The air was thick with tension as Sun Lixia and Li Xinjie stood paralyzed, their ears straining against the ominous clanking of chains. The old man's voice sliced through the weighted stillness like a blade. "I present to you my gift, Sun Lixia. Now, what is your decision?"
His words hung chillingly, causing Sun Lixia's fists to clench harder. When the two chained figures were led into view, her heart threatened to burst from her chest. Li Xinjie's brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes darting straight to Cen Yuhuan. He made a move towards her, but the guards formed an impenetrable line, blocking his path.
"Let her go, you bastard!" Li Xinjie snarled, rage simmering beneath the surface.
The old man chuckled, unfazed. "No rush, no rush." He turned back to Sun Lixia, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "So, what do you think of my present?"
