Li Caiyi breathed deeply, several times, then forcefully worked her throat, swallowing.
"Save your energy. From the looks of it, this is the outskirts. The ropes are thick, and the knot-tying technique is very professional. Even if you break free, you won't be able to get out of the factory. And even if you do, you won't be able to leave this suburban area."
Judging by the factory's dilapidated state, it might have been a village. It was at least an hour or two away from Shenzhen's city center. Driving would take that long, let alone walking. The kidnappers could easily recapture her, perhaps even beat her up.
"Aren't you afraid?"
Li Caiyi's voice was a little hoarse from having her mouth gagged for so long. Her throat was dry, and the delicate lips of the young girl were even chapped.
"Being afraid is useless. Instead of being afraid, it's better to calm down and think about what to do. But you can put your mind at ease. Since the kidnappers left us alive, we're just hostages. They still have a use for us; they don't just want to silence us. Besides, as long as Huo Tingyun arrives, we'll be rescued with 100% certainty."
Su Qi wasn't sure if Huo Tingyun would save her.
But Huo Tingyun would definitely save the young girl beside her.
Rather than being terrified, it was better to face death calmly.
Su Qi lowered her gaze and continued to close her eyes to rest.
Looking at Su Qi's demeanor, Li Caiyi suddenly felt an urge to cry.
"Actually... actually, my family background was poor since childhood. My parents were both gamblers. They owed a lot of debt. I dropped out of school very early to work. I wanted to give my parents a better life, but no matter how hard I tried, my salary was meager. It was simply not enough to cover our family's expenses or to pay off my parents' debts.
"Then a man appeared. He was like a god; he paid off our family's debts and even found me a job. I was truly grateful to him. He was my savior. He even encouraged me to read more and learn more knowledge. Over the years, he treated me so well..."
"You might not believe it, but I don't love Huo Tingyun at all. But, but..."
But that man told her to stay by Huo Tingyun's side.
In reality, she wasn't the so-called "white moonlight" at all.
She had simply memorized everything the man told her and then relayed it to Huo Tingyun.
Li Caiyi had heard of Huo Tingyun before. Huo Tingyun was an unattainable existence, the big boss of a convenience store where she used to work. Li Caiyi had never imagined having any interaction with such a man in her life.
After being with Huo Tingyun, the man treated her very well. Although it was only for a short week, she could feel his kindness. He bought her anything she wanted, allowed her to live and do as she pleased, and even took her out to eat.
Li Caiyi had never been in a relationship before and didn't know what it felt like.
Admittedly, Huo Tingyun was a very charming man. She admitted that any woman would fall for him.
However, she already had another man in her heart.
She only knew his name and that he was a gentle person.
She knew nothing else.
She knew that her status and position were not worthy of such an excellent man.
But she still secretly admired him.
The more Li Caiyi thought about it, the sadder she became, and tears began to fall again.
Su Qi's heart softened inexplicably. She didn't know Li Caiyi well, but she didn't harbor much hostility towards this girl. Ultimately, the one at fault wasn't her, but Huo Tingyun, for not placing her in the correct position.
"Don't cry. Save your strength. We can talk about anything sad after we get out."
After Su Qi spoke, Li Caiyi immediately stopped crying, sniffled, "Don't you hate me? I stole your husband, your beloved man..."
Su Qi corrected her, "He is not my beloved man. The man I love is already dead."
Yes, already dead.
She had given up long ago when Huo Tingyun had hurt her repeatedly, trampled on her dignity, and toyed with her genuine feelings.
"What..."
Li Caiyi was surprised, looking at Su Qi blankly, unsure of what to say for a moment.
At that moment, the factory door was suddenly kicked open.
Light rushed in eagerly, followed by footsteps and the voices of two men.
"Boss, do you think this is reliable? We've captured two women. I heard Huo Tingyun is a devil who doesn't associate with women. He might not come personally."
"Nonsense. I've already checked thoroughly. That pregnant woman is Huo Tingyun's legal wife, and she's carrying the Huo family's child!"
"And the other one?"
"The other one? That's Huo Tingyun's new toy. Although the odds aren't great, it's not impossible. After all, these big shots are unpredictable and moody."
"We've captured two anyway. I don't believe Huo Tingyun won't save at least one of them..."
The hushed voices of the two men.
Su Qi suddenly opened her eyes.
The accents of these two men were not from Shenzhen; they were likely from the north.
Although Shengshi Group had northern businesses over the years, they were still a minority. Most of their businesses were in the south. The subsidiaries were expanding their northern operations, but it was just starting. It was unlikely to attract enemies so quickly.
Therefore, these two men were probably not enemies.
From what she overheard, it seemed to be a robbery.
Kidnappers nowadays dared to think and act boldly. They even knew to kidnap the women of influential figures.
Su Qi couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
The two men walked towards them.
Li Caiyi's bright, watery eyes widened as she looked at the two men. Seeing them approach step by step, she was so frightened that she kept shrinking back, burrowing into Su Qi's embrace.
Youth is wonderful, so full of energy.
Su Qi wished she could escape, but her five-month pregnancy wouldn't allow it.
The two masked men were tall and burly, clearly exhibiting northern features.
Although Huo Tingyun was from the south, he was also outstanding, with exceptional height. Among southern men, he could be considered to tower over them, inheriting Qin Xue's northern genes, making him tall and robust.
These two northern men, coming south to kidnap, and having such well-informed intelligence.
It was truly peculiar.
The two masked men had their faces covered. Su Qi stared intently at them. The two men felt a bit unnerved by Su Qi's gaze, then turned to Li Caiyi. Seeing Li Caiyi struggling, one of them kicked her.
"Stop moving! Don't worry, we won't kill you yet. We'll wait for your man to bring the money to ransom you!"
The kidnapper took out a phone, clearly bought from the black market, a flip phone. He dialed a number, brought the phone close to Li Caiyi, grabbed Li Caiyi's hair, and said, "Speak!"
Li Caiyi looked at the number on the phone screen and almost burst into tears.