Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: All Is Irretrievable

Two masked men sat in the back of the car.

Both were burly, their cold, dark eyes sending shivers down my spine.

It was obvious they were no good.

Before I could even close the car door, one of them suddenly lunged forward, grabbing my clothes and forcibly dragging me inside.

“No…”

“Help!”

Terrified, I screamed and struggled desperately.

A damp handkerchief was pressed over my nose, and I soon lost consciousness.

I don’t know how long I was unconscious, but when I gradually woke amidst the jolting, I found myself seated between the two men in the back seat, the forest outside rushing past behind us.

Kidnapped?!

Panic overwhelmed me, my mind a chaotic whirlwind.

“Take me back quickly! My father will pay you!”

The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror and chuckled, tapping the steering wheel.

The man on my left grinned even more sinisterly.

“It’s not about money. We just want to take you on a little trip.”

A trip?

I had once dreamed, after achieving good results, of working part-time and traveling...

Suddenly, clarity returned to my mind, and veins bulged on my forehead from anxiety.

“No, I have to go back for the college entrance exam!”

“Haha, you’re not confused—you still remember the exam.”

The man on my right spoke. “Kid, you won’t have a chance this year. But there’s always next year, the year after, and the year after that. You’ll catch a ride on the exam train eventually.”

“Do you think the police station is your family business? Aren’t you afraid of legal consequences?” I demanded loudly.

“Haha, it’s not your family business either—they can’t control us!”

The three burst into loud laughter. The driver especially laughed so hard he gasped for breath and wiped tears from his eyes.

My spirits plummeted; I was forced to lower my stance.

“This year’s exam means everything to me. How much do you want to take me back? Please, as long as I can return to take the test, I promise I won’t tell anyone about today.”

They ignored me, clearly annoyed by my persistence. Suddenly, the car stopped.

I was roughly pushed out and fell heavily onto the ground.

Reaching into my pocket, I found my money and admission ticket still intact, along with all my exam supplies in my bag.

This wasn’t a kidnapping.

Then,

Their sole purpose in seizing me here was clear—

To stop me from taking the college entrance exam!

To rob me of the life opportunity I had waited ten long years for!

Looking around, thick forest surrounded me; I had no idea where I was.

The saddest part was that aside from the car speeding away, I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

I sprinted after the car, swinging my arms, begging as I ran.

“Stop! Please stop, take me back!”

The distance grew wider; I knew I couldn’t catch up. I tried to appeal to their mercy one last time in a humble plea.

I fell to my knees, stretching out my hands, crying loudly, “Please, take me back! I’ll do anything—I want to take the exam! Please!”

A cigarette butt was tossed from the car window. The car accelerated and vanished ahead.

I staggered to my feet, glanced at my watch: 9:30.

I had already missed the morning exam.

Frustration, sorrow, despair, rage—all surged within me, threatening to explode.

Ah!

I raised my arms high to the sky and let out a long, agonized howl.

“Just kill me now!”

My voice echoed softly through the woods, startling a few birds from the branches who flapped away into the distance.

Helpless, I sobbed, feeling utterly lost.

Through tear-blurred eyes, I looked around, imagining every sturdy tree branch could hold my slender neck.

No...

I must not die.

I still had the afternoon exam!

Even if it was a second-tier university or a vocational college, with my abilities, I still had a chance.

No matter what, I had to leave this city full of evil, leave these loathsome people behind.

The tree-lined path was narrow—only wide enough for one car.

I followed the tire tracks, running back the way I came.

Exhausted, drenched in sweat, my throat burning, I refused to stop.

It was so remote that I hadn’t met a single soul, nor passed a single vehicle—only my lonely figure running.

My throat burning and lungs aching, I spotted a puddle by the roadside.

Without hesitation, I bent down and drank a few mouthfuls of water mixed with grass before continuing.

But I had underestimated the length of this road.

By the time I emerged from the woods, it was already 2 p.m. ahead lay a sizable reservoir.

I recognized the place: Qingyun Reservoir in Dong’an County.

Still twenty kilometers from the town.

My legs felt like lead, trembling uncontrollably—I could barely move.

Then I saw a few men fishing by the reservoir, their worn motorcycles parked nearby.

I steadied myself on my knees and dragged myself toward one of them, trembling as I pulled a hundred yuan bill from my pocket.

“What’s this for?”

The fisherman turned, puzzled.

“Brother, please, help me get back to town!”

I pleaded, bent over.

“I just baited my hook—it’s about to catch something.”

The fisherman hesitated, perhaps thinking I was crazy.

“Brother, I have to get back for the college entrance exam. If I’m late, it’s over.”

My knees gave out and I fell to my knees.

“What are you doing? Get up!”

He quickly helped me to my feet, patting his forehead.

“Right, today’s the second day of exams. My nephew’s already at the test center. Little brother, why are you here instead of at the exam?”

I shook my head bitterly, lips quivering but unable to speak, desperately stuffing money into his pocket.

Moved by my plight, the fisherman decided to help.

He called out to someone nearby, “Old Zhao, watch my gear—I’m heading back to town for a bit, will be back soon.”

I finally climbed onto the motorcycle, the fisherman speeding me back anxiously.

Faster!

Faster!

I kept checking my watch, heart burning with urgency—there was only one thought in my mind: I had to take the exam, even if it meant taking it another time.

We arrived at the exam site.

But still, I was late.

The gates were closed; the last subject exam had already been underway for fifteen minutes.

The fisherman pleaded for me, only to receive a stern lecture.

Dizzy, I collapsed to the ground.

Tears streamed from one eye to the other, then into my ear.

I couldn’t see clearly, couldn’t hear clearly.

“Little brother, just repeat the year and try again next year.”

The fisherman patted my shoulder comfortingly, placed the hundred yuan in my hand, sighed, and turned away.

It was over.

Nothing could be undone.

With only two exam results, there was no way I could go to university.

I was a complete failure.

Clutching the Hero pen in my pencil case, I whispered through tears, “Sister, I’m sorry. I broke my promise—I won’t make it to university.”

For a long time, I was engulfed by despair before slowly regaining clarity.

Who was so cruel?

Xu Li?

No, she was just a housewife; only my father believed her scheming.

Recalling the arrogance of the three men in the car, they clearly weren’t afraid of being caught.

Qin Shaohu!

I finally remembered him.

He had once threatened me, saying I wouldn’t be allowed to take the exam smoothly.

He must have orchestrated this kidnapping—vile, shameless, and utterly ruthless.

I suddenly sat up, punching the concrete floor. Blood welled from my knuckles, but I felt no pain.

I was finished. Then let’s destroy everything together!

I wouldn’t let Qin Shaohu off.

I would make him pay dearly.

And those who had bullied me—none would be spared. Let them all perish!

Hatred gradually consumed my entire heart.

I stood slowly, eyes blazing red, fists clenched tight, wandering aimlessly down the street.

Exhaustion weighed on me, making my steps stagger as if I were an old man.

I no longer cared about passersby’s gazes. With no future left, what did it matter?

Only at dusk did I arrive home.

A beautiful girl stood waiting at the door, a faint smile blossoming on her lips.