The narrow alley outside the old rental building smelled of damp concrete and yesterday's rain. Xu Feng's men didn't waste time on warnings.
The moment the door banged open, two of them stepped forward in unison. Electric batons crackled to life; blue-white arcs danced briefly before they connected with Cheng Yi's ribs.
A raw, animal scream tore through the night air and bounced off the close-pressed walls.
Inside the cramped bedroom, Qiu Hui jerked upright on the mattress. Pain lanced through her legs—she'd twisted an ankle earlier trying to run—and she collapsed halfway off the bed with a choked cry. Determination won over agony. She clawed forward across the gritty floorboards, fingers finally snagging the hem of Nie Rougang's trousers.
"Third Young Master—please—" Her voice cracked, wet with tears and terror. "Don't hurt him. I'm begging you."
