Chapter Sixty: Maneuvering

"I just said if it was possible, not that it definitely was. I was just scared out of my wits earlier, that's why I said things without thinking." Chongchong tried to explain.

As Chongchong stalled for time, he prayed fervently for Fang Yuan to wake up soon, and also hoped the driver uncle would hurry over. After all, two people getting beaten was better than one.

"Interesting," the man holding the knife to Chongchong's neck said again.

"Yes, I am a very interesting person, and I’m good at telling jokes. By the way, big brother, has anyone told you that you’re really cool? I think you’re absolutely awesome, especially those moves you just did," Chongchong said, mimicking the man's gestures.

Imitating the man's earlier movements, Chongchong silently nudged the knife away from his neck.

"Interesting," the man said.

It seemed he thought saying those words was cool and stubbornly refused to say anything more, always repeating that phrase. It was almost comical. If not for the worry that the man might raise his knife again, Chongchong would have burst out laughing.

"Move," the man ordered.

Chongchong wanted to say something more, both to ease the tension and to buy time for the driver uncle. If the uncle had any sense, he’d realize Fang Yuan was taking too long and might even call the police.

But evidently, these men had no intention of giving him any opportunity. They didn't even seem to notice that someone was still waiting in a nearby taxi.

"Move? Where are you taking me? I already brought you the money, didn't I? There’s no need to invite me for tea at your place. It’s late, and drinking tea at night makes it hard to sleep. I think I’ll just head home," Chongchong said, turning to leave. But the knife-wielding man blocked him with a single move.

Chongchong hadn’t even seen how he did it—one moment he was behind, the next he was in front. Such swift movement was clearly beyond the skills of ordinary people.

"Big brother, your knife is really beautiful. Where did you buy it? If I have the chance, I’d like to get one too. It’s not too expensive, is it? I can’t afford anything too pricey," Chongchong said, pushing the blade away from his neck with a laugh.

"Enough nonsense. Come with us," the tall man behind him growled impatiently.

Though Fang Yuan was sturdily built by normal standards, these two burly men looked like they could pick him up with one hand.

Chongchong had no choice but to follow, walking as slowly as possible, like a turtle or a snail.

They led him through a narrow alley to a car parked on the street, bundled him inside, and sped off.

"Master, please wake up soon, or we’ll be in real trouble," Chongchong prayed, hoping Fang Yuan would regain consciousness quickly. He knew his own abilities were no match for these three.

Sensing the change in surroundings, Chongchong guessed they were nearing their destination. But when he finally got out of the car, he thought they must have taken a wrong turn.

They were surrounded by mountains on all sides, halfway up a slope. By day, you could probably see the distant sea from here.

A villa stood on the hillside, ringed by dense forest, making it nearly impossible to see inside from the outside. The car drove straight in, apparently expected, as someone came out immediately to park it for them. After getting out, the men barked at Chongchong to get out as well.

The villa before him was lavishly decorated, but in a subdued, understated way. Chongchong’s heart pounded uneasily, hoping desperately for Fang Yuan to wake up.

To that end, he nearly pinched Fang Yuan’s leg raw. Though it was Fang Yuan’s leg he pinched, the pain seemed to be his own.

Here, he dared not say much and simply cooperated obediently.

They led Chongchong to the top floor, where he found a vast pool. To call it a pool was almost misleading; it was more like a miniature bay. Much of the rooftop and the extended area beyond had been transformed into a glass-walled pool filled with blue seawater.

Chongchong had noticed the villa’s rooftop earlier, resembling a giant hat, but hadn’t expected the owner to have built a pool reminiscent of a bay of the dead.

Moreover, he noticed something alive in the water, as the currents kept churning. There must be marine creatures in there, he thought, and such effort to keep them must mean they were rare and precious.

After bringing him here, the men left, leaving Chongchong alone.

Curious, he pressed his face almost against the glass to see what was in the water. The currents still churned violently, and suddenly, his mind clouded and his reactions slowed.

From within the swirling depths, a cold, black eye appeared before him.

"Chongchong, watch out!" Before he could even react, his body moved instinctively, stumbling backward, only to trip over something and fall heavily on his backside.

"Master, you’re finally awake! I was so worried," Chongchong exclaimed, realizing Fang Yuan was conscious at last. Relief flooded him—now that Fang Yuan was awake, he had nothing to fear. Even in danger, he believed Fang Yuan would get them out safely.

"I told you, when I’m not here, don’t wander off on your own. Why didn’t you listen?" Fang Yuan scolded, his tone sharp from worry.

A moment ago, while still unconscious, Fang Yuan had felt Chongchong’s intense fear and had jolted awake, only to find a pair of wide, staring eyes fixed on him, which made him stumble and fall.

"Master, don’t be mad. I just saw you wouldn’t wake up, so I thought I’d take your body to spar with an ordinary person. I figured it might wake you, but I was wrong. Please don’t be angry," Chongchong said, aggrieved, admitting his mistake when he saw Fang Yuan truly upset.

Fang Yuan had spoken harshly out of worry, but now, hearing Chongchong’s pitiful confession, he couldn’t bring himself to punish him.