Chapter 6 — The Big Sister Returns

Clearly, I had tried with every ounce of my being to break free from the embrace of these mountains, to climb all the way up to the azure clouds.

Yet why must you insist on destroying me utterly? To offer me a fleeting taste of hope only to cast me back into the abyss of despair—does it truly bring you such profound delight?

She flashed a saccharine, radiant smile directly into the camera lens, but her voice was as chilling and merciless as a drawn blade.

Brother Thanh, you all heard her loud and clear, didn't you? Bring the ransom for your dear sister Dan.

Fifty million in cash, delivered within ten minutes. And remember, you must all come completely alone.

Black Bull Wu sat in sullen silence upon a wooden crate nearby, rhythmically swinging his legs as he waited. Exactly ten minutes later, the heavy factory doors were kicked off their hinges with a thunderous crash. Eight figures stood in a unified row outside, each carrying heavy cryptographic suitcases. Thanh was so consumed by frantic anxiety that the whites of his bloodshot eyes burned crimson.

The money has arrived! Release her at once!

Black Bull Wu cast a sidelong glance at them, his eyes curving into triumphant crescent moons.

You men are certainly obedient.

Then, the mask of mirth vanished from her features in an instant.

On your knees!

Thanh and the others furrowed their brows, their gazes hardening into glacial frost.

Let sister Dan go! We have brought every last cent you asked for!

Without a moment's hesitation, Black Bull Wu whipped out a gleaming knife and pressed the sharp edge directly against my throat.

Very well, then I shall...

Before she could finish her sentence, the damp, echoing concrete floor of the abandoned factory began to reverberate with the dull thuds of knees striking the ground. One after another, in rapid succession. All eight men sank onto the freezing, muddy earth. Thanh knelt at the very forefront, lifting his chin to glare directly at Black Bull Wu.

Let her go.

Black Bull Wu burst into a peal of laughter, her joy unrestrained and absolute.

How magnificent, truly obedient lapdogs. You all care so deeply for this pathetic bitch, don't you?

Why is it that none of you could ever lavish such tender affection upon me?

Well now, Xue feels rather displeased once again! Let us play a little game: each of you shall deliver a resounding slap to her face, and only when you are finished shall I set her free!

Thanh's fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles popped in protest, his fingernails digging mercilessly into his palms. White Night kept his head bowed low, his broad shoulders trembling violently. Black Bull Wu sighed dramatically.

Unwilling to obey? In that case...

Very well then.

I spoke up with an expression of profound helplessness. I know not when, but I had already chewed the gag in my mouth loose. Spitting the fabric out, I tilted my head slightly. Raising my gaze to meet Black Bull Wu's, I offered a serene, knowing smile.

Did you truly not know? I had already assigned people to keep a close watch on your every move.

On your journey to this very factory, you clambered over courtyard walls on three separate occasions, took a tumble once, and even muttered curses under your breath against me. I am aware of every single detail.

The moment the words left my lips, I severed the remaining ropes with a swift motion, springing to my feet to deliver a devastating flying kick. Black Bull Wu was sent crashing to the floor before she could even draw breath. Her parents, who had been keeping watch by the threshold, were swiftly subdued by the operatives I had positioned outside. I turned my head to look down at the eight men still kneeling upon the mud, letting out a weary, affectionate sigh.

Why on earth did you drop to your knees the very second she commanded it? Do your kneecaps not ache?

I told you long ago that since I had people tailing her, I would naturally have a contingency plan in place.

I had originally intended to spare her this once. But look at you now—two counts of attempted murder are more than enough to ensure she rots in a prison cell for the remainder of her days.

Only then did Thanh and the others snap back to reality, scrambling hurriedly off the ground to rush forward and envelop me in a tight, desperate embrace.

You scared the absolute life out of us! We only lost our composure because we care about you so much!

Sister Dan, could you perhaps give us a warning next time? My knees slammed down so hard they are still throbbing.

Mine hurt just as much!

Sister Dan, I was the very first one to drop to my knees!

And the sound of my knees hitting the floor was the loudest by far!

All eight of them vied with one another to voice their grievances, each trying to outdo the last in their childish complaints. The live stream comments section was utterly speechless.

...Are these men actually acting like spoiled children right now?

Eight towering, formidable men acting coquettishly toward a single woman???

To witness such a bizarre spectacle in this lifetime, I truly have nothing left to say.

Following the arrest of Black Bull Wu, I returned once more to the quiet village. Thanh and the others escorted me all the way to my doorstep, their faces etched with deep reluctance. I could only soothe them with a helpless tone:

Alright, alright. You may come and visit as guests whenever you please. I shall still report my exact height and weight to you every single month, is that satisfactory?

At last, the eight of them offered reluctant nods, taking three backward glances for every single step they took as they finally departed into the distance. That night, I slept more soundly than I had in ages. The following morning, as I swung the front door open to water my flourishing garden, I froze at the sight. There stood eight identical black suitcases lined up in meticulous order. And standing straight and proper before my threshold were the eight men, neatly arrayed in a single row.

Sister Dan, you said with your own lips that we could come and visit as guests whenever we pleased.

And so, we have arrived right on cue~