The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(226-230)

Chapter 226: Conflict


Ao Zhao quickly apologized and tried to clean the wine stains from the trench coat guy's clothes. However, due to his rush, he accidentally spilled more red wine on the guy's outfit with the bottle in his hand.


The trench coat guy's expression changed slightly, and he forcefully pushed Ao Zhao away, saying, "What are you doing? Is this intentional?"


"I'm sorry, sir. It's my first time doing room service, and I'm a bit clumsy. I sincerely apologize for the trouble I've caused. I'll take your clothes to the dry cleaner!"


Ao Zhao moved closer to continue cleaning the trench coat guy's clothes. Although the trench coat guy was much stronger physically, Ao Zhao persisted. In the midst of this chaos, Jiang Chenchen seized the opportunity created by him, rolling out from under the meal cart cover and quickly hiding under the bed.


The speed of her actions left Ao Zhao bewildered; he barely had time to react before she disappeared from his sight.


Before he could contemplate the situation, the trench coat guy forcefully pushed him, almost causing him to fall.


"What are you doing here? No need to clean my clothes. Just go!"


"But, sir, let me bring another bottle of wine for you! I'm really sorry!"


"No need. Just leave. Leave the half bottle of wine here."


The trench coat guy's tone was unfriendly.


Knowing that he had no reason to stay, Ao Zhao left, pushing the meal cart.


The trench coat guy forcefully closed the door.


During this time, Jiang Chenchen remained hidden under the bed, observing the situation outside. All she could see were feet, and she watched as the trench coat guy entered, took off his coat, tossed it aside, and sat down to eat. He ate quickly.


While she waited for the moment when his food might cause issues, she heard him answer a phone call. He responded with simple "hmms" and then fell silent.


The entire room suddenly became quiet.


Jiang Chenchen couldn't see his expression, but she could sense the gaze staring in her direction. Could it be that he had discovered her?


Her thoughts paused as she saw him stand up and walk toward her.


Suddenly, Jiang Chenchen understood that this room must also have surveillance cameras! The scene just now must have been observed by his accomplice.


The phone call he received was likely a warning!


In other words, he had an accomplice, and that accomplice was in another room!


The trench coat guy's steps stopped by the bed, and Jiang Chenchen held her breath, preparing for what might come. Indeed, he bent down to look under the bed.


The black felt hat almost fell off due to his lowered position, but he managed to catch it.


Then, those sharp, dark eyes fell into Jiang Chenchen's line of sight.


In this critical moment, Jiang Chenchen swung a punch at his face.


Almost as if she had aimed precisely, the punch was fast and fierce. The trench coat guy hadn't expected her sudden attack, and one of his eyes took the hit!


His eye stung, and his balance was disrupted, causing him to stumble backward. However, with a robust physique, he quickly regained his composure.


At the same time, he reached out to grab the hidden person under the bed, intending to pull her out forcefully!


However, after delivering the punch, Jiang Chenchen was prepared. She rolled sideways, emerging from under the bed.


Given the narrow space under the bed, it wasn't suitable for maneuvering. Since she had already been exposed, she decided to confront him openly!


The trench coat guy was large and agile. He wouldn't be afraid of a woman, but upon seeing her face and her decisive action, his expression changed slightly.


"It's you. What are you doing hiding here?"


"I have something to confirm."


"What?"


The trench coat guy's voice became rougher, and his eyes emitted a cold light, ready to subdue her at any moment.



The trench coat guy's voice became rough, and his eyes emitted a cold light, ready to subdue her at any moment.


Jiang Chenchen watched him warily. "Yesterday, I clearly heard some noise in the bathroom. Still, when I went in, I didn't see anything. Why is that?"


"I already told the guards. I don't want to repeat myself."


"But aren't you lying?"


The trench coat guy grew irritated. "So what if I am? What do you think?"


"I don't know, but let me take a look at this," Jiang Chenchen said as she approached the location of the suitcase. However, before she could grab it, the trench coat guy pounced on her.


His large and agile physique, coupled with powerful punches, aimed directly at Jiang Chenchen's head. If she hadn't reacted quickly to evade the blow, she would have been knocked senseless. Dodging the attack, she delivered a swift punch to his abdomen!


The trench coat guy retreated in time, and after several confrontations, the effects of the drug began to take hold! The trench coat guy's body paused, and he crouched down in pain, clutching his stomach.


Taking advantage of this moment, Jiang Chenchen grabbed the suitcase. It felt heavy. Stepping back a bit, she immediately opened it and found it filled with money!


Her actions changed the trench coat guy's expression dramatically. Enduring the pain in his abdomen, he rushed to snatch the suitcase. Jiang Chenchen closed the suitcase and retreated, suspecting that this was the money exchanged after their so-called transaction.


Although the suitcase was filled with money, a faint smell of blood emanated from it. Did this indicate that it had previously contained something sinister?


With the trench coat guy charging at her, Jiang Chenchen dodged his attack while countering. In the end, she kicked him away. Despite his large stature, her kick was forceful enough to make him recoil. In the interval of his pain, she rushed towards the door and left!


Ao Zhao, who was outside the door, listened to the commotion inside. In the short time it took him to make a phone call, he saw her rush out, shouting, "Run!"


He abandoned the meal cart and joined her in the escape.


The trench coat guy chased after them, enduring the pain, his face turning iron blue. As they approached the elevator, he reached out to grab the closing doors!


Ao Zhao was scared stiff, momentarily forgetting what to do. However, he knew he had to protect the girl, after all, he was a man!


But the girl he thought he needed to protect suddenly pulled out a knife from somewhere and stabbed it fiercely at the trench coat guy's fingers that were grabbing the elevator door!


The tip of the knife cut across his fingers, causing him to instinctively retract his hand. Blood droplets flicked off his skin. With no obstacles blocking the elevator doors, they closed.


The trench coat guy stared at the descending elevator in frustration, sweating profusely.


In his desperation, he glanced at Jiang Chenchen, who had a knife in her hand, and asked, "Did you just injure him? Aren't you afraid? What's in the suitcase?"


As if realizing it suddenly, he asked, "Is this money?"


Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Yes, it's money."


"Money!? Isn't this a home invasion robbery?! Did you find any evidence that those are criminals? Otherwise, our characterization could be on the dark side!"


"There's a smell of blood in the suitcase. Now, let the security team handle it."


As Jiang Chenchen spoke, the elevator, originally set to go directly to the first floor, suddenly stopped on the fourth floor.













Chapter 227: Misunderstanding?


The elevator door opened, revealing a man wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask. He held something behind him.


Ao Zhao felt that the man's attire was peculiar and subconsciously stepped back to let him in. However, as he entered, the man took out something from behind him and swung it directly towards Ao Zhao!


What the heck!


Is that an axe?!


In broad daylight, Ao Zhao had never witnessed such behavior. It was terrifying!


The sudden and swift action caught him off guard. He watched as the axe came down, but beside him, Jiang Chenchen bravely blocked it with her suitcase!


The axe, with its blade shining, struck directly at the suitcase.


In the originally stuffy and narrow elevator, a hint of coolness unexpectedly emerged. Ao Zhao turned pale with fear, but the girl who bravely faced the axe made him feel ashamed!


The man with the axe hesitated for a moment but continued his actions, intending to retrieve the axe and attack again.


There was a sense that today, neither of them would escape death.


While the axe-wielding man retrieved his weapon, Jiang Chenchen, holding the suitcase, turned and kicked toward him. Although he reacted quickly, he didn't anticipate the girl's faster response. It was as if she had predicted his next move and acted in advance, thwarting his intentions!


In this narrow space, swinging the axe wasn't easy, and it was susceptible to her interference. However, due to the chaos and slashing, the elevator buttons were accidentally hit, and the doors couldn't close for a long time!


This directly led to a system error in the elevator, triggering the alarm system.


The man with the axe changed his expression. He couldn't afford to waste any more time; he needed to break free. However, Jiang Chenchen wasn't going to let him leave her sight. This person might be crucial to the missing person case!


As she pursued him, a shot was fired from the darkness, hindering her chase!


Another accomplice?

The gun was equipped with a silencer, firing two shots that narrowly missed her. She was almost hit. To avoid being pursued by the person with the gun, Jiang Chenchen gave up the chase and went back to let Ao Zhao out. Together, they took another elevator down.


At least the suitcase in her hand wasn't snatched away.


After they descended, the security team arrived. Jiang Chenchen explained the situation, mentioning the presence of a gun. Most of the security team went upstairs, leaving two people to escort them to a secure interview room.


The suitcase was taken for analysis to check for bloodstains, and the results hadn't come out yet.


Before long, the man in the trench coat arrived, escorted by two security guards. He spoke with a serious and indignant tone, "Let me tell you, they are the ones illegally robbing. They are the ones who should be detained! I'll find a lawyer to sue you for being unprofessional and wrongly accusing innocent people once I get ashore!"


The captain of the security team looked at him sternly. "Wrongly accusing you? What about the money in the suitcase?"


"Take it overseas to play, isn't that none of your business?"


"Why is there a smell of blood in the box?"


"Who said that?"


"Don't play dumb. The results will be out soon, and we'll see if you can still act tough!"


"Oh~" The man in the trench coat suddenly smiled, transitioning from a serious demeanor to something a bit ridiculous. "I suddenly remembered. I put pig liver in that suitcase."


"What did you say?"


"Pig liver, fresh from the market, brought it on board. Is that not allowed?"


The captain of the security team's face darkened. He stepped forward and grabbed the man's collar, threatening, "I warn you, tell me the truth! Don't play any tricks!"


"The fact is just like that. Why resort to violence?" The man in the trench coat's face turned sinister, appearing more aggressive compared to his physique.


At this moment, another security guard entered and called the captain outside. They went out for a while.


At this moment, a security guard entered and called the captain of the security team outside. They seemed to be gone for a while.


Subsequently, the captain returned with a grim expression and walked up to the man in the trench coat, looking at him sternly. "The two on the fourth floor are your accomplices; you can't leave."


The man in the trench coat angrily retorted, "Nonsense! I have no accomplices at all! Are you guys engaging in illegal detention? I'm telling you, once I get off this ship, I will make the law punish you for what you're doing!"


"Why were you on the tenth floor at 3 AM yesterday?" the captain questioned.


"Drank too much and went the wrong way. Is that not allowed?"


"Very well, detain him."


The captain of the security team, without hesitation, had him locked up.


Jiang Chenchen found it strange. Could it be that the bloody smell from the suitcase wasn't human blood, as the man claimed it was pig liver?


She asked the captain of the security team, who nodded with an unpleasant expression.


"This seems like intentionally playing with people. Normal individuals wouldn't do such things," the captain said, looking at her. "Both of you need to be careful; because the person on the fourth floor hasn't been caught, and they have a gun, you are in danger."


"Since there are armed individuals, we should conduct a floor check. They must have a room as a base, and searching there might yield some discoveries."


"You don't need to handle this. Leave it to us. I'll assign two people to escort you back. After that, don't come out. I'll have someone guard your room from outside."


Feeling compelled to comply, Jiang Chenchen went back. However, when they were leaving, the security team found some items in the man's room, including a magazine with Sheng Mingsi's face scratched out. This was the second magazine! Moreover, this time, the entire face was heavily damaged!


Inside the magazine was a newspaper clipping.


It reported the discovery of the young man found outside the residence of the A country prince—the one that Zhan Chen had picked up and placed in the morgue.


The captain of the security team asked her to leave, and Jiang Chenchen felt a sense of chaos in her heart. Could this incident be related to Zhan Chen again?


Everything felt off.


But was the man in the trench coat targeting Sheng Mingsi?


"Captain of the security team, can you give me a chance? I want to ask that man if he did this to the magazine!" she pleaded.


The captain of the security team didn't want to reveal too much information, so he dismissed her inquiries. "Please go back and rest. We're handling this; trust us."


Seeing that he disagreed, Jiang Chenchen asked again, "Then let me ask one last question: Where was the magazine found?"


Before, when she was in the man's room and had a scuffle, she had surveyed the surroundings but didn't see the magazine anywhere. Unless it was placed under the sofa, similar to the previous incident.


The captain of the security team thought for a moment and signaled for the investigating officers to tell her.


"It was on top of the sofa."


Hearing this, Jiang Chenchen felt something was wrong. There was no magazine on the sofa; at that time, the man in the trench coat chased her out, and he couldn't have run back to place the magazine on the sofa.


Someone must have taken advantage of the situation, entered his room, and put the magazine on his sofa to create confusion?













Chapter 228: Lies


What is the purpose of all this?

Is it revenge, or is it a game orchestrated by Mrs. Sheng? Involving Sheng Mingsi in this?


Jiang Chenchen carefully organized her thoughts after returning to her room. She concluded that Mrs. Sheng couldn't possibly be involving those socialite ladies in risky adventures. Perhaps they were safely tucked away somewhere.


Was all this just to create a terrifying atmosphere for her, like reserving a room where someone died last month, sealing it but deliberately booking it for her to stay in? Was the goal to make her retreat in fear?


But why hadn't Sheng Mingsi answered the phone? Even if he didn't pick up calls from unknown numbers, he couldn't ignore so many calls unless he couldn't answer the phone.


Who could restrain him other than Mrs. Sheng?


Then there was the man with the axe. His attack was real, and his accomplices fired real guns. It couldn't be a game.


Everything was happening for real.


So, if those people were arranged by Mrs. Sheng, the conclusion was that this game was directed at her alone.


Was it intended to make her disappear completely in the vast ocean?


Regardless of whether her speculations were correct, she stayed in her room, anticipating further actions if the game was indeed targeting her.


Night fell, marking the second night on the ship.


After having dinner, Jiang Chenchen felt a bit drowsy. Despite the subconscious desire to stay alert, the waves of fatigue overcame her.


She quickly fell asleep.


She didn't know how long she had slept when the clock in the room woke her up. It was an ancient-sounding clock, showing midnight.


Jiang Chenchen suddenly became alert and felt something strange. When had this clock been placed in the room? It seemed to have appeared out of thin air, like a dream, confusing and disorienting.


But this was definitely not a dream; it was the real world. And someone had placed the clock here. Even if she was in a deep sleep, she wouldn't miss any disturbances in her surroundings. It indicated that someone had tampered with her food and made her faint.


Jiang Chenchen got out of bed, put on a coat, and went to open the door. She questioned the two guards stationed nearby.


"Has anyone come in?"


"What?"


The expressions of the two guards showed confusion. Apparently, they didn't understand the meaning of her sudden question.


Perceiving their confusion, Jiang Chenchen found it even more strange. "You've been standing here, and no one has approached?"


"Yes, what's going on?"


"Suddenly, there's a clock in my room."


"What? That's impossible!"


The two guards entered the room with her. When they saw the clock, their expressions turned horrified. "How... how did this appear here?"


"No way!"


Jiang Chenchen quickly asked, "Have you seen this before?"


"This is... it was in the room of the woman who committed suicide on the tenth floor. It was removed already; how could it..."


"Wait a minute, something must be wrong. This clock has been here all along, and you just didn't notice it, right?"


They questioned Jiang Chenchen, trying to find a rational explanation for the guards' sudden fright.


However, Jiang Chenchen was surprised to find that this incident was once again connected to the woman who committed suicide on the tenth floor. She hadn't anticipated this, but things seemed eerie.


"No, it appeared during the four hours I was sleeping. I'm certain."


One of the guards, with a changed expression, vehemently refuted, "Impossible! We've been standing outside the door the whole time, and no one has come by. Besides, this clock is not small; it's not easy to move. How could it appear out of thin air?"


The other guard, muttering to himself, said, "Could it be that woman... coming to claim lives?! I heard that she committed suicide at three in the morning..."


Again, it was three in the morning. Three disappeared last night, and would three more disappear tonight?


Chapter 228: Lies


Again, it was three in the morning. Three disappeared last night, and would three more disappear tonight?


If Jiang Chenchen hadn't analyzed that Mrs. Sheng orchestrated this to make her collapse in fear, surrender Sheng Mingsi, she would have fallen for it.


Someone must have been here.


It was impossible for a deceased person to come here seeking lives and delivering a clock.


Either these two were lying, or they had also fallen into a state of unconsciousness, being deceived in the process.


Jiang Chenchen wanted to ask them more, but the two guards had already run out, reporting the situation using their walkie-talkies in the corridor.


Soon, the head of the security team arrived with more personnel.


After examining the room, the captain looked sternly at Jiang Chenchen and said, "We still don't know how this clock ended up here, but it's undoubtedly intentional. Don't overthink it. If you're afraid, you can sleep in the security room."


"No need, I'll sleep here."


Jiang Chenchen declined. Now that she knew it was intentional, there was no need to be afraid. Besides, something might happen here, and the time had not yet arrived.


The captain reminded her, "However, although you're not afraid, it's evident that you've been targeted. All these events are related to you. Don't you realize that?"


Jiang Chenchen remained calm. "I know. I've been in a game since I came here. I just didn't know it would involve life and death."


The captain felt she was exceptional, possessing abilities and a mentality beyond her age, even calmer than many older individuals.


"But what do you mean by 'game'?"


"It's just a game. Don't you know?"


The captain's expression darkened at her words. "What are you talking about? You treat life and death as a game?!"


Jiang Chenchen fixed her gaze on him, observing every change in his expression. "Have you found any clues about the missing people? Have you searched every inch of this place?"


The captain didn't like the intense scrutiny; it felt oppressive, especially from such a young girl.


"No clues for now, but we've intensified the search. We'll find them."


Jiang Chenchen shifted her gaze away and pointed at the clock's time with her fingertip. "Then, before this clock strikes three, please guard important locations like the elevator and corridors because more people will disappear after tonight."


"How do you know?"


"I've said it; someone is designing a game. This is only the second night, and it's not over yet."


The captain's expression became even graver, immediately dispatching personnel to take action.


However, two people were left here to guard.


"Miss Jiang, please be careful."


"I know."


As the door closed, Jiang Chenchen looked at the clock in the room and suddenly felt that everyone on this cruise ship was shrouded in lies.


Could Mrs. Sheng make everyone on this large cruise ship, everyone, become pieces in her arranged game, targeting her?

She lay on the sofa, feeling for the first time a profound and conscious understanding that human hearts were like abysses.











Chapter 229: Flaw


It was two o'clock in the morning, and the sound of the clock striking each hour echoed through the ship.


At three o'clock, the clock face unexpectedly started bleeding, a red liquid resembling fresh blood.


This time, Jiang Chenchen didn't even bother to look, allowing the horrifying scene to unfold before her eyes. She wondered what other tricks awaited.


The room was silent, and the ticking of the clock could be distinctly heard.


In the bright room, she shifted her gaze to the dark night outside the window.


The unfathomable ocean seemed to harbor a giant beast.


Suddenly, a phone rang loudly, an unfamiliar tone coming from Lan Ze's phone.


Jiang Chenchen's attention was caught, and she immediately picked up the phone, hoping it was Sheng Mingsi. However, it wasn't; it was from another number.


"Hello?"


"Are you okay? I heard strange things happened in your room."


Jiang Chenchen recognized Lan Ze's voice. "I'm fine; someone is just playing tricks."


"I've discovered something suspicious on my end too." His voice was hushed.


"Oh?"


"If you're free, can you come over?"


After providing the location, Lan Ze quickly hung up.


Jiang Chenchen put down the phone, hesitating for a moment. If she couldn't trust anyone on this ship, was Lan Ze an exception?


Was there really no one trustworthy?


She glanced at her phone.


Then, she left the room.


The two guards outside questioned, "Where are you going?"


"I'm going downstairs for a drink."


"It's too late... It's dangerous to go down. The person with the gun hasn't been caught yet!"


"I don't want to stay in the room. Check it out yourselves; the clock inside is bleeding."


"What?!"


Both guards exclaimed in unison.


They hurriedly entered the room and were instantly frightened. Strange occurrences were more terrifying than actual dead bodies! They quickly reported and realized Jiang Chenchen had disappeared when they came out.


...


Various locations on the elevator had been guarded, but Jiang Chenchen, claiming to go down for a drink, insisted on leaving despite the guards' persuasion to stay in her room for safety.


She insisted on going down, and the guards hesitated before finally letting her pass.


There were no guards below the third floor since they were short-handed.


Lan Ze had arranged to meet in the storage room on the first floor, hidden in the corridor. When he saw Jiang Chenchen appear, he gestured for her to follow. The two didn't speak but exchanged a glance under the moonlight.


"What did you find?" Jiang Chenchen asked in a hushed tone, shifting her gaze from Lan Ze to the closed door of the storage room.


"I found when I tried to open the storage room earlier; the lock was jammed. It didn't seem like a big deal, so I left, thinking the lock was faulty. But then I heard the sound of sharpening knives from inside."


Hearing this, Jiang Chenchen thought of the man with the axe.


"Do you suspect the man with the axe is inside?" she asked.


Lan Ze nodded.


Jiang Chenchen raised a question, "Why didn't you inform the guards?"


Lan Ze's expression became complicated, whispering, "Because only the on-duty me and the captain have the key to the storage room. If that man is really inside, I'm afraid it will implicate the captain. So, I need to confirm if this is true before questioning the captain."


"But if your key doesn't work, how can he get in?" Jiang Chenchen questioned.


"If the door is locked from the inside, the man with the axe can come out, but he can't go back in without a key. He needs the captain's help. Now that he's inside, I'll knock on the door. You stay here. If he attacks and runs out, you can subdue him."


Lan Ze handed her a weapon, a hunting rifle.


"Don't worry; these bullets are specially made. They won't kill, but they can act as a deterrent or injure his legs."


Jiang Chenchen took the rifle from him, feeling its texture and weight. Perhaps Lan Ze didn't know she had touched various firearms before.


"Alright, be careful."


After saying that, she hid herself outside the wall.


Before he took action, Lan Ze suddenly asked, "What time is it now?"



After Jiang Chenchen finished speaking, she concealed herself on the outer side of the wall.


Before he took action, he suddenly asked, "What time is it now?"


"Three thirty."


"Mm."


Jiang Chenchen kept her thoughts to herself and stayed silent. She concealed herself in a corner untouched by moonlight.


Suddenly, Lan Ze's expression darkened as he looked at her. However, he saw that she was already prepared, so he collected his thoughts and walked into the room, knocking on the door.


Everything unfolded as expected. The man with the axe attacked him the moment he opened the door. The well-sharpened axe could easily cut through anything.


Lan Ze had anticipated this and dodged in time. After a few attacks and evasions, he lured the man out.


Waiting for Jiang Chenchen to shoot him and subdue the man directly.


However, after they went outside, there was no sign of anyone.


Lan Ze's expression changed dramatically. While evading in a hurry, he scanned for any overlooked corners. The people who should have been guarding here had left!?


No!

They hadn't left; she unexpectedly appeared at the other end, silently holding a hunting rifle and delivering a powerful blow to the back of the man with the axe, knocking him unconscious.


Not a single bullet was fired from the rifle.


But the rifle was aimed at Lan Ze's head.


Lan Ze was astonished. The golden strands of his hair were slightly tousled by the sea breeze, and he couldn't believe it. "Are you crazy? Why are you pointing a gun at me?"


Jiang Chenchen remained calm, and her tone was steady. "You said this gun can't kill. I wanted to test it."


"Isn't it meant to deal with criminals? Why are you trying it on me?"


"Yeah, to deal with criminals." Jiang Chenchen held the rifle with a standard posture. "Do you want me to shoot and kill that man? Is that why you brought me here? To stain my hands with blood and take a life, even if the game ends, I won't be able to escape."


Lan Ze's face darkened, and his tone intensified. "What are you talking about?"


"Just let me try. If shooting you won't kill you, then I'll believe you. If I end up killing you, then I'll accept my fate. After all, everyone on this cruise ship is my enemy."


She aimed the rifle at his head, where one shot could be fatal.


No chance for a breath before death.


Lan Ze's face showed disbelief, and fear filled his blue eyes. It was the first time he faced this side of the girl. It seemed she could really do it.


Everyone underestimated her! And she hadn't gained anyone's trust!


"Where did you find the flaw that made you see through it?"


"The hunting rifle."


Under the moonlight, Lan Ze saw her holding the gun with such a stable and skillful posture and suddenly understood.


"Now that my mission in this game has failed, it's up to you what to do with me. But shooting might only trap you in a trap. You can choose to lock me in the storage room."


Jiang Chenchen looked at him and said, "Answer me one question: The phone never actually made a real call, did it?"















Chapter 230: Gambling Lives


"Yes, you found out. It seemed like the calls went through, but in reality, the conversations were being redirected."


Jiang Chenchen's heart slightly tightened. Perhaps Sheng Mings was still completely unaware?! After all, the call never reached him.


"Is there a way to undo it now?"


Lanze shook his head, "This wasn't my doing, so I can't undo it. From the moment you discovered the issue, I'm afraid all signals on this ship will be blocked."


Jiang Chenchen stared at him, "Why?"


He lightly pulled down his collar, revealing a hidden listening device.


"That's why."


He exposed himself here, and all the information was sent out.


"I advise you to leave quickly!"


He said to her, "The further you go, the more difficult situations you'll be trapped in!"


"Although you say that, I have no way to retreat. I must reach the finish line."


Jiang Chenchen looked at him, holding the gun without relaxing. "Go inside, drag the man on the floor in, and throw the key on the ground."


Lanze sighed, dragging the man with the axe into the storage room and throwing the key out.


Jiang Chenchen locked the door with the key and threw both the key and the axe into the sea.


Perhaps someone would release them from here soon, but she had to act like she knew nothing. She took off her coat, wrapped the hunting rifle in her hands, and then went upstairs to have a drink.


"Bring a bottle of unopened liquor."


She had to make sure there was no more drugging.


The bartender, half-asleep out of boredom, quickly brought a bottle of liquor and a clean glass. He opened the bottle and poured her a drink. "Please enjoy."


This night was truly long. What would happen after dawn? Would they reveal the truth, or continue pretending?


"May I sit here?"


Someone stood beside her, bowing and asking.


Jiang Chenchen looked up. It was the assistant. Was it time to reveal everything now?


"Please sit."


She asked the bartender to bring another glass and poured a drink for the assistant.


Sitting down, the assistant held the glass and looked at her with determined eyes. "I never expected you to be so thoughtful."


"Me?"


"In such a situation, you're not panicking and even came here for a drink. Impressive, isn't it?"


Jiang Chenchen looked at her. "So what? Can the game end now?"



Jiang Chenchen looked at her, "So what? Can the game end now?"


The assistant suddenly smiled gently, "Whether the game can end depends on you, doesn't it? As long as you surrender now, give up entangling with Young Master Sheng, everything can end."


"But I don't want to give up on him," Jiang Chenchen said firmly.


The assistant sighed and advised, "You can't compete with Madam Sheng. You need to be self-aware. Dying in this dark sea is not worth it. Since you quickly discovered the flaw in the game, continue being a smart person and learn to save yourself."


She added, "Actually, Madam Sheng is merciful. She could have killed you many times since you boarded the ship, but she didn't. It's a chance for you. Take the time with this glass of wine to think about it."


Implicitly, if she persisted, the game would continue, and her goal would be to make her die!


Jiang Chenchen didn't hesitate or ponder. She said directly, "Even if it means death, I will never compromise."


The assistant's expression darkened at her words, and she put down her glass. "It's like you won't cry until you see the coffin! Do you know that you are surrounded on this entire ship?"


"I know." Jiang Chenchen unraveled the hunting rifle wrapped in her coat, pulled the trigger, and aimed the muzzle at the assistant's head. "Taking you as a hostage should work."


The assistant frowned, sitting still, forced to follow her out. Her face was unclear, "Taking me as a hostage won't help you. Even if you kill me, you can't escape. Every person's tasks and actions are not decided by me. I'm worthless here. I hope you understand and give up early."


"Give it a try; it's still an opportunity," Jiang Chenchen said as she picked up the open bottle of wine on the table and approached, holding the assistant's throat as she retreated.


The assistant, constrained in her movements, had no choice but to follow her. Her face was gloomy, "Why are you so persistent in not giving up on Young Master Sheng? Is it because of his status? Because grabbing someone like him would mean a worry-free life?"


"What status? I never thought about that. I just want to be with him."


"But that sounds hypocritical. Without actual actions, how can you prove it?" The assistant continued as she walked, "Unless you're willing to sacrifice your life for him, that's true love."


"Is that so?" Jiang Chenchen stopped, looked at her, and said, "Right now, I'm determined to survive, even if it means risking my life. It's also to see him."


The assistant was momentarily speechless. The persuasion seemed ineffective here. She even felt that this girl had a strong will, able to endure and persist. After all, resisting Madam Sheng, such a powerful existence, was not something an ordinary person could achieve.


Jiang Chenchen, holding her hostage, smoothly reached the room where the assistant stayed, locked the door, and waited for dawn.


Outside the door, there were warnings from the captain of the guard, but she pretended not to hear.


Feeling tired and thirsty, she sat on the sofa, took a big sip of wine from the bottle, and looked at the assistant. "As long as you don't make any sudden moves, I won't hurt you."


The assistant sat on the bed, furrowing her brows, reminding, "This door won't last long."


"I know, but let me rest for a while."


"Why are you so stubborn? Give up early, and you can still live!"


Jiang Chenchen looked out at the hazy sea through the window, where the sunlight hidden in the white mist was about to penetrate all the forces.


She took another sip of wine, smiled lightly, "Maybe you don't understand. As is my only family in this world. How can I give up on him? Absolutely not."


The assistant was stunned at her words, her eyes flickering slightly. It seemed that this seemingly indifferent girl also harbored immense faith and hope in her heart.


She was somewhat shaken, pausing for a moment, and with a stern expression, warned, "But you are a dangerous person to him! Don't you care about that?"


"I do care, but not for the reasons you're trying to stop me, especially not in this way."


Jiang Chenchen put down the wine bottle, looked at her, and said slowly, "I will protect him."


The assistant was moved by her straightforward gaze and serious tone. How could she have come this far without tremendous courage and belief? At this moment, she truly believed that this girl would do everything in her power to protect Young Master Sheng.