Chi Xingduan's knowledge of her joining the intelligence division of the Orrganization Rnaturally meant he also knew the true nature of the PSI Detective Agency. Indeed, the Organization R was like a centipede—hard to kill completely, even after being significantly weakened, they still wielded considerable power.
Noticing the change in Gu Nian's demeanor, Chi Xingduan smiled faintly. "You're captured now, yet you're not panicked. You can still analyze things coherently."
His smile suddenly disappeared, replaced by a venomous look akin to a snake's, even his voice turning ominously cold. "No wonder Chi Yiheng made repeated exceptions for you. Without you, he wouldn't have made so many mistakes."
Gu Nian understood immediately. Chi Xingduan had likely groomed Chi Yiheng as his successor. Now that Chi Yiheng was dead and Chi Xingduan was aging, perhaps he found it challenging to control those beneath him who were eager for power. Now, he aimed to cultivate another capable successor, but it wasn't easy.
"As the leader of the Irrganization R, he's still influenced by emotions," Chi Xingduan continued, his gaze chillingly focused on Gu Nian. "A leader of the Organization R cannot afford weaknesses."
Gu Nian's heart skipped a beat, her blood running cold. Even her limbs felt icy. "Are you going to kill me?"
Regardless of the truth, Chi Xingduan had already decided she was Chi Yiheng's weakness. In his eyes, the truth didn't matter; what mattered was his perception.
But with Chi Yiheng already dead, why was Chi Xingduan fixated on weaknesses? Did he want to kill her out of revenge? Even with Chi Yiheng gone, was he unwilling to tolerate any weaknesses?
"Kill you?" Chi Xingduan shook his head dismissively. "Not in a rush."
With that, Chi Xingduan left without specifying his intentions, leaving behind a bottle of water near the door.
Gu Nian understood his meaning. "Not in a rush" meant he wouldn't kill her immediately, but it was only a matter of time.
Gu Nian was afraid—afraid of dying. She had so much now that she feared losing it all. Her parents were together, finally happy after years of struggle. Her father doted on her, almost to the point of spoiling. She was married to Chu Zhaoyang and had their adorable Little Millet Cake. Chu Zhaoyang missed Little Millet Cake's birth, and Gu Nian wanted to give them another child soon to make up for his regret. She had her grandparents who loved her dearly.
She didn't want to die. If she died, it would be simple—no more worries, no more responsibilities.
But what about her family? What about those who loved her?
How devastated would Gu Licheng be, finally reunited only to lose her again? How much pain would Mu Lanshu, who had just welcomed her husband back, endure losing her daughter again?
Not to mention Chu Zhaoyang and Little Millet Cake. With Chu Zhaoyang's stubborn nature, would he remain alone forever if she were gone?
Their hard-won happiness would crumble.
Gu Nian was afraid. She wanted to live.
She walked to the door and tried the handle, confirming it was locked from the outside again.
Gu Nian looked down and noticed the water bottle left near the door. She bent down, picked it up, and unscrewed the cap.
The bottle wasn't new; the cap had already been opened.
Frowning, Gu Nian brought the bottle to her nose and sniffed. There was no smell.
Carefully, she poured some water into her palm. There was no reaction on her skin, no discomfort.
But she was sure something was wrong with this water. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't drink it.
She placed the bottle back where it had been and turned to look above the window where the curtain rod used to hang. There was now only a bare steel rod protruding from behind the ceiling's decorated wall, with a white hook still attached, used to hold the curtains.
Gu Nian sighed in relief. The curtain rod was hidden behind the decorative wall; she hadn't had time to search properly before.
Now, certain that Chi Xingduan probably wouldn't return immediately, Gu Nian focused her remaining strength on thoroughly searching the room for any overlooked items—anything as small as a needle or an inconspicuous piece of metal.
However, there was nothing. Gu Nian could only hope to find something useful.