Never underestimate your opponent. Xie Sui had been suspicious about how smoothly things were going, and now his hunch was confirmed – there was indeed an ambush. It was as it should be; good things always come after a struggle.
Hua didn't understand the subtle excitement radiating from him. Their boss was good in every way, except for his eccentricities.
Upon reaching the cliff, Hua led his men to scout. They returned a long while later, exclaiming excitedly, "Boss, I found a secret passage! This cliff is hollow. You wouldn't notice it unless you looked closely. These bandits are truly insidious. What should we do?"
"Let's f*** them up! Throw landmines and rocket launchers without restraint. We'll trap them like a turtle in a jar."
"Some of our brothers have gone to scout the routes. Wait a moment, we'll block their escape."
Xie Sui was pleased. "Good. I'll give you extra chicken legs when we get back."
"Boss, can you give me extra money instead?"
Hua didn't grasp his humor. Chicken legs were worth so little; wouldn't extra cash be better?
Xie Sui laughed and scolded, "You've learned to haggle, haven't you? Isn't this trip enough for you to earn?"
Hua grinned. "The boss leads well. If I save enough, I can buy a small house and have my family move in with me."
Xie Sui started chatting with him about his life. "Where's your hometown?"
"Aocheng. My mother is all that's left. I offended someone there and had to come here to make a living."
Everyone had their own sad story. Hua, with his skills, must not be from an ordinary family. Xie Sui patted his shoulder. "If there's a chance, I'll take you back to get revenge, brother. Only a true man avenges his enemies."
A flicker of sadness crossed Hua's eyes. Who wouldn't want revenge if they could? But his enemy was too formidable, so powerful it was despair-inducing. He dared not even dream of retribution.
As they spoke, a signal sounded from below. Hua waved his hand. "Attack!"
He led his men down, and a volley of gunfire and explosions startled Du Feiyang and the others. Guan Zhizhi had even come along and seemed quite familiar with Du Feiyang. These women possessed high emotional intelligence; when they set their minds to it, no man could escape their tender embrace.
"What's happening, Brother Xie? Such a commotion!"
Xie Sui replied, "There's an ambush below. Ah Fei did well this time. Fortunately, he discovered it, or we would have become their celebratory feast."
Hua climbed back up again. "Brother Xie, we've eliminated them all. And there's good news – there are two more boats below, both in good condition. We can sail back now."
"Well done. As usual, the spoils are yours."
"Thank you, boss."
The bodyguards cheered. They had made a fortune with Boss Xie this time. The robbers were rich; they had confiscated many gold watches and chains, and the cash was just pocket change.
Finally, they could return, yet the men were reluctant to leave. The scenery here was beautiful, the climate pleasant, and there was plenty to eat and drink, far from the pressures of work. They didn't know when they would be able to visit again.
Xie Sui didn't press them. Anyone who wanted to stay could live there forever; he wasn't their tour guide.
A ship's horn sounded – it was the coast guard. Young Master Jun had already returned and sent for them. Inspector Liang jumped down. Seeing Xie Sui, his eyes held a complex emotion. He had truly accomplished it.
"Are you all right?"
"We're so comfortable we forget to go home. Miss Liang, you won't renege on the bounty, will you? I have a surprise for you!"
"You found Chen Qiang?"
"Alive. Can the reward be doubled?"
Liang Ni was overjoyed. "I'll try my best to fight for it. This bounty was issued by several families, not just us. I'll also give you some personal compensation."
"That's not necessary. I can't let you spend more than you should. You're not having an easy time either."
His words stirred Liang Ni. Beneath her strong exterior, she also had a soft heart.
Chen Qiang, closely guarded by the bodyguards, knew he was completely finished when he saw Liang Ni. He bowed his head in resignation. As for the bandits groaning in agony all over the ground, Liang Ni was puzzled. "Are they injured?"
"They'll be eunuchs for the rest of their lives. I suppose that counts as an injury."
"Who did it?"
Liang Ni's eyes were strange. He was truly ruthless!
"Don't ask. They got what they deserved."
Guan Zhizhi glanced at him. This guy could be quite reliable when it mattered.
Finally, it was time to leave the island. Xie Sui was still somewhat reluctant; this was his place of fortune. He would definitely buy it back someday and bring Wanwan and the children for a vacation. Calculating the dates, the child in Wanwan's belly was already five months old. As soon as things here were settled, he would rush back to see her. He felt like an inadequate husband, leaving her to bear the hardships of pregnancy alone.
Xie Sui's sudden quietness made others uncomfortable. He gazed wistfully at the sky, like a pensive philosopher. No one disturbed his thoughts. Soon, they reached the pier in Port City, where representatives from various families were already waiting. Even the media had arrived in droves, their cameras flashing. Journalists swarmed forward. "Boss Xie, we heard you rescued everyone. Where did you get your information? Could you please tell us?"
"Boss Xie, some people say you colluded with the bandits to orchestrate this kidnapping. Do you have anything to say?"
"Boss Xie, how do you plan to use the hundred-million-dollar reward?"
Xie Sui was surrounded by them, microphones thrust almost to his nose.
"Ah Hua!"
"I'm here! Everyone, step aside, let Boss Xie speak. Don't crowd him."
Ah Hua, along with the bodyguards, kept the crowd at bay. Xie Sui straightened his clothes and put on a standard smile. "Thank you all, media friends, for your interest. I'm happy to accept your interview. First, let me clarify: I was able to rescue everyone purely through my wise judgment, rational commands, and daring, meticulous risk-taking. As for colluding with bandits, I'd have to know them first! I hope such baseless rumors will not be spread again. I will select two media outlets to share the collective details with in detail. For now, I am tired and need to rest. Let's schedule another time."
Xie Sui walked away after speaking, as if he had just bragged about himself without saying anything truly useful. Du Feiyang admired him. "Brother Xie's thick skin is unprecedented."
Back at the company, the employees erupted in enthusiastic applause. It was wonderful that Boss Xie had returned; they couldn't afford to lose their jobs, having just found them!
Meanwhile, in a luxurious villa, Young Master Jun, holding a wine glass, watched the scene on television, his face darkening. "That mainland fellow is really making a splash."
Secretary Jin asked, "Young Master Jun, do we need to give Boss Xie the half of the ransom we promised?"
"Give what? Who knows if he wasn't the one who cried wolf?"
Secretary Jin was in a difficult position. He had negotiated this deal, and now going back on their word put him in an awkward spot.
"Young Master Jun, regardless, he saved you. It wouldn't look good if we welched on our promise, would it?"
Young Master Jun suddenly smashed his wine glass. "Are you a traitor? What benefits did he give you for you to speak for him like that? Five hundred million! Do you think my money falls from the sky?"