Chapter 1502: Sacrifice
Jin City.
In the hotel lobby, various figures and tycoons from around Jin City gathered together, whispering in conversation.
They had one purpose: to eagerly await the arrival of Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, hoping to meet these legendary figures. Of course, if there were any business dealings, it would be immensely beneficial for them.
Everyone was very modest and well-mannered. Usually, even if someone was ostentatious or arrogant, such traits were nowhere to be seen at this moment, as if they had encaged themselves to hide their bothersome sides.
They knew that Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, who were about to attend the banquet, were extraordinary figures, and everyone wanted to leave a good impression.
With such a shallow connection, boasting about it later would actually offer them a unique capital.
More importantly, if there was further interaction, it would provide a faint opportunity for business collaboration.
"Patriarch Lu, having you lead this event has given us quite a moment of triumph. We owe you a favor, and if you have any commands in the future, just let us know, we won’t refuse." A few people around Lu Binwang engaged him in enthusiastic conversation.
Those able to attend this banquet were carefully selected; without enough status, they wouldn’t qualify to come.
Therefore, everyone present was remarkable, possessing their own influence and charisma.
However, compared to Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, they fell short in many ways, only looking up in admiration.
Lu Binwang was entertaining the crowd, laughing and chatting.
Lu Binwang was elated; he had earned significant prestige from this event.
Qi Haomin, like Lu Binwang, became a focal figure, receiving much adulation.
Although the banquet had not started, all the invitees were already present.
When Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao appeared in the lobby, accompanied by Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue.
The atmosphere changed instantly, a wave of genuine admiration and awe surged through the air.
"It seems like Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue can stay by Mr. Ye and President Chu’s side." Many looked on with envy, their gaze toward Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue filled with fervor, wishing they could be in their place accompanying Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao.
"Mr. Ye!"
"President Chu!"
"Mr. Ye, President Chu!!"
As one, the wealthy and powerful figures stood up, one after another, looking toward Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao.
At this moment, they appeared like soldiers being reviewed, with fervor-filled eyes on their leaders.
The respectful addresses to Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao rang out continuously.
It seemed almost rehearsed, orderly, and powerful.
"Hello, everyone, please don’t be formal, remain seated." Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao naturally did not hesitate, politely greeting back.
"Never has anyone around Jin City possessed such immense prestige and reputation."
"Ye Fan and Mengyao, as outsiders, are highly pursued and adored, thanks to their legendary pasts."
"To evoke genuine reverence from these industry magnates, aside from them, no one else could manage such a feat."
"Overflowing with charisma, worshipped by the masses, truly extraordinary."
"This scene today will be recorded and remembered as a remarkable gathering."
"The hotel owner will also reap untold benefits from this."
Lu Qianqian and Qi Sixue whispering to each other, their expressions filled with intensity.
Dongfang City.
At Li Tong’s suspect arrest scene.
Under the chaos caused by the explosion, the building’s residents were startled awake, leading to unrest and confusion.
A man in black and a woman in a blue dress activated a smoke device and threw it into the corridor.
The plainclothes officers trying to attack them were overwhelmed by the explosion, the chaos among fleeing residents, and the smoke device, giving the man in black and the woman in blue time to escape.
The two took advantage of the chaos to flee, slipping away right under the police’s noses.
Then, they merged into the panicked residents, successfully escaping.
Confronted with such a situation, there was no stopping them, nor any possible way to stop them.
The officers on the perimeter could only disperse the crowd, losing any chance and possibility of capturing the suspects.
On the sixth floor, blocking the escape route of the man in black and the woman in blue, the scene was chaotic.
When the explosion occurred, Li Tong’s partner, Song Ziya, pushed her out of harm’s way, but Song Ziya was unavoidably caught within the destructive range.
As Li Tong landed, the terrifying shockwave and blast wave left her dizzy and disoriented.
"No, no..." In Li Tong’s mind, the scenes replayed clearly, having personally witnessed Song Ziya’s perilous situation, her spirit and physical strength collapsed utterly.
Song Ziya was buried in the rubble, her fate unknown.
It could be predicted that the situation was now dire.
Li Tong, in a dazed state, struggled to get up but could not stand straight due to dizziness, falling helplessly to the ground.
Instinctively, she wanted to rush to Song Ziya’s side to rescue her, this was her urgent thought and desire.
But due to her physical condition, it was impossible to achieve it.
Li Tong, falling to the ground, continued trying to stand up.
"Captain, Captain." At this moment, other comrades rushed into the room, surrounding Li Tong, their voices sounding as if from another time and space, leaving Li Tong unable to hear them clearly.
"Song Ziya, Song Ziya..." Unable to hear her companions, Li Tong screamed hysterically, pointing towards where Song Ziya was endangered.
Song Ziya was rescued, but her injuries were severe, and she was barely alive.
Several companions, viewing Song Ziya’s condition, were filled with sorrow, tears in their eyes.
Song Ziya lay on the ground, surrounded by anxious companions.
The plea for help had been sent out, but the chaos outside prevented them from moving Song Ziya; waiting for rescue was the only option, given her injuries, she couldn’t be moved.
Song Ziya’s body trembled a few times, and blood from her mouth spilled uncontrollably.
Companions were frantic, urging the rescue repeatedly.
Someone couldn’t hold back and broke into tears.
Trying to tell Song Ziya to hold on seemed so sad.
Song Ziya wanted to speak, but couldn’t.
She used all her strength to write a single word on the debris-filled ground.
A word for ’Snow.’
The companions knew this was the name of Song Ziya’s daughter.
Tears rolled down from the corners of Song Ziya’s eyes, carrying her final thoughts and longing for her daughter, she closed her eyes.
Song Ziya sacrificed her life.