bookcurios Chapter 507 Under the dim light
Chapter 507 Under the dim light
In the days that followed, as Su Ming continued to absorb various intelligence and interact with people, he gradually realized that Zheng Yaoxian seemed to be hiding some secrets. Although they no longer fought side by side, that hidden aura seemed to have left a deep impression on him.
This time, when news of Zheng Yaoxian's injury reached Su Ming, it suddenly dawned on him that all this had never left him. Over the years, he might have let it go, perhaps he had stopped actively pursuing the untouchable truth. But this sudden news seemed like fate's summons, forcing him to return to that dark world and face all the entanglements and ties he had once faced anew.
Suddenly, countless memories flashed through Su Ming's mind—the missions he and Zheng Yaoxian had shared, the times they'd spent together navigating that gray world. Back then, he was a newbie new to espionage, while Zheng Yaoxian was a towering presence, calmly handling any challenge. But as time passed, Zheng Yaoxian gradually faded from his life, and Su Ming began to embark on his own independent path.
However, when he saw this news, everything seemed to come full circle. Su Ming couldn't help but take a deep breath, feeling an unprecedented sense of confusion. Could it be that this wasn't over yet?
He recalled the final moments of that mission, when Zheng Yaoxian had vanished from the scene. Su Ming hadn't seen Zheng Yaoxian for the last time. He had only heard a brief announcement: "Mission accomplished, you retreat first." And then, Zheng Yaoxian had vanished from his sight, as if by vapor.
Looking back now, he didn't feel too uneasy at the time. Perhaps it was because he was too busy, or perhaps he relied too much on Zheng Yaoxian's abilities, but Su Ming never realized that his relationship with Zheng Yaoxian had subtly changed. He was no longer the simple liaison, nor was he the "child" in Zheng Yaoxian's eyes. The distance between them had become unbridgeable without knowing when.
Today, Zheng Yaoxian's injury was like a sharp needle, piercing his inner peace and tearing open those long-sealed memories and emotions. Su Ming suddenly realized that he could no longer avoid this involvement.
Su Ming quickened his pace, crossing the crowded street, pushing open a glass door and stepping into the dim light. His heart still pounded. The brief message in his mind echoed like a bell, ringing in his ears, refusing to let go. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, his fingertips tightly gripping the worn-out cigarette butt. The bitter taste of tobacco irritated his throat, but he couldn't bear the emptiness for even a moment. It felt like an unsettled weight, weighing heavily on his chest.
"Is this the decision?" A deep voice came from behind, breaking Su Ming's thoughts.
Su Ming paused, then slowly turned around to see Akai standing in the doorway. Akai had once been his companion. During those difficult days, they had endured countless life-or-death trials together. However, over time, Akai had completely shed that world and turned to the business world. Su Ming, likewise, had completely escaped that dangerous vortex and lived a peaceful life. However, today's news changed everything.
"You shouldn't go." There was a complex light in Akai's eyes, with an imperceptible worry.
Su Ming lowered his head, his fingertips gently stroking the fabric of his pants, as if seeking some kind of comfort. Although Akai was his friend, he knew that Akai didn't understand why he had suddenly made such a decision. Because, not only was the news of Zheng Yaoxian's injury disturbing him, but also because that brief telegram reminded him of many things that had been buried deep in his heart - responsibilities, ties, and a "bond" that had never been truly broken.
"He's injured," Su Ming said slowly, his voice low and firm, "If I don't go, no one can save him."
Akai was silent for a moment, as if weighing something. Finally, he sighed, a flicker of helplessness in his eyes. "Do you think you can go back? That world is no longer what you're used to. Maybe... it doesn't need you anymore."
"You're wrong." Su Ming raised his head, a cold glint in his eyes. "I'm going, not because they need me, but because I owe him."
Akai's expression changed slightly, clearly not expecting Su Ming to give such a resolute answer. His gaze grew somewhat complicated, and he whispered, "What you owe is a life. Don't you think you've already owed enough?"
"I owe you more than just my life." Su Ming responded softly, with a subtle emotion in his voice. That emotion was heavy and profound, as if it could penetrate time and space and bring all the untouchable things back to reality.
He looked out the window, the flashing neon lights stretching far into the night. Each light was a reminder that he could never completely let go of this world. Zheng Yaoxian's image gradually emerged: a pair of deep eyes, a face devoid of any emotion, a calmness and precision that even a heartbeat couldn't keep up with. Zheng Yaoxian had never shown weakness, but Su Ming knew that during the years they fought side by side, Zheng Yaoxian had endured more pressure than anyone else. He had always carried an unspoken sense of responsibility, and Su Ming seemed never to truly understand the weight of that responsibility.
"I know what you're thinking." Akai suddenly spoke, his voice still low, "But you should understand that no matter how hard you try, you may not be able to save him."
Su Ming looked at Akai, his eyes gradually turning cold. At that moment, an invisible wall seemed to form within him. He raised his head, his whole body appearing unusually calm. "If I don't go, I will never be able to forgive myself."
Akai was speechless. He looked at Su Ming, as if he wanted to say something, but nothing came out. Finally, he sighed, slowly turned around, and left the room. The door slowly closed, leaving Su Ming alone standing quietly in the dim light.
Su Ming stood there for a long time, until the oppressive feeling gradually disappeared and his inner anxiety subsided a little. Then, he slowly walked to the phone on the table and dialed a number.
"Hello." A voice came from the other end of the line, slightly tired, but still clear. "Su Ming, what are you going to do?"
"Go save Zheng Yaoxian." Su Ming's voice was calm and resolute without a trace of hesitation. "Begin preparations immediately."