Looking around, I noticed that the nearby countryside only had a few particularly luxurious villas with vast grounds. Just from the over two-meter-high surrounding walls and the splendid golden roofs, it was clear that these were the private estates of local wealthy landowners.
Beyond these grand villas, about five miles away, were mostly impoverished villages. The low houses, barren land, and children with sallow faces wandering the streets painted a stark contrast to the opulence nearby. Young girls, out of desperation, were turning to street work, highlighting the dire poverty of the area.
Being fortunate enough to live in China, where safety and employment rank among the highest in the world, I couldn't help but feel grateful. Southeast Asian countries, plagued by poverty and constant war, were truly inhospitable places.
Our car drove off the town's main road, through the rural fields, and then sped up the mountain path. We were heading towards the KK area, past an eerie old forest. Since Liu Shiyi's driver and bodyguard were with us, Wrench and I didn't talk much, fearing eavesdroppers.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something," I broke the silence.
"Go ahead," Wrench replied, his attention still fixed on the forest, remaining highly vigilant. I suspected he had a military background, not just any soldier, but someone with significant experience.
"When you guys captured me the other day, did you catch any other escapees from my camp?"
I was curious about the whereabouts of Scar and the woman in white. If they had snitched on Chen Weiqiang for letting us go, it would be trouble.
Wrench thought for a moment, then said, "We caught about a dozen. One was reported by a local villager, a woman, but she was killed on the spot."
"What was she wearing?"
"White clothes, very noticeable."
So, she didn't make it after all. I fell silent for a moment before asking, "Did you catch a middle-aged man with a gun?"
"Why are you asking?" Wrench seemed curious, thinking I had too many questions.
"I just want to know, or I won't be at peace."
If Scar was caught and brought back to the KK area, I'd make sure to break his legs. Not for betrayal, but out of sheer frustration because he didn't escape back to our country despite having a gun. He deserved a beating for that.
"Now that you mention it, Dahei and the others did chase a gunman. But that guy was lucky; he managed to climb over the barbed wire and was taken away by the Chinese police after crossing the border," Wrench said confidently.
"Good for him, he got away!"
I breathed a sigh of relief, happy that he made it back to China and didn't waste the gun. At the same time, I felt sad and lost. If he hadn't stolen the gun, I wouldn't have gotten lost and ended up here by mistake. We would all be back in our country by now, and Sister Chunyan would have been buried in her hometown.
Unfortunately, life has no ifs. Fate plays its tricks, and everything is predestined.
I took a deep breath, gazing out the window, and sighed, "But I'm still glad he made it back. As for Heizi, he deserved it!"
"Stay strong, things will get better," Wrench tried to comfort me, patting my shoulder.
I didn't reply, just stared blankly at the clouds in the sky, thinking about the girl named Yan in the casino. I hoped she would survive until I could redeem her. If I could take on a few more international jobs and win the Mid-Autumn Festival fight, I could convince Ace to redeem her. Then, I could contact the embassy to send her back to China. I'd help as many as I could.
As for myself, I'd leave it to fate.
"Watch out!"
Just as I was lost in thought, Wrench shouted angrily. Then, he pushed me down under the seat, my arm hurting from the fall.
"Bang, bang"
Two bullets flew in from outside the car window, piercing through Wrench's side of the car window and flying out through my side.
"Director, we're under attack..." The driver accelerated, and the bodyguard in the front seat immediately grabbed his gun and started suppressing fire towards the forest on the right.
"Don't lift your head. There's a sniper in the woods! Their target is Liu Shiyi. Looks like this ambush was set up in advance, waiting for us," Wrench pressed down on my shoulder, preventing me from recklessly lifting my head and becoming a target.
The old fox, Liu Shiyi, really had bad intentions. He switched cars with me to use me as a human shield.
"Bang, bang"
Another two bullets hit the car, making a sharp metallic sound.
"What should we do, brother?" I asked, crouching under the seat, feeling very uncomfortable.
"Wait for reinforcements. Getting out means certain death. Abu, drive faster so they can't hit the tires or gas tank," Wrench shouted at the driver, loading his gun and preparing to fight back.
"Got it!"
Abu immediately shifted into combat mode, pressing the gas pedal to the floor. The mountain road was rough and uneven. At 150 mph, I was worried we'd fly off the cliff.
But my worry was unnecessary. I should be more concerned about the sniper chasing us, hoping they were just a lousy shot.
"Tat-tat-tat"
The gunfire outside continued. Liu Shiyi's car was also under attack. I had no gun, and even if I did, I probably couldn't aim well. I could only hide under the seat, feeling anxious.
I couldn't believe Liu Shiyi had so many enemies, getting attacked even when gambling.
"Bang"
Another gunshot, and the right rearview mirror was shot off. Abu was frantically stepping on the gas, almost flying the car.
He had good driving skills, or we would have ended up in a ditch. I finally understood why they always had locals driving; outsiders couldn't navigate these winding roads.
"Screech"
Abu suddenly braked hard. The immense inertia almost threw Wrench and me out.
"Wrench, there's a rock blocking the way, we can't pass," Abu shouted, grabbing a gun from under the seat.
"Boom"
The car behind us didn't react in time and hit our rear, making us dizzy and seeing stars.
"Get out!" Wrench opened the door and dragged me out. Abu also got out, crouching, and the bodyguard followed, firing a few shots before crawling out.
"Bang"
Just as Wrench and I rolled into the bushes, the spot I was in got hit. Close call, I almost met my maker.
I looked anxiously at the car behind, hoping Chen Weiqiang would survive to give me an explanation.
"Take this for protection." Wrench handed me a handgun, showing his trust. For a moment, I wanted to kill Liu Shiyi and his bodyguards, then escape with the car.
"Tat-tat-tat"
Suddenly, intense gunfire erupted. Liu Shiyi's car hadn't moved yet, and I started to worry about Chen Weiqiang.
From the forest came a shout: "Liu Shiyi, you monster, surrender now or be riddled with bullets!"