Hidden Clues

"....idle and content to climb the social ladder and make a fortune. Tsk tsk, Murong Feng, this isn't good at all."

Hearing the fate of the two men, Murong Feng felt a sense of satisfaction. He smiled and asked, "So, what do you want?"

Brother Wen laughed loudly: "Murong Feng, how forthright and generous! How about this - I don't want much, just 500 million RMB, or the equivalent value in US dollars or Hong Kong dollars. As soon as you complete the transaction, we'll release you immediately. How's that?"

Murong Feng lowered his head in silent contemplation, then said, "Let me think about it."

A cruel smile appeared on Brother Wen's face as he said, "Fine, but you don't have much time. I'll give you half a day. If you haven't made up your mind by then, I might have to consider taking one of your fingers. That should help you think faster. Murong Feng. You're a smart man; I hope you won't keep me waiting too long. You're delicate and precious - it would be a shame if you got hurt. Haha." Throughout this speech, he used polite forms of address, speaking in a gentle tone, but the meaning behind his words was full of cruelty.

The two men walked out.

Murong Feng smiled bitterly. He knew clearly that these fierce criminals wouldn't release him even after he paid the money. Being killed was inevitable. Now he could only use this half a day to think of a plan to save himself!

He also hoped the police would quickly discover the clues he had left behind and find this place soon.

Murong Feng raised his head and began to observe the layout of the warehouse.

...

Outside, Ah Dong was curiously asking Brother Wen: "Brother Wen, why are we only asking for 500 million yuan? He's worth 1.5 billion. Why don't we take it all? We're going to kill him anyway, so why waste it?...You're not really going to let this guy go, are you? He knows our identities now. If we let him go, with his wealth and power, we'll be done in by him. Plus, he's very familiar with the People's Liberation Army Garrison in Hong Kong!" Remembering Brother Long's head that exploded like a smashed watermelon, even Ah Dong, a hardened criminal who had seen blood and violence, couldn't help but shudder.

Brother Wen replied in a low voice: "Are you stupid? If we directly ask for 1.5 billion yuan, even an idiot would know we're planning to kill him. Asking for 500 million is to make him lower his guard. We'll wait for him to willingly transfer the money first. After we get it, we'll force him to cough up more. Understand? After we've got all the money..."

A cold glint flashed in his narrow eyes behind his glasses, and he made a throat-slitting gesture.

The two men looked at each other and laughed. But each had their own thoughts running through their minds.

1.5 billion yuan, if I could keep this for myself, why bother continuing to operate in Hong Kong? I could just go abroad and enjoy the rest of my life.