"Rong Shaoze, if you die, who will take care of my mother! She’s the only relative I have in this world, and I can’t rest assured without knowing she’s safe. Please, help me settle her down first, will you?"
"No." He rejected the request without a second thought.
"If you’re dead, why would I care about anyone else? Xinlan, you’re the only one I care about, even if it’s your mother, I wouldn’t care."
Lin Xinlan was stunned, unable to utter a single word.
She understood that he didn’t want to watch her die before him.
But she certainly didn’t want to watch him die before her either...
Listening to their conversation nearing an end, the man laughed coldly, "The two of you really do have a deep love for each other. Rest assured, I will make sure you reunite underground as a ghostly couple. Rong Shaoze, are you ready? I’m about to shoot."
He lifted the rifle and aimed it at his body.
"Don’t!" Lin Xinlan suddenly struggled like a madwoman, grasping so hard at the hands restraining her that she felt her arm might be ripped off, the pain turning her face pale.
"Rong Shaoze, run, please!" She screamed desperately, her emotions uncontrollably intense, her composure completely gone.
Rong Shaoze’s heart ached with each pulse; he didn’t want to die, and he wanted even less for her to die.
But truly, he had no way out.
The Mafia was everywhere, and Lin Xinlan was in their grasp; what could he do other than wait for death?
If there was even the slightest chance to save her, he would not hesitate to take it, even if it meant trading his life for hers.
No matter how much Lin Xinlan shouted, Rong Shaoze remained silent; he didn’t speak again nor did he attempt to escape.
He stood erect on the ship, like an unwavering pine tree, resolute and tall.
The man held the sniper rifle steadily, the scope homed in on his right leg, and then pulled the trigger!
With a bang, the bullet struck his right thigh.
Rong Shaoze staggered, almost dropping to the ground.
He clenched his teeth and propped up his body, refusing to fall.
Even at a disadvantage, he would not allow himself a moment’s disgrace; a true man, if he must die, he would die standing!
"Sect Leader!" A few subordinates cried out in alarm, their eyes red with fury.
Rong Shaoze raised his hand to stop them from advancing and said calmly, "This is my own matter; it has nothing to do with you. As soon as you can, flee and don’t worry about me..."
He gave them a glance, a simple look that conveyed his intention.
As long as the green hills are there, one need not worry about firewood.
His death did not matter, but he must not let the Yanhuang Secret Sect fall.
Moreover, if they lived to return, they could still seek to avenge him.
Lin Xinlan’s face was ashen; she couldn’t even scream anymore.
Her mind was blank, her heart so pained she felt numb.
She watched Rong Shaoze intently, a trace of resolve flashing in her eyes.
Alright, if we must die, let’s die together...
Laughing into his headset, the man taunted, "Rong Shaoze, you truly are willing to die for a woman. I really didn’t expect the mighty Sect Leader of the Yanhuang Secret Sect to meet his end at my hands in such a way."
Rong Shaoze sneered, "I’m not dead yet; wait for me to die, then say all this."
"Heh, you’ve got spirit. But you’re not far from death. Your woman is in my hands; I don’t believe you’ll just wait around to die."
Rong Shaoze’s eyes hardened, filled with intense hatred.
"I’ve already been shot; tell me, how did you come to know of this transaction’s location?"
He hadn’t forgotten to clarify the reason; if he was to die, he wanted at least to die understanding why.