Qie Xieling's heart raced as he crouched behind the sturdy tree trunk, his breaths shallow and rapid. The dense forest seemed to hold its breath, enveloping them in an eerie silence. Faint sounds of gunfire could be heard coming from the direction of the mansion but it didn't put him at ease.
A sudden snap of a twig jolted through the air, causing his body to tense even further. Slowly, beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he cautiously glanced over his shoulder.
President Yin's voice echoed through the trees, calling out to him, attempting to coax him from his hiding place. "Xieling... come on out. I promise if you come out now I won't kill you... Xieling!" he yelled clutching his gun.
Qie Xieling looked around looking for something to protect himself with. He found a thick branch on the forest floor. He clutched it tightly his knuckles turning white as he pressed his back against the rough bark of the tree.
