Chapter Two

de.Zhou Guangtao arrived at the residential complex where Li An used to live in a heavy downpour. He wanted to go inside to find Li An, but the security guard wouldn’t allow him entry.Desperate and di...Chapter 2

Liyi was a deeply calculating person. When he thought about things, he would instinctively assume the worst in others and suspect their motives. Watching the silent倪暄漪 made him wary; although she seemed young and possibly rebellious, she might blame them for her grandfather's death.

Though his stance appeared casual, his fists were clenched tightly. If the girl showed any signs of rebellion, he would act swiftly to subdue her. Regardless of her willingness, they needed to leave this maze-like forest with her guidance.

Ni Xuanyi stood in the night for a long while before softly asking, "My grandfather... how did you handle his body"

"The situation was critical; we buried him in a nearby deep pit and covered it with grass and branches to prevent anyone from disturbing the grave," Liyi replied gently, hoping to humanize himself and persuade her to cooperate.

Ni Xuanyi turned to look at Liyi, her eyes pleading. "Can you take me to where my grandfather is buried I want to see him one last time so that I can visit his grave."

Liyi helplessly spread his hands. "If we could find our way back, we wouldn't have been wandering here for days. Miss, the truth is we are lost and desperately need your help."

"Alright." Ni Xuanyi nodded readily. "I'll take you to where the battle occurred; tell me where my grandfather was buried so I can pay my respects. Then I will surely complete his unfinished task and guide you out of here."

Liyi considered briefly but, assuming she wouldn't dare play tricks on him, he agreed.

Ni Xuanyi is very familiar with the geographical environment here and has good physical fitness. She walked ahead of these rugged men without any panting, her steps always light and brisk.

Liyi noticed that this young girl was very adaptable to the environment and had a calm demeanor. It was August now, the hottest time of year; even though it was pitch dark outside, moving quickly still made one feel hot. However, such temperatures seemed to have no effect on Ni Xuanyi.

These men had circled around this primary secondary forest for three days without being able to find a way out, while Ni Xuanyi led them out in just two hours and another half hour later brought them to the site of the intense battle.

Ni Xuanyi stopped walking and turned to look at Liyi. In the darkness, her big eyes stared intensely at him.

Liyi made a rough assessment of their direction and led Ni Xuanyi northeast toward the mountain's base where there were scattered rocks and dense shrubs, making it unsuitable for travel; most people wouldn't venture into that area.

Ni Xuanyi's previously brisk pace slowed down as she almost stepped one by one to reach the thicket. Liyi gently peeled back two large, thriving shrubs in front of them and pointed at a patch of low-lying grass and dry leaves behind, saying, "We buried Old Master Ni here."

"Thank you," Ni Xuanyi's voice was slightly hoarse as she choked out the words before bowing to Liyi. People who came to this place were all desperate individuals; Liyi and his group did not leave Grandpa unburied in the wilderness but instead gave him a proper burial, which was already very merciful. Ni Xuanyi sincerely thanked them from the bottom of her heart.

Liyi had been at a high position for many years and had become somewhat numb to others' gratitude and thanks; he simply nodded lightly in acknowledgment.

Ni Xuanyi was quite a smart young lady, she could sense the indifference and ruthlessness emanating from Liyi. Such people only have principles and responsibilities, rarely displaying personal emotions such as sympathy for her suffering or understanding of her pain.

She asked Li Yi for permission, "Can I stay here for a while After that, I will escort you out."

Li Yi really wanted to say no, but given the situation, it would be inconsiderate of him to speak like this. He could only nod and then thought to ask again: "Do you want me to accompany you"

The dense forest around them was pitch-black and eerily quiet, with a dead body right across from them. He was afraid that the little girl would be scared.

"No thanks, I appreciate it." Ni Xuanyi bowed again before turning to look at where her grandfather was buried.

Li Yi took two steps forward but heard a 'thud' behind him; he turned around immediately and saw that Ni Xuanyi had knelt down over there.

He did not dare to walk too far away, partly because he worried about the little girl being scared, but more so out of fear that she might suddenly run away or have an accident. She was their only hope now.

Ni Xuanyi knelt at her grandfather's burial place and could no longer hold back her tears.

Grandpa, why did you have to take this trip You must have wanted to earn more money for me so that my future life would be worry-free!

Ni Xuanyi was seventeen years old. Originally, they were mainlanders. Later on, in order to earn more money, they came over here to do illegal business. They didn't expect that the money here seemed easy to make but was actually very risky, with the danger of losing their lives if one wasn't careful.

After Ni Xuanyi's parents passed away, Ni Dazhi made up his mind to ensure that Ni Xuanyi would leave and return to the mainland, living in a stable and peaceful environment.

Ni Dazhi spent a lot of money sending Ni Xuanyi back to study in a small city on the mainland, telling her she must get into a good university there. Ni Xuanyi was also very promising; at seventeen, she successfully got accepted into G University.

When the acceptance letter arrived, Ni Dazhi's eyes were filled with emotion and joy, knowing that his granddaughter no longer had to live in constant fear like them.

Ni Xuanyi told her grandfather that when she went to study at G University, he could accompany her. With some savings, they could maintain their living for the next four years until Ni Xuanyi graduated and got a job to support her grandfather.

Agreeing with his granddaughter, Ni Dazhi prepared to go with her but, considering the costs ahead, gritted his teeth and took this last job. Unbeknownst to him, it would be his final one; he left his life here forever.

Ni Xuanyi knelt before her grandfather crying silently. Grandfather did all these for her sake—if she had grown up faster or performed better academically, leaving earlier, then perhaps he wouldn't have stayed in this wicked, dark and cruel place.

Li Yi heard the suppressed sobs of Ni Xuanyi and couldn't help but feel concerned.

The dim environment prevented him from seeing her face clearly. Judging by her voice and physique, she would not be over twenty years old. Such a young girl suddenly suffering such a heavy blow from losing someone close might find it hard to control her emotions; he wondered how long this crying would last.n but felt guilty about the lie she had just told.Zhou Guangtao stared at her intently, his eyelids trembling uncontrollably. The anger in his eyes nearly eclipsed the dark irises, and he said through...