Zi Ning sat on the couch, her fingers gripping the armrest as she stared at the door Lu Yichen had just walked out of. The cold emptiness of the penthouse pressed against her, making her feel strangely uneasy. She had always been independent, able to handle things on her own. But this time, it wasn't just about her career, her reputation, or even her future.
This was about her life.
She exhaled slowly, trying to calm her nerves. Her thoughts kept circling back to Guo Jiancheng. She knew he was ruthless, but to hire people who didn't stop until the job was done? That was a level of cruelty she hadn't expected.
A vibration from her phone pulled her attention away.
Jiang Yue: Are you okay?
Zi Ning quickly typed back: I'm fine. Just waiting for Lu Yichen to come back.
Jiang Yue: I don't like this. What if something happens?
Zi Ning hesitated before replying: I don't know. But I trust him.
Jiang Yue: Call me if anything feels wrong.
Zi Ning smiled faintly, appreciating her friend's concern. But she knew there was nothing Jiang Yue could do. The battle had already started.
And now, it was up to Lu Yichen to end it.
The city was alive with flashing lights and the hum of traffic, but Lu Yichen didn't notice any of it. His focus was on the address he had just received—a warehouse on the outskirts of the city.
His people had moved quickly, tracking Guo Jiancheng's hired men. They had found their meeting point, and now, all that was left was to deal with them.
A black car was waiting for him at the curb. The driver, a man in his early forties with sharp eyes, nodded as Lu Yichen got in.
"They're all inside," the man said. "Seven of them."
Lu Yichen's gaze darkened. "Weapons?"
"Most likely," the man replied. "But nothing we can't handle."
Lu Yichen didn't respond. He already knew what needed to be done.
The car pulled into a quiet industrial district, stopping a short distance from the warehouse. Lu Yichen stepped out, his men already waiting in the shadows.
He looked at the warehouse doors. This was the moment.
Time to send a message.
Inside the warehouse, the atmosphere was tense. Seven men stood in a circle, speaking in low voices. The leader, a man with a jagged scar across his jaw, checked his watch.
"The job starts tonight," he said. "She'll be leaving the apartment soon. We intercept her before she gets too far."
A man beside him frowned. "And if someone gets in the way?"
The leader smirked. "Then they die too."
A loud crash interrupted them. The warehouse doors burst open, and before anyone could react, a wave of figures rushed inside.
Gunshots rang out, but they were quickly silenced. Within seconds, the seven men were surrounded, their weapons knocked from their hands.
The leader staggered backward, his eyes widening as Lu Yichen stepped forward.
"You—"
A fist slammed into his gut before he could finish speaking. He collapsed to his knees, gasping for air.
Lu Yichen crouched in front of him, his expression unreadable. "Tell Guo Jiancheng this is his only warning."
The leader coughed, struggling to lift his head. "You think—"
Lu Yichen grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer. His voice was dangerously low.
"If you so much as breathe in her direction again, I'll make sure you never take another job in this lifetime."
The leader's face turned pale. He had heard stories about Lu Yichen—stories that sent chills down even the bravest men's spines.
Lu Yichen let go, standing up. "Get out."
The men didn't hesitate. They scrambled to their feet and ran.
Lu Yichen watched them go, his jaw tightening.
This wasn't over. Not yet.
Guo Jiancheng sat in his office, sipping a glass of whiskey. He had been waiting for news all night, but so far, nothing.
Then his phone rang.
He answered, expecting to hear that the job was done. Instead, a panicked voice spoke.
"Mr. Guo… we failed."
The glass slipped from Guo Jiancheng's fingers, shattering against the floor. His hands trembled with rage.
"What do you mean you failed?!" he shouted.
"It was Lu Yichen… He was waiting for us."
Guo Jiancheng's vision blurred with fury. "You're telling me one man ruined everything?"
"It wasn't just him," the voice stammered. "He had people. We didn't stand a chance."
Guo Jiancheng's teeth clenched. Lu Yichen… That damn man had interfered again.
He slammed his fist onto his desk.
If Lu Yichen wanted war, then war he would get.
Zi Ning had barely moved from her spot when the door to the penthouse opened.
Lu Yichen walked in, his expression unreadable.
Zi Ning immediately stood up. "What happened?"
Lu Yichen removed his jacket, tossing it onto the couch. "It's taken care of."
Zi Ning narrowed her eyes. "That's not an answer."
Lu Yichen met her gaze. "They won't be coming after you."
Zi Ning could tell from his tone that he had done something serious. She stepped closer. "Lu Yichen… what did you do?"
Lu Yichen didn't reply. Instead, he reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Get some rest," he said quietly. "You're safe now."
Zi Ning swallowed. She wasn't sure why, but her heart pounded in her chest.
Lu Yichen had always been protective of her. But tonight, there was something different about him.
Something more dangerous.
Something unstoppable.
And for the first time, she wondered just how far he was willing to go for her.