maggie: "I want you to steal an artificial heart."
Ou Yunchen: "As simple as that?"
maggie: "You're not the only one who needs to steal an artificial heart. The person who needs this artificial heart is a young master from a banking family, named Emmanuel. And the person who is also after it is... Axe!"
Ou Yunchen: "He needs an artificial heart?"
maggie: "To be precise, he doesn't have much time left to live, but the annoying woman by his side couldn't secure a spot for an artificial heart from Gu Yilong, so she plans to steal someone else's."
Ou Yunchen made no sound. He was shocked by this news. Axe, who held the title of Tang, was nearing his end? He didn't know whether to feel fortunate or sympathetic towards his old friend!
maggie: "According to my reliable sources, this priceless artificial heart will be transported to Paris, and the surgery will take place in a month. So, you must destroy it before Axe's people get their hands on it!"
Ou Yunchen was even more confused. Since Axe wasn't the recipient, why not just ensure he doesn't steal it? Why destroy it?
Perhaps guessing Ou Yunchen's doubt, maggie continued, "The research and development of an artificial heart takes up to three years, and even the arrangements for surgery require a year's notice. If we destroy this heart, Axe will have to wait another three years for another one! And he won't live that long."
It seemed Axe was truly on his way out. The artificial heart was his only lifeline...
maggie: "One more thing, I must remind you."
Ou Yunchen: "What?"
maggie: "The transportation will stop at the Shangri-La Hotel, and a very important event will be held there on that day."
Ou Yunchen listened carefully. He was already recalling the hotel's layout in his mind. He had been there many years ago.
maggie: "The Paris Debutante Ball will be unveiled there, so there will be a lot of people. However, I believe you will successfully complete this small task. It's just..."
Ou Yunchen's mind buzzed. He suddenly remembered what Su Ruiyi had said. She would be attending the debutante ball that day, and also... Mo Qingyun!!!
If she won the award for the Most Popular Youth Philanthropist, she would have an invitation!
Ou Yunchen: "Just what!"
maggie: "As per tradition, the organizers of the debutante ball invite all former Tans. If I'm not mistaken, you might encounter Michelle, who is currently managing imperial affairs in place of the Tang. Whether she will also invite Axe, I cannot say."
This was indeed a tricky mission!
That woman, Michelle, had seen him before. He could only hope she hadn't mentioned his appearance to Axe!
Seeing Ou Yunchen's prolonged silence, Michelle taunted him.
maggie: "Don't tell me you've gone soft? If Axe sees you're still alive, Hahaha, I think it'll be quite thrilling!"
Ou Yunchen: "Soft? Hmph, I wish I could watch him die right in front of me!"
-- End of Ou Yunchen's call --
***
Taking off his suit, Ou Yunchen sank into the sofa. His mind was filled with Maggie's words from the phone call, so much so that he didn't even realize how he had dazed his way back home.
Axe was going to die? Was this true? Wasn't the battle among adopted sons the most brutal of battlefields?
Had he experienced some major mission that injured his heart?
He wouldn't die. He was always the luckiest guy!
No, he deserved to die! He had caused the deaths of so many brothers. He should go to the underworld to atone.
Ou Yunchen argued back and forth for Axe. Sometimes, forgetting his pain, he would pity his unfortunate friend; other times, he would be filled with hatred and wish to end the traitor himself!
But every time he resolved to kill Axe, there was always a moment when he would think of the little mute girl!
He remembered her tear-filled eyes looking at him, and the slap she fiercely threw at him out of anger and disappointment...
Was she alright? Was she still angry? What was she doing now?
Ou Yunchen walked to the hidden room and sat in front of the computer. After a moment's hesitation, he clicked on the screen.
When he saw Mo Qingyun sleeping on the sofa, holding a stuffed toy, he was both surprised and delighted. She was home, and seemed to be doing well.
But a few minutes later, Ou Yunchen began to worry.
The living room window was open, and the night breeze was blowing the curtains. The mute girl wasn't even covered with a warm blanket!
She would definitely catch a cold sleeping like this! Idiot! What an idiot!
If he were there, he would find a blanket and cover her. But Ou Yunchen could do nothing. He couldn't do anything anymore!
He had to maintain a relationship of strangers. Because that pervert Colin would surely use Mo Qingyun as a tool for revenge if he set his sights on her!
Although Ou Yunchen had once thought the same, the moment he realized Mo Qingyun had truly taken root in his heart, he refused to let anyone approach her, use her, or hurt her!
Ou Yunchen zoomed in on the image, looking more closely. This mute girl must have cried before sleeping. Her eyes were swollen like light bulbs, and there were countless used tissues on the floor. She must have been heartbroken by him...
Through the screen, Ou Yunchen touched her face. He was such a scoundrel. He told himself he wouldn't allow Mo Qingyun to be hurt, but wasn't he himself the one hurting her...