Bager’s face was twisted with anguish, tears streaming down his cheeks. His voice quivered as he walked towards him.

Luo Muchen, "..."

Despite trying to run his boyfriend off the road and fully aware of the consequences of his action, Bager was desperately begging him to reconsider, to give him a chance.

"I promise, I can make you really happy," he said trying to come closer.

"Too noisy," said Luo Muchen his voice cold and unfeeling. He walked past him without sparing him a glance.

Bager reached out to touch him but Luo Muchen’s henchmen moved swiftly, intercepting Bager before he could reach out and touch their boss. Bager’s cries echoed through the passageway, a heartbreaking symphony of unfulfilled desires. He struggled against the firm grip of the men holding him down but their strength was overpowering making his desperate attempts to break free futile.

Luo Muchen was taking down the entire house of cards and Bager was going to be a part of it. He could already see himself running off in the sunset with his lover while the city burned behind them.

***

Meanwhile, Qie Xieling, unaware of the unfolding drama was busy celebrating his victory. If he had known that someone was planning to steal his man he would have left immediately.

The crowd erupted in cheers as he raised the trophy high, his radiant smile illuminating the stadium. Bo Ailun kissed the trophy while his crew jumped on Qie Xieling. It was a chaotic mess but a joyful chaotic mess. He finally couldn’t wait any longer. He jumped off the podium and ran through the crowd towards the private staircase to the VIP lounge.

As he rushed through the crowd of fans they clamoured for autographs and patted him on his back congratulating him. Qie Xieling was especially nice despite being in a hurry.

Escaping the crowd’s adulation, he made his way up the stairs, determined to find Luo Muchen. As he ascended the first flight of stairs, the excitement in his heart was palpable. His vigilance was especially lax at this point thus he didn’t immediately sense that something was wrong. A mysterious figure suddenly seized him, dragging him into the depths of darkness.

A cloth was pressed against his mouth and nose, its sickly sweet scent overpowering him. Panic surged through his veins as darkness enveloped his senses. He fought against his assailant, but his strength waned as the world slipped away. Qie Xieling stood no chance. His world turned dark and just like that he vanished without a trace.

***

Luo Muchen paced back and forth in his lavish office his jaw clenched tightly. When he found out that Qie Xieling was missing panic surged through his veins and he sent his men scurrying in every direction, desperately searching for any trace of his missing lover. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

His trembling fingers pinched a cigarette, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He repeatedly dialled Qie Xieling’s number, but each attempt went unanswered, further fueling his frustration. In a desperate attempt to track his whereabouts, he had already dispatched someone to trace his cell phone and the tracker in his body but so far there was no news. The seconds felt like hours as Luo Muchen anxiously awaited any news, his patience waning with each passing moment.

Just as his temper threatened to consume him entirely, his secretary Chen burst into the room, her face etched with concern.

She swiftly placed Qie Xieling’s cell phone on the table before him. She had several ways to find Qie Xieling but he was knocked out cold and making it nearly impossible. He had to be awake for her to find him. She could also use the Prodigy’s intricate system but it was as though something was blocking her. If however something about Qie Xieling was posted online she would most definitely find him.

Luo Muchen unlocked the cell phone with his trembling finger and he was met by his face displayed proudly on the home screen. His heart quivered at the sight. He couldn’t help but blame himself. He had failed to protect his boyfriend and now he was heaven knows where waiting for him to come get him.

"We are searching every car leaving the premises but I’m pretty sure he is no longer on the premises," Jolie informed him, her voice laced with determination. Despite her worry, she remained steadfast and level-headed.

"What do you suggest then?" he said seeming defeated.

"Get Bager and get him to talk," she said and Luo Muchen raised his head looking out through the window. The racetrack lights were still illuminating the stands but there were a few people left. He recalled that his men had held Bager captive at his command.

He clenched the cell phone in his hand tightly, his knuckles turning white. The intensity of his gaze matched the fire in his eyes. "If anything happens to Lin Lin," he growled, his voice dripping with anger, "you will all go down with him." His words hung in the air, a chilling warning that left no room for doubt.

With a deep inhale of his cigarette, he attempted to steady his racing thoughts. He knew he had to remain focused, to find Qie Xieling at any cost. The mere thought of harm coming to his beloved sent a surge of protectiveness coursing through his veins.

As the smoke curled around him, he commanded, "Send everyone around the city and President Yin’s private compound. I want all eyes out there... as for you three bring that weasel back to base. I want him spilling his guts."

***

In the dimly lit basement, the air was heavy with the sound of cries piercing through the stale atmosphere. Bager, had his arms stretched upwards. He was cuffed and tightly bound to a sturdy beam, his body trembling under the weight of the chains.

Luo Muchen’s men surrounded Bager, their lashes raining down upon his battered back. Each whip left its mark, causing fresh streams of blood to flow down his bruised skin. The pain was excruciating, and Bager’s chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath.

Through gritted teeth, Bager mustered the strength to beg for mercy, his voice laced with desperation. "Muchen, please! I beg you, have mercy! I don’t know anything about Qie Xieling’s whereabouts!"

Luo Muchen, lounged in an armchair, his eyes fixed on Bager with a detached indifference. He took a drag from his nth cigarette, the smoke curling around his hardened features. Bager’s pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears as he remained unmoved, revelling in his display of power.