"Qingfeng!" Ling Ruoke shouted, sitting up abruptly from the bed. She was breathing heavily, drenched in sweat, and delirious.
She sat on the bed in a daze, her thoughts still wandering for a long time.
"Another nightmare." Wild Wolf leaned against the door with his legs crossed, a cigar between his fingers.
Ling Ruoke glanced at him indifferently, nodded, her breathing still a little labored. She'd been watching "Prisoners" these past few days; some of the scenes were horrifying, and Qingfeng hadn't given her a single word. She was on edge!
Thankfully, it wasn't real; it was just a dream! Just a dream!
"Your physical fitness is poor, and your mental fitness is even worse. You need to work out more," the wolf concluded casually before turning and leaving.
Ling Ruoke knew he was right. She seemed to have always been hiding under someone else's wing, too fragile! When would she be able to become strong, strong enough to protect herself?
After lying in bed in a daze for a while, Ling Ruoke finally got up.
Two more days passed, and aside from being exhausted and being bombarded with some horrific images, I still hadn't gained anything.
Ling Ruoke returned to the hotel, her previous composure completely gone. Could it really have just been a dream? She clutched her head, feeling like she was about to collapse.
"Lost your confidence?" Wild Wolf sat down opposite her and handed her a glass of wine.
Ling Ruoke remained silent, took the drink, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one gulp. She almost burned her throat and coughed as if she were coughing up her lungs.
The wolf laughed heartily, seemingly pleased to see her humiliated. "This is strong liquor. Most men wouldn't dare drink it like this, and you downed it in one gulp. Luckily, I only poured you a tiny bit."
Ling Ruoke coughed painfully, glaring at him fiercely, wishing she could see him as a knife and slash him repeatedly. She was certain that this bastard was doing it on purpose!
The wolf didn't care about her little bit of strength and was still in a very good mood.
"Cough, cough, cough..." Ling Ruoke tried to clear her throat a few times, only to find it already hurt. This wasn't alcohol; it was practically chili water. She remembered the day that scoundrel Xu An forced chili water down her throat, and the same painful feeling. Thinking about it now still made her tremble.
Wild Wolf ordered someone to pour her a glass of honey water. "Drink some honey water to soothe your nerves," he thought to himself, shaking his head. He'd never seen such a foolish woman.
Ling Ruoke quickly picked up the glass, tilted her head back, and gulped it down. She wasn't sure if it was just psychological, but she felt a little better. Looking at the man, she asked, "Are we going again tomorrow?"
She was terrified to hear that this was the last place she could look; if it wasn't there, then it truly was.
"There's one last place, a very dangerous and bloody place. Why don't you stay at the hotel and wait for my news?" A woman who sees those scenes would probably have nightmares.
Ling Ruoke quickly shook her head, looking at him with a determined gaze. "No, I want to go." After saying that, she remembered another problem. "Will my going cause any inconvenience?"
Perhaps Qingfeng is there. If she goes there, she will get in the way, so she is willing to endure the torment and stay in the hotel.
"Yes. Because people there can't just buy things whenever they want. If necessary, we might have to resort to robbery." Moreover, the possibility of robbery is very high, and he has already made preparations.
Ling Ruoke was stunned, a chill running through her. "Where...where is that place?"
"Black market fighting arena. Ever seen UFC?" Wild Wolf took a sip of his drink, his eyes fixed intently on her.
Ling Ruoke nodded. "I've seen UFC, it's a kind of hand-to-hand combat sport. So, is black market fighting just UFC being done secretly?" Could it be that Qingfeng was kidnapped and forced to become a fighter? But aren't fighters supposed to be volunteers?
"That's one way to put it. But the biggest difference between black market fighting and UFC is that UFC has protection and doesn't allow killing. But black market fighting has no protection whatsoever and allows killing. To put it bluntly, it's a flesh-and-blood fight. As long as you can win, it doesn't matter if you kill or maim your opponent." In short, it's a sport where the rich and powerful don't treat people like human beings.
Ling Ruoke felt ice-cold all over. "Th-that..." She was so frightened that her mind went blank, and she didn't know what to say.
Although she knew Qingfeng was very powerful, no one knew what would happen in such a prolonged hand-to-hand combat. Thinking this, she could almost see Qingfeng being brutally beaten, his flesh mangled and bloody. She was going crazy!
The wolf reached out and dug her face out, gently patting it. "Look at me. Don't scare yourself like that, it's pointless."
Ling Ruoke looked at him, taking deep breaths to calm herself down. She knew that thinking about these things wouldn't solve the problem. "If I don't go, wouldn't it be easier for you to move around?"
"Of course. Don't forget, you have no ability to protect yourself." Taking her along would be like carrying a burden. But if she insisted on going, he wouldn't refuse.
Ling Ruoke pursed her lips and nodded. "I understand, then I won't go." Although it was a transaction, she should be extremely grateful that the other party was willing to come and save people for her. Now that they were working hard to save people, she couldn't just not help and add to their burden.
"Very good." Wild Wolf raised an eyebrow, a flash of admiration in his eyes. He liked women who were persistent and brave, yet not blindly self-righteous.
Ling Ruoke suddenly reached out and grabbed the wolf, looking deeply into his eyes. "If... if you see him, please, please rescue him. I'm willing to pay any price!"
The wolf raised an eyebrow and smiled, then pressed the back of her head against him and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry."
The wolf stood up, picked up his hat, put it on, and before leaving, instructed her, "You stay here and wait patiently. If my men come to take you away, don't ask any questions, just follow them, understand?"
"Okay! I understand!" She'll definitely listen obediently. Please, please find Qingfeng and rescue him!
"Wait. One of his comrades also disappeared at the same time. Could you take a look at that too? Please! I... I'll find you a photo."
“No need.” Wild Wolf raised an eyebrow, then added before closing the door, “You’re really greedy.”
Ling Ruo knew that his answer meant he promised to help rescue the person if they met. Wild Wolf was actually a very good person!
Seeing the door close, Ling Ruoke turned to the window, knelt down abruptly, clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes.
Please, please bless Shangkong and Fu Peigang so they are still alive, and please bless Wild Wolf so he can rescue them! Also, please bless Wild Wolf so he is safe and sound! Please!
After the wolf left, Ling Ruoke sat at the dining table, eating her breakfast half-heartedly, with no appetite whatsoever. Her heart felt like it was being constantly churned by a blender.
Ling Ruoke put down her chopsticks, raised her hand to rub her temples, feeling like her brain was about to explode, she was going crazy!
He stood up and paced around the room, then sat down; he stood up again and sat down again... He was truly restless.
To avoid overthinking, Ling Ruoke found a magazine she had brought from China. But after flipping through a few pages, she couldn't concentrate on a single word; her mind was completely elsewhere.
Ling Ruoke clutched her head, wanting to scream. Fortunately, she still retained some rationality and remembered that this was a turbulent country.
...
The wolf went out the door and got into the car. "Let's go."
He took out his phone, made a call, and instructed all parties to be extremely vigilant.
He had actually anticipated this; if those two were still alive, the most likely place they would be at the black market fighting arena. Because they were soldiers, they were suited for combat. But he couldn't head straight there from the start; it would attract too much attention.
There aren't many black market fighting arenas in Country X, but this one in the capital is the largest. Moreover, this arena has connections with the military and government, making it easy to acquire physically strong prisoners. It is precisely the perverse activities of these officers and officials that allow black market fighting to exist and thrive.
Black market fighting arenas are usually underground. Above them are often large entertainment venues, and above ground are these terrifying fighting arenas.
The most famous fighting arena in country X belongs to the most famous XX Entertainment World, and it's built underground. Ordinary people don't have the opportunity to witness the fighting matches down there; only influential and powerful people can go down there.
This wasn't the first time the wolf had come to this fighting arena, but it was the first time it had come with this purpose.
At the entrance of XX Entertainment World, he took out a cigar, and someone immediately came over to light it for him. He took a puff, the cigar tucked between his left and right hands, casual yet exuding a unique air of authority.
Upon entering such a place, you will be searched.
The wolf, cigar in mouth, raised its arms for a search. When you're on someone else's turf, you have to abide by their rules; that's a given.
After being searched, Wild Wolf was led through a winding path to a special elevator. The elevator first took him to the top floor, and then another elevator took him down to the ground floor.
Fighting is generally voluntary. The high prize money is the primary motivation for fighters to participate in underground fighting matches. Underground fighting lacks the complex formats of other fighting competitions; a few consecutive wins can quickly make a fighter rich. Another factor is the fighters' mental state; they often harbor a bloodthirsty and violent side.
Besides these free fighters, there are also those who have been bought or captured, such as prisoners. These individuals are often controlled by black market fighting rings using drugs.
The elevator stopped, and as soon as we entered the door, we could hear loud cheers.
The wolf was led through the dimly lit tunnel, inching closer to the direction of the cries. Amidst the rising waves of calls, he could clearly hear his own heartbeat.
As soon as he entered the audience seats, looking at the two fighters in the arena, Wild Wolf slowly narrowed his eyes. Damn, I've hit the jackpot!
Wild Wolf watched the intense battle unfold for a while, then took out his phone to make a call. He chuckled and said, "What do you think? I think this bet was right."
...
Another match that had set this crazy competition on fire has come to an end.
Huo Qingfeng wiped the blood from his face and strode out of the arena. A small group of people followed behind him, all of them beaming with joy.
After walking for a while, a man carrying a cigar approached him from the opposite direction. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, had a thick beard, and small but sharp eyes. That man was his boss.
The person who came with him was clearly Chinese, with the same gold-rimmed glasses and a very refined appearance. However, his seemingly casual eyes gave off an unusually cunning feeling.
The boss muttered praises to himself, clearly in high spirits after winning money.
Huo Qingfeng still maintained his cool demeanor.
The Chinese man extended his hand to him. "Nice to meet you. Of all the waters in the world, I only want one. I have plans with friends at the xxx entertainment center tonight, how about it?"
Huo Qingfeng glanced at him indifferently, seemingly ignoring his enthusiastic hand, and walked straight between the two. The Chinese man was almost knocked over by him.
Huo Qingfeng took the elevator and quickly arrived at his residence. The place his boss had arranged for him was located within this entertainment complex.
Once inside, he ripped off his clothes. He tossed a message to the person who had followed him: "I'm going to X Entertainment City tonight," and strode towards the bathroom.
"Purpose." The man hurriedly followed.
"Woman." With that, he slammed the bathroom door shut.
The man quickly stepped back, nearly breaking his nose in the process. He glared at the door, seething with anger but daring not to retaliate.
The person in the bathroom stood under the showerhead, thinking about what that person had said, a thousand thoughts flashing through their mind.
Of all the waters in the world, I only need a single sip.
That person was with Ruo Ke and even hinted at a meeting place. But why was Ruo Ke there? And why was she involved with a notorious arms dealer?
...
Ling Ruoke looked up anxiously, but there was no news, and no one came to take her away from X country. Her heart had been churning in a pan of oil all day, and her nerves were on the verge of snapping.
As she watched the wolf stroll in leisurely, with no one behind him, a chill ran through her. Could it be... could it be that Qingfeng...?
Wild Wolf sat down on the sofa, rubbing his temples, leaning back and closing his eyes, looking utterly exhausted.
Ling Ruoke stood at the bedroom door, looking at him, not daring to move an inch. In fact, she couldn't move even if she wanted to. Her legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with molten lead.
"What? Don't you have the courage to accept reality?" The wolf suddenly opened his eyes and looked at her calmly.
Ling Ruoke looked back but didn't answer. On her way here, she kept telling herself that even if the outcome was bad, at least she had come, so she wouldn't regret it. But at this moment, she realized that she wasn't prepared to face bad news at all.
She was speechless in the face of the wolf's sarcasm.
"Come here." The wolf beckoned to her, then sprawled out on the sofa, half-lying down. His gaze wasn't sharp, but it was irresistible.
Ling Ruoke looked at him for a while before slowly, little by little, moving closer to him and standing in front of him.
The wolf looked up at her, hooked her long leg, and she stumbled and fell into his arms. "Isn't this better? From now on, you can focus on following me without worry, and you won't have to be distracted."
Ling Ruoke remained silent. She had almost forgotten that her trip to X country was a transaction. Even if Qingfeng returned, she could never go back to his side. But she hoped he was still alive, alive and well. "I...I didn't...I just...I just hope he's still alive. As long as he's alive and well, I..."
She didn't know how to express her feelings. It was impossible for her not to have hoped that the wolf would be merciful and allow them to be together! But subconsciously, she stopped herself from thinking about the deal she had made with the wolf.
The wolf gripped her chin, lifting her face. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he raised an eyebrow. Slowly, he lowered his face, almost touching her forehead. "Baby, has anyone ever told you that life isn't a piece of clay you can mold however you want?"
"I...I know." She wasn't some naive little girl who had never experienced anything.
“No, you don’t understand, baby.” Wild Wolf patted her forehead. “There are no absolute winners in life. No matter what, you have to think about the possibility of a bad outcome. When you’re in school, you have to think about the possibility that your grades might not be good; when you’re in love, you have to think about the possibility that one day he might be with someone else and leave you; when you’re married, you have to think about the possibility that one day this marriage might not last… You have to think about these things. You can’t just be negative and always think about bad outcomes, but you have to have the courage to face those bad outcomes when things go wrong, understand?”
Ling Ruoke's tears finally fell, but she still nodded vigorously.
"Everyone wants to win, but we must have the courage to face the consequences of losing. That's what makes us strong in life." The wolf raised his hand and pressed her face against his chest, gently patting her head.
Ling Ruoke clenched her teeth tightly to keep from crying out loud. She knew the wolf was right, but she hadn't done it yet!
Wild Wolf reached out and picked her up, placing her on a spot beside him before standing up himself. "Don't cry for too long. I'm going to take a nap, and we'll discuss the next steps when I wake up."
Ling Ruoke first lowered her head to wipe her tears, then suddenly looked up sharply, her eyes wide. The man had already gone into the room. She hurriedly wiped her eyes haphazardly and rushed in after him. "What...what do you mean?"
The wolf kicked off his shoes, took off his clothes, leaving only his underwear. He turned around and gave her a dismissive look.
This time, Ling Ruoke didn't blush or scream; she wasn't paying attention to anything else at all. "You mean...you mean...you mean—"
"I don't mean anything. I want to sleep, don't make a sound. Either you come up and sleep with me, or you get out!" With that, she crawled into the blankets and covered her head completely.
Ling Ruoke really wanted to rush over and dig him out of bed, but she didn't. She went back to the living room, sat down on the sofa, and pondered all sorts of possibilities.
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