The night sky was painted in velvet darkness, scattered with cold stars. Ji Yunxi sat by her bedroom window, eyes narrowed at the glowing city beyond. The system's warning echoed in her mind.
[Warning: Lin Xi has gone missing. Unknown variable activated.]
She clenched her fists. Lin Xi might have despised her, but Yunxi would never underestimate her cousin's malice.
Just then, her phone buzzed. An unknown number.
She answered, her tone steady. "Who is this?"
A mocking laugh spilled through the speaker. Lin Xi."Yunxi, are you enjoying your little victory? Did it feel good humiliating Uncle Feng in front of the entire board? Don't get too comfortable… I have something you want."
Yunxi's eyes sharpened. "Where are you, Lin Xi?"
Lin Xi's voice lowered, dripping with venom. "You'll find out soon enough. Come alone to the abandoned warehouse on East Pier. If you dare bring anyone else, you'll never see your precious company remain standing."
The call ended.
Downstairs, Mo Liancheng was waiting, leaning casually against his black car, moonlight softening his sharp profile. His gaze instantly locked on Yunxi the moment she stepped out.
"You're leaving in the middle of the night?" His voice was calm, but his eyes carried stormy undercurrents.
Yunxi bit her lip. "It's Lin Xi. She's planning something dangerous. I have to face her."
Mo Liancheng stepped forward, closing the distance between them. His hand brushed her cheek, protective yet restrained. "Do you think I'll let you walk into a trap alone? Yunxi, I don't care what happens in this world—I won't let anyone harm you."
For a brief moment, her chest tightened. His devotion was overwhelming, almost suffocating, and yet… it warmed her.
"…Fine," she whispered. "But stay hidden. If she sees you, she'll act recklessly."
A dangerous smile tugged at his lips. "Hidden? That depends on whether she deserves mercy."
The warehouse reeked of rust and oil. Dim bulbs flickered overhead, casting long shadows across the cracked floor. Yunxi stepped inside, her heels echoing against the silence.
From the corner, Lin Xi emerged, her designer dress torn, her makeup smeared—but her eyes glittered with twisted triumph.
Behind her stood several men in black, all armed.
"So you came," Lin Xi sneered. "Perfect. Do you know what it feels like to have everything stolen from you, Yunxi? No? Then I'll teach you."
She snapped her fingers. One of the men pulled out a lighter and tossed it toward the oil-stained floor. Flames roared to life, circling the warehouse like a cage.
Yunxi's system beeped sharply:
[Side Task Triggered: Survive Lin Xi's trap and protect yourself. Reward: +500 points.]
Yunxi's lips curled into a cold smile. "Lin Xi, you should have known better than to play with fire."
From the rafters above, unseen by everyone, Mo Liancheng's eyes gleamed crimson in the firelight. His voice was low, a promise of blood.
"Anyone who touches her… dies."
The flames danced higher, and the night of reckoning began.