Chapter 1, The Silver Trojan Horse
Haha, I didn't expect to encounter so many good things right after coming out. We have been holding back for twelve years, and it's really hard to resist. The tens of millions of little brothers are also clamoring to let loose. The bald man let out a triumphant laugh, and seeing the flight attendants retreating in fear, he took a deep breath with satisfaction, spread his arms, and said, "I love the air of freedom"
Upon waking again, Tang Zheng felt a splitting headache. It seemed that several people were standing to his left, and his ears were filled with various whispers. Then, a pair of hands supported his back, helping him to sit up.
Tang Zheng was indifferent to the indifferent gazes, pursing his firm lips as he discreetly assessed the people in the room. He needed a few reliable assistants, as the chances of surviving alone were truly limited. Moreover, it was evident that he could not secure the position of team leader. The most likely candidate for that role was Zhao Jingye, especially since he held the title of captain and was well-acquainted with the largest group of flight attendants.
"Haha, let me introduce you, here is Director Kang from the Municipal Transportation Bureau." Given such an opportunity to curry favor with Kang Songde, Zhao Jingye indeed put in great effort. With a quick glance, he filled his face with smiles, waved to the flight attendants, who, unable to refuse, greeted Director Kang with cheerful faces.
Just as Tang Zheng was formulating a response strategy for the potential situations that might arise, the black cube in the center of the room suddenly lit up, transforming into a translucent state. This unexpected event startled everyone, especially when the rock version of the International Anthem began to play. People exchanged glances, feeling somewhat at a loss.
Rejecting General Manager An's invitation to dinner, Tang Zheng stuffed his two thousand yuan salary for the month into his pocket, shouldered his orange Camel brand travel bag, and fled the finance department as if escaping. There was no other choice; faced with An Xiuru's greedy gaze, which resembled that of a ferocious bear fixated on a delicious honeycomb, this virgin, who had just completed his freshman year, felt quite uncomfortable. Having only watched an adult film from a certain island once on his roommate's computer and not even having a girlfriend, he was still somewhat oblivious to the meaning behind such a gaze.
Feeling around in his pocket for his phone, Tang Zheng speculated whether the other party was preparing to tie him to the tracks for a humane execution. He knew they had that capability. A call came in again fifty minutes later, directly addressing him by name, which was enough to demonstrate the immense influence of Mu Nianqi's family, far beyond what a person of his stature could imagine
"And I haven't died yet, haha, not dead, Old Lin, I told you listening to me is the right choice, taking advantage of the opportunity when the heavy rain collapses the walls to escape, we will definitely get away." The speaker was a bald man in his thirties, with a face full of hostility, a robust physique, and a fierce, violent gaze. Especially the damp gray-blue prison uniform he wore was exceptionally eye-catching, almost piercing everyone's nerves.
Have you all lost your aspirations for life? The main deity always seeks out such individuals. Finally finding a legitimate opportunity to strike up a conversation, the high school student turned to the flight attendant and excitedly asked a question, but unfortunately, no one answered him; the flight attendants didn't even cast a glance in his direction.
After all, no one can unconditionally trust a stranger. Generally, they prioritize self-protection as their primary task, unless you can prove your innocence and the value of engaging with you. Therefore, at this moment, each person's occupation and identity serve as a fundamental guarantee and credit; otherwise, everyone will certainly remain silent and keep their distance.
"It is going to be bad." Watching the prisoner approach the flight attendant, Tang Zheng instinctively reached into his travel bag, where there was an extremely powerful tactical folding knife known as the "Goddess of Revenge," a genuine Italian product, a gift from his uncle when he was accepted into university, capable of cutting through iron like mud.
Am I being too indifferent? After muttering this to himself, Tang Zheng shook his head, dismissing this unnecessary worry. He began to consider how to spend the remaining week of his summer vacation at university. It was too late to go home, so he could try to catch the sunrise at Mount Tai nearby. Of course, he had to bring his camera; if luck was on his side and he managed to take a few good photos, he might even compete in the National Geographic global photography contest and earn some prize money
Is Captain Zhao Jingye also here
What should I do? He took out a coin, counting the patterns on it, trying to calm himself down. He did not want to sit idly by, like a wrongfully imprisoned man about to be sent to the gallows; as long as the execution had not yet taken place, there was still a chance of escape. First, he needed to find common ground to gain trust, and then downplay the significance of the photos being seen. But why did she give me three days? Could it be to arrange her affairs? And those mistakenly sent photos, who were they originally meant for?
"Hey, someone else has arrived." The outline of an arm reappeared in the room. A high school student shouted, stealing a glance at the flight attendant to confirm that he had captured their attention. After feeling a surge of confidence, he stepped forward towards the newcomer. He was unsure of what to do, but he desired to be noticed.
... ...
A calm prisoner is far more difficult to deal with than an impulsive one. Tang Zheng could not believe that a person who had been suppressed for over ten years and dared to escape prison would be intimidated by a few women. Moreover, when a person suddenly transitions from a perilous situation to a safe haven, the first few words they utter are undoubtedly a genuine outpouring of their feelings. Therefore, there is only one answer: he is waiting for the optimal moment to hunt.
I understand, could it be a survival game?" The high school student jumped up and exclaimed, "I often read novels that have such content, where the main god summons ordinary people and then transports them to a certain world for survival challenges. No wonder there is no signal on the phone.
Do you know where this place is? A woman in a gem blue flight attendant uniform squatted in front, resting her hand on Tang Zheng's shoulder, and asked anxiously.
Tang Zhengwei subtly shook his head, thinking to himself that he was being foolish. In unfamiliar environments, people instinctively tend to form small groups based on identity, status, age, and attire. To them, high school students were clearly unreliable, and the questions he asked were indeed of no value
While contemplating how to respond to the strong vice president's accusations, a hysterical "Be careful" suddenly struck Tang Zheng's eardrum. His body was violently thrown from the chair, rolling outwards. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was thick blood flowing into the corner of his eye, and a deluge of glass shards raining down like a torrential downpour. Then, the sunset's orange-red sky, stained with blood, spun along with the bus. The sounds of sudden braking on the long street and various shouts and clamors rose and fell in chaos, while the panicked crowd resembled one doused in boiling oil. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was thick blood flowing into the corner of his eye, and a deluge of glass shards raining down like a torrential downpour. Then, the sunset's orange-red sky, stained with blood, spun along with the bus. The sounds of sudden braking on the long street and various shouts and clamors rose and fell in chaos, while the panicked crowd resembled one doused in boiling oil.
What kind of place is this? Oh, Director Kang, hello, hello, what a surprise to see you here! I am Xiao Zhao. Captain Zhao waved his hand, acknowledging a few flight attendants who had come forward to greet him. Then, upon seeing the middle-aged man, he immediately walked over with a look of delight, extending his right hand even from five or six steps away, his demeanor exceedingly warm.
I know that you and I attend the same school, and we are both from the same graduating class. Your name is Tang Zheng, you are 1.83 meters tall, weigh 70 kilograms, have a resilient and calm personality, and exhibit a bit of male chauvinism. You are currently working at Beiguo Supermarket. We will meet three days later at 7 PM in front of the statue at the train station square. If you fail to show up, you will bear the consequences! Listening to the other party's detailed account, which was more familiar than even my own mother's, cold sweat dripped from Tang Zheng's forehead. We will meet three days later at 7 PM in front of the statue at the train station square. If you fail to show up, you will bear the consequences! Listening to the other party's detailed account, which was more familiar than even my own mother's, cold sweat dripped from Tang Zheng's forehead.
After confirming that they could not obtain the desired answers from Tang Zheng, the flight attendants collectively sighed and ceased to pay him any further attention. Aside from three or four who were whispering to each other, the faces of the others were filled with expressions of concern
However, things did not take a turn for the worse. After the prisoner took a few steps, he suddenly smiled at the flight attendants, bent down, and said, "I apologize, I mean no harm, just making a joke. You should know that I am a model prisoner." He then returned to the corner, leaned against the wall, sat down next to Old Lin, and closed his eyes to rest.
This is simply a joke. Tang Zheng was not relieved for not being struck by a romantic encounter, but rather was filled with an overwhelming sense of frustration. Three minutes later, a strange phone call came in, and he inexplicably answered it and revealed his name. Although the other party did not say a word, the hurried breathing was enough to indicate that the person was very angry
"Ha? Should I prepare another special care ward for you, along with a few beautiful nurses to attend to you?" The one mocking Tang Zheng was a middle-aged man with a protruding belly, somewhat overweight. This man was probably around forty years old, his face expressionless, sitting to the side, frequently glancing at several flight attendants, continuously comparing them.
Thank you, huh, flight attendant? Shouldn't I be in the hospital?" With a puzzled expression, Tang Zheng checked his body, confirming that he was not injured or bleeding, and began to survey his surroundings. As for the flight attendant who had been supporting him, she had already stood up and stepped back a few paces, maintaining a reserved and polite demeanor
Unlike those boys who, upon entering university, eagerly resemble wild beasts in search of mating partners, Tang Zheng harbors his own ideal realm. Within ten years after graduating from university, he aims to accumulate a fortune sufficient to indulge for a hundred years.
The man known as Old Lin did not respond. After surveying the room, he stood up and walked to a corner of the room, squatting down with his arms wrapped around his legs. Unlike his companion, whose eyes were filled with a possessive gaze, he seemed uninterested in anything.
What on earth is this place? My son is still waiting for me to pick him up from kindergarten and take him home. A man, his face covered in dust, couldn't help but roar, slamming his fist hard against the floor. He was wearing a dirty shirt with the words 'Air Conditioning Repair' printed on it; he was an ordinary repairman
What on earth, why is there such a mix of people? The high school student also stopped, feeling quite awkward, unsure of what to do with his feet. At this moment, he was already cursing in his heart. Since the other party was wearing prison uniforms, their identities were self-evident; after all, no one wants to invite trouble.
"Disgusting fat pig." A short-tempered flight attendant felt uncomfortable under the gaze of a middle-aged overweight man, clutching her D-cup breasts, and was about to curse a few words when her colleague's cheerful shout interrupted her
"Do you belong to China Southern Airlines or Air China?" A middle-aged man, looking at the flight attendants dressed in the same uniform, approached them with interest, saying, "What happened before you appeared here? Perhaps I can find the reason."
Look at the two prisoners; it is evident that they are isolated. The experienced maintenance worker understands this principle and does not approach them to create discomfort. As for Tang Zheng, if he does not take out his student ID, he is likely the least significant and least valued among them. Who knows if he is an unemployed drifter? However, his tall stature and chiseled features restore some of his image, at least giving off a sense of safety, though that is about all.
"Look, it's here, the Lord God has arrived." The high school student exclaimed with excitement, rushing forward and saying, "I was right after all. What challenge is it this time? Where are the weapons? The equipment? Haha, I can also become the protagonist now"
Tang Zheng finally witnessed how a person appeared in the room, starting with the limbs, then gradually materializing, outlining the contours of the human body. The entire process lasted approximately five seconds
After turning left at Xiqiao Street and walking less than fifty meters, he arrived at the bus stop for Route 9 to the train station. Seeing only seven or eight people on the bus, Tang Zheng hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and boarding. If possible, he truly did not want to keep the appointment, but waiting to be found by the police was less preferable than straightforwardly confessing in advance.
The remaining ten flight attendants, adorned with an unknown brand of perfume, mingled with the scent of sweat in the room, creating an aroma that was somewhat enticing. The high school student occasionally stole glances, his gaze lingering on the attendants' hips and taut calves.
Tang Zheng furrowed his brows. After the dizziness subsided, several pairs of legs clad in flesh-colored stockings came into view. Two peach-shaped buttocks, wrapped in a neatly tailored skirt that ended ten centimeters above the knee, were positioned directly in front of Tang Zheng's face as he sat, almost within reach. A fragrance reminiscent of fresh bamboo shoots after rain lingered in the air, causing him to involuntarily sneeze
Director Kang first shot a fierce glance at the flight attendant who had called him a "fat pig," and then smiled, "I was originally supposed to attend Mayor Huang's dinner, but somehow I ended up here. By the way, Xiao Zhao, are these girls from your airline"
This is a room measuring at least 100 square meters, with wooden floors exuding a sense of coldness. The walls are a somewhat unsettling white, and there are no ventilating windows, only a door that appears to be locked. A boy, seemingly a high school student dressed in a uniform, is gritting his teeth and vigorously turning the bronze doorknob, but unfortunately, he has achieved no success.
Almost everyone let out a sigh of relief, and several flight attendants even patted their chests, feeling fortunate. However, Tang Zheng felt a tingling sensation on his scalp, his body instinctively tensed up, and the veins on the back of his hand, gripping the folding knife, bulged due to excessive force. The other party seemed to notice Tang Zheng's reaction, but made no indication, only a trace of caution crossed their face.
Mu Nianqi is the most prominent freshman of the year, known for her strong personality and various honors, earning her the nickname "Your Majesty." At the opening ceremony, she represented the freshmen in delivering a speech, entered the student council as a freshman, and served as the vice president. She is also recognized as one of the top ten youth in the province. A patent she applied for in high school in the field of machinery has brought her immense wealth, and the numerous medals and certificates of honor that represent a good child in her parents' eyes are simply countless and hardly worth mentioning. Yet, this beautiful girl, who has many admirers, sent a set of self-taken, large-scale cosplay photos to Tang Zheng three days ago. Why is Tang Zheng feeling anxious? Because these photos, if circulated online, would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar. Among them, several photos of Mu Nianqi dressed in German World War II military uniform, wearing knee-high boots, an M35 helmet, and holding an MG42 machine gun, nearly made his eyes pop out. He never expected that this queen was also a military enthusiast.
As soon as the man spoke, silence enveloped the entire room. The flight attendants instinctively huddled together, moving closer to Zhao Jingye. However, the latter looked up, pretending to observe the ceiling, while Director Kang closed his eyes, adopting a contemplative posture
After exchanging a few casual remarks, the conversation among the group returned to the question of what this place was. Naturally, that high school student, Tang Zheng, and even the maintenance worker were not qualified to answer. Moreover, Director Kang did not expect them to provide any explanations. After confidently stating that an old friend from the Public Security Bureau would handle these matters, he took the hand of a certain flight attendant and began to study her palmistry.
The graceful twilight, akin to a charming young woman, enters the midsummer night's dream, accompanied by a whisper of the evening breeze