Chapter 127 — A Deception

Sinan took a deep breath and quickened his pace toward the dilapidated house, dark as a black hole, its doorway devoid of a door. He focused intently, unwilling to miss the faintest sound.

“Mm… mm mm…”

Though faint, the voice was urgent. Sinan recognized it immediately—it was Lin Xiaowen’s voice.

He hurried on; the sounds grew clearer. Beneath the murmurs, there was a rustling noise.

It was the sound of dry straw being crushed underfoot.

“Xiaowen…”

Sinan called out tentatively. Both the rustling and the murmurs ceased abruptly.

As he stepped over the threshold, his foot froze. In the darkness, he caught sight of Lin Xiaowen’s eyes—startlingly bright and filled with fear. Slowly, his foot retreated.

Yes, in that instant, Sinan realized the desperate purpose behind Lin Xiaowen’s strained attempts to make sound.

Especially in the moment their eyes met, Sinan clearly saw the helplessness and urgent warning in Lin Xiaowen’s gaze.

His breathing grew heavier as his sharp eyes locked onto Lin Xiaowen, only six or seven meters away.

The mottled wall revealed patches of bare cement. Lin Xiaowen sat on a worn, filthy wheelchair, her hands and feet tightly bound with coarse ropes. A wide strip of black tape sealed her mouth. Her disheveled hair framed a pale face. Her once-white cotton dress was soiled beyond recognition.

Though only a few seconds had passed, it felt as if an eternity had stretched by.

Sinan’s fists clenched at his sides, his gaze unwavering as he spoke aloud:

“I’m here now. Aren’t you going to come out and say hello?”

Sure enough, a figure slowly emerged from the shadowy corner behind Lin Xiaowen.

“Mr. Si, always cautious. Why not come in and talk? Afraid of me?”

The voice was distorted by a voice changer, lowered deliberately to sound menacing.

Though Sinan had suspected the person might be someone he knew after stepping out of the car, all doubt vanished now.

The figure took a couple of steps toward the doorway, and Sinan finally made out her silhouette and attire.

A black fisherman's hat pulled low, concealing every strand of hair. A black tracksuit clung to a slender frame. Her sneakers were small in size.

The hat brim sat low, and her face was almost entirely hidden behind a mask.

Though her features were unseen, Sinan smiled knowingly.

With a sharp “snap,” Sinan tossed a wad of cash he'd been clutching onto the floor at her feet. Startled, she stepped back.

Sinan smiled as he said, “Take this. The rest is in the car. You might not realize how much ten million is, or how heavy it is. Forgive me for not bringing all the ransom money inside.”

“Sinan!”

Her tone suddenly grew fierce. She didn’t even bother to pick up the cash, instead shouting his name angrily.

“Now, your life, your woman’s life, and your money are all in my hands. Yet you still dare to act so arrogantly… Aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you first, then take hers?”

She pulled a small folding knife from her pocket, unfolding it. Though modest in size, the blade glimmered ominously in the dim light.

Sinan’s face hardened. “I believe you’re just after the money, which is why I came alone, bringing what you asked for. After all, what you’re doing is for money alone, right? No reason to commit murder… Now, listen to me—release her and send her out. The car and the money inside are yours. I even promise to pay you double the ransom afterward.”

She laughed, a wild and triumphant sound.

“Fine—say what you mean and mean what you say. But I think a kidnapper should be prepared—no hostages get out. You come in.”

Sinan hesitated briefly and glanced at Lin Xiaowen. Seeing him look her way again, she shook her head frantically, stomping her feet and making urgent “mm mm” sounds.

The rustling came from the dry straw piled beneath her feet.

Tears welled in Lin Xiaowen’s eyes. Afraid Sinan wouldn’t understand, she dared not close them.

Tears traced slow paths down her cheeks, and Sinan’s heart raced in panic.

Lin Xiaowen’s behavior could only mean one thing: a trap.

Sinan refused to entertain any other thought.

He would risk injury or death for Lin Xiaowen, but his one priority was to bring her out safely.

If he died, she wouldn’t survive either.

His mind whirled as he prepared to speak—

“Mm…”

Suddenly, the blade flashed. The kidnapper slashed Lin Xiaowen’s right cheek. Blood welled up vividly.

Lin Xiaowen clenched her breath against the pain, brow furrowed tightly, teeth gritted.

Her eyes, fixed on Sinan, warned him—do not step into this house.

“Stop!”

Sinan had no time to think. He stepped forward, but at that moment, a cold gust swept past him. A heavy blow struck his back with a sickening crack, as if his spine shattered.

With a thud, Sinan collapsed, teeth biting into his lip, blood spilling forth.

He closed his eyes briefly, gritting his teeth as he lifted his head to meet Lin Xiaowen’s gaze—filled with despair and pain.

Since being abducted, Lin Xiaowen’s first thought had been that the kidnappers targeted Cheng Yishu’s money, using her as leverage.

But through the haze, she had overheard their conversation—it was about Sinan, and they threatened his life.

That was why Lin Xiaowen had tried every means to stop Sinan from approaching the house, from the two figures lurking near the door.

She hated Sinan—his arrogance and ruthlessness—but she never wished him harm, nor death. After all, he was the only son left of the Si family, the younger brother of Si Dong.

Another strike thundered against Sinan’s back, a steel baseball bat crashing down, forcing him back to the ground just as he struggled to rise.

“Clack clack clack clack…”

The kidnapper chuckled gleefully as she approached Sinan and crouched beside him.

The cold, ruthless CEO Sinan had never been so vulnerable and beaten down in his life.

Was it not worth a good look?

“Mr. Si, such courtesy—you come in and give me such a grand welcome. How should I return the favor?”

Lin Xiaowen whimpered, watching Sinan unable to rise, tears streaming over his wounds. It hurt, but her heart ached even more.

Sinan strained to lift his head. Dust clung to his hair, blood stained the corners of his slightly curved lips. His black suit, though soiled, still embodied the sharp intelligence and commanding presence of the cold-hearted CEO.