Chapter 139: Han’s Selfish Motive

Xiao Qi and Liu Fei took turns, each whipping him once, then pausing to sip tea, eat a piece of meat, and take a bite of rice. They slowly tormented Xiao Lin in this manner, denying him food and water while subjecting him to agonizing pain.

Xiao Lin watched these two madmen. Because his mouth was not gagged, his frustration grew; he could smell the food, he could speak, and he was thirsty. He thought it would be better if they just killed him outright—was such cruelty really necessary?

"Let me tell you, for this alone, I am not finished with you. Don't think my current punishment is severe; I actually feel it’s too light. I’m just trying not to take your life, that's all."

Xiao Qi saw the look in his eyes and knew what he was thinking. He picked up a branch and lashed him across the face again, leaving several bloody welts. Watching the fresh, crimson blood trickle down, Xiao Qi felt immensely satisfied. Xiao Lin had never been likable, and with his countless misdeeds, he was now pulling the tiger's whiskers—he deserved every bit of this suffering.

Liu Fei remained silent, whipping his face with all his might. This wretch had not only ruined their plans but also tarnished their reputation. To think he could die so easily? Not a chance.

"Aah!" Xiao Lin finally suffered a mental breakdown under the torture, letting out periodic, frantic screams. Fearing he would disturb others, Liu Fei and Xiao Qi shoved a rag into his mouth, which also served to prevent him from biting his tongue to commit suicide.

In Ximen City, the Boss was plotting something else. Having failed to secure the physician from the Mo family, he was already preparing a new scheme. A strange worm crawled over the seven-colored light jade in his hand, and the Boss gently stroked it.

The Boss sighed; a perfectly good pawn had been ruined just like that. Mo Fan was truly useless, exposing his identity so quickly. Now, how was he to manipulate the Mo family into destroying each other?

The little worm suddenly bit the Boss’s finger, and blood began to flow slowly along its body, staining its white form red.

The Boss felt only a slight sting, then smiled and said, "Little one, are you hungry again? You’ve drunk so much of my blood, why haven't you become stronger yet?"

The smile was sinister and terrifying. If a child were to witness this scene, they would be terrified to tears at best, or frightened to death at worst.

Han and Leng Xue were observing the person who had fainted. They exchanged glances, each trying to glean some information from the other's eyes. Unfortunately, both pairs of eyes remained blank, as if they knew nothing of the situation.

"Why have you seemed so unwell lately?" Since he could get no information about the unconscious man, Han decided to ask why Leng Xue had been looking so pale.

Leng Xue’s complexion had grown much paler recently, almost unlike that of a normal person. He had also become increasingly gaunt, transforming from a tall, handsome man into someone thin and haggard.

Leng Xue did not know how to start. He had been restless and unable to eat. He missed Qian Yin dearly and wondered how she was doing. He heaved a deep sigh; there was no help for it. Beneath the same night sky, he could no longer hold her.

Han pursed his lips, then looked at Leng Xue’s expression and knew he was thinking of Qian Yin, and that his wasting away was due to his longing for her. Yet, he could not bear to tell Leng Xue the truth and let him return to her.

"Are you thinking of Qian Yin? She will be just fine." A struggle took place in Han’s heart, and evil triumphed over justice. He spoke the lie against his conscience, hurting others and himself in the process.

Leng Xue nodded upon hearing this, staring intently at the starry night sky without saying a word.

At the jade shop, Boss Jin received a secret invitation to an underground auction. The seven-colored light jade was listed among the items, and he clenched his fists tightly. Who exactly had done this?

To dare to cross him and even send him an invitation—were these people tired of living?

"Boss, please don't be angry."

"What should we do now?"

Boss Jin looked at the bodyguards standing before him and sighed helplessly. These men were excellent compared to the average person, but they paled in comparison to Qian Yin and her companions. He should have had bodyguards as capable as them. But would people that exceptional be willing to stay by his side as mere guards?

The more Boss Jin thought about it, the more he sighed. He stood up and said, "Prepare the car immediately. I am going to find Miss Qian Yin."

"Yes!" The two most loyal bodyguards replied and immediately went out to prepare the vehicle. The other bodyguards dispersed, as they were not to accompany him; there were many precious items in the shop that needed guarding against thieves and robbers.

This night was destined to be turbulent. Boss Jin and his two men traveled through the night toward the Mo residence, hoping to gain the assistance of Qian Yin and Mo Lan to retrieve the seven-colored light jade.

Back in his room, Han picked up his phone and dialed Qian Yin’s number, but after several attempts, no one answered. He felt a surge of anxiety—could something have happened? He knew that since the people the Boss sent last time failed to bring her back, Qian Yin must have returned safely to the Mo family.

On the other side, Mo Lan had been planning to sleep when Qian Yin’s phone kept vibrating. She picked it up and saw an unfamiliar number; feeling it was strange, she answered it.

"Hello? May I ask who is calling?"

"You aren't Qian Yin?" Hearing a voice that was not hers, Han felt extremely puzzled. A mobile phone was a very private item and would not usually be handed to someone else. Who was this woman?

"Something happened to her. She collapsed and hasn't woken up yet. Who are you?" Mo Lan sensed something suspicious; how could someone from an unknown number know Qian Yin’s name? Was it an acquaintance? She decided to reveal some information to see if the caller was worried.

"What?" Han cried out in shock. What had happened? Why was she still in a coma? No wonder Leng Xue had become like this. It seemed Leng Xue’s worries were not unfounded.

Mo Lan was even more confused. Qian Yin knew many people, but there were few she was close to, and she didn't recognize this man. Who was he?

"Who exactly are you?" Mo Lan asked directly. She was desperate to know the outcome. She had to bring anyone who could wake Qian Yin up. She would not give up as long as there was even a glimmer of hope.

Han gritted his teeth and said nothing, hanging up the phone. He closed his eyes, his heart aching with every beat. She was in a coma—in the end, it was his selfishness that had harmed Qian Yin. His heart felt heavy, his mind in complete chaos; he did not know what to do.

Mo Lan stared at the phone that had suddenly gone dead, stunned. She looked back at Qian Yin and saw that she still showed no signs of waking, though her breathing had become slightly heavier. Was that a good sign?

Mo Lan yawned, feeling sleepy. She checked her phone; it was already past midnight, and it was time to rest. Tomorrow morning, she had to go up the mountain to collect medicinal herbs and ensure she appeased the Immortal Elder.

She set the phone down, tucked the blanket around Qian Yin, and reached out to hold her hand. Lying on the bed with her eyes closed, she imagined the scene of the two of them reconciling.