Chapter 9 — World Chess Game

It's a meticulously planned hunt. As for me and my family... we are just anonymous pawns who can be sacrificed at any time. My hands and feet are cold. At that moment, Lam Phong's eyes suddenly brightened, as if he had just discovered something. He glanced quickly towards the door of the shop, the movement was so small that it was difficult for others to notice. Then his hand slid under the table, stuffing something cold into my hand. Like a small phone.

"What is up?"

I immediately noticed something unusual. His eyes returned to normal, but deep within them was an unprecedented seriousness.

“We are being followed.”

He spoke very softly, almost just a breath.

“From now on, don't turn around, don't show any reaction.”

“Listen to me until the end… then leave here now.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“This phone is encrypted, untraceable, your number is in there.”

“Remember, your old phone… is no longer safe.”

“They know you came to see me, which means… you were put on the target list.”

“Tam Nguyet…”

He looked at me, his voice low, heavy as stone.

“I have entered a spiral… much more dangerous than I thought.”

“Now, leave immediately, don't turn back.”

He stood up, restored his cold expression as if nothing had ever happened, turned around and left decisively, without looking back. Leaving me only a hard back that seemed to cut everything off... and a warning that almost disappeared into the air.

"Survive."

11 Dangerous stalkers

“Survive.”

Those two words are like an engraved mark, deeply imprinted in my mind, unable to be erased. I sat still, not daring to move, my hand clutching the cold phone as if holding the last thread of my life. I could clearly feel a cold gaze, like a poisonous snake, clinging tightly to my back, giving me goosebumps. Don't panic. Just panic... and your life will be over. I forced myself to calm down, followed Lam Phong's instructions, finished my cup of coffee, then stood up like a normal customer going to pay. I don't turn around. But through the reflective glass of the shop door, I saw a man wearing a black windbreaker and a baseball cap, looking down at his phone. He stood right near the door, position enough to observe the entire space inside. It's him. My heart rushed into my throat. I paid, pushed the door open and walked out. The bright sunlight made my eyes squint. I was in no hurry to leave, just stood on the side of the road, pretending to wait for the car. And as expected... he followed out. Keep a sufficient distance, not too close, not too far, like a hunter playing with his prey. I have to cut him off. At that moment, a bus entered the station. Without hesitation, I jumped straight into the car. Right before the door closed, I turned my head to look. He didn't chase. Just stood still... then raised his head, showing a strange smile. Then, he raised his hand... making a throat-slitting gesture. At that moment, the blood in my body froze. This is no longer a warning. This is a blatant threat to kill someone. The bus slowly rolled away, leaving behind that scary figure. I leaned against the glass door, breathing heavily, cold sweat soaked the back of my shirt. I can't go home. That place… is no longer safe. If they found Lam Phong, they could also find me. Where should I go? Mind empty. Such a large city... there is no place for me to stay. I got off the bus at an unfamiliar place, then repeatedly changed subway lines, running around like a disoriented person. Just hope... to be able to cut off whoever is following. It wasn't until it was completely dark that I walked out of the train station. The body is exhausted, cold and hungry. I raised my head and saw a small motel with flashing neon lights. A name... bitterly ironic. But I have no other choice. I walked in, used the remaining cash to rent the cheapest room. The room was small, old, and had a strong musty smell. But I don't have the heart to care anymore. I locked the door, pulled the curtains tight, and fell onto the hard bed. Fear and exhaustion rose like waves, finally giving me some space to breathe. I took out the phone Lam Phong gave me and turned it on. There is only one contact in the device. I stared at it for a long time, then finally sent a text message.

"I'm being followed. I'm safe. Don't look for me."