Chapter 21: I Will Survive

Page 1/3

This notebook mainly contained records of various bank transfers and transaction details. Each transfer entry was accompanied by the receipt left at the time of the transaction. Chen Xuewen did not recognize any of the account names, but the amounts transferred were enormous. The transfer records only made up the first part of the notebook; toward the end, there were photographs. These photos were even more revealing. Most of them were intimate pictures—bedroom photos—featuring adults, or even some men in their fifties and sixties, together with young, beautiful women. Among these intimate photos, Chen Xuewen even spotted the campus beauty’s pictures—she was photographed with at least a dozen different men. He even saw some photos involving a few celebrities. While Chen Xuewen couldn’t fully grasp the significance of the earlier transfer records, he could easily guess the situation depicted in these photos. Without a doubt, these photos must have been taken by Zhou Wancheng. Those men were likely powerful figures, and Zhou Wancheng used these young, attractive women to entertain them, photographing their encounters as leverage to blackmail these influential individuals. If that was the case, the earlier transfer records were probably evidence of these dealings as well. It seemed Zhou Wancheng had reached his current position by relying on these despicable means. As Chen Xuewen looked through the notebook, a bold idea suddenly took shape in his mind. Perhaps, with this evidence, he could help Li Eryong clear his name—or at least prevent him from going to prison.

Page 2/3

Chen Xuewen sat cross-legged on the floor, pondering carefully, and gradually formulated a plan in his mind. He set Zhou Hao’s body aside and, carrying the money and valuables, made his way downstairs. In the lobby below, Li Eryong and Wu Lihong were still collapsed on the ground. Over a dozen people had died here, blood stained the floor, and the air was thick with the pungent stench of blood. Only now did Li Eryong and Wu Lihong begin to feel fear. Wu Lihong, especially, was trembling uncontrollably as she looked at the bodies scattered about. Li Eryong was somewhat calmer; seeing Chen Xuewen appear, he immediately said, “Wenzi, before anyone else arrives, we have to run.” “If we can just leave Ping City, maybe we can still escape—far away—change our names, our identities, and live a proper life!” Wu Lihong nodded in agreement. Chen Xuewen shook his head. “We can’t escape.” “So many people are dead. Even if I ran to the ends of the earth, the law enforcement team would still find me.” Li Eryong grew anxious. “We have to try, no matter what. You can’t just give up like this.” “Your uncle and aunt are risking everything to get you out. And now you want to give up?” These words struck a painful chord within Chen Xuewen. His parents had put their lives on the line to appeal on his behalf—all so he could live. If he truly died or gave up now, would he not be betraying their hopes?

Page 3/3

In that moment, Chen Xuewen’s resolve wavered for the first time. He found himself considering the possibility of survival. He handed the bag in his hand to Li Eryong. “Yongzi, this matter has gotten out of control.” “Chances are very high that you’ll end up in prison too. I’m sorry.” “Take this money back to your family first.” “If you get dragged into this, this money will at least sustain your family for a while.” Li Eryong waved his hand immediately. “What are you doing?” “You keep this money—you’ll need it to escape!” “Don’t worry about me, I... I’m not afraid of them!” Chen Xuewen shoved the bag firmly into Li Eryong’s hands. “No more talking—take it!” “Listen, you still have your parents, younger brothers and sisters to care for.” “Get them settled first. We’ll deal with everything else later.” After saying this, Chen Xuewen pushed Li Eryong out of the villa and gritted his teeth. “Tonight, I will handle everything.” “If I don’t survive this, remember—you have to live on. Every holiday, someone must come to tend to my grave and my parents’.”