"Mom, don't go." Seeing the words on the note, Zhan Jinzhi immediately said to Wei Yumeng, "We've already told Dad about this. Let's go together after Dad arrives."
But Wei Yumeng couldn't wait any longer.
The note clearly stated the required time. She had to reach the destination within an hour, or no one could guarantee the child's safety.
Wei Yumeng took a deep breath. Even though she knew Zhang Lin was coming for her, she had to go even more.
"Jin Zhi, listen to me. You wait here for your dad. When he arrives, tell him what happened here, and then you can come find us, okay?"
"No, Mom, I'm going with you." Zhan Jinzhi's attitude was firm. At least at this moment, he still hoped to protect his mother with his own strength.
"But if you don't tell him what we know, he won't be able to help us. This is a very difficult task, and only you can complete it."
Wei Yumeng looked at Zhan Jinzhi with determination. Zhan Jinzhi looked back at her, his eyes almost welling up with tears.
But he finally nodded, because he also knew they were running out of time.
Wei Yumeng finally got into the car heading to the destination. The address on the note was still some distance away from their current location, so she had to speed up.
"Driver, please, I'm in a hurry. Go as fast as you can."
"Don't worry, I'll choose the fastest route."
The driver was already speeding on the road. Perhaps influenced by Wei Yumeng's emotions, he also became a little anxious.
When Wei Yumeng arrived at the destination, about fifty minutes had passed. Combined with her search for the exact location, she finally found Zhang Lin in the last minute of the specified time.
This was a small hotel in an urban village. Because it was crowded and mixed, management was usually not very strict. This was probably why Zhang Lin could hide here.
"Miss Wei, you're finally here." Zhang Lin said, shaking the phone in his hand, which was still showing the countdown: "I almost thought I would have to do something terrible today."
"Where is my child?" Wei Yumeng shouted at him, her only concern being the child's safety.
Zhang Lin remained unhurried. "Miss Wei, don't worry. My original target was only you, so I won't do anything to the child."
But Wei Yumeng didn't know whether to believe Zhang Lin's words and remained wary of him.
"Miss Wei, if you continue to be hostile towards me, I don't think we can proceed with what's next."
"What exactly do you want?"
Zhang Lin gave Wei Yumeng a brilliant smile. "I want to make a deal with you. I'm willing to let the child go, but... I want you to stay and be my woman."
Hearing this, Wei Yumeng clenched her fists. She couldn't abandon her child, nor could she become Zhang Lin's woman. There was no room for her to choose.
"Oh, and I think I should tell you, that cute little girl is currently tied up somewhere very high. With just one call from me, her life will end today."
"Zhang Lin, if you dare to do that, I will never forgive you in this life."
Wei Yumeng glared fiercely at Zhang Lin. She had never regretted knowing someone so much in her life.
If she hadn't met him at the wrap-up party, none of this would have happened.
"Miss Wei, have you ever thought that these things are actually your fault?" Zhang Lin said, moving closer to Wei Yumeng.
Wei Yumeng didn't quite understand him. Why was it her fault when he had done so many bad things?
"Aren't I the way I am now because of you? You fascinated me so much that I couldn't extricate myself. But you treated me so cruelly, how could I let go? The more you try to escape, the more I want to possess you. Aren't these all your fault?"
"You're crazy!" Other than that, Wei Yumeng couldn't think of any other words to describe Zhang Lin.
"Yes, I am crazy. The moment I saw you, I was incurable."
Zhang Lin said, seizing the opportunity to pin Wei Yumeng against the wall. "Miss Wei... oh no, Yumeng, what do you say? Stay? I will treat you well, I can give you the best, give you everything you like. As for the child, I never intended to harm her. As long as you agree, everything will be safe and sound."
Wei Yumeng looked into Zhang Lin's eyes. She knew Zhang Lin was beyond saving and couldn't possibly persuade him.
So, for the sake of her child, she had only one choice left.
Finally, Wei Yumeng breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, I can go with you, but I have one condition."
When Zhang Lin heard Wei Yumeng agree, his face was filled with joy. "Okay, tell me. I'll agree to anything you ask."
"At least let me say goodbye to my children and husband. At least let me know Shi Qing is safe."
"That's no problem. I can call them right now to release the child, and you'll know she's safe immediately." Zhang Lin paused here. "As for saying goodbye to your husband... Yumeng, you wouldn't try to use this opportunity to have Zhan Mohan rescue you, would you?"
A dangerous glint appeared in Zhang Lin's eyes, as if he could crush any move Wei Yumeng made in its infancy.
"I won't do that. I just want my child to be safe right now."
Finally, Zhang Lin relaxed. "Okay, I believe you. As long as you're willing to be with me, anything is possible..."
"Dad!"
Zhan Jinzhi finally saw Zhan Mohan. He hadn't expected Zhan Mohan to arrive even later than scheduled.
"Where is Yumeng?" Zhan Mohan frowned.
"The bad guy gave Mom a note with a time limit, saying that if she didn't arrive on time, he would hurt Shi Qing. Mom rushed off, leaving me to pass on the message to you."
Zhan Jinzhi was already extremely anxious as he spoke.
Zhan Mohan just felt something was off about Shi Qing. After all, if there was something to notify him, Wei Yumeng could have just called or texted, but she made Zhan Jinzhi wait for him.
This clearly indicated that Wei Yumeng knew it was dangerous and had found an excuse to keep Zhan Jinzhi behind.
"Dad, Mom will be okay, won't she? Dad will find Mom, right?"
Zhan Jinzhi, who had always been strong, rarely showed such a mixture of fear and sadness. This also affected Zhan Mohan.
"Don't worry, Dad will find Mom," Zhan Mohan said firmly.