RMM -Chapter 203 A Critical Turning Point

“Yes,” Pan Zhiming nodded respectfully to Brother Long, then turned to Su Ruo, putting on a look of impatience. “Let’s go!”

Su Ruo kept a cold expression, said nothing, and stood up to follow.

She had already noticed that the square-shaped room, aside from the door, had bare walls. The bathroom had to be outside.

With the Yanmen clan gone, Brother Long naturally lost his source of income. Luckily, they had brought enough money beforehand, or they would have ended up sleeping on the streets. But even with money, given the current situation, Brother Long couldn’t spend freely. They were completely in a “living off the last of their resources” state. The inn they were staying in was the cheapest they could find; facilities were lacking, and the bathrooms were shared.

Having been used to a life of luxury, Brother Long wasn’t quite accustomed to such “hardship,” but there was no choice—he had little money left, had to return to D Province, and besides, though the inn was poor in conditions, the management was lax, crowded with all sorts, and he had nothing to fear in terms of exposure.

Once Su Ruo and Pan Zhiming stepped out of the room, Su Ruo stopped, her cold eyes on Pan Zhiming.

Earlier, she had intended to call either Brother Long or Pan Zhiming over and had already grasped the knife in her hand. But as she opened her mouth, she noticed Pan Zhiming quickly giving her a subtle signal.

Su Ruo didn’t know what Pan Zhiming meant, but upon receiving the look, she instinctively changed what she was going to say. Regardless of his intentions, the look gave her a glimmer of hope.

Yet, despite her inner hope, Su Ruo didn’t lower her guard. Before leaving, she secretly slipped the fruit knife into her coat pocket while they weren’t looking. Luckily, the pocket was large enough to conceal it completely.

Hopefully, things would go as she hoped. But if Pan Zhiming harbored other intentions… Su Ruo’s hand tightened on the knife in her pocket. Two people were nothing to fear—why worry about one more?

“You have to admit, you’re smart.”

Pan Zhiming closed the door, walked a few steps ahead, then looked back and smiled.

It was true. From her condition after waking up to her reaction to his signal, he couldn’t help but praise her. Working with a clever woman made things easier, after all.

Su Ruo saw that Pan Zhiming was leading her toward the stairs. Her heart lifted, but her expression remained calm—after all, he hadn’t yet explained his intentions.

“Speak directly. No beating around the bush,” Su Ruo said coldly to Pan Zhiming’s mysterious smile, though her palms were slightly sweaty.

“Then I’ll get straight to the point,” Pan Zhiming adjusted his expression and said seriously, “How about we make a deal?”

Su Ruo didn’t answer, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

“I can let you go. But what can you give me in return?”

Pan Zhiming’s words were like a shaft of light piercing the darkness around Su Ruo. Her eyes widened, filled with disbelief and delight.

“As long as it’s money, you won’t have to worry. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied,” she said, relieved, assuring him. Time was critical; she didn’t have time to haggle—she only wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

“That’s good. But… if you leave, where will I find you?” Pan Zhiming expressed his doubt. The deal was only verbal so far. If he let her go, who knew if he would get the money?

Su Ruo’s urgency grew. “Why don’t you come with me? When my family picks me up, they’ll pay you.”

In truth, she wanted to get rid of him there and then, but she had nothing with her when they brought her over—not even her phone. She couldn’t offer him anything at the moment.

Pan Zhiming was skeptical. After all, he was a kidnapper to her. If her family came, who knew if she’d betray him? Even if she didn’t, would her family willingly pay? Alone, he couldn’t expect much benefit.

He had already betrayed Brother Long, but he saw this as an opportunity to make a quick fortune and escape. Why waste such a chance? He didn’t want to become a murderer; he was leaving Brother Long and his gang anyway. This woman looked well-off; he might as well profit before leaving.

Saving a life—this woman was beautiful and had suffered so much, it seemed a shame. Besides, he was helping Brother Long in a way. Brother Long was already a fugitive; adding murder charges would leave him no escape. So, he didn’t feel he was betraying Brother Long too badly.

However, if Brother Long found out, he wouldn’t forgive him. No mistakes could be made—the money had to be secured.

“Here’s what we’ll do: we leave here first. Once in a safe place, you call your family and have them transfer the money to my account. Once I have it, I leave immediately and never come looking for you again. But you must promise not to double-cross me.”

This was the only plan now. Seeing money was crucial for him. Su Ruo nodded. “Okay, I promise no trouble. Let’s leave.”

As long as she and her child were safe, money was secondary. She would let him go without trouble—he truly was her lifesaver.

Pan Zhiming knew they couldn’t stay long. Once deciding to escape, they had to move quickly. Brother Long might come looking for them otherwise.

“Then let’s leave quickly.”

But Su Ruo, in her physical condition, couldn’t run. She could only hasten her steps carefully—no accidents could happen now.

Life’s hardships seemed endless. Just as a sliver of hope appeared, reality struck again, delivering a harsh blow.

Brother Long, sitting idly, grew impatient. Why weren’t they back yet?

Yes, besides Pan Zhiming and Su Ruo, who had “gone to the bathroom,” there was also someone sent to buy a camera.

Looking at the sky, Brother Long realized something was wrong. A camera?

Earlier, when Pan Zhiming mentioned buying a camera, Brother Long had been immersed in the excitement of humiliating Cheng Yue, forgetting the time. In a moment of impulsiveness, he had ordered it. Now he realized.

Anger surged. That kid! What was he doing? Why was he accompanied by such an idiot? Buying a camera and still not back—could he be off enjoying himself?

Brother Long’s frustration grew; nothing was going right. And Pan Zhiming—was he stuck in the toilet? How long could one stay in a bathroom?

Frustrated, he stood and looked down at the street. To his shock…

He saw Pan Zhiming and Su Ruo, who should have been in the bathroom, walking hurriedly away.

Brother Long instantly understood—Pan Zhiming had betrayed him!

“Pan Zhiming! Damn you!” Brother Long’s eyes turned red with fury, hands trembling as he roared, rushing out of the room. Before heading downstairs, he grabbed his knife from his room.

B City wasn’t like D Province—he couldn’t carry a gun. The knife was all he had. How he wished for a gun!

Consumed by hatred, Brother Long could not tolerate another traitor. Memories of Cheng Yue’s deeds surged in his mind. Betrayed again, he felt his rage almost ignite his eyes.

If you are disloyal, don’t blame me for being ruthless!

Brother Long ran with all his strength, eyes fixed on the two fleeing figures, face twisted in madness. The knife in his hand glinted coldly under the streetlights.

The two ahead, eager to escape, didn’t notice Brother Long gaining on them.

At his speed, it took only a few blinks to catch up.

“Pan Zhiming, you die!”

In a flash, Brother Long thrust the knife toward Pan Zhiming.

Blinded by betrayal, Brother Long ignored Su Ruo entirely, aiming straight at Pan Zhiming.

Die! Those who betray me don’t deserve to live! Kill them! Blood for blood!

When the knife went forward, Brother Long didn’t even know if he was targeting Pan Zhiming or Cheng Yue.

“Ah…!”

A sharp scream pierced the midnight silence.

Su Ruo’s eyes widened. Pan Zhiming lay on the ground, clutching his side as blood poured onto the pale tiles. Su Ruo covered her mouth, swallowing the scream.

Though she had prepared for mutual destruction, this scene caught her off guard. The pungent smell of blood hit her nose, making her stomach churn violently.

The knife followed the scream. Pan Zhiming tried to dodge but was too late, the knife piercing his side. On the ground, hands bloodied, face pale, he groaned in pain.

“Dare betray me? Have I wronged you? One by one, betray me, I’ll kill you all! Kill!”

Brother Long had lost all reason, muttering to himself, eyes red. The knife in his hand dripped with blood.