Earlier, I was able to kill Paitun with one kick, not just because his skills were lacking, but partly due to luck.
Paitun's personal life was extremely messy. Besides partying every night, he was impulsive and arrogant. After I successfully provoked him, I attacked his lower body. Even if I couldn't kill him, I could temporarily disable him. This gave me the opportunity to finish him off.
Seeing that the food he ate was highly nutritious, I guessed his lower body was unstable, and after a night with Yu Jie, he would be drained. So, I gave it my all in that kick.
Sure enough, his legs were not as strong as those of legendary Muay Thai masters. After severely injuring his legs, I kicked him again to ensure he was done for good.
But Paitun was Liu Shiyi's right-hand man. Killing him wouldn't bring me any good.
"Supervisor..." Wrench quickly reacted, stepping in front of me. Calmly, he said, "Paitun wanted to spar with him, but unexpectedly, he suddenly died."
"Is that so?"
Liu Shiyi pushed Wrench aside, glaring at me fiercely. "I want the truth!"
"Supervisor, it's true that Paitun started the fight. Everyone here can testify!"
"Ba Yi!"
I glared at Ba Yi, signaling him not to say another word on my behalf.
"Everyone get out!"
The henchmen immediately drove out the onlookers and shut the rolling door. The atmosphere in the restaurant became extremely tense.
I knew I couldn't escape this time.
So, I forced myself to stand up and said solemnly, "Supervisor, I killed him. No matter the reason, I won't make excuses! If you want to punish someone, punish me alone! I have no complaints!"
After speaking, cold sweat was dripping down my face. I almost collapsed to the ground.
Liu Shiyi, shaking with anger, pointed at me and shouted, "Lock him up!"
"You... you have no sense of martial ethics!" My legs went weak, and I collapsed, grabbing onto Wrench for support.
"Ping An..."
Wrench struggled to lift me, his eyes reddening with urgency. He had also been seriously injured by Paitun. If he hadn't practiced martial arts from a young age, he would've been crippled or worse.
"Take him to the basement!" Liu Shiyi ordered, and several henchmen dragged me outside.
I glanced back at Wrench, signaling him not to plead for me. Then, I was ruthlessly dragged away.
"Ugh!"
Ba Yi, overwhelmed by anger, spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest. He had internal injuries. Paitun's punches were no joke. If I hadn't taken most of the blow for him, he'd have been "sent back" to his hometown in the Northeast.
"Supervisor..."
Wrench kept his head down, not daring to say a word, afraid of making things worse for me.
Suppressing his rage, Liu Shiyi growled, "Who discovered Cai Boss?"
"Little Bottle discovered him. I took out the imposter and Auctioneer No. 3. I did this to protect the park's reputation and to ensure Cai Boss could testify."
Wrench covered for me, and Liu Shiyi, still fuming, didn't suspect a thing.
"Because you've always been diligent, I'll spare you punishment this time. As for Little Bottle, I will make him suffer!"
With a glare, Liu Shiyi stomped off in his Martin boots, his henchmen quickly carrying away Paitun's body.
Wrench and Ba Yi, supporting each other, worriedly headed to the infirmary.
"Go in and wait to die!"
The henchmen threw me into the damp, dark basement and kicked me a few times for good measure.
I lay on the foul-smelling floor, my body aching too much to speak or move.
The familiar smell, environment, and scenes all overwhelmed my restless heart.
What to do?
This time, who could save me?
"Bring him out!"
As soon as I was thrown in, Liu Shiyi followed.
The iron door opened, and two henchmen dragged me up and threw me onto an iron chair, tying my hands behind me so I couldn't move.
I looked up, calmly meeting Liu Shiyi's furious, murderous gaze, though my heart was racing.
He probably wouldn't kill me since Professor Ace had assured my safety. But torture was inevitable. As long as he didn't cripple me, assault me, or disfigure me, I could endure it.
But soon, I realized I had underestimated him.
"Little Bottle, I really want to shoot you!"
Liu Shiyi pressed a gun to my face, speaking venomously.
It seemed he was still wary of something.
I sneered, "You won't. I still have value. By Mid-Autumn Festival, I can help you earn at least 100 million."
"You're really fearless, aren't you?"
Liu Shiyi slapped me hard, making stars dance before my eyes.
"Liu Shiyi, if you torture me to the point where I can't compete, Professor Ace will never forgive you. He's already placed a huge bet on me. Ten of you couldn't compensate for that!"
"Fuck you! Do you think you're so valuable? You're just a dog he can protect for now!"
Liu Shiyi, enraged, slapped me again, making my face burn with pain.
"Yes, I am his dog! But even a dog gets some respect! If you cripple me, Professor Ace will kill you!
Liu Shiyi, your bodyguard lost because he's inferior. If I didn't kill him, someone else eventually would, possibly implicating you!"
I spat out some blood and yelled defiantly.
I bet he wouldn't kill me, but I wouldn't beg him either.
He was proud and despised cowardly men, yet perversely enjoyed seeing people beg for mercy.
"You think I can't cripple you?" Liu Shiyi, furious, grabbed a stun baton and jabbed it into my stomach.
"Bzzz"
I convulsed, losing control of my bowels.
"Gasp, gasp"
I bit down hard, forcing myself not to beg for mercy.
"Bring the pliers. I'm going to pull out his toenails! You like to kick, huh? After Mid-Autumn Festival, I'm going to smash your kneecaps and feed you to the crocodiles! You can't serve me, you keep killing my people, I will destroy you! Hahaha!"
Liu Shiyi laughed like a maniac, punching me in the chest with the pliers.
"Cough, cough"
Pain shot through my chest, making it hard to breathe.
Then a henchman took off my shoes and socks.
"Liu Shiyi, if you don't hurt me, I guarantee a deal worth over 500,000 in three days."
Panicked by his madness, I tried to negotiate.
"I want money. And your toenails. Hold his leg."
Liu Shiyi smirked, ordering two henchmen to hold my left leg.
With the pliers, he gripped my toenail tightly...