Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“One pill a day, and in three days you can be discharged. I’ll be leaving now,” Wen Xin said, her tone calm but firm.
She turned to look at Mu Chengxi, who stood up from the sofa and walked over to her. Together, they left the hospital room, holding hands.
As they walked down the corridor, Mu Chengxi noticed that Wen Xin still seemed somewhat upset. In a gentle tone, he asked, “Did Yuan Junye intentionally let himself get captured by the Shadow Alliance?”
“Not exactly intentional,” Wen Xin replied, her voice carrying a mix of irritation and concern. “The Shadow Alliance’s movements are unpredictable. Even the people from Truth Listener couldn’t detect their entry into China. Yuan Junye likely didn’t know either. He probably acted after overhearing the Shadow Alliance’s plans and decided to infiltrate the Independent State.”
“I’ve never fully understood how the Shadow Alliance managed to capture Uncle Tan. When I heard Yuan Junye had been captured by them, I was worried. But after seeing the video, I realized he didn’t resist at all.”
“This only means one thing: he allowed himself to be taken. I figured he wanted to plant a virus in the Independent State’s security network.”
“Although the Independent State’s cybersecurity has always been weak, they previously purchased technology from Continent M. After sanctions, Continent M stopped providing cybersecurity protection.”
“But this doesn’t mean the Independent State lacks IT experts. They would likely detect his project issues during testing. If discovered, it would mean certain death.”
“I don’t need anyone taking risks for me. I don’t want to owe anyone another life,” Wen Xin said, lowering her voice and speaking angrily. She had entered the hospital determined not to lose her temper, but upon seeing Yuan Junye’s wound, she couldn’t help but flare up. If it weren’t for the Independent State’s advanced medical skills, Yuan Junye might have lost his life.
Mu Chengxi understood Wen Xin’s feelings. He gently pulled her into his arms, patting her back to soothe her agitation. “Alright, he’s back now. There’s no need to dwell on it,” he said softly.
Leaning against Mu Chengxi’s chest, Wen Xin spoke in a muffled voice, “Mu Chengxi, promise me you won’t put yourself in danger for my sake. I want you by my side until the end.”
Her clear eyes stared at the hospital entrance, knowing that today’s peace might soon be disrupted.
Mu Chengxi, touched by Wen Xin’s rare display of vulnerability, lowered his head and kissed her cheek lightly. “Don’t worry. I won’t be in any danger. I’ll protect you well,” he assured her.
“Alright, let’s go home,” Wen Xin said softly, pushing herself away from Mu Chengxi. She took his large hand in hers, and together they walked out of the hospital.
When they reached the parking lot, the van that had been parked behind their car was gone. Mu Chengxi opened the passenger door for Wen Xin, but she shook her head and didn’t get in.
“You sit in the car; I’ll drive,” Wen Xin said, taking the car keys from Mu Chengxi. She settled into the driver’s seat and started the car, smoothly driving away.
As the car cruised through the night streets of Beijing, the usual daytime hustle and bustle had faded, and there were few vehicles on the road.
Wen Xin didn’t head toward Zhi Lan. Instead, Mu Chengxi noticed two cars appearing in the rearview mirror. He smiled, realizing his clever little ancestor had already sensed something was amiss.
“Head to the outskirts. It’s easier to handle things there, and there won’t be anyone around,” Mu Chengxi suggested, pointing to the car’s built-in navigation. He set a precise location for Wen Xin to follow.
After setting the route, Mu Chengxi opened the glove compartment, pulled out a handgun, checked its condition, and retrieved two magazines, placing them in his coat pocket.
“Stay in the car when we arrive. I’ll handle the rest,” Mu Chengxi said, watching the van trailing them closely in the rearview mirror.
He noted that this van was different from the one that had followed them earlier. This second group looked more formidable, especially the bearded foreigner in the passenger seat.
The car came to a stop in an open area on the outskirts of the city. Wen Xin glanced at the gun in Mu Chengxi’s hand, her expression showing no surprise.
“They probably want to negotiate. If they wanted to attack, they wouldn’t wait until now. Put the gun away and see what they want,” Wen Xin advised, retrieving a small weapon from her backpack and slipping it into her pocket.
Sure enough, after Wen Xin concealed her weapon, someone knocked on the car window, their movements rough and impatient. Mu Chengxi reached out to lower the window, but Wen Xin stopped him.
“Wait, we can’t take them on by ourselves.”
The people outside all had guns. Even with Mu Chengxi’s skills, they stood little chance. It was better to wait and see what the negotiators wanted.
Wen Xin glanced at the people surrounding her car. She knew that Mu Chengxi’s car was explosion-proof and bullets could not penetrate it. She could buy some time.
Wen Xin pressed a button to lower the window slightly, just enough for her voice to be heard outside. “What’s your purpose? If you want to negotiate, show some sincerity.”
Her calm and unhurried tone irritated the men outside. They felt that they were the ones in the dominant position, while the two people in the car were just lambs waiting to be slaughtered.
One of them shoved a gun barrel through the window gap, clearly annoyed by her demeanor.
Wen Xin, unfazed by the gun, flicked a silver needle from her fingers through the gap, striking the man’s chest. He collapsed instantly.
The other men surrounding the car panicked, some rushing to check on their fallen comrade.
Quickly seizing the moment, Wen Xin grabbed the gun from the car window and closed it tightly. She examined the weapon, recognizing it as a newly released model that was not from Institute 26.
“It’s clear now that the Shadow Alliance’s funding comes from weapons,” Wen Xin remarked casually, handing the gun to Mu Chengxi.
He looked at her, puzzled by how she reached that conclusion from just one gun.