Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy

Qie Xieling’s stomach churned as the spacecraft hurtled through the vast expanse of space towards the notorious star Rion, a haven for criminals and lawlessness.

The sudden transition from weightlessness to heaviness left him feeling disoriented and sick. However, his unease was eased by the comforting presence of Uncle Jie who was holding his hand firmly, the entire time.

AN: What a good person Uncle Jie is, right?

As they descended into Rion’s atmosphere, the spaceship rattled and groaned, causing Qie Xieling’s nerves to spike. With a shaky laugh, he tried to alleviate the tension that gripped him, but deep down, he couldn’t shake off the nervousness that tingled in his every fibre. Uncle Jie squeezed his hand gently, silently conveying his support.

Across from them, Bo Ailun watched the joint hands with a mix of shock and utter disbelief. His eyes remained fixated on the intertwined fingers, an unspoken question lingering on his lips. The captain, the infamous bloodhound of Zeden Coalition was holding hands with a man he despised for years. Granted he was wearing the face of an old man but he was still Luo Muchen after all. It was unbelievable. The old man caught his wandering eye and glared at him in warning.

Bo Ailun, "..."

He looked away pretending like he hadn’t seen anything. The spacecraft continued its descent, piercing through the thick layers of Rion’s atmosphere. The star’s reputation as a den of criminals deterred tourists and nobles but attracted people who wanted to disappear.

It was a state of chaos ruled under the infamous gangster heiress Valria.

No one as big as Captain Luo could enter her territory without letting her know or without her knowing.

Luo Muchen wasn’t going to tell her because he didn’t want anyone to find out about the box. As they landed he let go of Qie Xieling’s hand but Qie Xieling wasn’t willing to let go.

"Ah uncle, let me hold your hand a little longer. I am so scared," he said but who was he kidding? He was immediately treated like air. Uncle Jie wrote instructions in his communicator and soon everyone received a message telling them to stay sharp.

Qie Xieling ran after Uncle Jie like he was a duckling that had imprinted on him. Rion was a place no one sane and innocent wanted to be at but it was still intriguing. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

The air on the star was thick with tension and the sounds of raucous laughter echoed through the crowded streets. Qie Xieling was no innocent character in the game but he wasn’t comfortable in the slightest. There was a sea of shady characters and criminals everywhere. He could feel the weight of their gazes, scrutinising him as he walked so he tried to stay next to Uncle Jie but the old man’s feet were surprisingly faster than his.

Qie Xieling glanced around, his eyes darting from one dark alley to another, searching for any sign of this place called Club 6 but almost all the neon signs were written in a language he couldn’t understand.

Turning to the old man, Qie Xieling mustered the courage to ask, "Do you know exactly where we are going?"

Uncle Jie’s weathered face creased into a knowing smile. "Club 6 is not that far. The problem is getting there without being noticed," he replied in a gruff voice. Qie Xieling was a little confused. Who weren’t they supposed to get noticed by?

As they continued walking, Qie Xieling felt a sudden touch on his arm. He shook the arm off only for it to be grasped again. "Lin Lin, it’s me. I have been chasing after you two. I have been running all the way."

Qie Xieling, "..."

To be truthful he ran away from her. She was talking to Bo Ailun about something and Qie Xieling just bolted. He ran away so fast while grabbing hold of Uncle Jie that he thought she would never catch up with them. Who would have thought she would find them this soon?

Her eyes betrayed a hint of fear as she whispered, "I am scared." Qie Xieling’s instincts urged him to break free from her grip but she was like a leech. He managed to free himself but Lee Ya was so adamant. "Lin Lin, my brother will personally hold you responsible if anything happens to me," she said issuing threats but who did she think she was talking to?

Qie Xieling retorted, "Don’t you mean you half-brother?" he said and her eyes widened as she asked,

"What did you say?"

Qie Xieling couldn’t repeat that. He didn’t her to go and report to Luo Muchen and ruin his progress so he said, "Never mind. Just don’t call me Lin Lin. It is creepy."

Lee Ya pouted her lips and said, "But everyone else calls you that."

Qie Xieling was so exasperated but he calmed himself down and continued walking. After increasing his walking pace, Lee Ya hooked his arm happily again and said, "I want to eat something tasty along the way. Let’s pass by the night market."

Qie Xieling was about to shake her arm off once again when he met Uncle Jie’s disapproving gaze. Having misunderstood him he restrained himself.

He thought the man was warning him to take great care of Lee Ya otherwise there would be consequences.

"Stay focused," he said and Qie Xieling clenched his jaw trying to suppress his irritation with her. The trio pressed on, their footsteps echoing against the worn cobblestones. As they walked, they passed by dimly lit brothels, where seductive figures beckoned them with inviting gestures. Qie Xieling could feel their eyes trying to lure him into a world of temptation and distraction.

There were all kinds of sensual women lined up outside the doors of the clubs with neon lights. They were tall ones with very very long legs, short ones with big bosoms and even average-height ones with tentacles. It was a sight to behold.

A few feet he started to see more variety. There were men of all shapes and sizes advertising outside. This innocent little one had no idea that this kind of industry catered to people with other preferences as well.