Si Kong's feet halted before the door, his gaze locked on it with a mix of emotions. Memories of Nuan Nuan flooded his mind, and for an instant, he forgot his duty. The image of her fragile form, her eyes brimming with tears, seared his conscience.
A shiver ran down his spine as he sensed a gaze on his back. Turning, he found no one. The empty hallway seemed to mock him, echoing with the silence of his own moral turmoil.
"Captain Kong, we're ready to head to the Gu family's mansion," a guard interrupted, breaking the silence.
Si Kong's thoughts lingered on Nuan Nuan. Was she safe? Had she suffered more cruelty? The thought of Chenheng's twisted games made his stomach churn.
The guard's words pierced his reverie. "They dared to trouble our master; they must face the consequences."
Si Kong's nod felt robotic. His heart screamed against the injustice, but duty bound him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was trapped in a web of deceit, forced to serve a master who reveled in suffering.
As they walked to the minivan, a guard noticed his unusual expression. "Captain Kong, are you sick? If so, we can proceed without you."
Si Kong swiftly masked his emotions, regaining his cold facade. But the guard's words struck a chord. Was he truly sick? Sick of the blood on his hands, sick of serving a monster? The questions swirled in his mind like a maelstrom.
The minivan door slammed shut behind him, trapping him with his thoughts. The city's bustling streets blurred outside the window as Si Kong's inner turmoil intensified.
Meanwhile, Nuan Nuan escaped the mansion, her freedom a fleeting solace. She tiptoed through the empty kitchen, confirming Nanny Wang and the maids were away. With a deep breath, she slipped out the window, landing softly on the ground.
Freedom's thrill coursed through her veins as she scaled the fence and jumped to the other side. Tears of joy streamed down her face, her smile radiant.
However, her disheveled appearance and unsteady steps drew attention. Passersby stopped, concerned. One offered water, and Nuan Nuan thanked them, hailing a taxi to the Chu family's house.
The taxi driver's curious glances reflected Nuan Nuan's battered face and scattered hair. "Are you okay, miss?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Nuan Nuan forced a smile. "I'm fine, thank you."
But she wasn't fine. Her heart still raced from the escape, and the memories of Chenheng's cruelty lingered.
As the taxi drove away, Nuan Nuan's thoughts turned to Si Kong. Did he know she'd escaped? Would he be punished for her freedom?
Si Kong's minivan stopped before the Gu family's mansion. He steeled himself for the task ahead, but his heart rebelled. Could he truly bring himself to kill Patriarch Gu?
The world outside seemed to darken, reflecting the turmoil within.