EIP 82

It was Xiao Ren who added the drug to Zhou Jun’s drink that night. His plan was actually simple. He just wanted to make him drowsy and take him home. But he was too nervous, and his shaking hands poured in the whole packet instead of just one third. Zhou Jun, fresh off the dance floor and in high spirits, came back and drank the entire glass before Xiao Ren could stop him.

This was Xiao Ren’s first time using such a drug, and he had no idea how strong it would be. As Zhou Jun finished the drink, he immediately sensed something was wrong and stumbled into another guest. Boss Xu and his group, seeing the commotion, jumped in to help Zhou Jun, but the situation quickly turned chaotic, escalating into an all-out brawl. Xiao Ren had no choice but to grab a bottle and join the fight.

Eventually, a refined-looking woman stepped in and took Zhou Jun away. Feeling guilty but too afraid to follow, Xiao Ren overheard they were heading to the hospital. The woman’s assistant even called over a burly man to help. Realizing he was outmatched, Xiao Ren let them leave with Zhou Jun. He consoled himself by thinking they knew each other since the woman had called Zhou Jun by name. Surely, nothing bad would happen.

And if she turned out to be Zhou Jun’s enemy, well, Zhou Jun brought it on himself. It was fate, Xiao Ren thought. All he did was fan the flames.

Xiao Ren lived in a cramped room in a large courtyard. On one side were a couple who made steamed buns, and on the other, an elderly woman taking care of her grandchildren. He made a lot of money but spent it just as quickly on food, drinks, entertainment, and gambling. His living conditions weren’t great, and he never managed to save much.

He came home at four or five in the morning, kicked off his shoes, and collapsed on the bed without even undressing. He slept like the dead until he was awakened by a faint clink-clink sound.

Everyone has some level of intuition, especially someone like Xiao Ren, who has traveled far and wide. He opened his eyes immediately, feeling an eerie pressure in the air. His hair stood on end as he turned his gaze slowly toward the foot of the bed.

Sitting there was a man wearing boots, his heels resting on the bed frame. The clink-clink sound came from the knife in his right hand, which he was twirling idly. The blade was sharp, reflecting the crimson glow of the setting sun outside, casting dazzling points of light in the dim room.

It was Zhou Jun, sitting silently with the knife in his hand, spinning it with casual precision.

Xiao Ren had a gun hidden under his pillow. He swallowed hard, trying to move, but that’s when he realized his hands and feet were tightly bound. Terror gripped him as he stammered, “Z-Zhou… Brother, what are you doing?”

Zhou Jun stopped spinning the knife. He pointed the tip at Xiao Ren and smiled faintly. “Why don’t you guess what I’m going to do?”

The unknown is the most terrifying thing. Zhou Jun stood up, and the old wooden chair creaked loudly. His shadow loomed over Xiao Ren, who panicked even more. “Brother Zhou, let’s talk this out! You must have misunderstood something. Let me explain!”

Zhou Jun pressed the blade of the knife against Xiao Ren’s neck. “Explain?” he said coldly, holding up a piece of paper with his left hand. “I’d love to hear what your explanation could possibly be.” The paper was the one Xiao Ren had used to wrap the drug powder yesterday. After spiking the drink, he had carelessly stuffed it into his pocket. Now, in Zhou Jun’s hand, it was undeniable evidence of his crime.

Xiao Ren forced a nervous smile. “It’s just a piece of paper. What could it possibly mean?”

Before he could say another word, Zhou Jun shoved the paper into his mouth and ordered him to swallow it. With a knife at his throat, Xiao Ren dared not refuse. He swallowed the dry paper with great difficulty, his forehead breaking out in cold sweat as the blade slid across his face, making his entire body tremble.

“Brother Zhou, let’s calm down! We’ve known each other for so long. Let’s talk this out, okay?” Xiao Ren pleaded desperately.

Zhou Jun’s smile faded, and his gaze turned icy. “I hate being betrayed more than anything.”

The next moment, Xiao Ren caught a flash of cold steel before a searing pain shot through his right hand. Just as he opened his mouth to scream, Zhou Jun stuffed something into it, muffling his cries. Xiao Ren whimpered, his eyes darting to his injured hand.

The knife had pierced straight through his palm and out the back of his hand. Blood seeped slowly but steadily, soaking the bedsheet beneath him. Zhou Jun pulled the knife out, splattering blood onto his face. He frowned in irritation, taking out a handkerchief to wipe away the blood from his face and meticulously cleaning the blade afterward.

Once satisfied, Zhou Jun cut the ropes binding Xiao Ren’s feet. “Don’t mess with me again. Next time, this knife won’t stop at your hand.”

Xiao Ren was in agony, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear, resentment, and humiliation. Zhou Jun didn’t spare him another glance, turning to leave the small room. An eye for an eye, that was his rule. As he walked out, he passed by the couple who made steamed buns, even taking the time to politely buy a bag of meat-filled buns. Their aroma was rich, the filling generous.

Stepping onto the bustling street, Zhou Jun saw a car pull up in front of him. The window rolled down, revealing someone he hadn’t seen in a long time. Mu Liqing.

Mu Liqing had his long hair tied up, wearing a striking black robe embroidered with golden dragons, exuding an aura of dominance. Zhou Jun leaned forward, peering into the car. “Long time no see, Mr. Mu. You’re looking as sharp as ever.”

Mu Liqing motioned with his chin for him to get in. Zhou Jun, still holding the bag of buns, climbed into the car. The warm aroma of the buns quickly filled the enclosed space. Zhou Jun folded the bag neatly as Mu Liqing spoke. “I’m here to thank you for the information you provided last time. It saved me a lot of trouble.”

Zhou Jun stared straight ahead, offering no reply. He knew it had done far more than save trouble. That piece of information had likely allowed Mu Liqing to strike some serious blows against her rivals, both in business and elsewhere.

Mu Liqing picked up a box from his side and handed it to Zhou Jun. Zhou Jun raised an eyebrow in surprise. When he opened it, he found a large cash check inside. Sliding his fingers over the check, Zhou Jun asked, “An additional bonus?”

Mu Liqing nodded. “Consider it compensation. We failed to capture Allen. He escaped.”

There was a lot left unsaid in that statement, but Zhou Jun hoped it wasn’t the worst possible implication. Unfortunately, Mu Liqing soon confirmed his fears. “Apparently, Allen found out that you were the one who tipped us off. He’s put a price on your head.”

Zhou Jun froze, his expression unreadable as Mu Liqing continued, “Don’t worry. I’ve already taken care of it for now. However, Allen’s whereabouts are unknown, so you should be careful. If necessary, cash the check and leave the country for your safety.”

Zhou Jun closed the box with a soft click. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll be careful.”

Mu Liqing, clearly expecting him not to take the advice, hesitated before speaking again. “The Governor is deeply disappointed with Yong Jin right now. He knows you two met again. Yong Jin was supposed to be reassigned back this week, but because of this, he’ll have to stay there for another two months.”

The bitterness in Mu Liqing’s tone was impossible to miss. His dissatisfaction with Zhou Jun was clear. Zhou Jun lowered his gaze to the box in his lap and replied quietly, “I understand.”

He opened the car door and stepped out, but Mu Liqing’s voice trailed after him. “You should know what’s best for him. If the Governor strips him of his position as heir, how long do you think your love will last?”

Zhou Jun halted mid-step and turned back to look at Mu Liqing. His tone was firm, his words unwavering. “This is between him and me. Whatever decisions we make will also be between us.”

Zhou Jun walked away, seemingly unbothered. But as soon as he turned into an empty alley, out of sight from others, he stopped. His fist slammed into the wall beside him, frustration and helplessness boiling over.

“What kind of heartless father is this?” Zhou Jun seethed inwardly. “That place isn’t fit for anyone. How could he possibly leave Yong Jin there for another two months?”