"Bring the people up," Xu Yangshuo said coldly.
Soon, two people were brought up.
Lin Shishu looked around. Although she didn't know exactly where she was, despair was already creeping into her heart.
Murong Bo, standing beside her, trembled all over. Being kidnapped was a first for him, and he was understandably frightened.
Xu Yangshuo looked at the man and woman below. The woman was quite attractive, someone he could enjoy for a while.
Xue Zining observed the woman's despair mixed with defiance and felt a slight surprise. She had expected fear in such a situation, but instead, after despair, there was more defiance.
"Now that you're in my hands, you'll be skinned alive even if you don't die. If you don't want to die, you can tell me what you think is worth your life. I'll see if it's worth it. If not, I can only..."
Xu Yangshuo forcefully plunged the dagger he had been toying with into the ground. "I'll use this dagger to shave your flesh and feed it to my Ah Ding!"
Seeing this, Murong Bo quickly said, "I... I'll tell you. I am the only male heir of the Murong family. If you want money, go ask the Murong family. Any amount will do..."
"I have money, plenty of it," Xu Yangshuo replied.
Murong Bo was stunned. Suddenly, he glanced at Lin Shishu. Though a flicker of pity and guilt crossed his eyes, he still spoke, "This is the daughter of the Prefect of Jiangnan. I'll offer her to you..."
Lin Shishu slowly turned her head to look at him, unable to believe these words were coming from him.
Murong Bo averted his gaze, guiltily saying, "I know this is immoral, but Miss Lin, I want to live. My family is waiting for me to bring honor to our ancestors. I cannot die here. And you are the daughter of the Prefect of Jiangnan, so they might spare your life out of respect for your father."
Lin Shishu turned her head back, closed her eyes, and said, "Murong Bo, you saved my life at Fengyue Pavilion before. That debt is now repaid. I owe you nothing."
Murong Bo gritted his teeth and replied, "Yes, thank you."
"No need for thanks. From now on, let us never see each other again," Lin Shishu uttered each word through clenched teeth.
"And you? What do you have to save your life?" Xu Yangshuo asked.
"My father is the Prefect of Jiangnan. You can negotiate with my father," Lin Shishu replied.
Xu Yangshuo smiled, looking Lin Shishu up and down. "But I think your looks are quite good."
Lin Shishu trembled all over. "You... what do you want to do?"
"The Prefect's daughter. I haven't had the chance to experience that yet. Perhaps you'd let me try?"
"You can't touch me. My father won't let you off," Lin Shishu's eyes flickered with a trace of fear.
"Haha..." Xu Yangshuo laughed heartily, then his expression turned cold. "I don't even care about the Prefect. What is he? Someone fetch them, bathe her, and bring her to my room."
With that, Xu Yangshuo turned to leave.
"Great Chieftain," Xue Zining suddenly spoke.
Xu Yangshuo turned back to look at Xue Zining and asked, "Third Sister, are you trying to stop me?"
"Third Sister..." the Second Chieftain shook his head.
Xue Zining smiled. "Great Chieftain, I happen to be in need of a maid. You promised me a maid earlier, and now she can be mine."
For a moment, the atmosphere grew tense.
Xu Yangshuo's expression was grim. After staring at her for a long time, he suddenly chuckled. "Very well, Third Sister. If you want her, she's yours. Someone, take them all to Third Sister's room."
After giving the order, he approached Xue Zining and said, "Giving one is also giving. I'll give you one more."
"Thank you, Great Chieftain," Xue Zining bowed.
Xu Yangshuo is quite formidable.
The Second Chieftain stepped forward and whispered, "Third Sister, you were reckless."
"I merely need a maid. I don't understand what Second Chieftain is saying." Xue Zining said, and then walked away.
The Second Chieftain raised an eyebrow, smiled, and shook his head as he left.
Xue Zining returned to her room and saw the two still bound. She walked over and untied the ropes binding them.
Lin Shishu bit her lower lip, then with a sudden resolve, knelt on the ground. "Thank you, benefactor, for saving my life."
Xue Zining stepped forward to help her up and said, "No need to thank me. I am also acting under duress, and this is all I can do for you."
"Then, could you please help me send a message to my father?" Lin Shishu looked at Xue Zining with eager anticipation.
"No..." Xue Zining, though reluctant to refuse her, felt that in this situation, inaction was the best course.
Lin Shishu did not press the matter further. This person had saved her life, which was already an immense favor. How could she shamelessly beg for more help?
"But don't worry, that day will come," Xue Zining comforted her.
Lin Shishu nodded. As long as one is alive, there is hope.
Murong Bo, standing nearby, dared not say anything more. He likely realized his actions had greatly disappointed Lin Shishu, and he regretted everything he had done at Fengyue Pavilion.
"Since you are here with me now, you must obediently follow my commands. Otherwise, if anything happens, I may not be able to save you," Xue Zining stated her terms upfront, as in critical moments, she couldn't concern herself with too many lives.
"Please don't worry, Miss. I won't cause any trouble," Lin Shishu said.
Murong Bo also quickly nodded, indicating he would not cause trouble either.
"You haven't had a good night's sleep. Rest well here now!" Xue Zining said.
Murong Bo was arranged to stay in the adjacent room.
Lin Shishu was immensely grateful. After all that had happened, she truly did not want to see Murong Bo again.
"Thank you, Miss. I haven't asked your name yet," Lin Shishu inquired.
Xue Zining thought for a moment and replied, "Shugen."
Shu Gen?
Lin Shishu found this Miss Shu's name rather peculiar, but thinking that the world was vast and full of wonders, perhaps such strange names were not uncommon.
"Miss Shu, thank you for saving my life." Lin Shishu bowed respectfully to Xue Zining.
Xue Zining stepped forward to help Lin Shishu up. "Miss Lin, you are too kind. It was merely a small effort, not worthy of such thanks from you."
Only Lin Shishu knew that Miss Shu was the one who gave her a chance at a new life. If the opportunity arose in the future, she would repay Miss Shu.
"Miss Lin, rest well."
Xue Zining walked out of the room. The Second Chieftain was standing outside. Seeing her emerge, he approached and asked, "Are they settled?"
Xue Zining nodded. "Yes."
"You were too reckless today. Do you know that the Great Chieftain has become suspicious of you?"
"I know, but I couldn't bear to watch them die."
Hearing this, the Second Chieftain lowered his gaze. "Third Sister, your heart is too soft. Sometimes that is not a good thing; it can be your downfall."