Watching Qian, the secretary, writhing on the floor in agony, Jin Haili tried to maintain his composure but felt a creeping sense of fear. He hadn't seen what weapon this guy had used, yet Qian was clutching his eyes and wailing.
Ye Qiu nonchalantly walked to the corner bar, poured himself a glass of red wine, and took a sip. "This wine is pretty good."
Jin Haili's heart bled. Of course the wine was good. He had purchased it from the black market—a rare vintage from the Louis family in France, costing him $270,000. He rarely indulged in it himself, yet here this guy was, drinking it without a second thought.
"What do you want to talk to me about?" Jin Haili suppressed his anger, raising his glass towards Ye Qiu. A true man must be able to bend and stretch, preserving the possibility of revenge later.
"I just need an answer," Ye Qiu replied, mirroring Jin Haili's gesture with his glass. He took a small sip, savoring the taste. Despite being adversaries, he appreciated Jin Haili's composure under pressure. It was a quality necessary for achieving greatness.
"If it's something I know, I will certainly cooperate," Jin Haili said calmly, adjusting his glasses.
Ye Qiu hesitated, ensuring his question wouldn't bring trouble to Tang Group or Tang Guo. Finally, he asked, "Did you order the kidnapping of Tang Guo?"
He fixed his eyes on Jin Haili, scrutinizing him for any sign of deception.
Jin Haili realized the man had come for Tang Guo. Fearing any hesitation might be misinterpreted, he quickly responded, "The kidnapping of Miss Tang is no secret. People in our circle have heard about it. I just found out recently. But it has nothing to do with me."
Jin Haili felt a bitter smile within. Stains on one's reputation were hard to erase. Even if he hadn't done it, his past deeds made it easy for others to accuse him.
"Is that so?" Ye Qiu was skeptical.
"I have no reason to lie to you. Besides—how could I dare lie in this situation?" Jin Haili's words carried a tone of implicit pleading.
Ye Qiu sneered. "I don't believe I'm that intimidating. Since you don't want to tell the truth, let's change the way we talk."
Ye Qiu downed the wine, set the glass on the table, grabbed a few napkins, and picked up the M9 he had earlier kicked aside. "I didn't plan on using this. But I was hired to resolve this matter. My employer is convinced it's you, so I'll have to leave you a reminder. Don't worry, I won't kill you—just sever your tendons."
This time Jin Haili couldn't stay calm. He stood up, gripping his glass tightly. "Sir, I swear it wasn't me. How about this, I'll explain to Mr. Tang right now and ensure he's satisfied."
Ye Qiu shook his head. "Mr. Tang doesn't want to see you."
Jin Haili cursed inwardly but persisted, "Let me call him. If I did it, do whatever you want. But if I didn't, attacking me only helps the real culprit."
"We'll find the real culprit soon enough," Ye Qiu said, wrapping the gun with a napkin and smiling.
"It really wasn't me—how can I convince you? I can use all my resources to find the real culprit. You can even imprison me until the truth is known. There's no need for a life-or-death struggle between me and Mr. Tang. Also, I'm willing to forfeit the competition for the 300 acres at Langshan and help Mr. Tang secure the development rights. Isn't that enough?"
Jin Haili wanted to scream. Never had he been pushed to this extent. No matter what he said, this smiling assassin didn't believe him. What now? If he was crippled, his life would be ruined.
Jin Haili's offer was reasonable. Without solid evidence linking him to the kidnapping, Ye Qiu himself felt a bit sympathetic. But his plan required going through with it, so he raised the M9 again.
"Don't—"
Bang!
Jin Haili couldn't dodge in time. The bullet hit his calf, blood pouring from the wound as pain engulfed him.
"Friend, you're going too far," Jin Haili said, holding onto a chair to steady himself, trying to remain calm.
What a resilient man. If not for his strength, his punishment might have been lighter, Ye Qiu thought.
"As an excellent hitman, I must fulfill my employer's wishes," Ye Qiu said, pulling the trigger again without hesitation.
Bang!
Another shot, and Jin Haili's other calf was hit. He collapsed, unable to support himself.
"Give me a chance. I'll find the culprit. Trust me—please trust me—" Jin Haili shouted, on the verge of breaking down. Facing this smiling but ruthless assassin, his pride and dignity were shattered. At this moment, he only wanted to survive. He knew negotiating with a heartless killer was foolish, but he had no other choice.
Heroic death? Dignified sacrifice?
Those who wanted that could have it. He admired such people but didn't want to be one of them. No one understood the importance of survival better than he did.
Seeing Jin Haili's state, Ye Qiu laughed, knowing his opportunity had arrived.
He lightly touched his ring, and the cold silver band seemed to come alive. Indistinguishable letters spun rapidly, encased in a liquid-silver glow.