Shoutout to nyanmaru for the commission!
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
These simple words, though softly spoken, were deeply magnetic and gentle, reaching deep into Ye Mu’s heart and providing an inexplicable sense of reassurance.
Amidst the throbbing pain and blurred vision, Ye Mu felt a faint clarity, and after some effort, he managed to open his eyes slightly.
Through the dimness, he saw Chen Mo leaning over and kissing him. The handsome face before him bore a scar, with blood trailing down to his sharp chin and neck, his sweat-soaked clothes emphasizing his formidable masculinity. He looked more powerful and imposing than ever.
At that moment, it felt as if something had pierced his heart, leaving an indelible mark deep within his veins.
Such an impression was so profound that it lingered in his mind for years, perhaps even decades, becoming impossible to forget or erase.
After that fleeting glimpse, it seemed Ye Mu had expended all his strength. His mind plunged into darkness, and he lost consciousness abruptly.
Chen Mo, both anxious and distressed, furrowed his brows as he carried Ye Mu toward the hospital entrance. His arm muscles ached from the heavy burden, but he was oblivious to the pain, focused solely on getting him to the emergency room.
The medical staff, seeing the two in such disarray, instinctively took action. “Hello, please place the patient on the stretcher. We’ll take him to the operating room for emergency treatment.”
Chen Mo, silent to avoid aggravating Ye Mu’s injuries, grit his teeth and carefully lowered him onto the stretcher, trying not to disturb the wounds.
The nurses quickly summoned the relevant emergency doctors, who began a series of medical interventions.
Chen Mo, sweating and stained with blood, slumped against the wall, exhausted and weary. Despite his fatigue, he remained steadfastly waiting outside.
A young nurse, noticing his severe condition, wanted to offer basic first aid and stitching, but he declined.
At that moment, Chen Mo’s mind was solely on Ye Mu’s condition, his dark eyes fixated on the “Emergency Room” sign.
After two hours, Ye Mu was finally wheeled out. In addition to numerous white bandages on his skin, his left foot was encased in a cast.
Chen Mo immediately stood up and rushed over, his voice hoarse and dry, “Doctor, how is he?”
The tall male doctor removed his mask, revealing a somewhat familiar face. “The patient’s injuries are quite severe. Besides rib fractures and an ankle sprain, he also has a mild concussion. He needs to be observed in the hospital.”
Chen Mo bit his lip, his profile showing deep concern. “When do you estimate he will regain consciousness?”
The doctor pursed his lips. “It could be as soon as one day or as long as three or four days. Given the situation, it’s best if his family comes to stay by his bedside.”
Chen Mo lowered his eyes and responded faintly. He was about to thank the doctor but was abruptly interrupted.
“If I’m not mistaken, you’re the president of that foreign enterprise, Chen Mo, correct?”
In an unfamiliar environment and among strangers, Chen Mo was surprised that this person knew his title and name. He raised his gaze to the doctor.
The doctor smiled elegantly and extended his hand. “You wouldn’t know me. I’m Song Youyu, newly in charge of my father’s company’s projects. I’ll be familiarizing myself with the progress and will discuss it with you in detail later.”
Chen Mo scrutinized him, recalling the desperate figure from the dark underground parking lot. His thin lips curved into a sharp arc. “Alright. During your signing of the contract, you concealed the progress of the Kowloon Bay land acquisition. I will make sure to address this discrepancy with you.”
Chen Mo was aware of Song Youyu’s background. On the surface, he was a doctor involved in charitable work, but he also engaged in shady underground business. If Song Tanfei hadn’t been ill and needed rest, he might not have taken on the Song-shi project.
The outside world labeled Song Youyu as a “scheming fox,” a term that suggested he was cunning, profit-driven, and enjoyed engaging in morally dubious activities. Chen Mo’s instincts told him that what had happened was likely connected to this person.
Seeing that Chen Mo didn’t respond, Song Youyu, with a good-natured smile, withdrew his extended hand. “That land has faced long-term acquisition failures and needs government intervention. My father agreed to sign the contract based on Ye Mu’s strong political connections. The lack of prior notice was due to trust.”
Chen Mo sneered, his face scarred with a menacing aura. “So now you’re blaming us for the oversight?”
Song Youyu maintained his smile. “It was our mistake not to inform you beforehand, but we didn’t anticipate anyone taking advantage of the situation to hire assassins. I’ve already informed you first thing this morning, trying to make amends.”
Chen Mo narrowed his eyes dangerously. “A phone call is not enough to make amends. You’re being too naive.”
Song Youyu raised an eyebrow, his smile clean and warm, leaving no room for error. “If you need information on the hired killers, I can help you inquire.”
Chen Mo stared at him, a shadow of menace crossing his deep-set eyes. “I know who did it, but I need sufficient evidence to involve the police.”
Song Youyu’s gaze flicked over Chen Mo’s clenched fists, revealing a faint smile. “I can help within my capacity.”
Despite the seemingly perfunctory tone, Chen Mo, knowing Song Youyu’s role and responsibility, had no doubts. After a thorough look, he gave him a contact number.
“I’m giving you a deadline of seven days. If you can’t provide what I need by then, I will have to resort to legal proceedings for breach of contract.”
Song Youyu glanced at him without hesitation, his thin lips slightly curling in a smirk. “Alright.”
Chen Mo nodded coldly, not speaking further in case Ye Mu regained consciousness. He turned silently and headed toward the ward.
Song Youyu watched his tall, fit figure, a lazy, noble smile on his face. He then casually pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
After a brief ringing, the call was answered.
“Hello?”
A displeased male voice on the other end sounded frustrated by the unexpected call.
Song Youyu walked casually, his tone clear yet laced with meaning. “Mr. Gu, I’m sorry to inform you that we couldn’t complete your task on time. However, it seems your payment needs to be increased.”
Gu Huai, who had just been sent home by Yan Chen an hour earlier and had taken medication to rest, was in a bad mood upon receiving the call. Hearing this now made him grit his teeth in anger.
To avoid being overheard by Yan Chen in the kitchen, he lowered his voice and said, “We agreed on payment for killing without leaving the body intact. Now that the person named Ye is still alive, it’s already generous of me not to ask for a refund, and yet you want to increase the fee?”
Song Youyu smiled charmingly, his clear and delicate features giving him an innocent appearance. His fair skin only enhanced the impression of gentleness and harmlessness. “Theoretically, that’s how it should be. But you have to understand, plans never keep up with changes.”
Gu Huai frowned, his face darkening. “What changes?”
Song Youyu elegantly poured himself a cup of tea, lying smoothly. “Someone just offered a high price for information on the hired killer. As you know, in business, even in our line of work, people are generally motivated by money. Mr. Gu, being a smart person, you understand this without me having to elaborate.”
Gu Huai ground his teeth, the sound audible due to the force. “How much do you want?”
He had originally hired this underground organization because of their excellent customer privacy and confidentiality. He hadn’t expected that it would now be used as an excuse to blackmail him.
Song Youyu’s eyes narrowed into delicate slits, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “Ten million.”
Gu Huai was furious. Upon hearing the amount, his scalp tingled, and he couldn’t maintain his usual composure, cursing uncontrollably. “Are you out of your mind? That’s not just an increase; it’s doubling the amount! Ten million is far too much! Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?”
Song Youyu chuckled lightly, his posture relaxed as he leaned against the doorframe. “I heard that you’re married to Yan Chen, the president of the LOTTO Group. This amount might be difficult for you, but to him, it’s just a trifle.”
Gu Huai’s temples throbbed, his irritation swelling like a tidal wave. “My finances are separate from his. How am I supposed to ask him for money? Especially at this critical moment? He’s always been suspicious and would definitely investigate my background.”
Song Youyu blinked innocently, his expression as pure as a naive little bunny. “That’s your problem now, not ours. If we don’t receive the money within seven days, we’ll have to turn you in.”
Gu Huai, a ruthless figure himself, stopped hiding his true feelings. His face contorted with anger, revealing his true nature. “Fine. Turn me in if you want. I’ll drag you all down with me, exposing your underground organization to the police and ensuring you all go down with me!”
Song Youyu maintained his composure, unaffected by the threat. “Mr. Gu, you’re quite daring, but unfortunately, our organization has strong protection within the network. If you report us, we’ll just relocate and change our alias. We won’t suffer any significant loss, but you might end up…”
He left the sentence hanging, the implication clear.
Hiring a hitman is not a simple prison sentence under national law; it could lead to severe penalties or even death sentences.
Gu Huai couldn’t bear to think further, a wave of horror rising in his heart. He quickly changed his tone. “Alright, I’ll try to raise the money. Just don’t do anything rash on your end!”
Song Youyu was skilled in psychological manipulation and rhetoric, never using threats or intimidation, yet he made Gu Huai submit immediately.
Seeing that he had convinced Gu Huai, Song Youyu showed a refined and gentle smile. “Alright then, we’ll wait for your good news.”
He didn’t waste any more words and hung up the phone first.
Gu Huai, listening to the dial tone on the line, felt his heart pounding. He anxiously scratched his head, feeling parched, and grabbed a glass of water from the bedside table.
“Clatter”
As he tilted his head back to take a few sips, he abruptly dropped the glass on the floor, his actions freezing as he saw the scene before him. His amber eyes widened in shock.
At the door, Yan Chen stood with a bowl of steaming hot porridge, his head bowed. He had been standing there for an unknown amount of time. The shadow cast by his bangs obscured his expression.
In the deathly silence, Yan Chen said nothing and made no move, just lifting his gaze to stare at Gu Huai with a cold, distant look.
That glance was filled with darkness, despair, and cruelty, carrying a chilling, centuries-old coldness that made Gu Huai tremble as if he had never seen him before.
A deep fear surged within him, akin to a nightmare descending upon him…
