Chapter 2

The car rattled along, stopping in a desolate area.

Blindfolded, I smelled pig manure and a sour stench.

This was a deserted pig farm on the outskirts of town.

On New Year's Eve, where else would you find a corner where no fireworks were going off?

I was dragged out of the car and pushed into a concrete room.

My blindfold was removed, and wind and snow hit my face.

There was no heating, just a few metal posts.

"Tie her up."

Scar sat on a wooden table, lighting a cigarette, the flame flickering on his face.

Twig brought some rope and tied me to a post covered in pig manure.

The rope dug into my flesh, tearing the skin on my wounds, causing a sharp pain.

"Please, brothers, let me go..."

"My parents have money, they really do."

"The compensation money just hit their account this morning, a total of three hundred eighty thousand."

"It's all in that bankbook..."

Scar blew out a smoke ring and walked over, pinching my chin.

"Scared now? Where was all that enthusiasm for acting just a moment ago?"

"That wasn't acting... I was really scared..."

"Please, I'm not worth anything, but that money is my parents' lifeblood."

"If you just scare them a little, they'll definitely pay."

Scar narrowed his eyes.

"Alright, one last chance."

He pulled my phone from his pocket and unlocked it.

"FaceTime your mom. Remember, cry harder, scream louder."

"If we don't get the money this time, I'll chop off one of your fingers first."

He pointed the phone's camera at me and then grabbed a scoop of water from a bucket.

The water had ice chips floating on it.

"Splash!"

A scoop of icy water poured over my head.

My wet clothes clung to me, and I shivered, unable to speak.

The video call connected.

On the screen, their house was brightly lit, a New Year's Eve special playing on TV. The table was laden with a feast – steak and potatoes, roast chicken. Brenda was sprawled on the couch, munching on chips, and glanced at the video with annoyance.

"Mom! Help me! Mom!"

"They're real kidnappers! They're at a pig farm! It's so cold..."

"I'm going to freeze to death... Please, pay them! They want three hundred thousand!"

Brenda didn't stop munching her chips, yelling to Robert beside her.

"Robert, looks like these actors aren't giving up. They've changed tactics."

"Now they're playing the victim."

Then, she slowly spoke into the screen.

"Alright, Mia, that's enough."

"Uncle George and the others got scared off ages ago, even Aunt Susan's family blocked us."

"The act is getting boring."

"Mom! This isn't acting!"

I cried, struggling, showing the bloody marks on my wrists to the camera.

"Look! This is blood! Real blood! They hit me!"

Brenda frowned, leaning closer to the screen.

But she just curled her lip.

"Oh, so they're using fake blood now?"

"You guys are really pulling out all the stops for a few extra bucks."

"And I'm telling you, that's your brother's old hoodie, you know. If you get it dirty, I'll have to wash it."

"I'm not reimbursing you for that fake blood prop fee!"

Scar's face darkened. He snatched the phone and brandished the dagger in front of the camera.

"Listen up, bitch, look closely!"

"This blade is razor-sharp!"

"If you don't transfer the money, do you believe I'll slice off her finger right now?"

Brenda was startled by the roar, then curled her lip again.

"Alright, alright, threatening us now, are we?"

"Honestly, these low-budget actors are so unprofessional. If you want more money, just say so, don't pull these stunts."

"I'm telling you, forget cutting off a finger, even if you cut off her head,"

"You won't get a dime!"

"That money is for my son!"

"Beep."

The video call ended.

Before it hung up, I saw a cold smile on Brenda's lips.

I looked at the black phone screen, all hope gone.

Scar smashed the phone on the ground, the screen cracking.

"Damn it! Playing me for a fool!"

He yelled, turning around, and stomped on my left hand.

"Ah—!"

The sound of bone snapping echoed in the factory.

My vision went black, and I almost passed out from the pain.

"Cry! Keep crying!"

Scar kicked me repeatedly.

"Since your mom doesn't want you, then you're worthless!"