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If Ji Chenai wanted Zhou Yaoyun to go with him to meet Wang Mingwu, then time was running out—he couldn’t afford to delay any longer.
After thinking it over for two hours, Ji Chenai ultimately decided to go with Xiao Qi’s suggestion. However, he didn’t tell Zhou Yaoyun who Wang Mingwu really was. He simply said he needed him to accompany him to meet someone.
Zhou Yaoyun asked who the person was which Ji Chenai replied vaguely, “Not exactly a friend.”
From that answer alone, Zhou Yaoyun understood Ji Chenai didn’t want to elaborate. Since he was unwilling to explain, Zhou Yaoyun didn’t push. He simply asked for the time and location of the meeting.
Ji Chenai said the time would likely be tomorrow, though the location was still undecided.
Zhou Yaoyun gave him a long look, then nodded.
Later, Ji Chenai reached out to Wang Mingwu again. When the call connected, the man’s frustrated voice came through, laced with fury. “What the hell do you want from me?!”
Ji Chenai responded lazily, “You know, getting that worked up isn’t good for your health. Especially in your line of work—it’s not smart to lose your cool the moment someone contacts you.”
Wang Mingwu snarled, “What the hell do you want from me? Where did you get those things? I warn you—don’t let me find out who you are, or I’ll make you regret it!”
His voice was filled with rage, but beneath it, Ji Chenai could sense a deeper fear. Wang Mingwu’s dealings with Xu Yunchong were extremely secretive, so much so that even Xu Yunchong’s closest subordinates didn’t know. But here, on the other end of the line, someone had dug up his interactions with Xu Yunchong, as well as other unspeakable matters. The altered voice on the line sent a chilling chill down Wang Mingwu’s spine.
The voice on the other end said coldly, “So, are you going to take my life, or should I take yours?”
Wang Mingwu broke into a cold sweat, forcing himself to calm down. After a tense pause, he finally managed to compose himself. “What do you want?”
Ji Chenai didn’t have any fondness for Wang Mingwu, or for anyone involved in human trafficking. Hearing him suppress his anger and ask what was wanted, pretending to be calm, made Ji Chenai chuckle. “Let’s meet.”
Wang Mingwu responded, “Meet? What do you want from me?”
Ji Chenai replied, “Tomorrow at 10 AM, at the Nine-Turn Bridge in the southwest corner of Duojiao Park. You’d better come alone. If not, I can’t guarantee who’ll end up with those things.”
Wang Mingwu snorted in disbelief, then abruptly hung up the phone.
Xiao Qi asked in confusion, “Will he really go?”
Ji Chenai smiled. “Of course.”
In reality, the things Xiao Qi had sent to Wang Mingwu weren’t enough to prove his connection with Xu Yunchong and the human traffickers. They only indicated that the two were colluding in some illegal and highly profitable business. However, that was enough to send Wang Mingwu into a panic. If things went south, he would be the pawn Xu Yunchong sacrificed.
Wang Mingwu was deeply unsettled. What frightened him the most was that he didn’t dare tell Xu Yunchong about this. His only option was to use their meeting the next day as an opportunity to eliminate the person daring to threaten him.
Ji Chenai knew exactly what Wang Mingwu was thinking. A cornered dog will leap over a wall, but if it fails, it will be put down.
Zhou Yaoyun’s flight was booked for the afternoon. He wasn’t sure what Ji Chenai was planning, but he vaguely sensed that it was connected to past events.
Early the next morning, Ji Chenai got up, washed up, and ate breakfast while listening to Xiao Qi report on Wang Mingwu’s activities from the night before.
Wang Mingwu had made over a dozen calls—some to probe people he suspected of leaking information, others to rally friends who could help him today.
Xiao Qi also warned Ji Chenai that some of these people might be armed, urging him to be cautious when he went.
After listening, Ji Chenai hesitated for a moment before informing Zhou Yaoyun about the situation. To his surprise, Zhou Yaoyun’s expression remained unchanged. He didn’t even ask why those people had guns. Instead, after a brief moment of contemplation, he asked, “How many of them? Are they military?”
Ji Chenai was slightly taken aback by Zhou Yaoyun’s complete lack of surprise. “They’re not military… probably five or six people,” he replied.
Zhou Yaoyun nodded. “That shouldn’t be a problem,” he said casually before adding, “I’ll get ready.”
At first, Ji Chenai didn’t understand what Zhou Yaoyun needed to prepare. He figured at most, the guy would hide a wooden stick or something. But when Zhou Yaoyun, without the slightest change in expression, pulled a pile of gun parts out of his backpack, Ji Chenai was completely stunned.
Ji Chenai stared in disbelief. “…Didn’t you say you weren’t in the mafia?”
Without looking up, Zhou Yaoyun continued assembling the firearm. “I’m not. I own guns legally.”
Ji Chenai: “…” Wait, you can legally own guns in this country?
After finishing the assembly, Zhou Yaoyun took out a piece of clothing and handed it over. “Here, put this on.”
Ji Chenai examined it. “What is this?” It looked like a bulletproof vest, but in his impression, bulletproof vests weren’t this light and thin.
Zhou Yaoyun said, “It has bulletproof capabilities, but it’s not the best. The advantage is that it’s lighter and easier to carry.”
Ji Chenai hesitated. “If I wear it, what about you?”
Zhou Yaoyun smiled. “If those guys can actually hit me, then all my training this past year would’ve been for nothing.”
Hearing that, Ji Chenai didn’t argue any further. In reality, he never intended to let those armed men get close in the first place. Xiao Qi had full control over all the surveillance in the park, which meant they could monitor the enemy’s every move. The only reason Ji Chenai needed to meet Wang Mingwu in person was due to the limitations of his ability’s range.
Zhou Yaoyun stuffed the assembled gun back into his bag before asking, “Where exactly is the meeting spot?”
Ji Chenai told him the agreed-upon location.
After hearing it, Zhou Yaoyun pulled out a tablet, opened a satellite view, and began analyzing the terrain. His movements and composure made it clear—this wasn’t his first time doing something like this.
Ji Chenai watched from the side, feeling a bit on edge. Unable to hold back, he quietly asked Xiao Qi, “Are you sure Zhou Yaoyun isn’t involved in organized crime?”
Xiao Qi replied, “Obviously not! What kind of gangster looks this good?”
Ji Chenai sighed. “Sigh.”
Xiao Qi: “??? Are you… disappointed? Why do I have a host like this?!”
Ji Chenai said matter-of-factly, “Don’t you think if he were in the mafia, I’d be able to rack up a ton of energy points?”
Xiao Qi paused. “…You know what, that actually makes sense. Why don’t you try convincing him?”
Ji Chenai: “=.= Forget it. If Wang Zhixiu found out, he’d probably chop him up and eat him.”
Meanwhile, Zhou Yaoyun had finished his preparations. At the same time, Ji Chenai noticed through the surveillance feeds that Wang Mingwu had started positioning his men. Due to the dense landscaping in Duojiao Park, Wang Mingwu had strategically stationed them at various corners of the winding Nine-Turn Bridge.
Ji Chenai wasn’t in a hurry. He waited until he was nearly at the destination before finally giving Wang Mingwu a call.
At Duojiao Park, Wang Mingwu was already on edge. When he received Ji Chenai’s call, he forced himself to sound calm. “Why aren’t you here yet? I’m already on the bridge.”
Ji Chenai didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he let out a slow, deliberate sigh.
A chill ran down Wang Mingwu’s spine.
Ji Chenai finally spoke again. “Tell your guys to stop lurking around. It’s freezing, and it’s even snowing. Not exactly what I’d call being a considerate friend.”
There was no way Wang Mingwu would admit to anything. He immediately snapped back, “Bullshit! I came alone! Quit talking nonsense—I should be the one worried you brought people!”
Ji Chenai fell silent for a few seconds. Just long enough for Wang Mingwu’s nerves to start unraveling. Then, in an indifferent tone, he said, “I genuinely wanted to have a conversation with you. But if this is the attitude you’re taking, then I don’t think we have anything left to discuss.”
With that, he hung up.
Wang Mingwu gripped his phone so tightly he nearly smashed it on the ground. Furious, he tried to call Ji Chenai back, but since Ji Chenai had used an internet call, there was no way to return the call.
In the dead of winter, light snowflakes drifted from the sky, yet a thin layer of cold sweat formed on Wang Mingwu’s forehead. The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. Fear gnawed at him until he finally gritted his teeth and sent a message to his men, instructing them to wait outside the park.
Ji Chenai watched through Xiao Qi’s surveillance as Wang Mingwu withdrew his people. He waited a little longer before calling him again.
This time, Wang Mingwu was much more subdued. He didn’t dare curse anymore and simply asked, “When are you coming?”
Ji Chenai replied lazily, “No point rushing. Just wait.”
Wang Mingwu was seething at Ji Chenai’s attitude, but there was nothing he could do about it. In the end, he had no choice but to swallow his anger.
They had driven to the park in Zhou Yumian’s car, but to avoid their license plate being seen, Ji Chenai had Zhou Yaoyun park farther away. They would walk the rest of the way together.
After getting out of the car, Ji Chenai handed Zhou Yaoyun a mask and a hat. “Put these on.”
Zhou Yaoyun obediently put them on, then casually walked ahead, leading the way toward their destination.
Following Ji Chenai’s instructions, Wang Mingwu’s men had all withdrawn from the park. Ji Chenai continued monitoring their movements through Xiao Qi, ensuring that as long as no conflict broke out before he met Wang Mingwu, there wouldn’t be one at all.
At 10:10 AM, Ji Chenai arrived at the agreed-upon meeting spot.
He climbed down from Zhou Yaoyun’s back and slowly made his way forward with the help of a cane. Zhou Yaoyun stood protectively behind him, keeping watch.
Wang Mingwu had initially thought he had offended someone from the underworld, but now, seeing only two people approach—one of whom was a cripple—he was caught off guard.
Wait… a cripple?
Something clicked in Wang Mingwu’s mind. His expression, which had been filled with anger and fear, shifted slightly, showing traces of something else.
“You’re Zhou Yaoqin?!” he blurted out.
Ji Chenai hadn’t expected Wang Mingwu to recognize him so quickly. But it made sense—his legs were a dead giveaway. Moreover, Xu Yunchong had been keeping a close eye on Ji Chenai recently, which meant Wang Mingwu had also developed a deep impression of him.
It was no surprise, really. As someone who had indirectly or directly destroyed his family, Ji Chenai was the last person Wang Mingwu would ever forget.
Having his identity exposed in an instant didn’t faze Ji Chenai. The only reason he had worn a mask and hat was to ensure that no one saw his face before he met Wang Mingwu. Now that he was here, he had already achieved his goal.
Turning slightly, Ji Chenai said to Zhou Yaoyun, “Can you give me a moment?”
Zhou Yaoyun, perceptive as ever, silently took a few steps back—far enough that he couldn’t hear their conversation, but still close enough to ensure Ji Chenai’s safety.
Ji Chenai looked at Wang Mingwu and said, “Didn’t expect you to recognize me.”
Wang Mingwu gritted his teeth. “I’d recognize you even if you turned to ash. Now tell me—what the hell do you want?”
If it weren’t for Xu Yunchong holding him back, he would have already made a move against Ji Chenai. His sister and brother had died so horribly. Ji Chenai might not have been the one who did it, but he was certainly involved.
Ji Chenai studied Wang Mingwu’s rage-filled expression and suddenly felt that simply letting him die would be too easy.
He said coldly, “Do you even realize how many lives you’ve destroyed with your actions?”
Wang Mingwu spat on the ground and sneered, “Destroyed lives? If I didn’t do this, would you feed me? Cut the crap—what the hell do you want?”
The most terrifying kind of person wasn’t just someone who did evil—it was someone who did evil without even realizing they were wrong.
Ji Chenai chuckled and activated Saint’s Radiance on Wang Mingwu.
Out of all his abilities, this was by far the most devastating. It had no target restrictions, and its effects were overwhelming. Ji Chenai had no intention of giving Wang Mingwu a chance to sell out his accomplices later. So, after extracting detailed information about Xu Yunchong and their human trafficking operations, he calmly said,
“You know what you’ve done is wrong. That’s why you’ll tell your men this was all a misunderstanding. And by nightfall, you’ll end your own life.”
Just like the ones before him, Wang Mingwu nodded frantically, as if his life depended on it.
Watching Wang Mingwu’s dazed obedience, Ji Chenai suddenly wondered—what if someone truly evil had gotten their hands on Xiao Qi? What kind of world would that create?
Under the influence of Ji Chenai’s ability, Wang Mingwu answered every question truthfully. Thanks to End of the Liar, he was incapable of lying.
He felt no remorse for the vile trade he was involved in. In fact, he took pride in it. But what truly sealed his fate was one sentence:
“Humans, pigs, dogs—aren’t they all the same? It’s not like I’m killing them. If I don’t sell them, I’ll be the one who dies.”
There was no saving him.
Ji Chenai looked at Wang Mingwu, his gaze devoid of pity, even of disgust. All that remained was cold indifference.
This wasn’t the first time he had taken a life—he had even done it with his own hands before.
But this time, he felt it more deeply than ever. These people weren’t just corrupt. They were rotten to the core. Beyond redemption.
Wang Mingwu also revealed details about his latest shipment of “merchandise.” It turned out he had recently acquired a batch of high-quality goods and was planning to smuggle them through the city. The shipment was so valuable that it was exclusively meant for high-profile clients.
Ji Chenai carefully memorized the exact location, transaction time, and logistics. Then, as he met Wang Mingwu’s devout, almost reverent gaze, he smiled and said, “Go die.”
Wang Mingwu nodded eagerly. “Alright, alright, alright.”
With everything settled, Ji Chenai turned and walked away without a second glance. He instructed Xiao Qi to erase any traces of his presence before leaving the park with Zhou Yaoyun.
Ironically, all the equipment Zhou Yaoyun had meticulously prepared ended up being completely unnecessary.
And on that note, Ji Chenai couldn’t help but feel a little… disappointed.
=^_^=
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kyotot[Translator]
Hi kyotot here~ ^.<= message me on discord for any novel request that you want me to translate Comments and suggestions are welcome! Hope you enjoy reading my translations!~