Overclocked City

The city's neon glow painted the rain-slicked streets in vibrant, shimmering hues. Chen Mo walked, the weight of Lin Yuhan's request pressing down on him like a physical burden. Six million yuan. The words echoed in his mind, a relentless mantra. He could almost feel the rough texture of the banknotes, the cold, hard promise of immense wealth. But at what cost? He stopped, pressing a hand to his chest, feeling the erratic thud of his heart. Lin Yuhan's tear-streaked face flashed before his eyes, her desperate plea hidden beneath a facade of stoic strength echoing in his ears. Help her, or let her fall? The two options warred within him, each a siren song pulling him in opposite directions. The decision felt like a physical weight, crushing him.

"Chen Mo, what's eating you?"

A familiar voice cut through his turmoil. He looked up to see Li Qiang, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Qiangzi, what are you doing here?" Chen Mo asked, snapping out of his reverie.

"If I didn't come, you'd be brooding here all night," Li Qiang said, clapping Chen Mo on the shoulder. "Come on, let's grab a drink."

"A drink?" Chen Mo hesitated. He wasn't in the mood.

"What, afraid your wife will find out?" Li Qiang teased, his words laced with playful concern.

"Go on, you!" Chen Mo laughed, relieved by Li Qiang's attempt to lighten the atmosphere.

"Come on, it's my treat!" Li Qiang pulled Chen Mo towards a bustling street-side eatery, the sounds of the city a dull roar in the background.

Several drinks later, Chen Mo could no longer contain his anxieties.

"What should I do?" he asked, draining his beer glass, his voice heavy with worry.

Li Qiang listened intently, his expression serious. He patted Chen Mo on the shoulder. "Chen Mo, this is your decision. I'll support you, whatever you choose."

"But…"

"No buts!" Li Qiang interrupted firmly. "I know what's weighing on you, but some problems can't be solved by running away."

"You mean…"

"Trust your gut," Li Qiang said, looking at Chen Mo with unwavering conviction. "Do you believe in her?"

Chen Mo hesitated, unsure how to answer. The weight of the decision pressed down on him.

"Follow your heart," Li Qiang raised his glass. "I believe you'll make the right choice."

"Cheers," Chen Mo raised his glass, clinking it against Li Qiang's. He drained the glass in one gulp, the liquid doing little to quench the fire in his gut.

The city lights continued their mesmerizing glow, but the night held no solace for Chen Mo. He lay in bed, unable to sleep, the image of Lin Yuhan, and Li Qiang's words, replaying endlessly in his mind.

"Trust your gut… follow your heart…"

He tossed and turned, the chaotic thoughts refusing to be silenced.

"Sigh…"

He sighed helplessly, getting out of bed and walking to the window. He stared out at the twinkling neon lights, a whirlwind of confusion and anxiety swirling within him. He knew he had to decide soon, or the situation could spiral out of control, potentially dragging Li Qiang into the mess.

The decision was agonizingly difficult. On one hand, the promise of a substantial reward and the chance for revenge against Wang Fatty was alluring. On the other, unknown risks and the possibility of imprisonment loomed large.

"What should I do…"

Inside his head, two warring voices battled, leaving him torn.

Then, his phone rang, shattering the silence. He saw an unfamiliar number.

"Hello, who is this?"

"It's me." Lin Yuhan's voice, calm yet laced with an underlying urgency, sent a jolt through him.

"It's late. Is everything alright?" Chen Mo's heart quickened involuntarily.

"I'm waiting for your answer. Have you decided?" Lin Yuhan's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority, a subtle pressure that intensified the weight of his decision.

Chen Mo took a deep breath. He knew there was no escaping this.

"Okay, I agree," Chen Mo finally said, his voice firm, resolute. The decision, once a crushing weight, now felt like a weight lifted.

"Good." Lin Yuhan's voice held a hint of relief. "Tomorrow morning at eight, meet me at the usual place. I'll tell you everything."

The line went dead. Chen Mo stared out at the dark night, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. He knew his life had irrevocably changed. A path fraught with danger and challenges lay ahead. But he didn't regret his choice. He'd followed his heart.