This kick came unexpectedly, catching Xiao Cheng off guard.
However, with his quick reflexes, he still managed to block it and retaliate with a kick of his own towards Meng Jingwei.
The small woman executed a swift front flip, landing directly behind Xiao Cheng.
Before Xiao Cheng could react, he felt something cold press against the back of his head.
"Don't move!"
Meng Jingwei stated sternly, "Hand over Qing Muyue."
Song Ci, standing nearby, was bewildered. "Didn't he already give us the boss..." As he spoke, Song Ci's eyes widened. "Could it be... fake?"
Suddenly startled, Song Ci immediately rushed to the car, pulled open the door, and scrutinized the person who looked identical to Qing Muyue in attire and build. He then realized that the person was indeed not their boss.
It was merely the similarity in their build and hairstyle, coupled with a face so swollen that its original features were indistinguishable and covered in blood, that had confused Song Ci.
His attention had been focused on Song Jun.
After all, that person was his own brother!
Xiao Cheng had precisely exploited this point, confident that Song Ci would not detect any discrepancies.
But he never expected an unforeseen obstacle to appear.
Across from them, Antina froze for a moment before quickly reacting, her voice filled with anger as she questioned Meng Jingwei, "Meng Jingwei, you truly are a venomous shrew. I let you and Qing Muyue go, what more do you want?"
Meng Jingwei held a gun to the back of Xiao Cheng's head with one hand and gripped his shoulder with the other. "Raise your hands and turn around."
With a sharp command, Xiao Cheng obediently raised his hands and turned. As he did, he remarked, "I underestimated you. After half a year, your progress is more than just a little."
He knew Meng Jingwei must have had some scheme. That's why he had come when Antina was supposed to retrieve something from Meng Jingwei.
Despite all his precautions, he couldn't guard against everything.
Ultimately, he had underestimated her.
"Compared to you, I still have a long way to go," Meng Jingwei snorted, looking at Antina not far away. "If you want Xiao Cheng to live, simply hand over Qing Muyue."
At this moment, Meng Jingwei's attitude explained everything.
There was no need for them to further question whether Meng Jingwei and Qing Muyue's breakup was real or fake.
"How did you know?" Xiao Cheng pondered, unable to figure out where he had made a mistake.
"Let's just say you left too many clues."
Meng Jingwei had initially been deceived by them. But then, while sitting in the bedroom of Desitini Villa, she had deliberated for a long time and felt that Qing Muyue, whom she had seen in the basement that day, was somewhat off.
A man as brilliant, strategic, and skilled as he was would never have been easily kidnapped.
Even if he were kidnapped, he would have had the resources to protect himself.
The person she saw in the basement that day was beaten badly, with his head hanging low as if he were unconscious.
Meng Jingwei knew very well that Qing Muyue was usually highly vigilant and would never be deeply unconscious when his life was in danger.
Furthermore, the elaborate efforts they made to coerce her to the castle indicated they were still unsure if Qing Muyue was secretly collaborating with her. Therefore, they would not have dealt a fatal blow to Qing Muyue.
Most importantly, Xiao Cheng harbored a deep-seated hatred for Qing Muyue.
Especially after the death of his sister, Xiao Meiyan, which had profoundly affected him. If he had the opportunity to retaliate against Qing Muyue and torture him severely, he wouldn't have beaten her senseless in the basement.
It was evident that Qing Muyue had been kidnapped, but because there were orders from above not to harm him, Xiao Cheng's rage had boiled over, and he had ultimately vented his anger on her.
From this, it was clear that Qing Muyue himself was perfectly safe.
Ten minutes ago, before Song Ci met with Xiao Cheng, she had arrived and had been lying in wait, observing from a distance with binoculars.
It was only when she clearly saw the bruised and battered 'Qing Muyue' that she confirmed this person was not him.
Meng Jingwei scoffed, "I know better than anyone how much you hate Qing Muyue. Even if Antina's father asked you to release Qing Muyue, you absolutely wouldn't. Therefore, Qing Muyue was never going to appear here."
Xiao Cheng was known for his vindictiveness.
Having finally captured Qing Muyue, even at the cost of sacrificing Antina, he would never let go of the chance to kill Qing Muyue.
Meng Jingwei had actually prepared two contingency plans.
She had considered the possibility that Xiao Cheng might bring Qing Muyue, but after releasing him, have hidden snipers remotely shoot Qing Muyue. Therefore, she had asked Desitini to find a master archer to hide in the most advantageous vantage point.
If Xiao Cheng or anyone else were to harm Qing Muyue, then Xiao Cheng would definitely not be leaving here today.
The second contingency plan was that if Qing Muyue did not appear, she would find a way to take Antina or Xiao Cheng hostage to exchange for Qing Muyue.
Clearly, the situation had developed according to the latter plan.
"Heh, very clever."
A curve appeared on Xiao Cheng's lips. He spoke in a voice audible only to them, "But what does it matter? Qing Muyue, he is destined not to survive tonight."
Xiao Cheng, as intelligent as he was, had also made two plans for today.
Either, he would confuse the situation and mislead Song Ci, taking Antina away safely; or he would die here, with Qing Muyue as the price of his demise!
Meng Jingwei's heart tightened, her brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
They were in a standoff, as were Song Ci's men and Antina's group, neither daring to advance.
The atmosphere was tense, with both sides poised for action, neither willing to make a rash move.
In the center of the vast plaza stood Meng Jingwei, with Xiao Cheng held at gunpoint.
"You're so smart, can't you figure out what I mean?" Xiao Cheng kept his hands raised, his gaze fixed on Antina, who stood not far away. Seeing her worried, stomping her feet anxiously, he felt a pang of guilt.
She was a wonderful girl.
Ultimately, he was not worthy of her.
A tainted person like him was not worthy of such a noble woman, nor the love she offered.
"Xiao Cheng, let him go," Meng Jingwei's voice held a hint of sorrow. "You should know, if you can't deliver Qing Muyue, you won't survive today either."
She glanced at Antina nearby and continued, "From what I know, Frank, the head of the Black Hand organization, has only one daughter, Antina, whom he dotes on like a precious gem. Forget one Qing Muyue, even ten Qing Muyues, he wouldn't hesitate to trade for his daughter's safety. If you hand over the fake Qing Muyue behind Frank's back, he won't spare you either."
Meng Jingwei was by no means prescient.
These were things she had analyzed with Desitini, and they were mere speculations.
As her words fell, Xiao Cheng let out a laugh.
The sound was laced with a touch of desolation and self-mockery.
"So, I have no way out. Since that's the case, I might as well drag him down with me!"
Xiao Cheng gave up struggling.
Meng Jingwei's heart skipped a beat, and her breathing faltered.
Her fears had come true.
Xiao Cheng was truly willing to risk his own life to kill Qing Muyue for revenge!
But...
Even if he died, Qing Muyue absolutely could not.