Chapter 286  : Chapter 286   Family Reunion

The wind at sea was too strong, and the windows rattled with a “creak” from the weather, coupled with the downpour of rain. In no time, Xu Chaomu heard what sounded like a natural symphony by her side.

She did not know how much time had passed when someone brought her a meal.

Finally, the blindfold was removed from her eyes, and she blinked groggily, trying to make out the person in front of her.

“Eat quickly , and after a good meal, get some sleep. You won’t have any troubles then,” said the visitor.

“Oh,” Xu Chaomu lacked the strength to argue anymore. She picked up the bowl and chopsticks and began to eat.

Since Zhou Peitian had said he would not harm her, she needed to gather her strength if she was to survive properly.

She ate heartily, and the visitor was satisfied, quickly going to report back to Zhou Peitian.

Zhou Peitian was monitoring the sea conditions from the displays inside the ship’s cabin.

“Where is Shen Chi’s ship?”

“Based on the information provided by our scouts, we estimate we’ll see Shen Chi’s ship in three days.”

“Three days… Okay, plan the operation for nighttime.”

“What about Bai Man and Xu Chaomu?”

“Keep them in the cabin and follow my orders.”

“Alright.”

The waves were hitting the sides of the ship, creating a “whoosh” of massive sounds. The rains at sea never ceased, growing heavier the deeper they went into the ocean.

Three days passed quickly.

When Zhou Peitian’s ship reached the Indian Ocean, Shen Chi’s ship also arrived there.

That evening, Zhou Peitian deliberately had the ship stopped at the harbor, silently awaiting Shen Chi’s vessel’s arrival.

Zhou Peitian stood on the deck with binoculars, watching.

“Boss Zhou, the ship Shen Chi sent for support is almost here.”

“Then we must make our move before they arrive.”

“I’ve calculated precisely; in half an hour, Shen Chi’s ship will pass by this harbor.”

“Good!” Zhou Peitian’s spirits soared, “Get the guns, bullets, and life jackets ready! As soon as Shen Chi’s ship arrives, we’ll jump on it and ‘negotiate.’”

“Boss Zhou, Shen Chi is on a passenger liner, won’t this disturb the other tourists?”

“No, he’s in the first-class cabin. We’ll quietly infiltrate there, and it would be perfect if we could bring him to our ship!”

“Alright!”

Everyone geared up, putting on life jackets and loading their weapons.

Xu Chaomu was waiting in the cabin, left and right, but no one came to deliver food.

She heard uniform footsteps passing by her room. What was happening?

As she pondered, the ship suddenly stopped as though it had reached a certain harbor.

The next second, she heard Zhou Peitian’s voice, “Make sure each corner is guarded, especially the rooms of those two women! Report to me immediately if there’s any disturbance!”

“Yes!”

A bad premonition rose in Xu Chaomu’s heart. What were they going to do?

Was Shen Chi nearby?

Her heart pounded relentlessly.

Shen Chi…

It had been a very long time since she’d seen him.

The last time she saw him, he had given her an 18th birthday present while she was practicing piano in the classroom.

She remembered one time in the bamboo grove when they met, and he said that he was going to South Africa.

And she said, “You better never come back.”

It was an offhand jest, but now Xu Chaomu’s blood coursed faster through her veins.

No, he wouldn’t come into harm’s way.

In her eyes, he was the epitome of perfection, so smart that he was bound to be alright.

Once he safely returned from South Africa, he could reunite with Bai Man and his child, forming a complete family.

Then he would truly be happy.

She prayed silently for him in her heart; she wanted him to live well.

As her mind raced through all possibilities, someone entered.

The person pulled her up from the ground and, gripping her shoulders, led her outside.

“Where are you taking me?” asked Xu Chaomu.

“Just stay put and don’t make any noise. Boss Zhou said he won’t harm you. But if you don’t cooperate, no promises,” the person said.

They hadn’t gone far when the man kicked open the door to a room.

With a loud “bang,” the noise frightened Bai Man inside, who started screaming.

“What are you doing? What do you want!” she demanded.

“Be quiet!” the man frowned and scolded.

So they were locking her up with Bai Man—Xu Chaomu didn’t feel afraid anymore.

“Just sit tight and don’t even think about escaping. Of course, you also can’t get away; you’re surrounded by the sea, so don’t get any funny ideas,” said the man before closing the door and leaving!

Xu Chaomu couldn’t see, so she just found a comfortable position and sat down.

“Xu Chaomu?” Bai Man asked tentatively.

“It’s me. Who would’ve thought we’d meet again.”

“Huh, you sound pretty happy about it. Do you think being kidnapped is fun?”

“What else can I do? Throw a tantrum like Miss Bai? It won’t make any difference. My family has no money, no power,” Xu Chaomu responded.

“You sound quite bitter, Xu Chaomu. How about we chat about something?”

“Do I have anything in common with you?”

“Yes, like… my husband Shen Chi,” Bai Man said evenly.

At the mention of Shen Chi’s name, Xu Chaomu fell silent.

“Xu Chaomu, the kidnappers asked him for a hundred million in cash for my ransom.”

“He agreed, didn’t he.”

“Of course, he agreed. After all, I’m carrying his child. But the kidnappers got greedy and changed the terms.”

“Alright, I get it. You love showing off. There’s a saying for that, isn’t there? Flaunting love…”

Xu Chaomu was joking, but she suddenly didn’t continue.

She truly feared that her words might come true…

“Xu Chaomu, didn’t he send anyone to look for you?”

“How would I know?”

“Then he didn’t because, with his capabilities, finding someone in C City isn’t an issue.”

“Miss Bai, what are you trying to say?”

“Nothing, just wanted to let you know, you mean nothing to him.”

“I know, you don’t need to tell me,” Xu Chaomu replied indifferently.

“By the way, Xu Chaomu, have you ever thought that Shen Chi might be lying to you?” Bai Man said with a hint of smug satisfaction.

The room wasn’t large, but its walls were thick, almost blocking out any external sound.

Consequently, Bai Man’s voice sounded particularly harsh in the space.

Even Xu Chaomu’s heart felt pierced.

Lie? These past few days, that word had deeply wounded her.

Because the brother she loved dearly had deceived her, which left her in despair and cold inside.

“Bai Man, what are you trying to tell me?” Xu Chaomu’s heart tightened.

“Nothing, just teasing you.” Bai Man suddenly didn’t want to say anymore. Revealing a certain secret now seemed to have no worth.

She still wanted to make good use of that secret!

“Miss Bai, that’s not funny at all,” Xu Chaomu huffed, “Play by yourself, I’m going to sleep. I don’t want to talk to you.”