Both of them immediately turned toward the sound.Cai Lang's expression hardened, while Suo Ran's shoulders tensed.A moment later,Qin Yue appeared through the doorway.She quickly looked behind her before stepping inside."There's no one in the corridor."Her voice was low."I checked the rooms on this side.Nothing.Nobody is coming this way."Han Yi looked toward her. "You're sure?"Qin Yue nodded."As sure as I can be,but that's exactly what worries me." She glanced around the room."It's too quiet.We've searched several sections and haven't found a single person."
Cai Lang slowly looked toward the corridor. "Then they're either not here..."He paused, his eyes narrowing."...or they know we're here."Han Yi looked at him."I was thinking the same thing."Cai Lang turned toward him."The cameras?"Han Yi shook his head. "Still active."Cai Lang's expression darkened."Then they could be watching us right now."Qin Yue glanced toward the camera in the corner."If they are,they haven't shown themselves."Han Yi stepped closer to the doorway and looked outside."That's what bothers me."
Cai Lang asked quietly, "You think the empty rooms are deliberate?" Han Yi nodded. "Maybe.They could be moving through another section while we're searching this one."Cai Lang looked back at Suo Ran and Jun Wei."Then we don't have much time." Han Yi met his eyes."No.We don't."A few seconds later,footsteps approached from the opposite end of the corridor.Zheng Rui appeared first,with Lian Ziho close behind him.
Zheng Rui frowned."Where did everyone go?"Qin Yue shook her head."I don't know, but we shouldn't stay here long."Lian Ziho looked toward Jun Wei and then back at her."So we leave now?"Han Yi immediately shook his head."Not yet."Lian Ziho's expression tightened."They're right in front of us,Han Yi.We can't keep standing here."Han Yi looked at him firmly."And I'm not asking you to leave them.I'm asking you to wait until we know how to get them out without walking into another trap."Lian Ziho clenched his jaw,but he didn't argue further.
Cai Lang remained outside door,his eyes moving slowly across the room.He studied the restraints around Suo Ran's wrists,the chair beneath him,and then the doors on either side of the room.His gaze finally stopped on the ceiling corner."There's a camera."Qin Yue immediately looked up. "Where?"Cai Lang pointed toward a small black lens near the upper wall."There."
Qin Yue stepped closer and narrowed her eyes."I see it,but the angle is strange."Han Yi walked toward the opposite side of the room and examined the camera."It covers most of the room,but not that corner."He pointed toward the narrow section beside the storage cabinet.Qin Yue moved there and looked back toward the camera."You're right.This entire area is outside its view." Zheng Rui glanced toward the corridor. "Then that's our blind spot."Han Yi nodded slowly."Exactly."He looked toward Suo Ran and Jun Wei."They placed both of them in the same room for a reason."
Lian Ziho frowned."You think they wanted us to find them?"Han Yi's expression remained serious."Maybe.Not necessarily because they wanted us to rescue them."Qin Yue understood immediately."They could be watching whoever comes for them."Han Yi nodded."Or waiting for us to expose everyone who came looking."Lian Ziho looked toward the camera with a hardened expression."Then we can't give them anything."Han Yi looked at him."That's why we're not rushing in."
Cai Lang's gaze remained on Suo Ran."How long can the cameras be disabled?"Qin Yue looked toward the surveillance panel outside."Not long.I can interrupt the feed,but if their system is monitored remotely,they'll know something happened."Han Yi asked, "How long?"Qin Yue hesitated."Maybe a minute.Maybe less."Han Yi nodded."Then that's what we have."Lian Ziho looked at him."And after that?"Zheng Rui glanced toward the corridor."We find the safest route out."Han Yi shook his head."No.We find the route first."He crouched near the door and examined the hinges and the floor around it."There are two doors.One leads back toward the corridor we came through.The other connects to the service passage."
Qin Yue came closer."The service passage would be safer if it connects to the old entrance."Han Yi nodded."That's our exit, but we don't know whether it's clear."Zheng Rui immediately said,"I'll check it."Han Yi looked at him."You won't go farther than the next turn.If you see anyone,you come back." Zheng Rui nodded."Understood."Lian Ziho looked at Cai Lang."And him?"Cai Lang answered before Han Yi could."I'll free them."
Han Yi looked at all of them."Listen carefully. We don't know how many people are still inside.We don't know if the cameras are being watched,and we don't know whether these empty corridors are actually empty." His eyes moved from one person to the next."We have one advantage right now. They don't know exactly where we are."Lian Ziho glanced at Jun Wei."And you want us to sit here and wait?"
Han Yi's expression hardened."I want you to keep Jun Wei and Suo Ran safe.No matter what happens,make sure neither of them gets hurt."Lian Ziho's jaw tightened."I'm not going to do anything reckless."Han Yi held his gaze."Then prove it."Lian Ziho fell silent for a moment before looking back at Jun Wei."What if they come before we're ready?" Han Yi answered immediately."Then we adapt.But nobody breaks formation because they panic."Lian Ziho looked toward the corridor."And if they come straight for them?"Han Yi's voice remained firm."You get Jun Wei away from the room. You don't stand there and fight just because you're angry."
Lian Ziho frowned."What about Suo Ran?" Han Yi glanced toward Cai Lang."Cai Lang will take him."Lian Ziho looked at Cai Lang for a moment."Then don't let anything happen to him."Cai Lang met his eyes."I won't."Lian Ziho's expression remained tense."I'm trusting you."Cai Lang's answer was quiet."I know."Qin Yue looked between them before turning back to the surveillance panel."And if the entire building is being monitored?"Han Yi glanced at the cameras. "Then they may already know we're here."
Qin Yue stopped with her fingers above the controls."If that's true,why haven't they come?"Han Yi looked toward the dark corridor."Because they may be waiting for us to make the first move."Zheng Rui's expression became serious."Then we should assume every empty hallway is being watched."Han Yi nodded."Exactly." Lian Ziho looked at Jun Wei."So how do we get them out without giving ourselves away?"Han Yi answered,"We create a gap.We move through it quickly,and we don't give them time to understand what happened."
Cai Lang looked toward the corridor."How long can you blind their cameras?"Qin Yue checked the controls."If the system is local,I can give us a minute or two.If someone is watching remotely,they'll notice the interruption almost immediately."Cai Lang nodded."Then don't give them a reason to look twice."Qin Yue looked at him."That's the plan."Han Yi turned toward Zheng Rui. "You take the corridor."Zheng Rui nodded."If I see someone?"Han Yi answered,"Don't confront them unless there's no other choice."
Zheng Rui's expression remained calm."And if they see me?"Han Yi looked at him for a moment."Then make sure they see you moving in the opposite direction."Zheng Rui understood immediately."I'll draw them away."Lian Ziho looked at him."Don't take unnecessary risks."Zheng Rui glanced at him."You just told me you weren't going to do anything reckless."Lian Ziho frowned. "I'm talking about you."Zheng Rui gave him a brief look before turning toward the corridor."I know."know."He took two quiet steps before stopping again."If something changes,I'll signal twice."Han Yi nodded. "Don't wait for confirmation if you have to move."Zheng Rui looked back at him. "Understood."
Cai Lang first checked the corridor,then the camera above the doorway,and the dark corner beside the wall.Qin Yue gave him a small nod from the surveillance panel.The camera had lost its angle on the room.Cai Lang quietly stepped forward.His shoes barely made a sound.He kept close to the wall,using the shadows between the storage shelves to stay out of sight.
Han Yi watched the corridor.Cai Lang reached the doorway and paused.He listened but there was no voices.He slowly leaned out and checked both sides of the corridor before pulling back."Clear!"he whispered.Han Yi gave a small signal.Cai Lang entered.He closed the door only halfway,leaving enough space to see the corridor,and then moved deeper into the room.He passed the scattered equipment and stopped behind a metal support column.
The emergency light flickered above him.Cai Lang waited again and distant sound came somewhere in the warehouse.He remained still until it faded.Then he crouched beside him and reached toward the restraints. Before his fingers could touch them,Suo Ran immediately pulled his wrists away as far as the bindings allowed.Cai Lang stopped."What are you doing?"Suo Ran's eyes darted toward the door.He stared at the corridor for a moment, then looked back at Cai Lang.Cai Lang followed his gaze and understood."You think someone could come back."
Suo Ran nodded.Cai Lang studied him for several seconds."You want me to leave?" Suo Ran nodded again.Cai Lang's expression became still."After everything I've been through to find you?"Suo Ran looked away.Cai Lang leaned closer and lowered his voice."Look at me."Suo Ran hesitated,but eventually raised his eyes.Cai Lang's expression softened slightly."I'm not leaving."
Suo Ran immediately shook his head and tried to speak through the tape.Cai Lang leaned closer to suo ran and caught the edge of the tape and slowly began removing it.Suo Ran's breathing became uneven as the adhesive pulled away from his skin.Cai Lang noticed the slight wince and slowed his hand.His other hand came up instinctively, steadying Suo Ran's jaw.Their eyes met.Cai Lang stopped for half a second,his fingers still against Suo Ran's skin.Suo Ran didn't pull away this time.He simply stared at him.
Cai Lang's thumb brushed the corner of his mouth,His gaze hardened when he saw the mark.Suo Ran's fingers slowly closed around Cai Lang's wrist,he was not pushing him away,but holding him there for a moment.Cai Lang looked down at his hand, then back into his eyes.Neither moved.Cai Lang's fingers shifted from Suo Ran's jaw to the side of his neck.Suo Ran's eyes lowered briefly to Cai Lang's hand before returning to his face.
Cai Lang's expression remained controlled, but his thumb moved once against Suo Ran's skin,almost unconsciously.Suo Ran tightened his grip on Cai Lang's wrist.Cai Lang leaned slightly closer,his forehead almost touching Suo Ran's,but stopped himself at the last moment.The sound of Jun Wei shifting in the other chair broke the stillness.Both of them immediately looked toward him.Cai Lang took his hand and straightened,his expression becoming cold again as though nothing had happened.Suo Ran watched him for a second longer before lowering his eyes.
Suo Ran took a breath."You shouldn't have come."Cai Lang looked directly at him."I know."Suo Ran's voice was weak."Then why did you?"Cai Lang's eyes remained on Suo Ran's exhausted face."Because you were here."Suo Ran stared at him,as if he hadn't expected such a simple answer.Cai Lang turned his attention back to the restraints. "Now stop moving."Suo Ran glanced toward the corridor again. "Cai Lang..."Cai Lang continued working. "What?"Suo Ran lowered his voice."This isn't safe."Cai Lang's fingers paused briefly."I noticed."Suo Ran's expression tightened."I'm serious." Cai Lang looked up."So am I."He resumed working on the restraint.
Suo Ran kept watching the doorway,his breathing becoming quicker. Cai Lang noticed."Still worried about me?"Suo Ran immediately looked at him."I'm not worried about you."Cai Lang raised an eyebrow.Suo Ran continued,his voice barely above a whisper."I'm worried about you behaving recklessly.If something happen,Jun Wei will be in danger."Cai Lang's expression changed slightly.He glanced toward the Jun wei,then back at Suo Ran."You think I'd forget that?"Suo Ran shook his head."You have a habit of doing things before thinking."
Cai Lang gave him a cold look."And you have a habit of thinking for everyone except yourself."Suo Ran fell silent.Cai Lang returned to the restraint."We're both guilty." Suo Ran watched him carefully."Then don't make me watch you make another mistake." Cai Lang's hands slowed for a moment."I'm not going to make one."Suo Ran's eyes remained fixed on him."You can't promise that."Cai Lang finally looked up."I can promise that I'll get you and Jun Wei out of here."
Before Suo Ran could answer,the lock suddenly clicked and restraint came loose. Cai Lang immediately caught Suo Ran's wrist before his hand dropped. "Easy."Suo Ran looked at him.The skin around his wrist was red from the tight binding.Cai Lang's eyes darkened for a moment,but he said nothing.He carefully released the restraint and checked the other one."Give me your hand."Suo Ran hesitated."Why?"Cai Lang held out his hand."Because the other restraint is still there."
Suo Ran slowly gave it to him.Cai Lang worked on the second lock while Suo Ran continued watching the corridor."You really don't listen."Cai Lang said quietly.Suo Ran glanced at him."Neither do you."Cai Lang's mouth moved slightly,almost a smile."That's why this is taking so long."The second restraint loosened.Cai Lang caught Suo Ran's other wrist and lowered it carefully. "Stay seated for a moment."Suo Ran nodded,but his eyes immediately moved toward Jun Wei.Cai Lang followed his gaze."I'll get him."He stood and moved toward the other chair.Jun Wei had his eyes closed and his head had fallen slightly to one side.Cai Lang crouched beside him. "Jun Wei."
Jun wei slowly opened his eyes.He stared at Cai Lang for a second,then his tired expression changed with recognition. "You're...here?"Cai Lang nodded."I'm here." Jun Wei's eyes filled with tears."Are you going to take us home?"Cai Lang's voice softened."That's the plan."Jun Wei looked past him toward Suo Ran."Is Gege okay?" Suo Ran immediately nodded."I'm okay."His voice was weak,but steady.Jun Wei looked back at Cai Lang."Promise?"Cai Lang looked at him."I don't make promises that I can't keep."Jun Wei's lips trembled."Then... please don't leave us again."
Cai Lang reached out and gently steadied Jun Wei's shoulder."We didn't leave you." Jun Wei looked at him."But I waited for so long."Cai Lang was silent for a moment."I know."Jun Wei lowered his eyes."I thought nobody would find us."Cai Lang's voice became quieter."We found you."Jun Wei looked back at him."You really came for us?" Cai Lang nodded."Yes."Jun Wei glanced toward Suo Ran again."And him too?"Cai Lang followed his gaze."Especially him."Suo Ran looked at Cai Lang,but said nothing.Jun Wei's eyes became teary again."Then can we really go home?"Cai Lang looked directly at him."We're going home.But you have to stay calm until we're out."Jun Wei nodded quickly."I'll be good."Cai Lang's expression softened."I know you will."
Suo Ran looked at Jun Wei and managed a faint smile despite his exhaustion."You've grown braver."Jun Wei shook his head quickly."No,I was really scared."Suo Ran's expression softened."Being scared doesn't mean you're not brave."Jun Wei looked at him for a moment."Were you scared too?" Suo Ran hesitated before nodding. "Yes." Jun Wei's eyes widened."You were?"Suo Ran gave a small nod."Very."
Jun Wei seemed surprised by the answer. "But you always tell me not to be scared." Suo Ran smiled faintly."That's because I know how frightening it can be."Jun Wei reached for his hand."Then I'll stay beside you."Suo Ran gently closed his fingers around the boy's hand."Deal."Jun Wei looked toward Cai Lang,then back at Suo Ran."Cai ge really came for us."Suo Ran glanced at Cai Lang for a moment."He did." Jun Wei whispered,"He looked very scary when he came in."Suo Ran's lips curved slightly."He usually does."Cai Lang glanced over."I can hear you."Jun Wei immediately lowered his voice."I wasn't saying anything." Suo Ran's faint smile grew."You were."Jun Wei Laughed little."Come on.We're leaving this place."Jun Wei nodded.He moved behind the chair and began working on the first restraint.
Jun Wei flinched when the first restraint loosened.Cai Lang immediately stopped. "Does it hurt?"Jun Wei shook his head. "Just...a little."Cai Lang carefully continued. "Tell me if it gets worse."The second restraint came free.Cai Lang caught Jun Wei before he could slump forward.Jun Wei immediately turned toward Suo Ran and reached for him.Suo Ran opened his arms despite his own weakness.Jun Wei stumbled into him and wrapped his arms around his waist."Gege..."His voice broke,and he started crying.
Suo Ran held him tightly."It's okay.You're safe now."Jun Wei shook his head against him."I was scared."Suo Ran closed his eyes for a moment and held him closer."I know.I'm sorry you had to go through this."Jun Wei cried harder."I thought nobody would come." Suo Ran looked toward Cai Lang.Cai Lang was watching them silently."Someone came."Suo Ran said quietly."They found us."Jun Wei wiped his face against Suo Ran's clothes."Can we go home now?"Suo Ran looked at Cai Lang.Cai Lang nodded. "Yes."Suo Ran's expression softened slightly,but then he looked toward the corridor again."We still have to get out."
Cai Lang answered,"We will."He reached toward Jun Wei."Can you stand?"Jun Wei nodded,but when he tried to move,his legs shook.Cai Lang immediately steadied him."Don't force it."Jun Wei looked toward Suo Ran."Stay with me."Suo Ran nodded. "I'm right here."At that moment,quick footsteps approached from the corridor.Cai Lang immediately turned toward the door. His hand moved toward his gun.Suo Ran pulled Jun Wei closer.The footsteps stopped outside.Lian Ziho appeared in the doorway. His eyes immediately found Jun Wei."Jun Wei..."Jun Wei immediately reaches toward Lian Ziho.Lian Ziho catches his hand."I'm here.Don't be afraid."
Jun Wei's fingers immediately tightened around his."Lian-Ge,I was waiting for you." Lian ziho brushed the messy hair away from Jun Wei's forehead."I know.I'm sorry it took so long."Jun Wei shook his head."I thought you forgot me."Lian Ziho's eyes softened. "Never.Don't ever think that."Jun Wei looked at him carefully."You really came to get me?" Lian Ziho gave him a small smile."Of course I did.What kind of person would I be if I didn't?"Jun Wei sniffed and leaned closer. "Then don't let go of my hand."
Lian Ziho immediately tightened his grip."I won't.Not this time."Jun Wei looked toward Suo Ran."Gege is coming too,right?"Suo Ran nodded."I'm right here."Jun Wei smiled faintly."Then we'll all go home together."Suo Ran's tired expression softened. "Yes. Together."Cai Lang watched them for a moment before turning toward Suo Ran.He noticed Suo Ran was still struggling to stand properly."Can you walk?"Suo Ran nodded."I can."He took one step and nearly stumbled. Cai Lang caught him immediately,one hand firm around his arm."You call that walking?" Suo Ran looked at him with mild irritation."I said I could."
Cai Lang's expression remained calm."You were about to fall."Suo Ran lowered his voice."I wasn't."Cai Lang looked at him."You were."Suo Ran stared at him for a second, then quietly leaned against him."Fine.Just until we get outside."Cai Lang's eyes softened slightly."Whatever you need to tell yourself."Suo Ran gave him an annoyed look."Don't start."Cai Lang almost smiled."I haven't said anything."Suo Ran muttered, "Your face did."Cai Lang looked ahead. "Then stop looking at it."
Suo Ran gave him a tired glare."You're still irritating."Cai Lang kept his eyes on the corridor."And you're still talking when you should be saving your strength."Suo Ran's grip on his sleeve tightened slightly."I'm talking because you're making me angry." Cai Lang glanced down at him."Then at least you're awake."Suo Ran stared at him for a moment,then let out a quiet breath that was almost a laugh."You really haven't changed." Cai Lang's expression softened for only a second."Neither have you."Suo Ran looked away."That's not necessarily a good thing." Cai Lang lowered his voice."For once,I disagree."
Suo Ran looked back at him.Their eyes met for a brief moment before the distant sound of footsteps made both of them turn toward the corridor.Suo Ran's expression changed. "They're close."Cai Lang nodded."I know." Suo Ran tried to straighten himself."Let me walk." Cai Lang's arm tightened around him."You can't walk properly."Suo Ran immediately frowned."I'm fine.I can walk." He pushed himself away slightly and stood on his own.
Cai Lang watched him.Suo Ran took one step forward.His leg trembled,but he quickly steadied himself against the wall."See?"he whispered."I can walk."Cai Lang's expression remained unreadable."That wasn't convincing."Suo Ran glared at him. "You're overreacting.I'm tired,that's all."He took another step.Cai Lang followed closely behind him."You nearly did thirty seconds ago."Suo Ran turned around."And I'm standing now."
Cai Lang looked at him for a long moment. "Barely."Suo Ran's eyes narrowed."Stop treating me like I'm helpless."Cai Lang's jaw tightened slightly."I'm not."Suo Ran waited. "Then what are you doing?"Cai Lang stepped closer and,without warning,reached toward Suo Ran's waist,his hand settling firmly at his side as he prepared to lift him. Suo Ran's eyes widened.He immediately caught Cai Lang's shoulder."What are you doing?"
Cai Lang looked at him calmly."You're not walking."Suo Ran tightened his grip on Cai Lang's shoulder."I said I can walk."Cai Lang's hand remained at his waist."Then why are you shaking?"Suo Ran glanced down briefly before looking back at him. "Because I'm exhausted.Not because I need you to carry me."Cai Lang's gaze held his."There's a difference?"Suo Ran stared at him,clearly irritated."Yes."
Cai Lang didn't move.His hand was still at Suo Ran's waist,keeping him steady without forcing him closer.Suo Ran became suddenly aware of how close they were.His voice dropped."Let go."Cai Lang's eyes softened slightly."Will you fall?"Suo Ran hesitated."No."Cai Lang waited."Suo Ran." Suo Ran sighed."No."Only then did Cai Lang slowly release him,but he stayed close enough to catch him."Fine.Walk."
Suo Ran gave him a warning look."You're enjoying this."Cai Lang's expression remained perfectly calm."Not particularly." Suo Ran turned away,trying to hide the faint embarrassment on his face."Liar."Cai Lang followed beside him."Keep moving."Suo Ran took another careful step."Happy?"Cai Lang glanced at him."Not yet."Suo Ran looked over."What now?"Cai Lang's gaze briefly dropped to his unsteady legs."When we get outside."Suo Ran frowned."What?" Cai Lang looked ahead."Then I'll decide whether you were actually fine."Suo Ran sighed.
Ahead of them,Lian Ziho suddenly looked back when he heard the change in their voices."Are you two coming?"Cai Lang answered without slowing."We're coming." Lian Ziho looked at Suo Ran.His expression tightened with concern."Suo Ran, are you okay?"Suo Ran nodded."I'm fine."Lian Ziho didn't look convinced,but before he could say anything,Zheng Rui raised a hand from farther down the passage."Stop."Everyone froze.Qin Yue immediately lowered the monitor slightly."What is it?" Zheng Rui listened carefully. "Someone is coming."Han Yi looked toward the corridor behind them."Then we need to move."
Qin Yue glanced at the monitor again.Her expression suddenly changed."Wait." Everyone looked at her.She pointed toward the screen."They're not coming from behind us."Han Yi's eyes narrowed."Then where?" Qin Yue slowly turned the monitor toward the opposite corridor."They're coming from ahead.