The water in the river flowed unhurriedly by before them, so clear that they could see Asian carp swimming in it. They looked plump and delicious. Xia Lei threw a stone into the water and dozens of carp sprang above the surface of the river, throwing up exaggerated splashes of water. The people here didn’t seem to eat much fish - these Asian carp had found a little paradise here to multiply all they wanted. 

“I’ve got to hand it to you - you’re still in the mood to play around.” Ning Jing’s voice was small. She looked at Xia Lei’s face, her eyes dull. 

Xia Lei laughed and said, “Happiness lasts for a minute, and so does sorrow, so why be sorrowful? I’ve said that I would take you away from here. Relax. You’ll be fine.” 

“You…” Ning Jing hesitated, then said, “Did you come specially to save me?” 

“Well, I knew you were trapped here so I came.” Xia Lei added, “Of course, there are the other experts too. They’re China’s elite.” 

“I thought I would die here. I didn’t expect… that you’d come.” Ning Jing hugged Xia Lei from behind emo...