Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 149: Little Interest

A so-called biochemical bomb isn't an ordinary explosive. It generates intense heat upon detonation, causing a rapid expansion of air, achieving its destructive purpose. Various special viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms are used in biochemical bombs, which, upon explosion, spread in all directions and invade the human body.

Such toxins often result in a fate worse than death. Even if one survives by chance, it's either a half-life or leaves behind a painful legacy of illness. They are inhumane weapons strictly prohibited worldwide.

The electronic tone on the phone was exceedingly arrogant, but this arrogance was also frustrating because everyone present feared death, let alone such a horrific way of dying!

"Since you haven't activated the bomb directly, you must have a purpose. Speak up!" Li Deshen demanded.

There was silence on the other end for a moment before the voice spoke, "Chairman Li isn't clueless. Actually, what I want is simple: twenty million Yanxia coins, tonight."

"Money?" Li Deshen glanced around at the others, many of whom seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. After all, as long as it was about money, there was room for negotiation.

"Twenty million shouldn't be difficult for the wealthy Li family. I can monitor the situation within the villa at any time. If I find you dare to call the police or if a large number of people attempt to leave the villa, I will detonate the bomb immediately. Don't force me to do something I don't like."

Li Deshen suppressed his anger. "That sounds easy. Even if we have the money, twenty million isn't something we can just take out. But I agree, it's twenty million. I hope you'll follow the rules of the game. Should we transfer the money to your account, or is it cash?"

"Transfer? Are you kidding me? I want cash, within an hour, to be delivered to Warehouse No. 3 at the Jinze Bay Wharf. It must be Chairman Li or the two young masters of the Li family who deliver it. If anyone else delivers it, it won't count. I will directly trigger the detonator! Also, if I detect any other accompanying personnel or the police, I will still trigger it!" The phone disconnected after the demands were made.

Many present gasped in shock. This criminal actually demanded that someone from the Li family deliver the money personally. This wasn't just about money; it was clearly about lives!

"Father, better to believe there is, than to believe there isn't," Li Muhua said solemnly.

Li Deshen sighed deeply. "I know that. We can't afford to take risks. The money must be delivered."

There were easily over a hundred important guests within the Twilight Manor. If even one or two were killed by the biochemical bomb, it would be unimaginable. The Li family couldn't take that risk!

Just then, a voice like a duck's cry came from afar, shouting, "Out of the way! Move aside! I need to see my dad!"

Li Mucheng, wearing silk pajamas, stumbled into the crowd and collapsed in front of Li Deshen, frantic and confused. "Dad! I heard people saying there's a biochemical bomb in the villa?! Is it true?!"

"Hmph, a bomb scares you like this? What a disgrace!" Li Deshen's anger flared.

Li Mucheng's face went pale. "Dad, you have to do something! I'm still young, I don't want to die yet! Waaah..."

As he spoke, Li Mucheng burst into tears on the spot.

"A useless crybaby! What else can you do besides crying?!" Li Deshen was furious. At such a critical moment, having such a foolish son, how could he not be angry?!

"About to die, can't I cry? Waaah..." Li Mucheng sobbed, tears and snot streaming down his face as if mourning for himself.

Li Deshen couldn't bear to look at him any longer. He waved his hand to the bodyguards and said, "Take this useless thing back to his room!"

Several bodyguards immediately approached. Li Meng, who was attending to Li Mucheng, helped him up, and they quickly left the tea room. Li Mucheng's cries lingered for a long time.

Seeing his brother being dragged away, Li Muhua sighed lightly and said, "Father, let me deliver the money."

"You?" Li Deshen frowned. "No, the future of the Mucloud Group still needs you to lead. The Li family can't afford to lose you. Your useless brother is beyond saving anyway. As for this old bone of mine, it's not of much use either. I'll go and deliver the money."

"No, Father!" Li Muhua's expression was firm. "I'll listen to you on other matters, but not this one. If as your son, I stand by and watch you do this dangerous deed without being able to stop you, and if anything goes wrong, I'll never forgive myself for the rest of my life!"

"You fool! Can't you see the gravity of the situation?!"

Without hesitation, Li Muhua knelt down before Li Deshen, looking straight at him in his wheelchair. "Father, there's nothing more important to me than you in my heart!"

The whole scene fell silent at this moment. Li Muhua's words deeply touched everyone's hearts. At this moment, Li Muhua wasn't just a talented and capable young CEO and heir to a large family; he was also the most filial and simple son.

Although Li Deshen had maintained his authority, hearing his beloved second son speak like this, tears welled up uncontrollably.

"Get up, you little brat, stop kneeling," Li Deshen sighed heavily, as if he had aged several years. Yet, despite the many wrinkles on his face, a relieved smile appeared.

"If Father doesn't agree to let me go, I won't get up," Li Muhua insisted stubbornly.

Li Deshen smiled helplessly. "I'm old, but my mind is still clear. I know even if I don't allow you to go today, you'll definitely force your way. Although you're less trouble than your brother, you're not trouble-free. Very well, I'll listen to you. You can go."

Li Muhua finally breathed a sigh of relief and stood up. "Thank you, Father. I'll immediately arrange for the twenty million and personally take it over with someone."

"Mmm." Li Deshen reached out, grasping Li Muhua's wrist tightly, and gave it a squeeze. "Remember, as long as you're alive, there's hope. Don't act rashly!"

"I understand."

Others witnessing this scene felt both joy and sadness for this father and son. Li Deshen having a son like this was indeed a blessing for him and the Li family. However, it was unfortunate that the criminals would resort to such terror tactics, forcing the Li family into such risks.

At the same time, many wondered why, despite being from the same family, Li Muhua's brother, Li Mucheng, couldn't contribute anything positive but only added to the chaos?!

"Everyone, return to your posts. Minimize the impact of this incident, and make sure the guests don't panic. Pretend as if nothing has happened!" Li Muhua commanded the Li family employees present.

The employees all agreed. They understood that the best course of action now was to act as if everything was fine. Otherwise, if the guests panicked, the criminal might detonate the bomb right away!

As soon as these managers left, Li Deshen also left the scene with his entourage, leaving all the trust in his son's hands. This clearly indicated to Li Muhua that he must stay alive! Because the future of the Li family depended on him!

Taking a deep breath, Li Muhua calmed his emotions and said to Yang Chen and the others, "I didn't expect this cooperation to attract so many cunning individuals. I can't rule out the possibility that this criminal is part of the Xu family's scheme. Although I don't know why they would do this, unfortunately, they succeeded."

"Li, are you really going to go? It's obvious this is a death trap!" Although terrified, Lu Tao wasn't foolish and kindly cautioned.

Mona Qianyi nodded, furrowing her brows as she said, "I think we should inform the Royal Hong Kong Police or something like the Flying Tigers. Simply sending the money over won't give us any chance; instead, we might be taken hostage by the criminals and continue to be extorted."

"Don't speak nonsense," Yang Chen retorted, smirking lazily as he stretched. "Given our current situation, we can't afford to take risks. Whether it's confirming the presence of the bomb or choosing to evacuate the Twilight Manor, it's all based on the assumption that the criminals are unaware of our specific situation here. But now, it's obvious that the criminals have someone on the inside monitoring our every move. Maybe that person is among us, ready to inform them at any moment. If we do anything against their wishes, we'll all end up in a very ugly situation the next second. So, letting Young Master Li deliver the money is the only solution."

Li Muhua smiled bitterly. "Mr. Yang's analysis is correct. We have no choice."

"However, Second Young Master Li, you can also rest assured," Yang Chen added casually, calling Li Muhua "Second Young Master" again. "Since the criminals are so boringly interested in extorting money, it means they're not very interested in our lives. Otherwise, they would have demanded billions directly, and we wouldn't even need to send the money because it's impossible to raise that much cash all at once. It would be a death sentence straight away."

"I also think so. The best scenario now is that the criminals aren't sent by the Xu family. In that case, I won't be in much danger either. After they take the money, they should directly flee by sea, especially since Jinze Bay is close to the open sea." Li Muhua continued the analysis. "I won't hide it from you all. I'm a certified black belt in Taekwondo. If the criminals aren't too numerous and don't have a large amount of firepower, it won't be so easy for them to harm me. After all, I can also arm myself."

After hearing this, everyone present began to regain their composure. They hadn't expected there would be so much to analyze behind this incident.

Mona Qianyi looked at Yang Chen with a strange look in her eyes, while he calmly sipped his cooled tea.

Perhaps choosing him as the negotiation representative wasn't solely due to personal reasons, Mona Qianyi thought with a slight smile, pondering in her mind.

Now that everything had been settled, the remaining few dispersed, each returning to their rooms to wait for news. After all, the criminal had mentioned that if a large number of people attempted to leave, they would detonate the bomb. Who knew how many people the criminal considered a "large number"? It was better to stay put and be safe.

Yang Chen and Mona Qianyi walked back to their respective guest rooms together. As they entered the corridor, Yang Chen suddenly stopped and smiled, "My mind is too clear to sleep. I'll go to the bar in the manor and have a few drinks before bed. You go back alone first." With that, he turned and walked away.

Mona Qianyi looked back at Yang Chen's retreating figure, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.