Chapter 11 - When Red Blooms, Souls Stir

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Hey everyone! 🌟 

How are you doing? 

I'm super excited to share today's chapter with you! And guess what? Tomorrow's chapter is ready too! Hehe! 

What do you think? Aren't I a gorgeous author? Ahem, maybe a bit lazy sometimes, but that's all about to change! 

I have a special surprise coming your way in just two or three days! 🎉 

So, sit back and enjoy today's chapter. I can't wait to hear your thoughts and hope you'll shower it with your love! And support.

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"Boss! What are you doing?"

The members of Lan Qisheng's team stared at their leader in disbelief. Zhao Ling's exclamation broke the stunned silence.

Of course, they were shocked. Their commander—their best colonel—was kneeling at the feet of a man, no, a boy barely in his twenties, and begging for help.

How could anyone process such a thing? It wasn't as if they were mocking this kid's profession, but what could an idol possibly do against professional killers? 

Look at those slender arms. 

Look at those small, pale fingers… 

Damn it! This body and face were more beautiful than any girl's, but that was all. Sure, beauty could earn you money and fame, but it couldn't stand against terrorists and assassins. What would he do? Flash his pretty face at them and plead for mercy.

Don't joke with me.

Not only the five team members, but even the others present seemed to regain their senses and begin reacting to the absurdity unfolding around them. Honestly, they couldn't be blamed. First, they had been attacked by a massive black bear. Then someone died. After that, they found out there were terrorists in the forest, and that the competitors they were with were undercover soldiers. And now this? 

It was too much... Too much for ordinary people like them to handle. 

For a moment, they thought they were filming a movie or a drama. If not for the corpse lying before their eyes, they wouldn't have believed any of it was real.

Now that things had calmed down a little, some began questioning these so-called "soldiers." 

What kind of soldier begs a boy half his height for help? 

Marco was the first to speak, likely because of his dislike for Sian. Without hesitation, he sneered directly at him, ignoring the fact that it was Lan Qisheng who had asked Sian for assistance first.

With a derisive snort, Marco spat, "What is this? What can a whore like him possibly do to help?"

He paused, as if struck by a thought, then licked his lips and added crudely, "Oh, I guess he might be useful if he offers his body to the terrorists for some entertainment. Maybe they'll let him go after that."

Before Sian could react, Marco received a death glare from Lan Qisheng. Marco faltered, his bravado wilting, and he slumped back into his seat.

Honestly, Sian didn't care. Words like these didn't bother him in the slightest. Compared to the abuse, stares, and vile actions he had endured in his world, Marco's taunts were nothing more than the chatter of a naughty child.

What piqued his interest now, however, was the man still kneeling before him. Even someone like Sian, who had experienced much, was taken aback by Lan Qisheng's actions. 

Just like everyone else watching the live broadcast.

"Am I imagining things, or did that soldier kneel before Sian and beg for his help?"

"Top floor, I think I'm dreaming the same dream."

"Wow. Are you sure this is a survival show and not a movie?"

"Why is everyone focusing on that last scene between Sian and Lan Qisheng? Didn't anyone hear what that soldier said? There are terrorists in the forest, a fugitive on the loose, and everyone's going to die. Why is everyone so calm, discussing the drama like it's no big deal? Someone just died a while ago! Do you people not understand that lives are at risk?"

"Calm down, bro. What do you want us to do? We already called the police and the army. Do you want us to go into the forest ourselves?"

"You wouldn't make it halfway. I heard the military has already cordoned off the forest."

"Damn, when did that happen? I didn't know. Are they finally moving in? Will they raid the forest? What about the hostages?"

"I'm not sure. I just saw the update on the first news channel."

"Here's the latest. My sister's a journalist, and she's there right now. She told me the army has surrounded the forest but hasn't entered because the terrorists called and threatened to kill all 76 hostages if anyone got close."

"So... does this mean the contestants will keep broadcasting live?"

"Top floor, are you stupid? Didn't you hear the terrorist leader say they'll kill everyone?"

"But they don't have another option, do they?"

"Well… that…"

"I just hope those six soldiers can save everyone."

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+1 

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… 

The reports were accurate. Military forces and armored vehicles surrounded the forest, preparing to move in. Police officers, special forces, and snipers were also on the scene. It was a breathtaking sight, like something straight out of a gang war or mafia movie. 

Just as the vehicles and motorcycles entered the forest, the live broadcast cut from Sian and Lan Qisheng to a rugged face with a bloodthirsty grin. It was Liam Morgan, the leader of The Wolf Clan.

Liam gazed directly into the camera and spoke in a chilling, threatening tone: 

"Ah, welcome, dear guests. I see you've arrived at the forest. But I'm sorry—we're not accepting visitors today. Kindly turn back and head home."

After this casual remark, Liam's grin widened. 

"I'll say this once: if your forces don't retreat at least two kilometers from the forest's edge, I will execute a hostage every five minutes."

Hearing his words, the officers monitoring the live broadcast froze, and those attempting to breach the forest halted immediately.

Before anyone could react, something else occurred—something even more tragic. 

Liam's men dragged a man from the group of hostages lying on the ground. It was a cameraman who had been with Director Han. The director screamed and tried to stop them, only to be struck down and left sprawling helplessly on the ground. 

Liam's subordinates shoved the man to the ground. 

With a smirk, Liam remarked, "Well, since your forces have been loitering around the forest for over fifteen minutes, I suppose I must follow through on my word, mustn't I?"

Without hesitation, a pistol was pressed to the man's head. A second later, a gunshot rang out, leaving a crimson hole in the man's skull. His lifeless body collapsed, staining the dry grass beneath him with blood.

 All was red.

It was brutal. Violent. Terrifying. 

And just like that, life was extinguished in mere moments.