You Owe Me, My Love

Chapter 430 More Will Die If You Do Not

Zhou Hailan’s face turned a ghastly white. “What do you mean?”

“Zhou Hailan, think about it. What do you have left? Love? Reputation? Status? Or do you actually think that you still have a chance with Gu Mingchen? I'll tell you right now that that's impossible. Gu Mingchen has married me, and I won't give you the chance to approach him, not even over my dead body,” Bai Rong stated coldly. She straightened her back, towering over Zhou Hailan.

Zhou Hailan gaped at her. “Impossible. Gu Mingchen only loves Bai Rong. He won't marry anyone else.”

“Don’t you think that I sound like Bai Rong?”

“You're much more wicked than she is. She would never do something like this, and Gu Mingchen would never marry a vile woman like you.” Zhou Hailan’s voice trembled, her resolve wavering. "My wickedness is nothing compared to yours. You murdered countless people on the mission that year. The people Gu Mingchen brought along with him were all your friends! Of course, since you even have the heart to ruin your own face, being ruthless to others should be a piece of cake. I wonder why people like you even exist,” Bai Rong retorted frostily.

“They deserved to die! Wu Nian, stop spouting nonsense when you don't understand anything. If they didn't die back then, more people would have been sacrificed!” Zhou Hailan exclaimed agitatedly.

“Killing people to save lives, huh? Don't you find it ironic? Numerous crime organizations go on massacres thinking that they are saviors. This is why you're destined to be alone for life. You will live a life more painful than death,” Bai Rong said impassively.

Zhou Hailan slammed a glass on the table, and it shattered to pieces. She swiftly grabbed a shard of glass and pressed it against Bai Rong’s throat. “I could kill you right now,” she growled. Unperturbed, Bai Rong met Zhou Hailan's crazed eyes. “I know that. You've killed so many in the past; what is one more on your list? But I'll have you know that if I die, neither you nor Gu Ruoxin will be able to live. You should know that Gu Mingchen’s Shadow Samurais are constantly watching and protecting me.”

“Wu Nian, what do you want?” Zhou Hailan hissed through gritted teeth.

Bai Rong looked at her meaningfully. “Tell me the truth behind that operation.”

"He'll come for me,” Zhou Hailan whispered as fear gripped her throat.

“I can help you disappear off the face of the earth. You'll have a new identity, and you can start afresh with Xin. With your great social skills and beauty, you'll find a man who loves you,” Bai Rong persuaded.

Zhou Hailan gazed at her. “And how will you do that?”

“I'm sure you've heard of Shen Yiyan's lover. I was the one who helped his lover vanish into thin air. Do you still doubt my abilities?” Bai Rong countered with a question

“No, but I don't trust you. Who are you? Shen Yiyan's subordinate?” Zhou Hailan studied her in paranoia.

“You don’t need to know my identity. I'm your only shot at having a clean slate.” Bai Rong's gaze bore into Zhou Hailan.

Hearing that, Zhou Hailan lowered her eyes. Her fingers loosened, and the shard of glass crashed to the floor. “Give me some time to think about it. I can’t give you an answer right now.”

“You have 24 hours to think it through. Don't make a decision you'll regret, for you won't be able to bear the consequences,” Bai Rong threatened and left the room. After she got into her car, she pulled out the recorder and turned it off.

She had spiked Zhou Hailan’s tea in hopes that she could coerce an explanation from Zhou Hailan once she was drugged. Unfortunately, Zhou Hailan was too cautious to fall for it.

When she reached home, Bai Rong made a hearty chicken noodle soup with the ingredients she bought.

After finishing her meal, she took a nap. She woke up feeling refreshed and dug up some earthworms in the yard to use as bait on her fishing trip.

Minutes bled into hours. When she checked her watch, it was already five in the evening. In the fishing pail beside her were several crucian carp she had caught.

However, there was still no message from Zhou Hailan. Bai Rong would be lying to say that she wasn't anxious, but worrying would do her no good. It was ultimately up to Zhou Hailan to make the call.

Zhou Hailan had said that more would die if she didn't do what she did. After mulling over it for a long time, Bai Rong still couldn't make sense of Zhou Hailan's words.

Right then, she caught sight of Gu Mingchen'’s car from afar.

She then reeled in her line. For dinner, all she had to do was warm up the chicken soup and stir-fry the sprouts and beans, which would not take long. The crucian carp would be tomorrow's dinner. The car stopped right in front of her.

Gu Mingchen swung the car door open and stepped out.

Bai Rong had an inkling of what happened when she saw Zhou Hailan exit from the passenger's side.

“Nian, you kidnapped Xin to threaten Zhou Hailan?" Gu Mingchen did not beat around the bush. Shock and disbelief seeped through his voice.

Bai Rong locked eyes with Gu Mingchen, her expression stony.

If Gu Mingchen learns that I kidnapped Xin, he'll order me to let Xin go. After all, he never condones foul acts like this.

So Zhou Hailan chose to go against me.

“No,” she denied.

“You're lying,” Zhou Hailan accused. She stormed up to Bai Rong and bellowed, “You said you kidnapped him!"

"Why would I do that? Zhou Hailan, did you ask me out today so that you can frame me?” Bai Rong shot back without batting an eyelid.

"What do you mean I asked you out? You were the one who asked to meet up. You even said that you would kidnap Xin, and now he’s gone for real! Who else would do it but you?” Zhou Hailan shoved Bai Rong.

As Bai Rong stumbled backward, Gu Mingchen caught her by the waist and pulled her behind him, shielding her with his body. He glared at Zhou Hailan and warned, “Watch your words. I trust her.” "Gu Mingchen, she’s working for Shen Yiyan. Shen Yiyan sought her out because she sounds like Bai Rong and planted her at your side. You'll meet your end if you believe her,” Zhou Hailan implored him to trust her as apprehension rose within her.

“That is my business. I'll find Xin. You can go back first,” Gu Mingchen ordered her to leave.

“Since she’s framing me, she must have hidden Xin away,” Bai Rong twisted the truth.

“Bullsh*t! Wu Nian, karma will come for you!”

“Not before it gets you first.”

“Look, Mingchen! She just confessed!” Zhou Hailan quickly grabbed Gu Mingchen's arm.

Bai Rong looked at Gu Mingchen. “I didn’t admit to anything, and I don't think I said anything out of line. Of course, Xin is your son, so do what you need to do. I'll head in to prepare dinner.”

With that, she picked up the pail and went back home. She then entered the kitchen and cut up the fish. The fish were meant to be eaten tomorrow, but she butchered them all.

She could feel Gu Mingchen's presence behind her, but she focused on cleaning the fish.

“Rong, did you hide Xin elsewhere?” Gu Mingchen questioned her again.

Bai Rong gave him the side-eye. “So you believe her?”

“She has no reason to frame you,” Gu Mingchen rationalized.

“I told her that we're married when we were having tea just now. Don't you think that's motive enough? Do what you have to. Perhaps when you find Xin, the truth will present itself,” Bai Rong replied indifferently.