"Yohoo!"
With a swift movement, Fang Yan seamlessly slipped into his own clothes, akin to a snowflake drifting onto the ground.
However, his plan hit a minor snag. Guo Xuerong, sensing a slight tickle on her skin, absentmindedly scratched the area before dismissing the sensation. Fang Yan, caught in the unexpected itch, found himself dislodged from his covert position and unceremoniously deposited onto the sofa.
"Ah, the fleeting moments of joy," Fang Yan lamented humorously, reflecting on the fleeting nature of such thrilling endeavors.
"Guess I've visited the right places and the wrong places, time for another adventure!" Fang Yan determined, embracing a philosophy of balance.
Fang Yan didn't linger in Guo Xuerong's room. Instead, he embarked on further explorations, venturing into the abodes of his neighbors.
Foregoing formalities, Fang Yan slipped through the cracks of their doors, embarking on his clandestine journey.
"Who are my neighbors, I wonder?"
During his three years in the rental apartment since his graduation, Fang Yan had crossed paths with his neighbors only in the elevator. Yet, he had never truly engaged with them. Today's escapade would provide a glimpse into their lives.
And what a glimpse it was.
Fang Yan discovered a kaleidoscope of existences, each room offering a distinct portrait of its inhabitants.
Some were meticulously organized, absent of any peculiar scents. Others exuded a faint fragrance, an air of tidiness. In contrast, certain rooms emitted an unpleasant odor of garbage, an untidy scene dominated by an obese individual engrossed in an online dance with a two-dimensional girl.
Normalcy, too, made an appearance. Fang Yan stumbled upon a couple enjoying a meal with their child, their interactions painting a heartwarming tableau.
Diversity, it seemed, was the theme.
"Hmm?"
As Fang Yan proceeded with his visit, a peculiar noise reached his ears – the unmistakable sound of a gun being loaded.
"Firearms in Dongxia are heavily regulated. How did someone manage to obtain a gun?" Fang Yan mused, his curiosity piqued.
Upon entering the room, Fang Yan's suspicions were confirmed. A tense scene unfolded before him – four aggressive youths brandishing pistols and machetes stood poised around a captive, his rotund figure restrained in a chair.
The captive, trembling with fear, gazed back at his captors, his face a pallid mask of terror. Sweat drenched his body, while his trembling lips quivered uncontrollably.
Blood oozed from a gash on his head, though his fear seemed to eclipse any sensation of pain. His wide eyes betrayed a potent blend of fear and dread.
"Big... big brother, I swear I didn't steal the 20 million! You must believe me!"
"Those were just drunken boasts, empty words! How could I possibly orchestrate a 20 million heist? You've got the wrong person! Please, release me!"
The captive's pleas filled the room, desperation and despair tinging his voice.
"My brother from the night show confirms your claims. You boasted about hacking skills capable of infiltrating any computer. Sadly, our Red-Clothed Hall's 20 million vanished without a trace."
"One of our own was able to trace the transaction back to your computer, revealing a trail of hacker forum visits."
"Frankly, I find it hard to believe that a man of your stature would dare pilfer 20 million from the Red-Clothed Hall. But my elder brother insists – we can't afford to overlook any possibility."
"I believe, however, that a more forthright approach would be wise. It might lessen the physical pain you're about to endure. What do you think?" The red-haired leader grinned, his narrow eyes narrowing further as he emitted a puff of smoke, which he directed toward the captive's face.
"I already checked – you're engaged in hacking-related activities. Your computer is rife with evidence of your forum visits."
"Frankly, I doubt someone of your caliber could outwit our Red-Clothed Hall and filch 20 million. However, my elder brother's orders are clear: we must investigate every lead."
"If I were in your shoes, I'd consider fleeing abroad, amassing wealth overseas before returning to enjoy the spoils at leisure. Wouldn't that be satisfying?"
"Alas, your talents lie in your skills, not your judgement."
"Now, tell me – how did you do it? Who were your accomplices? Cooperate, and you'll be spared undue pain. Refuse, and I won't hesitate to resort to cruelty."
The red-haired leader's gaze hardened, his eyes reflecting the battle-hardened spirit of one accustomed to violence.
"Interesting," Fang Yan mused, discerning the situation with ease.
This unfortunate scenario had its roots in his act of siphoning off 20 million yuan from their Red-Clothed Hall account. The fat man's inebriated boasts had attracted unwelcome attention, leading to a grim interrogation.
Fang Yan found himself both amused and incredulous at the fat man's audacious claims and unwitting confession. It was truly a display of misguided bravado, resulting in a predicament that Fang Yan could only shake his head at.
In truth, this group's interest in the 20 million had prompted them to probe further, identifying the unwitting fat man as a potential accomplice. Unfortunately for the fat man, he had foolishly made himself a target.
Fang Yan's amusement was short-lived, however. It was evident that these individuals were more than just run-of-the-mill hooligans. They were part of a dangerous syndicate, and their methods were brutal.
"They're ultimately after me."
"Life in the underworld is never simple. This lot is no exception."
Fang Yan's grin faded as he assessed the situation.
"Jarvis, assemble my squad!" he commanded, gearing up for action.