Chapter 848: Ironic Affairs

Finally free from the ropes around her feet, Lin Dongxue felt a piercing pain as blood circulation returned to her skin, leaving her feet too numb to walk.

Seeing her struggle, the drug-addicted woman grabbed a broom and started beating Lin Dongxue with it. Lin fell to the ground trying to dodge the blows, and as the woman grabbed her pants leg with claw-like hands, Lin kicked backward in desperation, striking the woman’s head with a sound like a coconut being shaken.

The noise attracted the drug-addicted man, who hurriedly opened the bedroom door. Lin’s heart raced as she scrambled toward the bathroom, slamming the door behind her and wedging it shut with a mop. She leaned against the wall, her heart pounding as if it would burst.

“Open up, you bitch!” the woman screamed outside, pounding on the door so fiercely that it seemed about to fall off its hinges.

“Damn it, find something to break the door down!” the woman commanded, directing the sluggish man, who, yawning continuously, picked up a joint to revive himself. Irritated, the woman snatched it and took a drag herself.

The pair momentarily forgot their mission, sitting down together to share the joint in an addictive haze.

Just then, Chu Wei entered, surveying the chaotic scene with his takeaway food nearly slipping from his grasp. He snapped viciously, “What the hell happened! Where is she?”

“In the bathroom.”

“I leave for just a moment, and you…” Chu Wei’s voice trailed off as a car noise from outside caught his attention. Lin Dongxue, hiding in the bathroom, also heard the familiar sound of a car. Seizing the opportunity, she broke the window with a hairdryer and screamed, “I’m here!”

Chu Wei went limp with fear, his instincts screaming that the police had arrived. He urged the drug-addicted couple, “Run!”

“What about her?” the man pointed towards the bathroom.

Chu Wei, frantic, stomped his foot, “F*ck, we can’t worry about that now!”

The trio jumped out the window and fled down the alley, disappearing into the night.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The barricaded door was forcibly broken open as Chen Shi burst in, shouting, “Dongxue, where are you?”

“I’m here!”

Lin Dongxue unlocked the door, and upon seeing Chen, she could no longer hold back her emotions and burst into tears, throwing herself into his arms. Chen gently stroked her back to comfort her. Lin Qiupu, rushing in after him, sighed in relief seeing his sister unharmed.

After calming down, Lin Dongxue said, “They haven’t gone far, Chu Wei and a couple.”

“I’m on it!” Lin Qiupu prepared to leap out the window.

“Hold on,” Chen pulled him back, “Wait for backup before doing anything risky. Just call in more officers to seal the area. They don’t have a car; they can’t get far.”

“We’re just going to let them get away?”

“From the time we broke in, it’s been five minutes. You think you can catch up?”

Eventually, Lin Qiupu agreed to Chen’s suggestion and took out his phone to call for support.

Chen helped Lin Dongxue to a bed to rest as her limbs slowly regained circulation. Though he had many questions, he merely smiled and said, “You should rest.”

“I’m thirsty,” Lin said.

“I’ll get you some water.”

Finding a clean glass in the nearly bare house was a challenge, but Chen washed it repeatedly before filling it with water and bringing it to Lin.

Lin Qiupu was speaking to Lin Dongxue, but fell silent as Chen entered. Chen thought, there must be something they’re keeping from me, but with Lin Dongxue safe, he decided not to probe. Everyone has their secrets, after all.

Outside in the countryside, Chu Wei and the drug-addicted couple hid in the bushes, listening to distant police sirens. Chu Wei was frustrated, tempted to beat the couple for their incompetence, but what would be the point?

Then, his phone rang. Chu Wei listened as a familiar, gruff voice on the other end spoke, “Wei, you’ve won. Bring my daughter, and you’ll get ten million!”

Chu Wei was silent, the irony biting—his hostage was gone, yet the offer of payment had come through.

“Isn’t that enough? Don’t be too greedy. My patience has limits!”

“Ha!” Chu Wei’s nervous laughter disguised his unease. “Generous, Mr. Lie. Just put the money—”

“Don’t give me that crap!” the voice bellowed. “It has to be money for the person. If I can’t see her, you won’t touch a cent!”

“How can I trust you, you old fox?”

“I keep my word!”

“You and your words