Chapter 176: Fang Xiaoya Arrested

Ye Zehong sped down the asphalt road, casting a glance from the corner of his eye at Lu Yao, who sat in the passenger seat consumed by anxiety. The words of comfort that had risen to his lips turned into a question instead.

With a hoarse voice, he asked, "Where did you hide Fang Xiaoya?"

"At the school."

Ye Zehong looked at Lu Yao in some surprise.

Lu Yao let out a deep sigh. "I figured the most dangerous place is the safest place."

Ye Zehong’s gaze darkened. He slammed his foot on the accelerator, rocketing the car toward the women's school.

The luxury car came to a smooth halt at the main gate.

Skipping the registration process, Lu Yao rushed past the security guard and ran toward the dormitory building.

She pushed open the dorm room door, only to be met with absolute chaos.

Out of breath, the security guard followed right behind her. Just as he was about to complain, the sight of the wrecked room caused him to burst into angry curses. "These students have zero manners, turning the dorm into such a complete mess! I need to report this to the principal immediately."

"Wait." Lu Yao grabbed the guard’s arm, staring straight into his eyes. "Where are the students who lived here?"

"How should I know? I'm just a gatekeeper, not the dorm supervisor." The guard shot Lu Yao a disdainful look, shook off her arm, and pulled out his phone to call the principal.

Ye Zehong arrived shortly after, bringing the dorm supervisor with him.

Looking troubled, the supervisor said, "I heard some screams coming from the dorm just now. I thought it was just some students playing a prank, but I never expected..."

"Expected what?"

"Fang Xiaoya was dragged away by a man in black wearing a helmet."

Lu Yao was taken aback.

"How long ago?"

"Just now, like I said."

Hearing this, Lu Yao and Ye Zehong sprinted toward the exit.

The dorm supervisor shouted after them at the top of her lungs, "The man in black took Fang Xiaoya and escaped toward the back mountain!"

Without a word, the two of them turned in unison and gave chase toward the back mountain.

Pitch dark, the back mountain offered zero visibility of the path ahead.

Ye Zehong took Lu Yao’s hand, instructing in a low voice, "Stay right behind me and watch your step."

Today was the sixteenth day of the lunar month, and the moon was exceptionally large and bright.

Starlight and moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a faint glow into the gloom and dispelling just enough darkness to see.

Hand in hand, Ye Zehong and Lu Yao searched along the main path for several minutes, but found no trace of the man in black or Fang Xiaoya.

Lu Yao tugged on Ye Zehong's hand and came to a halt.

Skeptical, she asked, "Do you think the dorm supervisor lied to us?"

"Impossible. She has no reason to do that."

Without hesitation, Ye Zehong continued pulling Lu Yao forward until they reached an open clearing in the back mountain. Once again, Lu Yao pulled him to a stop.

Her lips parted to speak, but before a sound could escape, a warm palm covered her mouth.

"Shh!"

Ye Zehong closed his eyes, listening quietly to the ambient sounds of the surroundings.

Lu Yao calmed her mind, carefully distinguishing the rustling noises mixed in with the chirping of insects.

Ye Zehong opened his eyes again, exchanged a glance with Lu Yao, and the two of them tacitly turned their gaze toward the three-o'clock direction.

Fixing their eyes on the spot, they stepped forward with utmost lightness.

In the dark underbrush, a pair of bright eyes stared straight at them. Just as they were about to close in, the figure suddenly leaped to its feet and sprayed a canister directly at them.

Ye Zehong spun around, using his back to shield the spray while pulling Lu Yao tightly into his arms.

Crouching down, Lu Yao sidestepped and saw the helmeted man staggering away in a panic with a heavy sack over his shoulder. Disregarding the danger, she broke into a sprint and chased after him.

"Stop right there! Leave her behind!"

"Don't run!"

"..."

The man in black ran faster and faster. Just as he thought he had shaken off Lu Yao, he glanced back only to see Ye Zehong intercepting him from the other side, forcing him to slam on the brakes.

Right on cue, Lu Yao closed in from behind.