The sterile, dimly lit lab was eerily quiet, with only the soft hum of machines filling the space. Xin Yi slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry at first. She didn't know how long she had been unconscious, but the dull ache in her head and the weakness in her body told her it had been a while.
Beside her bed sat Qin Lianyi, her head resting on the edge of the bed, still clutching Xin Yi's hand. Her posture was tense even in sleep, as though she had been keeping watch all this time.
Xin Yi gazed at her with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. Qin Lianyi had been the only source of warmth in this cold, merciless place. Despite knowing each other for only a short time, Qin Lianyi's unwavering care for her made Xin Yi's heart ache. No one had ever shown her this kind of kindness in the seven long, grueling years she had spent in this lab.
Carefully, Xin Yi tried to pull her hand away so as not to wake her, but the slight movement caused Qin Lianyi to stir. She woke with a start, her weary eyes instantly focusing on Xin Yi.
"You're awake," Qin Lianyi said softly, her voice filled with relief. She quickly stood up, her hands reaching out to check Xin Yi's temperature, gently placing her palm on her forehead. "Your fever's gone," she said, exhaling a sigh of relief. "You were unconscious for almost two days. Thank goodness you're feeling better now."
Straightening up, she added, "I'll make some porridge for you. You need to regain your strength." She turned toward the door, but after taking a few steps, she suddenly froze. A shadow crossed her face, and her mind replayed the conversation she had with Lei Xian not long ago.
"I almost forgot…" she muttered under her breath, turning back to Xin Yi with a troubled expression. She returned to the bedside, sitting down and grasping Xin Yi's hand tightly, her grip trembling slightly.
"There's something very important I need to tell you," Qin Lianyi said, her voice serious, her eyes locked onto Xin Yi's.
Xin Yi blinked in confusion. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice cautious, sensing the tension in the air.
Qin Lianyi hesitated for a moment, as if gathering the courage to speak, before leaning closer. "Listen to me very carefully, Xin Yi," she began, her tone firm. "Today, a shareholders' meeting for Life Pharmaceuticals is taking place at the Paradise Hotel. Lei Xian is hosting that meeting."
Xin Yi tilted her head slightly, still unsure of where this was going. "And?"
"She's planning to present you to the shareholders as the subject of her experiments," Qin Lianyi continued, her voice trembling with urgency. "She's going to take you out of this lab and bring you to that meeting."
Xin Yi's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding. "Present me…? To the shareholders?"
"Yes, Xin Yi. This is the first time in seven years you'll be taken out of this lab," Qin Lianyi said, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "This is your chance—your chance to escape from Lei Xian's control."
The weight of Qin Lianyi's words sank in, and Xin Yi's expression shifted from shock to conflicted disbelief. "Aunt Lianyi," she said hesitantly, "you and I both know this won't be easy. Lei Xian has eyes everywhere. How can I escape?"
Qin Lianyi's grip on Xin Yi's hand tightened, her gaze filled with desperation. "I know it won't be easy. But this is your last chance. If you don't try now, you'll never have another opportunity. Xin Yi, you must escape. If you don't… you'll die."
Xin Yi froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Qin Lianyi took a deep breath, her voice heavy with dread as she revealed the truth. "Lei Xian plans to restart the experiment from 25 years ago. To do that, she needs your brain and your blood. She's decided to… sell your organs to the shareholders."
Xin Yi felt the world tilt around her. Her mind raced as the horrifying reality of her situation sank in. "Sell… my organs?" she repeated, her voice breaking.
Qin Lianyi's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Yes, Xin Yi. That's why you can't stay here. You have to escape. I've already made a plan, but there's one problem—you'll have to escape from the hotel by yourself. I can't go inside; it's a VIP-only event, and you need a pass to enter. Once you're outside, I'll help you."
Xin Yi shook her head, fear and doubt clouding her thoughts. "It's impossible. Lei Xian will never let me out of her sight."
Qin Lianyi interrupted her, her voice rising with urgency. "Please, Xin Yi. You have to do this—for yourself, for me, and for your mother."
Xin Yi's breath hitched at the mention of her mother.
Qin Lianyi continued, her voice trembling but determined. "If you escape, we can expose Lei Xian to the whole world. This is the universe giving you a sign, Xin Yi. Please, just try one last time. You deserve a life free from this pain. Please!"
Tears welled up in Xin Yi's eyes as she stared at Qin Lianyi, her heart torn between fear and hope. This was her chance—perhaps her only chance—to break free from the endless nightmare she had endured for seven years.
"I'll try," Xin Yi whispered, her voice trembling but resolute.
Qin Lianyi squeezed her hand tightly, a flicker of hope shining through her worry. "Thank you," she said, her voice soft but filled with determination.
****
A luxurious black sedan pulled up to the grand entrance of the Paradise Hotel, its polished surface gleaming under the soft evening lights. A sharply dressed hotel staff member quickly approached, opening the car door with a courteous bow.
Out stepped Bai Ning Jing, a striking woman in her early twenties. Her alabaster skin seemed to glow against the backdrop of the opulent hotel exterior. She had an air of elegance that turned heads as she gracefully adjusted her sleek glasses. Her straight, smooth hair flowed like silk over her shoulders, perfectly complementing her attire. She wore a tailored black and white Chanel tweed two-piece suit, exuding sophistication. Black socks and white platform heels added a trendy, modern twist to her look, while a small black handbag rested lightly in her hand, completing the ensemble.
The onlookers couldn't help but steal glances, some admiring, others envious, as she ignored the murmurs and subtle stares around her. With a calm yet purposeful stride, Bai Ning Jing made her way into the hotel lobby, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.
Stopping at the reservation desk, she leaned slightly forward and addressed the receptionist in a composed tone, "Excuse me, is there a reservation for me?"
The receptionist, a young man in a neatly pressed uniform, offered a professional smile. "Just one moment, miss. May I have the name, please?"
"Yichen and Ning Jing," she replied succinctly, her tone firm but polite.
The receptionist quickly scanned his system, tapping on the screen with practiced ease. "Ah, yes. I have the reservation here. Please follow me. This way, miss."
With a gesture, he led her through the stunningly designed hotel, past sparkling chandeliers and plush carpets. The air was lightly scented with lavender, adding a touch of luxury. As they reached the dining area, the view through the large windows was breathtaking, offering a panorama of the city skyline lit up against the twilight.
The receptionist stopped at a table by the window and pulled out a chair for her. "This is your seat, miss. Enjoy your meal."
Ning Jing offered him a brief, polite smile. "Thank you."
She seated herself with poise, smoothing her tweed skirt before taking out a compact mirror from her handbag. Taking advantage of the momentary solitude, she delicately touched up her makeup, her movements elegant and calculated. She glanced at her watch. Yi Chen wasn't here yet. That was fine; she could use the time to compose herself.
Moments later, Yi Chen walked through the grand doors of the Paradise Hotel. Dressed in a tailored navy suit with a crisp white shirt, he exuded an aura of authority and understated charm. His hair was neatly styled, and his polished shoes made little sound on the soft carpet as he approached the reception desk.
"Good evening. I have a reservation under the name Yi Chen," he informed the receptionist.
The receptionist checked his records and responded promptly, "Yes, sir. Your table is ready. Please follow me."
As Yi Chen followed the staff toward the dining area, his sharp eyes caught sight of something unusual. Near the VIP ballroom, a large banner hung prominently over the entrance. The bold letters on the banner read: "Life Pharmaceuticals - Shareholders' Dinner."
He paused mid-step, his brows furrowing slightly as he took in the scene. The staff member guiding him noticed his hesitation. "Is there a problem, sir?"
Yi Chen turned to him with a neutral expression but asked, "Is there an event for Life Pharmaceuticals happening here tonight?"
The staff member nodded courteously. "Yes, sir. The shareholders' dinner for Life Pharmaceuticals is taking place in the VIP ballroom tonight."
Yi Chen nodded, his expression thoughtful as he looked back at the banner. "I see. Thank you."
His mind raced as he continued toward the dining area. First the peculiar interview, now this shareholders' dinner? What exactly is going on with Life Pharmaceuticals? He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding behind the scenes.
As he neared the table where Bai Ning Jing was seated, Yi Chen made a mental note to look further into the company and its activities.