I’d Rather Take A Bullet Than A Knife

Ji Huaichuan was once a deputy chief in the police force, operating as an undercover agent within the criminal underworld of the Golden Triangle. His primary target was Fu Qin, a ruthless arms dealer who had seized control of his father's empire through violence. During his infiltration, Ji Huaichuan formed a romantic and sexual relationship with Jiang Rang, an undercover police officer who was also embedded in the criminal organization. The relationship was complicated by their dual loyalties and the dangerous environment they inhabited. Three years into his undercover mission, Ji Huaichuan faced a critical moment when Jiang Rang, believing he had uncovered Ji's true identity as a cop, confronted him on a speedboat. Jiang Rang shot Ji in the shoulder, causing him to fall into the sea. Ji Huaichuan faked his death, allowing him to escape the police investigation and resurface as a high-ranking lieutenant under Fu Qin's command.

Three years later, Ji Huaichuan had become a feared figure in the Golden Triangle, known as Lord Ji. He maintained a cold, calculating demeanor while managing arms deals for Fu Qin. During a transaction at a chaotic venue, Jiang Rang appeared, now a decorated officer seeking justice. Ji Huaichuan recognized him immediately but concealed his true intentions. When Jiang Rang was discovered to be a police officer during the deal, Ji Huaichuan intervened, saving his life by claiming the weapon was a prop. This encounter reignited the volatile dynamic between them. Jiang Rang, consumed by betrayal and longing, confronted Ji Huaichuan privately. Their interaction was marked by intense physical and emotional conflict, blending hatred with unresolved desire. Ji Huaichuan remained enigmatic, offering no clear answers about his survival or his current allegiance.

The core conflict intensified as Ji Huaichuan revealed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, a secret he had kept to protect Jiang Rang and to accelerate his plan to destroy Fu Qin. He had faked his death not to abandon Jiang Rang, but to get close enough to the crime lord to eliminate him from within. Ji Huaichuan led Jiang Rang to a diamond mine that served as a front for Fu Qin's operations. There, Ji Huaichuan confronted Fu Qin directly. He revealed that he had killed Fu Qin, but Jiang Rang arrived to find him holding a gun, creating a moment of tension where it appeared Ji might turn on his former partner. Ji Huaichuan clarified his actions, explaining that he had also killed a subordinate who threatened Jiang Rang. He then revealed that Fu Qin had planted landmines on the escape route, intending to kill both of them. Ji Huaichuan chose to walk into the minefield, accepting death as a release from his terminal illness and the guilt of his double life.

In a dramatic turn, Ji Huaichuan survived the explosion, having anticipated the trap and taken precautions. Jiang Rang rescued him from the cliff edge. Instead of arresting him, Jiang Rang secured a special permit for Ji Huaichuan, allowing him to live under surveillance but free from imprisonment. The story concluded with Ji Huaichuan recovering from his injuries and his illness. He had quit smoking under Jiang Rang's persistent care, though he eventually resumed the habit in secret. The narrative ended with the two men reuniting, their relationship transformed from one of betrayal and pain into a complex partnership. Ji Huaichuan acknowledged that while he had lied throughout his life, his love for Jiang Rang was genuine. The story closed with a sense of ambiguous peace, as Ji Huaichuan accepted his fate and his bond with Jiang Rang, knowing their future would remain fraught with danger but shared together.