Chapter 17: The Returned White Moonlight (17)

Chapter 17: The Return of the White Moonlight (Seventeen)

Police records indicated that the missing person’s case was most likely an abduction or murder. If murder, it was probably driven by revenge or passion. However, Yun Jinqiu’s social circle was not complex, and he was very popular, always surrounded by people, making revenge an unlikely motive. Therefore, most suspected it was a crime of passion. Yet, to this day, Yun Jinqiu’s body had not been found.

As the saying goes, "If he’s alive, we want to see him; if he’s dead, we want to see the body." The police conducted a thorough search of City A for over half a month but found no trace of Yun Jinqiu. This strongly suggested he might still be alive.

If it were an abduction, the case would be simpler. Abductions are typically for ransom, and the kidnappers would usually contact the Yun family to demand money.

However, after so many days, there had been no word from the kidnappers. The case had reached an impasse.

Yun Jinqiu was last seen in the suburbs outside the city, but the task force only found an abandoned sports car there, with no signs of a struggle.

The sports car belonged to the Yun family, but the driver was not their usual chauffeur. The Yun family’s driver claimed he was knocked unconscious right after leaving home that day and woke up in the hospital, with no memory of what had happened.

Thus, the suspect likely impersonated the driver and drove Yun Jinqiu away. But what was their motive, their objective? No one knew.

If they sought money, why hadn't they contacted Yun Jinqiu’s parents? If they intended harm, why had no body been found, even with a reward of tens of millions (yuan) yielding no results?

Most importantly, they still had no idea who the suspect was.

The trail had gone cold, leaving everyone distraught.

The text messages from Yun Jinqiu finally offered a breakthrough. The task force began tracing the messages’ ID. However, after several days of investigation, they discovered the messages originated from Africa.

Africa’s network coverage was patchy, and with the cross-border nature of the case, finding Yun Jinqiu would be difficult. Once again, the trail went cold.

Perhaps, as Yun Jinqiu claimed, he was simply traveling in a remote tribe? Since he was due back in a few days, Yun Jinqiu’s parents decided to continue searching while they waited.

Upon hearing the news, Shang Wenyi stood outside the police station, lighting a cigarette with a heavy heart.

Tang Fei and others concerned about Yun Jinqiu were also at the police station awaiting updates. Seeing no progress, they couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Tang Fei sighed worriedly, but his gaze toward Shang Wenyi held a cold edge. However, he quickly concealed it, ensuring Shang Wenyi noticed nothing.

To avoid raising suspicion, Shang Wenyi did not rush back to the island. Instead, he stayed by Yun Jinqiu’s parents’ side, offering silent comfort.

Yun Jinqiu’s mother had grown visibly haggard during this time. She patted Shang Wenyi’s hand and sighed softly.

“As long as Xiao Qiu is safe, that’s all that matters.”

Shang Wenyi nodded. “He will be fine. Good fortune favors the virtuous.”

“I hope you’re right. I just want to see him soon,” Yun Jinqiu’s mother said, tears welling up in her eyes.

Mr. Yun held his wife comfortingly, patting her shoulder.

“We’ll see him in a few days.”

“I hope so,” she replied, her voice choked with emotion.

Shang Wenyi lowered his eyes and took a step back, subtly creating distance between himself and Yun Jinqiu’s parents.

Of course, he wanted Yun Jinqiu’s parents to be happy. But the idea of letting Yun Jinqiu return home was something he couldn’t bring himself to do.

Yun Jinqiu still didn’t love him. He feared that if he allowed Yun Jinqiu to go home, Yun Jinqiu would abandon him completely. So, he decided to wait a little longer. At the very least, he needed Yun Jinqiu to grow accustomed to his presence.

This time, when Shang Wenyi returned to the island, his demeanor was noticeably more aggressive.

Yun Jinqiu was thoroughly unsettled. He realized that Shang Wenyi genuinely intended to take things further. Yun Jinqiu’s mind went blank with fear.

“Didn’t you say we could take things slow? Why are you going back on your word now?” Yun Jinqiu asked, his face pale.

“Because many people outside are worried and eager to see you. So, we need to speed things up,” Shang Wenyi replied calmly.

Yun Jinqiu protested, “But I…”

“Didn’t you say you love me? We’ll have to cross this bridge eventually. Besides, I’ll be with you, so there’s no need to be afraid.”

As he spoke, Shang Wenyi casually removed his jacket.

Yun Jinqiu hadn’t expected Shang Wenyi to turn the tables on him. He stared nervously at Shang Wenyi, shrinking into the corner like a frightened kitten.

“Actually… we don’t need to rush. These things require mutual understanding. They can’t be forced,” Yun Jinqiu said, trying to steady himself.

“You’re right,” Shang Wenyi conceded. “But staying at this impasse isn’t a solution either. One of us needs to take the initiative. Since it won’t be you, it has to be me.”

Yun Jinqiu was momentarily speechless.

“But I’m not in the mood right now,” Yun Jinqiu said dejectedly.

Shang Wenyi paused, then leaned in, lifting Yun Jinqiu’s chin.

Yun Jinqiu held his breath, meeting Shang Wenyi’s gaze calmly.

Shang Wenyi let out a soft sigh.

“Then at least give me a definite answer. When will you be willing to accept me?” He paused before adding, “Haven’t you always wanted to go home? If we get through this smoothly, I’ll let you return.”

Yun Jinqiu’s heart stirred at these words. After hesitating for a moment, he said, “Give me three days to mentally prepare myself.”

“…Alright,” Shang Wenyi agreed. Three days wasn’t too long.

Seeing Shang Wenyi agree, Yun Jinqiu knew he had temporarily avoided disaster. But he still hadn’t figured out what to do next.

The next morning, Shang Wenyi left the island and visited the Yun family again. During this time, Yun Jinqiu’s parents had come to treat Shang Wenyi like a second son. With Yun Jinqiu missing, Shang Wenyi, as Yun Jinqiu’s closest friend, had become a source of comfort for Yun Jinqiu’s mother. Without Shang Wenyi’s support, she might have collapsed long ago.

They never could have imagined that this young man, who had been tirelessly helping them, was actually the mastermind behind the entire incident.

Tang Fei had also been visiting the Yun family frequently during this time, mainly to stay updated on the situation and to ensure he didn’t alert the suspect.

Shang Wenyi’s presence at the Yun family meant that Yun Jinqiu was alone on the island. If Tang Fei wanted to rescue Yun Jinqiu, now was the best opportunity.

City A was coastal, and after extensive investigation, Tang Fei finally located the island where Yun Jinqiu was being held.

The island was uninhabited, and Tang Fei never imagined Shang Wenyi would use it for such nefarious purposes. He sneered coldly.

That evening, the Yun family invited Shang Wenyi to stay for dinner.

On the desolate island, Yun Jinqiu sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the sunset with a sense of profound despair.

Damn it, when would he ever escape this godforsaken place? He was utterly sick of being controlled by someone else.

Just as Yun Jinqiu was growing frantic, a boat suddenly appeared on the horizon.

Yun Jinqiu rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things. How could there be a boat in this remote, deserted place?

But as the boat drew closer, Yun Jinqiu realized he wasn’t mistaken. There really was a boat on the sea!

Yun Jinqiu ran downstairs, his bare feet slapping against the floor. But Shang Wenyi had locked the villa's door tight, trapping him inside. If he missed this opportunity, he didn't know when he'd see a ship again.

Yun Jinqiu snatched a chair and heaved it at the door. With a loud "bang," the door didn't even budge.

Tang Fei got off the ship and spotted the villa on the hilltop, and immediately rushed over with his men.

"Boys, break the door down."

"Yes, sir."

Yun Jinqiu was still trying to figure out how to open the door when the villa's door was suddenly smashed open.

Tang Fei stood there, a power drill buzzing loudly in his hand. Yun Jinqiu jumped.

"Tang... Tang Fei?" Yun Jinqiu's face lit up as he looked at Tang Fei.

Tang Fei hadn't expected to see Yun Jinqiu as soon as the door opened. He was so overwhelmed he could barely speak.

"Jinqiu, I've finally found you!"

Yun Jinqiu opened his mouth but was momentarily speechless. When he saw Tang Fei, all he could think was: he was saved. He was finally saved!

Tang Fei stepped forward and hugged Yun Jinqiu excitedly.

Yun Jinqiu returned the hug just as excitedly. He took a deep breath, nearly crying with relief.

Damn, these days of being trapped in darkness were finally over.

Tang Fei wiped Yun Jinqiu's damp cheeks, held his hand, and voiced the fear that had been haunting him all this time.

"Come with me, let's go home."

Yun Jinqiu nodded, choking up. He had always been carefree and nonchalant, but Tang Fei had never seen Yun Jinqiu look so vulnerable. It pained him deeply, and anger simmered in his chest.

Shang Wenyi... you really deserve to die!

"Let's go home..." Tang Fei's heart ached unbearably. He tightened his grip on Yun Jinqiu's wrist, afraid Yun Jinqiu might disappear again.

Yun Jinqiu nodded again. He had long wanted to leave this damned place.

There were some clothes on the ship that Tang Fei had specially prepared for Yun Jinqiu. As soon as Yun Jinqiu boarded, he immediately changed into the new clothes. His previous outfit—a shirt and underwear—was a disgrace.

It was only after changing clothes that Yun Jinqiu truly felt like he had escaped.

The ship slowly set sail, and the sea breeze tousled Yun Jinqiu's hair.

Tang Fei sat beside him and asked softly, "So, what's the plan now?"

Yun Jinqiu fell silent for a moment.

"Let's go home first and rest properly. After that... report it to the police immediately." Even if Shang Wenyi was the protagonist of this world, he wouldn't take this humiliation lying down. How could Shang Wenyi get away with kidnapping him without paying a price?

As long as Shang Wenyi didn't die. If he died, this world would collapse.

"Oh, and there's one more very important thing," Yun Jinqiu said, glancing sideways at Tang Fei.

"What is it?" Tang Fei asked nervously.

"You have to send more men to search this sea area. There was someone who tried to help me, but Shang Wenyi shot him in the heart, and he fell overboard into the sea." Yun Jinqiu sighed. "I don't know if he's still alive, but I have to find him, even if it's just his body."

Tang Fei was utterly shocked by this and nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, I'll do everything I can."

Author's note: