But rationally speaking—in this situation, with the red-eyed monster vanished, my mom knocked out and left tied up in a shadowy corner far from us, completely unguarded, while he just sits here telling me stories? His mindset is *way* too calm.
Didn’t he worry the monster might sneak in silently through some door? Or that Mom could break free and stage a desperate counterattack?
Suddenly, Wei Qiuying came to mind. His whereabouts were unknown. Theoretically, he belonged to Second Brother’s side—which made him a wild card for me right now.
So the underground factions split into four: me; Second Brother and Wei Qiuying; Mom and all the monsters. Since Mom was already subdued, all initiative rested in Second Brother’s hands.
Who could I trust? Hard to say. But if Second Brother truly was the villain… what possible use could I be to him?
Seeing my dazed look, Second Brother gently patted my shoulder.
“I get it. First time going underground—oops, underwater. When *I* first went tomb raiding, I was so scared I soiled my pants on the spot.”
He chuckled.
I let out an awkward laugh. *Yeah, right. Like you’d understand.*
...
...
“I’m done,” Second Brother said suddenly. “Now we face a harder problem.”
I frowned, staring at him.
“Only *she* knows the way out.”
He pointed toward Mom, lying motionless in the shadows.
I glanced between them. He still smiled warmly—but for some reason, it felt eerily sinister.
I lowered my head, putting on a troubled expression.
“Se… Second Brother… we haven’t known each other long… but… being with you… I feel… safe.”
“Mom would never let me come here. That woman feels so strange… Honestly… I’m really scared.”
Blushing, I lifted my head slowly, eyes glistening with practiced vulnerability.
“If I can get the way out… will you take me with you?”
Second Brother frowned, then gave a slow, hesitant nod.
“I don’t know why someone swapped Mom… but she’s gentle, fragile… I’m afraid… what if…"
I bowed my head, clenched my left fist, dug my nails hard into my palm. The sting brought tears—*patter, patter*—falling steadily.
His smile vanished. He looked flustered.
“D-don’t worry! *Uncle* will get you out! We’ll find your mom! She’ll be fine—trust Second Brother!”
His grin softened, turning almost goofy.
I wiped my tears, putting on a brave face.
“You promise not to lie?”
Still dazed, he nodded.
“But… how do I… get it from her…?”
I took a shaky breath, head bowed in feigned fear.
Silence stretched nearly a minute. I crouched, hugging my knees, sobbing softly.
Second Brother finally broke.
“Here’s the plan: I hide. You pretend you snuck here to rescue her. The exit isn’t complicated—I’ve observed her goal isn’t met yet…”
He watched my face closely.
I kept a perfectly harmless, pitiful expression—zero reaction.
“The map in her pocket. Back side, bottom-left corner: a code line. I know it marks the exit… but can’t decode it.”
“Get the meaning, and we’re free.”
“I’ll guard you from the shadows. You up for it?”
He clicked his pistol’s slide, face unreadable.
“I’m… still scared…” I sighed.
“But Dad’s missing. Mom’s fate unknown. Second Brother… you’re all the family I have left.”
I shot him a timid glance, forcing what I hoped was a convincingly fragile smile.
“So I *must* succeed—for me, for you, for Mom!”
I declared with staged resolve.
He nodded silently, gesturing to my water flask. Then melted into the dark.
...
...
Back turned to him, I walked toward Mom. A faint smirk tugged my lips.
*Fool.*
I knelt, gripped the ropes binding her, and slowly poured water onto her forehead.
...
Instantly, she woke—mind sharp, eyes wide.
Seeing me, shock flashed across her face.
I pressed the dagger lightly against her abdomen, whispering:
“Don’t move.”
Bound tight, she could only frown at me.
“One minute. Prove you’re truly Yan Huayi—Wei Shenji’s mother.”
I forced icy calm, though my whole body trembled slightly.
She met my gaze. Less than half a second passed before her eyes softened with raw, unmistakable maternal concern.
*That look… no impostor could mimic this.*
Still, I waited silently.
“You secretly used my breast massager. Hidden in the safe under my wardrobe. Password: your birthday. Used it two months. Did it work?” she smiled.
I froze, frowned, rolled my eyes.
*Honestly… useless.*
“I also know your QQ password—my birthday plus name plus your dad’s name and birthday. And that diary entry… wondering why you couldn’t pee standing up like boys—"
“Wait! Stop! Enough! *Please!*”
I clamped a hand over her mouth, face burning, teeth gritted.
“Childhood stuff stays buried.”
Knife in hand, I sawed through the ropes—slow, careful.
She wore a teasing smirk. *How many more secrets does she have?*
...
“Second Brother’s watching from the tunnel behind us. He’s armed.”
I whispered, slipping the dagger into her palm.
Untying the last knot, rolling her neck, she gave a faint, calm smile.
“Got it.”
