EM 63. Upheaval

Boss Kang sat in the study chair with his fingers interlaced, calmly sweeping his gaze across the room. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”

Everyone stood there in silence. After a long pause, Bai Xuyao finally couldn’t hold back anymore. “What are you trying to drag us into this time? You might as well tell us now so we can mentally prepare.”

“It’s nothing serious. I recently picked up a big deal—an arms shipment to the Golden Crescent. I need you all to escort it,” Boss Kang said, looking especially sincere. “Really. That’s all.”

Everyone’s eyes widened. “Can’t you send your own mercenaries? Where are your men? All dead?”

“If I’m bringing you, it means I have another objective,” Boss Kang said unhurriedly. “If conditions permit, I plan to steal a few things along the way. The drug trade map we uncovered last time was incomplete, and the border guards are urgently demanding it. If I get caught in the act, my life will be on the line.”

Everyone stiffened, a chill creeping through the room. Bai Xuyao hesitated for a long time, then finally said in a trembling voice, “It’s more than that, isn’t it? If you really get caught, you’ll kill everyone to cover it up. And these weapons…”

Boss Kang nodded. “Since we’ve already burned that bridge, it would be a shame to let this whole load of weapons go to waste. That’s when I thought of you. Don’t worry, I’ve made sure we have plenty of gasoline this time.”

“…”

Everyone stared at him. You shameless bastard. You’re absolutely heartless.

“Don’t look so hopeless,” Boss Kang said patiently. “That’s all assuming I screw up. If I pull this off, everything will be fine.”

Song Feng leaned against the bookshelf with his arms crossed . “You’re an arms dealer. Stealing a drug trade map doesn’t exactly sound like your job.”

“I have another mission. The map is just a bonus. But if I manage to steal it, it’ll benefit me,” Boss Kang replied. “Because someone else will cover your salaries.”

Everyone: “…” You’re a damn arms dealer. Will paying a few wages really bankrupt you? Seriously?

“Don’t look at me like that, okay? I have my own difficulties. Saving money where I can.”

The group completely lost faith in his moral compass and didn’t bother arguing anymore. Bai Xuyao gave it one last try. “Boss, after the mess you made in the Golden Crescent last time, why would anyone still do business with you?”

“I’m an arms dealer. I make money off war. Wherever there’s war, there’s a need for weapons. The Golden Crescent has so many factions and such chaos. Of course someone came looking for me,” Boss Kang explained casually. “Besides, last time was just a shootout between two organizations. Had nothing to do with me. If their leader hadn’t killed my Italian friend, I wouldn’t have taken revenge.” He paused, then shamelessly added, “That’s what people on the outside believe, anyway.”

Everyone: “…”

“Still, with your history of double-crossing people, they’re definitely going to keep their guard up,” Bai Xuyao said. “You should bring more men.”

“No. The more people I bring, the more suspicion I’ll attract. Better to just bring you lot. Little mercenary, are you scared?”

Bai Xuyao lifted his chin. “Who’s scared?”

“Good. I trust your skills. I know you’ll survive,” Boss Kang waved his hand. “That’s it. Team leader stays. The rest of you go rest. We leave tomorrow.”

Bai Xuyao: “…”

The group filed out silently, closing the door behind them and leaving only the two of them inside. Boss Kang looked up. “I know Dian.”

Xiao Mingxuan understood. Since Wang Yizhong had already assigned so many people to investigate, and this man operated under him with a foothold in Central Asia, it only made sense he would be involved.

“On the surface, there’s nothing much to dig up on Dian. I’m sure your people already looked into all of that. I’ve met him a few times myself and couldn’t get anything useful out of him,” Boss Kang said as he looked over. “I asked you to stay behind just to warn you to keep your eyes open this time. You’ve taken several missions in the past six months, all in Asia. Your team’s name is well known by now.”

Xiao Mingxuan listened quietly. He was already aware of that.

“Two of the organizations that previously had contact with you ran into a bit of trouble,” Boss Kang said as he pulled out a folder and handed it over. “It’s nothing major, but both incidents required mercenaries to step in. These just happened in the past few days. Could be a coincidence. Could also be the beginning of a deliberate move to draw your team out. I don’t have concrete proof, so I can’t say for sure. Just keep an eye out.”

Xiao Mingxuan frowned slightly and opened the file. The incidents didn’t seem serious and could easily be dismissed as coincidence, but the timing made them hard to ignore. After thinking it over, he exchanged a few words with Boss Kang before leaving the room and tracking down Song Feng and Wei Xiaoyan to brief them on the situation.

Wei Xiaoyan looked at Song Feng, full of concern. The latter’s expression didn’t shift. He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Let them come. If I really didn’t wipe them all out last time, then I’ll finish the job and send them off properly.” He paused and looked at Xiao Mingxuan. “Tell the others to stay alert on the road. These people are after me. I don’t want anyone getting caught in the crossfire.”

Xiao Mingxuan nodded and reached over to rub his head.

Song Feng let him, then wandered off with to chat with the others. Xiao Mingxuan watched him quietly and said in a low voice, “His reaction’s not as intense as I expected.”

“It’s been a long time,” Wei Xiaoyan agree, though his expression remained grim. “Let’s hope he stays that way.”

After a simple night of rest, the group set out after breakfast, hauling their weapons shipment slowly toward the Golden Crescent. It was already night by the time they stopped to rest. Song Feng stepped off the vehicle at a leisurely pace and saw Xiao Mingxuan assigning the night watch. He walked over. “I’ll take it.”

Xiao Mingxuan was startled but quickly realized what he was trying to do. If these recent events weren’t coincidence, then this was clearly an attempt to draw someone out. He thought about it for a second, then nodded. “I’ll keep watch with you.”

Wei Xiaoyan had been closely observing his boss the whole time. Seeing this, he immediately said, “I’ll stay too.”

Duan Qing stood behind him. He didn’t say a word, but the look in his eyes made it clear he was staying as well. Song Feng waved lazily. “It’s just a night watch. We don’t need that many people. Two will do. I’ll stay. One of you can stay with me. Pick two more to switch shifts at three in the morning.”

Xiao Mingxuan told the others to get some rest and stayed with him. Wei Xiaoyan reluctantly left. Bai Xuyao sidled up, eyes full of curiosity. “Senior, don’t you think something’s been weird between you all lately?”

Wei Xiaoyan paused, then asked without much hope, “Go on. What are people guessing now?”

Bai Xuyao answered honestly, “It’s kind of like a four-way love triangle. You and the captain are fighting over my brother. Duan Qing and my brother are fighting over you.”

Wei Xiaoyan: “…”

Bai Xuyao followed after him. “So is it true or not? Everyone’s feeling bored. They made me promise to ask.”

“That’s too complicated,” Wei Xiaoyan said, patting him on the cheek. “With your IQ, you’d never understand it. Just go to bed.” He turned and walked back into the building, leaving Bai Xuyao outside scratching at the door. “What do you mean I wouldn’t understand? I’m smart as hell, okay?”

Boss Kang glanced over. “You won’t get anything useful out of him.”

Bai Xuyao turned. “What, you think I’m gonna ask you instead? You don’t even know what we’re talking about.”

“Unlucky for you,” Boss Kang said, adjusting his suit jacket. “I actually know a thing or two about that situation.”

Bai Xuyao eyed him suspiciously. “You serious?”

“Yeah. It’s not classified. No harm in telling you.”

Bai Xuyao’s eyes lit up, but before he could say anything, Boss Kang added, “After sitting in that truck all day, my back’s killing me.”

“…” Bai Xuyao blinked. “So you’re saying if I give you a shoulder massage, you’ll tell me?”

Boss Kang gave him an approving look. “Little mercenary, maybe you’re not as dumb as you look.”

Bai Xuyao tilted his head proudly. “I’ve always been smart, okay?”

Boss Kang didn’t answer. He walked right past him. Bai Xuyao stood there for a second, then hurried after him.

Late summer brought an oppressive heat, with only a trace of coolness at night. Song Feng lit a cigarette and took a slow drag, leaning lazily against the vehicle. Xiao Mingxuan stood beside him, gently rubbing his head, quietly keeping him company.

Song Feng glanced at him. “What if they show up with a lot of people?”

“What else can we do?” Xiao Mingxuan said lightly. “If we can hold them off, we fight. If we can’t, we run. And if we really can’t run… then I guess we die together. Sound good?”

Song Feng couldn’t help but laugh. He took another drag, then after a pause asked curiously, “Xiao Mingxuan, if I died, what would you do?”

Xiao Mingxuan smacked him lightly on the head. “Don’t say such unlucky things. If it ever comes down to someone dying, I’ll be the one to go first.”

Song Feng rubbed his head and let the topic drop. They kept watch until three in the morning. When the next shift came out from the hotel, Song Feng shrugged. “Let’s go. Looks like they’re not coming tonight.”

Xiao Mingxuan nodded. The two went inside to rest for a bit, then got up at dawn and prepared to set out again. Song Feng yawned as he stretched, leisurely making his way down the hallway toward the lobby for breakfast. Just as he turned the corner, a child suddenly appeared at the far end of the hall. The boy was holding a photo in his hand. Song Feng caught a clear glimpse of it and froze instantly.

The child looked from the photo to him, then ran straight toward him.

Song Feng’s pupils contracted. His expression changed completely. He stumbled back and reached for the gun at his waist. He stumbled back, pulled the gun from his waist, and fired. Xiao Mingxuan had been standing beside him and instantly sensed something was wrong, but before he could ask, he saw Song Feng was about to shoot. Xiao Mingxuan lunged and shoved his arm aside. A loud bang rang out. The bullet missed by a hair and skimmed right past the child’s forehead.

Song Feng’s eyes were sharp and focused. He kept retreating and tried to raise the gun again. Xiao Mingxuan immediately pulled him into an embrace. “Song Feng, what are you doing? He’s just a kid!”

Song Feng barked, “Let go! That’s a bomb!”

Xiao Mingxuan froze. He looked up at the child, who had been scared speechless by what just happened. There was disbelief in his eyes. By now, others had rushed over from the lobby after hearing the gunshot. Wei Xiaoyan’s expression changed drastically. He had yet to order the crowd back when a woman burst through the gathering. She screamed a name in the local language, scooped the child into her arms, and held him tightly. Her face was pale as she screamed at Song Feng. Clearly, she was the child’s mother.

The boy, stunned until now, suddenly burst into loud sobs, his whole body trembling.

Song Feng’s hand slackened. His gun hit the floor with a clatter. His chest heaved violently, sweat trickling down his temple. He covered his face with one hand and said nothing.

The woman also broke down in tears but managed to hold onto her composure. She seemed to realize these armed men were not to be trifled with, and in panic, tried to leave. Boss Kang stepped in just in time, blocking her path. He calmed her with a few soft words and offered a sincere apology, finally convincing her to stay.

“Madam, why was your son holding a photo of my friend?” he asked.

The woman took a deep breath. Now that she had calmed slightly, she finally got a good look at her child. She coaxed him gently and asked, “Why are you dressed like this? Who smeared dirt on your face? Who changed your clothes? And who wrote on your collarbone? What were you doing just now?”

The child was still sobbing in hiccups, unable to say a complete word.

Wei Xiaoyan quickly stepped in front of Song Feng. The latter remained silent, head lowered, making it impossible to read his expression.

“Boss… are you okay?”

“The same,” Song Feng replied in a low voice, his tone devoid of emotion. “He’s dressed just like the last one. The writing on his body is the same too.”

Wei Xiaoyan froze, his face twisting into something nearly feral. Xiao Mingxuan, still holding Song Feng, turned to Wei Xiaoyan and asked in a quiet voice, “What’s going on?”

Wei Xiaoyan looked at his boss, then slowly closed his eyes. “That bastard who tried to kill him before used a human bomb. A kid. Five or six years old. Our boss didn’t know, so… he didn’t shoot.”

Xiao Mingxuan stiffened. Even with his usual composure, a brief flash of rage crossed his face. Back then, Song Feng had hesitated for just a second and failed to pull the trigger, which led to the death of his mentor. And now, someone had sent another child, dressed exactly the same, forcing him to face the same choice. But this time, there had been no bomb. If Song Feng had fired, it would have been a clean-cut case of killing an innocent. It was clear the enemy wanted to push him into a mental collapse.

Whoever was behind this deserved to die a hundred times over. A thousand cuts would not be enough.

Xiao Mingxuan’s eyes darkened. In all his years, he had never felt such intense, unfiltered bloodlust toward a single person.

The child finally managed to get out a full sentence. He said he had gone out that morning and met a stranger. The man gave him some money, then dressed him up and handed him a photo, telling him to go find Song Feng and deliver something to him.

Boss Kang frowned. “What thing?”

The child took off the necklace around his neck. Song Feng finally raised his head and stepped forward. The woman holding the child shrank back instinctively. Song Feng stopped and said quietly, “I’m sorry.”

Xiao Mingxuan couldn’t bear to see him like that. He stepped in and took the necklace from the child. As his gaze shifted, he caught sight of the writing on the boy’s collarbone, scratched in uneven English: i love you feng.

His expression faltered, but he said nothing and handed the necklace to Song Feng.

Song Feng took it and examined it. It was another skull pendant. He rubbed it with his fingers, then suddenly sensed something and turned it over. On the back of the iron plate, a line of jagged Chinese characters had been etched: Feng, I came back from hell.

A chill swept through the room. In that moment, the murderous aura radiating from Song Feng exploded to a level none of them had ever felt before. The usual smile in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a deadly intensity that distorted his entire face into something feral.

Xiao Mingxuan quickly stepped forward. “Song Feng—”

“Get out! All of you, get the fuck out!” Song Feng roared. He took several heaving breaths, barely pulling himself back from the edge, then said in a low voice, “I’m fine. Just let me be alone for a while.” He turned and headed upstairs, ignoring everyone behind him.

Wei Xiaoyan tried to follow, but the look in Song Feng’s eyes made him stop cold. He could only stand and watch as his boss walked away.

Everyone looked at one another, unsure what to do. They asked the child a few more questions, offered polite apologies, and finally let the mother and son leave. Still worried, Xiao Mingxuan went upstairs to look for him. But when he pushed open the door, the room was already empty.

He closed his eyes.

That man…had left after all.