CHAPTER 176: CHAPTER 173 【YOU TOO??】

Chapter 173: "You too??"

Beforehand, Chen Nuo had not immediately made his demands clear.

Although he was actually anxious in his heart, he was, after all, not a true eighteen-year-old. Countless lessons from his past life had taught him that when the other party also held chips in their hand, he must never excessively show how much he cared about the target.

If he had outright told the Guo Family that he wanted Sun Keke and Zhang Linsheng from the start, it was possible that he’d be held by the nose instead, fearful of making a move against a hostage.

Even though he already had four members of the Guo Family in his grasp, including that secret youngest son of the old patriarch, Chen Nuo did not think he could afford to be negligent.

He did not want to end up in a stalemate where each side held hostages.

If the situation turned into the Guo Family, disregarding everything, holding a knife to the necks of Sun Keke and Zhang Linsheng and breaking with Chen Nuo, commanding him to release their people with the lives of Sun Keke and Zhang Linsheng...

Could Chen Nuo really be ruthless enough to kill those four from the Guo Family?

The likelihood was not great, but even with the slightest possibility, Chen Nuo could not afford to gamble.

Chen Nuo had captured four members of the Guo Family and then caused the mine explosion before confronting the Guo Family—not simply demanding the return of people. This was due to that very reason.

He could not let the Guo Family realize that Sun Keke and Zhang Linsheng, whom they held, were Chen Nuo’s Achilles’ heel. The more restrained and methodical Chen Nuo acted, the less likely the Guo Family would dare to easily gamble with their chips.

At this moment, the first one to show signs of impatience would lose.

Moreover, Chen Nuo had always harbored doubts about one thing.

That was the seemingly excessive importance the Snow Domain Sect placed on Boss Guo.

A scion who had fled a marriage, even if highly talented, and even by the rules of hidden sects, deserved the charge of desertion.

But after all, it was no longer ancient times. Modern society is modern society, and things like sect rules often have to yield to the conventions of society at large.

Moreover, the romance between Boss Guo and the fourth young miss involved family affairs.

Since it was a family matter, it seemed unnecessary for the Guo Family to have previously spent a huge sum to solicit the intervention of a big shot at the level of the Star Sky Empress to capture Boss Guo.

The cost of asking for the help of a top-tier big shot at the level of a Controller in the Underground World was, of course, immensely substantial.

Just to capture a scion who had run away from marriage?

It seemed unreasonable!

Therefore, there must be some other secret between Boss Guo and the Snow Domain Sect.

Chen Nuo, without clarifying this other secret, did not dare to rashly throw out his chips and plainly demand the return of people from his opponents!

If the value of this "other secret" was far higher in the eyes of the Guo Family than the value of their four lives, and then they refused to compromise and used the lives of Sun Keke and others to blackmail Chen Nuo...

Chen Nuo would be cornered.

To prevent the situation where the Guo Family directly threatened him with the life of Sun Keke—the premise was that he must not show the Guo Family that he cared too much about Sun Keke’s life!

Revealing one’s own vital weak point to the enemy is the most foolish move.

In the main hall, the patriarch of the Guo Clan held the phone, his heavy breathing gradually calming. He then glanced at the people inside the room and suddenly waved his hand.

Steward Liu was momentarily stunned but said nothing and bowed, exiting the room.

In the courtyard, Guo Guohua, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, had just stepped into the yard when Steward Liu pulled him back out.

The other Guo Family underlings in the courtyard also left one after another under Steward Liu’s orders, abandoning their tasks and exiting the courtyard. As Steward Liu ushered them out, he even remembered to close the courtyard gate.

The patriarch of the Guo Clan waited until the courtyard was empty before averting his gaze. Holding the phone, he said coldly, "Alright, we can start talking now."

On the other end of the phone, Chen Nuo spoke with a steady voice, uttering two words, "Jinling."

At that word, the look in the patriarch’s eyes suddenly changed!

「Moments later.」

Steward Liu and the others were called back into the courtyard. As they walked into the main hall, the patriarch had returned to his seat at the head of the room, but he sat with his head down and eyes closed, not speaking.

Steward Liu waved his hand, and soon a Guo Family underling came forward, carrying a copper platter with a steaming hot towel on it.

Steward Liu took it and presented it to the patriarch. The old man took it, shook it out, and vigorously rubbed his face until his wrinkled old skin turned red. Then he carelessly tossed the towel onto the table.

Steward Liu and Guo Guohua stood by with their hands at their sides, waiting for the old man to speak.

However, the patriarch suddenly furrowed his brows. "Cigarette!"

Steward Liu was taken aback—the old man had quit smoking for over ten years. No one in the inner residence dared to smoke; even Steward Liu himself, a former smoker, hadn’t smoked a single cigarette inside the estate since the old man had quit.

Nevertheless, Guo Guohua quickly reacted, patting his pockets and producing a pack of cigarettes along with a lighter, handing them over.

Steward Liu took them, lit a cigarette for the patriarch, and waited quietly as he took a couple of puffs.

The patriarch’s manner of puffing smoke made Steward Liu feel uneasy, as if something was amiss...

"There’s been a problem with the Jinling situation. That person has come specifically for this matter."

With his face shrouded in smoke, the patriarch’s expression darkened. After finishing this sentence, he coughed lightly and then tossed the cigarette onto the ground, stamping it out.

After Steward Liu and Guo Guohua’s complexions changed, Steward Liu spoke in a low voice, "Is it Guo Qiang’s powerful backer in Jinling?"

"He didn’t say," the patriarch laughed coldly. "He’s just trying to scare us. Four men, four lives! The mine explosion! These are all demonstrations of his power! With this momentum, he’s pressuring us."

Guo Guoqiang pondered for a moment. "Did he make any demands?"

"Demands? Of course, on the surface, it’s about releasing people," the patriarch laughed coldly. "But it’s not that easy to release someone. Guo Qiang is someone we absolutely cannot release!

However, the other party knows this, so it’s likely a feint.

He said to release people.

I immediately said Guo Qiang couldn’t be released, as he’s one of our Guo Family...

So, he didn’t press the point.

We were just sounding each other out.

This person uses harsh methods, but I don’t think he intends to completely fall out with us—at least not yet. So far, none of his actions have resulted in bloodshed!"

Steward Liu lifted his eyelids slightly. "Then... he’s also after Guo Qiang?"

"Guo Qiang cannot be given to him, and he probably knows we wouldn’t hand Guo Qiang over," the patriarch said, a bit agitated. "But, reading between the lines, he only spoke to me about the rules of the jianghu..."

Guo Guoqiang immediately understood and nodded. "Then it’s clear. We sent people to Jinling, his territory, and brought someone back. This person must be a local power in Jinling who feels he’s lost face and wants to regain it!"

"That’s the nominal reason, but he definitely has other plans. It’s just an excuse for us to talk," the patriarch mused, then turned to Guo Guohua. "Have you made arrangements at the mine?"

"Arrangements are made!" Guo Guohua replied at once. "Orders were given last night. Security in all mining areas has been tightened, the mine guard teams have been reinforced, and patrols and defenses have also been strengthened."

"The mine isn’t his target. Making a big fuss there will only divert our attention and manpower!" the patriarch sneered. "Such tricks can’t fool me. Recall some of our capable men!"

"Understood!"

The patriarch then looked at Steward Liu. "Guo Qiang cannot be released. The other party has demanded the release of the other young fellow."

Steward Liu’s eyes brightened. "You mean the young accomplice captured with Guo Qiang, the one skilled in martial arts?"

"Yes."

Steward Liu said at once, "This person must have an unusual background. We can’t release him easily."

"I’m not senile yet!" the patriarch sneered. "Since he’s stated his terms, naturally there will be counter-offers. The person he wants, I certainly won’t give up!

However, to placate him, I told him that to show our Guo Family’s sincerity, we can release one person.

Guo Qiang can’t be given. The young man he specifically requested can’t be given.

Didn’t Mountain Tiger also capture a young girl? Give her to him!"

Steward Liu smiled. "Old Master, are you really giving her up?"

The patriarch gritted his teeth. "Give her up! But since he has come to our territory, anyone we release, we can recapture! This time, since the other party has trampled on our Guo Family’s dignity, let’s keep this person here too!"

Steward Liu nodded. "I’ll arrange it immediately! The time and place the other party requested for the exchange..."

"Three in the afternoon," the patriarch said calmly. "I agreed to release the girl, and he agreed to release Guo Weidong. The exchange is at three in the afternoon. When the time comes... you and Guohua take some men! Once the other party appears, bring them all back!"

Hearing this, Steward Liu said, "I’ll take the men. Let Guohua stay and guard the house. The old residence must have someone in charge."

The patriarch looked at Steward Liu and nodded. "Alright."

Two houses that looked very ordinary. This was not far from the Li Mountain scenic area. Development that would occur in future generations had not yet taken shape in this era.

Despite the noonday sun, the surroundings still seemed somewhat desolate.

A truck was parked in a shed beside one of the houses, covered with a tarpaulin.

The two houses were typical rural dwellings, with a dirt path snaking out from the left side of the small courtyard at the entrance, leading towards the main road outside.

The so-called courtyard was actually just an open space, crudely fenced off.

Mountain Tiger squatted by a tap in the courtyard under the scorching sun, cupping water in his hands to vigorously scrub his face, ultimately even dunking his head under the spout for a thorough dousing.

When he stood up, he didn’t use a towel. Instead, he rolled up the hem of his undershirt and wiped his face and head. With his short hair, he wasn’t too wet anyway.

His undershirt was soaked in a large patch, but he didn’t care.

The door of one of the houses opened. Inside, three burly companions were gathered around a small table, eating watermelon.

Mountain Tiger walked over, casually grabbed a slice, and took a few bites, chewing the seeds along with it. He then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and asked, "Where are they?"

"They’re safe and sound." One of the younger men cutting the watermelon chuckled, jerking his head towards the back room.

Mountain Tiger nodded.

「In the room inside.」

Zhang Linsheng and Sun Keke were tied back-to-back, sitting in a corner.

Boss Guo, Guo Qiang, lay on a wooden plank bed, his breathing still weak.

After listening to the noises outside for a while, Guo Qiang spoke, his gaze drifting towards Zhang Linsheng even though he was lying down.

"Are you Chen Nuo’s junior brother?"

Zhang Linsheng glanced at Boss Guo and simply said coldly, "Chen Nuo will definitely kill you."

"If he could really find this place and kill me, that would be a decent end. Much better than falling into the hands of those Guo Family bastards." Guo Qiang sounded resigned.

Zhang Linsheng stared at Guo Qiang. "It seems like you took something from someone."

"...Bullshit!" Guo Qiang retorted coldly. "Whose thing? That item had no owner! The Guo Family claiming it’s theirs is utter nonsense."

"You took it, plain and simple. They’re after you for that thing. And then you dragged me and Sun Keke into this mess."

Zhang Linsheng was naturally not polite to Guo Qiang—this man was the cause of all their trouble.

Guo Qiang coughed a few times, his tone indifferent. "It’s fate. I didn’t mean to harm you, but since you’re involved, there’s nothing more to say."

Zhang Linsheng snapped, "It seems like you haven’t been beaten enough."

After arriving at this farmhouse, Guo Qiang had been taken to a separate room by Mountain Tiger and interrogated for a long time. Judging from the wounds on Guo Qiang when he was brought out, he had clearly suffered a great deal.

"No need for angry words," Guo Qiang shook his head and sighed. "We’re all doomed."

Guo Qiang struggled to turn his head to look at Zhang Linsheng, then at the silent Sun Keke. He hesitated before whispering, "That Mountain Tiger is the son of the Guo Family’s steward. But he interrogated me alone, trying to get the location of that item from me... Clearly, this father and son have also betrayed the Guo Family.

So, they’ll never take me back to the Guo Family alive... Otherwise, if I met the Guo Family’s patriarch, they wouldn’t be able to hide the fact that they interrogated me privately with ulterior motives.

So... if I’m not mistaken, this will be my burial place.

I glanced outside on the way here. It’s a nice spot, with mountains and water. A good place to be buried.

I’m quite satisfied."

Zhang Linsheng cursed viciously, "If you’re going to die, die alone! Why drag others into it and talk so casually? The Guo Family are bad news, and you’re no better!"

Boss Guo sneered. "I never claimed to be."

After a pause, he said coldly, "You’ve learned martial arts too, but it seems you haven’t experienced the jianghu yet!

Not a single person in the jianghu is good!"

Zhang Linsheng was about to say more, but Guo Qiang shook his head. "I have no ties to you. You got dragged in, and that’s that. A scoundrel like me won’t feel any guilt. Curse all you want. If bad people feared curses, they wouldn’t be bad people."

These words actually managed to stifle Zhang Linsheng’s rising anger.

Guo Qiang’s gaze, however, went past Zhang Linsheng to Sun Keke. "I do feel a bit apologetic towards this young lady. I never meant to harm Chen Nuo or cause trouble for you. I may be a bastard, but I’ve never harmed friends I have ties with.

Inadvertently dragging you into this, young lady, does make me feel genuinely a bit remorseful."

Sun Keke hesitated. Though her tone wasn’t friendly, she whispered, "What’s the use of saying that now? Can’t we find a way to escape? There are three of us, and we still have time. We should try to think of something..."

Guo Qiang studied Sun Keke for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "Good. A seemingly delicate and weak girl, crying all the way here, yet you still have some spirit.

As expected, Chen Nuo’s girlfriend has some substance to her."

"I’m just an ordinary person," Sun Keke bit her lip, her voice low. "I just want to go home and see my parents again."

Guo Qiang listened, then closed his eyes for a moment. "Perhaps... there’s still a chance. We can try."

"Tell me!" Sun Keke’s eyes widened as she looked at Guo Qiang.

"There’s only one chance, but we can risk it. Anyway, the worst outcome is just death." Saying this, Guo Qiang looked at Zhang Linsheng. "You hate me a lot, right? Desperate to beat me up? Good... In a moment, beat me violently. Lure the people outside in here!"

"Beat you? How?" Zhang Linsheng said irritably. "My hands and feet are tied up!"

Guo Qiang laughed.

He struggled for a moment, then sat up straight on the bed, and looked at Zhang Linsheng. "Come here."

"Huh?"

"Come over here!"

Zhang Linsheng hesitated, but Sun Keke whispered, "Let’s hear him out first, then decide."

Though their hands were tied behind their backs, they managed to push themselves up from the floor and carefully shuffled together towards the bed.

Zhang Linsheng faced Guo Qiang, with Sun Keke’s back toward him.

"Come closer," Guo Qiang chuckled. "Lower your body a bit... yes, like that..."

Just as Zhang Linsheng moved in closer, Guo Qiang suddenly slammed his head into Zhang Linsheng’s forehead!

Zhang Linsheng was hit, but since Guo Qiang was seriously injured, the blow didn’t have much strength behind it and didn’t hurt that much.

But it did ignite Zhang Linsheng’s anger!

"Are you crazy?!!"

A red mark had already appeared on Guo Qiang’s forehead. He sneered, "I’m not crazy, I’m teaching you! You think you can’t hit someone just because your hands are tied? Kid, what kind of useless martial arts did you learn!"

Enraged, Zhang Linsheng bit his teeth and headbutted back!

His head struck Guo Qiang’s face. Boss Guo’s nose was immediately broken, and blood streamed down.

Yet he laughed and cursed in response, "That’s all the strength you’ve got? Put more effort into it!!"

Zhang Linsheng was already filled with anger towards this man. Provoked further, blood rushed to his head, and he began to ram into Guo Qiang recklessly.

He used his head, his shoulders, even his feet to kick.

Guo Qiang, however, didn’t fight back. He just let Zhang Linsheng frantically attack him. Soon, his face was covered in blood...

There was movement outside; the room’s iron door was pulled open, and Mountain Tiger rushed in.

Seeing the scene inside the room, Mountain Tiger cursed loudly and pulled Zhang Linsheng off the bed, slapping him so hard that he fell over, dragging Sun Keke down with him.

Guo Qiang, however, sat upright on the bed, his face covered in blood, laughing maniacally. "HAHAHAHA! Come on! Again!!!!"

Mountain Tiger, enraged, grabbed Guo Qiang by the neck and slapped him twice. But Guo Qiang continued to laugh wildly and taunt, "Kid! Haven’t you eaten?! Is that all the strength you have?!"

Mountain Tiger’s eyes narrowed, a vicious glint in them. He released Guo Qiang, took two steps back, and then suddenly launched a kick at him.

Guo Qiang shifted his body, causing the kick, originally aimed at his arm, to land on his left cheek instead!

The kick was heavy. Guo Qiang’s body immediately slumped, and he fell onto the bed.

Mountain Tiger was startled for a moment. He quickly checked and confirmed Guo Qiang wasn’t dead, just knocked unconscious by the kick. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

He turned and glared at Zhang Linsheng. "Looking for trouble, are you, kid?! Come here!"

Saying this, he took a knife from his pocket, walked over, and cut the rope binding Zhang Linsheng and Sun Keke’s hands.

Ignoring Sun Keke’s screams, he pushed her aside, then Mountain Tiger grabbed Zhang Linsheng by the neck and dragged him out of the room!

Sun Keke cried out in alarm, but the heavy iron door was slammed shut again.

Sun Keke, infuriated, yelled at Guo Qiang on the bed, "Are you trying to get him killed?!! Are you insane?"

On the bed, Guo Qiang opened his eyes. He ignored Sun Keke’s shouts and listened intently for a moment.

Then, with a cold smile, he slowly sat up again.

PUH! He spat something out.

It landed on the floor, a bloodstained tooth!

Guo Qiang smiled triumphantly. Though his face was covered in blood, he laughed fiercely. "Stop shouting, little girl! Your friend won’t die. He’ll get beaten up and suffer a bit, but they won’t kill him right now."

"You..."

"This tooth was implanted very firmly. I’m badly injured and too weak to pull it out myself. This was the only way to trick someone into coming in.

If I hadn’t taken that kick, this tooth wouldn’t have come out!"

The room had only one wooden plank bed, with boards merely a finger thick. Other than that, there was nothing else. The windows were nailed shut.

Although the rope binding Sun Keke’s hands had just been cut, they clearly didn’t consider a delicate girl like her a threat. Besides, Guo Qiang was bound not with ropes, but with iron chains. Even with her hands free, Sun Keke couldn’t do anything to help him.

Guo Qiang, blood trickling from his mouth, took a few deep breaths and whispered, "Little girl, pick up that tooth from the floor and look at it."

Sun Keke looked at Guo Qiang in surprise.

Guo Qiang chuckled. "Try to stomach the disgust... To survive, you have to endure such things for now."

It was a bloody tooth, mixed with blood and saliva from Guo Qiang’s mouth.

Overcoming her disgust, Sun Keke picked it up, instinctively wiped it on the hem of her clothes, and then carefully examined it in the palm of her hand.

This was an artificial tooth with a tiny cavity hollowed out in its center, in which something the size of a grain of rice was embedded.

It was crystal clear, as if it were made of jade.

"This?"

"SHH!" Guo Qiang glanced at Sun Keke, shifted on the bed, and whispered, "Take out what’s inside, and give the tooth back to me!"

Sun Keke’s heart skipped a beat. "This... is this what they’re looking for?"

But Guo Qiang didn’t answer. He closed his eyes and murmured, "Just hide it well. That Mountain Tiger is a dimwit, not thorough enough. When he caught me, he searched my body but didn’t check my mouth. That’s how I managed to keep it hidden until now.

But the son is a fool, while the father is an old fox! His father is a dangerous character; he’ll definitely interrogate me personally!

With his cunning, my little hiding trick won’t escape his inspection, so..."

Sun Keke asked, "What good will it do for me to hold this??"

"And... this tooth... should I throw it away?"

Guo Qiang smiled. "You can’t throw it away! This room is tiny. It’ll be seen.

If they see the tooth and notice the hole, they might figure out what’s going on.

Hmm... give it to me."

"Huh?"

Sun Keke, though confused and suppressing her disgust, used her fingernail to pry the rice-grain-sized object out of the cavity in the tooth.

Then, holding the broken tooth, she handed it to Guo Qiang. He quickly leaned forward, took the tooth into his mouth, and GULP! Swallowed it!

Sun Keke was stunned for a moment.

Guo Qiang laughed. "Now it’s much safer."

Sun Keke looked down at the item in her hand... small, the size of a grain of rice, greenish-white... It was the Jade Rice Grain.

"Is this jade? What use is it to me?"

Guo Qiang sighed. "I don’t know if it’ll work... Anyway, just try."

He paused, then fixed his gaze on Sun Keke. "Hold onto it and come here."

Sun Keke frowned but still, as told, approached clutching the object.

Guo Qiang sighed. "Don’t be so scared of me; I’m not going to eat you. Place it in your palm... hold it... yes, that’s it... hold it steady."

As he spoke, Guo Qiang pried a wooden splinter from the bed plank and gently placed it in Sun Keke’s palm.

His hands were bound by iron chains, making his movements clumsy, yet he was very careful.

"Use this splinter to pierce your palm, and drip your blood onto it."

Sun Keke was somewhat speechless.

"Just do it, we don’t have any other choice. You might as well trust me this once."

Sun Keke’s expression was grim, but she still gritted her teeth, pricked her finger, and let a drop of blood fall onto the tiny Jade Rice Grain...

Several seconds passed...

Nothing unusual happened.

Guo Qiang’s eyes widened as he watched, but the fiery hope in his eyes slowly turned to disappointment.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Still no good..."

He chuckled bitterly. "Little girl, it seems you’re not the destined one."

Sun Keke was utterly confused. "What exactly is this thing? What are you having me do all this for?"

"Forget it. Since it didn’t work, there’s no point in telling you more. It would be meaningless."

Guo Qiang shook his head. "Just keep this thing safe... Don’t hide it too deeply. If they can’t find it on me, they’ll definitely question you. You’re a young girl; if you hide it too close to your body, it could actually bring you harm.

Just put it in your pocket... When they interrogate you, and you’re at your wit’s end...

Take it out then. The hope is slim, but even a one-in-ten-thousand chance might save your life."

Sun Keke thought for a moment. "What if I hand it over now? If they get it, will they let us go?"

"Handing it over now means instant death," Guo Qiang shook his head.

Sun Keke frowned. "If it’s death either way, what’s the use in me keeping it!"

"That’s why I said it’s just a sliver of hope! As long as you have it, there’s still a chance."

Sun Keke, feeling helpless, stuffed the item into her pocket.

「When Zhang Linsheng was thrown back into the room.」

He had clearly been beaten. His hair was messy, and there were traces of blood on his forehead.

However, Zhang Linsheng was thrown back by Mountain Tiger. Following behind Mountain Tiger, a middle-aged man entered the room with his hands clasped behind his back.

Sun Keke hurried to help Zhang Linsheng up from the ground, while Guo Qiang immediately smiled upon seeing the middle-aged man.

Straightening up in bed, Guo Qiang sighed, "Old Liu, I really didn’t expect it... You’ve hidden yourself so deep."

Steward Liu frowned and looked at Guo Qiang. "If you want to suffer less, just hand over the item."

"I don’t care anymore," Guo Qiang laughed. "I just find it a great pity. If the old man knew you were the traitor hiding right beside him... his expression and reaction would surely be priceless!

Too bad I probably won’t live to see it."

"Next year, when I burn offerings for you, I’ll tell you about that scene," said Steward Liu, shaking his head.

"Ha! Aren’t you worried that saying this will make me resigned to death and even less likely to give you the item?"

Steward Liu shook his head. "Guo Qiang, among everyone in the family, you were the one I thought most highly of. You had promise. With your intelligence, you know very well that if you fell into the patriarch’s hands, you might still have a sliver of hope to live.

But since I’ve dared to reveal myself to you... you definitely won’t live.

You understand that, and so do I. In that case, why should I bother deceiving you with lies?"

Guo Qiang nodded. "Fine! Then bring it on. Use all thirty-six forms of family punishment on me. Let’s see if I can endure them."

Steward Liu sighed. "Why must it come to this... Is that item really more important than your life?"

Guo Qiang’s eyes turned red. He gritted his teeth. "My fourth brother died for this item! For his sake, I will never let it fall into the old man’s hands! That bastard would even kill his own son! I’ll never give it to him!"

"I know you and Fourth Brother were close, like blood brothers.

You hate the old man to the core because Fourth Brother died.

However... that’s even more reason to give it to me," Steward Liu said with a smile. "If you give it to me, the old man won’t get it either."

Guo Qiang shook his head. "You were the one who personally killed my fourth brother. Do you think I’d give the item to you?"

Steward Liu sighed. "Fine, fine. I’ll deal with other matters first. When I have time, I’ll give you my full attention."

With that, Steward Liu ignored Guo Qiang and walked over to Zhang Linsheng and Sun Keke.

He first looked down at the two young people, his eyes narrowed like a viper’s.

After a moment, Steward Liu smiled. "The boy is ordinary, but this girl is quite pretty."

Sun Keke shrank back a bit in fear.

Steward Liu shook his head. "Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. I’m not here to harm you. Let’s go."

With a wave of his hand, Mountain Tiger stepped forward and seized Sun Keke.

Zhang Linsheng was furious and struggled desperately, but Mountain Tiger punched him to the ground. Still, Zhang Linsheng roared, "Don’t touch her! If you touch her, you’ll all die!!!!"

Steward Liu walked up to Zhang Linsheng with a smile. He stepped on Zhang Linsheng’s hand, ignoring his screams, and sighed. "Everyone is going to die? So young, yet you’ve already learned to make empty threats... Sigh."

Mountain Tiger dragged Sun Keke out of the room, and Steward Liu followed, closing the door behind him.

After being taken out, Sun Keke’s heart was filled with fear, but she managed to hold back her tears.

Then she was taken out of the house and stuffed into a van.

Steward Liu then got in and sat beside Sun Keke, smiling. "Little girl, don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid! I’m taking you away from here now, sending you back."

Sun Keke gaped at the man in surprise.

"It can’t be helped. Your people captured one of ours, so we have to use you for an exchange," Steward Liu said. He then ignored Sun Keke, closed his eyes slightly, and said calmly, "Drive. Let’s go! It’s getting late; don’t be delayed."

The swap was to take place at the back gate of a park.

When Steward Liu came with Sun Keke, he unhesitatingly left her at the gate of the park.

"Wait here. Someone will come for you. Little girl, don’t run off."

Sun Keke stood at the gate of the park.

The place was very quiet, with few people on the narrow path.

She watched her surroundings with trepidation, and then looked back at Steward Liu.

Steward Liu quietly waited and finally received a phone call.

He picked up the phone, and before he could speak, Chen Nuo said from the other end,

"Guo Weidong is at the park’s main entrance, by the stone benches near the lake. Go get him yourselves."

"Good! You keep your word!" Steward Liu said calmly. "Our Guo Family also follows the rules! The person you want, I’ve left her at the back gate."

"Have her walk eastward, and no one is to follow her."

"...Alright!"

After hanging up, Steward Liu patted Sun Keke. "Little girl, walk east. Keep walking, and someone will meet you."

Sun Keke hesitated, giving Steward Liu a couple of glances.

"Don’t be afraid. We’re really letting you go," Steward Liu said with a smile.

Finally, Sun Keke gritted her teeth, turned her head, and started walking towards the east side of the road.

At first, she walked quickly, then after a dozen steps, she began to jog, and in the end, she broke into a full sprint.

The driver in the car was Mountain Tiger himself. He looked back at his father. "Dad?"

"Are our men following?"

"Four teams! Over thirty men. They have the entire area locked down! Don’t worry!"

"Are these people reliable?"

"They’re all men who’ve been with me for years! I didn’t use any outsiders! They’re reliable brothers who’ve faced life-and-death situations with me at the mine!"

Steward Liu gave his son a cold look. "If they’re reliable, then use them!

Remember, don’t ever consider anyone your true brother! Or you won’t even know how you got killed!"

Sun Keke ran frantically along the road. But being a girl, her stamina was weaker. Moreover, she had been terrified and exhausted for the past few days, with little to eat or drink, so she soon ran out of energy.

However, fear still gripped her heart, so she forced herself to continue, hoping to get as far away from those villains as possible.

After about seven or eight minutes along this path, it ended, bringing her to a slightly busier street.

Seeing pedestrians, vehicles, and shops lining the road, Sun Keke’s eyes filled with tears. She ran onto the street, her gaze sweeping around.

She wanted to run to a shop by the roadside. Her first thought was to quickly find a place with a telephone to call the police.

After running a few steps, a sudden force tugged at her from behind. Sun Keke let out a startled cry, already yanked to the side of the road by someone.

The girl screamed, struggling fiercely, only to hear a voice she couldn’t be more familiar with.

"Keke, don’t be afraid, it’s me!"

Sun Keke’s body shook. She turned her head to see the face of the boy she knew all too well.

Sun Keke was stunned for three full seconds. Then, WAH! She burst into loud sobs, her body going limp. Chen Nuo held her tightly as she continued to wail uncontrollably in his embrace.

"Someone’s picked up the girl! One person, came alone...

They got into a car. I recognize that car! It’s the one they stole when they kidnapped Guo Weidong!"

Mountain Tiger, while on the phone, quickly turned to Steward Liu. "Dad! Should we make a move?"

Steward Liu sneered. "So careless? Hmph, his methods aren’t very sophisticated either! Showing up in broad daylight to pick someone up? Is he bold or just brainless?"

After a pause, Steward Liu nodded. "Close the net! Bring them all back."

"Chen Nuo! Chen Nuo!!!"

"I’m here..." Chen Nuo sighed softly, patting Sun Keke’s hair.

"They’ve also taken Zhang Linsheng!!"

"I know..."

"And Boss Guo, he..."

"Alright, alright, don’t cry. No need to rush... I know, I know it all..."

Sun Keke sobbed as she spoke, "We have to save them! Zhang Linsheng is still in their hands! We must call the police now!!"

Chen Nuo didn’t speak, holding Sun Keke with one hand, and stroking her hair with the other.

The two of them were in the car, yet Chen Nuo was in no hurry to start the car and leave. Instead, he just patted Sun Keke, soothing the girl.

Seemingly oblivious to several vans encircling their car from the front and behind, trapping them, Chen Nuo remained unfazed.

"Keke..."

"Yes?"

"In a while, we’ll be captured again... Don’t be scared, okay? Trust me, we’ll be fine," Chen Nuo said softly.

Sun Keke was startled. "What did you say? We... captured again?"

"Trust me, we’ll be fine," Chen Nuo replied with a gentle smile.

THWACK! Someone struck the car window.

Sun Keke looked up and saw several people standing outside the car, unsure when they had appeared.

Chen Nuo grunted, held Sun Keke still, took a deep breath, and suddenly flung open the car door and charged out.

Instantly, Chen Nuo kicked the nearest man down! Then, dodging a dagger thrust from another, he grabbed the attacker’s arm and twisted. The man screamed in agony, his wrist broken, and collapsed to his knees!

In no time, Chen Nuo had taken down several people.

But soon...

Chen Nuo’s fists froze, then slowly lowered.

In front of him, a double-barreled shotgun was pointed at his head!

Mountain Tiger, teeth clenched, eyed his men sprawled all over the ground with a hint of wariness in his gaze.

However, the firearm in his hand was enough to give him courage.

"Quite the fighter, aren’t you!" Mountain Tiger snarled, a vicious smile on his face. "Go on, hit another one! Let me see you try!"

Chen Nuo pursed his lips, sighed, and spread his hands. "Alright! I surrender. You have a gun, you’re the boss."

Mountain Tiger cocked his head, and one of his men came forward and cuffed Chen Nuo’s hands.

Once that was done, Mountain Tiger finally lowered the shotgun, casually tossing it to a subordinate. Then he walked up and punched Chen Nuo in the stomach!

Chen Nuo doubled over, let out a breath, then looked up at Mountain Tiger and nodded. "Good punch!"

Mountain Tiger sneered and smashed another fist into Chen Nuo’s face.

Chen Nuo’s head snapped to the side. He looked back at Mountain Tiger and smiled. "Alright, I’ll remember you."

Mountain Tiger sneered, "You’ll remember me? You re—"

Before he could finish, Chen Nuo suddenly leaned back, his legs flew up, and he kicked Mountain Tiger right in the face!

Mountain Tiger cried out in pain and fell backwards, while Chen Nuo also lay on the ground.

Mountain Tiger was quickly helped up by his men. Chen Nuo struggled, but a gun was immediately pressed to his head again!

Chen Nuo immediately raised his hands. "I’m done fighting, done, done."

He glanced at Mountain Tiger, whose face was now bloody, and then at the surrounding Guo Family men.

Chen Nuo shook his head. "Alright, stop dawdling. Take me back now. What are you waiting for?"

「Zhang Linsheng was in the room, gnawing on a steamed bun bite by bite.」

Occasionally, he would look up and trade insults with Guo Qiang.

Guo Qiang, never one to be outdone verbally, would retort frequently.

He quickly finished the steamed bun. Just as Zhang Linsheng, choked by the dry bread, was craning his neck...

The room door was opened!

Sun Keke was the first to be pushed in.

Zhang Linsheng was about to shout something...

The next second, he saw Chen Nuo, hands cuffed, walking into the room nonchalantly with a smile, only to be kicked hard in the buttocks by Mountain Tiger who followed behind...

Zhang Linsheng was stunned, his mouth agape!

"HOLY SHIT! Chen Nuo?! You... you got caught too?"