I Transmigrated as the Protagonist and Was Kidnapped by the Villainous Omega - Chapter 32.1

If Tang Jin were to be kidnapped, she’d likely be the type to be killed on the spot. After all that effort to abduct her, she’d yield nothing, and now that she knew their hideout, who else would they eliminate if not her?

Tang Jin’s answer clearly wasn’t what Ling Yuexi wanted.

“Not given important tasks?” Ling Yuexi scoffed, shifting her posture in the chair, her face hardening. “When has a supply run ever happened without you?”

Ever since Hong Xiu Zhao began monitoring Dragon’s Domain’s movements, Tang Jin had been present on every single outdoor mission. The one who always got the most credit was Chao Feng; most people in Dragon’s Domain focused their attention on her. Yet, they overlooked the consistently understated Tang Jin. Everyone spoke of Chao Feng’s bravery and how she always charged to the front. But when had Tang Jin ever fallen behind? Both possessed top-tier strength, one attacking and one defending, complementing each other. It was just that Tang Jin’s assigned tasks weren’t as flashy as Chaofeng’s.

For an A-tier Alpha of such formidable power to claim she wasn’t given important tasks—who was she trying to fool?

“I have no patience for nonsense.” From the gun holster on her outer thigh, Ling Yuexi drew a silver Desert Eagle. Her gaze turned icy as she spun the pistol in her hand, a cold smirk playing on her lips as she looked at Tang Jin. “Someone with no value, what use have I for you?”

The last few words carried a distinct killing intent, chilling the very air around them. Some people possessed such a potent aura that their mere presence was oppressive. The few people in the room remained silent. Hu Ziyuan, in particular, grew subtly tense.

The moment Su Cheng saw that gun-spinning gesture, a dark cloud formed in her heart. How familiar it was! Wasn’t she the last one to be threatened like this by the great demon queen?

“…Tang Jin.” Looking at her with an anxious expression, Su Cheng earnestly urged, “While our leader is still giving you a chance, tell the truth quickly.”

Otherwise, the great demon queen would just pull the trigger! Whether she’d aim to merely graze or not, Su Cheng didn’t know, but Tang Jin certainly wouldn’t stand there obediently like she had. If a fight broke out now, it would be hard to control it. Even Su Cheng herself didn’t believe Tang Jin’s earlier statement, let alone Ling Yuexi!

Among the eight members of Dawn, who didn’t hold some official position?

Chiwen, the most mysterious member of Dawn, always remained by Qing Cang’s side, like a trusted eunuch who had served the emperor for many years (not literally). Despite the crudeness of the analogy, it accurately reflected his status as the second most important individual, surpassing all others.

Then there was Pu Lao, who managed the entire research institute and was one of Qing Cang’s most valued talents.

As for Baxia and Fuxi, they served as commanders of the Imperial Guard and City Defense Army, respectively.

Beyond them, the remaining four members of Dawn, including Su Cheng (Chao Feng) herself, were all assigned to the Vanguard Army. They held the authority to deploy soldiers. The highest-ranking in military merits, Chaofeng, could mobilize half of the Vanguard Army. As for how the others’ military authority was distributed, Su Cheng wasn’t entirely sure.

However, even the youngest, Yu Fei (Bi’an), commanded many subordinates and led all reconnaissance missions. So what about Tang Jin? With her strength, surely she must command more people than Yu Fei!

“Every word I’ve spoken is true.” Tang Jin met Ling Yuexi’s eyes unflinchingly, her expression composed. “Leader, consider this: I’m already in your hands. Is there any need to conceal these things?” She wasn’t skilled at lying; the more she said, the more likely she was to make mistakes, making it even harder to reconcile later. It’s better to just tell the truth.

Besides… Remembering the scenes from earlier, she had a gut feeling that this leader was not someone who would casually harm innocents. Furthermore, recalling the previous scenes, she intuitively sensed that this leader would not recklessly inflict harm on innocent individuals. Tang Jin thought for a moment and decided that the best course of action was to tell the truth.

Su Cheng was about to be infuriated by her. You, you, why are you trying so hard to prove that you have no value?! She wanted to blurt out to Tang Jin, “In the original book, you die by her gun! You don’t understand Ling Yuexi; she really will kill people, especially those from Dragon’s Domain!

“Yuexi…” Seeing Tang Jin’s stubbornness, Hu Ziyuan couldn’t help but worry. She wanted to say that Tang Jin herself was valuable. But her words were cut short by Ling Yuexi’s dismissive wave. “Even the most capable person, if they cannot be used by me, will only become a disaster if kept alive.”

The two factions were inherently hostile. If Tang Jin were to abandon her loyalty to Qing Cang and willingly join Hong Xiu Zhao, it would be fine for Hu Ziyuan to marry her. After all, apart from their opposing stances, the two were quite a match. But if the other party preferred death to capitulation, then… Thinking of Hu Ziyuan, it truly became a bit tricky.

Upon hearing Ling Yuexi’s words, Su Cheng immediately understood. Forgetting all else, she desperately winked at Tang Jin: “The leader means for you to surrender, dear!” You either offer some information, or you offer yourself and join Hong Xiu Zhao. Quick—

“Do as you please, whether to kill or torture me.”

Surrender… Fck.*

The clear ten words landed, striking Su Cheng with dizziness. She swayed, nearly fainting on the spot. This person, this person—why can’t she understand my signals?!

“No, no, no!” When Su Cheng saw Ling Yuexi frown, she realized that the situation was bad. She pinched her philtrum, reviving herself, and in her urgency, words blurted out, “Tang Jin can be used!”

“Hmm?” Ling Yuexi raised an eyebrow. Seeing Su Cheng, her little clever one, interject, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief. In truth, she felt Tang Jin was someone who could be kept for further observation, but since she had already spoken her firm words, she needed an out, a way to save face for Hong Xiu Zhao. How else could Hong Xiu Zhao maintain its dignity? With a decision already made in her heart, Ling Yuexi maintained her stern demeanor; her gaze was sharp, feigning great authority. “What use?”

What use…? Su Cheng’s palms were sweating with anxiety. She glanced at Tang Jin, who stood by her side. Even at this critical juncture, the woman remained as unperturbed as Mount Tai before an earthquake, her clear and graceful countenance like a gentleman from a poster…

“She—she can do hair and beauty…?”

With these words, the entire room was stunned.

Hu Ziyuan: “???” Pupu: “!!!” Shi Yunqi: “!?!?!” Su Cheng: Orz… What in the damn world am I blabbering about…? What even is hair and beauty?!

She’d thrown such a bizarre lifeline to Ling Yuexi. Would she take it?

She would!

“This use truly is…” Ling Yuexi struggled for the right words. “…a dire need.”

“Yes, yes!” Su Cheng nodded in agreement, covering her face, unsure whether to cry or laugh. “She—she actually has a hidden identity—Teacher Tony!”

“I don’t…”

“You do!” Su Cheng immediately cut off Tang Jin, stepping forward and gripping her arm, feigning seriousness. “Leader, I think you should consider it. Keeping her as a hairdresser is perfectly viable! We have so many heads waiting for her to cut; her usefulness is immense!”

“Are you crazy?!” Shi Yunqi slapped her chair, unable to listen anymore. “I’m going to keep a dangerous Alpha just for… just for hairdressing?!”

“What do you know?!” Damn it, this fellow is quite lucid now. In a hurry, Su Cheng exchanged a glance with her “ally” and bravely said, “I have my reasons!”

“Nonsense reasons! This is clearly bullshit!”

“Shi Yunqi, come out.” Getting the hint, Hu Ziyuan quickly stood up and pulled the offending person away. “Let’s talk privately.”

“What’s there to—”

Thump, thump went two sharp blows to his head. “Are you coming or not?!”

“…You, you first, please.”

Seeing the troublemaker gone, Su Cheng finally breathed a sigh of relief. She scurried over, bent down, and whispered into Ling Yuexi’s ear, “While Tang Jin is formidable, her nature isn’t bad. We might as well use this excuse to temporarily keep her. With Ziyuan and I working on her, it won’t take long for her to surrender.

Yes, Ling Yuexi thought the same. If she could reciprocate Ziyuan’s genuine feelings, that would be even better.

But…

“Hair and beauty?” Ling Yuexi cast a sidelong glance at her, a half-smile playing on her lips. She spoke softly, “You’re quite the storyteller.” Everything, no matter how ridiculous, sounded plausible coming from Su Cheng’s mouth, as if it were truly so.

“Th-this, I didn’t lie to you!” She absolutely couldn’t admit it. If she admitted to one lie, Ling Yuexi would have reason to suspect she was a habitual liar. “She really knows how to do hair. Look at how well she tidies herself up; how beautiful!”

“…” That’s just because she’s naturally good-looking.

“You still don’t believe me.” Su Cheng pouted. “Hmph, I’ll have her do your hair tomorrow so you can see for yourself.”

“Have her?” Ling Yuexi’s eyes narrowed slightly as she picked up a strand of Su Cheng’s hair. She said faintly, “It’s uncertain if you’ll even survive tonight.”

…

I understand less and less, Tang Jin thought. Chaofeng and Hong Xiu Zhao’s leader have this kind of relationship?! Could it be for the sake of the mission? … Not entirely, perhaps. She sighed inwardly, seeing clearly that there was genuine affection in their eyes.

Her sleeve was suddenly tugged lightly. Tang Jin tilted her head slightly and saw a girl with twin pigtails standing beside her, looking at her with expectant eyes. “Um, can you perhaps help me trim my hair later?” Her large, blinking eyes watched Tang Jin, clear, bright, and simply adorable.

Tang Jin paused, then nodded. She could certainly manage a simple trim. The people of Hong Xiu Zhao were completely different from what she had imagined. It was good to stay here; she wanted to see more.

Finally, amidst all the chaos, Tang Jin found temporary solace in the small wooden hut from before. Her handcuffs and collar remained on, and two guards were now posted day and night outside her door. This outcome was already quite good, Su Cheng thought. There was plenty of time; at least the person was safe for now, and there would be plenty of opportunities later.

But…

Who was going to save her now?!

Inside the small courtyard with the fence, Ling Yuexi pushed Su Cheng down onto the bed, a cold smile on her face as she leaned over. “Is there still an unsettled score between you and me?”

“I don’t think we have any feuds…” Su Cheng’s hands pressed against Ling Yuexi’s shoulders, her heart trembling slightly. She wasn’t sure if it was fear or something else, but there was even a little thrill…

Ling Yuexi pinned Su Cheng’s wrists down on either side and pressed herself closer, her nose rubbing back and forth against Su Cheng’s. Her voice deepened. “Greasing my gun?” Her treasured gun, cherished for so many years, had been smeared like old spectacles in this person’s hands. The more she thought about it, the more it felt intentional.

“It wasn’t intentional—Ah!” Su Cheng cried out as a sharp bite landed on her neck, bringing tears to her eyes. “I was just hungry at the time…” What was wrong with eating a chicken leg after ambushing for so long?! It was a perfectly reasonable need! “…Besides, we were quite successful this time, weren’t we?” Even though they didn’t hit a single person, they still managed to gather a substantial supply.

“And ‘nightly serenades’?” Ling Yuexi licked her lips, a hint of irritation coloring her eyes. With a “rip”, she forcefully tore Su Cheng’s shirt collar. “A beast in human clothing?”

“…I was just joking!” Su Cheng frantically tried to stop her, but the other woman’s strength suddenly increased. Ling Yuexi pressed her down and began to bite, like a vampire long deprived, gnawing and tearing as if eager to devour her alive.

“Xixi, it hurts…” Su Cheng twisted her body uncomfortably. The last time she cried out in pain, Ling Yuexi had immediately relented. But this time, for some reason, it was as if she hadn’t heard.

So hot…