第103章 "A Shadow in the Dark"

**Chapter 103: The Unexpected Betrayal**

Xiao Zhan pushed the door open, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room. He could see the outline of a figure, its features distorted by the flickering shadows. The air was thick with tension, and Xiao Zhan's instincts screamed at him to be cautious.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice low and even.

The figure slowly turned to face him, its features becoming clearer with each passing moment. Xiao Zhan's eyes narrowed as he recognized the man. It was none other than his former comrade, Wang Wei, who had once been part of his special forces team.

"Xiao Zhan," Wang Wei said, a smirk spreading across his face. "It's been a long time."

Xiao Zhan's grip on the door handle tightened. What was Wang Wei doing here? And why did he look like he was hiding something?

"I didn't know you were back in the city," Wang Wei continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I thought you were still enjoying your quiet life in the suburbs."

Xiao Zhan's eyes narrowed. Wang Wei was playing games, but he didn't have time for this. "What do you want, Wang Wei?" he asked, his patience wearing thin.

Wang Wei chuckled, a hint of malice in his eyes. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I want. You see, I've been approached by a certain individual who is interested in... acquiring your skills."

Xiao Zhan's eyes narrowed further. What kind of individual? And what did they want with him?

"Who is it?" he demanded, his voice firm.

Wang Wei shrugged. "I'm not at liberty to say. But I can tell you that they're willing to pay top dollar for your services."

Xiao Zhan's eyes flashed with anger. He didn't need anyone's money, and he certainly didn't need Wang Wei's help. "I'm not interested," he said curtly.

Wang Wei's smirk faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Ah, but you're going to be interested. You see, I've been given a little... incentive to make sure you cooperate."

Xiao Zhan's hackles rose. What kind of game was Wang Wei playing? And what kind of incentive could he possibly have that would make Xiao Zhan reconsider?

As Wang Wei began to explain, Xiao Zhan's eyes locked onto the man's, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that he was in for the fight of his life, and he was determined to come out on top.

But just as he thought he had a handle on the situation, a sudden noise echoed through the room, followed by the sound of shattering glass. Xiao Zhan's head whipped around, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

And that's when he saw her - a woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair, her face twisted in a snarl as she lunged at Wang Wei with a knife.

Xiao Zhan's eyes widened in shock as he realized that this was no ordinary woman. She was a member of the infamous Black Dragon gang, and she was here for one reason - to take him down.

The room erupted into chaos as Xiao Zhan leapt into action, his training kicking in as he faced off against the woman and Wang Wei. But just as he thought he had the upper hand, a sudden burst of gunfire echoed through the room, and everything went dark.

When Xiao Zhan came to, he was lying on the floor, his head throbbing with pain. Wang Wei was nowhere to be seen, but the woman was standing over him, her green eyes glinting with menace.

"You should have stayed out of this, Xiao Zhan," she hissed, her knife raised and ready to strike.

And that's when everything went black.

To be continued...