Rhino flew in through the window in a hail of bullets. He landed hard, rolled once and rose up. His rifle was primed and ready, already shooting with precision.
His orders were still the same - grab Lumina's friend in the control room and leave.
It was an extraction. And Rhino was an expert. He didn't waste time meaninglessly engaging with the people from Black Lotus.
He didnt spare a glance even at the fallen soldier comrades. His focus was singular- grab the friend and get out.
His gaze cut across the room, assessing who the target was. It finally locked into two cowering figures near the systems. Clearly it was one of the two figures. But which one?
While his mind raced, Rhino didn't hesitate. He moved towards them with precision. At worst, I will get them both out, he figured. And turned sharply.
That's when he saw her.
She was pretty young, probably a teacher here. She shifted over to shield the student, crouching awkwardly, and holding her hand up to protect her charge.
Her hand was clearly bleeding. But he didn't see her flinch. Her eyes were steady and assessing, as though she was considering what to do next.
Then their eyes met. Across the bullets. And Rhino couldn't look away. There was something about that gaze that drew him.
"Watch out" screamed Lu Mian, moving away from under the teacher and kicked the assassin next to her. His aim missed and the bullet grazed Rhino's arm, effectively spurring him out of his stupor.
Lu Mian didn't hesitate. She decisively pushed the teacher into Rhino's arms and rolled back to disarm the operative who tried to take them down.
Rhino, as if on instinct, automatically caught her. He thew a smoke bomb and pivoted sharply.
By the time the smoke cleared, there was no sign of either of them - Rhino or the teacher. If not for the debris scattered around, it would be like Rhino was never there!
The silence that followed was worse than the gunfire.
"Find them" roared Han Zheyu, his patience snapped. He rounded on Lu Mian, fury blazing, and struck without warning.
She hit the ground hard, breath knocked from her lungs. She lay panting on the floor, not daring to get up.
"You think you're clever?" he hissed, pinning her down. "You think you can play the hero?"
He straightened abruptly and barked an order that made the room go cold.
"Kill them all. The students too. No witnesses."
"No" tried Huo Yichen. "We will cooperate. We will … " his voice trailed off when the enormity of their positions finally dawned on him.
What could they actually do? They were outnumbered and powerless. More importantly, the imagined reinforcements hadn't come yet. This extraction that happened made absolutely no sense!
What was happening?! Huo Yichen was confused. Ideally, it was Researcher Mo who should've been extracted. With him out of the equation, they could've bargained with the Black Lotus to give them some codes in exchange for the student's safety.
He threw an annoyed glance at Lu Mian.
This was her fault! If she hadn't pushed a teacher to escape, they could've found a way to mediate.
Lu Mian ignored the hateful looks from the soldiers around her and waited in silence. While she outwardly pretend to be scared, her mind raced. It wouldn't be long now, she thought, her heart brimming with hope. With Rhino here, the others must be close! Indeed in both her lifetimes, it was her comrades who came to her aid the minute she needed it!
After a few minutes of tense silence - nothing happened.
Because Viper had already moved. One by one, Han Zheyu's men had collapsed. A knee to the spine, a chokehold. VIper was named so - because he killed with one strike, either with a rifle or with his bare hands.
And this time, thanks to his ruthless efficiency, the students were safe. Viper moved across the classrooms, disabling Han Zheyu's men, while the students continued on with their work, totally unaware of what was happening outside.
Han Zheyu's face was drained of color. How? The Military had just arrived. How had his operation been totally derailed already?
Clearly, their intel was right. The Major on duty was a buffon and his movements easy to overpower.
Only one man had the power to work this efficiently. Aegis. Could it be…?
However, Han Zheyu wasn't the Black Lotus' top operative for anything. He mentally regrouped and changed plans.
"Take the girl, the old man and this useless Major. Leave the rest. We move out now." he ordered his team.
So what if they didn't have students- they still had key hostages. Solid leverage. Han Zheyu was positive about his chances. And anyway, his mission would be a success as long as they got Researcher Mo in their custody.
Huo Yichen was dealt a blow that made him unconscious. Researcher Mo was gagged and Lu Mian, with her hands tied behind, was shoved along the corridor.
The plan was simple. Leave by the main gate if necessary. With the reporters and pressure of the parents outside, will Qinghe institute really want to lose this face?
Han Zheyu gambled and had a plan in mind. He pulled out his walkie talkie and directly stated his demands "Any more moves and I will personally shoot our hostages" he said grimly. "Aegis, I know you are there - show up obediently and I will consider letting them go".
Lu Mian drew in a sharp breath. That wasn't an act. She was truly surprised. She didn't realize Aegis was close by. No, he cannot be found out so soon!
"Now you're ready to talk?" grunted Han Zheyu, noticing her intake of breath. He gave her a sharp slap. "Speak. What do you know? Who are you?"
"No.. No.. I am just scared" whimpered Lu Mian."I.. I overheard that Soldier Comrade in the computer room" she whispered. "He said the same name - and bragged he was working under him already" and covertly glanced at the unconscious Huo Yichen.
The insinuation was clear. Aegis was Huo Yichen - and was already in their custody.