บท 17: World 1.16

"Did you know that Jiang Rui tried to kill you..?"

[Ehhhh???! What?! Nani??!!]

DICCU: What?!

Jiang Rui was in complete shock when the words from Ling Shudi processed inside his thoughts. Tremor crawled into his nerves, making him stupefied in an instant.

Ling Shudi released a cunning chuckle "Heh? Are you shaking now, Jiang Rui?"

Suddenly, the area rang a familiar siren; it was from the police. Ling Shudi pushed Qui Yuan away the moment he heard it. "Tch! This is your lucky day!" then he quickly vanished from their sight.

Jiang Rui quickly ran towards the restless Qui Yuan, embracing him in his arms. While the police came to rescue them together with an ambulance. Fortunately, they only sustained minor injuries.

After the medications from the hospital, Jiang Rui couldn't take his eyes from unconscious Qui Yuan at the back of the ambulance.

At the Hospital, he was sitting beside his bed, silently feeling guilt.

"Is he still sleeping?" A cold can of soda touched Jiang Rui's cheeks. It was from Min Jiwoo.

The sudden chill surprised Jiang Rui as he directly pulled the can away from his face "Yes.." he replied lowering his head.

Min Jiwoo check Qui Yuan after pulling his blanket up properly "Fortunately, I were able to trace his location through his phone" he uttered "And I find it suspicious after reading the 'old factory warehouse' so I called the police incase'' he added

Jiang Rui stayed quiet, clenching his fist "I-I'm sorry.." he mumbled under his heavy breath "I'm sorry if I couldn't save him.." he uttered once more

Min Jiwoo's lips straighten as his eyes became sharp "Jiang Rui.." his voice was cold "Can I ask you a favor?"

***

Qui Yuan finally opened his eyes. With the white ceiling and disinfectant scent he can immediately guess that he was in the hospital.

He was alone, he's expecting that Jiang Rui would be on his side waiting for him to wake up, but the silence only greeted him back.

He was stunned when the hologram popped up in front of him, containing some information. It was flashing green continuously.

'GOOD JOB HOST! YOU HAVE UNLOCKED A NEW INFORMATION'

Qui Yuan didn't waste a time reading it.

It was a sunny day and Qui Yuan's class ended. He was walking alone going home with his camera, taking random pictures when his gaze suddenly went to the small alley near the school.

Familiar voices rang into his ears.

"How much is this?"

"He's a new recruit but he can already sell 2kgs of magic pills.."

"Taking drugs is easier that going to school these days.."

"Shudi, are you aware about your father's reputation? You should be careful bringing this kind of stuff at School.."

"Humm..My Father is the Deputy Leader, we are powerful enough to cover those dust on our names"

Then they laughed out loud, holding the sticks of uncommon substances in their hands. A shadow hovered in front of them. Until they realized Qui Yuan's camera, taking a video.

Qui Yuan was fast enough to dash home.

Meanwhile, Jing Rui was the Deputy Leader's scholar. He was busy arranging the books on the table; he borrowed some from the Deputy Leader's private library near the office.

"Jiang Rui!!!!" Ling Shudi dashed to him, grabbing his collar

It startled Jiang Rui to ask him, "Get that child for me!" Ling Shudi screamed

Jiang Rui's father is working under them, and their family had a debt to pay, so he accepted the offer of the Deputy Leader. And he was also used to Ling Shudi's orders.

He can punch Ling Shudi in the face if he wanted, but their bloodline and political connections are too powerful for him.

The Deputy Leader got mad at Ling Shudi after knowing what happened, so he let his son fix everything in exchange for a punishment.

Jiang Rui was ordered to track Qui Yuan to get the camera. At first, Ling Shudi's requests were easy and moderate, so he didn't have a problem doing it. Jiang Rui befriended Min Jiwoo to get closer to Qui Yuan. After a few months of not getting the camera and not having a sure result, Ling Shudi got angry and mad at Jiang Rui. By the fear of losing his higher position, the Deputy Leader threatened him that if he didn't finish Qui Yuan, he would lose his father.

Jiang Rui was so scared, he was just a mere innocent kid attending School, and he wasn't expecting his life to be ruined like this. He trusted Ling Shudi and his father so much to where he couldn't oppose them.

They even threatened Qui Yuan back then, but the male didn't give up the camera

"Just break one of his legs.."

And that day, an accident happened.

***

Qui Yuan jolted in bed, the hologram vanished from his sight.

"Yuan? Are you okay?"

He saw Min Jiwoo's jade green eyes looking straight at him with a worried face. The male didn't hesitate to embrace him and patted his back "It's okay, you're safe now..please don't overthink things.." he said in a gentle voice.

'...Am I too quiet? Am I overthinking things? Why am I bothered by Jiang Rui's action? Why is my heart pounding like crazy? Suddenly, I don't want to see him..'

[Diccu, my chest is hurting after knowing the truth]

DICCU: It's because you are carrying Qui Yuan's character

Qui Yuan grabbed Min Jiwoo's waist as he embraced the male back, while the male pulled his head towards his chest.

Qui Yuan trembled as his system being weak, his knees curled up and his eyes became sore like there was a group of tears forming beside his eyes that made his vision blurry. With his grasp on the other male's clothes, it released a silent sobbing sound from him, squinting his eyes and biting his lower lip.

Min Jiwoo's lips straightened up, a stony gaze changed his expression as he rubbed Qui Yuan's back to comfort him more. His eyes became cold, like a piercing anger crawled towards him.

"Yuan, I will never let anyone hurt you again.." he uttered

'BREAKMETER RAISED TO 70%'