Chapter 386
Xu Ke’s question left Hu De silent, and the room was suddenly enveloped in a silence longer than any they had experienced before.
“Being an undercover agent is extremely dangerous, so my identity is confidential. This is not only to protect me but also my family. It’s normal if you don’t trust me, but if you’re willing to cooperate with us, I’ll prove my identity to you and request protection for you and your wife. After all, this is a risky matter, not your obligation, but I sincerely ask for your help.” Hu De said earnestly.
“Over the years, countless people have lost their lives in this city. Though it seems peaceful and prosperous on the surface, in reality, it’s rotten to the core. It’s like a cancer in the human body; if not treated, it will continue to spread until the body completely decays. Do you understand what I mean?” Hu De, enduring the pain in his neck and the fear of death, tried hard to turn his head to look into Xu Ke’s eyes.
“Before you arrived, I strained to accomplish this task, but could only worry futilely. Your appearance made me see hope for success and a glimmer of light. I’ve been undercover in the East District for nearly ten years. During these years, I’ve never felt victory so close, almost within reach. I don’t want to miss this chance, so I took the risk of possibly being exposed to find you, hoping you can forgive my abruptness and seriously consider my proposal to help us reorganize this city.” Hu De said.
Xu Ke remained silent, not speaking. His heart was unmoved; you could call him cold-hearted or unfeeling. He’s never been one for personal heroism; being selfish, his first thought is always of his own interests. His wife, Lin Mengyao, his friends, and his home; besides these, he cares for nothing else.
Therefore, Hu De’s words had not produced the expected result; Xu Ke’s attitude remained as cold as ever, showing no extra reaction, dispersing any sadness he just felt.
However, one can’t say Hu De’s words had no effect, at least Lin Mengyao was moved.
Lin Mengyao got out of bed, walked to Xu Ke’s side, and held his arm that was holding the dagger, softly saying, “If possible, let’s help them.” Lin Mengyao spoke in Huaxia Language, which Hu De couldn’t understand, but he could feel the goodwill emanating from Lin Mengyao, so he didn’t hesitate to give her a big, somewhat silly smile, successfully earning Xu Ke’s closer fruit knife.
“You want to help him? But if you do, you need to stay here longer. Didn’t you say you don’t like it here? Can you bear staying longer?” Xu Ke looked at Lin Mengyao’s face, his eyes gently softening.
“It’s okay, didn’t he say he could request our protection from his superiors? Plus, I have you by my side, you’ll protect me, won’t you? Just thinking of you by my side makes me fearless.” Lin Mengyao gave Xu Ke a big, unreserved smile.
Anything that could make Lin Mengyao happy, Xu Ke was willing to try.
So, while Hu De was still pondering how to convince the other, the good news of help came to him the next moment.
Hu De’s smile hadn’t fully formed when Xu Ke interrupted him, “Just to be clear, my help isn’t free of charge. You must protect my wife well. If she suffers any harm, I’ll unilaterally break this cooperation, and I won’t mind making this city even more chaotic. I suppose you wouldn’t want to see that.” Xu Ke threatened.
“Of course, we will definitely ensure your wife’s safety and won’t let her be harmed in any way. I swear in the name of God.” This was a sincere oath for those who believed in Christianity, so Xu Ke withdrew his knife-holding hand.
As soon as the knife left his neck, Hu De quickly distanced himself from Xu Ke, showing a sober expression and constantly touching his neck to check if his head was still securely attached, even when touching a wound caused a sharp pain, it didn’t ruin Hu De’s good mood.
After Xu Ke and Lin Mengyao stepped back, they finally saw Hu De’s face clearly.
His physique was undoubtedly tall, with the typical features of an American man, deep eyes combined with sky-blue eyes that made one want to drown in them and wouldn’t regret dying there. His nose was remarkably high, its curve naturally like the work of the finest sculptor, but the beauty of his face was entirely destroyed by the beard covering it.
His beard wasn’t clean or trimmed, making him look as disheveled as a street bum, as if a gem covered by dust, all its splendor vanished in an instant.
“Actually, you’re not suited for a beard,” Lin Mengyao looked at Hu De’s face, held back again and again, and finally couldn’t help but say.
Hu De touched his beard and said, “I know beards don’t suit me, but there’s no choice; it lowers my memory profile and makes it easier for my work. If I shaved, I’d be too handsome.” Hu De somewhat narcissistically smiled the one he thought most charming, but his face, obscured by a scruffy beard, showed not a trace of charm.
“You’re really quite narcissistic.” Lin Mengyao couldn’t help but laugh at his silly appearance.
“Since everything’s settled, you shouldn’t stay here anymore; it’s late, hurry and get out of our room, we need to rest.” Xu Ke put his arm around Lin Mengyao’s shoulder, turning her face towards himself, glaring at Hu De with a cold and emotionless voice.
Hu De took one look at the angry Xu Ke, and then another at Lin Mengyao in Xu Ke’s embrace, only to belatedly realize something, his expression stiffened, “Sorry, I’ll be more mindful next time. Right, have a good time together.” Hu De awkwardly rushed out of Xu Ke and Lin Mengyao’s room.
When the door closed with a clattering sound, Lin Mengyao couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore and, with slender fingers, gently poked Xu Ke’s chest and teased, “What’s this, jealous?”