Amid his excitement, a flicker of fear crept into his eyes. While this might be his chance to make a fortune, it also meant taking on far greater risks.
I shrugged, unconcerned. “Don’t worry. Who I am won’t change anything.”
Meanwhile, my father, having heard the news, rushed over in a panic. Before his car even came to a complete stop, he leapt out, desperately trying to push through the police cordon.
The officers immediately stepped forward to block him. “Sir, you can’t go through! It’s too dangerous!”
It took several of them to finally restrain him.
“Our group pays so much in taxes every year! We contribute so much to society!” “And now you’re sending my son to his death? How can you justify this?”
My father roared in anger.
The police understood his distress and didn’t blame him. Instead, they patiently explained the situation. “Mr. Edward Ravenscroft, your son entered voluntarily. He said he wanted to help others. We’re doing everything we can to ensure his safety.”
Hearing this, my father froze. He knew my personality well and he couldn’t fathom why I would make such a decision.
But he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he grabbed the nearest megaphone and shouted into the bank.
“Listen up, hostage-takers! Whatever money you want, I’ll give it!”
“Just don’t hurt my son!”
“Or better yet, I’ll go in as a hostage myself and get my son out!”
My eyes stung with tears. In my past life, he had always been this way, no matter what I faced, he was the first to shield me from the storm.
This time around, I couldn’t let him suffer any harm.
I looked straight at the hostage-takers and said bluntly, “Don’t listen to him!”
“Think about it. In this world, there are fathers who save their sons, but sons who save their fathers? Where have you ever seen that?”
“If you release me, I’ll let you do whatever you want to that old man. Then all his wealth will be mine, right?”
The kidnappers exchanged stunned glances, clearly taken aback by my words. But upon reflection, it seemed to make a certain kind of logic and they ultimately rejected my father’s proposal.
By now, the kidnappers were even more curious. They asked why I was doing this. Why would a rich kid, who could easily enjoy life, want to get involved in such a mess?
No matter how they looked at it, they couldn’t understand.
“Are you seriously out of your mind?”
That was the only conclusion they could draw.
Seeing their expressions, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Nothing much. Just wanted to experience a different kind of life.” “You’re not here to kill me, just to get money. Rest assured, I’ll cooperate and pay up.”
They exchanged glances again, still baffled by my motives, but said nothing more.
By then, several minor internet celebrities had already set up their equipment and begun live-streaming online.
Countless people watching wondered why I would willingly become someone else’s hostage.
Some suspected ulterior motives, a publicity stunt or hidden agenda. But most praised me, calling me a selfless hero.
By the time my mother arrived, the situation had grown even more chaotic. When she learned what had happened, she wept uncontrollably, pleading with the kidnappers outside.
“Please don’t hurt my son! I’ll pay any amount. I beg you!”
Hearing her voice, my heart twisted with sorrow. Remembering how she had died so tragically in my previous life because of me, I resolved even more firmly to protect her.
