Chapter 17: Venturing Alone into the Enemy's Lair
On the outskirts of Ping City West, there stood a sprawling detached villa. Within its grounds lay a large fish pond spanning several acres, a tranquil retreat far from nearby villages—an ideal spot for leisurely fishing.
This villa belonged to the Zhou family estate, a place Zhou Hao’s father frequented often. It was here that Zhou Hao had arranged to meet Chen Xuewen.
The reason for choosing this location was its seclusion; even the loudest disturbance would go unnoticed.
Zhou Hao’s face was ashen as he entered the villa with a group of henchmen, his voice grim as he commanded, “When that kid arrives, make sure he doesn’t leave this place alive!”
“Remember, tonight, no matter what, he must not walk away. Understood?”
Eight bodyguards nodded in unison, all armed and prepared to kill. Four followed Zhou Hao upstairs, while the other four spread out, patrolling the perimeter downstairs.
After waiting for over two hours, Zhou Hao grew impatient until finally, the guards below reported, “Chen Xuewen has arrived!”
A sharp spark lit Zhou Hao’s eyes. He rose swiftly and peered out from the window.
In the snow-covered courtyard, a lone figure was walking steadily.
Zhou Hao immediately recognized the man below—Chen Xuewen.
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A smile flickered across his face as he signaled subtly to his men.
One guard understood and quickly called the others, instructing them to block all escape routes to prevent Chen Xuewen from fleeing.
Chen Xuewen stopped in the center of the courtyard, looking up towards the second floor.
Zhou Hao’s expression darkened—could Chen Xuewen have changed his mind and intended to run?
The guards readied themselves to rush out.
Suddenly, Chen Xuewen’s cold voice rang out from outside: “Zhou Hao, come out!”
Frowning, Zhou Hao stepped onto the balcony with a smile. “Old classmate, you’ve finally arrived! It’s freezing out there; come inside and talk.”
Chen Xuewen’s face remained icy as he demanded, “Where is Li Eryong? Release him first!”
Zhou Hao chuckled, “Why so impatient? Let’s go upstairs, settle the price first, and then I’ll have a car take you all back.”
Chen Xuewen’s tone was resolute and unwavering: “Let him go, or I’ll leave right now!”
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“Zhou Hao, if you think you can catch me, by all means, try.”
Zhou Hao frowned as he looked at Chen Xuewen standing firm in the courtyard.
After all that had transpired, Zhou Hao knew Chen Xuewen was slippery and elusive.
At this distance, his men might not be able to seize him.
If Chen Xuewen escaped, luring him back would be far more difficult.
After a moment’s thought, Zhou Hao waved to his men, “Release Li Eryong!”
One guard hesitated, “If we free Li Eryong, won’t we lose leverage over Chen Xuewen?”
Zhou Hao replied confidently, “So what? Li Eryong has lost a hand and a foot; he can’t run.”
“Chen Xuewen bringing him along is just a burden. How far can he possibly get?”
Realizing the logic, the guards moved swiftly to arrange Li Eryong’s release.