” Cui Yun!” Lu Tuo’s voice exploded from the other end of the phone! “Enough! Enough!” He roared frantically, raising his hand to smash the phone. He felt himself on the brink of madness. Suddenly, a faint voice came through the phone. “Tuo.” He froze instantly, unable to move. Cui Yun looked in astonishment at Dong Qin, who was supposed to be unconscious, now clutching the phone like a lifeline. She squinted, looking incredibly exhausted yet alluring. “Tuo… please save me…” she sobbed uncontrollably, “Please! Come save me!” She screamed in anguish, her fingers turning pale from gripping the phone too tightly. The world fell silent. No one spoke. Lu Tuo closed the phone, lost in a trance. Amidst his confusion, he felt an overwhelming urge, unsure whether to destroy everything that trapped him or to shoot Cui Yun full of holes. He suddenly stood up, shedding his tailcoat. Breaking through this predicament, even if it meant death, he wanted to see her one last time. He was so impulsive that he felt like his body might explode from the intense emotion. He wanted to see her, to embrace her, to hide her away where no one else could see her. Above the bathroom was an exhaust window, an escape route, but perhaps too small for him. After a long hesitation, Lu Tuo decided to abandon this route. He felt for the small pistol at his waist, for self-defense, with only five bullets. Gritting his teeth, he opened the door, jumped out the window, and sprinted through the snowy garden. Behind him, noise and shouts erupted. He heard nothing, only wishing to become the wind to reach her side in an instant. “Bang!” A sharp pain shot through his shoulder; first numbness, then a burning sensation, finally escalating into excruciating pain. Had those old men really shot him? He pressed on his wound, not looking back. Dong Qin! Dong Qin! He cried out in his heart. Gods above, please protect me! This one betrayal, this one madness in my life! Even now, he couldn’t define his feelings for her. But he would not let go, even in death! He moved nimbly like a rabbit, dashing through the garden and out the back door. Several gunshots rang out; he must have injured some guards. Mr. Cao was furious, coldly ordering everyone, “Inform Lawrence, we must capture Lu Tuo!” A valuable pawn was precious, but if one could not control that pawn, one must destroy it!
Cui Yun didn’t know what to do next. He took the phone from Dong Qin’s hand, closed it, and turned it off. She lay back, her face somewhat pale, yet she looked at him with a smile, a smile of pure delight that stung his eyes. He suddenly grabbed her face. “What are you laughing at?!” He roared uncontrollably, his hand pressing down, instinctively wanting to suffocate her in his grasp. This way, she couldn’t escape or laugh, and she would forever look at him with those dead, still eyes. Only at him! Always gazing at him! Dong Qin couldn’t breathe, stars flashing before her eyes as she struggled, pushing against him, but her resistance was futile; she could only twitch under his weight. Suddenly, Cui Yun came to his senses, releasing his grip, staring at his hands in disbelief. Had he really been moved by emotions for this inexplicable woman? Dong Qin coughed violently, laughing between coughs, feeling the most alive she’d ever felt. Cui Yun felt something inside him die, turning to ashes, leaving him empty. He could neither speak nor act, only watching her, as if to engrave her image in his eyes. There was actually such a person in this world! He had lived for twenty-four years, always doing as he pleased, treating humanity with disdain. Today, he had stepped into the greatest labyrinth, lost, unable to find his way out. She didn’t want him. This realization hurt his pride and his soul. Truly didn’t want him! He fell into a dreamlike state, lost and bewildered. After dressing and fixing his hair, he still felt everything was unreal. His plan had a fatal flaw. He had miscalculated Zuo Dong Qin, this woman. What kind of person was she really? Wild when reckless, suffocating in silence, cunning yet patient. He felt like he was facing a multifaceted mirror, where each angle presented a different image. Dong Qin lay on the bed, staring blankly at the small chandelier on the ceiling. Cui Yun felt powerless; he had no means to deal with her. He stood up, glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already past eight in the evening. With Lu Tuo’s skills, he should be able to find this place by ten. He turned back, “Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?” Dong Qin sat up, slipping into a somewhat wrinkled robe, and softly said, “Chinese cuisine, aren’t you good at cooking?” Cui Yun wanted to laugh, but his throat felt sour. He had once jokingly said he was skilled in Eastern cuisine, and she actually remembered. He shrugged, “Alright, I’ll cook. What dish would you like?” Dong Qin leaned against the bed, lazily responding, “Whatever you’re good at, that’s what I’ll eat. I’m not picky.” Suddenly overcome with emotion, Cui Yun went over and hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to meld her into his body. “Since you’re not picky, why isn’t it me?” he asked softly, suddenly realizing he was now in pain, the pain of wounded pride, the pain of being abandoned, and some other indescribable feelings. Dong Qin didn’t reply, and he quickly let go, turning to head to the kitchen. He didn’t come out until the meal was ready.
The doorbell rang suddenly, playing a cheerful waltz. Both were startled. Cui Yun glanced at the clock, just past nine, could it be Lu Tuo? He’s here so soon! Dong Qin straightened up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Cui Yun looked at her, then went to open the door. The door opened, and there was no one. He scanned around, about to close the door when a cold gun pressed against his forehead. “Where’s Dong Qin?” the bloodied man whispered. Cui Yun wasn’t surprised or alarmed, calmly saying, “You’re quicker than I thought, Lu kiddo!” Lu Tuo, half his body soaked in blood, looked pale, but his eyes shone brighter than the sun. Commanding, Cui Yun looked him over, smirking. “You look a mess! Those old men finally decided to move on you?” Lu Tuo pressed the gun harder against his head, coldly saying, “Enough talk! Give Dong Qin back to me!” Cui Yun raised his hands, smiling bitterly, “Okay, but at least put the gun down? Don’t scare that delicate girl.” Lu Tuo pushed him inside, his shoulder wound accidentally hitting the door, making him wince and lower his arm.
Cui Yun didn’t take the chance to overpower him, merely slouching onto the sofa, gesturing towards the bedroom. His tone was lazy with a hint of disdain. “She’s in there. Tsk tsk, look at you now, all for a woman like her? She’s not made of diamonds, nor a virgin. I’ve had her, and she’s not different from anyone else! I thought she was some kind of peerless beauty, but she’s just so-so! I’m done playing, she’s all yours!” His words caught in his throat as he caught sight of Dong Qin emerging from the bedroom. Cui Yun turned back, meeting her deep gaze, suddenly at a loss for words. This was a secret, wasn’t it? Only she and he knew his true feelings these past couple of days. His words were meant to hurt Lu Tuo, but perhaps he hurt himself the most.
Cui Yun abruptly turned away, his fingers tapping urgently on the sofa. “Alright, things have come to this. Lu kiddo, if you want to live, get out of here quickly! Margherita and her crew are on their way. Alexander and John are also coming. If you don’t want to die, get out of here fast…!” He took a deep breath, closing his eyes tightly, not wanting to see Dong Qin running into Lu Tuo’s embrace, a sight that deeply affected him. He feared he might lose control.
