Chapter 10 — The Bride Strikes Back: Exposing the Liar

I chose the simplest white dress, applied almost no makeup, to make myself look fragile and vulnerable. Only when the prey looks weak enough will the herd reveal all its fangs and claws. Standing in front of the mirror, I practiced each expression, each look, half fear, half hesitation, enough to make others believe that I was still under control. I need them to believe that I am still the easily manipulated To Du Du from before. Only then will they dare to step deeper into the trap I set. Before leaving, Chu Duyet pulled my hand back, his eyes red.

“Du Du, don't go anymore, okay?”

“We can't fight them, I'm afraid you won't be able to come back…”

I patted her head, giving her a very light smile.

“I will definitely come back.”

“Wait for me, when we're done, I'll go eat hot pot.”

I drove to the abandoned factory, the sunset stretching my shadow across the ground like an ink streak. A play is about to begin. And I'm both an actor... and a scriptwriter. Inside the factory, there was a strong smell of rust and dust. The afternoon light through the broken window created streaks of light like blades cutting across the space. Trieu Khai stood alone in the middle, he hadn't seen her in a few days but looked ten years older, his hair was matted, his eyes were sunken, and his whole body exuded depression. Seeing me, his eyes lit up with hope like a drowning man seeing a buoy.

“Du Du, I'm here!”

He walked quickly towards me. I reflexively took a step back, keeping my distance, a look of moderate panic on my face.

“Where is the report?”

Trieu Khai paused, his eyes showing confusion and pleading.

“Du Du… I'm sorry…”

“I don't want to hear sorry.”

I interrupted, my voice cold.

“I just want to know what I have to face today.”

He bowed his head, his voice lowered.

"My brother said... we have to see your sincerity first."

“He told me to bring you here, then come.”

In my heart, I laughed coldly. It's true that I still didn't forget to try me one last time. Sure enough, he was an old fox, so careful that he let Trieu Khai go out to scout the way first, confirming there was no ambush before appearing. But this was already in my calculations. I glanced around the factory, the space was empty, only a few broken machines scattered, every corner was exposed with no place to hide. I nodded slightly.

“Call him over, I'll wait.”

Trieu Khai, as if his life had been spared, immediately called to report the news, his tone mixed with haste and flattery.

“Tell me, she's here, alone, very safe… yes, we're waiting.”

Hanging up, he stood in front of me, his hands clasped together, his eyes pitiful and anxious.

“Du Du… they're coming, don't be afraid, I'm here, I won't let them hurt you.”

The words were so fake that even he couldn't believe it. I didn't answer, just quietly waited. Time passes breathtakingly slowly, each second feels like a century. About twenty minutes later, the factory door was pushed open, the deafening sound of metal screeching echoed throughout the space. The flashlight swept inside, seven or eight men wearing black tank tops walked in, surrounding a middle-aged man. He was in his mid-forties, dressed neatly in antique clothes, twirling a string of beads, smiling face but cold eyes like knives. His gaze stopped on me, examining me from head to toe.

“Are you To Du Du?”

His voice was calm but carried heavy pressure. I clenched my fists, digging my nails deep into the palm of his hand, forcing himself to reveal a trembling expression. He smiled softly, coming closer enough that I could smell the faint scent of perfume on him.

“You have quite a bit of courage, daring to come alone to meet me.”

A bald guy next to me threw his briefcase at my feet and said in a rude voice: "Open it." I sat down, my hands trembling as I opened my bag. Inside was a fake guarantee contract, a pen and a red ink cartridge.

“Did Trieu Khai tell you?”

The leopard looked down at me as if looking at a commodity.

“Now sign your name and point again.”

“After signing, you are one of our people, the Trieu family's matter is also your matter.”

“As for Trieu Quoc Cuong, I will release him immediately.”

His voice was as light as talking about eating, as if those 5,000,000 yuan were just a small matter. I raised my head, my eyes were red, tears in my eyes.

“What guarantee do I… have?”

“What if I sign but you don't release me?”

“I have to see him, I have to make sure he's safe!”

I started acting according to plan. Bao Ca raised his eyebrows, clearly not expecting me to dare to bargain. The bald guy immediately stepped up and cursed me straight to my face.

"You woman, don't be unreasonable. Brother Bao is respectful when talking to you. If you say sign then sign, what are you talking about!"

I was startled and trembled, tears falling. Ca Ca raised his hand to stop him, his eyes looking at me as if he were watching an interesting show.

“You know how to claim your rights, okay, I'll show you.”

He made a video call. On the screen appeared Trieu Quoc Cuong, tied to a chair, his mouth taped, his face white with fear, on both sides were fierce men. Trieu Khai screamed and rushed forward but was held back.