Chapter 115: Seeking Shelter

“Didn’t you hear those gunshots earlier? A gang of bank robbers just stormed the mall,” Huang Xinyu clarified the situation for her daughter.

“I didn’t,” replied Huang Caixing, shaking her head. She was startled by Huang Xinyu’s revelation, disbelief clouded her face.

“Mom, is this for real? Are you and Big Brother Lin just pulling my leg?” Huang Caixing asked with a hint of doubt.

“Why would we joke about something so serious?” retorted Huang Xinyu, her voice tinged with irritation.

A wave of fear washed over Huang Caixing, draining the color from her face. While she was typically cheerful and spirited, she had never confronted such a dangerous situation.

To think that robbers would invade a bustling mall in the heart of Jinghai City. She’d believed events like these were confined to the silver screen, never expecting to be thrust into one. But perhaps Lin Xiao’s presence bolstered her courage because although she was scared, she maintained her composure.

“But… What about the other mall-goers? Big Brother Lin, shouldn’t we lead them out too?” Huang Caixing’s voice trembled.

“We’re running short on time. Once I make sure both of you are safe, I’ll try to rescue the others,” Lin Xiao said resolutely. “Those masked villains won’t start a bloodbath right away. Otherwise, the mall would already be a gruesome scene. They’re probably looking to take hostages and negotiate with the authorities.”

“So, where are we headed now?”

“To a spot those ruffians won’t think to check,” said Lin Xiao, urgency in his steps.

Lin Xiao’s every action was deliberate, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. His ears seemed attuned to the faintest of noises, and his steps, though swift, were calculated, avoiding any unnecessary commotion. His vigilant demeanor radiated an aura of authority and control amidst the chaos, making it clear he was a man accustomed to perilous situations

Grasping Huang Caixing’s hand, who was in turn holding onto her mother, Huang Xinyu, they hurriedly navigated the corridor.

“Are you familiar with this mall? Know any hidden corners?” he asked.

After a brief pause, Huang Xinyu offered, “There’s a secluded spot on the fifth floor.”

“Then that’s our destination,” declared Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao moved briskly, each step purposeful and fast. Huang Xinyu did her best to match his speed, but the high heels she wore proved a challenge. Moving too quickly, she misstepped on the stairs, losing her balance and crashing to the ground.

The sudden thud made Lin Xiao turn, and he was met with the sight of Huang Xinyu, clutching her ankle in evident pain.

“Mom, are you alright?” Huang Caixing’s voice trembled with concern as she hurried over, offering her mother support.

“I think I twisted my ankle,” Huang Xinyu grimaced.

Huang Xinyu’s eyebrows furrowed in distress as she tried to rise, but the sharp pain in her ankle forced her back down.

Aware that every second counted, Lin Xiao decisively said, “I’ll carry you.”

Without hesitation, he crouched, offering his back to Huang Xinyu.

“Climb on, now,” he commanded, urgency evident in his tone.

From the sounds around him, Lin Xiao discerned the footsteps of the masked intruders. They were closing in, just one floor away.

Huang Xinyu wasted no more time. She wrapped her arms around Lin Xiao’s neck, leaning onto him for support. An unexpected warmth spread through her, a sensation akin to a gentle electric current. Even amidst the tension, it persisted.

But Lin Xiao was single-minded, every ounce of his concentration dedicated to their escape. With both hands supporting Huang Xinyu’s buttocks, he followed Huang Caixing, who was blazing their trail. They sprinted up the stairs, aiming for the top floor.

Carried upon Lin Xiao’s back, the tension and gravity of the situation became evident in Huang Xinyu. Her dignified and radiant face flushed, her breaths becoming quicker and more labored. Gradually, her strength waned, making her lean heavily against Lin Xiao, her once clear eyes now clouded with a misty haze.

“We’ve made it,” Huang Caixing said, out of breath.

Having scaled two flights of stairs and navigated numerous corridors and turns, they reached their destination, the place Huang Xinyu had mentioned.

It was a storage room, tucked away in a secluded corner of the mall. Its glass windows offered a clear view of the forgotten items within—old marketing materials, stacks of unused chairs, and assorted janitorial supplies. Crucially, the room was empty, providing them a momentary respite.

Located in a secluded area, the surroundings were covered in dust, indicating that this warehouse wasn’t frequently used. Not only were the mall shoppers oblivious to it, but even most of the mall’s staff likely never ventured here.

Although Lin Xiao had climbed several floors with someone on his back, he didn’t even seem winded, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.

He surveyed the area and nodded with satisfaction, “This is a good spot. Let’s go in.”

“The door’s locked. We can’t get through,” Huang Caixing said, vigorously jiggling the lock on the storeroom door, her breathing heavy and her chest heaving with each breath.

Huang Xinyu, too, was catching her breath, her cheeks flushed. Yet, she’d been on Lin Xiao’s back the entire time and hadn’t exerted herself by climbing any stairs. The reason for her panting was perhaps known only to her.

Approaching the door, Lin Xiao took hold of the lock, and with a forceful twist, the entire mechanism, along with its bolt, snapped off.

Opening the door, a musty, decayed odor assailed them, sending up a cloud of dust.

After Huang Caixing stepped into the storeroom, Lin Xiao, with Huang Xinyu still in tow, followed suit, carefully closing the door behind.

An unfamiliar feeling caused Huang Xinyu to feel weak in her knees. Even after Lin Xiao set her down, she leaned against him for support.

Though she was in her thirties, Huang Xinyu’s impeccable care made her look as if she were in her twenties. Standing next to Huang Caixing, if adorned in younger attire, she’d easily be mistaken for her sister rather than her mother. Moreover, she radiated a mature allure that Huang Caixing had yet to attain.

Clearing a small area in the cluttered space, Lin Xiao placed his coat on the ground.

“Sit down and rest, both of you. And please, stay quiet. I’ll be right back.”

Hearing this, a wave of anxiety washed over the mother and daughter. Huang Caixing, her concern evident, grasped Lin Xiao’s hand, “Big Brother Lin, what are you planning?”

Sensing their apprehension, Lin Xiao sought to calm them, “I’ll keep a watch on those thugs. We can’t just remain here, vulnerable. You’re both safe for now. They won’t discover this spot anytime soon–”

However, before he could finish, his phone suddenly rang.