He only took a gold watch for emergencies and the two most important cats.

Then, after calming down, he realized...

he couldn't run away at all!

In those days, natural disasters ravaged the wilderness, with relentless storms and earthquakes; the transportation routes between cities could only be traversed by flying airships or by off-road convoys braving the tough haul.

Without connections, he couldn't even leave Cliff City in secret.

Chen Xingzhou had smuggled before and knew all the routes, but now, with his brother's life hanging in the balance, he didn't dare trust any of those people.

Trust the wrong person, and you lose your life.

When he took stock of his life and tried to find a trustworthy friend, he sadly found he had almost none.

The only person who hadn't kicked him to the curb to save their own skin when his life was on the line was the unfortunate kid sitting right across from him.

Ji Jue.

That was the root of it all.

After understanding the situation, Ji Jue didn't shoot him, nor coldly turn him away.

Even knowing the trouble he brought, Ji Jue still sighed and let him into his home.

He even helped him contact the Northern Mountain District.

Just for that, before they arrived, Chen Yubo didn't know how many times he had hugged him, moved to tears.

Unfortunately, Ji Jue found it hard to reciprocate such expectations.

For such matters, the Northern Mountain District branch might not be able to be of any help.

After Wen Wen stubbed out her cigarette, she sighed and said, "Mr. Chen, we're aware of your situation, and we're sorry, but we can't help."

Chen Yubo's face gradually turned pale: "Even you, Supervisor Wen..."

"Today, I impulsively went seeking trouble with Lei Yaoxing, and almost got severely duped. Then I came back to see Tong Shan's deadpan face, mumbling about it until now... Honestly, just looking at someone from the Desert Market gives me a headache."

Wen Wen bluntly stated, "Even if I despise the Desert Market's trash throwing their weight around, I must consider the Security Bureau's stance. Right at this critical juncture, if we intervene forcibly, the situation could further spiral out of control, potentially sparking a conflict between White Deer and Tian Yuan."

"I, I..."

Chen Yubo mustered his courage: "I could give up all my possessions..."

"It's useless."

Tong Hua cut him off: "If the Security Bureau wanted your assets, there are ways to get them. If Sister Wen wanted to make that money, I have the Tong family's connections; couldn't I handle you?"

Chen Yubo was left speechless.

"Then... we run."

Ji Jue rubbed his nose, somewhat exhausted: "Sister Wen, could you arrange for a ship? Even a speedboat would do, or else a big flying vessel. I'll get him out of Cliff City right now. If we move fast, he can be in Ship City or Tide City by tomorrow morning, still in time for breakfast."

Wen Wen was about to speak, but Tong Hua stopped her.

"He can't run, Ji Jue."

The girl's demeanor was devoid of her usual flippancy and vivacity, filled instead with pity and cruelty: "He's already got no way out."

She handed her cell phone to Ji Jue.

The screen lit up.

Bringing the latest news.

"Just now, Chen Xingzhou's lawyer fell from a building to his death; a safe was pried open, revealing Chen Xingzhou's will."

Tong Hua sighed and said, "If Chen Xingzhou is dead, all his assets in Yongji Bank—a fund exceeding four billion, shares in eleven listed companies—will all go to his sole living relative, Chen Yubo.

There's a notarization from Yongji Bank on the will, ensuring that, come hell or high water, this money will certainly go into his hands."

Ji Jue was stunned, feeling a tingle in his scalp.

He stiffly turned to look at Chen Yubo.

"Which means..."

Right now, the person sitting beside him was the Tang Monk's flesh of Cliff City, no, the entire Hai Province!

An utterly defenseless man, suddenly inheriting such vast wealth, no, even if Chen Xingzhou wasn't dead yet, merely possessing this qualification was enough to make him a target for all, the eye of the storm.

In Cliff City, he still had the protection of his brother's organization and remnants out of respect for Chen Xingzhou's former authority, but once he left Cliff City, he would encounter nothing but voracious maws outside.

Eagerly waiting, to devour his flesh...

Forget about others.

Even Ji Jue was feeling a perverse desire to take on the damn thing!

Wasn't it just a kidnapping? It wasn't like he hadn't done it before!

He had even almost followed through with it!

Unfortunately, he was ultimately hampered by the little conscience he had left; he simply couldn't bring himself to do it...

Ji Jue sighed: "Can't you just give up the inheritance?"

"The folks at Yongji Bank, they only recognize contracts, not people. Even if Chen Xingzhou suddenly opened his eyes and reneged, saying 'no way, I won't give it,' until the contract is rescinded, they wouldn't pay any attention.

No matter how much trouble this money may bring, they would definitely shove it into Chen Yubo's hands. Otherwise, the credibility of Yongji Bank could be destroyed overnight.

By now, they've probably already dispatched their executives, just waiting for Chen Xingzhou's death certificate to be stamped and take effect before they fulfill the terms."

"Since we've all met, Mr. Chen."

Tong Hua let out a sigh: "Your only option now is to grovel to Lei Yaoxing, sign to waive emergency treatment, then, after your brother's death, hand over the money to him, hoping he spares you and ends all ties with the Desert Market.

Only then can Sister Wen, with the capabilities of the Security Bureau, offer you protection and save your life."

Chen Yubo didn't speak.

He just hung his head, tried to open his mouth several times, but tears couldn't help streaming down.

"My father... my father was a gambler. He abandoned us when I was still in my mother's womb. My mother also died early, when I was two years old."

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