Bad Boys Boot Camp: V2-C59

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”}
The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.

“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”

_{Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.}“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.

_{Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.}“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

_{“Qin Mo.”}N/A

“Qin Mo.”

_{“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”}
Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.

“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”

_{“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”}One of the guys went over to the door, taking a peek through the peephole, revealing a single man standing outside, donning a cap and with a toolbox in hand, all of which he immediately turned to mouth to Mr Yellow Shoe.

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”}
His slow progress with the investigation made him act impulsively, to the extent that he began acting more audaciously after the lead he got from Yang Fanghong. He had cast aside his earlier caution and forgotten that, unlike his opponents, he lacks the power to act out in the open.

“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

_{Normally, Qin Mo just used it as a regular rechargeable digital watch, never expecting it would come in handy for his current predicament. He guessed that Qin Zhen had started tracking his location the second the kidnappers called in the ransom. So his call had instead allowed him to report his relative safety.}As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

Normally, Qin Mo just used it as a regular rechargeable digital watch, never expecting it would come in handy for his current predicament. He guessed that Qin Zhen had started tracking his location the second the kidnappers called in the ransom. So his call had instead allowed him to report his relative safety.

_{Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion}At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

_{“In there.” The {repairman} motioned to the bedroom with his chin while leaning against the wall. “That’s the only door that’s locked.”}One of the guys went over to the door, taking a peek through the peephole, revealing a single man standing outside, donning a cap and with a toolbox in hand, all of which he immediately turned to mouth to Mr Yellow Shoe.

“In there.” The repairman motioned to the bedroom with his chin while leaning against the wall. “That’s the only door that’s locked.”

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}
His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

_{With that question answered, he then pressed his ear against the door and listened. There was no sound.}
It took immense effort for him to just sit up straight, allowing him to get a better view of his surroundings, as blurry as they may be. It seemed to be a room in an unfinished house.

With that question answered, he then pressed his ear against the door and listened. There was no sound.

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}“Nope,” the man replied with a lecherous grin spreаding across his face. “I haven’t had the good fortune to, unfortunately. Anyhow, Young Master Qin, do you have any idea just whose feathers you’ve gone and ruffled? Sadly for you, whether you get out of here with your life or not is solely dependent on just how much that gorgeous big sister of yours cherishes your little self.”

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_{As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.}
The room wasn’t very large, being about the size of a side room in a regular residence. In addition, the higher placement of the window as seen from the inside, along with the view from outside, told him the residence was an apartment, one in a building about five to six storeys up. None of the buildings he could see outside had a familiar colour or style. What’s more, he may have been a significant distance away from where he was knocked out.

As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

_{{Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.}}“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”

Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

_{Having his hopes dashed made Qin Mo never mention the smartwatch again. But Qin Zhen really took the matter to heart and did send him a watch with limited phone functions. It was an ordinary digital watch as far as anyone could see, but inside it had its own SIM card along with a GPS tracking chip.}
It was clear that the doors and windows were closed, but it was still unknown if they were locked tіght. Wriggling his body, Qin Mo managed to get on his feet, then with small hops, mimicking those of a Chinese zombie, he made his way to the door and twisted the handle.

Having his hopes dashed made Qin Mo never mention the smartwatch again. But Qin Zhen really took the matter to heart and did send him a watch with limited phone functions. It was an ordinary digital watch as far as anyone could see, but inside it had its own SIM card along with a GPS tracking chip.

The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.

_{Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.}“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.

Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.

_{“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”}As the men conversed, Qin Mo lowered his head, his gaze falling on the man’s yellow cloth shoes, which soon lifted to slam into him with a kick. Once he was flung to the ground, the man plopped into a squat, looking down on him. “Oi, Young Master Qin? Do you understand what’s going down here?"

“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”

_N/A
It’s locked.

N/A

_{“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”}“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”

_{{It seems that there’s no other option now.}}It’s locked.

It seems that there’s no other option now.

_{“But there's a leak in the apartment below this one, and I just came from there!” the other man countered.}
With that question answered, he then pressed his ear against the door and listened. There was no sound.

“But there's a leak in the apartment below this one, and I just came from there!” the other man countered.

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{However, when he told his cousin his interest, she gave him a good roasting. It was apparently a useless waste if it ever got separated from his phone. So, instead, she decided to get him a watch that looked like a normal watch but functioned as a standalone phone if he was that keen on wearing one.}The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.

However, when he told his cousin his interest, she gave him a good roasting. It was apparently a useless waste if it ever got separated from his phone. So, instead, she decided to get him a watch that looked like a normal watch but functioned as a standalone phone if he was that keen on wearing one.

_{“I understand.”}
From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

“I understand.”

_{Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.}His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.

Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

_{As the men conversed, Qin Mo lowered his head, his gaze falling on the man’s yellow cloth shoes, which soon lifted to slam into him with a kick. Once he was flung to the ground, the man plopped into a squat, looking down on him. “Oi, Young Master Qin? Do you understand what’s going down here?"}Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.

As the men conversed, Qin Mo lowered his head, his gaze falling on the man’s yellow cloth shoes, which soon lifted to slam into him with a kick. Once he was flung to the ground, the man plopped into a squat, looking down on him. “Oi, Young Master Qin? Do you understand what’s going down here?"

_{After exchanging some quick glances with his men, Mr Yellow Shoe let out a sigh and opened the door with a pleasant grin. “My apologies, brother. You know how it is these days, yeah? Can’t be too careful when opening up the door…”}Normally, Qin Mo just used it as a regular rechargeable digital watch, never expecting it would come in handy for his current predicament. He guessed that Qin Zhen had started tracking his location the second the kidnappers called in the ransom. So his call had instead allowed him to report his relative safety.

After exchanging some quick glances with his men, Mr Yellow Shoe let out a sigh and opened the door with a pleasant grin. “My apologies, brother. You know how it is these days, yeah? Can’t be too careful when opening up the door…”

_{“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”}From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”

_{His slow progress with the investigation made him act impulsively, to the extent that he began acting more audaciously after the lead he got from Yang Fanghong. He had cast aside his earlier caution and forgotten that, unlike his opponents, he lacks the power to act out in the open.}
It seems that there’s no other option now.

His slow progress with the investigation made him act impulsively, to the extent that he began acting more audaciously after the lead he got from Yang Fanghong. He had cast aside his earlier caution and forgotten that, unlike his opponents, he lacks the power to act out in the open.

_{The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.}As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.

_{With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”}The room wasn’t very large, being about the size of a side room in a regular residence. In addition, the higher placement of the window as seen from the inside, along with the view from outside, told him the residence was an apartment, one in a building about five to six storeys up. None of the buildings he could see outside had a familiar colour or style. What’s more, he may have been a significant distance away from where he was knocked out.

With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”

_{When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.}
Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.

When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.

_{“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.}As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.

_{“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.}N/A

“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

_{Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-{ge}, all clear.”}Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”

Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}“How can we help?” Mr Yellow Shoe was the one to reply.

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

_{“In there.” The repairman motioned to the bedroom with his chin while leaning against the wall. “That’s the only door that’s locked.”}
“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

“In there.” The repairman motioned to the bedroom with his chin while leaning against the wall. “That’s the only door that’s locked.”

_{“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”}The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.

“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

_N/AFrom the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

N/A

_{From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.}“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

_{It was clear that the doors and windows were closed, but it was still unknown if they were locked tіght. Wriggling his body, Qin Mo managed to get on his feet, then with small hops, mimicking those of a Chinese zombie, he made his way to the door and twisted the handle.}
With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”

It was clear that the doors and windows were closed, but it was still unknown if they were locked tіght. Wriggling his body, Qin Mo managed to get on his feet, then with small hops, mimicking those of a Chinese zombie, he made his way to the door and twisted the handle.

_{“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”}“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.}Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”

_{“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.}As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.}
“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.

_{It was clear that the doors and windows were closed, but it was still unknown if they were locked tіght. Wriggling his body, Qin Mo managed to get on his feet, then with small hops, mimicking those of a Chinese zombie, he made his way to the door and twisted the handle.}“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.

_{“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.}
“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

_{With that question answered, he then pressed his ear against the door and listened. There was no sound.}Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.

With that question answered, he then pressed his ear against the door and listened. There was no sound.

_{{It’s locked.}}“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

It’s locked.

_{At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.}When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.

At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

_{“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”}Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}
“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_{Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”}“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”

Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”

_{Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”}
“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”

_{“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”}With that question answered, he then pressed his ear against the door and listened. There was no sound.

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

After a while, the footsteps drew closer, until they were right outside the door. The handle twisted before the door opened with a push, and the man behind it strode in, swept his eyes over Qin Mo, then yelled to someone outside, “He’s up!”

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

One of the guys went over to the door, taking a peek through the peephole, revealing a single man standing outside, donning a cap and with a toolbox in hand, all of which he immediately turned to mouth to Mr Yellow Shoe.

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_{One of the guys went over to the door, taking a peek through the peephole, revealing a single man standing outside, donning a cap and with a toolbox in hand, all of which he immediately turned to mouth to Mr Yellow Shoe.}At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

_{Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.}
When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.

Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.

_{Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”}Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”

_{“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”}“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.}
As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.

_{“You need to come closer so you can get a better look.”}With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”

“You need to come closer so you can get a better look.”

_{None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.}“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.

_{As the men conversed, Qin Mo lowered his head, his gaze falling on the man’s yellow cloth shoes, which soon lifted to slam into him with a kick. Once he was flung to the ground, the man plopped into a squat, looking down on him. “Oi, Young Master Qin? Do you understand what’s going down here?"}His slow progress with the investigation made him act impulsively, to the extent that he began acting more audaciously after the lead he got from Yang Fanghong. He had cast aside his earlier caution and forgotten that, unlike his opponents, he lacks the power to act out in the open.

_{“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”}
However, when he told his cousin his interest, she gave him a good roasting. It was apparently a useless waste if it ever got separated from his phone. So, instead, she decided to get him a watch that looked like a normal watch but functioned as a standalone phone if he was that keen on wearing one.

“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”

_{“I understand.”}“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.

“I understand.”

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_{However, when he told his cousin his interest, she gave him a good roasting. It was apparently a useless waste if it ever got separated from his phone. So, instead, she decided to get him a watch that looked like a normal watch but functioned as a standalone phone if he was that keen on wearing one.}Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.

_{Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion}
Having his hopes dashed made Qin Mo never mention the smartwatch again. But Qin Zhen really took the matter to heart and did send him a watch with limited phone functions. It was an ordinary digital watch as far as anyone could see, but inside it had its own SIM card along with a GPS tracking chip.

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

_{“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”}Qin Mo finally got a clear view of the one before him. It was a face that was all too familiar and one that filled him with fright.

“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

_{With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.}From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

_{He first took a proper look at the knot on the robes binding his feet, noticing they seemed familiar. He recalled coming across similar knots in an online post showing how to undo them and began trying to do so with his bound hands.}
Normally, Qin Mo just used it as a regular rechargeable digital watch, never expecting it would come in handy for his current predicament. He guessed that Qin Zhen had started tracking his location the second the kidnappers called in the ransom. So his call had instead allowed him to report his relative safety.

He first took a proper look at the knot on the robes binding his feet, noticing they seemed familiar. He recalled coming across similar knots in an online post showing how to undo them and began trying to do so with his bound hands. Unfortunately for him, that was easier said than done. The way his hands had to twist was incredibly uncomfortable, forcing him to rest at short intervals just to keep them from crаmping.

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.}
From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

_{With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.}N/A

With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

_{His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.}“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.}
Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.

“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

_{“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”}“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

_{Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-{ge}, all clear.”}“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.

Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

_{His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.}Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.

His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.

_{“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.}“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.

_{The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.}
He first took a proper look at the knot on the robes binding his feet, noticing they seemed familiar. He recalled coming across similar knots in an online post showing how to undo them and began trying to do so with his bound hands. Unfortunately for him, that was easier said than done. The way his hands had to twist was incredibly uncomfortable, forcing him to rest at short intervals just to keep them from crаmping.

As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

_{Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion}“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

_{“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.}
At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.

_{“Qin Mo.”}“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

“Qin Mo.”

_{None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.}The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.

_{Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”}“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

_{“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”}
“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.}“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-{ge}, all clear.”}None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.

Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

_{At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.}
“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.

At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

_{At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.}Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

_{Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.}With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

_{As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”}When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.

_{None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.}His slow progress with the investigation made him act impulsively, to the extent that he began acting more audaciously after the lead he got from Yang Fanghong. He had cast aside his earlier caution and forgotten that, unlike his opponents, he lacks the power to act out in the open.

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}
“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.}“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

_{Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion}“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

_{Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.}Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.

_{It took immense effort for him to just sit up straight, allowing him to get a better view of his surroundings, as blurry as they may be. It seemed to be a room in an unfinished house.}
“Are you sure that’ll work?” Another voice spoke up. “Those rich guys are a pretty foul bunch. Are you really sure that woman will pay up?”

It took immense effort for him to just sit up straight, allowing him to get a better view of his surroundings, as blurry as they may be. It seemed to be a room in an unfinished house.

_{From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.}The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.

From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

_{None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.}
Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.

_{However, when he told his cousin his interest, she gave him a good roasting. It was apparently a useless waste if it ever got separated from his phone. So, instead, she decided to get him a watch that looked like a normal watch but functioned as a standalone phone if he was that keen on wearing one.}As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

_{Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”}Mr Yellow Shoe frowned, calling out to the intruder, “Who is it?”

Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.}
After a while, the footsteps drew closer, until they were right outside the door. The handle twisted before the door opened with a push, and the man behind it strode in, swept his eyes over Qin Mo, then yelled to someone outside, “He’s up!”

Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

_{“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”}“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

_{His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.}
“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

_{His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.}His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.

_{“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.}The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.

“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.

_{“How can we help?” Mr Yellow Shoe was the one to reply.}
As the men conversed, Qin Mo lowered his head, his gaze falling on the man’s yellow cloth shoes, which soon lifted to slam into him with a kick. Once he was flung to the ground, the man plopped into a squat, looking down on him. “Oi, Young Master Qin? Do you understand what’s going down here?"

“How can we help?” Mr Yellow Shoe was the one to reply.

_{“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.}After a while, the footsteps drew closer, until they were right outside the door. The handle twisted before the door opened with a push, and the man behind it strode in, swept his eyes over Qin Mo, then yelled to someone outside, “He’s up!”

“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.

_{His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.}Qin Mo finally got a clear view of the one before him. It was a face that was all too familiar and one that filled him with fright.

_{From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.}
Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.

From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

_{None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.}As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}
“I understand.”

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_{As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.}“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}It seems that there’s no other option now.

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_{“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.}
“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.

_{“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.}It was clear that the doors and windows were closed, but it was still unknown if they were locked tіght. Wriggling his body, Qin Mo managed to get on his feet, then with small hops, mimicking those of a Chinese zombie, he made his way to the door and twisted the handle.

“Is it time to wake him up?” One of the voices mentioned him.

_{The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.}He first took a proper look at the knot on the robes binding his feet, noticing they seemed familiar. He recalled coming across similar knots in an online post showing how to undo them and began trying to do so with his bound hands. Unfortunately for him, that was easier said than done. The way his hands had to twist was incredibly uncomfortable, forcing him to rest at short intervals just to keep them from crаmping.

_{“Nope,” the man replied with a lecherous grin spreаding across his face. “I haven’t had the good fortune to, unfortunately. Anyhow, Young Master Qin, do you have any idea just whose feathers you’ve gone and ruffled? Sadly for you, whether you get out of here with your life or not is solely dependent on just how much that gorgeous big sister of yours cherishes your little self.”}After exchanging some quick glances with his men, Mr Yellow Shoe let out a sigh and opened the door with a pleasant grin. “My apologies, brother. You know how it is these days, yeah? Can’t be too careful when opening up the door…”

“Nope,” the man replied with a lecherous grin spreаding across his face. “I haven’t had the good fortune to, unfortunately. Anyhow, Young Master Qin, do you have any idea just whose feathers you’ve gone and ruffled? Sadly for you, whether you get out of here with your life or not is solely dependent on just how much that gorgeous big sister of yours cherishes your little self.”

_{Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.}
“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.

_{“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”}Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

_{The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.}Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.

_{After exchanging some quick glances with his men, Mr Yellow Shoe let out a sigh and opened the door with a pleasant grin. “My apologies, brother. You know how it is these days, yeah? Can’t be too careful when opening up the door…”}
“Nope,” the man replied with a lecherous grin spreаding across his face. “I haven’t had the good fortune to, unfortunately. Anyhow, Young Master Qin, do you have any idea just whose feathers you’ve gone and ruffled? Sadly for you, whether you get out of here with your life or not is solely dependent on just how much that gorgeous big sister of yours cherishes your little self.”

_{Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.}“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_{“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”}“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_N/AMr Yellow Shoe did as requested and stared down the drain for a long time but couldn’t see what rust the man was talking about for the life of him. Ready to ask the man about it one more time, he lost his chance to the thunderous thwack reverberating through his skull.

N/A

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

_{With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”}
Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”

With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”

Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

_{{It’s locked.}}“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

It’s locked.

_{The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.}“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

_{“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.}
None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.

“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.

_{“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”}Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.

_{Mr Yellow Shoe frowned, calling out to the intruder, “Who is it?”}Qin Mo lowered his gaze, his mind reeling with a slew of thoughts, all while that man had already neared him, lowered his body into a crouch, and looked upon him with delight in his gaze. “I’m back.”

Mr Yellow Shoe frowned, calling out to the intruder, “Who is it?”

_{“You need to come closer so you can get a better look.”}
One of the guys went over to the door, taking a peek through the peephole, revealing a single man standing outside, donning a cap and with a toolbox in hand, all of which he immediately turned to mouth to Mr Yellow Shoe.

“You need to come closer so you can get a better look.”

_{Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.}“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.

_{{Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.}}“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.

Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

_{Well, considering there was a person tied up in a nearby bedroom, the lot was indeed a bit on edge.}Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

Well, considering there was a person tied up in a nearby bedroom, the lot was indeed a bit on edge.

_{“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”}With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

_{Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.}
Mr Yellow Shoe frowned, calling out to the intruder, “Who is it?”

Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.

_{“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”}“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

_{Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.}
“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

_{“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”}“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.

_N/A
Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.

N/A

_{{It seems that there’s no other option now.}}“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

It seems that there’s no other option now.

_{From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.}However, when he told his cousin his interest, she gave him a good roasting. It was apparently a useless waste if it ever got separated from his phone. So, instead, she decided to get him a watch that looked like a normal watch but functioned as a standalone phone if he was that keen on wearing one.

From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

_{“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”}
“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.

“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

_{Broad shoulders tapering into a narrow waist; a slender figure topped with neatly styled hair; a well-tailored suit devoid of a single wrinkle; and a face where every feature was beautifully well-defined encompassed the man who walked through that door, resembling the personification of elegance itself, especially his eyes—those dreamy peach-blossom eyes—that made even an unintentional glance seem to conceal some deeper meaning..}“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

Broad shoulders tapering into a narrow waist; a slender figure topped with neatly styled hair; a well-tailored suit devoid of a single wrinkle; and a face where every feature was beautifully well-defined encompassed the man who walked through that door, resembling the personification of elegance itself, especially his eyes—those dreamy peach-blossom eyes—that made even an unintentional glance seem to conceal some deeper meaning.

_{Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.}
“But there's a leak in the apartment below this one, and I just came from there!” the other man countered.

_{After a while, the footsteps drew closer, until they were right outside the door. The handle twisted before the door opened with a push, and the man behind it strode in, swept his eyes over Qin Mo, then yelled to someone outside, “He’s up!”}“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

_{One of the guys went over to the door, taking a peek through the peephole, revealing a single man standing outside, donning a cap and with a toolbox in hand, all of which he immediately turned to mouth to Mr Yellow Shoe.}
“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.

_{At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.}From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

At some point while he was busy with his self-rescue attempt, the outer doors opening and closing sounded, followed by loud conversations and footsteps.

_{Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.}As for Qin Mo, he was interested in the device initially. For one, it was convenient. For another, he cared little about the brands or prices of the clothes and accessories worn on his body.

_{“Qin Mo.”}With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”

“Qin Mo.”

“Good!” Someone else replied from beyond the doors and added, “We’ll call that woman in a bit and let her hear him cry a little.”

_{“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”}
“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

_{His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.}It’s locked.

His fear: that the plan will deviate to an unknown degree in the future.

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_N/A“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

N/A

_{Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.}N/A

Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.

_{It’s locked.}
After exchanging some quick glances with his men, Mr Yellow Shoe let out a sigh and opened the door with a pleasant grin. “My apologies, brother. You know how it is these days, yeah? Can’t be too careful when opening up the door…”

It’s locked.

_{“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”}The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.

_{From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.}None of the other men in the room had a response. The apartment they were in was an unsold barebones unit that Mr Yellow Shoes had “borrowed” from a relative working in real estate. He snagged the key that person used to showcase the house to prospective buyers, so there was no reason for anyone to come knocking at the door.

From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

_{The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.}
As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

_{“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”}Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”

“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

_{“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.}“I understand.”

“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

_{Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-{ge}, all clear.”}“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

_{Well, considering there was a person tied up in a nearby bedroom, the lot was indeed a bit on edge.}
Well, considering there was a person tied up in a nearby bedroom, the lot was indeed a bit on edge.

Well, considering there was a person tied up in a nearby bedroom, the lot was indeed a bit on edge.

_{“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.}When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.

“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

_{The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.}His feet were bound; his hands were tied behind his back; and his glasses were no longer on his face, most likely because they fell off when they moved him. He also had his phone and wallet in his pocket, without having to touch them; he knew those were gone as well.

_{The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.}Having his hopes dashed made Qin Mo never mention the smartwatch again. But Qin Zhen really took the matter to heart and did send him a watch with limited phone functions. It was an ordinary digital watch as far as anyone could see, but inside it had its own SIM card along with a GPS tracking chip.

“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

_{“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”}“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

“Oh, from the looks of the damage done below, I suspect the leak is coming from the toilet. So have you guys been able to use water in the past few days?”

_{“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.}“You need to come closer so you can get a better look.”

“That’s too bad, because there’s no leak here!” Mr Yellow Shoe shouted.

_{“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”}“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

_{From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.}Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

_{Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.}The air being pulled from Qin Mo’s nose down his throat stung; even a single breath couldn’t be taken without struggle. His head was still a mess; everything around him was still shrouded in a haze, but it was insignificant when compared to hands and feet that didn’t feel like his own when he tried to move.

Qin Zhen gave a hum in return before ending the call.

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}His slow progress with the investigation made him act impulsively, to the extent that he began acting more audaciously after the lead he got from Yang Fanghong. He had cast aside his earlier caution and forgotten that, unlike his opponents, he lacks the power to act out in the open.

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_{“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.}
“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

_{When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.}“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_{Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”}
“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”

Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

_{With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.}“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”

With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

_{“I understand.”}As the repairman walked in, he looked at the other men in the room, unable to hold back his complaints at the sight of them. “What was all the fuss about, eh? You’re all just a bunch of grown men here. There’s only news about women and children being kidnapped from solicitors, yet you guys are acting all scared, tsk…”

“I understand.”

_{{Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.}}“Well, that’s news to me.” Mr Yellow Shoes offered his own rebuttal.

Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

_{Qin Mo finally got a clear view of the one before him. It was a face that was all too familiar and one that filled him with fright.}
“How can we help?” Mr Yellow Shoe was the one to reply.

Qin Mo finally got a clear view of the one before him. It was a face that was all too familiar and one that filled him with fright.

_{“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.}It seems that there’s no other option now.

“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

_{Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.}
Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

Despite the term “Young Master” leaving the yellow-shoed man’s lips, there was not one sliver of respect in his tone—in fact, it held an unmistakable sense of mockery.

_{{Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.}}“If he wakes up too early, do we need to knock him out again?” Another voice chimed in.

Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

_{“Nope,” the man replied with a lecherous grin spreаding across his face. “I haven’t had the good fortune to, unfortunately. Anyhow, Young Master Qin, do you have any idea just whose feathers you’ve gone and ruffled? Sadly for you, whether you get out of here with your life or not is solely dependent on just how much that gorgeous big sister of yours cherishes your little self.”}The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.

_{“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.}With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

_{From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.}
Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”

From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

_{The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.}“No. I couldn’t get a trace. But they demanded that I quickly sell the company and transfer the working capital into a name provided, and that they won’t release you until I do.”

_{“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”}“So did you?” Qin Mo asked with a muffled laugh in his tone.

“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

_N/A“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”

N/A

_{The room wasn’t very large, being about the size of a side room in a regular residence. In addition, the higher placement of the window as seen from the inside, along with the view from outside, told him the residence was an apartment, one in a building about five to six storeys up.}
“You need to come closer so you can get a better look.”

The room wasn’t very large, being about the size of a side room in a regular residence. In addition, the higher placement of the window as seen from the inside, along with the view from outside, told him the residence was an apartment, one in a building about five to six storeys up. None of the buildings he could see outside had a familiar colour or style. What’s more, he may have been a significant distance away from where he was knocked out.

_{“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”}Closing his eyes, he regained some composure, but with it came a dull ache every time he tried to think. But one thing was certain: he had made a grave mistake.

“Please, Mr Lu…” The man at the door grew a bit impatient. “Can you just call Mr Yongfu and ask him? I need to hurry up and finish this job, so can you please—please—call him?”

_{As the men conversed, Qin Mo lowered his head, his gaze falling on the man’s yellow cloth shoes, which soon lifted to slam into him with a kick. Once he was flung to the ground, the man plopped into a squat, looking down on him. “Oi, Young Master Qin? Do you understand what’s going down here?"}
Mr Yellow Shoe did as requested and stared down the drain for a long time but couldn’t see what rust the man was talking about for the life of him. Ready to ask the man about it one more time, he lost his chance to the thunderous thwack reverberating through his skull.

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

_{Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.}“If I did, you’d be done for.” Contrary to her cousin, Qin Zhen was enraged—and very much so. “As no one could’ve possibly guessed, someone did manage to track you down, cousin. Qin Mo… you’ve been exposed.”

_{From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.}“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

From the door, Qin Mo hopped over to the window and got a better look outside, weighing his odds if he called out for help.

_{Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”}
The two men a short distance away were also dealt with in succession, both receiving blows from the heavy pair of pliers at lightning speed. The third came to look in on them not long after but didn't get so much as a grunt out before he was slammed onto the floor.

Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

_{Normally, Qin Mo just used it as a regular rechargeable digital watch, never expecting it would come in handy for his current predicament. He guessed that Qin Zhen had started tracking his location the second the kidnappers called in the ransom. So his call had instead allowed him to report his relative safety.}Since his hands were tied quite tіghtly, it was hаrd for him to move them much. Still, he rotated his wrists as much as he could until a tiny gap appeared in the rope. With this, he wriggled his hands into the right angle so his fingers could reach and press a button on his watch.

_{Mr Yellow Shoe did as requested and stared down the drain for a long time but couldn’t see what rust the man was talking about for the life of him. Ready to ask the man about it one more time, he lost his chance to the thunderous thwack reverberating through his skull.}
Done with his work, the repairman calmly made his way to the front door and opened it, saying, “Shen-ge, all clear.”

Mr Yellow Shoe did as requested and stared down the drain for a long time but couldn’t see what rust the man was talking about for the life of him. Ready to ask the man about it one more time, he lost his chance to the thunderous thwack reverberating through his skull.

_{Mr Yellow Shoe’s real name was Lu Chong, but he had no recollection of his relative saying such a thing. But given how many drinks he plied them with after inviting them over to get the keys, he was so buzzed himself that he couldn’t say for sure if such a thing was mentioned.}Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”

_{Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.}“Qin Mo.”

Qin Mo couldn’t help but admire his cousin’s foresight right then. It was her idea to get him that phone disguised as a watch.

_{“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”}“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

_{“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.}
Broad shoulders tapering into a narrow waist; a slender figure topped with neatly styled hair; a well-tailored suit devoid of a single wrinkle; and a face where every feature was beautifully well-defined encompassed the man who walked through that door, resembling the personification of elegance itself, especially his eyes—those dreamy peach-blossom eyes—that made even an unintentional glance seem to conceal some deeper meaning.

“So where exactly do you have to go check?” Mr Yellow Shoes asked while wringing his hands.

_{“Qin Mo.”}Of course, he had no expectations of the nearby residents running over to rescue him. His plan, if chosen, was to sit on the windowsill and start screaming about ending his life. Something like that was sure to gather a crowd willing to watch—but for such a plan to be feasible, he needed to first untie the ropes.

“Qin Mo.”

_{Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.}
“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

_{Mr Yellow Shoe did as requested and stared down the drain for a long time but couldn’t see what rust the man was talking about for the life of him. Ready to ask the man about it one more time, he lost his chance to the thunderous thwack reverberating through his skull.}“Beep—Bee—” Before the second beep could be heard, Qin Zhen’s worried voice came out from the speaker. “Qin Mo! Hold on, alright?! I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

_{With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.}Qin Mo lowered his gaze, his mind reeling with a slew of thoughts, all while that man had already neared him, lowered his body into a crouch, and looked upon him with delight in his gaze. “I’m back.”

With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

_{With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”}“No, he needs to stay awake. That woman hasn't sent a cent yet.” Yet another distinct voice sounded. “I’ll call her again later and get the brat to make some noise. So let’s see if she can handle that.”

With a smirk tugging his lips, Qin Mo asked, “Any idea who called you?”

_{“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”}“Good!” the man chuckled while reaching out a hand to caress Qin Mo’s face. “You’re much more compliant than that sister of yours, although you’re not as much of a looker.”

“I see.” The repairman nodded as he went to open his toolbox. Noticing the four men had trailed behind him to some degree, he asked. “Can you guys give me a hand?”

_{“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”}
“In there.” The repairman motioned to the bedroom with his chin while leaning against the wall. “That’s the only door that’s locked.”

“I guess I have.” Qin Mo then added, “I seem to be in a side room on the fifth or sixth floor. Be careful when you come.”

_{“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.}Just as that man stopped speaking, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the room, causing the expression of the yellow-shoed man to flip on a dime. Getting up, he strode out of the room and asked, “Who’s out there?”

“So you’ve met my sister?” Qin Mo was deliberate in his choice of words.

_{Qin Mo lowered his gaze, his mind reeling with a slew of thoughts, all while that man had already neared him, lowered his body into a crouch, and looked upon him with delight in his gaze. “I’m back.”}
With that, Shen Zhuoyun strode over and quickly unlocked the door.

Qin Mo lowered his gaze, his mind reeling with a slew of thoughts, all while that man had already neared him, lowered his body into a crouch, and looked upon him with delight in his gaze. “I’m back.”

_{The room wasn’t very large, being about the size of a side room in a regular residence. In addition, the higher placement of the window as seen from the inside, along with the view from outside, told him the residence was an apartment, one in a building about five to six storeys up.}“But there's a leak in the apartment below this one, and I just came from there!” the other man countered.

_{Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion}Looks like whoever they are has already contacted her. I guess this means I probably won’t die.

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

_{“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.}Qin Mo scooted himself back to the wall, remaining perfectly still, training his ears on the conversation beyond the door. From the voices, he was able to count four people in total, one of them clearly the leader of the bunch. From their words, Qin Mo understood that they were most likely just henchmen for the hire and that it was someone else calling the shots behind his abduction.

“Where’s Qin Mo?” Despite the indifference on his face and in his tone, those eyes showed traces of urgency.

_{“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”}Mr Yellow Shoe did as requested and stared down the drain for a long time but couldn’t see what rust the man was talking about for the life of him. Ready to ask the man about it one more time, he lost his chance to the thunderous thwack reverberating through his skull.

_{“Qin Mo.”}
The voice made Qin Mo’s body stiffen before his bound and huddled form twisted towards the door to see the slender figure standing at the threshold. His lack of glasses made the man’s face indistinct, but the strange feeling surging from the depths of his heart made him unmistakable. There was a sense of relief—as though his presence were expected—but also an indescribable jolt of trepidation.

“Qin Mo.”

_{Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”}Having his hopes dashed made Qin Mo never mention the smartwatch again. But Qin Zhen really took the matter to heart and did send him a watch with limited phone functions. It was an ordinary digital watch as far as anyone could see, but inside it had its own SIM card along with a GPS tracking chip.

Walking over to the drain and bending over to lift off the cover, the repairman pointed to a thin pipe. “Do you see that bit of rust there?”

_{Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”}
Qin Mo lowered his gaze, his mind reeling with a slew of thoughts, all while that man had already neared him, lowered his body into a crouch, and looked upon him with delight in his gaze. “I’m back.”

Mr Yellow Shoe spent a good while squinting from a distance before replying, “No…”

_{When smartwatches were released in China, a combination of high prices and incompatible functions made their initial sales quite poor. Those who could afford one weren’t keen on the idea of wearing something that looked like a cheap digital watch on their wrists, while those who did want to wear it could not accept the high price point for such an item.}“Oh, is that you, Mr Lu Chong?” The man standing outside called out, his tone bearing a faint trace of someone that’s not a local. “I’m here to fix the water pipe. Mr Lu Yongfu called me over and said that the key was with you.”

_{Mr Yellow Shoe frowned, calling out to the intruder, “Who is it?”}
Qin Mo finally got a clear view of the one before him. It was a face that was all too familiar and one that filled him with fright.

Mr Yellow Shoe frowned, calling out to the intruder, “Who is it?”

_{“Qin Mo.”}It took immense effort for him to just sit up straight, allowing him to get a better view of his surroundings, as blurry as they may be. It seemed to be a room in an unfinished house.

“Qin Mo.”

_{“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.}From the look of the door, it was thin enough to not block out much sound, which should mean that there was really no one outside.

“Yeah, we have, but we haven’t used it that much.” Mr Yellow Shoes replied with a nod as they entered the bathroom.

Author's Note:

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Notes:

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Updated on a Saturday. Raws: jjwxc

Bad Boys Boot Camp: V2-C59

Volume 2 | Chapter 06: Reunion

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