On the other end of the line, Du Ming's voice was low and hoarse, as if he had just come out of a fierce battle. "Lingxi, listen to me. Don't believe anything that Dark Night says, and don't agree to any of his conditions!"
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. "Du Ming, how are you? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Du Ming's voice steadied a bit. "Lingxi, I know you're worried about me, but this is not the time for emotions. Dark Night is cunning; we can't let him lead us by the nose."
I tightened my grip on the phone, my nails nearly digging into my flesh. "But Bai Wei…"
"I will find a way to handle Bai Wei's situation." Du Ming's tone was resolute. "Right now, your most important priority is to ensure your safety. Don't act impulsively; wait for me to return."
Before I could respond, a sudden cacophony erupted on the other end of the line, and Du Ming's voice became intermittent. "Lingxi, I have some matters to attend to; I have to hang up now. Remember, don’t—"
The call abruptly disconnected, leaving only the sound of a busy signal. I stared blankly at the phone screen, filled with worry and unease.
Du Ming's words made me realize that now was not the time for rash actions. I needed to stay calm and rational in order to find a solution.
Taking a deep breath, I put my phone back in my pocket and looked up at Dark Night. The panic and fear that had been in my eyes were replaced by determination and resolve.
"Dark Night, do you think you can threaten me like this?" My tone was calm but carried an undeniable firmness. "Let me tell you, I will not yield to any of your threats! If you want to know something, I can tell you, but only if you guarantee Bai Wei's safety!"
Dark Night narrowed his eyes, sizing me up as if assessing the truth behind my words. After a moment, he suddenly burst into laughter, filled with mockery and disdain.
"Guo Lingxi, who do you think you are? What right do you have to negotiate with me?" I stared directly at him and said each word clearly: "I am nobody special; I'm just someone who wants to protect my friend. Dark Night, you'd better understand this: Bai Wei is my bottom line. If you dare lay a finger on her, I will not let you go!"
His laughter stopped abruptly as he glared at me coldly, a flicker of malice flashing in his eyes. Just then, a ringtone broke the tense atmosphere. I pulled out my phone and saw Du Ming's name on the screen. My heart raced as I immediately answered.
"Lingxi, how are you? Is Dark Night giving you trouble?" Du Ming's anxious voice came through the line; it was clear he was worried about me.
I took a deep breath and tried to keep my voice calm. "I'm fine, Du Ming; you don't need to worry about me. Where are you now? What's the situation?"
"I just acquired the 'Nightshade' bar and cut off one of Dark Night's funding sources." Du Ming's voice carried a hint of fatigue but remained firm. "Lingxi, hold on for a little longer; I'll be there soon."
Hearing Du Ming's words ignited a spark of hope within me. I knew he was protecting me in his own way; he was fighting against Dark Night to buy me time and opportunities.
The 'Nightshade' bar was one of Jianghan City's most notorious hotspots and an important tool for Dark Night's financial gain. By acquiring it, Du Ming had effectively severed one of Dark Night's financial lifelines—a heavy blow for him.
I understood Du Ming's character; he always acted decisively. Since he said he would come for me soon, I believed he would keep his word. All I needed to do was wait patiently and trust him.
"I understand, Du Ming; please be careful yourself," I said softly, filled with concern.
"I will; don't worry." Du Ming's voice was gentle yet resolute. "Lingxi, wait for me."
After hanging up the phone, I looked up at Dark Night again. The panic and fear had vanished from my eyes, replaced by confidence and determination.
I knew that together with Du Ming, we would overcome all difficulties, rescue Bai Wei, and bring Dark Night to justice! Dark Night’s expression darkened ominously as he stared intently at me, seemingly trying to read something from my face. Unfazed, I met his gaze head-on, filled with trust in Du Ming. I believed he would come for me; we would triumph over everything!
A few days later, Du Ming found me and also located the imprisoned Bai Wei. Although Bai Wei was frightened, she was in good spirits. She told us that during her kidnapping, she secretly used lipstick to leave a coded message on a handkerchief and managed to toss it by the roadside. It was based on this clue that Du Ming tracked her down to this place. I was amazed by Bai Wei's cleverness and bravery, and I admired Du Ming's attentiveness and persistence.
We had gathered evidence of the mysterious organization's criminal activities and decided to negotiate with their leader. The negotiation took place in a teahouse, where the atmosphere was tense and oppressive.
"I hope you will release Bai Wei; I can overlook the past," I stated directly.
The leader of the mysterious organization sneered, "Miss Guo, you are too naive. Who do you think you are? What qualifications do you have to negotiate with us?"
"I'm not here to negotiate; I'm here to warn you," Du Ming said coldly. "You'd better not challenge my bottom line, or I will make you pay a heavy price."
"Is that so? I want to see how you will make us pay!" The leader slammed his hand on the table, his eyes filled with ferocity.
"Just this." I threw a document onto the table. "This is evidence of all your organization's criminal activities over the years, including how you have profited through business means, manipulated the stock market, and even assassinated competitors..."
The leader's expression changed drastically; he never expected we had gathered so much evidence. He suddenly looked up at me, shock and anger filling his gaze.
"Who are you? Why are you opposing us?"
I smiled slightly, my tone calm yet firm: "We are here to end all of this."
Du Ming took over, his voice deep and powerful. "Now, I give you two choices: either disband the organization and accept legal consequences; or resist stubbornly, and what awaits you will be destruction!"
The leader fell silent, caught in a dilemma. Just then, his phone rang unexpectedly. He answered it, and his expression turned extremely grim.
"I understand," he said before hanging up. He glanced at us with a complicated look in his eyes. "Today's events are not over!"
With that, he hurriedly left the teahouse with his subordinates. I watched their retreating figures, filled with confusion about who had called them and what news had caused such panic. It seemed there were even greater secrets hidden behind the mysterious organization...
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