could care less." Zhang Ning widened her eyes. "D-death?" Zhang Xin gasped and covered her mouth. "Oopsie! Me and my loud mouth! I spilled everything," she sighed. "Dad is dead?" She whispered in a daze. Zhang Ning nkly looked at the floor, her eyes failing to blink. Her brain couldn''t process this information. Zhang Xin leaned in and gripped her jaw until Ning felt as if a boulder was crushing it. "Such an irony, right? You killed Mom, whom I loved so much, and I killed Zhang Chao, on whom you relied for support. You cut off the source of my happiness years ago, and I cut off the source of your strength yearster. I was left all alone after her death, and now you are here, all alone and helpless after Zhang Chao is no more." She smiled. "And do you want to know who helped me in achieving my goal?" A bad feeling arose in Zhang Ning''s heart. She felt she knew the answer but didn''t want to hear it. Zhang Xin chuckled. "It''s none other than the man you seemed to have fallen ''in love'' with. Bai Li." Chapter 223: The final showdown (19) Chapter 223: The final showdown (19) "LIES!" Zhang Ning roared. "You are lying! Bai Li has nothing to do with him!" Zhang Xin chuckled. "Oh my. You refuse to believe that Bai Li can be a part of it." "Of course! Bai Li loves me! He won''t do any such things!" Zhang Xin was visibly surprised. "Wow. I cannot believe I will see a day where you will be talking about love." "Xin, I warn you. Don''t dare bring Bai Li into this. I know you are doing everything to destroy me! It''s you! You hated Dad! You snatched him away from me!" She narrowed her eyes. "Why should I not? Forget about how he treated me. Forget about all the doctors who cruelly treated me like a test subject, yet he didn''t say a word against it. He kept watching his daughter suffer as if it had nothing to do with him. But with Mom" she clenched her fists, and her gaze turned cold. "Mom had already passed away, so why was there a need to kill her a second time by ident!? Just to save you!?" Zhang Xin gave a tight p on Ning''s face again. "Just so that he could hide your murder! Just so that he could hide your sin by burning her into a fire?" She pulled her hair and pped her again, left and right. "He had already treated her terribly when they were married, but even after her death...he couldn''t even treat her death with respect only to protect his status and position! Only to protect his psycho daughter!" Zhang Ning''s face had turned all red by now. "Xin!" She madly rushed to tear her face apart, but Zhang Xin easily overpowered her. She was way stronger than her as she had learned all sorts of martial arts. So dealing with that dumb attack was a piece of cake to her. She dodged it and jabbed an upper knee cut on her abdomen. "*Cough!*" Zhang Ning''s eyes widened, and she coughed hard. She even puked a little blood. That kick was so hard on her stomach that it almost knocked her out. Her knees trembled, and she copsed. She clutched her stomach, and her brows tightly furrowed in pain. She glowered at Zhang Xin with hatred. While Zhang Xin trained every day in Scond to make herself strong and capable, Zhang Ning did no such thing. Zhang Chao treated her like a princess, and she always had the guards following her for safety and protection. Even in her world of the dark web, there was Rodey, General Song, Duan Deming, and numerous other minions who took care of outside matters. So she never felt the need to train for anything. She was physically weak and no match for Zhang Xin. Zhang Ning only sat on her throne and watched everything at a distance as she yed with everyone like puppets. "You" she coughed more blood. Zhang Xin bent and crushed her jaw in between her fingers. "Ugh" Tears pooled in her eyes, and they became red in anger. "What''s wrong? Cannot believe that your weak younger sister, who was on the verge of dying by all those drugs and injections, could grow up to be so strong?" Zhang Ning red at her but could say nothing. "Once again, it''s an irony, right? I was the weak and helpless one all those years back, and I could only bear your and everyone''s torture. But look at you now. Who is the helpless one now? First, we ended Zhang Chao and now-" "Don''t... Don''t you dare include Bai Li as if...he was with you" "Why shouldn''t she include me, Zhang Ning?" Bai Li''s voice echoed throughout the yroom as he entered with Xin Lei. Zhang Ning froze. She slowly raised her head and saw his figure walking towards her. Zhang Xin smiled. "Took you a long time." "Hey, spare me, okay? I had a lot of things on my te with all those never-ending minions." Xin Lei chuckled. Her gaze fell on Zhang Ning, and she raised her brow at her condition. "B-Bai Li!" Zhang Ning burst into tears. "Bai Li! Zhang Xin! She wants to kill me! Help me!" Zhang Xin sighed. "Well, it''s good that you came. Now please burst her bubble and confess about Zhang Chao. She is really irritating me now." Bai Li smiled in amusement. "Ho.what do you mean?" "My poor sister cannot seem to believe that the love of her life had any hand in killing Zhang Chao." Zhang Ning stared at them, dumbfounded. She realized that they were talking as if they were buddies and not enemies! "Bai Li...what are you doing...w-why are you talking to her like that? She is our enemy! She killed Mom and everybody! She is the culprit you are looking for!" "Hold on a second, Zhang Ning," Bai Li asked Zhang Xin, "Love of her life? Care to exin?" Xin Lei pouted and took out the minion''s phone she stole after he died. She typed. "Bai Li, you have a weak memory. Didn''t I say that Zhang Ning likes you?" "I thought you were pulling my leg." Zhang Xin chuckled. "Oof Bai Li. Acting all so arrogant. You saved her so many times. She was bound to fall for your charms~~" "My charms are all reserved for my Xin Lei. Nobody else." Zhang Ning froze. Xin Lei typed again. "And she didn''t understand even after she saw us kissing in the hospital. Talk about being in a delusion." Zhang Ning couldn''t understand what was going on. First, he talked with Zhang Xin as if they were on the same side, and now he confessed that he liked Xin Lei. "No*cough*...it''s false. This is a misunderstanding. Bai Li...you don''t understand...you love me, not Xin Lei." Xin Lei almost choked. Bai Li tilted his head. "Are you saying that I don''t understand my own heart and feelings? Am I a kid who needs to be told what I should feel and what I shouldn''t? I will spell it out if you like." "I like Xin Lei. I have always liked her since the beginning and will always like her in the future too. Nothing can change that. Oh, and Zhang Chao? Yup, I helped Zhang Xin in ending his pathetic life too." Chapter 224: The final showdown (20) Chapter 224: The final showdown (20) *Xin Lei* Zhang Ning seemed as if the earth had shattered beneath her feet. Bai Li said, "Why is there so much silence? Are you shocked about my feelings for Xin Lei? Or about knowing that I helped Zhang Xin kill your father?" I chuckled and typed. "I think she is shocked to learn both of them." Zhang Xin said, "Bai Li. You are so cruel. You should have broken it down to her one by one, but you just sted everything at once like a fully automatic gun." Bai Li sighed. "It''s not my problem. I just wanted to get it over with soon." He looked in her direction and smiled. "By the way, do you want to know how he died? I think you deserve to know." Zhang Ning said nothing. "Just like Zhang Qiuyue died the second time. Crashed by a car, his body crushed under its weight, and then boom! On fire!" She trembled. "This cannot be...true...you cannot...kill him...why would you kill him...It was Zhang Xin" I didn''t know whether to call her persistent or stupid. Even when everything was out, she was still feigning ignorance. He said, "It was always you. I realized the true culprit when we visited the Zhang mansion even before you kidnapped Xin Lei. Sure, I did misunderstand Zhang Xin in the beginning, but when Liao Huifang got her drawing book, and she exined the pictures she drew, it became as clear as day." I knitted my brows. From the drawing book? How? "I... don''t understand" "The drawing of Zhang Qiuyue''s murder." She seemed to freeze. She nced at Zhang Xin and then back at Bai Li. Zhang Xin smiled. "Don''t worry. I didn''t draw you because I didn''t see you actually killing her." "Then, how!? See? Xin didn''t see me killing her! She is falsely using me! Bai Li. I am not the killer!" Bai Li asked, "Do you remember that I asked you at the Zhang mansion if Zhang Xin was a lefty?" I sensed that she became a bit cautious. "Yes. What does it have to do with the murder?" "Everything. It''s how I came to know the true culprit. In the drawing, as Liao Huifang exined to me, the cut on her neck was deeper towards the right side of her neck where it started, and it turned shallow as it ended on the left side." "So?" "Humans are so strange, aren''t they? Even though people are lefty or righty, they tend to do things in the opposite way. For example, a righty usually wears a watch on his left wrist, and a lefty would wear it on his right wrist. They usually don''t like things to be on the same side as their dominant hand. That preference to use the opposite side also reflects in other manners." "Like choosing which side of the bed you want to sleep on. Lefty people generally prefer the right side and the righty prefer the left side. The direction of that cut was from right to left, so for argument''s sake, let''s say the culprit is X. If X shed Zhang Qiuyue from right to left, that means she was sleeping on the left side of the bed. And righty people prefer to choose the left side." Ah, now I understoodIt made sense. What Bai Li said was right. I, too, found some things morefortable when they were on my left side even though I was a righty. I usually held even my phone in my left hand because that made mefortable to type from my right hand. Zhang Ning burst out. "That''s rubbish! That cannot be the basis of using me of murder! That''s just a theory! Even Xin could have slept on the left side to frame me!" Bai Li smiled. "That just triggered my mind into thinking that it was you. But there is another thing that made me sure that the X was you. The way Zhang Qiuyue''s throat was shed. Didn''t I say that it was deeper at the right end where it started and shallow as it ended on the left?" Then he paused. Zhang Ning said nothing. She seemed to wait for him to speak. "The cut was deeper at the right side because only a righty can put that much pressure when he or she inflicts the wound. When you use your dominant hand, youfortably do things as long as they are in the range of your dominant hand. Then the pressure and power start to decrease, and it bes shallow as it reaches the opposite side." "If Zhang Xin had slept on her left side and used her left hand to strike Zhang Qiuyue, the direction of the cut would have still been the same, from right to left. Neither of you could have struck from left to right because it was too ufortable sleeping on the left side and then striking from the same side as well. As I said, we prefer to do things from the opposite end." "But in her case, the cut would have been shallow at the right side and more pronounced and deeper towards the left. She could have all nned to sleep on the left side to frame you, but she couldn''t have faked the strike method. The amount of power your dominant hand uses simply happens unconsciously and naturally. And even if, for argument sake, she had faked that as well, the cut would have been sloppy and a little zigzagged, not a clean cut. It''s because you are challenging your natural disposition. But the cut was straight, deeper at the right, and shallow at the left. So, the X is you. You killed Zhang Qiuyue." Zhang Ning could not refute and just stayed silent. Zhang Xin pped her hands. "Wow! I never knew you could deduce all that from my silly drawing." "It wasn''t silly. Liao Huifang was quite praising your drawing skills. You drew at that level of detail that you even captured the depth of the cut; it means that you are amazing." "Mom taught me. She used to like drawing and painting." I typed. "She did a fine job." Zhang Xin faintly smiled. "I know...she was the best." Bai Li said, "Now then, Miss Zhang Ning. Do you need me to prove to you anything else?" Chapter 225: Time ticking away (1) Chapter 225: Time ticking away (1) *Xin Lei* Zhang Ning yelled. "No! You cannot do this! I know you are lying!" Bai Li ignored her and continued. "Once I realized the truth, I knew what we had to do. Kill Zhang Chao first. Then you would have no one to help you and no ce to hide. Once he was cut off, dealing with you was easy. He had to die anyway. He just died first. That''s all." I pouted and typed. "Wish I would have been there. I wanted to witness it too." Zhang Xin chuckled. "Well, we all can witness her end. But Zhang Chao''s death was indeed satisfying. Mom would be so happy in heaven." "SHUT UP XIULAN! SHUT THE FUCK UP!" "Why are you getting so riled up, elder sister? Do you feel bad for him? I don''t think so because you never loved him either." Bai Li said, "Now before you take off for hell, let me also make it very clear that I never liked you. I never had any feelings for you, and who would after knowing your true colors? I saved you all those times because it was my duty as a soldier who once served the country. Nothing more and nothing less. What you interpreted from that is none of my concern." "Lies! Lies! Lies! All lies! It''s this Xin Lei! She is brainwashing you! You don''t love her. You love me! Only I deserve to be at your side! Bai Li is mine!" "Arf!" Cocoa almost seemed ready to attack, but Bai Li stopped. "It''s okay, buddy. Stand." And Cocoa obeyed. She almost got up, but Zhang Xin pped and kicked her again, and she copsed. I widened my eyes. She was snarling at us, and a crazy madness darkened her gaze. Why wasn''t she still giving up? This was crazy. Bai Li said the same things as I did, yet she doesn''t want to believe him either! What more of a confession you want!? Zhang Xin raised her foot and smashed it on her cheek. Ah, that would be so painful~ "AHHHH" She coughed some more blood and gritted her teeth. "Your ce is on the ground, elder sister. Until now, you only watched others die, standing at your high pedestal and enjoying the show. Now kiss the dirt and let me introduce you to your new ce." I sneered at Zhang Ning and typed. "Your minions have already died. Now, it''s your turn. All those innocent people with whose emotions you yed and used their vulnerability to drag them here to kill them cruelly...it''s time to avenge them now. This is your end." Bai Li said, "I would really like to kill you, but I don''t want you to feel happy that you died by my hands who you... liked? Ugh...even thinking about your feelings for me makes me puke." I patted his shoulder, feeling sorry for him. I typed. "And I think Zhang Xin deserves to have the final kill. It is her right to end you more than any of us present here." Bai Li nodded. "No doubt about it." Zhang Xin clutched her hair and pulled her face, "Hmm...how should I kill you? Oof, there are too many options. Strangle you? Shoot you? Burn you by acid? Stab you? So difficult indeed." She smiled. "But I have an idea. Zhang Chao died the same way he killed Mom the second time. So, you will die the same way you killed Mom the first time. But, I will be nice and slow in shing your throat so that you enjoy every second of it. I mean, what is more fun than seeing your own blood? Don''t you like to see the crimson blood, elder sister~" Zhang Xin took the dagger and pointed its tip at her neck. "Oooo, your flesh is so soft. It went straight into it." She began to slide the dagger, and a thin cut formed on her neck. Finally... finally this was the end. Everything that started with Fu Meili''s disappearance was now meeting its end with her death. Zhang Ning red at all of us, and then she suddenly giggled. Even in her pale condition, it seemed as if she was enjoying all this. Zhang Xin stopped. "HahahaKill me?...Hahaha" Cocoa growled at her. "Grrr" Why is sheughing? Doesn''t she understand her situation? "Do you think that this will be the end?" Zhang Ningughed like a psycho, and it made me shudder. Why do I feel that she has a trick up her sleeve? But it''s impossible. She is all alone and helpless. The IB and the Army surrounded this building. What can she do now? "Hahaha...So sad...sure I will die but...do you think that you are going to get out alive from here?" She giggled again. We said nothing but something in her tone felt seriously wrong. What is thiswhat is this bad feeling I am getting? No... nothing can go wrong at this stage... "Haha, look at your faces, hahaha. You.." she coughed, "you look so funny...just the expression I wanted to see heheheNow I feel so satisfied." Bai Li asked, "What is so funny?" "This whole situation. That we all are going to die together~~ My sister, my love and my rival...all will perish with meHahaha!" "You are the only one who is going to die, Zhang Ning." "You wish, but sadly, it isn''t true. Can you hear it? The sound of your deathing near? We were still confused, and I was going to ask when Bai Li said, "What is that sound?" Sound? I concentrated, and then I heard it. The sound was so faint and low that it couldn''t be heard unless you were really searching for it. It was a ticking sound I froze. Zhang Xin seemed to realize too, and she looked at us, seemingly rmed. "Tik tok, tik tok, tik tok...Major Bai Li, you must have recognized the sound, right? After all, you must have heard it countless times in your army career~" I looked at Bai Li, aghast. It couldn''t be... A bomb? Zhang Ning crazilyughed. "You guessed it right! Bomb! Boom! This ce is going to blow up in just three minutes. I will die for sure by your hands but so will you all by the bomb! Hahaha!" Chapter 226: Time ticking away (2) Chapter 226: Time ticking away (2) *Xin Lei* Three minutesthis ce is going to blow in three minutes!? How is it possible? I quickly looked around, and I found the corner of the room flicking in red light. Zhang Xin said, "There! That thing flicking over there!" Zhang Ning keptughing. "I already activated the bomb even before Xin arrived. The moment I got the report from my guard, I knew I had nowhere to run. Even if I escape, the IB will be there to catch me. So, so, so! So if this was the end, then I decided that it would be the end of everybody! This is the fourth floor. You will never get out of this building in time before three minutes are over! Hahaha!" Then she sneered at Bai Li. "I am sad for you, Bai Li. I really trusted that you would never join hands with Xin. But you did. Even though only I deserve to stay by your side, you chose this bitch Xin Lei! I got no choice...you will have to die too! If you couldn''t be mine, then I won''t let you be anyone else''s either!" Suddenly, a man jumped out of the darkness. Huh? Who is he? He rushed towards the corner where the bomb was. Zhang Ning narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?" But nobody replied. "Cocoa! Come!" "Arf!" "Xin Lei. Zhang Xin. Stay here." Cocoa guided Bai Li towards the corner. He was talking to the unknown man, so I presumed that he was with Zhang Xin, and they got to know each other while I was kidnapped. I quickly typed. "Is there really a bomb?" "Yusheng. What is the matter?" So his name was Yusheng. He said, "There is indeed a bomb. The timer has already started. It''s at 02:18." Bai Li said, "We don''t have time to diffuse it." Zhang Ning giggled. "Hehe. Did you think that I was joking? We are all going to blow into smithereens! Hahaha!" Zhang Xin pped her hard. "It''s only your dead body that is going to blow up because we will definitely escape! Goodbye." And with that in a single strike, Zhang Xin shed her throat hard. Blood spurted out like a fountain out of her neck. "Gaahh" She clutched her neck, but soon her limp body copsed on the floor. Zhang Ning was dead. I typed. "What about Bro and the others? Have they got out?" "Don''t worry. They are safely out of the building. Luo Zhiqiang just ryed the message. It''s only us. RUN!" "Arf!" The four of us and Cocoa rushed out of the room like crazy. We climbed down the staircases like a marathon. My chest felt heavy and breathless. My heart was beating like crazy. I didn''t know how much time was left in that bomb. Will we make it in time? We were on the second floor, and I felt my mind go nk. How much time was left now? It wasn''t just about getting out of the building. We had to run more so that we werepletely out of the st''s radius. Was less than just two minutes really enough for that? Suddenly, we heard a loud crash. *BOOM* We felt the building shaking. I heard back to back crashes of pirs, walls, and ceilings tumbling down. I froze. I quickly typed as we kept running. "What''s going on?" Zhang Xin said, "How is it possible? How can the bomb explode? There is still more than a minute left!" That man, Yusheng, said, "That bitch. She hid another bomb, too, that ticked off just now!" Bai Li said, "But this bomb didn''t st the ce, or we would have been dead. The building is shaking as if an earthquake has hit. She wanted us to get trapped in the rubble and debris of this concrete building so that we cannot escape outside." "Arf! Arf!" We looked towards where Cocoa barked. My eyes widened. At our right, a pir lost its bnce and was about to crash on us! I gritted my teeth. Damn you, Zhang Ning! "This ce is not going to hold on for long. We have to speed up!" I held Bai Li''s hand, and we somehow ran under the pir as it was copsing. Since it seemed to be still attached to the floor, it was slow in crashing down on us. Cocoa already leaped beyond it while Zhang Xin and Yusheng followed just after him. First floor...we are at the staircase of the first floor! *CRASH* Just as we were about to climb down, I felt cement and tiny dust of stones trickling on my shoulder. I looked up and was aghast to see a huge b of rock about to fall on us. Thankfully, Cocoa, Zhang Xin, and Yusheng were already a little ahead of us. But Bai Li and I were straight under it, and it was falling on us fast! No...it was impossible for us to get out in time... "Xin Lei...make it out alive, will ya?" He smiled as he faced my way. What? I don''t- Suddenly, Bai Li shook his hand from mine and pushed me forward. W-what? "Xin! Yusheng! Catch her!" He yelled. I tumbled down. They turned and seemed in shock, but they quickly reacted and held my arms. What...what just happened? Why am I the only one here? Bai Li... Bai Li! The b was just about to fall when Cocoa suddenly barked. "Arf! Arf!" He leaped back towards Bai Li. "Cocoa! Stay back!" Bai Li yelled. "Stop!" Zhang Xin screamed. *CRASH! THUD!* The b fell in between us with a loud thud. I could only watch in horror. Zhang Xin, Yushen, and I were on one side while Bai Li...he and Cocoa were on that side NO!!! They are stuck on that side! How will they get out! I felt my legs freeze. I felt I couldn''t move. No...no...I-I need to go back...I need to get Bai Li out My knees trembled, and I somehow ran towards the giant b, but Zhang Xin pulled me back. I red at her. "What are you doing!?" "Xin Lei!" I stiffened. Bai Li... that was Bai Li "Please get out with them. Cocoa and I will find our way out. Don''t think about me. Just leave! There is no time!" Chapter 227: Time ticking away (3) Chapter 227: Time ticking away (3) *Xin Lei* I paled. What was Bai Li saying? Leave? Leave you here and run away? Leave you here alone to get caught up in the st? M-my phone...where is it? I need to talk to him...He is speaking nonsense! How can I leave you here!? Where is my phone? I cannot see anything with these damn tears! I kept wiping them but they refused to stop. My hands were shaking as I was searching for my phone. "Yusheng! Xin! Please take her away. I know she wants toe back. Don''t listen to her. Just take her away." "Damn it!" Zhang Xin held my arm and started to drag me away. I shook my arm away and signed. ''What the hell are you doing! I am not leaving Bai Li and Cocoa alone!'' Yusheng said, "Less than a minute left. Trust Bai Li, okay? He will get out. But we cannot stay here. We will force you if we have to." ''No!'' Suddenly, Yusheng lifted me on his shoulder and started running away. I froze. No! Leave me! Let me down! Bai Li! Cocoa! I struggled and hit him hard with my fists. Let me down! "Xin Lei!" Zhang Xin spoke, "Please stop resisting! What face will we show your father and brother if we couldn''t get you out?"33333 I stiffened. Dad...bro I bit my lip hard. I know I am being selfish, but I cannot leave Bai Li alone! If anything happens to himAnd we don''t have time I kept hitting his shoulder, but he wasn''t budging at all! Please let me go I cried hard. I want to be with Bai Li. I don''t know how far Cocoa will be able to help him. He cannot see. Just how will he get out of this building? Bai Li...Bai Li We were already outside the building. I could feel the time ticking away into seconds, and Bai Li was still there. He is still in that building. The b blocked the way ahead. There is no time to find another way. He cannot see. How...how is Bai Li supposed to escape I kept hitting Yusheng, but he didn''t pay any heed. "Here!" I could faintly hear Major General''s voice, or was it Lin Zihao? I didn''t know...I didn''t understand anything. I was watching the building from which we kept going farther and farther. I tremblingly looked at my watch and cried even harder. Fifteen seconds left Fourteen. Thirteen. We were closer to the gate. Twelve. Eleven. Ten. Nine. I still couldn''t see Bai Li or Cocoa. Eight. "Jump, Xin!" Suddenly I felt as if I was lifted in the air. With one huge leap, we escaped outside the gate. Seven. Six. Once again, I felt the gust of strong wind sting my face. My heart thudded in my chest. I felt nauseated. Five seconds and I still couldn''t see Bai Li. Five. Four. The tears didn''t stop. I felt paralyzed. Where are you, Bai Li? I cannot see you You cannot do this to me...You cannot leave me. You cannot die! Three. Bai Li, pleasedon''t do this... Two. My arm shakingly pointed towards the building. Bai Li...Bai Li! One. Zero. *BOOOOOOOOM* The building sted in a sea of hot fire with a resounding crash. A wave of hot air sted towards us. I felt Yusheng stumble a bit, but he caught onto his pace. But I could only watch the building burning and crashing down. Every part of the school started to copse and catch fire. The mes grew longer and stronger, engulfing the whole building. I felt my mind go nk. Bai Li is in there He is still in there He is there Bai Li Bai Li Bai Li! "BAI LIIIIII!!!!!" I didn''t even realize that my throat was burning and hurting. I was calling out his name, which was the only thing spinning in my mind right now. "BAI LI! BAI LI!!! BAI LI!!!!" But there was silence. No answer. I felt a sharp pain shot in my throat. It felt as if it was on fire. I didn''t understand why. "You...did you speak?" Huh? "You talkedYou actually spoke!" I heard Zhang Xin saying something. She sounded... shocked? But I couldn''t focus on it. I heard her clearly, yet I was unable to understand her. My sole focus was only at the school that was turning crisp even though a burning sensation in my throat was bringing more tears to my eyes. I coughed. "Bai Li...He is still in there...Bai Li...I cannot see him...he...he cannot die on meplease somebody help him" My hands shivered as they covered my face. "Please somebody...get him*cough* outBai...Li...Bai" I felt my world spinning in front of me. Huh? Is the ground...shaking? It seems all...ck. What is happening? "Xin Lei? Xin Lei? Are you okay?" "Xin Lei" The voices "She is cking out!" The voices sound fuzzyI cannot see anything... clearly "Xin Lei. Stay with us!" Suddenly, the burning pain in my throat intensified, and I coughed hard. "Ugh" It is so painful...it hurtsMy throat...it hurts so much But Bai Linot seeing you is...hurting me even more Where are you, Bai Li? Will I...never see you again? I can hear the fire crackling, but...I still cannot hear your voice. Are you still not out? But how is it possible? You are my brave Bai Li. You can fight anything...you are my strong Bai Li, aren''t you? Then how can you get defeated so easily? Bai Li, you cannot lose... I felt as if my chest tightened in pain. As if there was a tight knot in my heart. Come back, no Bai Li? This is enough now...look, I cannot hold on any longer... The darkness was growing cker and cker in front of my eyes. "Help! Xin Lei! She is fainting!" That was thest thing I heard before I felt nothing. Chapter 228: Time ticking away (4) Chapter 228: Time ticking away (4) A few minutes earlier before the st. *Bai Li* When I sensed the wall''s b falling on Xin Lei and me, I knew we didn''t have time. Only one of us had the time to slide ahead. I smiled. Of course, it had to be Xin Lei. So I pushed her away because I knew if I had said anything to her, then she would have stuck to me like fevicol. She wouldn''t have left my side. The b copsed. Even if I didn''t hear Xin Lei''s voice, I knew she was angry at me. She must be furious and crying hard. She must be searching for her phone. She must have wanted to knock some sense into me. She must have wanted toe back. So, I told Zhu Yusheng to take her away. There was no time to waste. She must be resisting hard. But I am sorry, Xin Lei. I cannot let you get trapped in here. I promise I wille back to you. But in that infinitesimal chance that I couldn''t, I pushed you away because I wanted you safe. The building was rumbling and raining on me, and I could clearly sense it''s killing instinct for me. As if that wasn''t enough, Cocoa came back! I was purposelygging a bit behind Cocoa so that whatever may happen, he and the rest of them could quickly escape but damn! He jumped back at thest moment! Where should I bang my head on!? I gritted my teeth. "Damn you, Cocoa! Why did youe back? Are you crazy!? What if the b fell on you, you stupid doggo! Count your lucky stars that you just barely made it." "Arf! Arf!" His growl was equally ferocious, as if he was scolding me. I felt him nudge his head on my thigh. He was biting my pants and howling at me. But I didn''t have time to think or criticize him now. There was just hardly more than a minute left. I ruffled his head. "Just you wait! Once we get out of this, I will show you!" "Arf!" This time his bark felt more as if he was mocking me. Alright, back to work. Concentrate. Focus, Bai Li. Hear, feel, sense. The b blocked the path ahead. But there must be some other way cracked open with this rumbling and falling out. "Grrrr...Arf! Arf!" I felt Cocoa pulling me towards my right. Right? *THUD CRASH!* Cocoa and I jumped to the side as another b fell beside us. Damn, this building won''t hold on. We have to be quick. "Do you sense an exit there?" "Arf!" He was right. I raised my palm, and I sensed a faint trickle of cold air passing my fingers. It was light, but it was there. If there was airing from the right, it meant that there was a hole somewhere which opened outside, and if I could feel it, then it must be close enough to us. That was our only way to escape! "Let''s go!" "Arf!" Cocoa guided me through the obstacles, and as we quickly rushed towards it, I felt the light wave of the air grow stronger and stronger. We were near the hole. I sensed it. "Arf!" Cocoa stopped, and so did I. How much time was left? Fifty seconds maybe. I sensed Cocoa sniff the area. I touched along the broken wall and found the hole''s circumference. Great. It was just wide enough for us to fit in and escape. "Grrrr" I touched down to where Cocoa seemed to be pointing. Damn, there was a lot of debris of rock on the ground. I sensed it blocking the hole. It would take a lot of time if we tried to force our way through this pile. "Cocoa. Dig." "Arf!" I heard his ws digging through the mud and rocks. I bent down and felt my way, and as much as possible, I threw the rocks away in front of me. Around twenty-five seconds left. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. My breaths were heavy, but I cannot stop here. For Xin Lei, for Cocoa, we had to get out. I promised her. "Arf!" Done! Ten seconds left. "Cocoa!" I signaled him to go first. "Arf!" I sensed him leap outside, and as soon as he did, I crawled out of the hole. I jumped on my feet. Five seconds. "RUN!" We charged ahead and ran at top speed. I didn''t think of the time left and just kept running. *BOOOM* "Ugh" The st sent shockwaves in all directions which I felt from far away. The ground beneath me shook. Suddenly, it was hot, as if I was burning in a furnace. "Arf! Arf!" We had to run more. We were still in the danger radius. *RUMBLEEEE* The second wave of the st shook the ground harder, and I lost my bnce. I tripped and crashed on the ground. "Arf!" "No! Don''t stop! Run! I said- Ahhhhh!" W-what...what just hit me...My faceit hurts... What is going on? *CRASH* A rock crashed on my shoulder. "Ugh" I clutched my arm and huffed. I couldn''t breathe. I... cannot move...My face...it''s burning...I feel...dizzy No...I need to get up. "Arf!" Who is it? I felt something tugging me. I felt someone pulling me. Who? "Arf! Arf!" I don''t understand My head...it hurts...I cannot move. Xin Lei...No, she is waiting for me. I-I need to get up But why is my body feeling so heavy? "Ahhhh!!" My eyesThey hurt. I don''t understand. My head is so painful... I touched it and felt something wet. B-blood? I clutched the grass weeds and tried to stand, but I fell. "Ughh.." "Arf!" Cocoa? No, run...you should run away What is happening to me? I faintly chuckled. Xin Lei...I am sorry. I think I cannot keep my promise, after all... Everything feels so "Grrr arf!!" "Hey, buddy" "Arf!" "Tell her that I really love her, okay" "Grrrr!!" He still seemed to be pulling me. It''s no use, Cocoa...I already cannot I "Arf!!!" That seemed to be thest thing I heard before everything went silent. Chapter 229: Xin Leis lost voice Chapter 229: Xin Lei''s lost voice --- *Xin Lei* "Ugh" What is this breathlessness I am feeling? "Xin Lei! Don''t think about me and leave!" Bai Li? It''s his voice "I wille back. Just leave!" N-No...I will leave you. Why was I back to the school? Weren''t we all outside? What is happening? "Take Xin Lei away!" No! Don''t force me to leave you, Bai Li. I want to stay with you. *BOOOOM* "Noooo!" I suddenly got up. I was panting. My breaths were a mess. I tremblingly touched my forehead. It was all wet with sweat. I stared at my palms, and they were shivering. What is happening? I slowly looked down at myself. Huh? This white robe...why am I wearing a patient''s gown? Gasping for breath, I slowly looked around. Hospital...How am I here? I heard the door open. A woman wearing a nurse''s uniform came inside. She seemed to look at me in surprise. "Doctor! Miss Xin is awake." She came to my side. "Miss Xin. When did you wake up?" She gently held my shoulders. "You shouldn''t sit straight like this. You are still weak. Pleasey down." Huh? I...I A middle-aged man in his doctor''s robe entered. He smiled. "Miss Xin. I am Dr. Kim, in charge of your case. I am d that you have regained your consciousness." I was still confused. I raised my hands and signed. ''How am I here?'' Dr. Kim asked, "Miss Xin, you don''t remember what happened?" What happened? I tried to recall, and shes of memories came to my dizzy mind. I was in the building. I fought those men, and then Bai Li came...Then...we killed Fu Meili''s killer and then Zhang Ning. And then I slowly widened my eyes. Bomb. She had nted a bomb to go off in three minutes. We ran and ran and then Bai Li justsuddenly pushed me away. I felt my body turning pale. The man...what was his name? Ah yes, Yusheng. He lifted me and ran, and then the building exploded. After that...what happened after that? Bai Li...Bai Li! He was still inside! I got up again. "Miss Xin. Please calm down." I red at them and shook my head. How can I calm down? What happened to Bai Li? Where is he!? Did hee out? Was he able to escape? My heart was loudly pounding in my chest. I felt my cheeks turning wet as I struggled to get off. The nurse didn''t let me go. Dr. Kim said, "Miss Xin. Please calm down. I know you have lots of questions in your mind, and I will answer all of them. First, you need to take it easy. You are still weak." I slowly looked up at him and signed. ''You know about Bai Li?'' He nodded. I bit my lip and stopped resisting. "Good. I will tell you everything slowly and in sequence. First, you are in the hospital because you fainted due to extreme stress. The IB and Army brought you here." I see... Zhang Xin and Yusheng would have taken me to them. I slowly nodded. He continued. "The man and the woman with whom you escaped are also doing okay. They are waiting outside your ward with your father and brother." Dad, big brotherThey must be so worried. "Can I continue?" I nodded. Then he looked at me with a strange seriousness that I didn''t understand. "Miss Xin. When I asked whether you remember what happened or not, I meant by about your voice." I furrowed my brows. My voice? I touched my throat. Now that I think about it, my throat is indeed hurting a little. "You must have realized that it''s painful. Miss Xin. Don''t you remember that you spoke for the first time in your life when you escaped that building?" I froze and looked at them, shocked. I spoke? What are they talking about? It''s impossible! But the doctor wasn''t refuting. "It''s true. I was surprised to see you using signnguage just now. Perhaps it was out of habit, but I guess that you didn''t remember that you talked. You screamed Bai Li''s name and asked them to help him. Miss Zhang and Mr. Zhu, who were with you, heard it themselves." T-that''s I slowly touched along my throat. He continued. "You suddenly screamed, so the nerves in your throat got strained, and that''s why your throat feels painful to you." I-I talked? But I cannot remember... "Maybe your memories are still jumbled up a bit because of your dizziness but don''t worry. It will eventuallye to you." I was in a daze. I spoke? Dr. Kim put his stethoscope on. "Miss Xin. As a part of your checkup, I have to ask you to try to talk. Just a little bit. Don''t force yourself and slowly talk at your own pace." I clutched the sheets in my fists. T-talk? Without using a phone? Without using any signs, he is asking me to talk? Why am I feeling so anxious? He smiled. "Miss Xin. Don''t be nervous; rest assured. I am here. It''s not dangerous." I slowly nodded. "Good. For starters, say your name." I swallowed my saliva and gulped. "X...Xi" My throat was slightly stinging as I was trying to speak. But more than the pain, I was in disbelief. My voice...it was actuallying out. "Slowly. There is no hurry," Dr. Kim said. "Xi...Xin" My heart raced. I felt my body tremble. I-I was talking. I was really talking "Xi...Xin...Le...Lei" "Xin...Lei" Dr. Kim brightly smiled. "That''s it. You said your name. Congrattions." I felt exhausted. I just uttered two words, and I felt dead tired. "How do you feel now?" "T-ti...tired" "It''s understandable. But when your throat heals, it will be much easier to speak. We will take it step by step." My eyes teared up. I was so happy. I got my voice. Never did I imagine that I will be able to speak one day. But I did today...I am talking right now because Bai Li gave me that push. Bai Li I looked at the doctor in panic. "B-Bai...Li...where...is he?" Dr. Kim''s expression turned serious. "Bai Li, he" Chapter 230: From the dark and into the light Chapter 230: From the dark and into the light --- *** "Yue!" Ying Yue, who was nkly sitting in front of a ward, heard her mother''s voice and trembled. As soon as Ying Lan got the news of the group''s escape, she immediately rushed to the hospital with the Army soldiers. Ying Yue slowly raised her head and saw his mother running towards her. Her eyes filled with tears, and she stood, her knees shaking. Ying Lan hugged her and broke into tears. "Yue...Yue, my daughter. Y-you are alright. I-I" she was having difficulty in speaking as she sobbed. "I thought...I really feared for a moment that I won''t ever see you again" Ying Yue''s lips trembled. She hugged her mother tighter and buried her face in her neck. She saw how Ying Lan had gotten so weak and frail in just thirty-six hours. It looked as if she didn''t eat or drink at all. "MomI am sorry...I am sorry for making you worry. I am sorry for being careless." Ying Lan sobbed harder. Only she knew how every moment was hell for her. Her daughter was her only family, and if she had lost her too, she would havepletely broken apart. Her eyes were glued to the door in the hope that Ying Yue would walk into the house anytime. Every second her breath was stuck in her throat that maybe she would get bad news. But now, hugging Ying Yue in the flesh dispersed all of her fears and worries. She didn''t want to think about any what-ifs. Ying Yue was safe and alive, and that is what mattered to her the most now. She cupped her face and looked at her from head to toe. There were a lot of marks and injuries on her skin. Tears streamed out even more. "Yue...these marks...what did they do to you? D-did they" Her face turned as white as a sheet, thinking of the worst possible scenario. Ying Yue pursed her lips. "It''s not what you are thinking, Mom." She knew she was thinking along the lines of sexual assault. Though one of the men, Risfun, did try to assault her, Rodey, had saved her in time. She thought it was wise not to tell that to Ying Lan, seeing how she was already so pale. She didn''t want to worry her more. "It''s really not what you are thinking. They just hit me a little." "A little? You call this a little!?" She shook her head. "Mom,pared to the worst that could have happened, these injuries are nothing...a-and" She trembled, and tears plopped. Ying Lan anxiously asked, "What is it, dear? What are you hiding from me?" Ying Yue hugged herself and cried. "These injuries are nothing aspared to" she gasped, "what R-Rodey has gotHe was already hurt but...to protect me, he fought in that condition and got more injured and then" Ying Lan was confused for a moment, but then she realized it. "Rodey...is that the man you brought home that night? Who stayed in your room?" She was shocked. "You know?" Ying Lan. "I do. I was going to ask you about itter, but then" she sniffled, "you and Jingjing got kidnapped." Ying Yue broke down. "Yes...he is the same man. He protected me when I was there, fought with those men, and then even helped me escape. And then...he took the knife for me" She gasped in horror. "K-knife? What are you saying?" Ying Yue recounted everything. She broke down as she mentioned the part when thest of the men attacked them, and Rodey pushed her away, taking the stab in his gut. Ying Yue cried. "Mom...mom...h-he is inside now...in the operation theatre. But at that time, he looked so weak...as if he already di" she froze and couldn''tplete the sentence. "Mom, he was bleeding so badly. H-he was so weak...I never saw him like that before. Mom...I-I cannot see him like that...He will be okay, right? He-he won''t die, right?" Ying Lan quickly said, "Of course not! He won''t die. In the end, he changed and sided with the good. God doesn''t let anything happen to good people. Have faith." That gave a little sce to her. Then Ying Lan slowly said, "He... really loves you, doesn''t he?" Ying Yue stiffened. Rodey''sst words before he got unconscious shed past in her mind. "I think I love you... from those stupid love stories I would sometimes hear" "You also love him, right? I can see it in your eyes." Her silence gave her the answer. Ying Yue asked, "Do you mind?" "Because he was involved with the gang before?" She bit her lip. Ying Lan wiped her tears. "Do you know that Rodey took Jingjing away after you disappeared?" She nodded. "He barged inside our house and grabbed Jingjing. You should have seen his expression at that time when he was threatening Jingjing. It was pure evil. There was pure madness and rage in his gaze. He wanted revenge. He felt akin to a Death God to me." Silence. "And everything of that was all for you. Only for you." Ying Yue trembled. "I didn''t know how you two met and in what circumstances. When did you get to each other? I knew nothing. But at that moment when he dealt with Jingjing did that I know that he really really loves you. He didn''t imagine that you would fell into the kidnapping plot, but when you did and failed to escape because Jingjing betrayed you, that broke his thread of patience. I felt it in his eyes - the frustration and anger." "He may havemitted crimes in the past and hurt innocent people. But today, he had the courage to change for his love. That is hard, and it takes guts to change yourself after you have behaved a certain way for years. It''s not easy toe from the dark into the light. That is enough for me. It''s enough for me to know that he loves you and will never hurt you. And I am proud of you that you could bring that change in him." She ced her hand on her shoulder and looked at her with sadness. "But Yue. Are you ready? Life won''t be easy. Rodey...he will surely have to face punishment for his crimes. What will you do then?" Ying Yue smiled, her gaze shining with tears, love, and resolve. "There is no need to think, Mom. There is only one thing I can do and will do. Wait. Wait as long as it takes for him toe back to me." Chapter 231: This time, its my turn Chapter 231: This time, it''s my turn One of the nurses quickly came out of Rodey''s ward. Ying Yue stopped her as the nurse looked like she was in a hurry. "Nurse! What is happening inside? How is Rodey? He-he" "Miss. The situation is a bitplicated. Sorry, I don''t have time to exin. I am in a hurry right now." And she quickly left before Ying Yue could ask anything further. The only thing stuck in her mind was that the situation wasplicated. She clenched her fists and herplexion turned pale. Ying Lan said, "Don''t lose hope, Yue. Everything will be fine. My heart says it!" "But MomRodey was hurt really bad." "Yue! You have to have faith in him. He is a strong man. He won''t give up on his life like that." She trembled and sat down on the chair, sobbing. "I really hope he doesn''t" --- A whileter, the same nurse came out again. Tension and stress was apparent on her face. Ying Yue quickly stood up. "Miss. Do you know any of the patient''s family members? Do you have their number? Can you please call them as soon as possible?" Ying Yue looked at her in confusion. Family members? As far as she knew, Rodey''s mother died when he was young and his father...Rodey had himself confessed that he killed his father. His injury was originally due to his father attacking him. And she felt that he may not have any siblings either. Not that she knew how to contact them either even if he had any. "No... They are not with him anymore." The nurse''s expression strained even more. "This is bad" she mumbled. Ying Yue quickly asked as she noticed it. "What''s wrong? Why do you need his family members?" "Actually, the patient has lost a lot of blood. We have to quickly do blood transfusion otherwise his life is in serious threat. But the problem is that the hospital has run out of his blood type. Yesterday, there was a major traffic ident and there was an influx of patients in the hospital. We had to do quite a few blood transfusions and we ran out of the patient''s blood type, A-ve, along with B+ve too. We have already ordered for another batch but there is still time to arrive." Ying Yue froze. "That''s why I asked if we can contact his family members, especially his parents or siblings who have A-ve blood type. We don''t have much time. The doctors are trying their best but without a donor, at this moment, we will not be able to help him." Ying Yue said without hesitating a second more. "You don''t have to look for a donor anymore." The nurse didn''t understand. "I am sorry?" "I will be his donor. My blood type is O-ve." The nurse widened her eyes. "O-ve?" She nodded. "That means that you have an universal blood donor group! I will quickly inform the doctor! Please wait here." Ying Yue looked at her mother and she understood. She smiled. "I am proud of you, Yue." Ying Yue sped her hands together. A tear slid down her cheek. "Finally... finally there is something that I can do to save him. Until now, I only received his help. I could only hide behind him while he fought those gangsters. I hated myself for that. Even if he was hurt and bleeding, I could only depend on him for getting us out of that ceBut Mom, now... Now I can finally help him." She wiped her tears as she looked through the small window and into the ward. Rodey was lying on the bed, unconscious and the doctors were doing everything they could to save him. All the memories of him helping her shed in her mind. The moment when he took the knife for her was ingrained in her so clearly that she knew she will never forget it. It was supposed to be me. That knife was meant to stab me. I was supposed to be on that bed, fighting for my life. But... but it''s Rodey, not me. But not for any longer. "Until now, he saved my life. This time, it''s my turn." Ying Lan softly patted her shoulder. The nurse came out along with the doctor. "Miss Ying. The nurse says that you have an O-ve blood group." "Yes, I do. I want to be the donor. Please take my blood and save him! Please just save him" The doctor said, "Pleasee with me. We have to do your blood test before we can proceed." Since time was running short, the staff quickly did the blood test and got the report in the shortest time possible. There was no problem in doing blood transfusion so they quickly brought her in the ward. "Rodey!" She wanted to rush to his side but the nurse stopped her. "Miss, not now." She reluctantly stopped. She felt as if a thorn pierced her heart, looking at his frail condition. Ying Yueid on the bed beside where he was, separated by a transparent partition. The nurse inserted the transfusion tube needle in her arm and did the same on Rodey''s side. The doctor said, "Ready." As the blood began to flow out of her tube to his, Ying Yue kept watching him. Don''t worry Rodey. You will be fine. You will be definitely alright. The doctors and nurses constantly monitored their condition. After a few minutes, he said, "All done. This is enough." They removed the needle and IV line. Ying Yue felt a little weak and dizzy after the procedure. "Nurse Zi. Please admit Miss Ying in the next ward." "No" Ying Yue quietly whispered, "I... please let me stay here. I don''t want to leave his side." "Sorry, Miss Ying. But we cannot allow you to be here. You can onlye here after the surgery is done." She bit her lower lip. "But thank you so much, Miss Ying. You stepped up for the transfusion at thest moment. We are grateful to you." "H-how is he now? Is he still in danger?" The doctor smiled. "Don''t worry. His vital signs are already improving. His condition is not critical anymore. Rest assured. The surgery will be sessful." Chapter 232: Escaped but not unscathed Chapter 232: Escaped but not unscathed --- *Xin Lei* I rushed out of the ward as soon as I heard what Dr. Kim said. Bai LiI aming to your side. I was so focused on going to where Bai Li was that I didn''t notice a hand on my shoulder, stopping me. "Lei Lei!" I stopped and slowly looked back. Dad Bro and Shi Ruiling arrived too. Dad pulled me into a hug. "Lei Lei. Where were you going? You are still weak." I said nothing. "Lei Lei...we heard what Zhang Xin said." I felt his hands shaking as they patted my head. I heard him softly gasping. "You spoke. My daughter talked. My Lei Lei can talk now" I trembled. "When your brother and I heard what the doctor said, we were afraid for a long time. You suddenly spoke, and we didn''t know if it would affect you in a bad way. I was happy but at the same time scared shitless too. What if you damaged your throat beyond repair? And you even got unconscious after you spoke for the first time." I felt him hug tighter, and with it, I felt his vulnerable side for the first time. I felt his fear for me. "I felt that we lost you. But you know? Dr. Kim said that you are fine. Your throat hurts, but it will be alright in a few days. You will recover. And then...then you will be able to talk." He held my face with his trembling fingers and looked at me with tears trickling down his cheeks. "Do you know how happy I am?" Dad I looked at bro, but he wasn''t looking at me. His back was to me. Shi Ruiling was by his side, smiling at me. I knew at that moment. Bro didn''t want me to see his eyes wet with tears. Bro will always be bro. Never likes to show his emotional side. But now, seeing my family beside me was when I truly felt that the ordeal was over. When Dad hugged me was when I realized that it was a new day. Last night was over. Fu Meili, Liao Chuntao, and numerous innocent people got the justice they deserved. The battle ended. And Zhang Ning too. My eyes teared "D...Dad" I felt him stiffen. At first, he looked at me shocked, and then he slowly said, "Say that again" I smiled and wiped my tears. "DadI am...back" He was silent for a long time. "Dad. You called me Dad. Zhen! Did you hear! Lei Lei spoke! She called me Dad. Hahaha!" That just brought more tears to his eyes. He hugged me again. Bro said, "I guess I am not that important to Xin Lei after all." He felt like a child sulking in a corner. I saw Shi Ruiling nudging and ring at him. That was, bro, alwayspeting with Dad. I walked up to him, but he still didn''t look at me. "Bro" I saw him slightly stiffen, but he still didn''t turn. I tugged his shirt. "Bro" No response. Suddenly, Dad smacked on his head. "Hey! Your sister is calling you. Don''t force her to talk again and again when her throat is hurting, stupid fool!" Bro finally turned and red at us. "Shut it, old man!" "Zhen!" Shi Ruiling said, "Don''t talk like that." Bro''s expression was really not good. He seemed frustrated for some reason. Dad nodded. "Yes, yes. Learn something from her. Don''t be jealous just because Lei Lei called me first." "..." Was that it? Bro looked at me and patted my head. His eyes were a little red. I jumped in his hug. "Bro... sorry...f-for making... you worry." "Yeah, yeah, stop talking already." Even though he seemed all cold and unaffected, but I knew that he was happy. Bro snorted as he looked at Dad. "And you don''t have any reason to rejoice because, in reality, she said Bai Li''s name first." I froze. Bai Li That''s right. I was going to Bai Li. Bro said, "I know what you are thinking, and I will take you to him, but I will advise you to rest first." I shook my head. "No...I want to...see Bai Li" Silence. The silence felt terrifying to me. "What''s wrong? What...are you hiding...from me?" My heart raced in fear. Dad, Bro, and Shi Ruiling, all three looked deadly serious. "Bai Li...he is safe, right?" Tears escaped my eyes. "Tell me...he came out...of the building, right?" Dad slowly nodded. "He did and so did Cocoa. They both escaped the building." Relief washed over me. In that instant, my chest felt a lot lighter. Thank God that they could escape. But then, why were they still looking so serious? "But, he didn''t escape unscathed." I froze. "We will take you to him." I just followed them in a daze. My mind was only focused on Dad''sst words. He didn''t escape unscathed. He escaped, but he is still in danger? HowBai Li escaped so he should be safe. Then what was wrong? They stopped in front of the Operation Theatre. I felt goosebumps crawl on my skin as I got a bad feeling. Why did we stop here? This was the surgery room. Major General Shi Jianguo, Su Weiyuan, and Lin Zihao were also there. "Arf!" I snapped out of my stupor as I heard the familiar bark. I saw Cocoa wagging his tail at me, and I trembled. I bent and hugged him hard and cried as he jumped towards me at the same time. Cocoa is here safe and sound. There were a few bruises and bandages, but he seemed fine. "Arf!" He licked my cheek. I ruffled his fur. "Cocoa...you are...safe. I am so happy" "Arf!" I looked up at Dad, who seemed a little hesitant. He said, "We came here because Bai Li is inside the operation theatre." I just kept nkly staring at him. "He escaped the building, but not the stpletely. The impact from the st exploded a lot of debris, and sharp objects in all directions and a few of them did strike Bai Li... particrly his face and eyes, and that''s why he is in a critical condition." Chapter 233: A ray of hope Chapter 233: A ray of hope *Xin Lei* I stared at Dad in horror. Face and eyes? Lin Zihao said, "After Zhang Ning and Zhu Yusheng came to us carrying you, we immediately sent you to the hospital with Xin Zhen. But we were shocked that Bai Li and Cocoa weren''t with you three." Su Weiyuan said, "That''s when they told that he got separated from you in the building. When the st calmed down, we immediately went with the fire safety team to look for Bai Li. But before that, Cocoa came running to us and led us to him." I clutched my dress. "A-and?" Lin Zihao seemed to be in distress that made me paler. Was it that bad? "Bai Li was bleeding from his head and shoulder. We rushed towards him and found that it was actually his face that was more hurt. There was a slice mark on his face" he seemed more hesitant now, "through his eyes" I froze. "We found a broken metal piece near him. It seems it was what hit his face. Also, his shoulder was crushed by a big rock that was thrown by the st. By the time we reached him, he was already unconscious." Suddenly, my knees felt weak. "Lei Lei." Bro caught me in his arms. Lin Zihao banged his fist on the wall. "Damn that woman! Even after death, she did this much damage. If she had been alive, I would have strangled her with my own hands!" Silence. Tears kept making my cheeks wet as I tremblingly asked, "W-what is the...doctor saying?" Major General Shi Jianguo looked at me. "Before the surgery started, the doctor said that it could be difficult considering the injury on his face. That''s what we know until now. The operation is still ongoing." I copsed on the bench and sat, feeling tired. Bai Li was fighting between life and death...No. Why? Why...I don''t want to lose him but...but what if I did? I felt someone sit beside me. "Xin Lei." I slowly looked at Su Weiyuan in a daze, but I could hardly focus. His voice was low and soft. "Remember that Bai Li is a fighter, okay? Even in thest seconds that he was stuck in the school, he still made it out. In his fourteen years in the army, nothing fazed him out, no matter how difficult any mission was. Even after turning blind, he wasrgely incapable of handling any mission, and even when all the authorities rmended him to retire, he still chose to serve for five more years with that darkness. That''s how strong and determined he is." I clenched my fist. "He knew that you were waiting for him, and he still knows that. He will fight this too ande back to you. Don''t lose hope. He knows that he cannot die because he knows that we will all kick his ass if that happened." Bro sneered. "Of course. He doesn''t have the guts to hurt you because I am here." I burst intoughter. It felt so long that Iughed like that. But his words struck me hard. Su Weiyuan was right. What was I doing? How can I lose my trust in Bai Li? Ever since I met him, I only saw how brave and intelligent he was. He fought through every situation. He made it out through every dead-end. I wiped my tears. Bai Li got through the worst ofst night''s battle. He will not give up on the fight of his life today either. I smiled at Su Weiyuan. "Thank you...You opened my eyesI was... stupid" He smiled back and nodded. "Also, congrattions on getting your voice back." Lin Zihao chuckled. "That dude is going to be so shocked when he hears you talking. I would love to see his reaction. I am definitely gonna click his picture of that expression! Haha!" Shi Ruiling said, "Don''t you have any delicacy? How can you ruin their special reunion moment?" "Covertly. Covertly! I have my ways~" I giggled. Su Weiyuan impassively said, "Just don''t let him catch you, or he will beat you into a pulp until you really be a goofball that he likes to call you." "Hey, whose side are you on?" "Bai Li," Su Weiyuan didn''t hesitate at all. We all burst intoughter seeing Lin Zihao''s defeated face. "Hahaha. Poor Lin Zihao." "You are all so cruel!" I looked towards Bai Li''s ward. Do you hear this banter, Bai Li? Do you hear thisughter? Don''t you want to join in too? Cocoa is waiting for you to ruffle his head. Lin Zihao is waiting for you to pull his leg too with others andugh at him. Su Weiyuan is waiting for you to gang up with him against Lin Zihao. And I...I am also waiting for you, Bai Li, for when you will finally smile at me, hug me and kiss me. So please... don''t make us wait for long. --- An hourter, the doctor came out of the theatre. We quickly asked, "Bai Li. How is he? Is he out of danger?" The doctor said, "He is out of danger but notpletely." I blinked my eyes. "What do you... mean?" "The surgery on his shoulder was sessful. He will have to wear a cast for a month for his arm to heal. All the other minor injuries on him are also patched up. But the problem is his eyes. The cut on his face has also affected his eyes, so we quickly need to start an eye surgery on him." "E-eye surgery?" "Yes. Only an expert opthalmologist can perform this surgery. But our opthalmologist of this hospital, Dr. Si, have taken leave for a few days." I quickly asked, "Can you not call him back?" "I am afraid that''s not possible. He is out of the country with his family. That''s why we have to contact another one immediately." On such short notice, how are we supposed to contact an expert opthalmologist? We don''t have much time! "Sis! I think brother Long Hu can help us." Chapter 234: The scar Chapter 234: The scar *Xin Lei* We turned and looked back at Chu Jie running towards us. "Sis!" "Chu...Jie" "Arf!" Cocoa seemed really happy to see him again. Chu Jie looked at me, shocked. "Sis, did you just talk?" I said, "I will... exin all that*cough*ter, but tell me first. Who...are you talking about?" "Oh, yes! Sis, I am talking about bro Long Hu! He was trapped with sis Yue, Cocoa, and me." I blinked my eyes. Wait, that man who was with them? Lin Zihao hurriedly asked, "I know him. Xin Zhen brought out all the hostages. That''s when I saw him. But how can he help us?" Suddenly, something clicked in my mind. Long Hu...Long HuI feel like I have heard the name before. "When we were trapped in that school, bro Long Hu said to us once that he is an ophthalmologist. I heard your conversation just now. You need an eye doctor, right? Bro Hu can help us!" I widened my eyes. Wait a minute Long Hu! That Long Hu! "I know him" I murmured. Dad asked, "You do?" I slowly nodded. "I think he is...the same Long Hu... about whom I have...read articles. He is a renowned ophthalmologist and...has treated many... seemingly impossible cases. Everyone in the... medical field knows him. He has excelled beyond...in his specialization." "But how didn''t you recognize him?" I tried to recall, but I guess I never saw him. "He never...made many public appearances. There are only articles, not pictures of him." Chu Jie seemed shocked. "Wow...I didn''t know bro Hu is so famous! But that is good news, isn''t it? We got the best doctor right here! I just came from his ward. His treatment has just gotten over." The surgeon gasped. "Oh, my God...I cannot believe that Dr. Long Hu is here! Who doesn''t know him? He is an excellent doctor, and Dr. Si, whom I just told you about, treats him as his idol! If he is here, then we don''t have to worry about Mr. Bai Li. We should quickly talk to him!" --- We quickly headed over to his ward. Long Hu looked at us, surprised. "Hey. Thank God. You are all safe." I urgently said, "Long Hu. We need your help." He blinked his eyes. "What''s wrong?" The surgeon came forward. "You are the famous Long Hu, right? The ophthalmologist?" He scratched his cheek. "Well, I am not sure about the famous part, but you got the second part right." He nodded. "That''s why we need your expertise." Then he exined the situation. Long Hu said nothing for a while. He seemed focused and in deep thought. "I see" I said, "Please help with Bai Li''s surgery." He seemed to snap out. "Of course, I will. You didn''t need to ask or request me. I would have helped him anyway. It''s my job as a doctor." "But bro Hu''s right hand" Chu Jie worriedly looked at his arm. That''s right. His right arm was all bandaged because it was dipped in boiling water, and it will take a lot of time to heal. How can he perform surgery with one hand? I bit my lip. "Ah, that is alright," Long Hu said. "I can still do the surgery." "Huh?" "Yes. Thankfully, it''s my right arm that''s hurt. I am a lefty. Plus, my arm is not invalid. I can still move and use it. But I will still need help in assistance during the surgery." "Really?" "Of course. But like I said, I will need help." "I will do it!" I said. Everybody looked at me, shocked. "Lei Lei" Dad said, "I know that you are capable enough to help him, but operating on someone close to you is hard." I was about to say when Bro cut me off. "It''s a different case if a stranger is lying on the bed, but in Bai Li''s case" I shook my head. "I can do it. If I...can help Bai Li then...I really want to." I smiled. "I know what you are... worried about. I want to save him. I will...not let myself get weak and be...a hindrance. I will assist Dr. Long." Long Hu said, "I am fine with it. But before we head to the surgery, can I know how Bai Li lost his sight?" Su Weiyuan said, "It was five years ago on a mission. He was caught in a bomb st that hurt his eyes, and after that, he was unable to see anything." Long Hu''s brow slightly raised as if he was contemting something. He murmured something which I could faintly hear. "Then I guess it''s a good thing what" He must have noticed my shocked expression, to which he said, "Oh no-no. I didn''t mean it that way. I guess you will see it yourself during the surgery." I furrowed my brows. He said, "Let''s go. We must not waste any more time." --- I changed into the surgeon''s uniform and put on my mask and gloves. I stood before the mirror and let out a deep breath. Bai Li. I promise you will be fine. I will not let anything happen to you. I slowly entered the OT and saw Long Hu all ready. My sight fell on Bai Li, and for a moment, I was taken aback. The scar on his face was nasty. It stretched diagonal from the top of his left temple to his right cheek, and that passed through his eyes. I felt myself tremble. ''A scrap of metal struck his face, particrly his eyes...'' I recalled what Dad said. That must have hurt like crazy. Even if it healed, it would definitely leave a scar. But I quickly wiped the corner of my eyes. No. No. I cannot fail here. I will not fall weak. He smiled. "Xin Lei. I am asking once again. You will be fine, right? You cannot lose your calm." I nodded. "I am...ready." Chapter 235: A surprise Chapter 235: A surprise *Xin Lei* It was almost three hours when the surgery got over. It was quite a delicate surgery since it concerned Bai Li''s eyes. His surgery was aplete sess! Bai Li was out of danger! The scar would remain for a long time, but the threatening part of his condition was sessfully treated. Ah, I couldn''t wait for Bai Li to wake up! But I was still amazed as I thought back to seeing Long Hu at work. He really deserved to be called an excellent doctor. I could see why he was so famous now. His movements during the surgery were so light and fluid as if he wasn''t putting any pressure at all, yet everything was happening just the right way. I felt as if my assistance wasn''t even needed as he had asked. Even with his left arm alone, he could have wlessly done the entire surgery. Long Hu wasn''t just talented, but he was a gem in the medical field. I stitched the scar on Bai Li''s face while Long Hu concentrated on the part where the scar crossed his eyes. It was difficult and extremely delicate at the same time. As I was lost in my thoughts, I heard the door open. I saw Long Hu taking off his mask and gloves. "Hey," he smiled, "Good job." I shook my head. "I should say that to you. I had a hard time believing... when you said that you could manage with your left arm alone, but you actually did it." "Not without your capable assistance, Dr. Xin Lei." "I really doubt that tooBut thank you so much. It would have been impossible without you. I hope Bai Li wakes up soon! I am so excited!" I sincerely felt grateful to him. He was really like an angel who came to save Bai Li. He chuckled. "Yup. I hope he wakes up soon to find the surprise." I blinked my eyes. "What surprise?" Long Hu looked at me as if he was hiding something from me, but there was an amusing smile on his lips. "Haha! You saw me operating his eyes, right?" "Of course, I did." "Then just wait for the magic to happen after he wakes up. Hahaha!" I furrowed my brows. Even during the surgery, I felt a time or two that he wanted to say something to me, but he stopped himself from speaking. I wasn''t as specialized as he was in the ophthalmology field, so I could only guess what Long Hu was doing. And now he was saying these mysterious things. The only important thing for me was that Bai Li was safe and out of danger. But I couldn''t help but wonder What must be the surprise? --- Over the next hour, Bai Li''s condition slowly got more stable, and in four more hours, he seemed to be waking up as I saw his finger twitch. I immediately got on my feet and checked his pulse. The reading on the ECG was stable. I texted Long Hu toe to his ward quickly. A minuteter, he came in. "Long Hu. Bai Li is waking up." He nodded. We saw Bai Li slowly moving his head and his movements growing more visible. "Hmm" Long Hu leaned towards him and softly spoke, "Bai Li. Can you hear me?" "Who...is it?" "My name is Long Hu." He was quiet for a moment. "Who Long Hu? And where am I?" Then his nose twitched as he seemed to be sniffing the air, and we saw him touching the bedsheet. "This smell, this sheet, and then I hear some machine softly beeping...Am I in a hospital?" I silently chuckled. His mind was so sharp even though he just woke up. Long Hu said, "Yes, you are. That was really great. Other patients take a while to realize where they are, but you already figured it out. Your brain worked just perfectly fine." "Of course. The army teaches you a lot of skills. One of which is to stay alert of your surroundings. Always." Long Hu looked at me, seemingly amazed, and I could only chuckle again. It was just like Bai Li. Long Hu asked, "Do you remember what happened?" "As soon as I knew that I am in a hospital, I already backtracked as to why I was here. Imperial High School. I went with Xin Zhen, Zhang Xin, and Zhu Yusheng and invaded their base. We killed all the men there. We got out Xin Lei and the people trapped there. Zhang Ning detonated a bomb at thest moment, and we ran to escape. The school sted. Thest thing I remember is that Cocoa and I also escaped from the building, but I got injured and then fell unconscious." "..." Now, even I was dumbfounded. In just hardly one second, he already remembered everything. Long Hu gasped. "You are amazing." Bai Li shrugged. "Nothing much. For a soldier, this is everyday life. Ex-soldier in my case." Then he quietly asked, "How is Cocoa? Did he get injured?" His fingers were nervously twitching, and I felt how anxious he was. "He is fine. There are some minor bruises, but he is as healthy as a bull." I saw his fingers rx. "That''s good. And...Xin Lei?" Once again, I saw him tense up. I had an urge to speak right now, to say that I was right here, but I wanted to give him a surprise, so I stayed quiet. "She is fine too. They escaped in the nick of time. By the way, she has a surprise to give you." "Surprise?" Hey! I narrowed my eyes at him, and he winked. "Well, you will have to wait for that. But first, let me give you a surprise." "You are giving me a surprise too?" "Actually, it''s you giving surprise to everyone else. Come on. I will help you get up." Bai Li sat on the bed, leaning on the pillow. "I will open the dressing around your eyes now." "Alright." He sighed. "Ah, once again, the st got my eyes. I guess my eyes have made some serious enemies," he joked. I rolled my eyes. But now I was curious to see what Long Hu had to show. He mysteriously smiled. "But it happened for your good this time." "Sorry?" He gently removed the cotton balls from his eyes. "Now, slowly open your eyes." Bai Li did. He blinked several times, and his brows furrowed as if he seemed in confusion. "What is this? This light?" Light? I didn''t understand. It took a few minutes before hepletely opened them. He seemed to be in a daze, and then his sight fell at me. I blinked my eyes. Why does it feel as if he is really looking at me? "You...Xin Lei?" Chapter 236: Magic that is beyond understanding Chapter 236: Magic that is beyond understanding *Xin Lei* I was staring at Bai Li, and, in turn, he was looking at me. Did he call my name just now? Guess we were both so shocked that we couldn''t say anything for a while. He looked exactly like how maybe I might have looked when I first learned that I could talk now. Long Hu was the only one who didn''t seem surprised at all by this. He smiled. "So, Bai Li. How is it feeling? What can you see?" We snapped back. See? Did I hear it right? Bai Li''s gaze shifted slowly from me, and he faced Long Hu, confusion written all over his face. "W-what is happening? I don''t understand. I suddenly...it-it''s not dark anymore." I thought back to when Long Hu and I were doing the surgery, his cryptic message, and his mysterious smile. My eyes slowly widened, realizing something, and I gasped, looking at him in shock. "Seems like you have understood," Long Hu said. I still couldn''t say anything because the possibility of what I imagined was so thin that I could hardly believe it was true. Words got stuck in my throat, but at the same time, my heart beat and sped like crazy. Suddenly, I had an urge to cry. "Bai Li," Long Hu said, "Congrattions. You have regained your sight. You can see it now." Silence. Complete silence. "What?" That''s what Bai Li''s reaction was. Long Hu nodded. "I know it''s all confusing and unbelievable, but it''s true. It''s not less than a miracle for you. Even I, as an experienced doctor, cannot really exin it well, but the bomb st that caused the debris to hit your eyes brought your vision back. Your friends said that you lost your sight in a bomb st five years ago, so it''s kind of like a reset that happened. Trust me. When nature wants to do her magic, none of us humans can possibly dig the reason behind it. Your optical nerves weren''t particrly damaged to that extent at that time. I just did my best to restore them in their ce. But it couldn''t have happened without the effect of that st. So, I had a tiny hope that maybe, just maybe, everything would fall back to its ce." Bai Li looked stumped. Even I held my breath. It is trueIt is really true. I felt the corner of my eyes sting in tears. Bai Li. It wouldn''t be dark for you anymore. To be able to see again...how must he be feeling right now? The darkness was gone forever "There might be a little difort in your eyes for a few hours or even a day or two, but it won''t be for that long." "SoI can see now?" Long Hu chuckled. "The proof is right with you. You can see us, right? This room and the two of us?" He nodded in a daze. "That''s your answer." "I-I still don''t get it. It was supposed to be dark here. But now I see all these colors" Long Hu said, "I know. But some things are beyond our understanding too. They just happen sometimes. Just like we cannot exin what happened to her and why." Bai Li looked at me, and I straightened up. I saw him all the time, but suddenly I felt so nervous knowing that he was watching me too. His gaze was straight on me. He was really looking at me; my eyes, my face, and my entire self. Ugh...why am I suddenly feeling so conscious? I sped my palms in nervousness. My breaths became short and rapid, and I felt my cheeks flush warm. "Xin Lei. You are Xin Lei." He didn''t ask. He stated. I stiffened. Gosh, why am I so nervous? Why is this so nerve-wracking!? "What happened to Xin Lei?" Long Hu smiled. "I think you two should ''talk'' now. Have a nice long conversation. I will be out and exin everything to your friends." He left and closed the door behind him. It was silent for a long time. Then as if the spell broke, Bai Li slowly raised his hand towards me and ced his palm on my cheek. Once again, I felt my heart race. Come on, I have talked to him, and we did so many things together, but why am I feeling so shy now? "Xin LeiYou are my Xin Lei." I trembled and felt a tear slid down. But this time, he moved his thumb and gently wiped it off my cheek. I slowly nodded. It was time to show him my surprise, so I slowly moved my lips. My throat didn''t hurt as before. "Yes. I am your Xin Lei" He seemed frozen. Bai Li was rapidly blinking his eyelids at me that made me burst into a chuckle. "You...you-you... spoke" I smiled. "Yes, I did." Bai Li leaned in towards me and held my other cheek too. "You...say that again." I said, "Yes. I am your Xin Lei." "How" his voice was a soft gasp. "I don''t know. Just like we don''t know how you got your sight back...but you did. As Long Hu said...it was like magic. I woke up in the hospital, and the doctor said that I could talk now. Before that... Zhang Xin said that she heard me talkingst night for the first time." "Last night?" I bumped my head onto his. "Yes. Last night. All because of your reckless stupidity to push me away before the st. I...still don''t have much recollection, but they said that...I screamed your name after the building exploded. That was the first time I spoke." I hit him on his chest and more tears rolled down my cheeks. "You...you are so stupid. I-I hate you...how can you push me away like that? How can you...put yourself in danger like that? Idiot! There were hardly any more seconds left...and...do you have any idea how I felt seeing...you trapped there?! I-I was waiting for you to emerge from the building, but you didn''t...and then everything was on fire...How could you!?" Chapter 237: Disbelief Chapter 237: Disbelief *Bai Li* It felt like a dream. I was here in the hospital once again just like five years ago. That was the worst and darkest moment of my life when I opened my eyes. I saw nothing. It was dark. Pitch ck. I came to realize the harshest truth possible that I will never be able to see again. And I always cursed my fate that why? Why didn''t that bomb hurt me anywhere else? Why my eyes? And today, five yearster, I woke up again after a similiar st. But this time, it wasn''t dark. It wasn''t the same pitch ckness, that infinite void that I had to wake up to every day. It was suddenly so bright. When I opened my eyes, a ray of light seeped into my gaze and I questioned myself what was happening to me. This never happened to me before. I thought I was hallucinating. How was I able to ''see'' anything? But then I blinked my eyes again and again and the pictures in front me got clearer. It was all white at first but slowly, things began to take shape. I saw a room, two blurry figures sitting beside me, one at the right and the other at the left. Then I saw a white bedsheet draped over a person''s body and two hands rested on them. They moved as I moved them and I slowly realized. Was it me? Was I looking at myself sitting on a bed. I opened bmy eyes wider and the hazy images got clear. I was able to see where I was for the first time and I still had no idea what was happening. And then the doctor sitting beside me to my left congratted me that I could see now. See? I could see now? Yes I had the proof. I was indeed able to see everything happening around me. But I wasn''t able to believe it for a long time. My gaze shifted at my right where I saw a woman sitting, looking at me concerned. There was fear in her gaze, her body was shifting in ce as if she was nervous and worried. There were tears shining in her eyes. And at that moment, I knew. I just knew it. She was Xin Lei. She didn''t have to speak to me through her robotic tone in mobile or hold my hand so that I recognized her touch or smell the sweet scent that always gently wafted from her. Even without all those senses, I instinctively knew that she was my Xin Lei. "Xin...Lei?" She seemed to look confused as I looked straight at her. Then I understood why. She must be wondering why I was looking at her as if I could really see her? Her expressions and all gave it away. The doctor said some things about a miracle and optical nerves and how it wouldn''t have been possible without the st but I couldn''t focus on any of it. I could barely hear and understand what he was saying. For a person like me who hade to terms to the fact that the blindness would forever apany me until my death and that I could never have the joy of seeing the light again; this truth that just sprung up to me out of nowhere couldn''t seem to register in my mind. It took me a long time before I it finally started to sink in. I can see now. I was actually able to see everything. I will never be blind again. It won''t ever be dark again. At that thought, my heart sped as if a bullet train was running inside me. It made me feel giddy, anxious, happy and exhrating at the same time. There were so many emotions erupting within me like a volcano like never before. I felt goosebumps tingle on my skin and a rush of excitement coursing through all my veins. The doctor said that what happened to me was simr to what urred with Xin Lei. I froze. I got worried. What happened to Xin Lei? Wasn''t she safe? Didn''t she escape the building with Zhang Xin and Zhu Yusheng safely? Then how could anything drastic happen to her as it did to me? My heart raced in fear and it tightened in anxiousness. I could see Xin Lei in front of me with little to no injuries on her body. She seemed alright and fine. Then why did that doctor say that as if something major happened to her too? I wanted to ask so badly. As we were left alone, I cupped her face in my hands and for the first time, I was finally seeing the love of my life with my eyes. I always wondered during this whole time how it must feel if I could see her. What would she look like? How beautiful her eyes must be? How cute her nose would look? How pink her lips would be? I had touched her long and silky hair but I wondered how much prettier she would look with her hair down? And today, I was finally able to find all the answers that were just my imagination until now. Xin Lei was simply breathtaking. She looked just as beautiful and charming as I had imagined her. Her eyes were a pretty shade of chocte brown and so did her hair that were wavy where they ended at her waist. Her nose was small but sharp. Her lips were thin and rosy. Her cheeks seemed squishy and adorable. Her slender and pale neck met her fair shoulders that seemed to shine as the light fell upon them. My Xin Lei was so perfect that I began to feelplex about myself. Was I even that handsome? Nah. I never much came in the handsome category and now I highly began to doubt if I couldplement her. I only prayed and hoped that she didn''t mind me being with her. Well...she didn''t until now so there was some hope there. In a daze, I said, "You are my Xin Lei." I expected her to nod silently and she did but to myplete shock, she did something else that blew mind off. "Yes.. I am your Xin Lei." Chapter 238: Lets breakup! Chapter 238: Let''s breakup! *Bai Li* I kept staring at her like a stupid fool. Are my ears ying tricks on me? But I realized they weren''t. Once again, it wasn''t my illusion. I had really heard Xin Lei speaking. "You... you-you...spoke" She chuckled at me and said, "Yes." I widened my eyes. There it was. She spoke again. "How" I was stupefied. Not in my wildest dream did I imagine that that one st would not only bring my sight back but Xin Lei''s voice too. When she said how she screamed my name in distress, I felt my heart stop beating for a moment. I felt guilty that I made her worry so much, but at the same time, my heart skipped a beat that she said my name first. After years of silence, the first word that she uttered was my name. That feeling sent a rush of emotions all at once. It felt as if something was tingling in my stomach. The one word with which I could describe my feelings was joy - Immense joy. And her voice was so soft and melodious akin to a violin ying a tune. It was so mesmerizing that I felt I could listen to it forever. Xin Lei''s voice was just as perfect as herself. It was soft, warm, and breathy. When I saw tears roll down her cheeks, I snapped from my stupor. "You...you are so stupid. I-I hate you...how can you push me away like that? How can you...put yourself in danger like that? Idiot! There were hardly any more seconds left...and...do you have any idea how I felt seeing...you trapped there?! I-I was waiting for you to emerge from the building, but you didn''t...and then everything was on fire...How could you!?" Once again, I felt guilty. My chest tightened as if somebody was clutching my heart to crush it. Like I had imagined before, tears really didn''t look good on my Xin Lei. I gently wiped off her tears with my thumb. "I am sorry...But how could I bear to see you hurt? Only one of us could have made it out. Of course, it had to be you. There wasn''t any need to even think." Xin Lei shook her head. "No! I don''t want to listen to anything. You are mean. You are so horrible! So you chose to die and leave me alone forever? I don''t want to talk to you. Wait. I know. Let''s break up. Hmph!" And she turned her head to the side. I panicked. "Hey. Hey! Put brakes on that ugly thought." "Shut up! Why should I? You*cough* deserve to be punished." I nodded hard. "Yes, yes. How about you beat the shit out of me? Punish me as much you want but don''t mention break up please" I urged, "I don''t even like to think about it." "Then start thinking about it seriously." "Nooo How can I bear to think about living without you? When you are with me, everything is so colorful. Even when I couldn''t see, I always felt as if I was walking on rainbows whenever you were with me. If you wouldn''t be there anymore, then everything would turn so grey and nd." Xin Lei''s lips slightly twitched. "My Xin Lei~~~" I held her hand and kissed the back of it. "My Xin Lei is so awesome. She is the best woman on earth. She will definitely forgive her boyfriend, right?" No answer. "Of course she will. My Xin Lei''s heart is so warm and caring. She will never think of abandoning her poor and pitiful boyfriend. She is the sweetest, kindest, and the beautifullest woman in the entire universe." "Pfft" she burst intoughter. "Is beautifullest even a word?" I grinned. Well, now she seemed to be in a good mood. "Why not? If it isn''t, then I will ask all the English professors to make it legal in the dictionary. But only I can use it to describe my pretty and awesome girlfriend." "Enough buttering already" she shook her head and then narrowed her eyes as she stared at me. I gulped. "Didn''t you say that this is your first rtionship? Just when and where did you learn to say such sweet things?" "Oh, this? Instinct. When one''s life is on the line, they usually learn things quickly on the fly." "Hoooo...how is your life on the line with just a breakup?" I gasped and clutched my chest. I looked at her in horror. "''Just a breakup,'' you say? Just? Ah...it suddenly feels so painful in the chest. Xin Lei. You are a doctor. Can you check me? I think I am getting a heart attack." She rolled her eyes. "Oh, really?" I whined and protested. "Of course! You hurt and broke my poor heart into pieces. How can you say just? A breakup for me is really akin to putting my life on the line because if you leave me, then my heart will cease to beat anymore." Xin Lei coughed hard. "Oof, so cheesy! Gosh, you have really found your way with the words." "Hehe~~~ so does that meant you forgive this peasant?" I widened my eyes, and pitifully looked at her. "Hmmm" she squinted her gaze. "Oh, my cute, adorable, sweet Xin Lei~~ you are-" "STOP! No, using sweet words anymore," she red at me. I stopped. Haish! I am so pathetic. I still couldn''t convince her. "Instead" I looked up at her questioningly. "You can use your sweet tongue. Then I will forgive you." I blinked my eyes rapidly. Ah? Wait. Did she mean She rolled her eyes again. "What? Isn''t your mind so sharp and intelligent? Do you even need to figure this out? Read in between the lines!" "Oh...oh! Yes! Of course!" My lips curved into a wide grin. I knew what she wanted, and I felt excited. I held the back of her head, leaned in, and gently pressed my lips on hers. Chapter 239: Passed with distinction Chapter 239: Passed with distinction *WARNING - MATURE SCENE* *Bai Li* I pulled her face towards me even closer as I moved my lips on hers. I slowly tasted her lips, but in just one second, I couldn''t control my urge any longer. I felt hungrier to capture her lips deeply and never let her go. Ah, finally...it felt so long that we had been this intimate. "Mhmm" She softly moaned that just triggered the rush of all my emotions. They flooded so vigorously than before that I almost gnawed her lips with my teeth. Xin Lei clutched my hair and kissed me back, matching my pace. I felt our turn breaths rapid but oddly synchronized. Her cheeks felt warm in my palms, and I tightly hugged her. I chomped down on her lower lip and nipped it with my teeth in a straight line. Our misty gazes met for a moment, and instinctively we knew what to do next. We opened our mouths at the same time and meshed our tongues against each other. "Hmm" It felt so good that I felt tingly all over. It felt like I could go on forever, exploring the depths of her sweet mouth like an adventurer finding the treasure. Her tongue was soft and sweet, and mine instantly melted like butter. I sped her head tighter and tilted my head to entangle it more. Xin Lei let out a satisfied moan and urgently began to swirl our tongues together while still holding our lips into a fiery kiss. Damn, she waspletely dominating the kiss! How could I let her win? So now it became a battle of dominance and control. Of course, we didn''t forget to enjoy our passionate kiss thoroughly. She softly giggled in my mouth. I narrowed my eyes. Heh. It seems like someone was enjoying teasing me. Well, two can y a game. I let go of her face, but our lips were still sealed and pressed together as if there was permanent glue in between us. With my right, I gently but swiftly unwrapped her hands from my head and locked her wrists together in my palm. And immediately, I felt her suspicion as she slowed down for a few moments. I grinned, and my left hand started to wander on her slender back, slowly and teasingly. I felt her slightly stiffen. I went further and traversed by her waist, by which she started to resist by moving her wrists. But I made her forget it by crashing my lips on hers like a storm. I kissed and sucked and bit hard on her lips. I invaded her mouth over and over again until I felt her turn limp again in pleasure. "Mhmnnn" Now I will raise the pleasure by a few notches. From her waist, I reached her belly, and my hands traveled up until I felt the sweet valley in between her breasts. She jumped up on her seat in a jolt, but I had securely pinned her in my hands. I continued to ravish her lips while my palm finally touched the treasure it longed for all this time. I cupped her soft breast in my palm, and this time, even I felt electrified. The sensation was so addictive and intoxicating. It was super soft and fluffy, as if I held a bunch of cotton balls in my hand. Before I knew it, my hand followed its instinct and squeezed her lovely breast. "Mmpf!" This time, she was fiercely trying to break free from my grasp. But I didn''t let my attention falter. I kept squeezing and massaging her breast, forcing me to groan at least a hundred times in her mouth. And once again, rubbing the softness of her breast on my hand, I felt my little brother turn hotter and bigger until I felt a slight bulge. Blood rushed towards it with such force that it was on the verge of getting hard. This was not good. I was getting too excited, and if I kept on doing what I did, I will surely pin her down on the bed and eat her. Imented. We had to wait till the time was proper when we could thoroughly go until the end. I regrettably let go of her breast and loosened my grip on her wrist. At that instant, Xin Lei wrapped her hands around my head and deepened the kiss as if a wild animal was let out. We were slowly starting to reach our limits as we turned breathless. Our chests expanded rapidly, trying to suck in more air, but we kept on kissing like crazy. More precisely, Xin Lei was taking her revenge. I was d to let her. A few minutester, we finally had to part our lips to breathe. I gulped hard as I saw her lips turn red and swollen. She was looking back at me with a ssy gaze. Her eyshes had turned slightly wet with tears. Her shirt was disheveled and a little messed up at her chest, of course, by yours truly ying with her breast. Damn it! I pulled her back and captured the nape of her neck in a string of kisses. "Ah...Bai Li" she softly whispered. From her neck to her vicle and the center, I kissed and sucked her soft skin. I nipped her flesh in my teeth and darted my tongue out. "Ahhnn..!" As soon as I kissed the trail of her delicious neckline, I went back to the top, this time with my tongue licking its way back up. I started from her left and kissed all the way to her right, making her neckpletely moist with my tongue''s work. We finally separated for good and panted heavily. I chuckled in between as I took a mouthful of air, "Soyou said to use my sweet tongue to earn your forgiveness. Did I pass, mydy?" Xin Lei flicked my forehead. "Pass? You didn''t just pass but did it with distinction with flying colors. Thisdy is thoroughly impressed by your performance. So, I forgive you." Chapter 240: A parents feelings Chapter 240: A parent''s feelings *Bai Li* I grinned. "I knew it. My Xin Lei is the best!" "Hey, and what about your friends?" I looked up to see alling in. Lin Zihaoined. "You got some quality time with your girlfriend. Now spare us your attention too." Suddenly, a man red at him, who was walking behind him, and I felt a familiar sensation on my back. Ah, so he is Xin Zhen...No wonder he is giving the death res. I can see some siblings'' simrities too. Besides him stood an older version of Xin Zhen, who was sighing and nudging him to calm down. Undoubtedly, he was Xin Nianzu. The father son almost looked like carbon copies. I smiled. "Hey, Goofy. Do I see you a little aged than five years back? You are growing old so fast." Xin Lei chuckled. Lin Zihao fumed at first, but then I noticed him and Su Weiyuan looking at me seriously. Major General joined them too in the staring contest. "Hey, you all. Don''t stare at me like that. You are creeping me out." "Shut up." I sighed. "I know you are worried about me, and it''s unbelievable. Trust me. I was in your position just a few minutes ago." "Unbelievable and awesome! No matter how many times Long Hu said the same thing, we just couldn''t believe it. Soooooooo you can see us now. Congrattions!" Su Weiyuan smiled and patted my shoulder. "Whatever happenedst night was dangerous, but I am d it affected you for good." Major Generalughed. "Well, at least one - no, two good things came out of it!" The woman on the other side of Xin Zhen pped. I figured she was Shi Ruiling. "Yes! One st brought Xin Lei''s voice and Bai Li''s sight too! How cool is that? It''s just like how it''s in the movies, hoho." Xin Lei grinned. "Then I guess we must thank my dear sister for pressing the button," A woman snickered as she stood at the back with a man, "At least she did one praiseworthy thing before she got her throat shed." Of course, I recognized her voice. Zhang Xin. Zhu Yusheng. "Congrattions, you two," she smiled at us, and Zhu Yusheng nodded. "Big bro! You got us so worried!" A teenager came to my side and hugged me. "You really scared us all, especially sis Xin Lei." I smiled. "Chu Jie. How are you, buddy?" He sniffled and wiped his tears. "I am fine. We were already out of the building. But you were stuck inside! That was dangerous big bro! You shouldn''t be so reckless!" "Yes, hit him, Chu Jie," Xin Lei nodded. "Hit him hard. The idiot deserves it." "Hey" I sighed and ruffled his head. "Well, I am all fit and fine now, so let''s not recall the past. We should always see what''s ahead of us." "Sage Bai Li at his work," Lin Zihaoughed. My brow twitched. I said, "By the way, did you finally meet your parents? They must be worried sick." "Ah" Chu Jie''s tone got a little down, and he lowered his head. I raised a brow at Su Weiyuan. "Well, his parents are here, but he doesn''t want to meet them more like he is scared." I looked at Chu Jie. "Why so?" Chu Jie pursed his lips. "That I lied to them about the study thing and went to Andingzhen on my own to meet the girl and got kidnapped. They will surely beat me up for being so stupid. I am scared of their scolding" Before I could say anything, Xin Nianzu came forward and patted his head. "Trust me. They are not going to scold you because they will be too busy crying and hugging you." "No... you don''t know my parents. They are very strict. I-I don''t want to face them" "I know your parents because I am a parent too. I know what they are thinking right now. I know what they must be wanting right now. They just want to see you and hug you right now. Nothing else." Chu Jie bit his lip. He still didn''t seem too sure. I smiled. "It''s alright. We will be there with you when you meet them. But you have to face them. And you got to face your mistake too that you ran away from home. You cannot run away from your mistakes, though I understand that it was partly because your parents put pressure on you." He slowly nodded. "We will talk to them too. There are certain things you need to understand as their child, and they need to understand as your parents." "O-okay" "Good." Xin Nianzu patted my shoulder. "Good to see you alive and kicking." "Thanks." "Heh! But he made my sister cry. I won''t let my sister be with a man who makes her cry. I think they should break up," Xin Zhen snorted. My mouth twitched. I guess he will never ept me. "Big bro!" Xin Lei protested. "We will never break up. You are so mean." I nodded hard. "Plus, I just saved myself from a breakup. Xin Lei has finally forgiven me, so I don''t want to go through that again." Shi Ruiling giggled. "Ignore him. He will never admit it, but he was worried about his brother-inw too. He stood in front of your surgery room the entire time." Xin Nianzuughed. "Of course, how can I forget it? He couldn''t bear to see you in that state." "I did not!" He growled. "And just who are you calling my brother-inw? I haven''t epted him yet!" We all just rolled our eyes. I asked. "Where is Liao Huifang and Luo Zhiqiang?" Xin Zhen said, "They are still at the site. The IB is recovering all the dead bodies. Liao Huifang stayed there to help him. They said they woulde to meet you soon." I nodded. "And Cocoa?" They shared a silent nce. "We tried to bring him in, but he resisteding with us. Even we were shocked to see that. I thought he would be the first one to jump in the ward. He is still standing outside." I kept quiet. "I will go and meet him." Chapter 241: Afraid to face the truth Chapter 241: Afraid to face the truth *Bai Li* Long Hu and Xin Lei slowly helped me out of bed, and I stepped out of my ward. There I saw Cocoa standing in front of the door. He immediately stood in attention as he looked at me. "Arf." I smiled. I looked at Long Hu and Xin Lei. "It''s okay. I can walk now." They left my arm, and I slowly walked to his side. I kneeled in front of him and ruffled his head. "Hey, buddy. I didn''t see you inside with everybody else." "Grrr" he softly growled. Cocoa slowly leaned his face towards me and sniffed me. Then he lowered his head and sniffed my body. It seemed like he was checking me from head to toe. "Arf" he faintly howled and nudged his head on my chin. I patted his head and brushed my hand on his furry body. "Are you okay? See? I am all fit and fine now. And you know what?" I held his face and looked straight in his eyes. "I can even see you now. I can see everything. Isn''t it like magic?" "Grrr" He wagged his tail furiously. I chuckled. "Well, I always wanted to see my annoying buddy. And I must say...you are not quite bad looking yourself." "Arf!" He softly chomped on my hand in distaste. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. Xin Lei softly smiled and bent on her knees too. She ruffled his head, and Cocoa immediately jumped on herp. I sneered. "You just abandon me for a beautiful woman now." Cocoa simply ignored me and enjoyed nudging against Xin Lei''s soft body. Xin Lei softly whispered. "Why didn''t hee inside?" I stared at Cocoa for a moment and said, "The whole incident shook him up. He was afraid to see if I was in bad condition. I saw it in his gaze and felt it in his bodynguage. Maybe he was scared that he lost me, so kind of...he didn''t want to face the truth." She widened her eyes. "Really?" I nodded. "He did that three years back too. In a mission, I got injured in my leg, and it was a pretty serious injury. That''s what the doctors said. I was close to passing out, and Cocoa was there with me at that time. When I woke up, the doctor said that he refused toe inside. And that''s when I knew when I met him outside. It took me a while to realize it because I thought maybe I am a narcissist. Maybe I am giving myself too much credit." "But I met another woman who also had a dog. She told me that Cocoa must be terrified to see me in that state. Maybe he thought I wouldn''t wake again. She said that dogs are sensitive, emotional, and very loyal. It affects them just like any other family member when the owner is injured. So, I went back to Cocoa and just hugged him to let him know that I was alright. He eased up a lot after that." Xin Lei''s eyes teared up. "Hey, hey! Don''t cry." "Arf!" Cocoa red at me and stood defensively for Xin Lei. My mouth twitched. "Look, he is ring at me now." Xin Lei said, "It''s nothing...I never thought that Cocoa would feel like that." I said, "Yes. Last night was the same. We escaped, but I got hit by a b and tripped. Then the debris hit my eyes, and I passed out. I heard Cocoa barking and trying to pull me away. He did his best to help me, but I had already passed out. That must have given him a scare. Plus, the exploding building and seeing all the fire wasn''t helping. He must have gotten more afraid with the loud rumbling and all the fire." "A" Xin Lei tightly hugged Cocoa and patted his head. "Bai Li is so mean, right? He made all of us worry and cry." "Arf. Arf." My brow twitched. "Hey...How could you agree to her?" "Grrrrarf!" That''s it. Cocoa didn''t belong to me now. He was officially Xin Lei''s. Xin Lei giggled. "What do you say, Cocoa? Should we punish him? He deserves it." "Arf," he licked her cheek and wagged his tail furiously, apparently thrilled at the idea. I whined. "You are all ganging up against me" "Shut up." Lin Zihao said from behind. "You deserve it. We should all beat the shit out of him." I smiled. "Sure. I will beat you into a pulp anytime." "Haah! Look at your miserable self. Even a kid will win against you." "Alright. I will show you. Let''s take it outside." "Stop!" Xin Lei said, exasperated. "You are fighting like children!" I shrugged. Then I remembered something and asked, "What about the other woman and Rodey? What happened to them?" Xin Zhen said, "The woman is safe. Her cousin is admitted for surgery. She was tortured a lot by those men, so her condition is critical. Rodey was in a critical condition but now isn''t." I frowned. "What happened to him? Didn''t you all already escape before Xin Lei and us?" "One of the minions was still in hiding, and he suddenly lunged towards Ying Yue, that woman with a knife. But Rodey pushed her away and took the stab." I blinked my eyes. I looked at Xin Zhen, failing to understand what he said. "Wait. You say that he took the knife for her? He risked his life to save Ying Yue?" "Yup. Unbelievable it is but is the truth." "Why would he do that? Rodey has killed people till now, not saved anybody which reminds me why and how he sided with us and went against Zhang Ning? When did he have a change of heart?" Xin Lei spoke, "I don''t know...Even I was shocked to know that Rodey was helping us to escape from the ce, not drag into it." Long Hu said, "Actually, he didn''t want to save us. He only wanted to save Ying Yue. He had made that clear, but she refused to leave without us. So, he had no choice." I raised my brow, and curiously looked at Xin Lei. She nodded as if she understood my unsaid question. It was still hard to believe it. Now, I really wanted to know how and when Rodey fell in love? Chapter 242: The truth is out Chapter 242: The truth is out --- Ying Yue and Ying Lan were waiting for Rodey to wake up. His surgery was over and now it all depended on when he would be conscious again, though the doctor said that within 24 hours was the window they could expect. Suddenly, they heard rapid footsteps and somebody grabbed Ying Yue''s shoulder. A hand raised to p her but Ying Lan was quick and caught it in time. "Elder sis!" She looked at her shocked. "What are you doing?" Xue Xiying''s eyes were bloodshot as she red at them. "What I should have done way back! My daughtermy poor daughter Jingjing got kidnapped because of her! That man took her away for revenge even though she was innocent! I want to know where my daughter is! Where is she!?" Ying Yue expressionlessly looked at her aunt. "She is admitted in some other ward for her treatment." "T-treatment? What happened to her? Is she hurt?" She slowly nodded. Xue Xiying stumbled for a moment. Then anger surged within her. "It''s all your fault, Yue!" She loudly screamed. "It is all because of you! You tried to kill your sister!" The doctors and nurses looked at her in disdain. "Mam please. This is a hospital. Patients are resting so keep quiet." She gritted her teeth. "You tricked her to go to the interview and when she came back, you sent that man to kidnap her again!" Ying Yue knew she was talking about Rodey. "Sis! Are you in your mind? Don''t forget that Jingjing insisted on going with Yue at thest moment. Yue didn''t even ask her toe. She forcibly joined her!" Xue Xiying sneered. "Then why is only my daughter hurt and not her?" Ying Lan was stupefied. "Are you blind? Can''t you see the injuries on my Yue? Even her back is hurt so badly," her lips trembled. "Then who was that man? He kidnapped her for Yue. He-he hurt and beat her all because of her!" "Aunt," Ying Yue said after a long time. She looked deadly calm, but for the first time, Xue Xiying got a little afraid. She felt that something was changed in her. She wasn''t the same Yue whom she could mindlessly insult anymore. "You know why he did that, didn''t you? You know that Jingjing abandoned me when we escaped. The men caught up to us because she chose to rest despite my protests. I told her we didn''t have time to rest but she ignored me. They reached us.I helped her escape from their clutches but she shook my hand and ran away when I got trapped." Xue Xiying stiffened. The staff walking around them started murmuring and whispering, giving dirty looks at Xue Xiying. Her gaze turned sharp and she remembered Rodey''s words. Stand up for yourself. Speak up for yourself. "Didn''t Jingjing always im that she loves me? Is this her love? I helped her but she selfishly ran away. We both could have escaped but she didn''t even look back at me. And like Mom said, don''t forget that she chose toe with me." Xue Xiying looked at her dumbfounded. She talked back to her though she was always so meek before. Jingjing had already told her what happened. But now Ying Yue just exposed it which she didn''t believe she would. "T-that...you are misunderstanding. Jingjing would never do that" she sped her hands in nervousness. "She did and she did one other thing too. You say I tried to kill her but didn''t she try to kill me when she pushed me in front of the car eleven years back?" Ying Lan shot a re at her. "Jingjing pushed Yue in front of the car at that time! My Yue almost died because of her. What will you say about that then?" Xue Xiying froze. "W-what nonsense!? All lies! Sis...do you really believe what that man used? He is just one goon and a stranger-" "Don''t call him a stranger." Ying Yue cut her off and warned her. "And I know everything now. Jingjing pushed me so Uncle chose to pay for my expenses. That''s why you had to sell your house to cover for it. But you found that better than Jingjing getting exposed and scolded. What she did was a crime. She could have been sent to a remand home for underage crime. She... pushed me and left me to die." Xue Xiying panicked. This is bad. "But soon uncle passed away. You took advantage that we didn''t know anything about Jingjing''s truth and you came to live with us, saying that we owe you. And we fell for it. Uncle paid such a huge amount and even sold his house but that was only to hide her crime. But you made us feel as if we were the culprits who stole everything from you." "N-No..you are wrong! Jinjing would never do it!" Her forehead got covered in sweat. "I always thought it was my imagination" Ying Yue quietly said, "But now I know I wasn''t. I always felt that I was pushed from behind but I shrugged it off. When I once shared it with Jingjing, she quickly diverted the topic saying that I was hallucinating. She forcibly tried to convince me that I tripped but I know I didn''t." Xue Xiying felt an urgent need to run away. She saw Army and IB officers on the way. If these officerse to know about this, then they would definitely take Jingjing away! She would put her in jail the moment she wakes up! No, no. I need to take her out as soon as she is conscious again. She stuttered. "You are lying. Y-you want to frame my daughter! What evidence do you have that my Jingjing pushed you or that she abandoned you? Did my Jingjing confess or somebody doing that?" Ying Yue simply stared at her. Xue Xiying felt more confident. "Hah! You don''t have anything to say now, do you?" In a fit of nervousness and panic, she raised her hand again. "How dare you use my daughter?" But before she could even touch her, a strong hand firmly stopped her and squeezed her wrist until her bone broke. "Ahhh!!" She yelped in pain. Then she heard a deep voice sneer at her. "I guess the kick in your stomach wasn''t enough thest time we met. You seem to have grown some useless wings. How about I cut them right now?" Chapter 243: Who needs evidence? Chapter 243: Who needs evidence? Xue Xiying''s wrist bone waspletely broken, yet Rodey had held onto her wrist so tightly as if he wanted to separate the wrist from her hand. The nurses watched the scene unfold in utter shock but sensing the dangerous and feral aura around him; nobody could gather the courage to stop him. One of the nurses still came forward, but Rodey''s sinister gaze at her immediately made her retreat back. Xue Xiying cowered in fear and panic. She clearly remembered how he had barged into the house, grabbed Jingjing, tortured her, and then took her away. And then his kick in her stomach. That was so painful and excruciating that she could hardly walk for thest two days. Every step was simply agonizing and torture. Even now, she felt mild tremors of pain shooting up in her muscles. "Ahhh...ahhhmy handl-let go" Tears rimmed in her eyes. Ying Yue was still rooted in her spot. She couldn''t believe her eyes that she was watching Rodey in front of her. His abdomen was all stitched up with sutures and bandages wrapped around his waist. How couldn''t it be painful to get up and walk even this far when he had just woken up? Her lips trembled, and she stared at him in a daze. Rodey sneered at Xue Xiying. "I thought you wouldn''t have the face to show yourself, but man, you are one shameless bitch. Like mother, Like daughter aye?" The doctor rushed out, "Sir, please! How can you walk in this condition? Your wounds will open up." Rodey was really a handful. He slowly woke up to consciousness but immediately put his guard up as he saw strangers around him. But then he rxed a bit, knowing that it was a hospital. The doctor was stunned. "This is so shocking. We didn''t expect you would wake up so soon." The doctor also noticed how his mind immediately got alert as he analyzed his surroundings and rxed as he must have figured that there wasn''t any threat. This is the first time in my career that I saw a patient wake up so soon and even be able to use his analytical abilities in all that dizziness. He is one tough guy. Rodey''s ears twitched as he heard some noises outside. There was yelling and argument and cursing. But he recognized a certain someone''s soft voice immediately. Rodey narrowed his eyes and got up. Pain shot up in his abdomen, but he didn''t bother. The doctor and the nurse were stupefied. "Sir! What are you doing? You cannot move in this state." Rodey ignored them and pulled out the syringes and tubes inserted into his arm, making them even more horrified. They tried to stop him, but Rodey grabbed the doctor''s cor instead and growled, "Hey. You don''t say what I should do and what I shouldn''t. I decide what I want. If you don''t want me to strangle you to death, then fuck off." "B-but" Rodey threw him away and walked outside. At present, the doctor was still a little traumatized by what happened, but it was his responsibility to stop his patient. "Sir, please...don''t make things difficult. You need to rest." Rodey smiled. "I see you didn''t get my message earlier, doc. After her, I will deal with you." The doctor shuddered. Ying Yue snapped out of her stupor and softly touched his arm. "Rodey" He looked down at her and squinted her gaze. He quickly took a look over her injuries and noticed that she got her treatment. The injuries looked a little better now, and his tensed brows eased up. But still, she looked like she lost a lot of weight in just a few hours, and that didn''t sit well with him. He dangerously narrowed his eyes at her. "Why are you so thin?" Ying Yue was dumbfounded. That is the first question he wants to ask me? "I...I" She didn''t know how to answer. Ying Lan said, "She was really worried about you the whole time. She said she wouldn''t be rxed until you safely wake up. I did urge her to eat a little, but she said she wasn''t hungry at all." Ying Yue''s face flushed in embarrassment. Mom...why did you say that to him? She internally cried. Rodey shook off Xue Xiying''s wrist and threw her away. She fell on the floor with a thud. "Ahhhh" The other nurses went to help, but Rodey sharply cut off their helpful intentions. "Help her, and you die." He seriously meant it, so the nurses promptly backed away. Rodey pinched Yue''s chin and forced her to look at him. Ying Lan coughed. The scene looked like a movie where the hero used a dominating stance on his girlfriend. It was dangerous but cool. So she couldn''t help but squeal a little like a teenager. No, no. Yue is my daughter. I shouldn''t be fangirling now. Rodey threateningly said, "When did I need you to worry and go on a hunger strike for me? Did I tell you to do it?" It looked like Rodey''s pressure on her chin was agonizing, but she didn''t feel any pain at all, yet the grip seemed so tight and hurtful. "You were in a critical condition." "So? Even if I had died, it wouldn''t have anything to do with your food. And I don''t need such baseless worries. Look at you. It seems so easy to break your body like a stick. Get some meat in there, so it bes harder." "I am fine," she softly said. "Do you really want to see what I do when I have to get things done in MY way?" She kept quiet. Rodey let her chin off. "Don''te near me until you have gained 5 kgs of weight. I will throw you out." "..." Rodey then looked down at Xue Xiying, lying pathetically on the floor. She jolted back in fear. He smiled mockingly. "I heard you say something about evidence. And I am like; you are so stupid. Who needs evidence when your daughter will confess herself? I just need to spice things up a notch on her already wounded body, and she will start talking like a parrot." Chapter 244: The blood within him Chapter 244: The blood within him Rodey smirked. "Let''s see. Where is she? Where is your dear Jingjing? Time to make her puke out some answers." Xue Xiying stiffened. "N-No...she hasn''t done anything! Don''t do anything to her!" Rodey nced at one of the nurses, obviously questioning with his gaze where Jingjing was. The nurse stuttered. "She-she" "No! You cannot hurt my daughter..ahh" her wrist hurt as violently moved, "D-don''t forget that the Army officers are here" Rodeyughed. "You are really funny. Do you think any officer would ever scare me?" He narrowed his eyes. "Or do you think any officer would be able to save your daughter?" He dangerously squinted at the doctor, and he stepped back in fear. "S-sir...we cannot tell-" Suddenly, Rodey grabbed his neck and lifted him in the air. The doctor vigorously coughed. "Rodey" Ying Yue urged, "Please put him down." "Where is her ward?" "T-that" "Having trouble answering me?" With that, he squeezed his neck even tighter, and his face became pale and reddish. "I-It''s suffocating... please...let" Ying Yue quickly put her hand on his wrist. "Please put him down." Rodey didn''t respond. She softly said, "You shouldn''t treat a person like that who saved you. He worked hard and his best on your surgery. Don''t hurt him, especially for Jingjing." Silence. "Please?" Rodey''s brow twitched, and he threw the doctor away again, just like in the ward. "*Cough cough!!!*" "Doctor!" The nurses quickly helped him. Ying Yue sighed in relief. Rodey sneered. "This was your one and thest chance to talk to me. Next time, don''t show your face until you have gained 7 kgs of weight." "Wasn''t it five you just said?" "You pissed me off, so adding to your goal." "..." Ying Lan - "..." Her lips pursed into a straight line. "How did I make you angry?" "By stopping me from choking the doctor." "...but he saved you." "You want me to add a couple more kgs to your goal?" She immediately shut her mouth. Rodey smirked. "That''s better." But he was still pissed off leaving the doctor halfway, so he changed his target instead and kicked Xue Xiying in her face. Ying Lan widened her eyes. "Ahhh" Her nose and jaw hit severely, and blood oozed out of them in a thin stream. Her eyes teared up. On one side, her wrist was dangling like a broken kite, and now her face was smashed up. "You will not run away anywhere, okay?" He smiled. "Neither will you meet your bitchy daughter. If you did, then...I will make your death a reaalllllll painful one." He chuckled. "At least, I learned that much from my ex-boss. And the doctor and the nurses die too if you let her meet that bitch." They just bobbed their heads up and down. Rodey was too intimidating for them, and he put such a dangerous, invisible pressure on them that they felt a mountain was crushing them. Nobody dared to speak against him. The doctor desperately eyes Ying Yue to help him. She looked at Rodey and said, "Please go inside and have some rest now." Rodey nced at her sideways. "Not interested." The doctor panicked. Ying Yue calmly said, "You have already pushed your body to its limit by getting up in this state just a few hours after the surgery. Any more, and it will worsen" He red at her. "Do I need to repeat myself?" She sulked. The doctor couldn''t see her pitiful state anymore. So, he couldn''t keep quiet anymore. He was cautious of Rodey as he spoke, "You may not feel the need to rest, but your body does." The dark storm around Rodey intensified. "You are one courageous doc. But stupid. You haven''t still-" "If not for yourself, then at least do it for this young woman. I didn''t save you. She did by giving you her blood, after all." Rodey froze. "Say what?" Ying Yue stiffened. She signaled the doctor and shook her head quietly, not to say anything. Rodey pulled her arm towards him. "What are you signaling him, huh?" "Nothing" "Then just shut up and don''t make any noise." The doctor said, "You know, you could have really died. Your blood loss was too extreme, and unfortunately, our hospital had run out of two blood groups, one of which belonged to yours. Time was of the essence, and then she stepped up to transfuse her blood into you. She is O-ve - a universal blood donor. After we did the blood transfusion, your condition became stable, and we could do the rest of your surgery with ease and no threat." Rodey feltpletely nk. At this present moment, he had absolutely no thoughts running in his mind. "That was her first blood transfusion, and for first-timers, they need time to recover. So, she got weak, and that''s why she lost a little weight. Of course, not eating anything contributed to it too. But now, she is alright." Ying Yue lowered her head and bit her lip. If possible, she didn''t want to let him know that she helped him because she didn''t want him to feel indebted to her. "That''s why I am asking you to please rest and recover. Your body really needs it. Not for anybody but at least for Miss Ying Yue, who didn''t hesitate to step up to donate her blood." Silence. It was quiet for a long time. Ying Yue felt nervous. In normal circumstances, people would be thankful for what she did, but she knew Rodey. Not that she wanted him to thank her or feel pressured. But his brain worked differently. He was akin to a lone wolf and despised anybody''s help. So, she didn''t want him to get furious at her. Did I ask you to help me? You should have stayed out of my business! She could imagine him getting mad at her and saying things along those lines. But contrary to her expectations, Rodey said nothing more and just quietly went inside his ward and shut the door, leaving everybody shocked. Inside, Rodey lifted his arms and stared in a daze. Then he looked at his body from head to toe. Her blood...it''s flowing in me now That was the only thing he kept repeating in his mind for a long time. Chapter 245: The perfect end for Zhang Ning Chapter 245: The perfect end for Zhang Ning --- *Xin Lei* In Bai Li''s ward, weughed and talked, and then we heard some rapid footsteps. The door opened. "Xin Lei!" I turned and smiled. "Liao Huifang!" Behind her, Luo Zhiqiang slowly stepped in and nodded at me. Liao Huifang slowly covered her mouth with her hands and seemed in disbelief. "Oh...my God...it''s true. You really can talk now...OMG!!!" "Hehe" "When Zhiqiang first mentioned it to me, I was so shocked that I couldn''t believe him at all. So, we had toe here! Xin Lei. I am so happy for you. Really really happy" "Thanks." "Arf!" "Oh, Cocoa!" She bent down and hugged him. "Aww, I missed you so much! It feels like forever that I have seen you." "Arf!" He excitedly circled her and wagged his tail. "Ahahaha! It tickles. Stop~~" Bai Li asked, "I see, so you missed Xin Lei and Cocoa. What about me?" Liao Huifang grinned. "Of course, I missed you." "Heh. Liar. If you lie anymore, then the small pimple on your right cheek will definitely grow big like a monster." Liao Huifang immediately touched her cheek. "I-I don''t have any pimples, okay! Don''t spout nonsense." I chuckled. "Bai Li. I should warn you. You are treading into dangerous territory." He raised his brow at me and then shrugged. "I have done just that in the fourteen years in the army. But I guess you got the point. Women are more dangerous than even an S-rank mission." Liao Huifang was checking her face in the mirror when she suddenly seemed to freeze. "Wait a minute. How do you know that I have a pimple on my cheek?" Bai Li and I nced at Luo Zhiqiang, and he shrugged. "She could hardly believe that Xin Lei''s voice was back. She would have copsed on knowing about Bai Li." "Hey, hey, what are you all talking about? What are you keeping from me!" Bai Li looked at her and said, "Your straight hair looks a little rough around the ends, meaning that you worked quite hard with Luo Zhiqiang in the field. There are small bags under your eyes. Your peach-colored dress that extends till your knees has gotten a little wrinkled and dirty. That red tulip design on your dress is almost covered with mud. And I must say, you are a little stupid, but you look cute and pretty." Liao Huifang gasped sharply. "You...you...how can you say that? Am I missing something? It''s as if you can-" "See. Right? Ding ding! You got the right answer." I giggled. "It''s not just me who got my voice back. But Bai Li got his sight back too. The st kind of worked in his favor." "What!!!" She red at Luo Zhiqiang, and he could only sigh. "Well, you were clearly overwhelmed by Xin Lei''s news, so I waited until you get to know it naturally." "You you you...don''t talk to me! How could you hide such a huge thing from me!? Idiot!" Liao Huifang lunged on his bed and seemed to look at him curiously. "So, so! You can really see? How many fingers are these?" She put up three fingers, and I rolled my eyes. Bai Li smiled. "See, that''s why I said that you are a little stupid. Didn''t I just describe you a few minutes ago? What are you testing with your fingers? My sight or my counting ability?" "Shut up! I am not stupid! You are the stupid one!" "Whatever. It''s three." "Omg...Bai Li can see now...like you can see everything now? All colors, all objects, all people walking around? No trouble at all in your eyes? Is it painful?" She seemed and sounded a bit worried. This time, he gently smiled and patted her head. "I am fine. There is slight difort but no pain. Long Hu said that I would fully recover in no time. So, ease up those tensed up brows, little sis." "Oh... that''s really awesome" she nodded. She suddenly rubbed her eyes, and I saw that she was crying. "No, no. It''s nothing! I am not crying." I wiped her tears and hugged her. "It''s okay. Last night was indeed overwhelming. Even I can hardly believe that it''s finally over." She trembled in my arms. "En...I just...I feel so d for you two. Thank God that you are safe. Like really...I-I didn''t want to lose youI already think of you as my family now. And thank you again for giving my sis justice. You killed every one of them who tortured my sister," she sniffled, "I cannot thank you enough. At least, she can rest in peace now." We said nothing and quietly nodded. "Grrr" Cocoa sat beside her and gently nudged her leg. "Thanks, Cocoa," she ruffled his head. After a moment of silence, Bai Li asked, looking at Luo Zhiqiang. "So, how are things out there?" He nodded. "We have recovered all the bodies. They are almost burnt to charcoal, but we got all of them." "All? "Yup, including Zhang Ning''s. The first thing we did after discovering a female body structure was DNA testing. Wepared it with Zhang Xin. They are a perfect match." This was itthe end of Zhang Ning and her terror. I knew she was already dead when Zhang Xin shed her throat. It was impossible to survive that attack. But hearing thest confirmation from Luo Zhiqiang was all that I needed. I sighed. "I regret that she died so easily. If not for that bomb ticking, then we could have taken our own sweet time and shown her what torture really felt like." Bai Li smiled. "Don''t sweat it, Xin Lei. She died thinking that she won by blowing the bomb off. But now, her soul must be writhing in pain, knowing that we not only survived, but we got our voice and sight back too - the only thing missing in our lives. Her bomb did more good than evil for us, and she must be cursing herself right now. In her death, she gifted us our senses back. We are alive and alright. All the innocent victims would rest in peace now, but Zhang Ning won''t, and she never will. This is the perfect end for her." Chapter 246: No need to wait that long Chapter 246: No need to wait that long --- *** Luo Zhiqiang and Liao Huifang bid goodbye to the couple. Now that everything was over, she felt a little nervous. She didn''t know what to talk about. "Oh, yes!" Luo Zhiqiang looked at her. "What?" "What is Qi Qiang doing?" "Hm? Didn''t I say that he is working with our team to collect evidence from FriendsChat and crack more of the dark web sites that do illegal things?" "O-oh yes. Ahaha, I forgot," she coughed. "Xin Zhen has also decided to offer him a position in the IB in the cybersecurity unit after his graduation if he is interested." Now, she widened her eyes in shock. "What!? I mean, wow! This is great news! Qi Qiang would faint in happiness. Of course, he would be interested. He might even cry tears of joy. From college to the IB! That''s such a big leap and a rare chance." He smiled. Silence. Luo Zhiqiang asked, "What will you do after graduation? Join an art agency?" They kept their pace slow as they walked. She sped her hands. "Actually...I am thinking of changing my stream." He raised his brow. "I willplete my degree in arts, but instead of pursuing painting as my career, I will take the psychology course for helping the emotionally and mentally troubled people." Luo Zhiqiang kept quiet. He knew where she wasing from. Her eyes stung in tears as she spoke, "I couldn''t help my sister. I couldn''t do anything for her, and I know that there are many people out there like her who want to socialize but couldn''t. They are shy, quiet, and introverted, which isn''t bad at all, but it could put emotional stress on that person, considering how many people are outgoing." "Sometimes, they look down on such people and despise them for staying alone or out of the group. So, I thought a lot and decided that I want to be there for these people to let them know that being quiet and introverted is fine too. I want to help them get more confidence in themselves. They don''t have to change themselves for others and try to match their pace, and neither they are underserving and incapable of having love and friendship. But they get drowned in theirplex and feel inferior. And I want to counsel them, talk to them andugh with them to make them stop thinking that way anymore." She sulked. "Even though I tried my best to tell sis that she was fine the way she was, maybe I stillcked somewhere. That''s why...she got so easily attracted to Duan Deming and fell into his trap. Maybe she wanted to prove that she can get love too, and I failed to uproot thatplex from her. I don''t want any other person like sis to do that." Luo Zhiqiang smiled and softly said, "That is really admirable. Liao Chuntao must be feeling so proud of you in heaven." She felt a little embarrassed. "Really?" "En. And don''t say that youcked somewhere or you didn''t help her enough. You did your best you could, considering that you are young yourself and nobody understands such things fully and so urately rted to mind and emotions. Yet you helped her the best you could as her sister and stood with her. Be proud of that, not guilty because I am sure that your sister must be thinking the same." Tears trickled down her cheeks, and she sniffled. "E-en...Thank you" He slowly nodded. Then his lips curved into a smile. "And...you could be a great asset to the IB too." "Huh?" "Yup. You know what kind of cases we handle. After we put the criminal in jail or die in an encounter, the one who suffers the most next in line is his/her family. Emotional, societal, psychological pressure; all hits them hard. That person might have been a criminal, but families are innocent. Sometimes they don''t even know that one of their members does illegal and criminal things. So, they suffer a lot. At times like these, counseling helps a lot." She understood his point and slowly nodded. "So, maybe...I can give you a call if I need your expertise someday." Liao Huifang froze and blushed. That means we will stay in touch She felt so relieved hearing that. She thought that after everything wrapped up, they wouldn''t have any chance or reason to meet again. "S-sureBut i-it will take time. There is a long way to go for me to be a good psychologist." "Hm, that is true... But we don''t have to wait for that day." Liao Huifang blinked her eyes. "What do you mean?" Luo Zhiqiang squinted his gaze at her. He slowly took a step towards her and stood closer to her than before. Her heart suddenly lept in her chest as the distance closed in, and she felt goosebumps tingle on her skin in anticipation. He said nothing but just gently cupped her face in his palms, leaned in, and pressed his lips on hers. She froze. Her breath got stuck in her throat, and she failed to react at all. She even wondered if she was dreaming with open eyes. Luo Zhiqiang moved and traced his lips slowly and gently like a calm breeze. After a few seconds, he parted and let her go. Liao Huifang was staring at him for so long unblinkingly that her eyes began to water. Her head was in aplete mess, and she felt a little delirious as if she had drunk alcohol. He kissed me...He kissed me Her face furiously flushed beet red. Luo Zhiqiang chuckled and softly flicked on her forehead. "This way, we don''t have to wait. We can meet every day if we get together." She kept nkly, staring at him. "As a couple, if you have any doubts about that." "You-you...you...l-l-like me?" Her voice was almost a whisper. "Luo Zhiqiang lovingly smiled. "Yes. I like you. I like you a lot." She trembled, and her heart skipped a beat. He held her hands in his and asked, "Liao Huifang. Will you give me the honor to be your boyfriend?" Chapter 247: Confrontation of feelings Chapter 247: Confrontation of feelings --- *** A few hourster, Ying Yue entered Rodey''s ward. He seemed to be resting. She bit her lip and felt nervous. After he realized that she gave him her blood to survive, Rodey hadn''t spoken a word to her. Slowly stepped inside and sat beside him. She had brought a food container with her that she kept aside on the table. Rodey had his eyes closed and was evenly breathing. As she looked closely, she saw his injured condition. His abdomen was bandaged entirely, and there were some minor wounds here and there. Her heart ached to see all those injuries. Ying Yue looked at him. She thought for a moment and raised her hand, and slowly approached his head. She kept her palm on his forehead and was gently patting it back and forth. Suddenly, Rodey held her wrist and opened his eyes. She felt a little flustered. "Hi...I thought you were sleeping. How are you feeling now? Should I call the doctor?" He stared at her for a long time, saying nothing. She felt a strange pressure with his unblinking gaze, so she quickly said, "You must be hungry, right? I brought food for you." Rodey''s sight fell on the container. "You made it?" She nodded and quickly set his te. Rodey took a bite and looked at her. Ying Yue nervously asked, "How is it? Y-you, don''t have to eat it if you don''t like it." He snorted. "Of course, I won''t torture myself if I don''t like it. But this is fair enough." She sighed in relief. "Though the prawns are still tasteless as usual." "..." "You didn''t improve there at all." "..." "The only redeeming thing about this food is the curry rice." "..." "Do you have problems cooking meat and protein?" Ying Yue''s face flushed. "I am still learning on that." Though she was a good cook, some areas just weren''t her forte. Baking was also one of them, along with cooking protein. Even though Rodey just dissed most of her food, he still kept eating it as if the taste didn''t bother him at all. Silence. There were a lot of things they wanted to say. Ying Yue hadn''t forgotten how Rodey confessed just before he passed out. Even now, she felt that it was a dream, so she wished to ask him about that. Does he really mean it? Does he remember what he said to me or She hoped he hadn''t forgotten about it though there were chances that he could since he was hurt so badly, and there was just so much confusion that the memory might have slipped. Ying was stealing nces at him, but she couldn''t muster up the courage to ask. She was curious, nervous, and anticipating but afraid as hell. "Why did you do that?" His deep, questioning voice snapped her out of her stupor. She blinked her eyes. "What did I do?" Rodey felt annoyed. "That blood thing! Why the fuck you gave your blood to me? I could care less if I died." Ying Yue froze. "Your blood is wasted on me. Are you a fool? Even if I survived, so what? I am not free anymore. My next stop is the jail. I would have rather died than living in some rotten cell for the rest of my life." She couldn''t say anything. Rodeyughed. "Or what? Don''t tell me that you didn''t realize it? Do you think thew is so merciful enough to let me go after being involved in all those crimes? As soon as I step out of this ward, there would be officers ready with handcuffs to take me to my cozy spot." Her lips trembled. She knew it would happen one day or the other but saying it aloud made her afraid to see that future unfold. "So why? Why the hell would you waste your blood on a lowly criminal like me? Are you in your mind?" Ying Yue clutched her dress. "But you saved me. You have saved me so many times that I have lost count. Yet I couldn''t do anything to help you. You were already injured, but I could only hide behind you while you fought those men. I felt pathetic. I felt useless. You were fighting between life and death because of me. How could I have let you die?" "Shut up!" She was startled. "I didn''t do anything of that sort! Save? Don''t make meugh. I only kill people. I only know how to do that. Saving someone is not in my dictionary. I didn''t owe you anything that you felt you needed to pay the debt. It was better if I had died. At least I wouldn''t have to rot in jail like now, thanks to you." Ying Yue looked straight at him with tears in her eyes. "I didn''t help you just because I felt indebted." "So what is your fucking reason?" Her heart raced faster in her chest, and she clenched her fists. "Because I love you." Rodey froze. "I saved you because I love you. Isn''t that reason enough? Don''t people do anything and cross all limits to save the ones they love? Can anybody watch their love die in front of their eyes? Isn''t it why you helped me escape?" Rodey stiffened. "Don''t spout nonsense!" "Then make it clear. Why did you save me from that man who tried to assault me? Why did you want to take me out of the base? Why did you betray your boss you worked for so many years? Why did you fight even though you were so injured? Why did you push me away and take the stab for me?" A tear trickled down her cheek. "Why did you say that you love me before you got unconscious?" His body trembled. "Shut up!" Rodey couldn''t admit that he confessed because he really thought he would die. So, he had to let her know what he felt about her before leaving the world for good. But he survived! And what was the use? He was going to jail. What was the point of this love? Was he supposed to expect that she would wait for him forever? That was foolish! Chapter 248: A woman of will and determination Chapter 248: A woman of will and determination Rodey gritted his teeth. "I don''t have to exin anything to you. I do whatever I want to do. I felt like betraying, so I did! It''s got nothing to do with you, so get off your high horse." Ying Yue calmly said, "I won''t. Maybe I wouldn''t have told you this if I hadn''t known your feelings, but now I do." "It''s a mistake! I was just overwhelmed, so don''t get it to your head, dumb woman." "But you didn''t do everything before that feeling overwhelmed." Rodey wanted to bang his head on the wall. Why is she so adamant? Is she crazy? Doesn''t she understand the situation? I just told her that I would go to jail, so why is she so persistent! "Alright, I am pissed off now. Get out! Didn''t I say not to show your face until you gained 7 kgs? So get out." Ying Yue slowly kept her hand over his. "Rodey. You don''t have to think about me. I know, and I understand what is going to happen next. I will wait-" "Wait?" Rodey chuckled and burst intoughter. "You will wait for me? Oh, how touching. You made me cry. I don''t need baggage like you waiting for someone like me. And I already told you that you heard it wrong. I didn''t confess or anything. It was a mistake." Her gaze dimmed. "Don''t say that it was a mistake." Rodey narrowed his eyes. "You are getting out of hand, babe. Don''t cross your limits. Did you forget what happened to those women who asked for a rtionship from me?" He leaned in and chuckled in amusement as he brushed a thumb on her cheek. "They die. You saw one die right before your eyes, didn''t you? Ande on. Didn''t you just have a tearful reunion with your mother? You want to die so soon?" Ying Yue blinked her eyes. "Alright. Then kill me." Rodey''s brow twitched. She held his hand and put it on her neck. "Go ahead. Kill me." Silence. "What happened? Strangle me. I am annoying you, am I not?" His jaw clenched, and if it had been somebody else, then he would have already choked the living daylights out of him. To scare her a bit, he pressed her neck a little. She was definitely feeling breathless and ufortable, but she didn''t move an inch. She didn''t resist. She calmly let him strangle her that made him infuriated than ever. Rodey took back his hand and yelled. "Get out! I said, get out right now." Ying Yue looked at him and softly said, "Rodey. I am not asking for a rtionship." He shot a deadly re at her. He felt unbelievable. "So, why are you wasting your time here and making me mad?" "I...I just want to know your feelings. It''s fine if you don''t wish to have anything to do with me. It''s fine even if we are not in a rtionship. I just want to hear you say that you like me too once more." Rodey clenched her jaw hard. "Then what was that crap about waiting for me? Who would go that far if you are not in any rtionship? Why would you give your blood to save me if you are not expecting one! Do you take me as a fool!" Ying Yue frowned. "It''s my time. I will decide if I want to wait for you or do something else. It''s my blood. It''s up to me whether to give someone in need or not. I am not doing these things in return for you agreeing to date me. I don''t want to force you." Rodey was speechless. "Then what the hell are you doing right now?" "I just want to listen to those words again you said back in the building. Is it that difficult to say it?" His mouth twitched. "I just want to hear you say that you love me. And I know you do. You thought you would die that time, so you won''t have to face it again even if you confessed." Bingo! "But now you are alive and more than being angry, you are just embarrassed to say it aloud." Rodeyughed angrily. "You think you understand me more than me now?" "I think I finally understood the difference in your attitude just before you passed out and now." Rodey felt tired. Ying Yue thought of something. "You know, 27 percent of-" "Don''t give me those statistics!" Put me into jail already! He cried to himself. She shut up. He leaned back on his pillow and rubbed his forehead. He lost all his strength to argue. The will of this woman is... "I want to rest. Get out." Ying Yue didn''t move. He smiled. "Weren''t you eating my head that I should rest?" "Yes." "Great. Your presence here is making me ufortable, angry, and a lot of different emotions that a patient shouldn''t be feeling instead of resting." "..." "You would be the cause of me not recovering not soon enough because honestly, you are being a bother now." "..." "And your tasteless food has put me in a bad mood already." "...but you ate all of it." "I was being polite to the food." "..." Ying Yue slowly got up. I will have more chances. I will definitely hear him confess sooner orter. I should let him rest now. "Take care. I am outside if you need any help." Rodey chuckled. "I would rather call a sexy nurse to tend to me, babe. Aren''t hospitals just for that?" She blinked her eyes. "I wille with her and see to it that you don''t do any such thing." Rodey punched a fist on the bed. "What! How dare you stop me?" Ying Yue nodded. "I will visit you againter. Till then, take a lot of rest and be ready for our next conversation. I hope you would have changed your heart by then ande out with the truth." Ready for the next conversation? Why is saying it like it''s a freaking war? She promptly left his ward. "Hey! Come back here! Say that again. Like hell, you can stop me from doing what I want! Come back here!!!" Chapter 249: Confrontation...or a kids fight? Chapter 249: Confrontation...or a kid''s fight? A few hourster, Rodey got really bored lying on the bed. "That''s it. I cannot stay in this ce any longer! It''s suffocating!" For a free bird like Rodey, staying cooped up in this ce was akin to a death''s warrant. He got up just when the nurse entered. She widened her eyes. "Sir! You cannot get up." "Shut up, or I will kill you this instant." "Doc-" "Open your mouth, and you are dead. I am just going out for some fresh air, damn it. I am not gonna die from that," he muttered, "pesky annoying" Finally, the nurse had to let him go, but she ensured that the tubes were intact to his arm by the hanging pole connecting to the medicine bottle. "Fuck this pole! Do I have to drag this nonsense everywhere?" Rodey gnashed his teeth and cursed as he walked, grudgingly holding the pole. He looked out and saw a few Army and IB officers surrounding the hospital. He sneered. "So pathetic. I have no intention to run anyway either." "Chuck your narcissism out the window, you bastard." Rodey narrowed his eyes and paused. Then he smiled and let out a mocking chuckle. "Yo, soldier. Energetic as ever are we?" Rodey turned and saw Bai Li looking straight at him with a mocking smile on his lips too. He was in his patient''s gown, too but without any pole around him though his shoulder was wrapped in a cast. Bai Li smiled. "Not as energetic as you, walking like a broken kite with that medicine bottle hanging around. Tsk, tsk. Youpletely destroyed your image. And do you think the officers are here to keep an eye on you? You think too highly of yourself so tone down on that narcissism." Rodey tilted his head and stepped forward. "Narcissism? You use some pretty big words there, soldier. What should I do if the officers like toe after me? I don''t know, but they keep chasing after me because I am so charismatic. I must say they are pretty masochists themselves because, of course, they know what would happen if I got my ws on them, right?" Bai Li raised his brow and sneered. "Your ws didn''te in handy when I caught you in the container terminal, and please note - a blind soldier at that. Then I caught you again when you tried to catch Xin Zhen. Both of the times, you had to rely on that General to get your ass out of it. Pretty pathetic of somebody with your caliber." Then he covered his mouth. "Oopsie~ do you even have any caliber?" Rodey smiled. "How about I show you my caliber by taking away your sight again? I think you are much better without your eyes. "And don''t you talk about a broken kite and a destroyed image. Just look at you. You seem like a dog shit ran over by a truck. This isn''t the Bai Li I confronted. Aww, and look at the cast. Poor Bai Li. Does the shoulder hurt? Should I do the honors and break itpletely?" Bai Li mockinglyughed. "Ran over by a truck? At least this shit getting sted is better than somebody stabbing you and fucking off to die. Come on, Rodey. Even I would have dodged that attack without my sight anytime. You y with guns and knives all the time, yet that knife drilled such a big hole into you. Oh, and I forgot. Your ego too." "Aww, and look at all the bandages on your stomach. Should I do the honors andnd one punch over there? But on the other note, I will not." Bai Li smiled and stepped forward. "Because now you have somebody else''s blood running through your veins." Rodey slightly stiffened but remained impassive. "Poor Rodey bled so much that somebody else had to step up to save your shitty life. So I would rather not waste your savior''s blood by spilling it out. And this dog shit still survived, but you were about to die by that measly attack. So I guess it''s clear who was more pathetically knocked out." Rodey closed the distance even more and dangerously smiled. He oozed the aura that screamed, ''Don''t mess with me.'' "You are underestimating me too much, soldier. Let''s prove right now who was more pathetically knocked out. Let''s see what you can do with a broken shoulder." Bai Li chuckled. "Let''s see what you can do with a broken stomach." "Alright, time out!" Xin Lei finally reached huffing and puffing. Ying Yue, on the other side too, quickly came rushing towards him. "Rodey! What are you doing outside?" He red at her. "Stay out of this fight." Her brow twitched. "What fight? With whom?" "Can you not see this idiot of a bastard here?" Ying Yue looked at Bai Li, and he smiled. She softly smiled and nodded back too. Rodey narrowed his eyes. "Hey, what are you smiling at, you fucker? Should I gnaw out those eyes from you?" Bai Li amusingly smiled. "Hooo...Is somebody jealous?" Rodey gritted his teeth. Jealous, my ass! Xin Lei sighed in exasperation. "Bai Li. What are you doing here?" He sneered. "I saw a pest lurking around, so thought toe here to squash it." "..." Ying Yue said to Rodey, "Mr. Bai Li-" "Just Bai Li is fine." She nodded. "Bai Li and everybody else helped us escape. You shouldn''t talk about fighting with him." "Like I care! I would have taken you out anyway!" Bai Li chuckled. "Sure, but how? Limping with your bloody stomach all over the ce?" "Heh! At least it''s still better than relying on a dog to get a certain someone out." "Hah! As if you would have escaped without the support of her holding you and helping you walk like a child~" Xin Lei and Ying Yue clearly saw the invisible sparks sputtering out of them. The two shared nces. Why are they fighting like children? Chapter 250: Treading into a dangerous territory Chapter 250: Treading into a dangerous territory Ying Yue finally somehow managed to drag Rodey away from Bai Li. "You seem to be quite smiling at that bastard, heh!" He was so pissed off that he wanted to punch a hole somewhere. She said, "I was just polite. He helped us after all." "What help! He didn''t do anything worthwhile." She shook her head. Then she thought of what Bai Li had said. ''Jealous?'' Her heart skipped a beat. She peeked at him. Rodey shot a re at her. "What?" She tried not to, but her lips were automatically curving into a smile. "Were you jealous?" Rodey stopped and then angrilyughed. A vein popped on his forehead. "Say what?" "Did you not like me smiling at Bai Li? You were jealous, right?" "You" Just then, a man passed behind Ying Yue''s back and bumped into her. She softly gasped as she tripped. Rodey easily and swiftly caught her in his arm. He dangerously narrowed his eyes at that man. "Oye. You need me to teach you how to walk?" The young man was a new intern in the hospital but quite arrogant. "What? It''s not my fault. Why is standing like a freaking pole in the middle of the corridor? Is she an idiot? Or blind?" The dark aura around Rodey multiplied ten folds. The young man''s gaze fell upon Ying Yue. "But hey, aren''t you pretty?" Ying Yue just dryly looked at him. He approached her. "Hey, are you a patient here too? Oh, of course, you are" he said as he looked up and down at her. His gaze made her ufortable. "Why don''t youe with me? I will show you the way around." "No. Thank you." "Oh,e on. You don''t need to be shy. While we are at it, I will also take a look at your injuries if it needs another dressing," he smiled and tried to hold her arm, but in an instant, he was suddenly spun around, and he didn''t even realize when he got hit in his stomach. His eyes popped out of his sockets, and he clutched his stomach as an excruciating pain shot up in it. The man finally saw a blurry knee in front of him and slowly raised his head to see Rodey, who had kicked him hard. "You... you...how dare you...hit a doctor?" He gritted his teeth. He was afraid as hell as he felt his chilly gaze that ran even up to his bones. It was enough for anybody to piss in their pants with the way Rodey so ferociously red at them. Rodey sneered. "Like this." And he jabbed another knee uppercut at the same spot on his stomach. That man almost coughed blood, and he copsed on his knees. This hit was even more brutal than the one before. "You say I hit a doctor? Where is the doctor? I cannot see him. What I see is a bastard who lost his way from a host club to the hospital." Rodey clutched his hair and dragged him up. Then he smashed his head on the wall. "Quite the nerve you got to hit on her, aye?" Everything was spinning for the man. A deafening sound rang in his ears. Ying Yue urged. "Rodey, forget it. Let him go." "Sure I will. After I teach him something." Rodey clenched his fist andnded a sharp punch straight on his face, particrly his eyes. "Ahhhhh!!" The man fell on the ground with a thud. "I hope you got the message not to look at her ever again with your filthy eyes. Next time, I will gouge them out." The nurses and other doctors gathered where themotion was. "Hey, what is happening?" "Sir! Why did you hit him so badly?" They quickly helped the intern get up. "Oh my God! You are hurt so much!" Ying Yue wanted to speak, but Rodey raised his hand. He grabbed the neck of the other doctor who was trying to help the intern. "Hey, shithead. Tell your management to hire proper doctors, not freaking men from some host club." The doctor panicked when he suddenly grabbed him to strangle him. "S-sir...what are you doing? We don''t understand." "Of course you won''t. If you can hire trash like him, then what should I expect?" Rodey threw that doctor away. He squinted his gaze at the intern. "Hey, you fucker. Apologize to her. NOW." Ying Yue quickly said, "Rodey, forget it. I don''t need his-" "You stay out of it!" "..." The intern coughed. "What...the hell. Y-you hit me first...why should I...say sorry?" Rodey tilted his head. Things were going from bad to worse as far as his temper was concerned. "I think I need to refresh your memory," and he took one threatening step towards him. The others tried to stop him but in the end, who could? Rodey grabbed his arm and sharply twisted it on his back. *CRACK* Hsi elbow bone got dislocated in an instant. "AHHHHH!!!" "Remember something?" Rodey didn''t release his hand and kept on pressing his arm. "Ahh..ahhhh! Help me" Rodey smirked. "Help yourself by apologizing to her." The intern gnashed his teeth. The other nurses quickly said, "Just apologize already! Do you want to worsen your condition?" He hatefully looked at Ying Yue and said, "I am s-s-sorry" "I didn''t quite hear it." "Sorry!" Rodey threw him away like garbage, making him yelp in pain. "Remember. I gauge your eyes out if I see you near her again." He grabbed Ying Yue''s hand and left. She said, "We could have just ignored him. No need-" Rodey pulled her and pinched her chin. "I do things my way, babe. Ignorance is not in my dictionary." "So you admit you were jealous of him? Otherwise, why will you get so mad at him because of me?" He froze. "Don''t get so ahead of yourself!" Ying Yue didn''t get the answer she wanted, but she was still happy. Rodey was already pissed off with that intern trying to flirt with her, and now she was asking useless questions to him. "Fuck!" Chapter 251: A possibility of a lighter punishment Chapter 251: A possibility of a lighter punishment A few dayster. Ying Yue was on her way to bring breakfast for Rodey. As she reached near his ward, she heard noisesing inside. Rodey is talking to somebody She stepped closer to the door and saw two men she never met before. One was a middle-aged man sitting beside Rodey, while the other was a young man standing beside the older man. But they resembled each other a lot. Are they father and son? She could hear their voices. Inside the ward, Xin Nianzu said, "You must know why we came here." Rodey shrugged. "Have youe here to take me to jail?" "No. Not now, at least. But we came here to tell you there would be a court hearing to decide on your punishment by thew." Rodey didn''t care. "Whatever. I already knew that. But that still doesn''t exin why you are here. Aren''t you awyer? A defensewyer at that." "Correct. I came here to offer to take your case." Now, even Rodey was shocked. Then he burst intoughter. "Yo, old man, you hit your head somewhere?" He looked up at Xin Zhen and smirked. "Hey, IB dog. Your oldie father seems to have gotten really old. He is talking weird shit about taking my case." Xin Zhen ignored his sarcasticments. "You have got ears to listen. Don''t they work, or are they just for show? Or can you not understand humannguage?" Xin Nianzu said, "It''s nothing to get shocked about. I am a defensewyer, and it''s my job defending innocent people-" Rodey said, "You have really hit your head hard somewhere if you think that I am innocent." "Let meplete my sentence, Rodey. It''s my job defending innocent people or the ones who I deem worthy of getting lighter punishment even if they havemitted crimes." Rodey narrowed his eyes. "Lighter punishment?" Xin Nianzu nodded. "Yes. Nowyer can defend your case and ask the court to set you free. That is impossible considering the crimes you havemitted. But, it is equally noteworthy that you changed and went against your boss. You helped the kidnapped victims escape from the base and, in the end, fought with your own gang you were once part of. It cannot erase your pastpletely, but taking the side of justice, in the end, would help lighten your punishment by the court." Silence. "And I am here to offer you just that. Of course, I would have to say that you have hurt innocent people, but in your favor, I would say that you changed your ways and hence deserve that consideration when deciding your punishment." Rodey said nothing. "What you did would make the court give you a life sentence. It was possible if you had stayed the same. But you helped thew in dealing with such a dangerous gang. I can help you reduce your sentence up to ten years maximum. I don''t think any less than that will be possible by the court." Ten years Rodey faintly smiled. He clenched his fist under the sheets. "I don''t need your help. You are giving me too much credit for my change. I haven''t changed at all. I am still rotten at the core." Xin Nianzu smiled. "And the fact that you can say that about yourself proves that you are a changed man." "Whatever. I don''t need any help, and certainly, I don''t want to owe the man who I kidnapped." He sighed. "You don''t understand. You do not owe me anything, Rodey. It''s my job as awyer. I am not doing you any favor. If you go without any defensewyer in the court, there would be no chance at all that your punishment will lighten. You might get a life sentence." "No problem." Xin Zhen sneered. "Don''t act so tough, bastard. I know how you are. You like your freedom. Like hell, you could spend the rest of your life behind bars. You would go insane before you die." Rodey gritted his teeth. Xin Nianzu said, "Rodey. It''s not just about you now. You have somebody else waiting for you." He stiffened. "You know who I am talking about." Rodey felt ufortable. "Don''t decide things in a rush just thinking about yourself. That girl really loves you. Do you want to make her wait forever?" "That''s not my problem if she waits or not! I already told her it''s a waste of time. If she doesn''t want to listen, then don''t me me." Xin Nianzu blinked his eyes. "But have you considered starting a new life with her?" Rodey looked at him in disbelief. "A new life?" Then heughed loudly. "Oh...Oh my God. You are one funny man. Starting anew? Now I am sure you have gone senile." "Why is it impossible? You can still start your life with her after ten years are over in prison, and you atone for your sins. Leave that past behind once your sentence is over. You deserve to start a new life. You deserve to live a happy life. It''s not difficult, but you are not able to forgive yourself. That''s why you are running away from the possibility." "I am not running away from anything!" Xin Zhen sneered. "The more you shout, the more it is the opposite." Xin Nianzu said, "Rodey. I cannot force you. It''s up to you if you want me to take your case or not. But please think carefully. About you and Ying Yue and your futures. I know it''s difficult to erase the past, and you might not want her to suffer for choosing you as her life partner who was a convict once." Rodey couldn''t retort. "But let Ying Yue make that decision. Don''t decide by yourself that you don''t deserve another shot in life. Talk to her. Think and imagine your future with her and thene to me to say your decision. If you still disagree, then I won''t force you." He stood and patted his shoulder. "I will wait for your final decision." They left his ward and saw Ying Yue standing outside the door. Xin Nianzu gently smiled. "If he doesn''t get convinced with your words, don''t hesitate to use your fists to knock some sense into him." Ying Yue was surprised. "R-really?" "Of course. Thatd loves you too. A lot. He won''t raise even a finger against you. So beat and punch him as much as you want until he agrees to take my help." She burst into a soft chuckle and nodded. "I will." Chapter 252: All up to Bai Li Chapter 252: All up to Bai Li --- *** Back to Bai Li''s side, Major Shi Jianguo knocked on the door as he stood at the entrance of his ward. Xin Lei and Bai Li looked towards him. Bai Li smiled. "Major General Shi. You don''t have to knock." Major General Shi chuckled. "Of course I have to. Who knows when you youngds get cuddly and cozy and all lovey-dovey? I don''t want to barge in at any moment." Xin Lei coughed, feeling embarrassed. "Of course not." Bai Li shook his head. "You only know how to tease. Anyway, how are things going at your end?" "It''s under control now. We have sorted out all evidence from the school we could get." They nodded. "But I came here for another important thing." "What is it?" There was a pause. "It''s about your dishonorable discharge from the Army." Silence. Xin Lei nced at Bai Li and then slowly held his hand in hers. She smiled and nodded. Bai Li sighed. "And?" Major General Shi said, "Considering what happened in the container terminal had General Song involved in it who killed the civilian, Tan Ye, the army has realized that it made a mistake in deciding your verdict. You were innocent, yet you were relieved from your responsibilities of a soldier and discharged dishonorably." "I see." "So, the head judges of our court would like to apologize to you for their decision they took without really investigating much, only based on General Song''s evidence. They also feel guilty for ming your PTSD even though you never let it affect your mission even once in thest five years." Bai Li was silent. "Honestly, I don''t know how to feel about that." Xin Lei patted his hand. She looked at Major General and said, "Does Bai Li have to go to the base?" "If possible, then yes. They would personally like to apologize for their mistake and also" Bai Li furrowed his brows. "And?" "The head judges also said that the army would apologize and wee you back as the soldier.That is if you want. They have the utmost respect for you about how you dealt with Zhang Ning''s gang. You will be back in the army, of course, with a medal and promotion for your fight against them." Bai Li chuckled. "Wo, wo. So many things all at once. The oldies really feel bad, don''t they?" Major General sighed. "Yes, they do. We already knew that you are a capable soldier, and even without your sight, you were always the strength of the army." "General Song called me a liability, and the judges seemed to agree with him on that front." Xin Lei frowned. "I don''t know what Bai Li feels about going back to the army. I won''t stop him if he really wants that, but for me, it wouldn''t be easy to go back to the ce where they kicked me out without caring to investigate properly. They are apologizing now that they know the truth, but do they have any idea how much it hurt Bai Li?" Silence. "Serving fourteen years in the army is not a joke, and in exchange for his exemry performance, he gets a dishonorable discharge? So what if the General had forged evidence against him? Couldn''t they have investigated more, considering Bai Li''s dedication and hard work? How can they easily believe that he killed a civilian? Did they have so little faith in him?" Bai Li smiled and patted her head. "It''s alright. It''s all in the past now." She mumbled. "You could forgive them, but I won''t, for treating you like this." He pulled her in his arms and kissed her cheek. "Thank you." Major General said, "You are absolutely right, Xin Lei. I understand these points too. That''s why Lin Zihao, Su Weiyuan, and I had always been against the court''s decision and were constantly working to prove his innocence. I am not saying that Bai Li should forgive the Army and go back. I am simply a messenger who came here to deliver their message. It''s up to Bai Li if he wants to go back or not. The Army really wants to make up for its mistake, so they would be d to have you back. But it''s all up to you." Bai Li nodded. "Alright. I get it." Major General said, "Hm. So I will take my leave now. Oh yes. One more thing. If possible, they ask you toe to the base once to take back your discharge." "Oh" "Yes. You were officially dishonorably discharged. But now that the truth is out, they want to pull back that order and give you your rightful honorable discharge with all the respect you deserve." Xin Lei harrumphed. "Of course they should. A dishonorable discharge is a stain in any soldier''s life, and they dare give it to Bai Li without any proper investigation! They should give him his honor back along with a proper and clear apology and not through you." Major Generalughed. "Of course those oldies would. They are ashamed of themselves and really seem to want a corner to hide themselves." Bai Li chuckled. "If Xin Lei faces the judges, I am sure they would die of embarrassment." Xin Lei nodded hard. "I will make them! Throwing somebody out whenever they wanted and now asking him toe back whenever they want...who do they think they are?" Major General and Bai Li burst intoughter. "You will surely set the court in fire." "I will!" Major General said, "Anyway. When your condition bes better, please do visit the base once." "I will." "Also, you can tell them your decision at that time." "En." He left the ward, closing the door behind him. Xin Lei leaned and kissed his lips. "I got a little emotional over there, but I will respect whatever decision you take. I will always stand by your side whether you want to go back to the army or not." Bai Li smiled. "En. Thank you, Xin Lei. I know what to do." Chapter 253: The realization of the future Chapter 253: The realization of the future --- The next day, Ying Yue brought Rodey''s lunch as usual. Her injuries were almost healed, and Rodey was also slowly recovering though the doctor said it would take a few more days. As she was about to reach Rodey''s ward, she was stopped by a voice. "Um" She turned and was surprised to see the same man who had tried to flirt with her a few days ago. She kept quiet. His face was still injured and bandaged because of Rodey''s punch and looked weak. "Yes?" He lowered his head and bowed before her. "Hello. I am Bo Feng. I-I came here to apologize to you for my misbehavior a few days back! I am really sorry for doing that. I hope you forgive me." Ying Yue said nothing. He quickly said, "Trust me. I am really sorry. Actually... because of my behavior, I am already suspended from working here for three months." "Oh" "Yes. Today is myst day, and I will onlye back three monthster. So, I just wanted to take this chance to apologize to you before I left." Bo Feng was really remorseful for his actions. He had an elder sister, and when word got to her about his actions, she beat him even more than Rodey and was furious for harassing a woman. He was angry at first over his suspension but then realized that it was for the best. It would also help cool down the incident. Ying Yue softly nodded as she looked at him. He didn''t seem to be lying to her, and if he truly regretted it, she had no other reason to stay angry. "It''s okay." Bo Feng felt relieved. His sister had said not to show his face until Ying Yue forgave him, so he was d that she did. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" "It''s alright. It''s enough that you understand." Bo Feng smiled. "Thank you." Then he asked as he was curious. "By the way" --- Rodey felt it strange that Ying Yue still hadn''t arrived to visit him. Usually, she was here by this time to give him his lunch, and she was neverte. Then he stiffened as he realized. "What the hell? I don''t care if shees or not!" He was so used to her presence now that he had already memorized the times she woulde bringing food for him. He sneered. "Good riddance. At least she wouldn''t annoy me with the freaking love conversations!" Rodey felt satisfied to assume that there would be peace and quiet today. But only a minuteter, he got up again. Is she sick? Is that why she couldn''t make it today? Now he was unable to get that thought out of his mind. Ying Yue never missed a day, so it could be that she might be sick. That arose an ufortable and uneasy feeling in his chest, imagining her lying sick and weak on the bed. He didn''t like it at all. No, he hated it. It was better to face her pointless love arguments than to see her sick. He gritted his teeth. Damn it! He could have called her, making an excuse, but he didn''t have her number. Rodey got out of the bed and opened the door but quickly closed it as he recognized Ying Yue standing outside. Heh...she is already outside. And here I was thinking about her like a fool. But then he saw her talking to another man. He opened the door a little bit and froze to see the same man who had flirted with her. The difference being that they seemed to be having a normal conversation now. He wasughing while Ying Yue was also properly talking to him. What the fuck! How dare hee near her again! I will freaking kill him! And why the hell are you talking to him, Yue!? Did you already forget what he did? The more he watched them conversing happily, the more he felt angry and unsettled. His fingers clenched into a fist, and he had an urge to kill that man. This is so annoying! Why are you talking to him! "What''s wrong, bastard? Cannot see her with anybody else?" Rodey shot a re towards Bai Li, standing behind him and chuckling at him. "What are you doing here? Get lost." "Ouch. So harsh. Why are you so pissed off?" He smiled. Rodey''s jaw tightened. "Ohhh! Is it about Ying Yue?" Bai Li touched his chin. "Hey, I noticed it just now but don''t you think that they look good together? They look like they would make a good couple." He froze. Couple? The mere thought oozed the killing intent out of him. Ying with another man That was enough to make his blood boil. He grabbed Bai Li''s cor. "You want me to kill you, you bastard?" Bai Li calmly shook it off. "Hey, hey. I am justmenting. Why are you getting so angry? After all...you don''t love her anyway." Rodey stiffened. "So what does it matter to you if she is with another man? After all, when you go to jail for a life sentence, she will marry someday and have her own family. You have told her not to wait for you anyway. So, will she waste her life waiting for a fruitless love?" Bai Li chuckled. "So, I don''t see why you are getting mad? Of course, you don''t assume that she wouldn''t wait for you as you want but would remain single nevertheless?" Rodey opened his mouth but couldn''t retort anything for the first time. Yes. He didn''t want her to wait for him. But did he want to see her with anybody else? If he didn''t take Xin Nianzu''s help, he could be serving a life sentence in prison. But was he assuming that Ying Yue would never fall for another man and try to make a new life for her? Wouldn''t she move on in her life? So, even if he was refusing her feelings, was he ready to know that one day she could be married to another man and have her family? Where he wasn''t a part of life... That realization hit him hard. It shook his heart, and he suddenly trembled in his ce where he stood. Chapter 254: Throwing away the shackles Chapter 254: Throwing away the shackles Bai Li carefully gauged Rodey''s expression. "Why are you so quiet? It isn''t like you, Rodey. Oh, wait. You seriously assumed she would stay single? Isn''t that selfish?" Bai Li sneered. "But oops. Who am I talking to? You were always a selfish scum in the first ce." Rodey said nothing. "Well, good luck to Ying Yue for loving a scum like you. I feel bad for her." He clenched his fists. Bai Li knew he had said enough to make Rodey realize. He smirked and left. Rodey stood in his ce in a stupor. He felt a soft hand on his shoulder. "Rodey?" He snapped out and looked down to see Ying Yue looking at him, concerned. "Why are you out of your room again? You should be resting." Rodey narrowed his eyes and looked around, but that other intern was already gone. He grabbed her arm and sneered. "I could have been resting now if not for you annoying me." Ying Yue blinked her eyes. "What did I do? How can I annoy you even before our conversation started?" Rodey''s mouth twitched. So she knows she is annoying me still "Come with me!" He dragged her inside the ward and pushed her against the wall. He snatched the lunch box and threw it aside. "Don''t throw it like that. It''s your lunch." "Shut up!" She pursed her lips. "Why are you angry?" "You don''t seem to like doing anything else than to make me angry!" "What do you mean?" "What the fuck were you doing with that bastard now who harassed you a few days ago?" Ying Yue opened her mouth in a small O. "Oh. We were just talking." A vein popped on his forehead, and he angrilyughed. He threateningly stepped towards her andpletely backed her against the wall. "You were ''talking happily'' to that man who flirted with you? Are you stupid!" He was leaking danger signs all around him. Anybody else would have copsed out of utter fear. But Ying Yue didn''t flinch at all. "I am not. Bo Feng came to apologize to me since he is under suspension from tomorrow for three months. So, he called me to say sorry." Rodey was more furious now. He said through gritted teeth. "You...know his name?" "He introduced himself." He rubbed the space in between his brows. "Babe, if you tell me right now that he knows your name, then you are dead." Ying Yue didn''t understand his source of anger. "I didn''t. It just never came to that." Rodey seemed to be less angry now. "And you believed his so-called apology?" "He seemed genuinely sorry." Rodey snorted. "Yeah, like you thought the fake interview was genuine too. Nice brain you got there." She couldn''t retort anything to that. He pinched her jaw. "And if he apologized, then why the fuck were you talking with him for so long! How much time should a shitty apology take?" Ying Yue stared at him. "I see...so you were watching us," her lips curved into a faint smile, "were you jealous?" Rodey fumed like a volcano once again, but this time Bai Li''s words rang in his ears. Will she waste her life waiting for a fruitless love? Do you assume she would stay single? Then he heard his own voice sneering at him as it said, ''Are you ready to see her with another man one day? And maybe...with his children too?'' The raging volcano inside him calmed down. Rodey shut his eyes and exhaled a deep breath. Ying Yue was sure that she saw his temper re up, but then he suddenly went quiet. There was silence for a long time. Rodey slowly opened his eyes and stared straight at her, and he confessed for the first time. "Yes, I was jealous." Then he grabbed her head and crashed his lips on hers. Ying Yue froze. She was dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events. She thought she would get an earful again for talking nonsense, but to her shock, he confessed that he was jealous and now Now he was kissing her with a burning passion. Before she knew what happened, Rodey had already captured her lips as if a violent storm had broken out. His lips pressed harder and harder on hers as he devoured them hungrily. When he wasn''t satisfied, he bit her lip hard and thrusted his tongue inside her mouth, making her gasp. This was Ying Yue''s first kiss, and she was already feeling breathless. He realized that, yet he didn''t release her. Instead, he ventured deeper in her sweet abyss and tasted every nook and corner of it, mingling his tongue over and over against hers. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and she lost the strength to stand on her knees. But Rodey had firmly secured her. Rodey parted away for a moment, and she gasped hard, taking a mouthful to air. Then he smashed his lips again, this time with even more vigor than before. Damn, her tongue is so soft. He was mesmerized as he swirled and danced his tongue on hers. He was relieved to know that this was Ying Yue''s first kiss or else His eyes narrowed dangerously. I would have killed that man! Ying Yue waspletely taken over by Rodey''s force. She was only drifting along wherever he was taking her. The kiss from her end was a sloppy one, but Rodey was experienced. She felt it through his kiss. He was an expert in maneuvering the kiss, and he exactly knew the pleasure spots and how to build the ecstasy. Although she knew that Rodey had kissed and slept with countless women, she felt disappointed about it for the first time. She felt her heart prick to imagine Rodey kissing another woman. After a long, wet kiss, he finally parted away and released her. She took deep breaths again. Her chest was heaving up and down, and her gaze had turned misty with messy hair at the back. She was feeling a little down thinking about other women, but the moment she raised her head looked up into his eyes, all those thoughts vanished away instantly. Chapter 255: An insulting compliment Chapter 255: An insultingpliment Rodey''s dark gaze was fixed at Ying Yue. It felt as if she was slowly getting sucked into them with nowhere to escape. At that moment, when she felt his seriousness for her, she forgot all about her disappointment because right now, he was looking at only her. She could see only her image reflected in his orbs. And with the kiss just now, she realized that she was hisst. So his past with those other women didn''t matter. I am stupid. I shouldn''t bother with the past. It was out of everybody''s control. I couldn''t be sad for what I wasn''t a part of. Rodey noticed her turning gloomy and narrowed his eyes. "What are you thinking?" Ying Yue shook her head. "Nothing." He pinched her chin. "If you don''t tell me, then I will kiss you again." "I will be d." "..." Shouldn''t a woman normally blush and refuse? "I will kill you." "Okay." If he couldn''t kill her until now, like hell, he would do that now. Since she had already realized this, she was no more afraid of his ''murder'' threats. Wait, she was never afraid in the beginning either... "You" She sighed. "It is nothing, and I am fine now. I was...I was just thinking about how much experience you have in kissing." His mouth twitched. That means she was thinking about the other women I have kissed and slept with. Suddenly, he had nothing to answer. Because he felt that way too, he was d that he was Ying Yue''s first. If she had been with another man, he would have gotten crazy angry as hell. His possessiveness for her was really scary. It surprised him, too, just how much he hated that thought alone. The first time, he couldn''t retort to Bai Li when he just met him now, and this was the second time he found himself unable to say anything back in his defense. Ying Yue said, "I am fine now. You don''t have to think too much about it. It was just for a moment." "I am sorry." She widened her eyes and dumbfounded at his apology. "Huh? No, no, you don''t have to-" "I cannot change my past, but my present and future will only belong to you. I won''t do these things with other women." She sensed his awkwardness and a hint of nervousness as he spoke that. She knew he meant his words, but he had never spoken like this before to other women, so he wasn''t sure how to face her. Sweet talks weren''t his forte. Rodey immediately went back to his killer mode and red at her. "Drill it in your head, stupid woman! I will not say it again and again." Ying Yue stared at him and then burst intoughter. Rodey looked at her in a daze. I think this is the first time I am seeing herughing so freely He liked the sound of her sweetughter. Then he realized that she wasughing at him. Rodey threateningly pulled her arm. "Are you fuckingughing at me?" "I...I... cannot help it" she was stillughing as she spoke, "You are really cute." An angry vein popped on his forehead. "You only know how to annoy me!" Cute? He felt that as an insult, not apliment. Ying Yue quickly said, "Okay, okay, I am sorry." He threw her away and climbed back on his bed. "Rodey, you are acting like a child now pouting like that." "Shut up!" "That''s why I called you cute." Rodey angrilyughed. "It appears you are ready to die now." She smiled and sat on the chair beside him. "Rodey." He said nothing. She tugged his arm with her finger. "Rodey." "What!" He exploded. "You.. will you say that again?" She softly asked. "Don''t y riddles with me!" Ying Yue pursed her lips. "What you said before you kissed me." Rodey understood it instantly. He sneered. "Keep waiting." "Don''t be so petty just because I called you cute." He smirked and ignored her. Her shoulders slumped. "Okay. Then tell me why you kissed me." "Try whatever you want, but I won''t say what you want to hear." Shemented, teasing him now. Maybe I will really have to wait to hear those words again until he calms down. She sighed. "Then-" "I told you that I wouldn''t say anything!" "I am not asking about that. I was asking if you agreed to take Mr. Xin''s help?" Rodey went quiet. "Did you?" Rodey was sure of his feelings for her, but still, a part of him hesitated to take that help. She held his hand. "Please don''t refuse, Rodey. Nobody is doing any favor on you. You have earned it yourself with how you changed." He glowered. "Now, you don''t start with a lecture too!" She frowned. "I will. If you still disagree, I won''t hesitate to hit you." He widened his eyes in surprise and looked at her amusingly. "Hoooo and how do you n to beat me with those delicate arms of yours? They cannot even put a scratch on me." She nodded. "Yes, I know my limits. So, I will take a stick and beat you until you agree." "..." "Who advised you on this?" "Mr. Xin himself. If he doesn''t listen to words, use violence. You wouldn''t hit me back anyway." Damn thatwyer! Can''t he mind his own business? He sneered. "I can still physically punish you using ''other'' methods, dumb woman." He emphasized the word ''other'' and it took a moment for her to realize that he was talking in terms of intimacy and sex. Her face flushed a little, and then she shyly said, "I will be d to take that punishment." Rodey wanted to bang his head on the wall. Nothing works on this woman! She is a piece of work! Rodey looked at her and finally said after a long pause. Once again, Bai Li''s words resounded in his ears. "Alright. I will take his help in court." -------- AUTHOR''S NOTE - Please check out my new novel - Because I Cannot Hurt You. I have posted the first four chapters! ^^ Please join my all new discord server to have loads of fun. You will get spoilers, sneak peeks into chapters and much more! https://discord.gg/CbhNys444r Chapter 256: Papa Xins advise to use time wisely Chapter 256: Papa Xin''s advise to use time wisely Twenty dayster. --- *Xin Lei* I quickly packed my purse and headed out. I was so excited to go to the hospital today. Well, I was always excited to meet Bai Li, but today was different. Today was finally the day when Bai Li would be discharged. The doctor gave him the green signal to leave. "Well, well, look at my dear daughter. Don''t you look so different today?" I grinned as I saw Dading my way. "Dad! Bai Li will get discharged today." He chuckled. "I can see that happiness clearly in your eyes. Oh, and don''t forget to bring him to ourhome straight from the hospital." I sighed. "I told the same to him, but Bai Li was insisting on staying at a hotel." "What? Of course not! How can I let my dear son-inw stay in a hotel?" I raised my brow. "You missed the word ''future,'' Dad." He waved his hand at me. "Pah! What future? I already consider him as my son. So, of course, he will stay in his family''s home. If he still insists, then let him talk to me." Iughed. "Alright, alright." Then my sight fell on his clothes. "By the way, you seemed to be quite dressed up too." "It''s your brother!" His gaze sparkled. "Do you know Lei Lei? Zhen has a girlfriend! And she is pregnant too! Shi Ruiling!" Ah...so bro officially told him. "Dad. I thought you already had your suspicions on them." He grinned. "I had. I was quite sure they were together, but it''s a different thinging from the horse''s mouth. And not just that, I am going to be a grandfather too! Lei Lei! We will have a little child in our home soon." I chuckled, seeing him almost hopping like a child. "Congrattions." Dad looked at me. "You don''t seem so surprised." Oops I scratched my temple. "Well...we already knew it beforehand hehe" He widened his eyes. "And you didn''t tell me! That''s not fair!" I hugged him. "Aww, I am so sorry, Dad. We came to know in between all the investigation and Zhang Ning. So it slipped out of my mind." He sighed. "I understand." "So you are going to" "Of course, Zhen and I are going to meet Shi Ruiling and her family. Major General Shi is at home today too. As the boy''s father, I should immediately head their home and ask for their daughter''s hand for my son. She is pregnant, so we shouldn''t dy the marriage talk." I nodded. "Has Shi Ruiling told Uncle Shi about this?" "Yup. Her family also knows about them." "Ah...I wanted to be there too with you all." Dad patted my head. "Don''t worry. You have to be with Bai Li today. That is equally important. For now, it''s just a meeting. There is so much more to be done in a marriage. You won''t miss anything else." I looked around. "By the way, where is bro?" "Thatd is off to buy some gifts for her family. We will meet at a checkpoint and then head to her home from there," he chuckled, "You should have seen his face. That boy is a nervous wreck right now." I giggled. "Well, at least there is something that can shake my cold brother into nervousness." Dad checked his watch. "Ah, I need to go. Tell Bai Li Dad and him will talk lots after I return." "Sure." He left, but then he turned again. "What is it?" Dad was smiling at me, and it seemed to be a little. mischievous? "I forgot to tell you. You don''t have to worry about any disturbance in your ''privacy'' at home. Zhen and I will be quitete in returning, so you two can have as much time as you want for...you understand, right?" I widened my eyes. Suddenly, I felt my face turn warm, and I blushed. Dad thought that Bai Li and I were going to sleep together? "D-Dad! We are not going to do anything like that!" He snorted. "Hah! Well, only time will tell. I am sure that when I return, I will see a lot of kiss marks-" "Dad, stop!" I shut my eyes and covered my face. I really wanted to dig a hole and bury myself! "Aren''t fathers supposed to be protective about their daughters and usually try to stop it from happening?" Dad furrowed his brows. "What? Why? I don''t know about other fathers, but why will I stop you two? I like Bai Li very much. You have chosen a fine man as your life partner. In fact, I will be the happiest if I get to hear another pregnancy news, this time from you." "..." He made me speechless. I always knew that Dad was quite forward and chilled out as a father, but I never thought he would advise me to sleep with Bai Li without even batting his eyelid. "So do it quickly and give me another grandchild to y with." My brow twitched. "Alright. Dad, you really need to leave now." He nodded and kissed my cheek. "En. Bye. Don''t forget to use the time wisely or I will be really disappointed in you. I might have to talk to Bai Li next if I don''t see the signs today." "..." "Don''t talk to Bai Li about this!" I was speechless once again. He shrugged. "What is so bad in a little man-to-man talk?" I gave up. Dad ran off. "Alright. Off to meet my daughter-inw! We will surely bring good news about Zhen''s marriage, so you make sure to give us the good news too!" I facepalmed. Dad finally left. I took a step forward, and suddenly all those wild thoughts came to my mind. Ahhhh!!! It''s all Dad''s fault! Now I cannot take them out of my mind! I sobbed. I pped my cheeks. "Xin Lei. Enough! If you go like this, Bai Li will definitely figure out that something is wrong. Normal. Act normal. Forget Dad and all the conversation. Yes, yes, you can do this!" Chapter 257: Arent you dating? Chapter 257: Aren''t you dating? *Xin Lei* I reached the hospital blushing all the way. Damn! If I act like this, then Bai Li would definitely figure out something is wrong. How should I act normal? I stood in front of his ward and let out a deep breath. Just smile. All those pervy thoughts, shoo! I opened the door and saw that Zhang Xin and Zhu Yusheng were there. "Hey." Thank God somebody is here; otherwise, I was screwed if I had to stay with Bai Li alone! Zhang Xin smiled. "Hey, Xin Lei." Zhu Yusheng nodded at me. "Arf!" Cocoa jumped towards me and nudged his face on his leg. I giggled. "Cocoa." Zhang Xin said, "Well, since it''s Bai Li''sst day in the hospital, we thought to meet him." Bai Li grinned. "I will be finally free of this jail." I smacked him on the head. "Hey! Hospital is not jail, okay?" She chuckled. "You chose the wrong person to say that to." "What? It''s the truth. I was so bored lying here, and the nurse didn''t let me go anywhere. Then they made me eat such nd food that wasplete torture." My mouth twitched. "It''s for your own good. Don''t me the hospital." "Alright, alright." I looked at Zhang Xin. "So what''s going on at your end? It must be a mess after Zhang Chao''s death." She shrugged. "It is. The whole party is in chaos. And the members want me to take over his position since I am thest standing one of the Zhang family. They are begging like crazy." "Didn''t they always think that you had problems?" Sheughed. "Desperate times, desperate measures. But I am not going back. In fact, I will be disbanding the party." Bai Li and I nced at each other. "The party was filled with corruption and greed everywhere. Mom suffered a lot because of it. And I am not interested in politics or give a damn about his corrupt legacy. So, I will end it once and for all. But there are some workers who were honestly doing their job in ignorance. I would arrange for them a good job somewhere else and then end it. The other people and especially those doctors who tortured me will get their punishment too." I nodded. "That''s a good idea." Bai Li asked, "And Zhu Yusheng?" He raised a brow. "Nothing. Yi Xiaosi wants to announce me as the next head since Yi Xing is out and the youngest isn''t capable." I snorted. "So, he finally wants toe out with your identity for his party''s sake." "I will make him reveal all the truth about Mom, me, and how his wife killed her. And then I will walk away. The stain in his reputation will automatically end the road for Yi''s party too. Then he can live his life all alone." I asked, "Will you be satisfied with that?" "Yes. For a proud man like Yi Xiaosi, losing his party is the best punishment for him. The sad part for him is that whatever the circumstances, he still holds some feelings for me as his son. I know that. So, he will not do anything against me because he feels that he owes me that much." I slowly nodded. "So. What are your ns next after dealing with your parties?" Zhu Yusheng seemed to stiffen for just a moment. Zhang Xin smiled. "I have a lot of ns in mind. Traveling around the world, buy a new home, learn something new, and so much more. But I will have to discuss with Yusheng, or my mind will go kaboom. There are just too many things." The expression on his face suddenly changed. "Oh" Zhang Xin looked at him in surprise. "What are you getting so shocked about?" "I thought we would have to go our separate ways." Bai Li said, "Why separate ways? Aren''t you two dating?" Silence. I wondered that too, but with the silence, I think that wasn''t really the case. "I mean, sure, you joined hands for revenge, but I thought you might have discovered love along the way-" I nudged his arm and red. You are making them awkward now. He finally seemed to realize. "Oh. I mean, yeah...Ignore me. I am just an idiot." Zhang Xin coughed. "Yusheng. You are stupid. You think we will just part ways because we achieved our goal?" He pursed his lips. "I don''t want to, but I thought you might not think the same" "See? Love is totally in the air. Why didn''t anyone confess yet?" Bai Li''s statement brought upon yet another silence, and now I wanted to throw him out of the window. I awkwardly smiled. "Ignore him. But wherever you go, don''t forget to stay in touch with us. And if you want any legal help in dealing with the party things, you can always ask Dad. He will be happy to help." They nodded. As they left, I faintly heard Zhang Xin asking Zhu Yusheng. "He asked a good question. Why didn''t you confess yet? Or maybe I was wrong-" "No, no, you weren''t...I mean" They were gone. I stared at Bai Li. "Why did you have to make them so awkward like that?" "Otherwise, we will be oldie grandparents by then, but they still wouldn''t have confessed. I just gave a push," he chuckled. Grandparents Suddenly, I remembered the conversation with Dad this morning. Damn, and I was so normal now! "Are you okay, Xin Lei? Your face is red." I froze. "I am fine. You have nothing to worry about." He narrowed his eyes. "Doesn''t seem like it. What are you thinking, huh? I can see something cooking in your mind?" Why do you have to be so perceptive! "I already said it''s nothing. Now enough of chitter-chatter. I will take care of your discharge procedures, and then we will leave." "Hey, wait-" I quickly left his ward. Phew! If I had stayed a second more, then I was done for! Chapter 258: Fair warning Chapter 258: Fair warning *Xin Lei* I stopped the car in front of my home gate. Bai Li asked, "I still think I should head to a hotel. I don''t want to intrude on your family." I rolled my eyes. "Just how many times have you said it already? To Dad, you are already his son, and to bro, he may not look like it, but he really likes you. So, you are already a part of the family. Stop calling it mine. Let''s go." He sighed. We stepped inside the house. As I kept the bags, I heard Bai Li say, "It''s beautiful. It feels really warm here." I smiled. "All thanks to Mom. She decorated it, and after her death, we all tried our best to keep everything as it is." "En. I can see how much effort she put into this home." He walked towards the wall where we had hung some photo frames. "Is she" I stood beside him. "Yes. She is my Mom." It was a family picture. I was three years old, and bro was seven. Dad was holding my hand, and Mom was hugging bro as we huddled together for the pic. "I see now why you are so beautiful. You look just like her." I blushed. "Thank you. But I can''t beat Mom." He chuckled. "That''s true, though." "Hey!" I showed him his room and said, "Why don''t you freshen up? I will bring some snacks for you." "Cool. By the way, I don''t see Mr. Xin and Xin Zhen anywhere." Iughed. "Dad will be crushed to hear knowing that you still call him Mr. Xin. He wants you to address him as Dad." "Ah...well" he scratched his head and sheepishly smiled. I chuckled. "Anyway, Dad and Bro are at Shi Ruiling''s home." "Oh? They came out with it?" "Yup. So, they are having further talks. There is a high possibility that we will get the good news of Bro and Shi Ruiling''s marriage date." "So, Major General will now be inws," he chuckled. "Okay. Now enough talking and head for the shower already." "Yes, Mam." I quickly shut the door behind him and exhaled. "Phew he didn''t notice anything weird, right?" My heart was racing at full speed, standing alone with him in the room. ''Use the time wisely.'' Ughh. No. Dad, why did you have to say that? I sighed. "Arf!" I chuckled. "There you are. I wonder where you ran off to. Oh, there is a leaf here on your fur. So, you were in the garden." "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa seemed really happy after ying in the garden. "Wait here. I will bring something for you too." "Arf!" He wagged his tail. I ced Cocoa''s bowl in front of him and then headed upstairs to Bai Li''s room. Okay, don''t act weird, Lei Lei! It''s not the first time you are alone in a room with him. I opened the door and didn''t see him. The shower was still running. I kept the tray on the table. Silence. I sat on the edge of the bed. But then I got up again. Ah, I cannot calm down! I paced back and forth in the room. Are we really going to? No, no, no. Bai Li has just returned from the hospital. How can I think about it? Idiot! Stupid! Suddenly, I crashed into a broad chest, and I froze. I gulped. "What were you pacing around for?" His warm voice itched my ear. I slowly raised my head to see him half-naked in front of me. His chest was warm and moist, dripping with water droplets. I felt my cheeks turn hotter than a fire. "You-you didn''t wear anything!" I felt a gentle force pull me towards him. Bai Li wrapped his arms around my waist and then held my chin. "Say... you have been acting weird since this morning. You seem to be in a daze and talking to yourself and then sometimes blushing too. What thoughts are you cooking in your mind, huh?" Sometimes how I wish he wasn''t this sharp. "W-what? I am totally fine. You! Don''t change the topic!" "It''s not like you are seeing my chest for the first time." "..." "So, why are you so nervous today?" Bai Li leaned forward and smiled. "Are you thinking of doing some naughty things?" Poof. My brain just suddenly short-circuited. I lowered my head in embarrassment. "Aha! So you were! No wonder you seemed so fidgety today," heughed, "So, my girlfriend was nning on jumping on me." I hit him on the chest. "N-No!" "I caught you, Xin Lei," Bai Li was stillughing. "Just look at your face. It totally looks like when a thief is caught. You are guilty as charged." Then he came closer and closer to me, brushing his cheek along mine. It tingled my skin, giving me goosebumps. He whispered near my ear. "I would love to do some naughty things too, but I don''t want to steal you on the first day when I just came to my inw''s home." "You" Suddenly, I don''t know where the courage came, but I gazed into his eyes. Since it was already out, there was no use in denying it. I tiptoed on my feet and kissed his lips. "What if I want you to steal me?" Bai Li tilted his head and deepened the kiss. He held my cheeks and pressed his lips harder on mine. "Mmpf" I moaned and danced along with his pace. Our tongues came into y, and the kiss turned only more passionate. He pulled away, and his ck orbs seemed to shine in a misty hue. "Is that an invitation? I should warn you. You shouldn''t carelessly provoke me, my sweet girlfriend." My heart thudded in my chest. His tone was serious yet provocative at the same time. I smiled. "What if I provoke you? Show me then what you will do." He narrowed his eyes. "You better not regret it. Because this time, I won''t be able to stop myself." I ced my hand on his chest and giggled. "I don''t want that either." Chapter 259: Falling into the romantic abyss (1) Chapter 259: Falling into the romantic abyss (1) *WARNING: MATURE SCENE* *Xin Lei* Bai Li slowly raised his hand and tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear. He leaned in until his nose gently brushed against mine. His hands slowly wandered down from my shoulder to my arms till the wrists, intertwining his fingers in mine. "Xin Lei" he huskily whispered as he peppered kisses all over my face. I wrapped my arms around his neck and captured his lips. Our lips seemed to melt against each other. He nibbled on my lower lip, making me softly moan. I felt his desire for me as I sensed the urgency of his tongue wanting to invade my mouth. I promptly let him enter, and immediately I heard the wet sounds of ournguages shing. With just the kiss alone, I felt so dizzy, and my knees went weak. A strange bubbling sensation arose in the pit of my stomach. Just this kiss wasn''t enough "Xin Lei. This isn''t enough" My lips curved into a bright smile. "Just what I was thinking, Bai Li." He smiled and lifted me off the ground. Our gazes didn''t tear apart even for a second as he ced me on the bed. Bai Li softly pecked my forehead. "I never imagined that I would be able to see you like this one day." I smiled and kissed his chin. "And neither did I think that I will be able to reciprocate with my voice." He chuckled. "So let''s make good use of our precious senses that we got back." Bai Li climbed on top of me and trailed my neckline with his wet kisses as he moved from one end to another. My neck burned as if it was on fire, yet his tongue was cooling it down with its wetness. Then he slowly lifted my dress and pulled it off. A gust of wind made me feel chilly, but his warm cheat wrapped me up like a nket. I lifted myself halfway and kissed his lips again. "Emmm" he groaned. He held my face with one hand and deepened the kiss while his other hand went to my back, loosening my bra. He cast it aside, and my breasts bounced on his chest. A shiver ran through my spine with the naked contact, and I bit my lip. He pushed me on the bed again and continued his trail of kisses to my chest. "Ahhnnn" The nearer he reached to my breasts, the more I held my breath. I jolted as he cupped my left breast in his palm. "Ahhhh!!" His gaze was dark and misty as he stared at me. He softly whispered, "I love you." Then he dipped his face and gently kissed it. His tongue darted out to lick my bud, and I jolted in ecstasy. The feeling was simply unbelievable. Like a hungry wolf, he chomped down on my breast and took it on his mouth. "Ahhnn Bai Li" I clutched the sheets tightly in my hand. My head was spinning with the sudden pleasure giving me goosebumps all over my skin. It felt warm andfortable in his mouth as he swirled his tongue on my breast. I couldn''t stop myself from wanting more, so I clutched his head and pulled it deeper towards it. I wanted to take him more of it, and he dly epted that offer. I snuggled under his arms. With his other hand, he was already squeezing my breast, making something warm and wet gush towards my core. But I didn''t want to stay passive. This was our first time, and I wanted him to feel the same pleasure that I did. I ced my hands on his chest and wandered along his abs. I felt him tremble, and his gaze squinted. I went down and gently touched his scars. Suddenly, the force with which he sucked my breast increased, violently devouring it. "Ahhh!!" He parted away and started to suck on my other breast with equal vigor. I rolled my head back and shut my eyes as the pleasure tingled my skin. His own soft groans were adding oil to the fire. After he thoroughly feasted on them, we crashed our lips again fervently and passionately. The need to be one was growing stronger and stronger. Suddenly he pulled my panties away, revealing my most naked self to him. I narrowed my eyes and, at the same time, pulled away from his towel too, that was the only remaining barrier between us. Hia hard member immediately poked my waist, making me tremble. I widened my eyes. Damn, it was so hot! What will I do when it enters me? Bai Li let out a groan once again. He parted my legs, making me furiously blush. I wanted to hide my face, but he quickly caught my hands. "Hey, hey. That''s not fair. I want to see your face," he chuckled. "You were so bold just a few minutes ago." I pouted. "Don''t tease me!" "You are making me. And this is just the beginning, darling. There is so much more to do." "You" "For example" He brushed his fingers along my thigh, slowly and teasingly, until they reached my haven. His fingers felt as if he was ying a tune on a piano. I gasped as he touched my sweet spot. "B-Bai Li" His finger gently rubbed it up and down. It was exhrating. My body felt warm, and once again, I felt that tickling in the pit of my stomach. "Now, time to taste it." I was still feeling delirious when his tongue suddenly swept across my spot. "Ahn..ahn!!" I clutched his hair and bit my lip. He kept on licking it, and every flick of his tongue was making me shiver. The sensation bubbled more and more until I felt an intense need to release. He sucked and bit my sweet spot until I felt my chest heaving up and down as if I ran a marathon. "Ahhnnn!!" Suddenly, a wet and violent force gushed out of me, and I trembled hard. NOTE : Please join my discord server for novel discussion, spoilers, chapter sneak peaks, and loads of fun! ^^ https://discord.gg/CbhNys444r Chapter 260: Falling into the romantic abyss (2) Chapter 260: Falling into the romantic abyss (2) *WARNING: MATURE SCENE* Bai Li grinned. "Let me have a taste of it." "W-what-" But Bai Li already bent and flicked his tongue in my core. I gasped and jolted in shock. His wet tongue was licking my release as if he was so thirsty. And at the same time, it entered my core just a little bit making me shudder. "Bai Li" "Hm? Delicious." Then he climbed on top of me again and kissed me hard. I wrapped my legs around his waist and deepened the kiss. My first orgasm was still sending tremors across my body. With every tremor, it lit the fire inside me wanting me more of him. We sucked each other''s lips until there was no room to breathe. We breathlessly parted and I said, "Bai Li. Don''t make me wait any longer" He smirked. "I don''t want to wait any longer either." With that said, his hard member started to nudge against my thigh. "Ahh" This building pleasure was making me yearn for him more and every stroke of it against me made me crazy! And his little brother was hot! I felt I would just melt down from his teasing alone! Our lips merged again in a frenzy. Both of us were desperate for this moment. Both of us wanted to be one. Holding my thighs, we kept kissing as I felt slowly slide into my core. He was slow, gentle and careful. He was mindful of the pain that I would go through once he entered, but I didn''t want to think about that now. I didn''t care about the pain. I just wanted him inside me now so badly. "Mmpf...Bai Li please" He inched deeper and deeper and then in one sudden thrust, I felt himpletely inside me. "Ahhh!!!" As expected there was a sharp pain but it was nothingpared to the fullness I felt as we merged as one. "Ughh" Bai Li groaned hard and his gaze darkened. "Xin Lei.damn you are so hot!" I was speechless. "It''s your little brother that is too hot. I am already feeling as if I am on top of a volcano." He pinched my jaw. "Don''t me me. I am innocent." I rolled my eyes. Bai Li asked, "Does it hurt? Should I stop?" I narrowed my eyes. "If you dare stop, I will kill you right this instant." He chuckled. "So fiery. Alright then. I hope you are ready." Bai Li suddenly pulled out and then entered again. "Ahhnn...ah!!" The pain was slowly subsiding. His thrusts were still gentle yet with every stroke, he was slowly increasing his pace inside me. I saw his chest heaving up and down and his expressionced with excitement and pleasure. I pressed my legs on his back to make him go deeper inside my core. Bai Li pepppered kisses all over my face and chest once again while he kept pushing and pulling out. "Ah..ah.. please... faster.." Bai Li held my knees tightly. "I won''t stop so be careful of what you wish." I heard the bed creaking due to our passionate movements. Our chests collided and he began to thrust inside me even faster and deeper than before. The deeper he went, the more pleasure it built inside me. His hard member was ramming my inner walls with such force as if I would tear apart yet I felt his carefulness and gentleness in his strokes. The friction was maddening and my head rolled back. This was it. I felt the simr warm gush of wetnessing forth my core. "Ah...I cannot anymore" He smiled. "Nope. Hold onto it. I am not done." I cried in pleasure as his hard member violently hit my sweet spot inside. "Ahhh!!" Tears pooled in my eyes and it slid down at the pillow. It was simply amazingWe waited so long for this and it was finally here. Bai Li lifted my waist and pushed his member deeper until there was no more space. I clung onto his shoulders for support as he continued ramming inside me. "Xin Lei...you" he breathed heavily, "so good" I couldn''t hold on any longer "Ahhnnn!" My body violently shuddered and then I copsed back on the bed. I took a mouthful of air and sweat dripped down from my forehead. Bai Li kissed my lips. "That was some release. Now my turn, honey." I nodded in a daze. He groaned and gasped. "I aming" Bai Li pulled out from my core and I frowned. "Wh-what are you doing?" "We haven''t used any protection. I don''t want to be careless." I smacked on his head. "Idiot. Don''t think about that now! I don''t care. Just go back again ande inside me." Bai Li widened his eyes. "Huh? But-butI don''t want you to take any contraceptives." I pulled his head towards me. "I am doctor, Bai Li, remember? I know what is good for me and what is not. And anyway, I am gonna take any meds either." He blinked his eyes and stared at me. I grinned and teased. "What''s wrong? Are you afraid of any ''ident'' that might ur?" "You won''t mind if you get pregnant?" "Do you?" "Of course not! I want to see a little Xin Lei soon to y with her. I want her to look just like you." "And I want a little handsome Bai Li at my side. So stop thinking about it and just do it." Bai Li sighed. "You are really one of a kind," he kissed my forehead. "But I still love you." I giggled. What would he do ifes to know that Dad said all these things first? Bai Li said, "Alright. If that''s what you want." He narrowed his eyes and thrusted inside me again. "Ahh!" And then I felt his warm release gushing inside me like soft ripples on the sea. He shuddered and came more as he shut his eyes. "Xin Lei" I smiled. His twitching member slowly calmed down and he exhaled deeply. Without pulling himself out, heid beside and I snuggled in his arms as we drifted off to sleep. ****** Please do check out my new novel - Because I Cannot Hurt You ^^ Don''t forget to join my discord! https://discord.gg/CbhNys444r Chapter 261: Compensation worth ten years (1) Chapter 261: Compensation worth ten years (1) --- *** Today, Ying Yue was a bit slower than usual in reaching the hospital. There was only one reason for this, and that was Rodey''s discharge. But his discharge also meant that he wouldn''t be free anymore in a few hours. He was in the Army''s custody, and after twenty days, Rodey had fully recovered. His injuries had healed. So, it was time that Rodey''s court hearing would be arranged soon. It was the day after the next. So, counting today, Rodey had less than forty-eight hours until his hearing would begin, and he would be sentenced to jail. The more Ying Yue thought about it, the more she felt depressed. This day was going toe sooner orter, but she felt as if time passed in the blink of an eye. Her heart raced to think that they would have to separate after two days, a heavy feeling settled in her chest. As she opened the door to Rodey''s ward, she saw himzily lying on the bed and eating grapes. "Yo." She nodded. As usual, she kept the lunch container on the bedside table. Rodey raised his brow. "You look as if some apocalypse has fallen over you. What''s wrong?" "Nothing" "You want me to make you spill it out?" She grimaced. "Your hearing date has been announced." Rodey paused and snickered. "Well, Bai Li''s buddies cannot wait to see me in jail. What can I say?" She lowered her gaze. She slightly clenched her dress. "We won''t be able to meet like this after...after" Xin Nianzu said that he could reduce his sentence to ten years. Ten years Her gaze dimmed, thinking of such a long time. Rodey didn''t know what to say. He had always slept with women and then discarded them until now. He had no idea how to say any consoling words. He thought he might have no qualms about going to the jail but right now, imagining that he couldn''t see her anymore, eat her almost tasteless lunches and tolerate her annoying banter left a gaping hole somewhere in his chest. Suddenly, he felt like running away with her somewhere far so that nobody would find them. Ten years seemed like an eternity to him. "Come here," he said. Ying Yue slowly got up and sat beside him on the bed. "Look at me." She lifted her gaze to meet his. Rodey wrapped his hand around her head and pulled her towards him into a hard kiss. His lips smothered on her endlessly as if trying to catch up to the gap that the ten years would leave in their lives. Ying Yue was startled for just a moment, but then she quickly kissed him back. Her eyes stung in tears, and her body trembled. Rodey swept his tongue across her mouth, slurped onto hers, and the soft wet sounds of their kiss echoed throughout the room. His teeth sucked onto her lips as if a vampire was hunting for blood. He bit her hard until he tasted the metallic tinge of it. Suddenly, the door opened. "It''s time for your-" She froze, and her eyes widened in shock. Rodey and Ying Yue stopped abruptly. His gaze darkened at the interference and a threatening, angry aura leaked out of him. "Get out!" "T-that" "Shut it and get out, or else I will strangle you right this instant." The nurse stepped back, petrified. She had already seen how he had behaved with the doctor. "Y-yes!" "And lock the door. If somebody else dared to interrupt my time here, then just watch me." She gulped and nodded tremblingly. The nurse shut the door, and they heard the click of the lock. There was silence again. Ying Yue was a little embarrassed being suddenly caught like that. She was too shocked to say anything. Rodey pulled her back into that fiery kiss again. "Mmmpf!" Only after she had difficulty in breathing was when he let her go. Her face was flushed red, and her lips had swollen. Rodey''s eyebrow twitched, seeing the shy redness from her face until her neckline. Her messy hair and ragged breaths bobbed his Adam''s Apple up and down. He smirked. "Let''s have a lot of kisses topensate for the time, babe." Ying Yue''s lips shivered. Her mouth opened, and before she knew it, she said, "Only kisses?" Rodey froze. Ying Yue clenched the sheet in her fist. "I-If I ask for more, will you give it to me-" Rodey grabbed her chin, making her gasp. "I assume you know what you are talking about," his voice was low and dangerous. "You are not a kid, and if you say that you said it in a daze or shit like that, I will kill you." Ying Yue stared at him. "I know what I am talking about. I am not confused or speaking in a daze. I... don''t want just kisses. I want m-more-" Rodey pulled her arm and suddenly pushed her beneath him on the bed. She was taken aback for a moment. He pinned her arms and leaned his face towards her, his dark gaze dangerously looking at her. "Hey, babe. I am not a gentleman, okay? If you are inviting me, then do it properly because I take things seriously. If I hear that you regretted asking me for this, then" She shook her head. "I don''t regret it. I know what I am asking for, and I want it." "Trust me. I am giving you another chance. I am not gonna budgeter on, no matter how much you beg. I won''t stop." Her heart skipped a beat. "I won''t." Rodey didn''t waste a second more and pinched her chin again to delve into the depths of her mouth. He kissed her hard while his hands already squeezed her breast. She jolted with the sudden contact, but he had pinned her down. He began massaging her soft breast, and through the clothes, she felt a burning sensation envelope her body. "Mhnm" she softly whimpered. But her whimper only excited him more, and in an instant, he grabbed her dress and tore it away. ****** Please do check out and support my new novel - Because I Cannot Hurt You ^^ Chapter 262: Compensation worth ten years (2) Chapter 262: Compensation worth ten years (2) *WARNING : MATURE SCENE* Ying Yue''s torn dress fell on the floor, making her shudder. She gazed back into Rodey''s eyes and saw his darkened ck orbs looked at her slowly from top to bottom. Her cheeks filled with a red hue. "Looks like you did increase your weight. I can see the meat there." She nodded. "I worked hard and ate a lot." Rodey smirked. "So let me award you." From her neck to the waist, Rodey didn''t leave a single spot on her pale skin where he didn''t kiss. She gasped as his tongue darted out and flicked over her in a teasing manner. In a sh, he unhooked her bra and threw the same way as her dressnded on the floor. His throat gave out a soft groan as he saw her breasts bounce back like jelly. Her breast was already in his mouth the very next second, slurping and nipping it with his teeth. Ying Yue bit her lip as his warm tongue was enveloping her soft skin and bud. Rodey went back and smashed his lips on hers. The heat bursting in his body was too much to handle. His movements got slightly rougher as he squeezed and pulled her breast back and forth in between his palms. Previously, he didn''t care how rough he was with another woman he bedded, but with Ying Yue, he couldn''t do the same. He gritted his teeth. He wished to enter her right this moment but he knew it would be too painful for her. As his ferocious kiss finally ended, wetting her lips with his saliva, he growled, "I am gonna be gentle only the first time, got it? For the other times, you need to match my pace because I do it hard." Ying Yue trembled but a strange excited bubbled in her chest. "En" Rodey bit her lower lip hard. "Good girl." He tore away her panties, revealing her inner core to him. Rodey held onto her knees and quickly thrusted his tongue inside her warm haven. His member twitched and it stood up to its glory." Ying Yue widened her eyes. All these emotions and sensations that were foreigne to her until now were suddenly hitting every nerve and cell of her body as if a bomb had exploded. His tongue licked her nub up and down until tears rimmed in her eyes. Then he alternated his special nub massage with his thumb that pressed and circled with such force, yet it didn''t hurt. Then he went back into sucking her the depths of her core, electrifying her body. Even she didn''t realize when he suddenly jolted and orgasmed. "T-that" She flushed in embarrassment. Rodey smirked. "That was some release, babe." Ying Yue''s first release left her extremely tired. She was inhaling deep breaths and sweat dripped down from his forehead. But Rodey didn''t give her any chance to recover. He sneered. "This is just the beginning. You cannot get tired just from an orgasm. We have to do much more." And he parted her legs and slowly began to thrust his hard member inside her while her first orgasm was still sending tremors in her body. Rodey clenched his jaw. Her hot core was inviting and pulling him and almost lost his control as he was about to gobble her up like a hungry beast. It took all of his patience to control his pace as he slowly slid for the first time. "Ahhh...ahhh!!" And her soft moans weren''t helping. "Damn!" So he took out his frustration as he ravaged her lips and tongue. Ying Yue felt something extremely hot touching and stretching her walls as it made its way deeper. "Mmmp" As he finallypletely filled her with him, she let out a whimper as she felt the pain of her hymen tearing apart. Rodey felt a tightening in his chest as he saw her cry and sniffle. He waited until the pain subsided and her brows eased in rxation. His fierce gaze met hers and he said, "Let''s get the real thing started." Rodey pushed his twitching member and then pulled out with a strong force, making her wrap her hands around his neck for support. At this moment, she wanted not else but to feel this warmth more and more as it raided all of her senses. The limited time left made those feelings stronger. She raised her hands and hugged him as she softly kissed his lips. The pain of their time left and the joy of their union right now left her heart with mixed feelings. Rodey dangerously squinted his eyes. "That''s not how you kiss!" And to teach her, he gave a special lesson in expert kissing while also increasing his thrusts inside her. "Fuck!" He couldn''t help but curse that he had to be gentle when her soft walls taking him in was making it nearly impossible. He lifted her waist and thrusted deeper over and over again. Her red face and soft breathless noise was making him go insane! Rodey''s member began twitching more and more as he conquered the deepest part of her. He wandered and roamed his hands over waist and back and his chest was heavily colliding with her breasts. "Haahh.." In one swift thrust, he finally let himself out as he poured everyst drop of his release into her. Ying Yue shuddered as something warm was slowly dripping inside her. Their sweaty bodies heaved breathlessly. Rodey pulled his member out and narrowed his eyes. "Now, I won''t be gentle anymore." Before she could even make sense of it, her core was stretched and filled again with his member that thrusted inside hard. "Ahh..haa" She instinctively shifted but Rodey had tightly held onto her knees. He smirked. "You don''t move, babe. I do. And now I will do hard and fast and" he leaned near her ear and bit it. "Ah Ro-Rodey" "...deeper." He pulled out fast and thrusted again directly smashing on her sweet spot. "Ahhhh" He groaned and said as his voice got heavy. "Let''s get the real party started, babe." Chapter 263: Compensation worth ten years (3) Chapter 263: Compensation worth ten years (3) *WARNING: MATURE CONTENT* Rodey''s tall and muscr body towered over Ying Yue so much that she could see nothing else but him. Anything beyond hisrge chest was obstructed. When Rodey said real party, he meant it because right now, she was feeling as if she was being run over by a train. Hisrge, thick, and twitching member was domineeringly pushing itself to her deepest part of his fantasies. Yes, a fantasy. Rodey, who fucked numerous women, never thought of or imagined any fantasy. They were simply pure pleasure business. That''s it. But ever since he met Ying Yue and coincidentally kept on meeting her, the urge to have her under his arms grew stronger and stronger. He didn''t know why he felt that way, but he wanted to have sex with her. He wanted to feel her pale skin against his own, he wanted to smother her pink lips, and he wanted his hot member to ram inside her hard and rough to hear her moans. This time, there was pleasure as always, but now there was a sense of satisfaction too. Rodey groaned hard and came inside her. Ying Yue finally managed to catch her breath. But that was for a short time because he pulled her arm and made her sit on hisp. Her breasts bounced on his chest, making him take a sharp breath. Once again, his deep gazeced with desire checked her naked body up and down. Ying Yue looked at the faint scar on his stomach. In a daze, her hands gently caressed onto them. The wound was healed, but the scar remained, and the doctor had said that it wouldn''t permanently go away. Her raspy voice gently asked, "Does it still hurt?" He sneered. "You think something measly like that can hurt me? You think too little of me. Let me punish you." Even though Rodey mocked her, his gaze had softened because of her concern. Her worry and sadness for him were evident in her eyes. He clutched her hair and forced her to look at him. "Check out my bodyter, babe. Right now, let me thoroughly check and eat yours." She blushed. Rodey''s lips dominated hers like a storm had breached an area. His tongue tasted every nook and corner of her mouth while he bit her lips hard. A thin line of saliva was drooling down their lips and wet, slurpy noises reverberated in the ward. Rodey clutched her thin waist and lifted her. Without leaving the taste of her delicious lips, he pushed her down on his hard and hot member, eagerly waiting to enter again. In one swift movement, he thrusted inside her all up to its hilt. Her eyes widened, and she gasped in his mouth. "Ughhh" Rodey growled, feeling her softness against him that was raging her core like crazy. He lifted her up and down his member. Her core was sliding onto him like a perfect rhythm. "Ahhnn..ahnn...ahhh" This position took him even deeper than before. Her sweet spot was hit over and over again. A dangerous current jolted in her body and coursed through her veins. Rodey parted away from her lips and caught her bouncing breast in his mouth. He nipped her bud with his teeth and pulled it hard, stretching her breast towards him. He sucked it hard, making her feel dizzy while his other hand was already roughly squeezing her right breast. "Ahhh! Rodey!" Their juices mixed in her core, and wet sounds softly echoed. He found his releaseing again, so he thrusted harder thest time. "Hahhhh.." he moaned, feeling satisfied. His semen spilled into her warmth again until he poured it until thest drop. Ying Yue could still feel the vibrations of her walls that Rodey ravaged. She breathed heavily. Their sweats hadpletely merged. Their raspy breaths fanned each other''s faces. Rodey tucked her messy hair behind her ear and pulled them a little to expose her neck. He slurped and sucked onto her neck. His lips kissed her pale neck, not leaving any spot for his teeth to bite and tongue to lick. From there, he traveled up to her red ears, sensually biting her ear lobe. "Emnnmm" Rodey pulled himself out and pinned her back on the bed, but this time on her abdomen. His chest collided with her back. His lips trailed from her neck to her spine and her thin back, wetting it with his saliva on the course. Ying Yue felt the slight stinging sensation as he dug his teeth into her skin, but that pain only excited her more. Without any warning, Rodey grabbed onto her butt cheeks, and his hard, poking member once again found his way into her haven as he thrusted it inside. "Ahhhhnnn!!" Her walls stretched to amodate his huge roaring length that filled her up. He moved in and out, their naked friction heating things up in her core. She clutched the sheets as this pleasure was too much to handle. As Rodey mercilessly kept pounding inside her, he pinched her pink nub at the same time, jolting her awake. Their warm release was slowly mixing inside. "Babe...I aming" he groaned. "Come for me." And he pressed her nub hard, making her gush out with full force. "Ahhhhnnn." She whimpered. At the same time, Rodey twitched at her sweet spot, and his dam broke, too, as he violently and heavily poured everything inside her. He felt her release ssh onto his member while his semen made its way to her womb. Rodey turned her to have another round, but she already saw her eyes drooping into sleepiness. "Oh, babe. You fucking pass out on me, and I will kill you." But she was in no position to understand his words. She was too tired even to think straight. Her first time was too exhrating. "Hmm." She mumbled. Rodeybed his hair in frustration. "Damn. I will make you pay for this tomorrow." He helplesslyid beside her and pulled her into his arms. He wrapped his arm around her waist. His body heat made her feelfortable, and she immediately drifted off to sleep. He sneered. "Sleep all you want because tomorrow you won''t be sleeping a wink." Chapter 264: The fluffy reminder Chapter 264: The fluffy reminder *WARNING: MATURE SCENE* --- *Xin Lei* I stretched my hands and yawned as I woke up. I blinked my eyes and looked at my side to see Bai Li sleeping and even breathing. I grinned and kissed his nose. As I remembered our passionate time just a few hours back, I blushed hard. I covered my face. Ah, it was so good And it proved how good it was when I felt an ache in my waist. Again, I remembered how he had pounded hard inside me. Bai Li''s energy was something else Ah, but we finally did it. It feels so amazing! I checked the time. Six-thirty seven PM. I widened my eyes. We went on for too long, I guess. I thought to start preparing for dinner but my waist! Ahhh, it''s so painful I sighed and pinched his cheek. "It''s all your fault for making me ache all over," I mumbled. "It''s your fault for being so sexy." Bai Li opened his eyes and suddenly climbed on top of me. I gasped. "Since where were you awake?" He raised his brow. "Since you so sweetly kissed my nose." And then he bent down to kiss mine. I pouted. "So from the beginning!" He chuckled. "You were so cute getting embarrassed like that. Your face was so red." "Meanie!" I hit his chest. "What can I say? My girlfriend seemed as if she felt it was so amazing. I couldn''t help but watch you more." I flushed. "Hmph. Don''t let it get to your head!" Bai Li seemed to give a mischievous grin as he pulled my waist. He kissed my ear, and I shuddered. "Then let it get to my body instead. You seem quite energetic so let''s make full use of it." "You" I felt his length harden and poke against my waist. His smell and body heat intoxicated me once again into pleasurable dizziness. Once again, I felt the hunger in his ck orbs that resonated with my hunger for him. The need to unite sharply jolted my senses awake. I raised my head and kissed his lips. He kissed me back, thoroughly biting my lips as he thrusted inside me once again. "Ah!" He ground his hips, and I reciprocated by going along with his pace. My legs automatically wrapped around him, pushing him even deeper inside me. "Ah fuck Xin Lei" his raspy breaths grew heavier, and he sped faster and faster in and out. Even the bed seemed to vigorously shake under our lovemaking as he pounded his length harder and harder, hitting my walls mercilessly. He rammed my wet core and my sweet spot as if a rain of missiles hadunched. Our hips danced in tandem, and our lips merged and crashed endlessly, our tongues battling for dominance and our bodies sweating once again. The temperature rose until it felt I was burning in a furnace. "Ahhh!!" I moaned and came, yet Bai Li didn''t stop thrusting his member in my juices. I felt my release coating his hardened member as he hammered my core. The pleasure was even more intensifying when I was still trembling from my orgasm, yet Bai Li continued to pound inside me. I felt him nearing his climax as his pace grew faster and harder. "Ahn..ahnn!" I dug my nails on his neck as I tried to keep up with his incredible speed. So good The rougher and deeper he went, the more it shook me in excitement and pleasure. Bai Li narrowed his eyes at me. He sat straight, held my knees, and parted them wider as he pulled out. He pushed his hot member and gave onest thrust, hardest up to now, that made me feel as if it would tear me apart. "Ahh, Bai Li, noo!" He violently twitched, hitting my pleasurable spot, pouring his huge spurts of release inside me. "Haaa.." he groaned hard. Then he softly moaned as he released another endless spurt of his warm semen deeper into my womb. "Mmmmm.." I couldn''t help but moan. The reunion makeout left us breathless and sweaty but satisfied as hell. He huskily whispered, "One more." I shyly nodded. As he was about to thrust again, we heard a certain someone''s voice. "Grrr...Arf! Arf!" We stiffened. Then I burst intoughter. "Ahaha. It''s Cocoa." Bai Li shut his eyes. He red towards the door. "You don''t feel ashamed of disturbing us?" "Grrr!!" Cocoa noisily pounded his paws on the door. I shook my head. "I feel bad for him. While we were *cough* busy, he patiently stayed outside. It''s been a long time now. Don''t be mad at him, or I will beat you." Bai Li gasped. "He is more important now?" I rolled my eyes. "Duh. He is always more important than you." "You...so harsh." Bai Li got up, and so did I. We quickly wore our clothes, and I opened the door. "Cocoa!" "Arf!" He jumped at me, licking my cheek. I ruffled my head. "I am sorry we kept you waiting for so long." He just lovingly nudged his head. But he red at Bai Li. "Grrrrr!!" His mouth twitched. "How dare you me me? I should me you for spoiling such a good time now. Why is there so much difference in treatment?" "Grrr! Arf!" I shook my head. "Anyway, I will head to the kitchen. I have to make dinner." "I will help you. Who knows when you will just copse, you know why." He grinned. I red at him. "I won''t copse!" As soon as I cooked dinner with Bai Li disturbing me with his kisses and groping me all the time, we heard the doorbell ring. "Dad! Big brother!" I hugged them. "How did the meeting go?" Dadughed. "Hoho, everything is settled! We have finalized the wedding to be two weekster!" I brightened and hugged bro again. "Wow, congrats Bro! I am so happy for you!" But he seemed in a lousy mood, surprisingly. "I am not so happy!" He narrowed his eyes. "What did you and Bai Li do when we were gone?" ****** NOTE - Please do check out my new novel Because I Cannot Hurt You ^^ Join my discord for updates and sneak peeks and much more! - https://discord.gg/CbhNys444r Chapter 265: Endless supply Chapter 265: Endless supply *WARNING: MATURE SCENE* *Xin Lei* I gulped. "Tell me the truth!" Suddenly, Dad smacked on his head. "Hey! Don''t you raise your voice against my daughter." Bro gritted his teeth. "They have definitely done something." He walked upto Bai Li and narrowed his eyes on him. "You cannot fool me. You two look different." Bai Li nced at me and I nced at Dad. There was this circle going on. "You two have slept together!" I blushed and averted my gaze. "Hehe~~~" "Don''t show that stupid blush and grin!" Dad smacked him again. "Stop bothering the couple. You are annoying now." "Dad!" "What Dad? So what if they did it? I had told Lei Lei anyway to make good use of time. They did. I am proud of them." Bai Li suddenly coughed hard. "Ahh, no wonder Xin Lei seemed so flustered throughout the day. You two had that talk I see" I sheepishly grinned. "Haha...it''s all Dad''s fault." Suddenly, bro''s expression turned cold. "Dad! How could you advise something like that to your daughter?" He shrugged. "If I get two grandchildren to y with, it''s just double happiness for me. Why should I let go of the chance?" Then he sneered. "And my foolish son. You are nobody to point your fingers at them when you screwed a Major General''s daughter and made her pregnant." He stiffened. Bai Li widened his eyes and I saw that he was trying his best not tough. Bro red at all of us. "That...That" he clenched his fists. Dad patted his shoulder. "Don''t you want a cute Lei Lei running behind you calling ''Uncle Uncle''?" Bro suddenly quietened down as if he was thinking hard. "Or a cute Bai Li-" Bro sneered. "It should be a niece. I am not interested in that man''s smaller version." Bai Li grimaced. "Come on. My little version would be adorable too though I admit a little Xin Lei would be much preferable." "Of course. Girls are cuter," he snorted. Bai Li nodded. "No doubt about it. I have even thought of a lovely name for her." "You cannot do that without me! I will name my niece!" "You already got your own child to name! Don''t butt in mine." "..." I was speechless. Now the topic went from going against that we slept together to naming our child. Dad winked at me and chuckled. "Well I am famished. Oh yea! We bought cake to celebrate the wedding announcement! Let''s dig in!" "Arf! Arf!" Cocoa jumped at Dad''s tail and wagged his tail. "Haha seems like you are hungry too." "Lei Lei. Bring out the tes! It''s time to party!" *** --- In the hospital, Ying Yue slowly opened her eyes and immediately saw a naked chest greeting her sight. She felt a strong arm wrapped around her waist that had securely pinned her to his body. As the shes of their lovemaking invaded her mind, a small smile lifted her lips. Though she felt a tearing ache in herher regions, she had no regrets. She wanted this with all her heart. The numbing pain in her core and waist made her realize just how crazy everything was when they did it. She heard a sneer. "So you are finally up. I thought you would open your damn eyes when I would be in jail already." The mention of jail dimmed her smile and a glint of sadness passed her gaze. "D-Don''t mention jail" she murmured as she looked up at him. "We still have time." "And you sure wasted a lot of it in just sleeping." Rodey leaned his elbow on the pillow and rested his head on his palm as he mocked her. "..." She blushed. "That...it was too" "Too amazing? It would have been much more if you had let me continue. You need to increase your stamina, babe. Just three times is never gonna be enough for me. Too delicate." Her entire face till her neck turned beet red. Rodey narrowed his eyes. "Don''t tempt me. By the way, is it hurting?" She softly said, "I am fine." He felt a little better hearing that. Though he really wanted to eat her again at this moment, he refrained from going too hard on her. "So-so" "Hm? So?" "I mean I am fineso" she bashfully lowered her head. Rodey bit her ear hard, making her gasp. "Stop tempting me babe. I am not good at restraining myself." Ying Yue pursed her lips. She raised herself and softly kissed his chin. "Don''t restrain yourself. I don''t want you to." Rodey trembled. He clutched her hair and crashed his lips on hers in a fervent kiss. He climbed on top of her and traced his kisses from her lips to her breasts and then sucked them hard. "Ahnn!" She couldn''t help but push her breast deeper in his mouth, craving for his passion. His member immediately hardened and poked her core. This time the numbing ache in her core transformed into hunger for him to enter her. "Don''t me me if you cry!" His dark eyes shone with a lustful desire for her. In one sudden thrust, he pushed his hot length all up to its hilt. Ying Yue clutched the pillow as the hollow inside her waspletely filled up by him. He didn''t bother going slow and charged up at full speed, hitting and smashing her walls in all angles that took him deeper in her wet core. Rodey put fresh hickeys on her breasts and waist as she bounced back and forth on the bed with his fast movements. Even though she quickly came this time, Rodey didn''t give her any time to settle and kept pounding inside her until he found his climax. Once again, he sprayed arge fountain of his release inside her. He smirked. He clutched her thighs and smashed his hip against her core, blocking any space for his semen to leak out. "Ahhh" Everyst drop could only swim towards her womb that she sucked with pleasure. He kissed her lips. "I have an endless supply to pour into you. So get ready." Chapter 266: The last time Chapter 266: Thest time Two dayster. The day arrived for Rodey''s hearing, and everyone had gathered in the court. Ying Yue was already seated in the court with her mother, Ying Lan. The cops brought Rodey, his hands locked in cuffs. She immediately got up and rushed up to him. "Yue!" Rodey chuckled as he saw hering. "Yo, babe. You seem to be in a rush." Ying Yue stared at him as tears burned her irises. After their time in the hospital, she never left his side for the remainder of the time they had. Rodey even shamelessly called Xin Lei and asked her to bring some clothes for Ying Yue since he hadpletely shredded them into pieces, after which she was hardly away from him. Her shoulders trembled as she thought of what was going to happen. Rodey rolled his eyes. "Chill, babe. I am not dying. It''s just jail. It waited a long time for me. I want to sort out between us in this ''rtionship'' before I make you mine." She burst into a sad chuckle. Xin Nianzu, adorned in hiswyer robe, walked up to them. He gently smiled at her. "Don''t worry, dear. Everything will be fine." He looked at Rodey. "It''s time." The judge arrived in the court, and the silence was presumed. Ying Lan held her arm. "Come, dear." As everybody took their seats, the session started. The prosecutor said his side while Xin Nianzu put forth his own and presented his case. After a long back and forth discussion, the judge nodded at Xin Nianzu. She adjusted her spectacles and said, "I agree with Mr. Xin''s argument." He bowed. "Thank you, Your Honor." "Yes. Hence, this court has decided to reduce Rodey''s punishment. Since he changed for the better and, in the end, fought against his gang and helped for good, this court finds that Rodey deserves a lighter punishment. In the light of his crimes, this court cannotpletely forgive your sentence, but this court has decided to give him ten years of imprisonment." Ying Yue sadly smiled and lowered his head. Tears plopped from her eyes onto her hands. The most dreaded moment she wanted to run away from finally came. Ten yearsTen years She clenched her dress hard and silently gasped. Ying Lab''s heart ached to see her daughter like that. She patted her hand. "Don''t worry, dear. Time flies by so fast, right? Ten years will pass in the blink of an eye, haha" "But Mom...even a day feels like years when somebody so close to you leaves your side." She pursed her lips. Rodey''s gaze shifted at her, and he shook hard.A tightness enveloped his chest, and he became uneasy about seeing her crying. He silently cursed himself. What a jerk I am. The hearing got over, and the officers took him out. Xin Nianzu said, "Please give a few minutes with him." They nodded. Xin Nianzu patted Ying Yue''s head and smiled. "I will be outside." He looked back at Rodey. "Call me when you are done talking to her." He raised his brow and shrugged. Ying Lan wiped her tears and promptly left them alone. Silence as only the two of them were present. Ying Yue tried to control herself, but her shoulders violently trembled, and she burst into tears as she hopped in his arms. "Rodey...Rodey... please don''t go... please stay with me...I don''t want to live without you." Rodey trembled. Her cries shook his heart. This was the first time that Ying Yue was crying and speaking so desperately. She was always soft-spoken, but now she was wailing like when a baby loudly cries. She hit his chest with her soft hands that didn''t even itch him. "Youdon''t go please... don''t go...ten years is long" Rodey wrapped his arms around her and hugged her hard. He said nothing. He felt he could say nothing to soothe her at this moment. After what seemed like a long time, the only words he could say were, "I am sorry." She shook even harder and sobbed. He pulled her face and leaned his lips. He gently ced his lips on her own. Compared to all the other kisses they shared, this was the most soft and gentle kiss. It simply expressed his love and his guilt for leaving her alone. He pulled back and hesitantly wiped her tears. "Hey, stop shedding this river already. I am not good at these things, and you know it. Don''t me me for being insensitiveter." "I won''t. Rodey." "Hm?" "I wille to meet you every day." He sneered. "Oh? Don''t bore me with your face every single day." Ying Yue frowned and hit his chest again. He narrowed his eyes. "I will not be there, but you have to make sure that you take care of yourself. If Ie to know you missed your meals and lost weight again, I will kill you." She gently nodded. "Also, don''t dare flirt with other men, or I will kill you." "I don''t know how to flirt." Rodey sneered. "The way you pestered me all this time counts as flirting. You don''t know it yourself, but you are quite a flirt. Keep distance from other men." She looked up at him. "You keep your distance from the female prisoners too." Rodey widened his eyes andughed. "Hmm..fair enough." He pinched her chin. "Don''t let other men approach you either. Gauge their eyes out if they hit on you." Sheughed with tears in her eyes. "And don''t worry about that bitch Aunt and cousin. I have told thatwyer to take care of them with all they did against you and your mother. They will face their own punishment too, so you are free from them now." Ying Yue was surprised, but then she softly smiled. "En." "And." Their gazes met. Rodey slightly parted his lips and kissed her forehead. "Wait for me." Ying Yue trembled. Her eyes teared up again, and her voice choked. "Yes...I will wait for you." ***** NOTE - Please do check out my new novel Because I Cannot Hurt You ^^ Join my discord for updates and sneak peeks and much more! - https://discord.gg/CbhNys444r Chapter 267: Taking Ying Yue under his wings Chapter 267: Taking Ying Yue under his wings Outside, Rodey met Xin Nianzu and once again, they were left alone for five minutes. Rodey said, "Take care of her." He waited. He knew that Rodey had to say more. "I meant financially. She is struggling for her college and household expenses. I want you to take her under your wing. Of course don''t tell her about that or that fool will refuse." Of course, Xin Nianzu had all the intention of helping that young woman, but he teasingly said to test him, "Hoo isn''t that too much you are asking for?" Rodey''s mouth twitched. This man is just like that soldier. Annoying and infuriating! He gritted his teeth. "I am not telling you to do it for free! I will pay you!" Then he smiled self-deprecatingly. "It''s not like I don''t have money right now. But it is... illegal. I don''t want to give babe that kind of money and get her into trouble one day. Prisoners in jail can work and earn money too. So, I will send you all of it every month as payback." Xin Nianzu raised his brow. "You love her that much aye?" Rodey snorted. "Are you doing it or not?" Heughed. "Young man, I was going to do it even without you telling me. She is a talented girl. I think she might be a finewyer one day. She has those qualities awyer should have. Calm, reasonable but stick to her argument. She doesn''t get intimidated by others too." Rodey thought about it. IndeedArguing against her is pointless which is actually useful in the court. Xin Nianzu sighed. "Well, at least I hope she does be one. My children pursued different fields in their career and I don''t have anyone to pass on my valuable knowledge and legacy of thew." Rodey sneered. "Narcissist." He shrugged. "I am the best defencewyer out there and even if she wants to take prosecution, I am all up for it. If she doesn''t have a specific career in her mind, I am more than happy to help her step in the justice field." Rodey didn''t show it on his face but inwardly he was relieved to know that Ying Yue was in safe hands when he won''t be there. Even if he didn''t want to take his help, he knew that only Xin Nianzu, Xin Lei, Xin Zhen and Bai Li could protect her as a family. If they were with her, he wouldn''t have to worry about her. Rodey said, "Cool." "Also, I don''t need your money." Rodey''s gaze darkened. "Hey old man. I don''t want any fucking favor okay? I don''t wanna be in any debt. I will pay you and that''s that." He smiled. "It''s not a favor, Rodey. She is like a daughter to me. Parents don''t spend money on their children. They don''t raise them with that attitude. They invest in them so that they choose a bright career and flourish in their life. There is a difference between spending and investing. Regardless of the career she chooses in the future, I know she will excel in it. What more can a father ask for? Not every return and payback is mary, young man." He chuckled and he leaned. "You will realize it too one day when you have your own kids." Rodey''s brow twitched. He was angry and annoyed. Somehow he couldn''t counter his argument. Xin Nianzu shrugged. "And the money you earned is not going to go waste. Save it so that you be a man in her life that could support her with dignity when youe out of prison. You wouldn''t want Ying Yue to live with a penniless man now would you?" Rodey''s heart shook. "Surely, as the father figure in her life, I definitely wouldn''t allow my daughter to live with such a man," he narrowed his eyes. "Also, I am telling you this now itself, you have to win my heart if you want her back after your return. I am not just going to dump her on you, got it? Like a proper procedure, the boyfriend would meet the daughter''s father, we will have some man to man talk, and then I will think if I want you for her or not." What a pain! Rodey cursed. Mother-inw is a thousand times better than this sly man! "You are enjoying this, aren''t you?" He sneered. "Don''t talk to me like that, young man. I will start deducting your favorability points." "..." "If it reaches a negative threshold, stay alone for the rest of your life. You can say goodbye to your life with her." "..." Fuck! "Did you do this fucking nonsense with that soldier too?" Xin Nianzu grinned. "No." "Why not?" "Why should I? He is a fine man. Just, responsible and smart. You only got the smart part right but that too all for the wrong reasons. You got a long history with women, frankly which no father would want for his precious daughter, and that handsome face of yours is not gonna help you with any brownie points." "..." Critical hits one after the other. "So change your image while you are in prison. Also, I deduct thirty points for asking me the question in that disrespectful tone." Rodey cursed him inwardly. What the hell! Now he regretted asking for his help. Rodey smiled. "I think I should head for jail rather than talking to you here." "Minus thirty points again. Sarcasm will not be tolerated." Rodey shut his eyes and clenched his fists. He wished to just punch him right now but that will just dwindle him directly to negative. Xin Nianzu said, "Also, I am not done talking to you." "What else is left?" He said through gritted teeth. "Tch. Tch. It''s to help you only." "What help?" "It''s about your ten years sentence. I did my best in reducing it to ten years. But there is a way to reduce it even further if you co-operate" Rodey narrowed his eyes. "Don''t joke with me." "I am dead serious." Silence. "Tell me." Chapter 268: When time has passed Chapter 268: When time has passed Eight yearster. The door opened and two pairs of footsteps slowly trotted inside. They were extremely quiet as they approached the couple sleeping on the bed. There wasplete darkness. The intruders looked at each other and nodded as they evilly smiled. One of them brought a box and held in his hand. They slowly walked up to the edge of the bed and stood straight. One of them raised his hand and put three fingers out as countdown. Three. Two. One. They were just about to press the button when the man on the bed suddenly caught his hand. They froze and looked at him. That man''s eyes weren''t even open as he caught them. They looked at each other in panic. "Liang. Luan." The man said with a warning. "Don''t y pranks on your parents so early in the morning." Bai Li switched on themp light and looked sideways at his eight-year-old son, Liang and five-year-old daughter, Luan. Beside him, Xin Lei aka Bai Lei now, yawned and rubbed her eyes. She looked at them and smiled. "Aww my sweet honey pies! Good morning!" Bai Li snorted. "Your sweet honey pies were going to ruin our morning." Bai Liang tsked. "Tch. Sharp as always you old man." "You have a long way to go before you can trap in your tricks, young man. And Luan. I told you to stay away from your brother. He is not a good influence." "Hey!" Both mother and son eximed in displeasure. "Don''t talk like that about my son." She hit him hard on his head. Bai Liang proudly smiled. Bai Luan said, "Bro said he will give me lots of candies with his pocket money." Bai Li said, "I have more pocket money than your brother here soe to me for any treats." Bai Luan gleamed. "Done!" Bai Liang rolled his eyes. Bai Li twisted his ear and he shrieked. "Hey!" "This is for trying to ruin our lovely morning. Your mother was very tired yesterday. How dare you interrupt her sleep?" Bai Luan curiously asked, "Mom was finest night though." Xin Lei widened her eyes. His cheeks flushed. Last night, Bai Li and her had a long intense and passionate lovemaking night. Bai Li seemed energetic but she was dead tired. She coughed. "Nothing." She elbowed him secretly and he slightly flinched. Bai Liang raised his eyebrow and a naughty smile curled his lips. Bai Li and Xin Lei had yet to initiate talking about matters of sex and intimacy but Xin Nianzu being Xin Nianzu, he already revealed it without a care in the world. "Grandpa. Why was Mom looking so tired? And why was Dad looking so happy? Just what do they do in the room?" Bai Liang asked this question once to him. Xin Nianzu chuckled. "Oh that. Your Mom and Dad were spending some quality time with each other." "What kind of quality time makes Mom tired and Dad happy?" "Oh trust me, your Mom is happy too. It just gets overwhelmed by the physical activity called as sex." "Sex?" "Yup. I will give you some good and simple to understand articles to read. You will know what is going on. By the way, that is why you and your sister were born. For that matter, everybody in this world." Bai Liang was curious just like any other child. "If you have any doubts,e to me," Xin Nianzu winked. "We will have a nice man-to-man chat. I guess it''s time for you to learn a little about yourself and your body now." And so it didn''t take long for Bai Liang to understand the process. He was sharp and clever as his parents so he understood why they never directly talked to him about this. Maybe they felt he was too young to understand the concept of lovemaking. Bai Liang grinned as he looked at Bai Li. "Hmmm...I see." Poor Bai Li and Xin Lei had no clue that Xin Nianzu had already exined everything there was to have to his grandson. Bai Luan pouted. "Get up Mom and Dad. Uncle and Aunt areing soon. I will get busy with sis Qiao and bro Rong. Breakfast! Breakfast!" Xin Lei sighed. Bai Li held her arm. "You stay here. I will make them." Bai Liang looked at him in disdain. "Old man, you burned our egg and toastst week. I don''t wanna eat charred eggs again. It''s not good for my health." "Shut up. I have improved a lot! Let me show you today. Also," he narrowed his eyes and twisted his ear again, "Why did you skip the martial arts ss yesterday? Why didn''t I see you?" "I was sick." Bai Li nced at Xin Lei. "You can lie when your Mom is a top-notch doctor sitting right next to us?" After the whole episode with Zhang Ning ended, Bai Li decided to live a simple life by joining apany to work with. He could have returned to the Army but he refused because he knew the risks in the missions. Today he was alive. Tomorrow, he might not be. He didn''t want Xin Lei or his future children to live with that uncertainty. So, he joined a big securitypany. Aside from that, he opened a small dojo for anybody interested to learn martial arts for attack and defence. His very first student was none other than Chu Jie and slowly it grew bigger andrger. He was the instructor himself, so obviously he knew his son was shamelessly absent from the ss. Bai Liang didn''t falter. "How could I bother Mom with such petty sickness?" "Yet you could ditch the ss." "Yup." Xin Lei chuckled. "Just tell us what were you doing skipping the ss? Martial arts is important." Bai Liang could not say that since their parent''s wedding anniversary was approaching, he skipped to buy a gift for them. That would just ruin the whole surprise. "Oof. You two are so nosy! Has this poor son got no freedom at all?" Bai Luan giggled at her brother''s dramatic acting. Chapter 269: Little Bai Li vs Little Rodey Chapter 269: Little Bai Li vs Little Rodey *Ding dong* Xin Lei opened the door and suddenly, "Boo!!" "Woah!" She looked down to see another pair of rascal kids just like her Aunt. She sighed. "Qiao. Rong." "Aunt!! We scared you! Haha!" She bent down and pinched their cheeks. "No, you didn''t!" "Lies!!!" Qiao, the elder niece burst into a giggle while Rong, her younger nephew, was rolling inughter. "Sis Qiao! Rong!" Liang trotted towards them in haste. "You arete." Qiao who was a few months older than him, pouted, "Dad was insisting to tie my hair today and it all messed up." Xin Lei chuckled. "Hoo..my cold brother tied your hair?" "No, finally Mom had to do it," she sighed. "Bro Rong!" Luan gleamed as she saw him. Rong was six years old. "Luan!" As the younger siblings, they were both lost in their own world. Today they had gathered just for a small get together. "Zhen, it''s all because of you we arete!" Shi Ruiling''s angry voice came from behind. Xin Zhen was in a bad mood. "I did not. I was about to get done with Qiao''s hair but you snatched her away." "About to? You were already saying that for the past two hours! What is your definition of ''about to?''" "Lei Lei!" She jumped into her hug. "I am so sorry because of my idiot husband." His eyebrow twitched. From the moment, Xin Qiao was born, his happiness knew no bounds. He wanted to do everything rted to his daughter and he did. Sometimes, Shi Ruiling felt that he spent more sleepless nights than her in taking care of Qiao. Regarding Rong, his son, it was exactly the opposite. "Boys can take care of themselves," was what he said to her when he was just one month old. He loved his son for sure but there was a ring partiality in the treatment between his son and daughter. "Where is Bai Li?" "Ah, he went to the dojo early in the morning. I think he will being back any time now." Suddenly, Xin Nianzu pushed Xin Zhen away and chirped. "Where are my adorable grandchildren! Let this grandpa give you lots of gifts!" A vein popped up on his forehead. "Dad. I was standing there." "Oh? I didn''t see you. Stop with the boring chit chat and help Yue down with the gifts." Xin Zhen grudgingly went out. In front of the car, he saw Ying Yue carrying many gifts all alone. That old man "Moooooommmm, let''s go alreadyyyyyy." A young eight-year-old boy was getting bored waiting near the door, holding gifts in his hand. "Today is my deciding match with that stupid Liang! I cannot bete!" Ying Yue managed to pop her head out of the gifts and look at him, frowning. "You shouldn''t be fighting all the time." At twenty-eight, Ying Yue was grown into a beautiful woman from her young and timid twenty year old self. Her long, silky hair reached till her waist and her body was stronger with all kinds of curves blessing her. Ying Kang sneered. "Liang should know his ce and the fact that I am the best. I will drill it in his head today for sure." Another figure popped up from behind Ying Yue. She quietly said, "ording to my calctions, your wins to losses against Liang are 28 to 27. So today you will lose." Kang red at his twin sister. "Shut up Daiyu. Today I will win and break that record! Shoo with your calctions!" Daiyu quietly went back. Ying Yue helplessly looked at them. Whenever she saw Kang, she always remembered Rodey. Just like how Rodey and Bai Li had a chilly rtionship, so did Kang and Liang as if they were natural born rivals. Xin Zhen came to her side. "Give me some of them." "Oh no. I am-" But he already took quite a chunk of it and headed upstairs. "Finally we are moving." Kang rolled his eyes. Daiyu obediently followed holding her mother''s hand. Xin Nianzu brightened. "Ah you are here! So slow Zhen!" "Shut up, old man." Liang and Kang''s gazes met and they sneered. "YoKang. So you showed your face today." Kang snickered. "I should ask this to you after your super crushing defeat by me in thest fight. I can see how scared you are." Liang scoffed. "Who will be scared of a joker who wet his bed until he was three?" "I don''t want to hear that from a freaking coward who always wanted his mommy toe with him to the bathroom at night till he was four. Ooohhh Liang is a scaredy cat. Liang is a scaredy cat," he mocked. "Who was it who ran away with tails in between his legs when he watched a horror movie? Aww Kang hadpletely hidden his face in his mommy''sp. Are you okay, Kang? Do ghosts still scare you?" Liang pitifully looked at him. And they began to recount every embarrassing thing they could to bring the other down. Xin Lei''s mouth twitched. They are really like them Ying Yue watched Kang in silence and recalled that time in the hospital when he argued with Bai Li. Kang was just a mini version of Rodey. His sneer, taunts and arrogance was just like him. While Daiyu was more like Ying Yue. Quiet and reserved and refrained from unnecessary confrontations. She already joined Luan and Qiao''s side, away from these rowdy boys. Xin Nianzuughed. "Haha! That''s the spirit." "Dad. You should stop them from fighting, not encourage them." "Pah! It''s young blood. Let them. After all, they make me feel as if Bai Li and Rodey are fighting in person. Isn''t that amazing? They are carrying their legacy." "..." Xin Nianzu then looked at Ying Yue and mysteriously smiled. "But I think we may get to see the adult''s version of fighting soon enough." Ying Yue blinked her eyes. Hm? "Bai Li versus Rodey!" She faintly smiled. "Unfortunately, we have to wait two more years for that." Xin Nianzu chuckled. "What if I say that wait is over?" Chapter 270: Lets learn together Chapter 270: Let''s learn together It was eight years ago that Ying Yue realized one day that she was pregnant. It had been two months since that court hearing day when she talked to Rodey before he was taken away. Though she did fulfill her promise that she woulde to meet him frequently. She started getting nauseated and dizzy. Sometimes she would feel lethargic for no reason and puked at almost anything she ate. Ying Lan immediately caught onto it. She had been noticing her for the past few days and now her suspicion got stronger. "Yue." Ying Yue sighed and shook her head. "It''s okay Mom. Maybe I am tired. I will be fine after rest-" "You seem to be pregnant." The chopsticks fell from her fingers and she widened her eyes. "What?" "Yes. Your symptoms say that clearly. You look different too. Pregnancy gives that change in one''s body. The more I look at you, the more I am sure now that you are pregnant." Ying Yue was in a daze. She opened her mouth many times but couldn''t say anything. She trusted her mother, so she believed her when she said that. She didn''t have to think twice to understand that it was because they slept together in the hospital. That was two months back. "T-that" she suddenly felt nervous of her reaction. Ying Lan already understood everything. She smiled. "Yue. You don''t have to be so scared. I am not disappointed in you. You were always smart and intelligent since young and I always trust your judgement and decisions. But I have to ask you seriously because this is a big decision and you are only twenty." Ying Yue felt relieved with her mother''sforting words. "Are you ready to take this child''s responsibility? Of course, you are not alone. I am with you. But a child will change your life forever and you need to be mentally prepared for that. Plus, you are still studying." She touched her stomach and she felt her chest tighten. Rodey and my child It was still unbelievable to her. She thought and thought for a long time before she parted her lips. "I will raise this child, Mom. I will take his or her responsibility." Ever since Rodey was gone, she always felt lonely, but now she suddenly felt that he was there with her in the form of their child. Her heart bloomed in immense happiness. Ying Lan saw her determined gaze and nodded. She warmly smiled. "En." After her checkup, the doctor confirmed that she was indeed two months pregnant. Everybody in the Xin family was equally thrilled. Xin Nianzu cried in joy. "Omg. First Ruiling and then Yue. Grandchildren! Grandchildren!" Bai Li smirked. "Congrattions. I hope your child turns out to be like you. Smart, calm, wise and intelligent. We don''t want another version of that stupid Rodey." Xin Lei hugged her. "Congrattions! I am so happy for you!" She burst into a chuckle. The only one left now was Rodey. So she met him in jail the next day. Rodey''s mouth twitched as he appeared in the other room wearing the prisoner''s uniform. "Babe, stop bothering toe here. I am fine." Ying Yue sped her hands together in nervousness. She was anxious about Rodey''s reaction. "Have youe here to sit like a statue like that?" "No. I came to tell you something important." Rodey raised his brow. "I-I...I-..." "I think there are some words that need toe after your I, you know." "I am... pregnant." Rodey didn''t react. He kept on watching her unblinkingly as if time had stopped. "Pregnant?" She nodded. "Two months pregnant. You are going to be a father." Rodey was stunned. His brain refused to register this fact and he sat in a daze for a long time. Father? Family? His own broken childhood came shing past his eyes. Then he started chuckling which burst into a full blownughter. "Father? Babe. You are saying that I will be a father one day?" "Yes," she had a faint understanding that it would be difficult for Rodey to ept it. She didn''t know about his entire childhood, but what she knew was enough to tell her it would affect him. "Babe. You want a criminal father for your child?" "Our child. You won''t be a criminal after you leave from here." "Do you think that would fucking erase my past?" "If that is so, then why did you ask me to wait for you? Us living together wouldn''t have erased it either," she calmly stated. Silence. "Do you think anybody would treat your child nicely once they know who the father is?" "Our child," she corrected him again, "I am more concerned that our child should treat others nicely, not the other way around since it''s your blood flowing through him or her." His brows twitched. "Heh! A criminal father and then loads of bullying. I can already see its future. It wouldn''t make a difference even if I served my sentence. People don''t understand that." "Do you mean to say our child would be so weak?" She raised her brow. "Do you mean that our child carrying your blood will crumble under something like that?" "I will kill him if he does. He or she cannot be a weakling." "Good." Silence again. Rodey said after a long pause. "Babe." "Hm?" "I don''t know how to be a father." "I don''t know how to be a mother too. It''s my first time." Rodey coughed hard. Sh-she has a point... "Rodey," she warmly looked at him and smiled. "So let''s learn together. Your childhood was painful but different. It has no connection to how our child''s childhood or life would be. Don''tpare them and pull yourself down." He clenched his fists. Suddenly, his eyes stung in tears. What the fuck! How can I cry? He cleared his throat. "It better be a girl. If it''s a son, then dump him in an orphanage." Ying Yue pursed her lips. "Don''t say that about him. I think it will be a boy." Their petty argument over the gender went on for a long time before Ying Yue harrumphed and left. But she felt sad that he wouldn''t be there for ten years when their child would be growing up. Back at present, Ying Yue looked at Xin Nianzu in shock. "Soon? What do you mean?" Chapter 271: Reunion after eight years Chapter 271: Reunion after eight years Beijing central prison. Rodey stepped out of the prison gate where he found an officer waiting for him. "Let''s go." There he took Rodey to the headquarters where the police chief was already seated with his papers in his hands. The chief looked up at Rodey and then read his file. Prisoner No #136. Name - Rodey Crime - Murders and part of FriendsChat dark web group, illegal activities. And so on and so forth. "Rodey. You were sentenced to ten years imprisonment for your crimes." Rodey said nothing. He kept waiting for him to finish. "But considering your good behavior in thest eight years including getting into no fights with other inmates, working hard to earn money, and behaving with discipline and good conduct, we have decided to release you on parole." This was the other method that Xin Nianzu had suggested to further reduce his punishment. Whenever any prisoner behaved exceptionally well while serving his sentence and proving that he or she has changed, the authorities can decide if they deserve to be released earlier and before their sentence expiry. So it all depended on Rodey. Life in prison was hard and many other inmates were bullies who liked to trouble others. Getting into fights wasmon in prison which is why many fail the parole. Other factors contribute too and Rodey excelled in all of them just to see this day today. Two years wasn''t any less time period and now Rodey was finally out eight yearster. The chief said, "These are your release papers. Read and sign them. After that, collect your belongings you had submitted and you are free to go." Rodey stared at his release papers for a long time. His term was over. He was finally free of prison. He shut his eyes and Ying Yue''s face came to his mind. Then he thought about his twins. Kang and Daiyu. At this moment, his mind felt nk as he held the pen in his hands. He signed the papers. The chief nodded. "Rodey. I have observed you and can say that you have worked really hard. Don''t let this chance go to waste and live an honest life from now on." Rodey didn''t respond. He stepped out of the Central Prison. The sunlight hit his irises and he shut his eyelids instinctively. The wind brushed past his cheeks and he inhaled deeply. He heard the birds chirping which made him finally realize that he was free to go. He took out a picture out of his pocket. It was of Ying Yue along with their twins when they were three years old. His fingers tremblingly brushed on it. "Rodey!" He froze. That voice He recognized that voice instantly. He could recognize it anywhere. He raised his head and saw the iing figure running towards him. Ying Yue breathlessly stopped and stood in front of him. She kept staring at him as if he would disappear any moment. Her eyes teared up. "Y-You" Rodey looked at her in a daze. Ying Yue regrly came to meet him in the prison but today was different. Today they weren''t meeting separated by wall. Today there was no partition between them. He slowly raised his hand and bridged the distance as he kept his palm on her cheek. Ying Yue froze but then tears streamed down her eyes. She ced her hand on the back of his palm and shut her eyes. He is touching me...it''s his warm hand again She clutched and intertwined with her fingers against his to feel more of his warmth. Rodey chuckled. "I can touch you now. See? I guess there is really no wall between us. I had to test if it was true." Ying Yue choked. There were so many things to say but she didn''t know from where to start. "You...you never told me about parole" she softly whispered. "I met you everyday but you never told me." "Well it was an experiment. I wasn''t sure if I would be released and I didn''t wanna give you any hope. And surprises are always untold. That''s why they are more enjoyable." Ying Yue hit him hard on his chest which Rodey didn''t mind. "You" She was overwhelmed with happiness seeing Rodey in front of her but was also angry that he kept it hidden from her. "Hey. If you wanna me then me that old man too. He also didn''t tell you." "Don''t say anything about Uncle Xin. He helped you a lot." Rodey grimaced. "This is not what I wanted to see after getting out - you getting biased." She looked at him from head to toe and realized now clearly how hard it must have been to live in prison. She felt a different charm radiating from him. "You look more handsome now." Rodey chuckled. "And you got all the right curves, babe. Can''t wait toy my hands on them." She blushed furiously and her cheeks turned red. Silence. Rodey suddenly pulled her into his arms and hugged her hard. Ying Yue''s eyes turned wet again. She was finally able to hug him. It felt so long that they felt they would melt in each other''s embrace. Rodey kissed her head and then pulled her face. He smashed his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. As he broke apart, he rested his forehead on hers and said, "I am back, Yue. Thank you for waiting for me." Ying Yue gasped and cried. "En" They stayed like that for some time after which two heads had to pop out to make them remind them of their existence. "Mom, Dad. Don''t forget us," Kang grimaced. Rodey looked down at his son and daughter and stiffened a bit. They had already met when they were three and sometimes they wouldter too, but right now, he didn''t know how to face them. Ying Yue already told them the truth early on because she didn''t want them to know from someone else and hate their father. Rodey didn''t even know if his children felt anything for him now. It was an embarrassment after all to know that the father served in prison. Ying Yue smiled. "Rodey. They are talking to you." Daiyu asked, "Dad, you don''t want to hug me?"... Chapter 272: Happy days continue like this... Chapter 272: Happy days continue like this... Rodey looked at the smaller version of Ying Yue, who had the same expressions while talking when she talked to him. Daiyu trotted small steps towards him and clutched his pants in her small fists. "Dad, you are back." Rodey froze. "The other boys and girls now won''t secretly say that Kang and I got no father." He turned cold. A dangerous smile lit his lips. "Hoo...Tell me their names." Ying Yue said, "You just now got out of jail and are already talking about violence." "Well, they dare to bully my kids. Of course, I need to show them who is the boss." Kang sneered. "I already took care of them. They were such weaklings. I didn''t even have to hit them. They just got scared with my re alone." Rodey raised his brow. "I see. I am proud of you. " Ying Yue widened her eyes. "There is nothing to be proud of. So when the teacher called me with yourint, it was true." Kang coolly shrugged. Rodey bent on his knees and stared straight at his kids. "You two have grown so much." Daiyu nodded. At eight years old, children considerably grow in height, body and mental understanding." Kang rolled his eyes. Rodey chuckled. He wanted to hug them but he hesitated a lot. Expressing that form of emotion was almost as if it was alien to him. Sometimes he still wondered if he was really a father now. Daiyu stepped forward and wrapped her hands around his neck. "Dad. You are thinking too much. I was waiting for you to hug me." He stiffened. "I-Is that so?" "Yes." Kang also wanted to join but he was just like Rodey - awkward and embarrassed. When they came to know for the first time about the truth of their father, they weren''t affected much. Even for kids, they were sharp and smart. They knew he did some bad things but they also saw the love in Ying Yue''s eyes for him. She really really loved him and he never hurt her so as long as it was the case, they didn''t mind about Rodey''s past. They also had supporting people like Xin Nianzu and Xin Lei who didn''t speak bad about him, so then they just forgot about it. They only wanted him to be back so that Ying Yue became happy once again and their family becameplete. Rodey pulled his shoulder and hugged him. Kang froze. He cleared his throat, feeling red and embarrassed. Ying Yue felt tears sting her eyes. This moment...she waited so long for this moment. Kang and Daiyu didn''t look like they had any problems with Rodey despite they being away for so long. Their new life was going to start together. She wiped her tears. "Let''s go back home. Everybody is waiting for you." "En. Let''s go." --- Bai Li slowly stepped behind Xin Lei and higher her waist as she cooked in the kitchen. "Hey." Xin Lei smiled. "Why are you acting spoiled?" "Am I not your baby?" "I remember having two little kids, not a big baby like you." Bai Li pouted. "The kids ruined our quality time in the morning and now I am feeling dissatisfied." She chuckled. "We spent lot of quality timest night." "Morning time is different. It cannot bepared to night time." "Shameless!" The doorbell rang. Xin Lei brightened. "I guess they are Ying Yue and Rodey!" Bai Li grimaced. "Tch. That annoying man is back." "Don''t say it like that. Think about Yue." He sighed. As soon as they opened the door, Rodey almost charged at Bai Li into a fight. Ying Yue helplessly looked at Xin Lei and sighed. Bai Li smiled. "I see, you didn''t seem to have learned any manners in jail in these eight years. Maybe you should take a round trip and head back." Rodey coldly smiled. "I should make you get a round trip at hell. Just because I wasn''t here, your son dared to get close to my daughter. You two are looking for death!" When they were heading back, Rodey was having a small chit chat with his kids when Daiyu mentioned Liang. She kept talking about him so much that Rodey''s fuse blew away. That freaking boy is hitting on her! Daiyu had a strange expression as she talked about him and Rodey instantly understood that she liked him. Bai Li raised his brow. "Close? They are kids. Of course they are gonna be close." "Shut up! You know what I am talking about. Tell your son to back off or I will make him." He chuckled. "Chill, dude. Even if they like each other so what? I will dly ept Daiyu as my daughter-inw. Haven''t you heard of childhood friends turning lovers? It has such a nice ring to it." Imaginary dark clouds loomed over him and he looked even more dangerous than before. His expression contorted into rage and he gritted his teeth. "Bai Li!" He clenched his fist and pounced on him but Bai Li dodged him. Their cat and mouse fight went for a long time. Ying Yue apologized. "I am sorry for this. I don''t know why but his switch suddenly flipped when Daiyu talked and he jumped into conclusions." Xin Lei chuckled. "Don''t be sorry. I am enjoying the show. And Daiyu is such a sweet girl. We would love to have her as Liang''s wife of course if they both want it." Ying Yue nodded hard. What could be a good man for her Daiyu other than Bai Li and Xin Lei''s son? "I hope that dayes soon." Rodey sneezed. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Babe. Why do I feel you spoke something that I wouldn''t like at all?" "It''s your imagination," she inly said. Rodey red at Bai Li. "Where is that Liang? Show him to me! I want to have a nice chat with him." "Your chat would mean killing my poor son so no." "Poor? Hah! Your son can never be poor and pitiful. He must be crafty and cunning like you." Xin Lei smiled. "Ah I hope these happy days continue like this forever." By no means there was anything happy going on between Bai Li and Rodey but... Ying Yue imagined the day she would get married to Rodey and living aplete life with him with her children that she always wanted. Their children growing up, getting their first job, getting married and then her and Rodey still together even when their hair turned grey as they yed with their grandkids. That dream was finally going to be true. Ying Yue nodded. "En. I hope so too." ***** AUTHOR''S NOTE So, this is finally the end of Crimson Instinct! Hurrayyyyyyy! Cheers!! ^^ I will surely miss writing about all of them but all good things have toe to end one day *sobs* Thank you all my dearest who supported this story until the very end! I had a fulfilling journey with you all and I loved this time a lot. This author is truly grateful to you all! Even if one story has ended, I have many more stories to give you. So, don''t forget to check out my new novel - Because I Cannot Hurt You. I hope you shower as much love for this one too as you did for Bai Li and Xin Lei ^^ So don''t wait and add it it quickly to your library! Don''t forget to join my discord - https://discord.gg/CbhNys444r The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!