For a second,nobody moved.The footsteps echoed through the concrete corridor.Han Yi raised one hand."Everyone stay against the walls.Don't make a sound."Lian Ziho immediately looked toward Suo Ran then toward Jun Wei.He was standing close to Suo Ran,still holding onto his sleeve. "What do we do?"Lian ziho whispered.Han Yi looked down the corridor."We can't all move together.If they see all of us,we're finished."
Suo Ran looked at Jun Wei,then at Lian Ziho."Take him."Lian ziho frowned."What?" "Take Jun Wei and go with Zheng Rui."Suo Ran's voice was quiet but firm.Jun Wei immediately shook his head."No.I'm staying with Gege."Suo Ran crouched slightly despite the pain."Jun Wei,listen to me."Jun Wei's eyes quickly filled with tears."No..." Suo Ran gently touched his shoulder."It's only for a few minutes."Jun Wei shook his head harder."You said you wouldn't leave me."
Suo Ran swallowed and forced a small smile."I'm not leaving you."He glanced toward the approaching footsteps."I'm just going another way for a little while."Jun Wei grabbed his sleeve tightly."What if you don't come back?"Suo Ran looked at him for a long moment."I'll be back."Jun Wei's voice trembled."Promise?"Suo Ran nodded. "Promise."Lian Ziho stepped closer and gently placed a hand on Jun Wei's shoulder. "Come with me."Jun Wei refused to let go of Suo Ran."I don't want to."
Suo Ran carefully loosened Jun Wei's fingers from his sleeve."You have to trust me."Jun Wei looked at him through his tears."I trust you."Suo Ran smiled faintly. "Then trust Lian-Ge."He looked toward Lian ziho."Please look after him."Lian ziho nodded."I will."Lian Ziho pulled Jun Wei closer."Stay with me."Jun Wei nodded quickly,his fingers gripping Lian Ziho's coat.Zheng Rui looked toward the corridor. "They're close."Qin Yue glanced at the surveillance panel."I need a few seconds to shut the cameras down."Han Yi nodded. "Do it."
The footsteps suddenly stopped.Suo Ran shifted his weight slightly, but his injured leg gave way without warning.Cai Lang reacted and catching him by the arm before he could hit the wall.Suo Ran's shoulder struck Cai Lang's chest instead of the concrete.Both froze for a second.Cai Lang's hand remained around his forearm."Careful."Suo Ran steadied himself."I'm fine."Cai Lang looked down at him."You almost fell."Suo Ran quietly pulled his arm back."I said I'm fine."Cai Lang released him,but stayed close."Suo Ran gave him a restrained glare."Before Cai Lang could say anything, another sound came from the corridor.Both immediately turned.Suo Ran instinctively reached for Cai Lang's sleeve.Their hands brushed at the same moment.Cai Lang looked down briefly at their hands,then back at him.
Suo Ran quickly withdrew his fingers. "Sorry."Cai Lang shook his head."Don't be."Suo Ran looked at him for a moment,but neither said anything.Qin Yue glanced over from the panel."I need everyone quiet.I'm almost done."Han Yi nodded."How long?" Qin Yue whispered,"Ten seconds."The footsteps started again.Lian Ziho tightened his hold on Jun Wei.Zheng Rui moved closer to the corridor entrance.Cai Lang instinctively shifted in front of Suo Ran.Qin Yue whispered,"It's Done."
The footsteps stopped outside the door.Suo Ran could hear his own breathing.Cai Lang stood beside him.Suo Ran glanced toward him.Cai Lang noticed but didn't look back. "Stay behind me."Suo Ran frowned."You don't have to keep saying that."Cai Lang's voice remained low."Then don't keep trying to prove you can stand in front."Before Suo Ran could answer,the door suddenly slammed open and two men rushed inside.
The first one raised his arm toward Han Yi, but Han Yi moved before he could strike. He stepped aside,gripped the man's wrist,and drove his elbow into the man's shoulder.The man staggered.Han Yi twisted his arm behind his back and forced hi jim against the door."Move!"Han Yi shouted.Qin Yue immediately dropped behind the control panel as the second man charged toward her.Zheng Rui intercepted him.He caught the man's forearm and blocked the first strike,but the force pushed him backward.
Zheng Rui recovered quickly,hooked his foot behind the man's ankle,and sent him crashing onto the concrete."Qin Yue,move!" Han Yi shouted.Qin Yue immediately dropped behind the control panel as the second man charged toward her.Zheng Rui intercepted him.He caught the man's forearm and blocked the first strike,but the force pushed him backward.Zheng Rui recovered quickly,hooked his foot behind the man's ankle,and sent him crashing onto the concrete."Qin Yue,move!"
Qin Yue rolled away from the panel just as the man slammed his fist against it.The metal casing shook.Zheng Rui grabbed the man's jacket and pulled him away from the equipment."Stay down."The man swung again.Zheng Rui ducked beneath the blow and struck him across the ribs.The attacker stumbled,but immediately reached for something at his waist.Zheng Rui caught his hand before he could pull it free."Not this time."He forced the man's wrist downward and drove him against the wall.
Lian Ziho pulled Jun Wei farther into the corner."Stay behind me."Jun Wei clung to him."They're here."Lian Ziho tightened his arms around him."I know.I won't let them get near you."Jun Wei looked toward the fighting men,his face pale."Lian Gege...are we going to get out?"Lian Ziho looked down at him. "Yes."Jun Wei swallowed."You promise?" Lian Ziho hesitated for only a second before nodding."I promise we're leaving this place."
Jun Wei tightened his grip on his coat."Don't leave me."Lian Ziho's expression softened. "I won't.I'm right here."Another attacker appeared in the doorway.
Han Yi saw him immediately."Zheng Rui!" Zheng Rui turned.The man rushed toward Lian Ziho and Jun Wei.Zheng Rui moved to intercept him,but the first attacker grabbed his shoulder from behind.Zheng Rui was pulled backward for a moment."Lian ziho!" Lian Ziho moved Jun Wei behind the heavy storage cabinet and turned back just as the attacker reached him.Lian Ziho caught the man's arm and shoved him away from Jun Wei."Stay away from him."
The attacker swung.Lian Ziho blocked the blow with his forearm,but the impact made him wince.He struck back,forcing the man two steps away."You picked the wrong room."Zheng Rui broke free from the other attacker and rushed toward them.He grabbed the man's shoulder and pulled him backward."Lian Ziho!"Lian Ziho stepped aside.Zheng Rui drove the attacker into the wall."Take Jun Wei and get ready to move." Lian Ziho looked toward Jun Wei."I'm not leaving without you."Zheng Rui nodded. "Then keep him behind you."
Jun Wei suddenly whispered,"Lian Gege..." Lian Ziho immediately looked back."What?" Jun Wei pointed toward the narrow space behind the storage cabinet."Can I hide there?"Lian Ziho's eyes flicked toward the fighting."Yes,Don't come outside."Jun Wei shook his head."You have to come back." Lian Ziho crouched in front of him."I will."He carefully moved the cabinet farther against the wall,creating a narrow space behind it. "Stay here.Don't make a sound."Jun Wei looked frightened."What if they find me?"
Lian Ziho placed both hands gently on his shoulders."They won't.You stay low,and you don't come out until I call you."Jun Wei nodded slowly."You'll call me?"Lian Ziho gave him a firm look."I will."Jun Wei finally crawled into the narrow space.Lian Ziho pulled the cabinet back enough to hide him without completely blocking him."Lian Gege?"Jun Wei whispered,"Yes?"Jun Wei's eyes filled with tears."Please come back."
Lian Ziho's expression tightened,"I will.Just stay hidden."He gave Jun Wei's shoulder a reassuring squeeze,then stood and turned toward the attackers.Zheng Rui glanced at him."He's safe?"Lian Ziho nodded.Zheng Rui looked toward the corridor."Then we finish this quickly."Before either of them could move, sound of more footsteps came through the passage.They both turned sharply.Two more men appeared at the far end,followed by another behind them.Lian Ziho's expression hardened."More of them." Zheng Rui stepped slightly in front of him. "Stay behind me."Lian Ziho immediately frowned."I'm not hiding behind you."
Zheng Rui looked at him."I'm not asking you to hide.I'm asking you to keep Jun Wei's position covered."Lian Ziho glanced toward the cabinet."If they get past us,they'll find him."Zheng Rui nodded."Then they won't get past us."One attacker rushed forward. Lian Ziho moved first.He caught the man's arm and shoved him sideways,forcing him into the wall.Zheng Rui immediately stepped in and struck the second man across the chest,driving him backward."Left!"Zheng Rui shouted.
Lian Ziho turned just as another attacker came toward him.He blocked the blow,but the impact forced him back.Zheng Rui caught his arm and pulled him out of the attacker's reach."Careful."Lian Ziho looked at the hand around his arm."I had him." Zheng Rui released him immediately."I know."For a brief second,their eyes met.The sudden closeness made Lian Ziho pause. Zheng Rui looked away first."Focus."Lian Ziho cleared his throat and turned back toward the attackers."I'm focused."Another man charged.
Zheng Rui moved beside Lian Ziho,and their shoulders collided as they both tried to intercept him."You take the right,"Zheng Rui said."You take it,"Lian Ziho replied."I'm covering the cabinet."Zheng Rui glanced toward the Jun Wei."Fine.Stay there."The attacker swung.Lian Ziho ducked and drove his shoulder into the man's stomach,forcing him backward.Zheng Rui caught the man's wrist and twisted it away from Lian Ziho. "Move!"Lian Ziho stepped aside.
Zheng Rui shoved the attacker down and immediately turned toward the next one.Lian Ziho looked at him."You're bleeding."Zheng Rui glanced at the cut near his eyebrow."It's nothing."Lian Ziho gave him a sharp look. "Don't start saying that now."Zheng Rui almost answered,but another attacker rushed them."Later."He moved forward.The two fought back-to-back for several seconds,each covering the other's blind side.Lian Ziho suddenly felt an arm wrap around his waist from behind and pull him backward."Zheng Rui!"Zheng Rui turned immediately.He grabbed the attacker's shoulder and tore him away from Lian Ziho.
The sudden force sent Lian Ziho stumbling directly into Zheng Rui's chest.Zheng Rui caught him around the waist before he could fall.They both froze.Lian Ziho looked up at him.Zheng Rui looked down at him."You okay?"Lian Ziho quickly stepped away. "Yes."Zheng Rui released him."Good."Lian Ziho adjusted his coat,clearly avoiding his eyes."Don't do that again."Zheng Rui frowned."Save you?"Lian Ziho looked at him."Catch me."
Zheng Rui stared for a moment."Then don't fall."Lian Ziho's expression tightened."I wasn't falling."Zheng Rui turned back toward the attackers."Whatever you say." Lian Ziho muttered,"You're becoming irritating."Zheng Rui answered calmly, "You've been saying that since we met." Another attacker suddenly appeared behind them.Lian Ziho noticed first."Zheng Rui!"He grabbed Zheng Rui's shoulder and pulled him aside.The attacker's strike missed by inches.
Zheng Rui immediately turned and struck back."You owe me."Lian Ziho looked at him."For what?"Zheng Rui glanced at the hand still gripping his shoulder."You tell me."Lian Ziho realized he hadn't let go and quickly withdrew his hand."Focus."Zheng Rui gave him a brief look."I am."
Across the room,Cai Lang remained between Suo Ran and the doorway.Another man entered and immediately moved toward them.Suo Ran's expression changed."Cai Lang."Cai Lang didn't look back."I see him."The attacker stopped a few steps away and looked between them."You came all this way for them?"Cai Lang's expression remained cold."Move."The man gave a low laugh."You really think you're walking out with them?"Suo Ran's eyes narrowed."Cai Lang,don't listen to him."
The attacker looked toward Suo Ran."Still giving orders even when you can barely stand?"Cai Lang's gaze hardened."You should worry about yourself."The attacker lunged.Cai Lang caught his arm and redirected the force,turning his body and sending the man into the metal railing beside them.The railing shook violently.The attacker grunted and grabbed the railing to steady himself."You're faster than you look."Cai Lang stepped forward."And you're slower than you think."
The attacker recovered quickly and swung again.Cai Lang blocked the strike,but another man came from the side.Cai Lang turned too late and blow caught his shoulder and he staggered.Suo Ran instinctively reached for him."Cai Lang!"Cai Lang steadied himself against the wall and looked back."Stay where you are."Suo Ran's voice tightened."You're hurt."Cai Lang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth."It's nothing."
Suo Ran's expression hardened."Stop saying that."The second attacker stepped closer."He's already injured.You should worry about yourself."Suo Ran glared at him."I am."His eyes shifted toward Cai Lang."That's why I'm telling him to stop acting like an idiot."Cai Lang gave him a brief look despite the situation."You can insult me after we're out."Suo Ran's jaw tightened. "Then make sure we get out."
The first attacker rushed forward again.Cai Lang pushed away from the wall and met him halfway.The man's fist came toward his face.Cai Lang caught it,twisted his wrist,and forced him down against the railing."You talk too much."The attacker gritted his teeth. "And you came too late."Cai Lang's eyes turned colder."No.I came exactly when I needed to."Suo Ran stared at him for a second before the second attacker moved again."Cai Lang!"Cai Lang caught the man's collar and drove him backward,then struck him across the jaw.The man stumbled.Cai Lang followed with another blow,forcing him down to one knee.
But the second attacker came from behind. Cai Lang didn't see him.Suo Ran did. "Behind you!" Cai Lang turned just in time to block the strike.The impact drove him backward until his shoulder hit the wall.Suo Ran moved forward without thinking."Cai Lang!"Cai Lang caught his arm before he could come closer."Stay back."Suo Ran stared at him."I saw him coming."Cai Lang's grip tightened briefly."And now I need you to trust me."Suo Ran looked into his eyes. "Then don't get yourself killed."Cai Lang looked at him and replied,"I won't."He released Suo Ran and turned back toward the attacker. The man charged again.Cai Lang ducked beneath the swing,caught his waist,and used his momentum to throw him onto the floor.
The attacker hit the concrete hard and rolled away,trying to recover.Cai Lang stepped forward,but the man suddenly kicked toward his legs.Cai Lang moved aside and the kick struck the wall instead.He caught the man's ankle and forced it down."Stay down."The attacker glared at him."You think this is over?"Cai Lang's expression remained cold."For you,it is."He released him and immediately turned toward Suo Ran.
Another movement caught his attention at the opposite side of the room.One of the attackers had broken away and was moving toward the storage cabinet where Jun Wei was hidden.Han Yi saw him at the same moment."Not a chance."Han Yi rushed forward.The attacker reached the cabinet, but Han Yi grabbed him from behind and slammed him against the wall.The impact shook the metal shelves beside them."Stay away from the boy."
The attacker twisted around and tried to strike.Han Yi blocked the blow and forced his arm against the wall."Where are the others?"The man remained silent.Han Yi tightened his hold."I asked you a question." The attacker suddenly drove his shoulder backward.Han Yi stumbled for half a step. The man turned and swung.Han Yi blocked it,but another attacker came from behind. Han Yi didn't see him.Suo Ran did.His eyes widened."Behind you!"Han Yi turned just in time and raised his arm.The attacker's strike crashed against his forearm.Han Yi stepped back,then caught the man's wrist and pushed him away.He looked toward Suo Ran for a brief moment."You all right?"Suo Ran nodded."I'm fine."
Han Yi's expression tightened."Stay where you are.You've done enough."Suo Ran glanced toward Jun Wei."I'm watching him."Han Yi nodded."Then keep watching." Suo Ran turned toward the cabinet and raised a finger to his lips.Jun Wei's frightened eyes appeared through the narrow gap.Suo Ran quietly mouthed,"Stay quiet.Don't come out."Jun Wei nodded quickly.Suo Ran's expression softened for a moment."Just stay there.We're going home soon."
A sudden movement came from Suo Ran's side.The attacker who had been thrown against the railing recovered and rushed toward him.Suo Ran turned and raised his arm just in time to block the first strike.The impact forced him back a step."Stay down!" the attacker snapped.Suo Ran glared at him."You first."The attacker grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him forward.Suo Ran twisted sharply and drove his elbow into the man's ribs.
The attacker stumbled,but immediately grabbed Suo Ran's shoulder and shoved him against the wall.Suo Ran's injured leg buckled slightly.He gritted his teeth and pushed back."You really don't know when to stop."The attacker raised his fist.Suo Ran caught his forearm before the blow landed. "Neither do you."He twisted the man's arm and forced him sideways,but the attacker slammed his shoulder into Suo Ran's chest. Suo Ran lost his balance and nearly fell.
The attacker reached for him again."Got you."Suo Ran caught the man's collar instead and pulled him down with him."Not quite."He struck the attacker's arm and broke free,but his breathing had become heavier.The attacker charged again.Suo Ran raised his hands,but his injured leg slowed him down.The man grabbed his shirt and pulled him forward."You're too weak to fight."Suo Ran's eyes hardened."I'm still fighting." He drove his forehead forward, catching the attacker off guard.
The man staggered.Suo Ran shoved him away,but the sudden movement made his leg give out,he caught the wall before he fell.The attacker recovered and rushed toward him again. "Suo Ran!"Across the room,Lian Ziho heard the shout.He had just thrown another attacker onto the concrete and immediately looked toward Suo Ran. "Damn it."He didn't wait for anyone else.He grabbed the man who was trying to rise and shoved him back down."Stay there."Then he ran across the room.
Suo Ran saw the attacker coming toward him again and tried to straighten himself. "Come on..."The man swung.Lian Ziho reached them just in time and caught the attacker's arm from behind."Get away from him."The attacker turned sharply."Another one?"Lian Ziho twisted his arm and pulled him away from Suo Ran."You should've picked someone who could still stand."The attacker tried to strike him with his other hand.Lian Ziho blocked it and drove him backward."Suo Ran,move."
Suo Ran pushed himself away from the wall."I'm trying."Lian Ziho glanced at him. "Can you walk?"Suo Ran nodded."Yes."Lian Ziho looked at his shaking leg."You're lying." Suo Ran frowned."I'm not."The attacker suddenly broke free and swung toward Lian Ziho.Lian Ziho blocked the blow,but the force made him stagger.Suo Ran immediately grabbed the attacker's arm from the side."Lian ziho!"Lian Ziho looked at him in surprise."I've got him."
Together they forced the attacker backward. Suo Ran twisted the man's wrist while Lian Ziho shoved his shoulder.The attacker stumbled and fell hard onto the floor.Lian Ziho immediately turned toward Suo Ran. "Are you hurt?"Suo Ran shook his head. "I'm okay."Lian Ziho looked at his face,then down at his injured leg."You're bleeding." Suo Ran glanced down."It's nothing."Lian Ziho gave him a frustrated look."Everyone in this place says that."Suo Ran almost smiled despite himself.Lian Ziho stepped closer and offered his arm. "Enough arguing.Come on."Suo Ran hesitated,then leaned against him. "Fine.But only until I can walk properly."
Lian Ziho adjusted his grip carefully,keeping most of Suo Ran's weight from falling onto his injured leg.They started Walk towards where Han Yi and Qin Yue fighting."Gege!" Suo Ran froze. He immediately turned toward the sound. "Jun Wei?"He saw him only then.One of the kidnappers had reached the place where Jun Wei had been hiding and dragged him out.The man pulled Jun Wei tightly against his chest and clamped a hand around his neck.Jun Wei struggled desperately,his eyes already filled with tears.
Suo Ran's entire expression changed."Jun Wei!"He instinctively tried to move forward, but Lian Ziho caught his arm."Don't."The kidnapper immediately tightened his hold. "Stay where you are."Suo Ran stopped. "Don't hurt him."The kidnapper gave him a cold look."Then don't come any closer."Suo Ran slowly raised his hands."All right.I won't move."Jun Wei's frightened eyes remained fixed on him."Gege..."
Suo Ran's voice softened immediately. "Look at me,Jun Wei.Don't look at him.Look at me."Jun Wei tried to steady his breathing, but his lips trembled."I'm scared."Suo Ran's expression tightened."I know.I know you're scared.Just keep looking at me."The kidnapper tightened his grip around Jun Wei's neck."Don't try anything."Suo Ran immediately stopped himself from moving. "I'm not."His voice was controlled,but the panic in his eyes was impossible to hide. "Just loosen your hand.He's having trouble breathing."The kidnapper sneered."You care about him that much?"
Suo Ran's jaw tightened."He's a child.What do you think?"Lian Ziho stepped forward instinctively."Let him go."The kidnapper immediately turned his attention toward him."I said stay back."Lian Ziho stopped,but his fists tightened at his sides."Fine.But if you hurt him,you won't get a second chance."Suo Ran glanced at Lian Ziho. "Don't provoke him."Lian Ziho looked at him."I'm not going to stand here while he threatens Jun Wei."
Suo Ran lowered his voice."Then don't make him panic."Lian Ziho took a slow breath and nodded."All right."He looked toward Jun Wei."Jun Wei,look at Suo Ran. Don't look anywhere else."Jun Wei's eyes remained fixed on Suo Ran,but tears continued slipping down his cheeks. "Gege...make him let me go."Suo Ran's heart clenched."I will."
The kidnapper laughed quietly."You can't." Suo Ran stared at him."Then tell me what you want."Lian Ziho looked sharply at Suo Ran."Don't offer him anything."Suo Ran didn't look away from Jun Wei."I'm not."The kidnapper tilted his head."You came here for them.Now you want them alive.You should have thought about that before entering." Suo Ran's breathing became heavier."If you wanted to kill us,you would've done it already."The kidnapper's expression changed slightly. "You're trying to figure me out."
Jun Wei whimpered softly."Gege..."Suo Ran immediately softened his voice."I'm here." Jun Wei shook his head."I'm really scared." Suo Ran swallowed hard."I know.Just listen to me."He slowly lowered himself,bringing himself closer to Jun Wei's eye level without approaching the kidnapper."Remember what I told you before?"Jun Wei nodded shakily."Stay calm?"Suo Ran nodded. "Yes.Breathe slowly."Jun Wei took a shaky breath."Like this?"Suo Ran's eyes softened. "Exactly." Lian Ziho watched them.
The kidnapper looked irritated by them." Enough talking."He pulled Jun Wei slightly backward.Jun Wei gasped.Suo Ran's expression immediately changed.""Stop!You're hurting him."The kidnapper stared at him with a cold smile."Then make him stop crying."Suo Ran's hands slowly tightened into fists,but he forced himself to remain still."Jun Wei.Look at me."Jun Wei's tearful eyes found his. "Gege..."
Suo Ran swallowed hard."It's okay.I'm right here."Jun Wei's voice trembled."I don't want to stay here."Suo Ran's expression cracked for a moment."You won't."Lian Ziho stepped closer."Let him go.He has nothing to do with this."The kidnapper looked at him."Neither do you."Lian Ziho's jaw tightened."Then tell me what you want."The kidnapper looked at him for a moment before slowly pointing toward Suo Ran."We want him."Suo Ran's expression changed."Me?"The kidnapper nodded."You."Suo Ran stared at him."What do you want from me?"
The kidnapper's expression remained cold. "I'm not here to chat with you."He reached into his coat and pulled out a knife and threw it onto the floor.The blade slid across the concrete and stopped near Lian Ziho's feet. "Pick it up."Lian Ziho looked down at the knife,then back at him."What do you want?" The kidnapper's eyes shifted toward Jun Wei."If you want him to stay safe..."He pointed toward Suo Ran."...take the knife and stab him."