Drunken Mistake

DM 59

The sound of gravel crunching under tires was barely audible over the hum of Song Lan's car as he and Xiao Xingchen pulled up to Jin Guangyao's sprawling bungalow. The estate loomed dark and imposing, its tall gates flanked by two guards who appeared more relaxed than vigilant. It was clear they weren't expecting intruders.

Song Lan killed the engine and glanced at Xiao Xingchen. "Ready?"

Xiao Xingchen nodded, his usual calm demeanor betraying a flicker of determination. "Let's make this quick."

Without another word, the two exited the car, moving swiftly and silently toward the gates. Song Lan's movements were fluid, practiced; Xiao Xingchen's steps light and calculated. The guards barely had time to react before Song Lan delivered a sharp blow to one's neck, rendering him unconscious. Xiao Xingchen handled the second with equal efficiency, his movements almost graceful in their precision.

The gate creaked open as they pushed through, slipping into the shadows of the bungalow's grounds. The air was thick with tension, and every second felt like an eternity.

"They'll have more inside," Song Lan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Xiao Xingchen nodded, his gaze scanning the dimly lit surroundings. "Let's hope we're not too late."

The front door was surprisingly easy to breach, though it set off a muted alarm. Song Lan cursed under his breath as the faint echo of footsteps reached their ears. Guards poured into the hallway, their faces twisted in confusion and anger.

Xiao Xingchen moved first, his agility and precision creating a blur of motion as he disarmed one guard after another. Song Lan followed, his strikes deliberate and forceful. Within minutes, the path to the basement was clear.

"Go," Song Lan urged. "I'll cover you."

Xiao Xingchen hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding and heading down the narrow staircase. The basement was damp and dimly lit, the air heavy with an unsettling stillness. Xiao Xingchen's heart raced as his eyes adjusted to the low light.

There, crumpled in the corner like a discarded rag doll, was Mo Xuanyu. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. Xiao Xingchen rushed to his side, his hands trembling as he checked for a pulse.

"He's alive," he called up the stairs, relief evident in his voice.

Song Lan descended quickly, his footsteps echoing in the confined space. His expression tightened as he took in Mo Xuanyu's condition. "We need to get him to a hospital. Now."

"I'll take him," Song Lan said firmly, scooping the unconscious man into his arms. "You go after Jin Zixuan. Lan Wangji will need backup."

Xiao Xingchen hesitated, his gaze flicking between Song Lan and Mo Xuanyu. "Are you sure?"

"Go," Song Lan repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll handle this."

With a reluctant nod, Xiao Xingchen turned and hurried back up the stairs, his thoughts already racing ahead to what lay ahead. The night was far from over, and every second counted.

***

Lan Wangji stood at the edge of a bustling downtown street, his gaze fixed on the entrance of a high-rise building. His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it, his focus unshakable. Jin Zixuan was inside, unaware of the danger that loomed over him.

The faint sound of hurried footsteps caught Lan Wangji's attention, and he turned to see Xiao Xingchen approaching.

"You're late," Lan Wangji said, though his tone lacked reproach.