Chapter 129: Falling into Hell
December 27th, Friday.
The world before me is a gray and chaotic space, a jumble of distorted images and shadows, like fragmented photos drifting aimlessly through the void, occasionally pieced together in bizarre ways, only to quickly separate again.
Among these torn fragments, I see my mother, Hao Xiang, my father, Zhong Hai, my brother, Zhong Jing, as well as various leaders, colleagues, and comrades from the dark arrow, and occasionally a silhouette of a black-haired girl floats by, drifting alone in a corner, sometimes near, sometimes far.
I seem to hear voices in my ears, disordered and chaotic, some male, some female, some speaking rapidly, others slowly, with peculiar intonations.
I, Meng Huai, feel my body is soft and limp, rising and falling in this world, as if sitting in a rocking chair. But no matter how hard I try, I cannot open my eyelids, much less sense the existence of my limbs.
……
Two members of the Black Blood clan servants tossed the unconscious Meng Huai heavily onto the basement floor, followed by a large travel bag thrown into a corner.
“Damn it, is this guy part of the Apennine lineage? He requires twice the dosage of anesthetic.”
Looking at Meng Huai sprawled on the trash pile, the young man couldn’t help but complain. The other middle-aged man lit a cigarette, looking very relaxed, “Who cares about that, next we’ll see how Brother Pang and Big Brother Zhu handle it.”
“The stuff in that bag, Brother Pang hasn’t sorted through it yet. Why don’t we take a look first…”
The young man’s eyes darted toward the travel bag in the corner, revealing a glimmer of greed.
“Are you trying to get yourself killed? You want to take advantage of Brother Pang’s spoils?”
The middle-aged man’s expression changed, fearfully glancing back at the basement entrance. “This guy is a dark arrow who smuggled back. Whatever benefits there are, they have to go to Brother Pang and Big Brother Zhu first, you understand?”
“Hey, hey, does a bottom-serving servant like us get to share any of that?”
The young man licked his lips, his facial muscles twitching in a grotesque show of excitement.
“Come on, give him another shot to avoid any errors.”
Another unknown syringe was injected, but the tall youth on the floor showed no reaction, as if he was still asleep.
The basement door opened, and the fat man who had ambushed Meng Huai walked in with two others. Seeing the unconscious young man deep in the basement, he grinned and moved to the side. A few seconds later, another middle-aged man, dressed very ordinarily, appeared.
“Pang Yun, give him a lineage test… use the latest reagent from North America.”
Zhu Bixian sat down on the steps at the entrance of the basement, lit a cigarette, and bore a sinister smile.
Pang Yun grabbed a small bag from someone nearby and walked over. Minutes later, as Zhu Bixian lit a second cigarette, Pang Yun suddenly stood up, stomping on Meng Huai, clearly furious about the test results.
“Damn it, how odd! I thought he was something valuable! Such bad luck, to encounter a mixed breed from Altai-Apennine! A mongrel!”
“I told you it was strange. Someone like him, a dark arrow, could clearly thrive in any gang but can’t manage to survive and runs back here…”
And I said we could train him into one of us using Linglong San, but it turns out he’s just a pretty face without any substance; looks like he’ll have to be eaten.”
Pang Yun cursed and walked to the side, wearing an expression of extreme disappointment.
Mixed breed? Wait a minute…
Zhu Bixian came down and squatted next to Meng Huai, using one hand to grip his chin, scrutinizing him for a few seconds before a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: “Give him North America’s growth drug, let him grow faster…”
Upon hearing this, all the members of the Black Dragon Society in the basement were dumbfounded, not understanding what he meant.
These were all Zhu Bixian’s confidants, knowing that he was different from that Cao Da of the domestic circle who had chosen to align with the James family in North America, gaining access to many special blood clan secret medicines. But to use such a high-end growth elixir effective even for barons and above on a useless mongrel seemed like a huge waste.
“A mixed breed is still a rarity, especially a rare blood type. His blood itself is a great growth drug that can be sold for hundreds of thousands a month… Isn’t he the best material for creating blood humans?”
As soon as those words fell, the people around looked enlightened again. This meant that this rare blood type mixed breed was a steady source of income, and even if not sold, could be used to reward internal brothers, which was quite beneficial.
“The anesthesia is too expensive, don’t use it anymore. Throw him into captivity, just break his limbs one by one, but be careful not to hurt his foundation. Feed him some medicine and blood food every other day, take good care of him, hehe…”
Zhu Bixian laughed as he stood up, his gaze falling again on the large travel backpack in the corner.
“Take that bag to my room, we’re done here, everyone go do what you need to do!”
Zhu Bixian didn’t take another look at Meng Huai on the floor, dashed out of the basement, and climbed several flights of stairs, finally reaching a balcony, leaning against the railing, taking out a cigarette, and looking out at the surroundings.
During the day, the old streets appeared more vulgar and shabby, with noise and gaudy makeup everywhere, accompanied by the bustling sounds of people and vehicles.
This was Zhu Bixian’s comfortable paradise as an underground local emperor, drawing nourishment from both the normal world and the blood clan world.
……
At the same time, Han Jieqian, dressed in police uniform, drove into Y Province’s B City in Yueguan Town.
At the front desk of a certain KTV, Yang Jiu continued to hug a young girl while watching an online drama, also mischievously touching her, making her giggle incessantly.
“Who’s operating during the day? What are they doing coming here…”
Seeing someone’s shadow coming up the stairs out of the corner of his eye, Yang Jiu impatiently shouted. But he seemed to feel it was off and quickly turned to take a closer look, immediately standing up with a fake smile while reaching for a cigarette on the front desk.
“Oh, it’s a police officer… didn’t we just pass our annual inspection last month?”
Saying this, Yang Jiu pushed the young girl beside him, shoving her into a small door behind him.
“Are you Yang Jiu?”
Han Jieqian frowned and stepped closer to the front desk to scrutinize the shabby man with half a sleeve tattoo.
“Uh… yes, may I ask who you are, leader…”
This call sign was known only in the underground world. The policeman in front of him, being an ordinary person, could only be a dark arrow.
For a special broker like Yang Jiu, encountering dark arrow members wasn’t anything unusual; he had sold many border smuggling tips to them, totaling close to thirty times.
“Stop wasting time. Have you seen this person?”
Han Jieqian skimmed the depths of the KTV and raised a photo in his hand.
The photo featured Meng Huai, dressed casually, tall, handsome, and with a stern expression.
This person is named Li Huai, probably a fake name, a wandering blood clan who smuggled back to the country. Based on the clues, it was found that he had come to Yueguan Town a few days ago. I suspect he came here.
Han Jieqian placed the photo on the front desk, coldly watching Yang Jiu’s fawning face, feeling his heartbeat slowly quicken.
This person… doesn’t ring a bell… never came here. Definitely not! I have a good memory; even if I only saw him once, I could recognize him within a month!
Yang Jiu secretly swallowed and looked at the photo several times, still maintaining a confused look.
He couldn’t admit to it, and moreover, there was someone like Pang Yun, a dark blood who would kill without blinking. Who knew when this Li Huai was targeted by both the Black Blood clan and dark arrow.
If you encounter him, just call this number… The whereabouts of this person leave no room for negotiation; I hope you won’t walk a tightrope.
Han Jieqian suppressed his inner disappointment, dropped a business card, and turned to leave.
“Now, anyone can’t dare to act tough with me… As if I have nine lives, it’s impossible to say Li Huai was targeted by Pang Yun of the Black Dragon Society… What a frustrating thing, it would have been better to die abroad instead of returning to give me trouble…”
Yang Jiu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, cursing under his breath.
Feeling a surge of unnamed anger rising in him, Yang Jiu turned and ducked into a small door, planning to find the young girl from before to ease his mind, to vent his frustration.
……
……
Saturday marked Zhou Ping’s day off, and it was also the first day Jiang Yao accompanied Zhou Ping to live according to Wan Yue’s instructions.
After selling her house, Zhou Ping moved into a high-end apartment in W District. In terms of decoration and living environment, it wasn’t much of a downgrade.
After being discharged from the hospital, Zhou Ping’s mood had been down. The once bright and sunny short-haired beauty had become disheveled, looking lost except when in the club; once she got off work and returned home, she seemed a shadow of her former self.
After dinner, Zhou Ping still quietly busied herself in the kitchen, while Jiang Yao took her phone and sneaked into the bathroom to contact Zhong Jing.
Yao Batian: Scumbag, think of a way! I don’t know how to comfort people! (biting handkerchief JPG)
Yao Batian: If Xiao Ping stays like this for more days, I’ll break down! (flipping table JPG)
Her fingers were rapidly tapping on the screen, and Jiang Yao’s expression was awkward.
Ding Dong!
Lawless Outlaw: I’m outside… Let’s take her shopping! When women are happy, shopping; when they’re not, shopping even more!
“Ah? Buy stuff?”
Jiang Yao rubbed her head with a conflicted expression.
Because she had previously gone shopping with Zhou Ping, finding the other’s shopping frenzy exhausting, just thinking about it was a headache.
Buying things, shouldn’t you first think about what to buy, then get it and leave?
……
Not far from the apartment building, there was a large commercial center. Zhou Ping had no objection to Jiang Yao’s proposal, although the coldness and dullness in her eyes were still clearly visible.
Without the previous tireless wandering, today Zhou Ping quietly followed Jiang Yao, wherever she went, losing the strong initiative she once had. This made Jiang Yao feel more at ease, yet also more awkward.
In yet another fashion accessory store, Zhou Ping finally broke away from Jiang Yao, casually strolled before the counters, examining each item closely.
“Xiao Yao, your birthday is the day after tomorrow, this would suit you perfectly…”
A purple crystal gold necklace worth over two thousand yuan caught Zhou Ping’s eye as the gift. Without any sense of discussion or trying it on, she directly paid and handed the packaged box to Jiang Yao.
“I’m not sure how you plan to celebrate your birthday, but I might not be able to make it for some things, so happy birthday in advance…”
Zhou Ping smiled faintly, a forced smile that was somewhat heartbreaking.
“Don’t do that, Xiao Ping!”
Jiang Yao didn’t even look at it and swiftly snatched the gift box, pulling her into the empty fire escape.
“Xiao Ping, did that scum deceive you?”
Jiang Yao, with a fist on Zhou Ping’s shoulder, her eyes flashing with a hint of anger, said, “What’s there to worry about? It’s good to cut ties with such a person. In a few decades, we can dance on his grave!”
“Hmm, I was a bit careless. He took money from several people and gambled it away, he didn’t invest in that escape room at all…”
Zhou Ping smiled, her emotions finally returning to normal. Her tone was very calm: “I’m over thirty now, not a child. I can learn from my foolishness. In fact, he doesn’t have other bad habits and has treated me well, just too naive; maybe he was set up.”
“I’ve completely broken it off with him. I sold the house and paid off his gambling debts; I won’t have any dealings with him anymore. Consider it giving him another chance due to our six-month relationship. I am a blood clan—my life is much longer than his; I have room for trial and error.”
“I just feel sorry for borrowing money from Brother Zhao and dragging Xiao Mo and Xiao Xia down with me. I’ve disappointed everyone… Thank you for accompanying me; I’m not as fragile as you think.”
Saying this, Zhou Ping tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling through her tears.
“You and Sister Wan both said that in the past, Hyacinth would occasionally face similar accidents… Once Brother Zhao Peng wakes up from his slumber, we’ve gained another baron, and there won’t be any more dangerous situations.”
Jiang Yao didn’t know how to comfort her and could only awkwardly offer the optimistic thoughts she had.
“Yeah, and you and Xiao Yan. I heard that a while ago, just the two of you resolved many actions that were previously troublesome for us. I’m glad Hyacinth has you both.”
“As for me, I can start over. Last time Sister Ai handed out operation bonuses, I also got over a hundred thousand. With you all by my side, it won’t take long to save up for another house, right?”
Zhou Ping’s mood became increasingly normal, even restoring her charming sunny smile, appearing to have stepped out of the shadows.
“Hey, I think so too! Let me tell you, from November until now, Brother Zhao Peng has given me over seven hundred thousand… If you want to buy a house, come find me!”
Jiang Yao began to boast again, full of bravado.
“That’s settled then. You can’t not keep your promise when the time comes!”
The two women laughed, especially Zhou Ping, who directly linked arms with Jiang Yao, her once-lost feminine spirit returning while shopping.
However, as they turned, a flicker of melancholy passed through Zhou Ping’s eyes.
In the week since returning to the Army General Hospital in City C, Tao Qiaoer had appeared soul-less, sometimes crying silently, sometimes beating her chest and stomping her feet.
Han Xiao, carrying a bag of fruits, quietly walked into Tao Qiaoer’s hospital room, but the injured girl, leaning against the head of the bed, didn’t even look up.
“My dad was right; Meng Huai was already psychologically unhealthy; you have no responsibility,” Han Xiao sat at the bedside, gently pressing Tao Qiaoer’s hand, “Now the Xuanjia team depends on you; you must get through this, which is also what Meng Huai said before he left.”
Tao Qiaoer did not respond, staring blankly at the ceiling with a vacant expression.
“Xiao Tao, recall everything Meng Huai said and did in the last twenty-four hours before leaving, and tell me. Let’s sort out the issues together.”
Han Xiao thought for a moment but couldn’t help but voice the idea she had been holding in for a long time.
“Heh, does Team Han suspect Meng Huai did it on purpose?” Tao Qiaoer suddenly turned her head, a cold smile on her face, “I’ve followed Team Meng for two and a half years, and I know what kind of person he is.”
“Perhaps when the old captain left, Team Meng’s state was similar to mine? You Han family members are all so suspicious, always assuming the worst about people…”
While speaking, Tao Qiaoer sighed, covering her face with both hands, not wanting Han Xiao to see the tears that were now streaming down.
Alas, among us front-line combatants, who truly knows the secrets of headquarters? Who truly understands Meng Huai’s inner self within the Xuanjia team?
Seeing the subtle hostility Tao Qiaoer portrayed towards her, Han Xiao sighed helplessly.
“Team Han, if you found Team Meng, what would you do?”
Tao Qiaoer wiped her tears and suddenly asked.
Han Xiao was taken aback, as if she had never considered or dared to think about such a terrifying question.
“Team Han, there’s no need to answer that… I will apply to the higher-ups; if the first phase of the search yields no results, then any later investigation tasks regarding Team Meng will be handled directly by the Xuanjia team.”
Tao Qiaoer spoke as if she were the only one in the room, the gloom and pain on her face disappearing entirely, even smiling.
Han Xiao made no response, only gently patted Tao Qiaoer’s arm before leaving the hospital room.
“Sigh, it’s not just Meng Huai alone; the entire Xuanjia team has been haunted over the past five years. From the day Meng Huai became team leader, he has been weighing the ‘negative assets’ accumulated between himself and the team, and now it’s Tao Qiaoer’s turn…”
In the hallway outside, Han Jieqiang appeared before Han Xiao, staring at the closed hospital door and speaking meaningfully. The high-intensity pace of these days had begun to show on the face of the young officer, which was once vibrant but now bore hints of fatigue.
“So, you men from the Han family are all hard-hearted. Just a few days after calling each other brothers, you’ve treated him as an outsider.”
Han Xiao coldly shot a glance at her cousin, bypassing him swiftly and striding down the corridor.
“Third sister, do you particularly hope no one finds Meng Huai?”
Watching his older cousin’s retreating figure, Han Jieqiang asked softly, his expression unchanged.
Upon the conclusion of his sentence, Han Xiao’s steps halted. She slowly turned around, biting her lip, her mood low: “Xiao Qiang, for the first time, I hope Meng Huai’s incident is not an accident… If you and Dad are really hiding something, I would rather be happy.”
