Chapter Twenty-Eight: Buffer

Meanwhile, Ouyang Zhuo’s phone call came through.

“Brother, I’ve already arranged to meet that girl, but she insists on seeing you in person. She says this matter must be discussed directly with you!”

Ouyang Zhuo was frustrated. He’d gone so far as to climb over the wall into Vivian’s home, only to get zapped by her stun gun and tied up, before finally managing to speak with her. Who could have guessed that upon hearing his request, Vivian just smiled and said, “Tell Shu Yiming to come see me. Otherwise, there’s nothing to discuss.”

“Alright, I’ve got the information now. Where are you? Send me the address and I’ll come right away. Also, have your people check who rescued someone under Rainbow Bridge today.”

“What’s going on, bro? What happened this time?” Ouyang Zhuo asked, sounding annoyed. His posture was awkward, holding the phone between his shoulder and ear since his hands were tied. Vivian listened nearby.

“I almost got hit by a car, then jumped into the river and was rescued. We’ll talk about it later when there’s time. For now, let’s focus on what’s at hand.” Shu Yiming chuckled softly, wondering why he was suddenly taking Lin Peishi’s words so seriously.

“Alright, I’m hanging up now—my neck’s about to break!”

Before Ouyang Zhuo could finish, Vivian snatched the phone away, scoffed, and laughed. “You really do look strange like this! But I’ll say it again—I don’t have much time. If he doesn’t show up in less than an hour, I’m leaving.”

“Don’t worry, sister. My buddy really wants to see you now. I guarantee he’ll be here in less than an hour!” Ouyang Zhuo vowed.

“Fine, I’ll go watch a movie.”

Vivian turned on the projector, drew the curtains, and started playing “The New Sadako Legend.”

Ouyang Zhuo was forced to watch, his body trembling and his heart pounding. He felt the girl before him was unfathomable—her courage was not ordinary, and she even laughed…

Shu Yiming followed the address on his phone, driving at breakneck speed. But just then, his phone rang—a familiar number.

On the other end, Sun Qianqian was sobbing silently, holding her mouth to keep quiet, tears streaming down her face.

The invisible phone Shu Yiming had given her looked like a simple bracelet, but inside was a tiny phone. It could only make calls, had no screen, and could dial only preset numbers. In dangerous situations, it was a lifesaver.

He’d given it to her on her birthday two weeks ago. Only Shu Yiming knew the number, saved under the note “Treasure.”

“Is something wrong?” Shu Yiming asked coolly, not thinking much of it.

“Please help me. Shu Ji locked me up. I have a video of Shu Ji and the secretary… in the office. Will you come save me? I’ll give you the evidence.”

Sun Qianqian spoke in a low voice, afraid Shu Yiming wouldn’t hear her.

She didn’t know the phone was specially made—even whispers could be recorded clearly.

Shu Yiming felt a pang in his heart, but quickly composed himself. “Alright, I’ll send someone. Wait for me.”

He hung up and dialed Ouyang Zhuo.

But Ouyang Zhuo, engrossed in the horror movie, didn’t notice his phone ringing.

After several unanswered calls, Shu Yiming, with no one else around, decided to head to Sun Qianqian’s location.

Before long, Shu Yiming’s car was parked in an underground garage. He walked in, following the navigation.

Fifteen minutes later, he saw the coordinates on his phone converge—he was finally there.

Before him was a tightly sealed garage. Shu Yiming knocked gently on the door.

Inside, there was a flurry of banging, as if high heels were striking the floor.

Sun Qianqian must be inside. Shu Yiming looked around, surprised to find no guards, but called a locksmith anyway.

He didn’t notice two burly, bearded men sleeping in a nearby car.

The locksmith arrived swiftly—a mute, who gestured a couple of times before starting to work. When the garage door opened, tears streamed down Sun Qianqian’s face.

She called out, “A’Ming, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for so long!”

Her shout startled the two sleeping men outside. They leapt from their car, shouting as they rushed toward Shu Yiming.

Caught off guard, Shu Yiming grabbed Sun Qianqian’s hand and ran.

But he’d just survived an ordeal, his body weak, and Sun Qianqian was wearing high heels. They couldn’t outrun their pursuers. Just ten meters from the car, it was already too late.

A large hand clamped down on Shu Yiming’s shoulder, yanking him backward. He slipped and fell to the ground.

Still, he managed to grab one of the bearded men’s clothes and yelled, “What are you waiting for? Run!”

Sun Qianqian didn’t hesitate—she turned and dashed desperately toward the street.

“Damn it, let go of me!” the man shouted.

“Damn! This kid grabbed my balls!” the other cursed.

Before they could react, Shu Yiming shouted, “Five million each! I’ll transfer it now if you work for me!”

The men raised their fists, but paused, exchanging shocked glances. “You mean five million—once or per year?”

“Five million a month!” Shu Yiming spat. “Do you know how many companies I own? Give me your account numbers—I’ll transfer the money instantly!”

He didn’t believe anyone would turn down money. After all, the saying ‘money makes the world go round’ exists for a reason.

The two men’s eyes lit up. This was more than they could earn in a lifetime!

As Shu Ji’s bodyguards, they made only five thousand a month—how long would it take to earn that much?

“Alright! What do you want us to do?”

“Anything but murder—I’m fine with it.”

Shu Yiming coughed, thumped his chest, and finally caught his breath. “You don’t need to do much. Just be my bodyguards now, and testify about how Shu Ji held people captive. If you have any dirt on him, all the better. Twenty thousand minimum!”

Meanwhile, Ouyang Zhuo was still watching the movie. Suddenly, he cried out in fear, shuddering for no reason.

The effect was as terrifying as being in a real cinema. He was too scared to continue watching, glancing at Vivian who was enjoying herself and pouting.

When he saw the clock, Ouyang Zhuo paused, looked outside, and muttered, “Why isn’t he here yet?”

Vivian rolled her eyes, glanced out the window, and switched to another film.

“This one isn’t scary enough. I have one that’s even more terrifying. Want to watch?”

Vivian smiled, her beautiful eyes narrowing into slits.

“Alright, alright, I’ll watch.”