The gentle glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light across the room, illuminating the soft features of Xiaoxing as she lay nestled beneath a fluffy comforter. Jichen smiled, watching his daughter as she clutched her beloved teddy bear tightly against her chest. The serene expression on her face was a stark contrast to the tumultuous world outside.
"Sweet dreams, Xiaoxing," he whispered, brushing a stray hair from her forehead. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her temple, feeling a surge of affection wash over him. She was his everything, the light in his life, and the reason he fought against the darkness that loomed over their world.
As he straightened up, he lingered a moment longer, listening to her soft, rhythmic breathing. It was moments like these that reminded him of what was truly important—family, love, and safety. He quietly left the room, careful not to disturb the peace.
Closing the door softly behind him, Jichen made his way down the dimly lit hallway toward his study. The house was quiet, the only sound being the faint creaking of the wooden floor beneath his feet. The tranquility wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, but he knew it would not last long.
Upon entering his study, Jichen switched on the overhead lights, casting a warm glow throughout the space. He moved toward the bar cart in the corner, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. The amber liquid swirled as he set the glass down on his desk. He needed a moment to collect his thoughts, to prepare himself for whatever the night had in store.
Just as he settled into his chair, the door swung open, and Liu Jian stepped in, his expression serious. The shift in energy was palpable, and Jichen's heart began to race. Liu Jian rarely interrupted him, especially during these precious quiet moments.
"Sir, we need to talk," Liu Jian said, his voice low and steady. "It's about Victor."
Jichen's stomach twisted at the mention of the name. He had anticipated trouble from Victor—after all, the man was a snake in the grass, capable of striking at any moment. "What about him?" Jichen asked, leaning back in his chair, his posture shifting from relaxed to alert.
"Victor was found dead," Liu Jian replied, his tone grave. "The anti-terror squad discovered his body near a rundown factory on the outskirts of the city."
The words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. Jichen's mind raced as he tried to process the news. "Dead? How?" he asked, curiosity mingling with disbelief.
"Tortured," Liu Jian said, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the details. "It appears that he was brutally interrogated before his death. Whoever did this wasn't just looking to kill him; they wanted information."
Jichen leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his expression darkening. "Did he mention Xiaoxing? Did he say anything at all before he died?"
Liu Jian shook his head. "No, sir. There were no signs of him having spoken. The report indicates that he suffered significant injuries, but there's no indication that he revealed any useful information."
Jichen felt a wave of tension ripple through him. The fact that Victor had not mentioned Xiaoxing was both a relief and a concern. If someone had gone to such lengths to extract information from him, it suggested a level of organization and intent that he hadn't anticipated.
"Did they find anything at the scene?" Jichen asked, his mind racing with possibilities. "Any clues as to who was responsible?"
"Not much," Liu Jian replied, crossing his arms as he studied Jichen's reaction. "The scene was clean, almost too clean. It's likely that whoever killed him knew what they were doing. They covered their tracks well, which suggests a professional."
Jichen's jaw tightened. "So, someone else is now involved in this game. And they know how to play."
"Precisely," Liu Jian affirmed. "We need to dig deeper into Victor's activities leading up to his death. There could be connections we're not aware of."
Jichen nodded, taking a deep breath as he tried to maintain his composure. "I want you to gather every piece of information on Victor's movements. Find out who he was in contact with, what deals he was making. We need to know if there's a link to our operations or if this is something entirely separate."
"Understood," Liu Jian replied, his expression resolute. "I'll mobilize our resources immediately."
As Liu Jian turned to leave, Jichen paused, an idea forming in his mind. "Wait. What about the anti-terror squad? Have they drawn any connections between Victor and us?"
"They're treating it as a gang-related incident for now," Liu Jian explained. "They don't have any evidence linking it to your operations. I've ensured that our involvement remains under the radar."
"Good," Jichen said, feeling a momentary sense of relief. He didn't want any unwanted attention on their activities, especially now that Xiaoxing was with him. The thought of anything threatening her safety made his blood run cold.
As Liu Jian exited the room, Jichen couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled over him. Victor's death might open up new complications, and he knew that the underworld was unpredictable. One wrong move could have catastrophic consequences, and the stakes were higher than ever.
He glanced back toward the hallway where Xiaoxing's room lay, a reminder of what he was fighting for. With a resolute expression, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. He had to protect his daughter at all costs, even if it meant confronting the unknown.
The night stretched on, filled with shadows and uncertainty. Outside, the city hummed with life, blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing within its depths. Jichen would not rest until he uncovered the truth behind Victor's death and ensured that no one would come for Xiaoxing.
In the world they inhabited, peace was fleeting, but his determination to keep his family safe burned brighter than any darkness that threatened to envelop them.