Chapter 6 : A Dangerous Opportunity

Zhao Rui spent the entire evening looking for jobs, scrolling through every possible website, forum, and app. Nothing was paying enough. He needed something big—something that could bring in a large amount quickly.

That's when he stumbled across a strange online forum. It wasn't like the usual job boards—it was hidden, almost secretive. The Dark Web.

He hesitated. Everyone knew the Dark Web was filled with illegal and dangerous activities. But as he scrolled, one post caught his eye:

"Urgent Photography Job – High Pay – No Questions Asked."

He clicked on it.

The description was vague: Looking for a skilled photographer for exclusive work. Must be discreet. Payment upfront. 5 lakh per assignment.

Zhao Rui's heart pounded. Five lakh per assignment? That meant if he took four jobs, they'd have the money for Yue's surgery.

He took a long, deep breath. Then he whispered, "Thank you, God."

Without thinking too much, he sent an application. Within minutes, he got a reply:

"Meet at the old factory near the river tomorrow at midnight. Bring a camera. No phones."

His stomach twisted. It felt shady. It was shady. But… what other choice did he have?

A Heated Discussion

When Liang Chen finally came home, exhausted from his overtime shift, he found Zhao Rui sitting on the couch, looking unusually serious.

"Chen," Zhao Rui started, "I found a job."

Liang Chen blinked. "That's great. What kind of job?"

Zhao Rui hesitated for a second, then spoke carefully. "Photography."

Liang Chen frowned. "That doesn't sound bad. But why do you look like you just made a deal with the devil?"

Zhao Rui exhaled. "It's… a job from the Dark Web."

Liang Chen's exhaustion disappeared instantly. "What?"

"It pays five lakh per assignment!" Zhao Rui said quickly. "I only need to do four jobs, and we'll have the money for Yue's surgery!"

Liang Chen's expression darkened. "Are you insane? The Dark Web isn't a normal place. You could get caught up in something dangerous—or worse!"

"I know!" Zhao Rui admitted. "But do we have any other choice? My dad also can't help. Normal jobs won't pay enough. This is our best shot!"

Liang Chen shook his head firmly. "No. Forget it. I don't want you risking your life for money."

Zhao Rui leaned forward. "Chen… I know you. You're already pushing yourself to the limit, doing overtime, working yourself sick. You won't say it, but I know you're desperate."

Liang Chen clenched his fists but said nothing.

Zhao Rui sighed, softening his voice. "We can do this, Chen. We just taking pictures, that's all. We won't get involved in anything dangerous."

Liang Chen ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear on his face. "You don't know that. What if they ask for more? What if you get dragged into something criminal?"

"I won't," Zhao Rui said. "I promise."

Liang Chen studied his best friend's face, searching for hesitation. But Zhao Rui looked determined.

Finally, Liang Chen sighed heavily. "I still don't like this. But… I know I can't stop you, can I?"

Zhao Rui grinned. "Nope."

Liang Chen shook his head. "Idiot."

Zhao Rui chuckled. "That's me."

Liang Chen narrowed his eyes. "But promise me something—if anything feels wrong, if something seems off, you'll walk away. No matter what."

Zhao Rui nodded. "I promise."

Liang Chen still wasn't convinced. But deep down, he knew—they had no other choice.

And so, the next night, Zhao Rui and Liang Yue prepared for first Dark Web job… unaware of just how dangerous this world truly was.