Chapter 845: Reunion and Uncertain Alliances

After graduation, everyone had started their own separate lives.

Number Three’s intentions were crystal clear.

As a classmate with old grudges, the fact that he was willing to introduce his family to Lu Xin when found proved his sincerity. Thus, Lu Xin didn’t dwell on other matters beyond that meeting.

He only meant to talk with Number Three, and though few words were exchanged, the conversation was remarkably candid.

The Old Director was indeed quite terrifying.

But how could he expect Number Three to set aside his family and stand with him against the Old Director?

Perhaps without opposing the Old Director, none of them could ever escape his control.

Even so, Lu Xin was ready to fight on their behalf, regardless of how little assistance came his way.

That was the promise he’d made back then—nothing more.

……

……

“I never imagined Number Three would actually have a family…”

After dinner, Number Three left in high spirits with his whole family.

Lu Xin picked up the tab, politely declined Number Three’s wife’s invitation to visit or even stay the night, and silently set off along the streets of Soda City’s First Satellite City, accompanied by Number Fourteen, his little sister, and Little Nineteen cradled in his arms.

Under the dim streetlights, they all felt a hint of melancholy, especially Number Fourteen who couldn’t stop sighing.

Every classmate was taken aback by how Number Three was living his life now.

“And you have the nerve to say that…”

Though Lu Xin felt the same inside, hearing Number Fourteen’s voice stirred a bit of annoyance in him.

It wasn’t merely that Number Three had strongarmed him with the dinner; Number Fourteen had eagerly ordered costly Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and drank liquor as if it were water, leaving Number Three’s father-in-law red-faced — and then even had several dishes packed to go…

It was outrageously expensive!

“I really had no choice, Jiu Ge…”

Number Fourteen patted his sore rear and complained, “Did you notice the way Number Three looked at me just now? There wasn’t even a hint of the warmth we’d expect from old classmates—instead, it was strangely eerie. If he doesn’t take good care of his father-in-law, I’m worried he’ll come after me… And why did his glance seem so odd? Jiu Ge, you didn’t mention that I was the one who brought you along, did you?”

“Huh?”

Lu Xin paused briefly before shaking his head, “No.”

“Good, good…”

Number Fourteen kept nodding while muttering suspiciously, “But I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off with Number Three…”

Lowering his voice, he asked, “Jiu Ge, do you think his behavior is alright?”

……

“I think it’s fine…”

Lu Xin knew that Number Fourteen hadn’t seen Number Three’s change of clothes, and he himself hadn’t mentioned it.

He wasn’t sure if Number Fourteen possessed a special ability to see the secrets hidden beneath Number Three’s sharp suit and handsome exterior.

Instead, he simply nodded silently.

“Well…”

Clearly taken aback, Number Fourteen lowered his voice, “You’re not really oblivious, are you?”

Lu Xin looked at him curiously as Number Three blinked knowingly, his expression filled with hidden meaning.

“I suppose it isn’t anything extraordinary?”

Seeing his probing look, Lu Xin smiled and replied, “Doesn’t everyone need to wear clothes?”

“In this world, there are plenty who clothe themselves in nothing but animal carcasses…”

“Still, Number Three is among those who dress rather well…”

……

Number Fourteen suddenly fell silent, and after a while, his expression turned to one of surprise.

“Somehow, I feel like you might be onto something…”

……

……

Since they had been drinking, even the car parked beside the upscale restaurant wouldn’t start.

Reluctantly, the group, led by Lu Xin, began scouring for nearby motels to spend the night.

To their dismay, Number Three had chosen the fanciest restaurant in First Satellite City.

And the lodgings next door were all top-tier and equally expensive.

After searching for a long time, they couldn’t even find a cheap room for two costing just ten bucks.

So Lu Xin and his group ended up at a moderately upscale motel nearby, booking a family suite.

Lu Xin paid 300 yuan for one night.

Tonight’s expenses: 6801.5 for the meal.

Room fee: 300.

“Jiu Ge, you’ve really gotten rich…”

Faced with Number Fourteen’s envious praise, Lu Xin could only murmur, “Not too bad,” as he began gathering his things.

After all, no matter what, he wasn’t going to book a separate room just for him.

He grabbed his suitcase, travel bag, and box of toiletries.

Little Nineteen clutched a water filter, one of Lu Xin’s cigarettes, and a shoebox.

Number Fourteen held his stomach.

His little sister, who walked and talked uncharacteristically, managed to sit quietly while dining with Number Three’s family, but the moment she moved, her differences were revealed.

So for now, she remained in a state unnoticed by ordinary people.

Similarly, as Lu Xin and the others checked into the motel, the place had already welcomed three waves of guests; meanwhile, four other groups had either checked into nearby lodgings or taken seats by the window at the bar across the street.

Some had even infiltrated the grand building opposite, waiting for the right moment.

Some were crude, some were savage, some exuded an icy murderous aura, while others displayed a mechanical precision.

Some were already moving to seize an opportunity, others waited patiently, and a few simply observed.

The area around the modest motel gradually grew lively.

……

……

“Big Brother, I want to go out and play with Little Nineteen…”

After settling in at the motel, noticing Lu Xin’s gloomy mood, his little sister immediately piped up with a request.

“It’s late; why go out to play?”

Lu Xin found it odd, especially since she intended to take Little Nineteen along.

“It’s only when it’s early that you can really have fun…”

Her small backpack slung over her shoulder, she chattered at Lu Xin.

“Alright!”

Lu Xin, understanding her meaning, glanced at the 200,000-yuan watch on his wrist and shook his head slightly.

“It’s 9:20 now. Little Nineteen is too young; he needs to bathe and go to bed by 10.”

He added, “Also, you two mustn’t wander more than a thousand meters, got it?”

“Got it.”

His little sister rolled her eyes and huffed in annoyance.

“Off you go!”

Lu Xin exhaled deeply, walked to the window, opened it, and then returned the ashtray to the sofa.

With the two little ones off playing, he had matters to plan.

Mom’s parting instructions had led him to the orphans, and now he had found another one.

But he didn’t really want to help—what else could he do?

Perhaps if a few others were willing to lend a hand, that would be enough?

……

……

“Jiu Ge, are we really just heading back like this?”

With the little ones out, Lu Xin and Number Fourteen sat on the sofa, sobering up a bit.

After pondering for a while, Number Fourteen finally asked in a tentative whisper,

“Yeah.”

Lu Xin nodded and said, “Number Three has his family to protect; we can’t force him to act.”

“Seeing that he’s doing well and knowing he’s aware of the Old Director’s affairs is enough.”

“The decision should be his alone.”

……

“This…”

Number Fourteen’s expression turned clearly strange.

It seemed Lu Xin’s decision was far from what he had envisioned, leaving him conflicted.

“Apart from Number Three, aren’t we still missing Number Five and Number Twelve?”

Rubbing his forehead, Lu Xin whispered, “Yes, but those two will be hard to track down…”

Number Fourteen pulled out a pack of cigarettes he’d retrieved from the motel’s front desk; after one drag, he started coughing.

Under Lu Xin’s observant gaze, he obediently placed the cigarette pack in front of him.

Then he shook his head and said, “Jiu Ge, to be honest, I only know a handful of people.”

“Finding Number Twelve seems nearly impossible—he’s the best at hiding among us…”

“As far as I know…”

After a pause, he hesitantly added, “It’s just Number Fifth Sister left…”

“Number Fifth Sister…”

Lu Xin was momentarily stunned as a ripple of emotion passed through him, “Number Five?”

An image of a young, striking, and tremendously capable girl flashed through his mind.

His heart raced at the thought; finding Number Five was a great prospect, especially since in his memories of the orphanage, this formidable woman had always been the natural leader, trusted and depended on by many.

She cared for the other children like an elder sister, rivaling even Teacher Xiao Lu back then…

“You… don’t get too excited…”

Noticing Lu Xin’s expression, Number Fourteen’s face turned slightly bitter as he remarked, “You still don’t understand Number Five’s temper, do you?”

“Well…”

Lu Xin fell silent, recalling how hot-tempered Number Five used to be.

She was known for getting into fights more than anyone else.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to call her violent; almost every orphan had felt the brunt of her blows.

Except him.

Even Number Three had made it clear that because of past events, he harbored resentment towards him—let alone the hot-tempered Number Five.

His heart sank a little, but after deep reflection, Lu Xin sighed.

Looking earnestly at Number Fourteen, he said, “I know she might still be angry over what happened, but I still want to see her… at least to see what she looks like now. Whether or not she can help me, meeting her will give me some peace of mind.”

“In that case…”

Number Fourteen was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up, his chubby face turning serious.

“If you’re prepared, I can take you to her right now.”

“……”

“Hmm?”

Lu Xin was startled at first, then his face brightened, “Really?”

“Of course!”

Number Fourteen’s expression turned solemn as he lowered his voice, “But it will come at a steep price.”

Lu Xin sat up straighter, stubbed out his cigarette, and said, “Go on.”

The tension in the room grew palpable.

But Lu Xin was ready, no matter the cost…

Amid the anxious atmosphere, Number Fourteen leaned in close and whispered, “First, give me ten thousand yuan to buy a phone, alright?”

“……”

Lu Xin fell silent for a while before exclaiming, “A phone?”

“Yeah!”

Number Fourteen said seriously, “Without a phone, how else will you make a call?”

“So, your plan to reach her is just to call?”

“Yeah…”

“And buying a phone costs ten thousand yuan?”

“New models are really expensive…”

“……”

Lu Xin took a deep breath, his fists clenching until his knuckles turned white—one hand trembling with paleness.

The pressure in the air seemed to intensify imperceptibly.

Then, smiling warmly, he said to Number Fourteen, “Do you have any idea how much we spent just on liquor today?”

Number Fourteen paused, cold sweat quickly forming on his face.

Looking somewhat sheepish, he added, “Well, actually, there’s an alternate plan to reach Number Five…”

Lu Xin replied, “Go ahead.”

“Alright, alright…”

Number Fourteen slowly got up and jogged over to the motel’s television, gently tapping the screen and saying, “Hey?”

“Number Fifth Sister, are you there?”