INSIDER Chapter 11

Lu Chu quickly analyzed the current situation in his mind, trying to find a way and an opportunity to escape. Meanwhile, the barking of vicious dogs grew closer, as if they were right next to him.

Lu Chu focused all his attention on his hearing, making the sounds of the approaching dogs exceptionally clear in his ears.

One, two… four!

With so many vicious dogs, what could they do…

The more anxious he became, the more chaotic his thoughts grew. Lu Chu forced himself to calm down, knowing that excessive anxiety was scattering his thoughts and preventing him from thinking rationally.

Over there, Radish was locked in a standoff with the four vicious dogs. Both sides were in a tense, ready-to-pounce stance. The dogs were ferocious and terrifying, as if they would leap at them the moment Lu Chu moved. In this situation, neither side dared to make the first move.

After a brief moment, Lu Chu, now slightly calmer, remembered that there should be some vehicles parked on this street…

As he swiftly organized his thoughts, Lu Chu came up with a plan. He squeezed the man’s fingers to signal that they were about to run and then pulled him along.

The four vicious dogs, seeing their “prey” escaping, snarled and chased after them, but Radish blocked their path. It was a tough battle for Radish, who tirelessly used his body to bump the dogs back, preventing them from chasing Lu Chu. Enraged, the dogs turned their focus on Radish, attacking him furiously.

Lu Chu, holding the man’s hand, hurried forward, stumbling several times and nearly falling. At the same time, he used his cane to probe the road ahead.

Suddenly, his cane struck something, producing a metallic “clang.” Lu Chu’s heart lifted with relief as he quickly moved toward the sound. It was indeed a car. He hastily took out the tools he had brought just in case and began to jimmy the car door.

Thanks to his hobby of doing crafts, Lu Chu’s hands were exceptionally skilled. Although he had never picked a car lock before, it wasn’t difficult for him.

“Argh—”

That was Radish’s cry of pain as the dogs bit him. Though Lu Chu couldn’t see, he could tell that Radish was in great pain. He worked even faster, sweating despite the cool weather.

“Click!” The car door finally opened.

Lu Chu immediately pushed the man inside and then anxiously called Radish’s name, “Radish! Come here, quick!”

Hearing his call, Radish bit one of the attacking dogs by the neck, tossing it aside, and then sprinted toward Lu Chu as fast as he could.

Lu Chu held the car door open, ready to close it as soon as Radish jumped in. Radish was fairly close, as Lu Chu hadn’t moved far while searching for the car.

The sound of an approaching animal grew louder. Lu Chu assumed it was Radish and felt somewhat relieved. However, as the sound drew near, he suddenly realized—it wasn’t Radish! In that split second, a vicious dog lunged at him. The rush of wind as it attacked seemed to slow time, but Lu Chu couldn’t react…

In that critical moment, Radish pounced, knocking the dog off course and engaging it in a fierce struggle. Hearing Radish’s heavy growls, Lu Chu was filled with worry. Without hesitation, he untied the rope binding him to the man, grabbed his cane with the small knife attached, and got out of the car.

Lu Chu stood nearby, listening intently to distinguish the positions of Radish and the dogs. This process took only a few seconds. Once he was sure of the location, Lu Chu shouted, “Radish, get back!”

Radish immediately broke free and rolled to the side, barking once.

With Radish out of the way, Lu Chu thrust his cane towards the direction he had identified. The dog yelped in pain, writhing on the ground before falling silent. The entire process was incredibly quick.

Without hesitation, Lu Chu withdrew the cane, groped for Radish, scooped him up, and scrambled back into the car. He then used something to secure the pried-open car door.

The remaining dogs arrived but, lacking the intelligence to open the car door, could only bark, gnash, and scratch at the car, making it shake violently.

After the intense struggle, Lu Chu was left panting heavily. He quickly recounted what had happened to the man, who had been obediently following his instructions.

The dogs outside didn’t disperse. Fortunately, the car was sturdy enough to keep them safe for the moment.

Just then, Lu Chu noticed Radish whimpering in pain. His worry deepened. “Radish, are you hurt?”

Radish lay weakly on Lu Chu’s lap, letting out a soft whine as if in pain.

Lu Chu’s worry turned to panic. He gently felt Radish’s body and discovered several bleeding wounds on his back and belly, the one on his belly being the deepest. Just a light touch soaked his hand in blood…

Panic-stricken, Lu Chu quickly took out bandages and antiseptic from his bag to disinfect and bandage Radish. He spoke in a soft, soothing voice, “Radish, it might hurt a bit, but don’t move. I’ll disinfect you first.”

Radish whimpered a few times, the sound growing fainter as if he were falling asleep.

With trembling hands, Lu Chu disinfected and bandaged Radish’s wounds.

He recalled when he first got Radish, he was just a young boy, and Radish was a tiny puppy, small enough to fit in his palm. His parents had told him that Radish was so small he couldn’t even open his eyes.

“Lu Chu gave Radish his name. From then on, our Lu Chu wouldn’t be alone anymore. Radish will always be with you,” his mother had said.

Together, Lu Chu and his parents raised Radish. After his parents passed away, he was grateful to have Radish by his side.

Radish had always been obedient, especially to Lu Chu. Now, lying quietly on his lap, letting Lu Chu bandage him without moving or making a sound, even his breathing had become steady.

“Radish.”

“Radish…”

Radish was too quiet, not responding to Lu Chu’s calls.

Lu Chu finished bandaging him with shaking hands and gently stroked his back, occasionally rubbing his neck. Usually, Radish would nuzzle his hand and purr contentedly when he did this.

Radish was so well-behaved.

Outside, the dogs’ barking and scratching continued, making the car shake. Inside the car, the rearview mirror reflected the scene: the man, deprived of his senses and oblivious to the world, Radish’s blood-stained fur, and Lu Chu’s tear-filled, vacant eyes.

Lu Chu opened his mouth, choked back his tears, and wiped away the wetness from his face. Clearing his throat, he called out again, “Radish.”

The silence inside the car contrasted sharply with the chaos outside.