Awakening in an unfamiliar, dimly lit room, the aftereffects of the sedative rendered my mind foggy. My disheveled clothes, surprisingly intact, contrasted starkly with the bare walls of what seemed like an unfinished room. Seated across me was Jiang Lun, looking worse for wear, his clothes stained and wrinkled, reeking of alcohol.
His face, more bruised and battered than mine, bore the marks of our last encounter - a testament to our tumultuous history. As our eyes met, a sharp kick to my abdomen sent waves of pain coursing through me, curling my body into a protective ball.
"You think playing these games with me is fun? Did seeing me beaten please you?" Jiang Lun's fury was palpable as he yanked my hair, forcing me to face him. The cold blade of a knife grazed my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His twisted smile as he toyed with the knife on my face was a clear sign of his deranged state.
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Initially, his intention was merely to possess me, a fleeting conquest. But now, his desire morphed into something darker, more enduring. Amidst the pain, I mustered the strength to speak, "Let me go. I can pay you."
His scoff at the mention of money was a stark reminder of his disdain for such leverage. "I needed money once, controlled by it. But not anymore."
Jiang Lun's delirium hinted at a deeper turmoil within. "What happened to your family?" I ventured, despite the tight binds and throbbing pain.
His rant about the selfishness of others, including me and Xie Weihuan, was interrupted by my offer of help. "She tasked me with your murder for the promised millions. How do you propose to assist now? By impaling yourself on this blade?"
His earnest gaze, filled with conflict and despair, prompted me to dissuade him from his grim path, "You don't wish to kill, Jiang. Don't let her words dictate your actions; there's still a chance to turn back."
His laughter, though brief, was void of joy, more a reflection of his shattered psyche, "Kill you for money? I no longer see its worth. What's left for me now?"