Chapter Four: A Ledger Without Numbers

Gunfire cracked above. Sparks chased them down the cable. Yanci crowded Jibai into a corner as a bullet struck the bars. His shoulder wound opened again, quickly soaking his shirt. “Shield me once more,” Jibai said, wrenching the emergency brake, “and the penalty doubles.” “Put it on my account.” “You're already bankrupt.” The cage stopped between levels. An abandoned drainage pipe crossed the rock less than a meter away. Jibai swung onto it first, then caught Yanci. The man landed against his chest with a muffled sound and the faintest smile. “Partner Zhou, this embrace exceeds the contractual duration.” “Be quiet, Debtor Shen.”