15. Out of control

Wang Yi Bo cheered silently, feeling proud about his victory. He’d played his cards perfectly, and the outcome seemed just as he hoped. Better not think about any possible consequences now. Just enjoy the triumph.

“And? Does it work?” he teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he shifted playfully on Xiao Zhan's lap. His lips were only inches away, a bold distance that promised more. With deliberate slowness, his cold fingers unbuttoned the front of Xiao Zhan’s outer garment, slipping beneath the white shirt to find the warmth of his skin. Xiao Zhan inhaled sharply at the touch, and a glint of amusement lit up Wang Yi Bo’s eyes, even as a flicker of self-consciousness pricked him. This was still new territory for him, but he knew Xiao Zhan loved his playful antics. Xiao Zhan’s eyes, dark with emotion, locked onto his, breathing ragged and heavy. It was intoxicating to see him like this. Just a little more…

But to Wang Yi Bo’s surprise, Xiao Zhan’s hands moved with a firm resolve, stopping his teasing motions by holding his hips in place. The pirate’s gaze was serious, penetrating, searching. What was going on?

Wang Yi Bo arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued at this uncharacteristic restraint. Still, when Xiao Zhan pulled him closer for a passionate kiss, Wang Yi Bo let himself melt into it. The intensity of their touches made him forget everything around them. 

When they parted, Xiao Zhan gazed at him tenderly, his love clearly visible in his eyes. He gently brushed Wang Yi Bo’s flushed cheeks with his thumbs, grounding him with a touch that spoke volumes.

“My princess,” Xiao Zhan murmured, voice full of sincerity, “when this is all over, I’ll do everything in my power to give you everything you desire. There’s no need to bargain with me. I’ll propose properly, too - no chance for you to refuse me. But as much as I’d like to take you up on your offer now...” He paused, his hand giving a gentle, playful pat to Wang Yi Bo’s backside, “...we have to stay focused on the task ahead. It’s too dangerous to get distracted. Too many innocent lives depend on us.”

Wang Yi Bo let out a soft sigh, resting his head against Xiao Zhan’s shoulder. He couldn’t deny the truth in those words. Beneath his happiness worry gnawed at him. The mission ahead was dangerous, a high-stakes gamble with everything on the line. Still, knowing Reira's team and Wang Han were joining them to tackle the most challenging part of the plan calmed him down.

From the beginning, Reira had insisted on taking the lead in the most dangerous phase. Xiao Zhan hadn’t agreed, and their disagreement had escalated into a fierce argument, both of them shouting until their voices were hoarse. It was only after their parents stepped in - and a soothing cup of Cindy's special homemade hot chocolate - that tempers cooled. Mama Cindy always knew how to pacify her hot-headed children.

Wang Yi Bo understood his pirate’s perspective, even though he grudgingly admitted that Reira’s reasoning wasn't unfounded. Xiao Zhan and Reira were trained in entirely different skills, and missions like this one required her particular expertise. It was a stark contrast to the brute force of storming a ship. 

After hours of tense discussion under Cindy and Wang Han's watchful eyes, a compromise was reached. The crew gathered, finalising the strategy that would lead them into the heart of danger.

Six days had passed since that tense meeting, and they were now only one or two days away from their destination. It was the calm before the storm, a tense, anticipatory stillness hanging over the crew. Determination was etched on every face, and despite the looming danger, a collective will to succeed united them all.

***

Wang Yi Bo, the ship's notorious pirate princess, stood at the railing, lost in thought with a dreamy, foolish grin plastered across his face. This unusual expression had become a common sight in recent days, much to the amusement of the ship's crew. The gentle rocking of the ship, the endless expanse of the sea, and the whispers of the wind seemed to only deepen his reverie.

"Stop grinning like that, you idiot!" 

Wang Yi Bo snapped out of his daydream as a hard slap landed on his back, accompanied by the unmistakably annoying voice of his back pain sharing friend Xue Yang. He turned around, rolling his eyes at the intrusion.

"What's your problem now, you lousy sea dog?" Wang Yi Bo retorted, throwing a playful punch at Xue Yang’s shoulder.

Xue Yang grinned, exaggerating a look of nausea. "You’ve been disgustingly happy since we left port. Makes me wanna hurl every time I see that dopey grin of yours."

Despite the “friendly” exchange, neither could suppress the smiles creeping onto their faces. The bond they shared was evident in their playful banter.

"You really are a piece of shit!" Wang Yi Bo teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Not as much as you are!" Xue Yang shot back.

"I love you too, Xue Yang…" Wang Yi Bo quipped, feigning a swoon.

"Who said I love you? Bleh, I need to throw up again!" Xue Yang pretended to hang over the railing once more but was quickly caught in a headlock by Wang Yi Bo.

"Say that again, and I'll throw you overboard," Wang Yi Bo laughed, dragging his friend across the deck toward the helm where Xiao XingChen stood, watching them with an amused expression.

"Cough, I should have killed you when I had the chance, princess!" Xue Yang coughed dramatically, still trying to escape Wang Yi Bo’s hold.

"No, you wouldn't. You know the reason why," Wang Yi Bo said confidently.

"And what would that be?" Xue Yang asked, wriggling futilely.

"Because you love me, even if you won’t admit it. And the other reason is looking right at you from the steering wheel," Wang Yi Bo chuckled, nodding toward Xiao XingChen, who waved with a knowing smile.

The navigator shook his head, chuckling at their antics. "Leave him in one piece, princess. I need him unharmed later."

With a smug grin, Wang Yi Bo released his grip, helping Xue Yang back to his feet with a gentle bump to the shoulder.

"What did you want from me anyway?" Wang Yi Bo asked, folding his arms.

Pouting, Xue Yang rubbed his arm theatrically. "Oh, right. The Captain wanted to see you in his cabin. And stop grinning; it's disgusting. Whatever you’re expecting, it’s serious business. You're not the only one he wants to see."

"Ha? I wasn’t thinking about anything!" Wang Yi Bo protested, though his reddening cheeks betrayed him.

"Sure, that’s why you’re blushing like a lovesick rabbit," Xue Yang taunted, laughing at Wang Yi Bo's flustered expression.

"I am not! And who's a rabbit?" Wang Yi Bo huffed, striding purposefully toward the Captain’s cabin. "C’mon, let's not keep him waiting."

"Yes, your majesty!" Xue Yang called after him, still snickering.

"Shut up!" Wang Yi Bo replied, though there was no heat in his words.

Their playful bickering echoed across the deck as they made their way to Xiao Zhan's cabin, their footsteps a rhythmic accompaniment to the sea's symphony.

***

Inside the dimly lit cabin, the smell of salt and wood filled the air. Besides Xiao Zhan, Reira, and Wang Han, a few crew members were assembled, their faces shadowed by the flickering lanterns. Jiang Cheng, Song Lan, and a select few from Reira's team of spies stood by, waiting with quiet anticipation. As Wang Yi Bo entered, Xiao Zhan’s eyes lit up, and he gestured warmly for him to sit at his side.

Once everyone was settled and focused on him, Xiao Zhan began to brief the group on their next moves.

"The winds are in our favour," he began, a confident gleam in his eye. "XingChen and I have determined that, with our current speed, we'll reach the island by midnight. This timing works to our advantage."

An expectant murmur rippled through the room - a sign that the long wait was finally over.

Reira spoke next, her voice calm and assured. "The darkness will allow our team to infiltrate the enemy's base from the opposite cliffside, just as planned. While they expect us at the cliff, we'll slip by unnoticed." The group nodded in approval, the tension in the room easing slightly.

Wang Han stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze sweeping across the room. "The time we need to sail around the island into the cliffs should be enough for Reira's team to incapacitate the ambushers from behind. Remember, only kill if absolutely necessary. We need the leaders alive for questioning." His voice carried authority, ensuring every person understood the gravity of their task.

"The second team will secure the way back and remain outside the base," Xiao Zhan added, casting a meaningful glance at Reira, who nodded in understanding. "That's my team. We'll make sure there are no surprises waiting when you infiltrate the base."

"The third team's role is crucial," Xiao Zhan continued, his gaze locking with Jiang Cheng’s. "If we aren't fast enough, you’ll be exposed to the ambushers as soon as you steer the ship into the passage. We need to distract them so they won't suspect anything amiss. Keep the ship slow and stay on guard."

Jiang Cheng scowled, arms crossed defiantly. "Don't worry about us, Captain. We know what we have to do. Just focus on getting your asses out of that hellhole in one piece."

Xiao Zhan chuckled, nudging his first mate playfully. "Come on, ChengCheng, lighten up. Before you know it, you'll be back home with Xi—"

Jiang Cheng shot him a withering glare, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Another word, and I swear I'll toss you overboard."

Xiao Zhan raised his hands in mock surrender, laughter in his eyes. "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing." Leaning closer to Wang Yi Bo, he whispered conspiratorially, "He’s such a spoilsport sometimes, isn’t he?"

"Xiao Zhan!!" Jiang Cheng barked, exasperation clear in his tone.

Wang Han cleared his throat, bringing the meeting back to order. "Fine, fine, enough with the chatter," he interjected, casting a pointed look at Xiao Zhan. "I suggest you all update your teams and get some rest. We have a few hours before we reach the island, and we need to be at our best."

His gaze lingered on his son, with a hint of fatherly concern. He stressed the word "rest," making it clear he expected everyone to be in peak condition.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Xiao Zhan asked, a mock expression of innocence on his face.

“Because of your definition of ‘rest’…” Wang Yi Bo blurted out without thinking. Immediately, he was met with Xiao Zhan’s upset stare. He quickly offered an apologetic smile and mouthed, “Sorry,” while gently rubbing circles on Xiao Zhan’s back to soothe him.

Wang Han shook his head with a chuckle and clapped his hands. “Alright, everyone. Meeting adjourned. Get your teams ready, then rest up. We’ll need all the energy we can muster.”

The room emptied quickly as the crew members filed out, each heading to prepare for the mission ahead. Xiao Zhan watched them go, then turned to Wang Yi Bo with a playful smirk. Before Wang Yi Bo could react, his pirate grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the big cabin bed.

"Let’s take our ‘rest’ then, shall we?” Xiao Zhan teased, pulling his flustered princess down onto the bed beside him.

Wang Yi Bo laughed, nestling into Xiao Zhan's arms. Despite the teasing, the embrace was warm and comforting, a moment of respite amid the chaos. They lay together in silence for a few moments, the weight of the impending mission pressing down on them both.

"I hope this will be over quickly and that everything goes well," Xiao Zhan murmured, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, laced with an undercurrent of worry. "Once we're home, I want to spend some time with you alone. There's a spot on the island I've been dying to show you."

Wang Yi Bo looked up, his eyes meeting Xiao Zhan’s. “That sounds wonderful,” he replied softly. “Let’s make it happen when we get back.”

A hint of tension crept into Xiao Zhan’s expression. He gently cupped Wang Yi Bo’s face, his thumb brushing over the younger's cheek. “Promise me you won’t do anything reckless, Yi Bo. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

Wang Yi Bo’s smile was reassuring, but there was a determined edge to his words. “I promise. I won’t take any unnecessary risks.”

Xiao Zhan wasn’t satisfied. “Promise me,” he insisted, his voice firmer, his gaze unwavering.

“I promise,” Wang Yi Bo repeated, sincerity in his eyes.

***

Elsewhere on the ship, Jiang Cheng stood at the railing, watching the waves crash against the hull. His thoughts drifted to the mission, the risks they faced, and the promise of returning home. He clenched his fists, determination etched into his features.

***

Xiao Zhan held Wang Yi Bo close, tracing idle patterns on his back. His mind flickered between the present moment and the mission ahead. There was so much at stake, but here, in this quiet space, he allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability.

“Yi Bo,” he whispered, voice barely above a breath. “I love you. More than anything.”

Wang Yi Bo nestled closer, the weight of the words sinking into him. “I love you too, Xiao Zhan,” he replied, voice soft but steady.

As the ship sailed on into the night, carrying them toward danger and destiny, they lay together, drawing strength from each other’s presence. Whatever awaited them, they would face it together.

***

Pain. A piercing, searing pain like a thousand needles stabbing into his skull all at once. It was the first thing he felt, the brutal reminder that he was still alive. Each throb was like a hammer against his senses, grounding him in a reality he wished to escape.

He cautiously attempted to draw in a breath, each inhale sharp and shallow. It hurt. His chest felt like a vice, the muscles tight and unyielding, making every breath a battle. The air was cold and damp, clinging to his skin like a shroud.

He lay sprawled on a dirty, uneven stone floor. Darkness enveloped him, thick and impenetrable. Where was he? What had happened?

With a sudden, desperate jerk, he pushed himself off the ground, attempting to sit up. The world spun violently around him, a disorienting whirl of shadow and vertigo. He tried to shake off the fog, but the abrupt movement was a mistake. His battered body responded with a torrent of agony, making him groan through clenched teeth. 

He barely had time to register the bile rising in his throat before he lurched sideways, retching violently onto the cold stone. The acrid taste burned in his mouth as he heaved, each convulsion sending fresh waves of pain through his already tortured body.

When the dry heaves finally subsided, he collapsed back, panting heavily. His head felt like it was about to split open, each heartbeat sending fresh stabs of pain through his skull. 

After several long moments, he attempted to sit up again, this time slower, more cautiously. His muscles protested, but he managed to drag himself across the ground until he reached a nearby wall. Leaning against it, he closed his eyes and tried to steady his racing heart.

He forced himself to think, to piece together the fragments of memory through the haze of pain. What had happened? What had gone wrong?

***

They were waiting for Reira and her team at the agreed-upon location, concealed among the dense foliage that fringed the island. So far, they hadn't encountered any difficulties since arriving in the dead of night. The sky was overcast, thick clouds obscuring any moonlight and shrouding them in near-complete darkness. Dressed in black, they practically melted into the night, becoming one with the shadows.

The infiltration team of thirty men, led by Reira, had immediately set out to infiltrate the enemy's den. Their hope was to catch the traffickers off guard, either in their sleep or unprepared for an assault.  

Meanwhile, the second team, led by Xiao Zhan and Wang Yi Bo, had spread out along their designated escape route, leading to the rowing boats hidden behind a cluster of rocks near the shore. Everyone was vigilant, eyes scanning the trees for any signs of movement. 

For now, their plan was working. 

In the distance, muffled shouts, commands, and sporadic gunfire echoed through the trees, but none seemed to be heading their way. During their tense vigil, only three opponents had crossed their path, swiftly and silently dispatched by Song Lan and Xue Yang.  

Wang Yi Bo stood close to Xiao Zhan, peering intently into the dense forest. The longer they waited, the more anxious and restless he became, the distant sounds of conflict feeding his unease. 

"Are you sure they don’t need our help?" he whispered urgently to Xiao Zhan, who stood equally tense beside him. "It's taking too much time already!" 

"We can't leave our post," Xiao Zhan replied, his voice a tense murmur. "Reira and I agreed on a signal if they need assistance. We have to wait."

"But what if they can’t give us the signal? Can't we do something?"

"My princess," Xiao Zhan said softly, trying to reassure him, "I know it's hard, but we need to hold our ground a little longer. We have—"

Suddenly, a small group of traffickers came stumbling down the hill, dishevelled and weaponless, their appearance both unexpected and puzzling. Instantly alert, Xiao Zhan stopped mid-sentence and motioned for Wang Yi Bo and his men to take cover behind the bushes and trees. With quick hand signals, he directed Xue Yang, Song Lan, and a few others to pursue the fleeing traffickers.

"This seems off. Why would they run away like this?" Wang Yi Bo frowned, turning to Xiao Zhan for answers. 

"I know what you mean," Xiao Zhan replied, his expression mirroring Wang Yi Bo’s concern. "But what choice do we have?"

Their suspicions were confirmed when another group of armed men emerged shortly after, charging toward them with guns blazing. Bullets tore through the air, striking trees and dirt in chaotic bursts. 

"Shit! Everyone, be careful!" Xiao Zhan shouted, instinctively pulling Wang Yi Bo behind him as they ducked for cover. The other crew members quickly followed suit, drawing their weapons in preparation for the confrontation.

"They must know we’re here! But how?" Wang Yi Bo hissed, wincing as a bullet whizzed past, scraping the tree they were hiding behind.

"Stay hidden as long as possible," Xiao Zhan instructed while scanning the area, his tone commanding yet calm. "Don't take unnecessary risks. We need to find a way to take them down. As soon as I shoot, run to that cluster of trees over there, okay?"

But Wang Yi Bo didn’t respond.

“Do you understand?” Xiao Zhan repeated, urgency creeping into his voice. He glanced up, expecting to see his partner beside him - but Wang Yi Bo was gone.

A cold panic gripped Xiao Zhan’s heart as he hastily surveyed the area. Wang Yi Bo’s absence was like a sudden void, a hole torn in the fabric of his focus.

“This can’t be happening,” Xiao Zhan muttered, his voice strained with worry. “Where did you go, Yi Bo?”

Desperation surged through him. He had to find him. Whatever had happened, he couldn’t let Wang Yi Bo face it alone. 

Amidst the chaos, Wang Yi Bo spotted a figure through the tangled branches and swirling shadows of the forest. He frowned, squinting his eyes, unsure if his vision was betraying him. The possibility of this person being here was close to zero - or so he thought. Yet his heartbeat quickened, thundering in his chest, and his feet moved of their own accord. It couldn't be! It just couldn't be!

As he took a few steps forward, his heart racing with a mixture of hope and disbelief, he suddenly felt a strong hand seize his wrist, pulling him backward. It was then he realised he was already moving toward the figure. So lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t even noticed his own movement.

Wang Yi Bo’s heart sank as he realised he had wandered far from the path and the safety of his vantage point. Now, he was deep within the dimly lit forest, where the sun's early rays struggled to pierce through the dense canopy, casting a murky twilight over his surroundings.

“Yi Bo, where are you going?” Xiao Zhan’s angry voice snapped him out of his frantic thoughts.

“Xiao Zhan, I…” Wang Yi Bo stammered, glancing nervously around the darkened forest.

“Stay! We need to get back as soon as possible and secure the way for Reira and her team!” Xiao Zhan insisted, his voice urgent and commanding.

“I thought I saw someone. Someone I knew,” Wang Yi Bo explained, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.

“But you can’t just run off like that! They’ll kill you! What’s gotten into you?” Xiao Zhan's frustration was evident, but beneath it lay an edge of fear for Wang Yi Bo’s safety.

Realising the gravity of his actions, Wang Yi Bo paled, shame flooding his conscience. He had nearly jeopardised everything.

“I’m sorry… I don’t know what came over me,” he admitted, his voice small.

“It’s okay. Let’s get back quickly. The others need our help,” Xiao Zhan said, his tone softening as he turned, still gripping Wang Yi Bo’s wrist tightly.

Numb and chastened, Wang Yi Bo followed Xiao Zhan through the forest, his mind still reeling.

But then, a sinister voice cut through the air, causing both men to freeze in their tracks.

“Tsk, this was way too easy, don’t you think?”

The coldness in the voice sent a shiver down Wang Yi Bo's spine. Before he could react, too many things happened at once - things that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

A single shot rang out, slicing through the silence. Time seemed to slow as Wang Yi Bo watched, horrified, as Xiao Zhan’s grip on his wrist slackened. The bracelet he had given him tore free, glinting in the dim light as Xiao Zhan staggered backward, his eyes wide with shock and pain.

Wang Yi Bo’s heart dropped as he reached out in desperation, but before he could grasp Xiao Zhan, a brutal kick to the back of his legs sent him crashing to the ground. A fist collided with his stomach, knocking the wind from his lungs, leaving him gasping and helpless.

From where he lay, Wang Yi Bo could only watch in mute horror as Xiao Zhan tumbled down the slope, his face twisted in agony and disbelief.

He tried to scream, but the sound choked in his throat, his mind refusing to accept the reality unfolding before him.

‘It can’t be! It can’t be!’

A joyless laugh echoed through the clearing, dragging Wang Yi Bo’s attention to the figure looming over him. His eyes widened in disbelief as recognition dawned.

In that moment of distraction, before he could even voice his shock, another blow landed at the back of his head, a blinding pain exploding in his skull. His vision blurred, body going numb as he crumpled to the ground. Darkness swiftly consumed him.

The last sounds he heard were the voices of the assailants, cruel and mocking.

“Shit, we need to go after him!”

“No need! Just get this one. As long as we have him, we can get hold of that bastard Xiao Zhan! He’ll come to us on his own.”

“But he fell down, and you definitely hit him!”

“That’s even better. Tsk, let’s head back first. Either way, we have the upper hand.”

***

Wang Yi Bo awoke with a sharp gasp, the agony in his head a harsh reminder of his predicament. Tears pooled in his eyes, tracing down his dirt-streaked cheeks, mingling with the sweat and grime.

“It was my fault…”

“Finally awake?”

The cold, familiar voice pierced through his foggy consciousness. Shocked, Wang Yi Bo turned to face the man leaning casually against the wall of his makeshift prison.

“You?” He whispered, disbelief lacing his words as he took in the face he hadn’t thought he’d see again.