Chapter 24: Long Jiwei

Chapter 24: Long Jiwei

On that day, Chu Ci received a call when he finished work, and to his surprise, it was from Han Qiang. Without any preamble, the man asked, "Are you free tonight? Would you like to join me for dinner?"

Chu Ci glanced at his wristwatch. "I'm sorry, but it's not possible right now. Han Yue he..."

He started with half a sentence, only to swallow the second half, a subtle hint of weariness in his tone that made the atmosphere rather nuanced.

Fully aware of his younger brother's almost obsessive possessiveness, Han Qiang chuckled awkwardly. "Then you go ahead and focus on your work. Take your time."

"Well, there's no need to talk about this over the phone – I'm currently alone. What's the matter? Has something happened to Sister-in-law again?"

"Sigh, you're a sensible person, so I won't hide it from you... Your sister-in-law is always paranoid at home, making it difficult for me to handle even simple tasks outside. Do you remember A'Ling from last time? She's already five months pregnant, and they say it's a boy."

"Hmm, having trouble dealing with it?"

Han Qiang sighed. "I was thinking of getting a house outside the Third Ring Road to settle her down, but I've been rather busy lately. You've heard from Han Yue, right? Lately, the old man has been urging us to keep a low profile, and your sister-in-law is overly suspicious. It's truly inconvenient for me to handle this matter personally. As you know, among all my friends, none are as cautious, meticulous, discreet, and reliable as you. After much thought, I realized only you could help me with this..."

Chu Ci smiled and frowned slightly. "Isn't it just secretly purchasing a house? Don't mention helping or not – it's a simple task for me."

Han Qiang was overjoyed and praised him repeatedly, "Great buddy! You're truly loyal! So loyal! Han Yue really picked the right person!" In his excitement, he forgot that Han Yue had coerced Chu Ci into doing it. By the time he realized his mistake, he felt awkward and quickly added, "Ah, don't take it to heart. I'll definitely thank you profusely once everything is done!"

Chu Ci's prompt agreement was unexpected for Han Qiang. After all, house hunting was physically demanding, and even more troublesome when it involved a woman. Most people would not be willing to do it. Moreover, this matter needed to be kept extremely secretive. Although Han Qiang's wife could not cause much trouble, if she found out, there would inevitably be another family conflict.

Han Qiang emphasized again and again not to let Han Yue know about this, nor should he reveal A'Ling's existence to anyone else. He feared that any leak of information might put his unborn son in danger. Only after a lengthy monologue did he finally hang up the phone.

Chu Ci slowly tossed his phone onto the passenger seat. He did not start the car or press on the accelerator, instead, he stared motionlessly at a floating dust particle in the air as if deep in thought. It was not until the last batch of office workers had left, and almost all the cars in the garage had driven away, that he slowly closed his eyes, a faint, cold smile appearing on his face.

It was nearing the end of August, and Chu Ci's birthday was approaching.

For this birthday, Han Yue had put in great effort. Technically, it was his first time celebrating Chu Ci's birthday with him. In the past two years, he happened to be stationed in the military and unable to make it. Last year, due to confidentiality regulations, he could not even make a phone call. To win Chu Ci's favor and redeem himself from the disastrous incident where he had caused Chu Ci to have internal bleeding during a birthday celebration, Han Yue decided to make this birthday grand, romantic, classic, and unforgettable, hoping to melt Chu Ci's icy heart.

Firstly, he reserved an ultra-luxurious courtyard in a rural resort. He arranged for large pots of colorful chrysanthemums, peonies, and camellias to be placed in the garden. He even had a temporary fountain installed, decorated with colored lights and ribbons. At night, when the fireworks lit up the sky, accompanied by the dazzling lights and flowing water, it would resemble a heavenly paradise.

Han Yue planned to take Chu Ci horseback riding on the grasslands during the day. He had carefully selected two gentle and purebred horses for them. In the evening, they would return to the courtyard, set off fireworks, and roast a whole lamb over a bonfire. The lamb, sourced from the resort's farm, would be freshly slaughtered and cooked, ensuring its tenderness and succulence. The meat, infused with oil, would be golden and crispy, so delicious that one might be tempted to swallow their tongue. Han Yue also prepared two bottles of fine rice wine. After the picnic, it would be late, and they could sleep in the next day since they had consumed alcohol the previous night.

Han Yue considered his plan flawless. The more he thought about it, the happier he became. A few days before Chu Ci's birthday, he couldn't resist ordering a pair of Cartier LOVE screw white gold men's rings from the store. What a clever idea! Once those rings were worn on the ring fingers, it would clearly signify that Chu Ci was taken. Who else would dare to entertain thoughts of pursuing him?

The day before Chu Ci's birthday, long before dawn, Han Yue eagerly got up to prepare everything. Only after everything was ready did he sit by the bed and pat Chu Ci's face. "Wake up, wake up, we're getting ready to leave. It's quite a drive."

Chu Ci irritably sat up, massaging his temples for a long while before lazily getting up to wash up.

He had a nonchalant attitude towards this celebration. Sure, it was great to go out and have fun for a day, but it would be even better if Han Yue wasn't his companion. If he had to spend his birthday with Han Yue, he'd rather stay at home, read books, watch movies, or even play games… At least then, he could immerse himself in his own world, not speak to or interact with Han Yue.

Han Yue pretended not to notice Chu Ci's resistance. Knowing that Chu Ci had a habit of drinking soy milk in the morning, he eagerly heated it up while Chu Ci washed his face, holding the cup by the side, ready to drive off as soon as Chu Ci finished.

It was still dark when they got into the car, not a hint of light visible. As soon as Chu Ci got in, he started feeling drowsy. Han Yue asked eagerly, "Want something to eat first? I've got steamed buns in a thermal flask, do you want them?"

Chu Ci sleepily shook his head.

"If you're tired, take a nap. I'll wake you up when we arrive."

In the past, when they went out together, Han Yue always drove. He had a habit of talking to Chu Ci while driving, and Chu Ci had to respond occasionally to show he was listening; otherwise, Han Yue felt ignored and, if in a bad mood, would use anger to draw Chu Ci's attention.

Chu Ci inwardly exclaimed, finding it odd how accommodating Han Yue was today. Was it genuine?

After much deliberation, he decided not to take the risk and shook his head. "I'm not tired."

Han Yue glanced at him and said, "You're not sleepy yet? Your eyes are barely open. Go to sleep. Cover yourself with the jacket; it's a bit chilly in the morning."

Chu Ci fell silent, turning his head to look out the window as the sidewalks blurred past. After a few minutes, he couldn't hold on any longer. His eyelids grew heavy, and his head nodded gently.

In his drowsy state, he heard Han Yue sigh softly, a hint of amusement in his voice, "See, my temper is much better now, isn't it...?"

...Goodness is fleeting, but wickedness endures forever.

Chu Ci thought this to himself but didn't voice it out. Before long, he sank into a deep slumber.

The gentle rocking of the car made sleep even more inviting, and Chu Ci slept soundly until he was awakened by the rising heat.

It might have been an illusion, but the air inside the car seemed to be growing warmer, despite all the windows being rolled down. Tiny particles, like faint electric currents, seemed to be circulating in the air, causing his skin to prickle and his mind to feel restless.

Chu Ci tried to fall back asleep but found it impossible. Something felt off, and he whispered, "Han Yue..."

"You're feeling hot, aren't you?" Han Yue had already removed his thin outer shirt, rolling up his sleeves to reveal his tanned, muscular arms. "There's nothing I can do. The AC is already on. Even with the windows open, it's just hot air blowing in."

Chu Ci glanced out the car window. Dawn had yet to break, and the sky was tinged with a pale grayish-white. They were driving along a winding mountain road, with steep slopes bordering the highway. Aside from their Mercedes, there wasn't another vehicle in sight.

"Did you take a wrong turn?"

"No, it's this route," Han Yue said, hesitating after his words. "Maybe you should check the GPS."

Chu Ci retrieved the GPS from his small luggage and glanced at it. "It's broken."

Han Yue's expression changed, snatching the GPS away before abruptly slamming on the brakes.

The inertia pushed Chu Ci forward, causing a sudden sharp pain in his abdomen. He was unable to describe the sensation; it felt as though a venomous snake had pierced through his body in an instant. Every muscle, every inch of skin, from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes, was engulfed in agony, as if he were being roasted in a blazing fire.

Before Chu Ci could even cry out, he collapsed onto the car seat. His fingers spasmodically clutched the leather seat, vaguely aware of someone's arms wrapped tightly around him. It took a few seconds for him to realize that it was Han Yue.

He attempted to open his eyes, but everything was a blur, and he could see nothing. The haziness was actually caused by cold sweat trickling down his forehead and into his eyes. Through his daze, he discerned that Han Yue didn't look much better. The intensity of the pain had distorted Han Yue's features, and his muscles were severely convulsing. Still, he gritted his teeth, enduring the torment, and pulled Chu Ci's white coat from the backseat, draping it over him.

"Get out!" Han Yue shoved Chu Ci, bellowing, "Run back once you're out. Don't turn around, no matter what you hear. Hurry!"

Chu Ci couldn't even stand, let alone sit upright. He wanted to ask what was happening, but the moment he opened his mouth, he coughed out a mouthful of blood!

Chu Ci wasn't aware of the blood, his senses numbed by the excruciating pain and dizziness. His body went limp, and he slumped into Han Yue's arms. "Chu Ci!"

That scream was utterly heartrending.

Han Yue came from a family of soldiers, having guarded borders, served abroad, and fought on battlefields, killing without blinking an eye. Yet, he was now so terrified by this mouthful of blood that his limbs turned weak, his mind blank. It wasn't until Chu Ci slumped into his arms that he shuddered violently, enduring the excruciating pain to pinch himself fiercely, forcing himself to calm down.

Three Hongqi cars had, at some point, slowly driven onto the road in front of their car and stopped about fifty meters away. The window of the middle car was halfway open, but it was too dark inside to discern who was seated there. The moment the other two cars stopped, their doors opened, and several people in radiation protection suits rushed out, confronting Han Yue and his group from a distance.

Han Yue, however, didn't spare them a glance. Instead, he fixated on the motionless Hongqi in the center and bellowed fiercely, "Long Jiwei, I'll leave myself at your mercy! But there's someone else in my car, you have to let him go!"

One of them, seemingly the leader, stood between Han Yue and the Hongqi car, addressing him loudly, "Apologies, Second Young Master Han, Director Long's order is for a secret operation. Regardless of who's in your car, they must be dealt with, and no trace can be left behind. 'Old Long' will awaken soon, so for your safety, it's best to quickly leave that vehicle."

Han Yue's expression darkened as he gritted his teeth, "Damn it, you dragon bastard! To drag in even Old Long, you're going this far to exterminate us! This beast..."

The leader's tone shifted, now clearly issuing a threat, "Please don't act rashly, Second Young Master Han! Your parents are still in Beijing!"

"Fuck off, my parents spent their lives in revolution; what can you do to them?!" Han Yue felt Chu Ci's pulse and, seeing the dire situation, made up his mind, "Damn it! Long Jiwei, I'll risk everything today! If you've got the guts, kill us both!"

The leader saw that Han Yue wouldn't surrender willingly, finding the situation challenging. Controlling Han Yue would be the most devastating blow to the Han family. To defeat the entire clan, they needed to capture Han Yue alive today and extract enough evidence from his mouth to devastate the Han family.

But Han Yue refused to leave the car, complicating matters. Should they really kill Han Yue along with whoever was in the car? Political struggles typically ended with the downfall of an entire family, and merely eliminating one Han wouldn't significantly impact the struggle against the interconnected families.

The leader was about to seek instructions when suddenly, Han Yue's car roared to life. In an instant, it accelerated and turned around. How could this be? With such intense particle radiation, one should be writhing in agony, unable to decide whether they wanted to live or die. Simply not collapsing on the ground would be considered an act of immense willpower. How could he possibly still have the strength to drive?

"Chief Long! The target is attempting to escape. Should we...?"

From within the silent red flag car in the middle, a deep command was heard: "Pursue."

The car on the left immediately revved up and sped after Han Yue.

At this time, dawn had started to break. On the dim mountain road, the two cars were nearly tailgating each other as they raced downhill at breakneck speed. This distance was far from being safe from the radiation's impact. Han Yue's organs felt as if they were being crushed, and his muscles were sliced by countless blades. A mouthful of blood rose to his throat but was forced back down with gritted teeth.

His mind was completely unable to focus, so much so that he couldn't even grip the steering wheel properly. If he stopped now, he would surely be caught. However, even if captured, he wouldn't die. Long Jiwei's target was the entire Han family, not just him alone.

But if he were caught, given Long Jiwei's tendency to eliminate any potential threats, Chu Ci would likely not survive.

A sharp hairpin turn loomed ahead on the downward slope. By now, Han Yue had lost all sense of awareness. He could only watch helplessly as the car veered off course. Due to the terrifying speed, the car was pulled by an uncontrollable centrifugal force straight towards the cliff!

Even if Han Yue slammed on the brakes at this point, it would be too late. Surprisingly, his mind was clearer than ever in that moment, with only one thought racing through his head.

Damn it, if Chu Ci dies, I won't live alone either.

A sudden, thunderous crash shattered the tranquility of the early morning highway, its origin seemingly plummeting towards the cliffside. In an instant, a flurry of startled birds took flight, their wings rustling amidst the forest's foliage.

The leader of the group hurriedly approached the red sedan and whispered near the partially opened window, "Director Long, the target vehicle has overturned and rolled down the cliff. Should we retrieve it?"

Long Jiwei, clad in a black overcoat, rested with his eyes closed in the spacious backseat. His face appeared surprisingly youthful, with an ambiguous gender-bending charm that defied age. His hair, too long for conventional norms, was tied into a bundle at the nape of his neck, cascading over the chair's backrest. His skin was slightly darker than average, and his features were more pronounced and intense, giving him an initial resemblance to a member of a minority ethnic group from the remote southwestern regions.

Long Jiwei fell silent for a moment before asking, "Are there any signs of life in the vehicle?"

His subordinate immediately replied, "Yes, both of them are still alive."

"Go retrieve it."

"Acknowledged!"

Just as the subordinate turned to leave, the chauffeur of the red flag car received a call. After listening for a moment, he passed the phone to Long Jiwei. "Director Long, Deputy Minister Yu wants to speak with you."

Long Jiwei frowned and answered the call in a less than pleasant tone. "Hello?"

The person on the other end seemed to have said something that displeased him. His expression darkened. "What do you mean Commander Han has already been restrained in Taijiang? Is there still someone else from Beijing, Han Qiang?... Don't bother about where I am now... So what if I didn't file a report? I'll explain myself to the higher-ups when I get back..."

He paused, his jaw tensing slightly, "—Alright, I got it. Meet me at the research institute in an hour."

He hung up the phone with a heavy thud, his expression as cold as ice, "Let's go."

The driver asked softly, "Shall we still proceed with the recovery operation?"

"Forget it." Long Jiwei closed his eyes and after a moment, let out a cold hum, "They claim it's about control, but in reality, they still want to protect the Han family. These aristocratic families..."

As if sensing Long Jiwei's displeasure, the cuff of his sleeve moved on its own.

It was anything but a normal movement. The driver happened to catch it in the rearview mirror and his expression instantly changed. "Chief Long! Old Long is—"

Long Jiwei flicked his sleeve and softly uttered an admonishment in Miao language. Whatever was inside his clothing wriggled for a moment before falling still.