62: Chapter 62 The Garden Stroll

The pirate ship had accompanied countless children through their joyful years at the Children's Palace.

So much so that now, its massive gears creaked and groaned.

Liu Yuan, who wasn't afraid of high-speed roller coasters, felt a flutter of nervousness seeing this hulking piece of iron swing up and down before her eyes.

Especially the children currently on the pirate ship, whose cries and screams acted like a debuff, weakening the resolve of those waiting in line.

Liu Yuan said, 'Hey, tell me, this thing won't have its gears burst out halfway up, will it?'

Su Nange laughed heartily; this young lady actually had such a cute side.

'Don't worry, if it collapses, I'll cushion your fall!'

Liu Yuan glanced at Su Nange, her heart beating a little faster.

Finally, it was their turn to board.

Su Nange directly pulled Liu Yuan to the very back row.

Only from these seats, when the pirate ship rose, could one look vertically down at the ground.

To be honest, while it couldn't compare to a roller coaster, it definitely still had its thrills.

Liu Yuan suddenly felt a bit nervous. Su Nange secured the safety bar for her.

Then he said, 'Look, those kids seem a bit scared. Aren't you, their big sister, going to set a good example?'

Liu Yuan nodded.

The loud screech of tire rubber against metal sounded, signaling the pirate ship was setting sail.

As the pendulum's swing grew larger, sounds of excitement, fear, and crying intertwined.

Such emotions are particularly contagious in specific settings.

Liu Yuan watched the massive steel frame emit piercing creaks, as if it might snap at any moment.

She felt she might have been better off on a roller coaster instead.

This rundown pirate ship, whether from lack of lubricant or unmaintained gears, seemed to hang suspended in the air for an especially long time.

Liu Yuan stared vertically down at the ground for a prolonged period, feeling as if she were dangling mid-air.

Beside her, Su Nange was very excited. At this moment, he was like Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl.

Su Nange placed his hand over Liu Yuan's, which finally made her feel a bit more at ease.

The thrilling pirate ride ended quickly.

Liu Yuan sat on a bench in the Children's Palace. Su Nange bought two ice creams.

Only four Yuan in total, yet they were rich with the scent of milk.

Liu Yuan took a bite and found it surprisingly good.

Liu Yuan pointed towards the pirate ship: 'Shall we go line up again?'

Su Nange smiled and nodded.

Before them, a mother and daughter passed by. The little girl, very innocent, said to her mother, 'Mom, look, that big sister is so beautiful!'

The young mother was momentarily stunned; she indeed saw a very beautiful woman, perhaps even comparable to female celebrities on TV.

Seeing someone like Liu Yuan, most women would feel a sense of inferiority.

Su Nange replied loudly, 'Little girl, you'll grow up to be as beautiful as this big sister one day!'

The little girl and her mother left smiling.

Liu Yuan rested her head on Su Nange's shoulder. She finally understood why Su Nange had brought her here.

She felt quite resentful inside.

She resented why Su Nange was always so flippant with his words, yet his heart was so warm.

Liu Yuan said to Su Nange, 'Thank you. I haven't been this happy in a long time. It feels like I've returned to my youth.'

'You know, I'm a year older than Wanqing. I'm 34 this year.'

At this point, Su Nange only needed to give one simple reply to completely win over this chaebol heiress who had already opened her heart to him.

But Su Nange still hesitated. Was he really qualified to have her?

Moreover, he still hadn't resolved the matters concerning Tingting and Su Yao.

Su Nange seemed to make a decision. Looking at Liu Yuan, his gaze was deep with affection, yet that affection was filled with a sense of helplessness.

He said, 'I'm not actually afraid of any difficulties. You don't need to thank me.'

'Back in university, whenever I was unhappy, I'd bring Tingting here on weekends.'

'It really does help one forget their troubles.'

Liu Yuan was no fool; she instantly understood Su Nange's meaning.

She didn't move her head resting on Su Nange's shoulder, only replying, 'The time I can wait... isn't much!'

Su Nange nodded. This time, it was his turn to say, 'Thank you!'

Since the two had already clarified each other's feelings, they wouldn't let this little episode ruin their mood.

On the contrary, having a goal made the direction clearer.

After finishing her ice cream, Liu Yuan stood up: 'Let's go. We'll ride the pirate ship one more time, then go on the Ferris wheel!'

And so, the two played until late afternoon, almost dusk, before preparing to leave.

Liu Yuan said to Su Nange, 'Wait for me a moment. I need to use the restroom.'

Su Nange smiled and nodded, watching her cheerful steps recede into the distance.

Su Nange was dying for a smoke. He quickly took out a cigarette and took a deep drag.

To be honest, Su Nange felt quite accomplished today. As he exhaled smoke, he told himself inwardly: Stop binding yourself with morality all the time!

Ask yourself honestly, a big sister like Liu Yuan... aren't you tempted?

Su Nange sighed. How could he not be tempted? Besides, he had a secret deeply buried in his heart.

Perhaps only Liu Yuan could unravel this secret now!

However, he had finished two cigarettes. Why hadn't Liu Yuan returned yet?

Su Nange entered the Children's Palace again, heading towards the restroom area to look for her.

By now, the November sunset was almost gone. The once bustling Children's Palace had grown somewhat quiet.

Su Nange called out, 'Yuan, Yuan, are you done?'

Only Su Nange's voice echoed repeatedly through the building.

Su Nange suddenly became alert, thinking to himself, 'This is bad!'

Could there really be someone daring to make a move in a place like this?

Su Nange didn't care; he rushed into several women's restrooms, searching each one, but found no trace of Liu Yuan.

At that moment, an anonymous text message arrived on his phone: 'Come to Building 6, 5th floor classroom!'

Seeing this, Su Nange immediately took out his boundary gap glasses and put them on. He needed to buy items in the game before reaching the other party!

Bulletproof vest, bayonet, switchblade—he quickly equipped himself.

Building 6 was hard to find, the most remote building in the Children's Palace. There was not a single person in sight now.

Su Nange removed the glasses, withdrew the system, then pushed the door open and walked in.

Sure enough, straight ahead was a chair. Liu Yuan was tied up, her arms bound to the back of the chair.

Her eyes were covered, and a white cloth was stuffed in her mouth. Sensing Su Nange's arrival, she made muffled sounds.

A masked, burly man suddenly attacked from Su Nange's right side.

Fortunately, Su Nange was already prepared. He blocked with a bent arm, then countered with a kick.

The big man was forced back after two moves, not daring to advance.

But behind Liu Yuan, another masked person appeared. He pulled out a long dagger, pointing it at Liu Yuan.

Then he said to Su Nange, 'I advise you not to resist! Otherwise, I'll kill this woman right in front of you!'

Su Nange raised his hands: 'Fine, I won't resist! Release her immediately!'

'Whatever you want, come at me! Don't hurt her!'

Hearing this, Liu Yuan's muffled sounds grew louder.

Then, a third person appeared from Su Nange's left! He held a military-grade restraint rope.

The masked man behind Liu Yuan said, 'Search him! Tie him up!'

Su Nange: 'Wait! Release her first! Otherwise, I'll kill you all!'

The masked man replied, 'Oh, seems you really care for this woman!'

'But do you think you're in any position to negotiate? You'd better behave! Otherwise, well... your girlfriend is so pretty, heh, you get it!'

Su Nange gave a cold laugh: 'Fine. Let's see what tricks you faceless cowards can pull.'

Su Nange was searched by one of the masked men. The man nodded to the leader, indicating no problems.

Then another person firmly bound Su Nange's hands behind his back! His feet were also tightly tied!

Su Nange asked, 'Alright, I've done as you said. Shouldn't you release her now? And do you even know who she is?'

The lead masked man laughed: 'Isn't she the eldest daughter of the Liu family? So what? Doesn't she have to obey now too?'

'Are you people sent by Ling Hao?' Su Nange suddenly tried to bluff.

However, the other party was clearly professional and didn't take the bait, only chuckling: 'Since we dared to do this, save your efforts.'

Su Nange lowered his head, his voice gloomy: 'Then what do you want?'

The masked man said calmly, 'Someone paid for your hands! Once I take them back as proof, I promise to return this beautiful young lady safely.'

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan began to struggle. She didn't want Su Nange hurt. Her demeanor clearly wished for Su Nange to leave quickly.

However, Su Nange took a deep breath: 'Alright, since your target is me, that puts me at ease!'

'As long as she's unharmed, I'll do as you say!'