After some time,
Yu Han's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with Li Hao's intense gaze. "You," Li Hao's voice was low and menacing. "Did you send those confidential documents to Shi Wang?"
Yu Han's confusion was evident. "What documents? I don't know what you're talking about." Yu Han said in weak voice.
Li Hao's anger seemed to simmer just below the surface. "Don't play dumb. The papers in your pocket, the note about passing it to Shi Wang... You've been working with him, haven't you?"
Yu Han's eyes widened in genuine confusion. "I don't know what you're talking about. I swear, I didn't send anything to anyone."
Just then, Yu Han's ears picked up the faint sound of Yang Zi's crying. His eyes snapped to Li Hao's. "Yang Zi! Where is he? Let me go to him!"
Li Hao's expression turned cold. "he's fine. For now. You're not going anywhere until you tell me the truth."
Yu Han's protests grew more urgent. "Please, let me go, you have to let me see him. He's worried sick about me."
Li Hao's gaze lingered on Yu Han's face, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it seemed like he might actually care about Yu Han's well-being, but then his mask slipped back into place.
"You'll see him when I'm satisfied with your answers." After saying this he left the room.
Li Hao's eyes narrowed as he took a long drag on his cigarette, the smoke curling up into the night air. His phone rang, shrill and insistent, and he answered it with a curt "Yes?"
"Li Hao, I'm afraid I have some bad news," Mr. Korn's voice was apologetic, but firm. "I've decided to partner with Shi Wang instead of you. His proposal was more... attractive."
Li Hao's expression didn't change, but his eyes flashed with anger. He'd suspected as much when he'd seen Shi Wang in the lounge, schmoozing with Mr. Korn. "I see," he said, his voice neutral.
Mr. Korn continued, "I know you were counting on my help to expand your business in Thailand, but I'm afraid Shi Wang's offer was too good to pass up. He's willing to invest more capital and take on more risk."
Li Hao's grip on the phone tightened.
"I understand," he said, his voice still neutral. "Thank you for letting me know."
As he ended the call, Li Hao's eyes seemed to bore into the darkness, his mind racing with calculations and strategies. "Shi Wang had been busy, hadn't he? First, he steals Li Hao's business secrets, and now he's poaching his potential partners."
Yu Han's eyes were fixed on the door, his ears straining to pick up any sound from Yang Zi's room. He'd heard his friend's shouts and protests, and his worry grew by the minute. He tried to get out of bed, but his weak body betrayed him, and he collapsed back onto the pillows.
Just then, the door burst open, and Li Hao strode in, his face twisted in anger.
"You," he spat, his eyes blazing with fury. "You're responsible for everything. My deal with Mr. Korn, my business expansion... all gone because of you."
Yu Han's eyes widened in confusion. "What are you talking about? I didn't do anything."
Li Hao's anger seemed to boil over, and he lunged at Yu Han, his fists flying. Yu Han tried to defend himself, but his weak body couldn't withstand the onslaught. Li Hao's blows rained down on him, leaving him gasping in pain.
As Li Hao's anger spent itself, Yu Han lay there, his body battered and bruised. Li Hao's chest heaved with exertion, and for a moment, he seemed to realize what he'd done. But then his mask slipped back into place, and he turned away, leaving Yu Han to suffer in silence.
Yu Han's body trembled with pain, his eyes welling up with tears. He couldn't understand why Li Hao was treating him like this. The pain and confusion overwhelmed him, and he felt like a child again, lost and alone.
As he lay there, memories of his parents flooded his mind. He remembered the warmth of his mother's touch, the gentle way she used to stroke his hair. He recalled his father's strong arms, the way he used to lift him up high and spin him around in circles.
But those memories were tinged with sorrow. His parents were gone, taken from him in a tragic incident when he was just a child. He remembered the emptiness, the feeling of being adrift without their guidance and love.
Now, as he lay in this unfamiliar room, subjected to Li Hao's cruelty, Yu Han felt that same emptiness wash over him. He thought of Yang Zi, his only friend, and felt a pang of guilt. What would happen to Yang Zi if he didn't make it out of this situation?
The tears finally broke free, streaming down Yu Han's face as he sobbed uncontrollably. He felt like he was all alone in the world, with no one to turn to. The pain and fear consumed him, and he whispered a desperate plea, "Why... why are you doing this to me?"
____________________
[At Shi Wang 's home]
Shi Wang was taking a nap in his living room while an excited voice startled him,
"..Mr. Shi...Mr. Shi..., I have a news for you "
"What??" Shi Wang said in a sleepy tone.
Shi Wang's lips curled into a sly smile as his secretary delivered the news about Li Hao's actions. "Ah, Li Hao's desperation is almost... palpable," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
He leaned back in his chair, lighting his cigarette as he savored the thought of Li Hao's downfall. "This is perfect. With Li Hao's reputation on the line and his business deals falling apart, we can swoop in and take advantage of the situation."
Shi Wang's eyes gleamed with anticipation. He'd been waiting for Li Hao to slip up, and now that he had, Shi Wang was eager to capitalize on the opportunity.
"Keep me informed about any further developments," Shi Wang instructed his secretary. "I want to know the moment Li Hao's situation takes a turn for the worse."
As his secretary nodded and left, Shi Wang's smile grew wider. He couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph, knowing that his rival was on the ropes.
The game was on, and Shi Wang was ready to take advantage of Li Hao's misfortune.
___________________
[Next morning- At Li Hao's house]
Shi Wang's smile grew wider as he stood outside Li Hao's home, ringing the doorbell. The door swung open, and Li Hao's assistant greeted him with a mixture of surprise and wariness.
"Mr. Shi, what brings you here?" the assistant asked, clearly unsure of how to react.
Shi Wang's smile never wavered. "I'm here to see my precious Li Hao. I'm sure he's expecting me."
The assistant hesitated before stepping aside, allowing Shi Wang to enter. As he walked into the living room, he spotted Li Hao pacing back and forth, his face twisted in anger.
"Ah, Li Hao," Shi Wang said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I fucking love seeing you like this....your damp face gives me more pleasure than a sex."
Li Hao's eyes narrowed. "You think you're so clever, don't you? You are nothing but a fucking coward, You can't achieve anything without taking advantage of someone."
Shi Wang chuckled, playing along with Li Hao's misconceptions. "Oh, Li Hao, you're so close to the truth. Yes, He is indeed a brilliant strategist.He did send me those documents."
Li Hao's face turned red with rage, his anger towards Yu Han intensifying. "I'll deal with him," he muttered, his fists clenched.
Shi Wang's smile grew even wider. He was enjoying this little game, and he had no intention of stopping. "Oh, do tell. I'd love to see how you plan on 'dealing' with someone who advantaged me."