Xiao He and Bai Zhi cautiously navigated the outskirts of the abandoned city. Beneath the gray sky, the crumbling buildings loomed like silent giants, watching over the two small figures.
"Over there seems to be a supermarket," Bai Zhi pointed ahead, her voice tinged with a hint of hope.
Xiao He followed her gaze and spotted a half-collapsed structure, its crooked sign still faintly displaying the character for "super." Her expression turned wary; years of training as an agent had instilled in her an instinctive alertness to any potential danger.
The two women softened their footsteps, approaching like silent cats. Suddenly, Xiao He caught something on the wind; she abruptly grabbed Bai Zhi's arm and gestured for silence.
Inside the supermarket, there were rustling sounds and low voices. Xiao He pulled Bai Zhi behind a pile of rubble, peering through the gaps to observe the situation inside.
Several ragged figures were bustling about in the supermarket, their movements surprisingly coordinated, like a well-trained team. Xiao He’s pupils constricted slightly; these individuals moved too professionally to be ordinary Amnesiacs.
At that moment, a burly figure appeared at the supermarket entrance. With a buzz cut, a scarred face, and eyes sharp as knives, Xiao He instinctively held her breath. She recognized that gaze—it belonged to a Desperado she had encountered during a mission.
"Hurry up!" The man's voice rasped like sandpaper, carrying an undeniable authority.
Xiao He felt Bai Zhi's hand tremble slightly. She gently patted the back of Bai Zhi's hand, signaling her to stay calm. However, the man’s gaze suddenly swept over them, piercing like a sharp blade aimed directly at their hiding spot.
"Come out!" His voice echoed down the empty street.
Xiao He took a deep breath and slowly stood up with Bai Zhi. Her posture was straight and her expression calm—an instinctive reaction honed through years of being an agent.
"Looks like we have two lost lambs," the man sneered. "Welcome to Redemption Island. I am Zhao Yi, the one in charge here."
Xiao He noticed a strange glint in Zhao Yi's eyes as he scrutinized her. It was the gaze of a hunter spotting its prey, sending a shiver of discomfort down her spine.
"You're quite skilled," Zhao Yi suddenly said. "You won't survive here alone. Join us, and you'll gain access to more resources and safety."
Xiao He's lips curled into a polite yet distant smile. "Thank you for your kindness, but I have my own plans."
Zhao Yi's expression darkened instantly, the warmth in his eyes evaporating. "Disobedient criminals don’t end well."
At that moment, piercing screams echoed from afar. Xiao He’s pupils constricted as she witnessed Zhao Yi's subordinates "cleaning up" several Amnesiacs. Their movements were swift and decisive, devoid of hesitation, as if they were merely disposing of useless trash.
Bai Zhi clutched Xiao He’s arm tightly, her nails nearly digging into her skin. Xiao He could feel the fear radiating from her, a current of terror coursing through the air.
"I'll give you a day to think it over," Zhao Yi's voice rang out again. "By sunset tomorrow, if you haven't joined my team, you'll be labeled a Heresy and dealt with accordingly."
Xiao He watched as Zhao Yi departed with his men, her gaze growing increasingly cold. She understood that this man was far more dangerous than she had imagined. Not only did he possess organizational skills, but he also held crucial information about the island.
Back at their hideout, Xiao He sat in the corner, her fingers unconsciously tapping on the ground. Bai Zhi curled up beside her like a frightened animal.
"We must find the Memory Fragments as soon as possible," Xiao He whispered, her voice imbued with an unprecedented determination.
Bai Zhi lifted her head to look at Xiao He’s profile. In the dim light, Xiao He’s silhouette appeared particularly resolute. She knew that this seemingly fragile woman harbored an inner strength beyond what most could fathom.
Comment 0 Comment Count