As Li Chen and his companions arrived at the old sweet factory, a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air. The dilapidated building loomed before them, its darkened windows casting eerie shadows in the fading light of dusk.

Li Chen stepped out of the car, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. He glanced at Shadow and Ren Zirui, their expressions mirroring his own apprehension.

"We don’t know what we’re walking into. Stay alert," Li Chen instructed quietly, his voice edged with urgency.

Shadow and Ren Zirui nodded in silent agreement, their senses heightened as they prepared to follow Li Chen into the unknown.

As they cautiously approached the entrance of the factory, Li Chen’s mind raced with thoughts of Zhang Mei’s safety. He knew that every moment mattered, and he was willing to risk everything to bring her back home.

As Li Chen’s phone rang, his heart skipped a beat. He answered with a tense "Hello."

The woman’s voice on the other end sent a chill down his spine. "You should come alone. This is between you and me, and if those men come in, I swear you will not like what I do with her," she threatened ominously.

Li Chen’s jaw clenched with anger and fear. He turned to Shadow and Ren Zirui with a determined gaze. "I am going in alone. Stay guard outside, and if you see any other movements, handle it," he commanded firmly. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Ren Zirui nodded in understanding as Li Chen steeled himself for what lay ahead. With resolute steps, he moved forward, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in the dark depths of the factory, his only thought to rescue Zhang Mei and bring her back to safety, no matter the risks involved.

As Li Chen rushed towards Zhang Mei, relief flooding through him, he found her bound and sitting in a chair. "Mei, are you okay?" he asked urgently.

Zhang Mei’s voice, though strained, reassured him. "I am fine," she replied softly.

But before Li Chen could move to untie her, a voice behind him cut through the air. "So nice to see you again, Li Chen."

Li Chen tensed, his fists clenching instinctively. Turning around, he was met with the unexpected sight of Jiang Xiaolin standing before him.

"I remember you," Li Chen said, his voice laced with suspicion.

Jiang Xiaolin’s smile was chillingly calm. "Surprised?" she remarked casually.

"What do you want?" Li Chen demanded, his gaze unwavering.

Jiang Xiaolin’s expression remained inscrutable. "Come with me. We need to talk," she stated matter-of-factly.

Li Chen’s brows furrowed in disbelief. "What do you want?" he repeated, his tone growing more urgent.

"You won’t know if you don’t chat with me, right?" Jiang Xiaolin countered, her demeanor unsettling.

Li Chen’s eyes darted to Zhang Mei, his concern evident. But Jiang Xiaolin’s next words sent a shiver down his spine.

"If you try anything funny, she won’t be walking out of here alive. The place is surrounded, and those two men you came with won’t be able to save her," Jiang Xiaolin warned, her tone cold and menacing.

Zhang Mei’s voice broke through the tension, urging Li Chen to go. With a heavy heart, Li Chen knew he had no choice but to comply, hoping to outmaneuver Jiang Xiaolin and protect Zhang Mei at all costs.

As Li Chen followed Jiang Xiaolin to another part of the warehouse, he was taken aback by what he saw. The room had been transformed into a romantic setting, adorned with red flower petals scattered across the bed and a small table set with two wine glasses.

"What is this?" Li Chen questioned, his confusion evident.

Jiang Xiaolin smiled coyly. "You like it? It took me time to arrange all this. Please, sit down," she invited, gesturing towards the table.

Li Chen obliged, but his guard remained high. "What do you want from me?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

"Tell me, why did you choose her? She is not up to your standard," Jiang Xiaolin probed, her tone laced with curiosity.

Li Chen’s response was immediate and unwavering. "I love her," he declared firmly.

Jiang Xiaolin’s frown deepened. "Love... Status matters more," she countered.

"No, it doesn’t," Li Chen retorted defiantly.

"Let’s have some wine while we talk. I want you to have a night you will never forget," Jiang Xiaolin suggested smoothly, pouring wine into the glasses.

"I don’t like wine," Li Chen protested.

"That is a lie. I saw you drink wine at the banquet," Jiang Xiaolin countered, her gaze piercing.

Li Chen’s eyes narrowed as Jiang Xiaolin revealed her intentions. "You haven’t told me what you want from me," he reiterated, his voice steady despite the rising tension.

Jiang Xiaolin’s response was chillingly direct. "You... I want you," she declared, her gaze unwavering.

Li Chen’s disbelief was palpable. "What do you mean?" he demanded, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"To be your wife, silly. She doesn’t deserve you," Jiang Xiaolin explained casually, as if discussing a trivial matter.

Li Chen’s jaw tightened with resolve. "What makes you think I will marry you?" he challenged, his tone firm.

"You just said you love that Zhang Mei woman, right? So if you love someone, you always want to keep them safe, correct?" Jiang Xiaolin countered with a twisted logic.

Li Chen’s affirmation was immediate. "Yes," he confirmed, his heart heavy with the weight of Jiang Xiaolin’s threats.

"Well, if you don’t do what I want you to do, Zhang Mei will not walk out of here alive... The wedding can still be canceled, or better yet, change the bride," Jiang Xiaolin threatened, her tone laced with malice.

Li Chen’s resolve remained unshaken. "No," he stated firmly.

"You see, tonight will be our pre-wedding night," Jiang Xiaolin continued, her voice dripping with sinister intent.

Li Chen’s gaze hardened. "I won’t be marrying you," he declared, his determination unwavering.

Jiang Xiaolin’s expression darkened, her eyes gleaming with menace. "You have no choice. Her life is in my hands," she hissed, leaving Li Chen grappling with the chilling reality of the situation.

Jiang Xiaolin’s smile turned sinister as she poured wine for Li Chen. "Drink it," she commanded.

Li Chen’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "No, I’m sure this wine is poisoned," he declared firmly.

"Of course it is. Otherwise, how can I get you to be ready for our pre-wedding night?" Jiang Xiaolin replied nonchalantly.

Li Chen shook his head, refusing to comply. "No," he repeated adamantly.

"My men are on standby. Just one call and you’ll hear screams across this room," Jiang Xiaolin threatened, her voice cold and calculating.

Li Chen’s hands clenched into fists, his resolve unwavering. "If you dare lay a finger on her..." he began, his voice edged with fury.

"What, you’ll kill me?" Jiang Xiaolin interrupted, her tone mocking. "Come on, Li Chen, don’t make this so hard. I would hate if my men ruined her beautiful face," she taunted, her words dripping with malice.