Chapter 17: Kidnapping

Chapter 17: Kidnapping

"Vibrating..."

Placed on the desk, the phone suddenly buzzed softly, its screen illuminating the dim study as the only source of light. Yu Zechuan, who had been dozing in his chair, slowly opened his eyes at the sound, his expression clear, indicating that he hadn't actually been asleep. He picked up the phone and glanced at the message, unsurprised by its content.

The island that Jiang Boyun had invested in was actually an abandoned development project from the early years of the Yinchuan Group. It was surrounded by abundant resources and boasted breathtaking scenery. However, after the elderly Mr. Yu secretly led a team to inspect the area, they discovered not only an alarming proliferation of venomous snakes but also geological issues. Despite having already established connections with shipping companies, they were forced to abandon the project.

The information was tightly guarded, known only to a select few.

Given Jiang Boyun's cautious nature, he would undoubtedly conduct thorough investigations. However, the exploration team Yu Zechuan had covertly bribed would always report back that the island was highly profitable and ripe for development.

Lin Hongjing, a close friend of the elderly Mr. Yu and a major player in the industry through the Dingyou Group, could tip the scales in their favor if he agreed to introduce Jiang Boyun to invest in nearby real estate projects. Once the true state of the island became public knowledge, not only would Jiang Boyun's billion-dollar investment be lost, he might even face massive loans from banks.

Nonetheless, the Yinchuan Group would suffer significant damage as well.

"But people are dead, does it still matter..."

Yu Zechuan chuckled softly in the darkness, his tone laced with endless sarcasm. He slowly opened the cigarette case, took out a slender white cigarette, and placed it between his lips. The friction of the lighter's sandpaper wheel ignited a flickering blue flame, illuminating his gloomy face.

With his right hand, Yu Zechuan manipulated the computer mouse. Through the haze of smoke, a barrage of data scrolled across the screen—records from years ago.

Ordered by Jiang Boyun.

Executed by Lu Yan.

The smoke seeped into his lungs, stinging a bit, causing his beautiful amber eyes to redden with bloodshot veins. His hatred was like an unyielding cough deep in his throat.

Yu Zechuan had spent a long time organizing the data on the computer; he had read it countless times and could even recite every number by heart. However, two names were intertwined like bones, impossible to separate from the rest.

Lu Yan's lies crumbled under the weight of these overwhelming evidences, vulnerable and powerless.

"You won't escape this…any of you," Yu Zechuan murmured at the screen, his voice devoid of excessive anger, only a calm acceptance, as if justice demanded a life for a life, debts to be repaid, and he was reclaiming what was rightfully his.

When Xue Jin arrived late at night, the ashtray on the desk was already filled with cigarette butts. Scenting the thick, irritating smoke in the air, he instinctively glanced at Yu Zechuan sitting behind the computer, a rare trace of struggle flickering in his eyes. "Zechuan, do you have to go?"

Yu Zechuan pulled out his chair and stood up, his pure black shirt hugging his now-skeletal frame. He stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, reaching out to touch the cold glass. The neon lights in the distance and the buzz of people seemed within reach, but they were separated by an uncrossable chasm.

His voice was low as he countered Xue Jin,

"Was I alive all this time just for this day? Should I go or not?"

Xue Jin took a step forward, looking anxious, "But Jiang Boyun has already fallen into our trap. It won't be long before his reputation is ruined. We don't need to... "

His words trailed off as he met Yu Zechuan's dark, fierce gaze. The rest of his sentence seemed stuck in his throat, any further word feeling like betrayal.

A fine sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead as Xue Jin clenched his fists. An internal struggle raged within him, until finally, he relented, closing his eyes defeatedly, "I'll go with you."

He repeated firmly, "I'll go with you."

This time, Yu Zechuan was silent. He gazed at the man who was both his brother and not, his emotions reaching a pinnacle of complexity. Although they had agreed to seek revenge together, as the moment approached, Yu Zechuan realized that Xue Jin was still different from him.

The other man had never been to prison, nor had he been stained with blood. If he could extricate himself from this vortex, he could still lead a clean life for the rest of his days. There was even a girl he loved waiting for him.

Desperation, having nothing - these terms applied solely to Yu Zechuan alone.

Due to excessive smoking, my voice has become hoarse.

"I told you, just get Jiang Boyun to sign the contract. Leave the rest to me."

Unexpectedly, Xue Jin held his ground, his eyes reddened as he growled, "I said it before, we'll handle things together. Or do you not even consider me your brother, thinking I'm unworthy of helping Grandfather avenge his death?!"

Yu Zechuan frowned. "I didn't say that."

Xue Jin's chest rose and fell irregularly. "Ze Chuan, you've finally come out. I truly don't wish for you to be stained with blood again. But if you insist on making Jiang Boyun pay in kind for his actions, I'll stand by your side!"

Silence blanketed the air.

Yu Zechuan remained silent, seemingly conflicted.

Seizing the opportunity, Xue Jin pressed on, "Ze Chuan, after Jiang Boyun goes bankrupt, he'll wish he were dead. Why dirty your own hands when you could let him fend for himself? With our combined abilities, the Yinchuan Group can surely rise from the ashes. Why risk your entire future for someone like that?"

Xue Jin's words held merit, but logic was merely logic – many understood it yet failed to act accordingly.

Observing Xue Jin's anxious expression, Yu Zechuan gave an ambiguous "mm" in response, "I'll think about it."

Xue Jin's tense expression finally relaxed, revealing a relieved smile. "That's right. Grandfather wouldn't want you to soil your hands for such a scumbag."

Yu Zechuan remained noncommittal. "Did you come here for something?"

Xue Jin's brows furrowed slightly. "Nothing much, I just dropped by to check on you. Jiang Boyun seemed peculiar today. He left with two bodyguards, and I'm not sure where he went."

Yu Zechuan asked, "Didn't you ask him?"

The mention of this made Xue Jin irritable. "Ever since that Lu guy spouted nonsense in the office, Jiang Boyun has been wary of me. If it weren't for the fact that he couldn't find a capable assistant at the moment, he probably wouldn't have let me work on the island project. I've told you before, he's no good. A liar through and through!"

Yu Zechuan looked down indifferently.

"I know."

"I never believed him."

Xue Jin was momentarily speechless. Recalling something, he placed the paper bag he was holding on the table. "You mustn't have had dinner again, right? I grabbed something for you from a nearby restaurant."

Without even glancing at it, Yu Zechuan replied, "Got it. It's late, so you should head back. You don't need to follow up on anything else. Get some proper rest."

Xue Jin sounded slightly concerned. "If... if you decide to take action, remember to let me know beforehand."

Fixing his gaze on Yu Zechuan, he didn't budge until he saw the other nod in agreement. Only then did he turn and leave with a sense of relief.

"Xue Jin—"

Just as he was about to reach the door, Yu Zechuan suddenly called out to him from behind.

Xue Jin instinctively turned back. "What's up?"

Yu Zechuan asked earnestly, "Have you ever been to prison?"

The question was rather random, leaving even Xue Jin momentarily confused. Before he could formulate a response, Yu Zechuan chuckled softly. "I was just joking. Go on, don't look back."

Although puzzled, Xue Jin didn't dwell on it and nodded before departing.

After Xue Jin left, Yu Zechuan returned to his desk and pulled out a share transfer contract from the drawer. The recipient's name was clearly written as Xue Jin's.

Years ago, before his imprisonment, Yu Zechuan had transferred half of his shares to Jiang Boyun, while keeping the other half. However, these assets held little value to him now. Passing them on to Xue Jin would serve a greater purpose.

The Yu family had once been affluent, their wealth flowing like a river to aid countless individuals. Yet, in the end, only Xue Jin, who barely qualified as an adopted son, remembered their kindness.

Yu Zechuan found the irony amusing.

He sealed the contract in an envelope and changed into a sleek, mobile outfit in his bedroom. Concealing a sharp dagger up his sleeve, he donned a mask and cap before silently slipping into the night.

It was nine o'clock in the evening. In an hour, most people would be at their sleepiest. However, Lu Yan was wide awake.

There was no other explanation – he had been kidnapped.

The surroundings were pitch black, with an air of dampness and decay, akin to a basement. Bound to a chair with a blindfold over his eyes, Lu Yan could only hear the thudding of his own heartbeat.

In that moment, he felt utterly hopeless. With only three days left until the thirty-day survival mission ended, he had been abducted on his way back to the hotel after dinner.

Only three days left! Only three days left!

Even someone as carefree as Lu Yan couldn't help but mentally bang his head against a wall. Why did he have to go out for dinner?! He wouldn't have died from skipping one meal! Now, he was about to dine on his last supper!

The recent calm had lulled Lu Yan into a false sense of security. Unconsciously, he tried to wriggle his wrists, the rough ropes cutting into his skin, serving as a stark reminder of his current predicament.

Who?

Just who had captured him?

Lu Yan leaned back in his chair, his breathing heavy. He rapidly sifted through possibilities in his mind. The first suspect that came to mind was Yu Zechuan, followed by Xue Jin, and then Jiang Boyun.

Regardless of which one of the three it was, he wouldn't have an easy time.

At this point, even waiting had become a form of bliss.

Lu Yan only hoped that the "kidnapper" wouldn't remember him too soon. Dying at this moment would be too pathetic. It was like playing a game – dying at the beginning was entirely different from dying at the final stage.

Yet fate seemed to be against him.

In the dead of night, Lu Yan was startled awake by footsteps drawing closer. He instinctively sat up straight, straining his ears to listen. To his surprise, those footsteps stopped right in front of him.

"..."

Even with his eyes covered, Lu Yan could sense a deeper shadow falling across his face.

His breaths were rapid from nervousness.

"Click."

A hand softly flipped the light switch on. Bright light pierced through the slits of the eye mask, more piercing than needles.

Lu Yan instinctively turned his head, but the mask was abruptly pulled off by someone. The sudden burst of white light left him dizzy. After a few brief seconds of adjustment, he reopened his eyes and finally made out the face of the intruder.