After The Honest Person Was Discovered For Simultaneously Pursuing Three People - Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Humble Like a Dog

Outside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Sun Lao Er had never seen Zhao Jingqun in such a state stubble quickly covered his chin, his dark circles were heavy, and due to a day and a night without sleep, the flesh on his cheeks was sunken. The usual sense of composure around him was completely gone. The 6-foot-3-inch man was slumped like a collapsing mountain.

He looked as if his soul had been sucked out, leaving only a shell standing there. Only the hollow and bloodshot eyes on his face confirmed that he was still alive.

Sun Lao Er had no doubt that if he received one more piece of bad news about Tao Ning, this man, who was usually towering and dependable, would completely break down. He even entertained the terrifying thought that if Tao Ning died, Zhao Jingqun would surely follow him in death.

Shuddering at this thought, a profound sense of guilt also enveloped Sun Lao Er. He quickly choked up and advised, “Brother Zhao, please go back and rest. Your condition is too poor. Xu Jun was beaten so badly; he won’t be able to leave the ICU anytime soon. And even if he wakes up… he, perhaps…”

Perhaps even he wouldn’t have any clues related to Tao Ning’s whereabouts.

But such words were too cruel for the current Zhao Jingqun.

Sun Lao Er recalled that after he broke the news that day, Zhao Jingqun first calmed down quickly, then reported the crime with extreme speed. He himself could not leave Haizhou because he was still under police surveillance.

After calling the police, Zhao Jingqun began calling Zhao Yi, but no matter how many times he called, the other party would hang up. Eventually, a provocative message arrived: Why are you in such a hurry?

Veins popped up one after another on Zhao Jingqun’s forehead, and his eyes were bloodshot. It took the greatest willpower of his life not to fall into the trap of replying to the other party. Because once he showed anxiety and concern for Tao Ning, given Zhao Yi’s vengeful nature, this kidnapping and extortion would definitely not end easily.

He hated it! He hated his incompetence!! Hated being useless!!! Hated why he didn’t protect Tao Ning!!!!

If something happened to Tao Ning… No, nothing must happen to Tao Ning.

Even Zhao Jingqun’s breathing started to tremble. Yet, from the outside, he appeared very composed, as if he was just handling a tricky matter. But only he himself knew that with just one more disturbance, he would lose control.

That disturbance was Xu Jun being sent to the ICU. The doctor said, “The patient has multiple fractures all over his body, ruptured and bleeding vital organs like the liver and spleen, and a laceration on his abdomen from a sharp object. He is currently showing symptoms of hemorrhagic shock. Fortunately, he was brought to the hospital in time. After the surgery, the patient still faces infection and other major risks and requires close observation in the Intensive Care Unit.”

This news caused Zhao Jingqun’s vision to black out… Then what about his darling? What about his Tao Ning? What state is he in now?

He was going crazy.

Fear and worry turned into agonizing torment. Zhao Jingqun hadn’t slept for a day and a night. His subordinates were all dispatched to find Tao Ning’s whereabouts, and a portion of them were searching for traces of Zhao Yi.

“Brother Zhao! Miss sent a message. She has been in contact with Zhao Yi recently…” Just then, Sun Lao Er saw the message on his phone and rejoiced, quickly holding up the message screen for Zhao Jingqun to see.

The next second, the phone was snatched by Zhao Jingqun, who immediately called the number. The moment the call connected, Zhao Jingqun asked directly, “Where is Zhao Yi?”

“…Brother Jingqun?” The person on the other end seemed startled by Zhao Jingqun’s cold questioning.

Forcing himself to calm down, Zhao Jingqun took a deep breath. He had no affection for this biological sister. Their usual friendly demeanor was just a pretense in front of the Zhao family. Now, faced with a matter concerning Tao Ning’s life and safety, he had no mood to continue the act.

“I’m asking one more time. Where is Zhao Yi? Tell him to get the hell out and see me!” By the end, Zhao Jingqun was practically roaring.

“What is with your attitude?! Sui Sui…” Another voice suddenly appeared on the other end, but Zhao Jingsui quickly interrupted it, her tone still a little shaky. “I’m fine. You go out first.”

Zhao Jingqun narrowed his eyes.

After a while, Zhao Jingsui’s gentle voice resumed, “Brother, what happened? It’s just that Brother Zhao Yi asked me where you were some time ago, wanting to meet for a meal, so I told him you were in Haizhou… Brother, did you two argue?”

She persuaded him softly, “We are family. Although friction is inevitable when we get along, it doesn’t change the bond of our bloodline. In the future, we siblings must rely on each other and support one another. Brother Jingqun, both you and Brother Zhao Yi are my brothers. It makes me sad to see you two fighting. How about we all have a meal together another day…”

“Enough. I’m not in the mood to listen to your acting right now.” Zhao Jingqun was impatient and interrupted her directly.

After returning to the Zhao family, Zhao Jingqun only spent a day or two with Zhao Jingsui and already knew what kind of person his biological sister was. It had to be said that they were indeed biological siblings; their nature was dark to the core. However, out of respect for Mr. and Mrs. Zhao and the kinship that Zhao Jingsui spoke of, Zhao Jingqun hadn’t exposed her as he had exposed Zhao Yi.

But that didn’t mean he had the patience to play along with her when his precious darling was missing.

Evidently, she hadn’t expected Zhao Jingqun’s reaction. There was silence on the other end for a moment, then she suddenly sounded vaguely choked up. “I don’t know where Brother Zhao Yi is…”

The hope that had ignited in Zhao Jingqun’s heart was instantly extinguished. His face was pale. Just as he was about to hang up, the other party suddenly paused and pretended to be shocked. “Brother… Brother! Brother Zhao Yi sent me a text message… Ah!!”

She screamed, as if she had seen something extremely terrifying.

“What did he send you?!” Zhao Jingqun’s five fingers clenched around the phone abruptly. He roared, “…Tell me now!”

Zhao Jingsui was sobbing uncontrollably, almost unable to speak: “It’s… it’s about Tao Ning…”

This sentence made Zhao Jingqun feel dizzy. If Sun Lao Er hadn’t held him up in time, he would have collapsed on the ground. After a long while, Zhao Jingqun’s trembling hand tapped open the photo—

The person in the photo was tied to a cold metal chair, his upper body soaked in fresh blood. Blood even flowed down his left wrist from the watch. The originally dazzling watch face was covered by the startling blood. And his most cherished darling, with his head bowed, revealed the back of his neck like a dying swan, his life or death unknown.

A desolate howl, like that of a wild beast, escaped his throat. Overwhelmed by anger, Zhao Jingqun spat out a mouthful of heart’s blood.

“I don’t care what your relationship with that trash is. Do exactly as I say now. If you dare to play any tricks, I guarantee you won’t see tomorrow’s sun.”

After Zhao Jingsui’s ambiguous phone call, Zhao Yi completely lost his patience. He also had a vague bad feeling and wanted to resolve this quickly. Impatiently, he dialed Zhao Jingqun’s number and put the phone to Tao Ning’s ear.

The phone was answered after only one ring.

Initially, Tao Ning didn’t speak until the hoarse voice on the other end broke the deadly silence, “…Tao Ning, is that you?”

As soon as this familiar voice sounded, the pain and grievance he had been forcefully suppressing for days surrounded Tao Ning like a tide. He quickly lowered his head, not wanting Zhao Yi to see his reddened eyes. Tao Ning tried hard to swallow the fear in his throat and responded with forced calmness:

“…Mhm.”

Hearing only one syllable, the other end of the phone fell into a long silence. No one knew what Zhao Jingqun was thinking at that moment, and no one could truly comprehend his current mood.

Just as Zhao Yi was about to lose his last bit of patience, the other party asked, “Zhao Yi, tell me… what do you want.”

With just that one sentence, Zhao Yi knew he had won the gamble. If the timing weren’t so bad, he would genuinely burst into laughter. Hahahahahahaha! This arrogant trash actually fell in love with a man! He could love people too! And because of this man, he was so humble that he was begging him like a dog!

Hilarious! Absolutely hilarious!!

Zhao Yi couldn’t help but laugh out loud. His shrewd and calculating face was full of mockery and satisfaction. “His life is in my hands now, Zhao Jingqun. What do you think I want? If the exchange is not satisfactory to me, your darling’s life will be gone, Young Master Zhao. You better think carefully.”

“…Zhao Yi, I remember not causing any trouble for you at home usually. Do you hate me that much?”

At the mention of this, Zhao Yi gnashed his teeth in hatred. The memories of being compared to Zhao Jingqun for years, and the sounds of subtle and overt suppression and sarcasm, vividly flashed before his eyes. He immediately roared, “You are no different from those prejudiced old fogeys! My status plummeted entirely because of your appearance! Those company projects and the position of the family head were all originally mine! You don’t deserve or have the right to steal them!”

“Grandpa, Mom, and Dad care about you very much. How heartbroken would they be if they knew you’ve gone this far?” Zhao Jingqun’s voice was devoid of emotion.

However, this statement completely ignited Zhao Yi’s fury.

“Bullshit!”

Zhao Yi cursed, “They are as hypocritical as trash like you! I clearly did everything better than you! I graduated from prestigious schools and had an excellent resume since I was a child. I did everything they asked, completing every task excellently, and I even shielded that old man from a knife once… But everything changed since you came back. They despise my birth and my parents. They constantly compare me to you, thinking that my more than ten years of effort are not as good as your mere four years. But how is that possible?! Besides being born into a better family than me, what else are you better at?”

“So the Zhao family’s company and the position of family head rightfully belong to me!” Zhao Yi exclaimed. “I’m just taking back what belongs to me from you. You are not even worthy of my hatred…”

The other end of the phone remained silent until Zhao Yi finished speaking. After a moment, the voice on the other end sounded somewhat regretful, “I didn’t know you thought that way. If you had told me earlier, perhaps we could have sat down and resolved it properly.”

Zhao Yi sneered, “It’s too late. This matter is non-negotiable.” He then looked coldly at Tao Ning, signaling him to do as instructed before.

Zhao Jingqun didn’t seem like the person to discuss these things with him. Unless… Tao Ning lowered his eyes and said, “I forgot.”

“You…!” Zhao Yi instantly dismissed his previous thought that the person was somewhat smart. He looked at him with contempt and was about to repeat the instructions when someone stumbled in, looking terrified, and exclaimed, “Boss! Boss, something is wrong!”

“The police are here! We, we are surrounded…”

“What did you say?!” Zhao Yi finally reacted. Damn it! That scumbag was stalling for time! But he hadn’t revealed the location to anyone. How did Zhao Jingqun find this place?

Could it be that bitch Zhao Jingsui who told him? No, impossible! She didn’t know the location either…

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Under He Niannian’s pouting and spoiled insistence, Zhao Jingsui gave in and took her away from the hotel to walk around the street. However, during this time, she repeatedly warned her not to leave her sight.

“Sui Sui, are you feeling unwell lately? You won’t buy bags, you won’t buy clothes with me, and you always stay at home and don’t come out. Now that we’re finally out, you’re still acting so secretive…”

Amidst the bustling crowd, He Niannian pouted, looking very dissatisfied. She put her hands on her hips and questioned the preoccupied Zhao Jingsui.

“Was I?” Zhao Jingsui snapped back to attention.

She was just calculating the time in her mind. It had been a while since she sent the misleading photos and the wrong location to Zhao Jingqun. If all went as expected, her people should be making their move now. But she always felt an inexplicable unease, and Zhao Jingsui always trusted her sixth sense.

“Sorry, Niannian. I have something to take care of. Just wait for me for a moment.” Zhao Jingsui pacified He Niannian. To ensure the plan was going smoothly, she decided to keep a constant check.

She opened her phone, and at that exact moment, Zhao Jingqun’s eyes slightly widened as his subordinates sent him several text messages in succession:

Miss, for some unknown reason, Zhao Jingqun didn’t take the bait.

Big trouble! Zhao Jingqun and the police have surrounded Zhao Yi…

Miss, what should we do?

Zhao Jingsui’s heart skipped a beat, and cold sweat faintly beaded on her temples. Why would this happen? Based on her understanding of Zhao Jingqun, as soon as anything related to Tao Ning was involved, he would become a fool whose mind was clouded, and it was impossible for him not to take the bait.

Her elegant and gentle face instantly darkened, but after only a few seconds, Zhao Jingsui regained her composure and pondered where she had been exposed. But it didn’t matter. Even if this matter was traced back to her, she could push everything onto Zhao Yi.

As long as Zhao Yi died…

A ruthless glint flashed in Zhao Jingsui’s eyes. Her neatly manicured fingers quickly typed a line of text: Immediately destroy any information related to me, then smash the phone. Afterward, I will visit your two children at your home.

After sending the message, Zhao Jingsui reverted to her gentle expression and turned off the screen. But when she looked up, she found that the girl who had been chattering in front of her was gone! Only the dense crowd and the incessant honking of car horns remained.

“Niannian?… Niannian, where are you? — He Niannian?!”

Her heart instantly plummeted, and Zhao Jingsui’s face finally showed a panicked expression. She began shouting for her, regardless of her image. The people around looked curiously at the long-haired girl shouting. Someone tried to take the opportunity to flirt with her but was almost slapped.

“Get lost.” Zhao Jingsui was tall. When she didn’t smile, there was no sign of warmth. Her almond eyes, when looking down, gave people a sense of coldness and chill, like being targeted by a venomous snake.

The person who flirted with her shrank his neck and left while muttering curses.

To ensure the success of this murder plan, Zhao Jingsui had sent all her subordinates to surround Zhao Jingqun, so she had no bodyguards with her. If He Niannian fell into the wrong hands, Zhao Jingsui couldn’t imagine…

It took a full ten minutes for her panicked heart to calm down. Right, the phone! That idiot never puts her phone down! Zhao Jingsui quickly opened her contacts and called the person saved as “Idiot.”

After a while, the other side answered. Zhao Jingsui finally couldn’t suppress her anger and snapped at her for the first time: “Where did you run off to? Do you know how dangerous it is outside? You…”

“Second Miss, it’s me.”

The person on the other end interrupted her in a deep voice.

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