Puff…

Just how was it going?

Bai Ya gently blew on the coffee in her hands, sitting with her legs together. The white hood shadowed her face, hiding every flicker of thought.

She wasn’t worried about Yue Ge—there was no reason to be. For Chosen Ones below a certain tier, defeating him was as impossible as a six-sided die rolling a seven. Not even a one-in-ten-thousand meteor strike held comparable odds.

She’d thoroughly analyzed Yue Ge’s Essence composition. Unlike other high-level Essences, his held almost no area-of-effect destructive power. His sole method: condensing vast black aura for wide-range strikes—and even that required extremely demanding conditions, per his own words.

Conversely, nearly all his abilities honed for solo combat. This near-perfect structure made survival inevitable, even surrounded by multiple Chosen Ones. And gathering forces unnoticed inside the Heavenly Mandate Building? Impossible. If exposed, the fallout would never fall on her or Yue Ge.

So Yue Ge faced few opponents—likely only Danger Class or High Danger Class Chosen Ones. Nothing to fear.

All that remained… was waiting.

Beneath Bai Ya’s indifferent calm lay careful calculation. The Organization was never righteous. Without this incident, another would come. Better to seize this chance and accomplish everything at once.

Wang Ming could never have guessed Yue Ge’s Essence belonged to the Divine Class. A Danger Class assassin—specialized in killing—might suffice against some High Danger Class foes. But without breaking his defense? Meaningless. When decisions are shackled by narrow experience and perspective, error is inevitable.

“Doctor Bai Ya, half an hour left in break. Mind if I sit beside you?” Wang Ming approached, coffee cup in hand—just like hers.

Lunch had ended; this was merely the quiet lull before afternoon experiments. Only two remained in the lab. No words would be overheard.

Bai Ya slightly narrowed her eyes. “Whatever.”

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Wang Ming sat, smile unchanged. “You haven’t changed a bit.”

“Neither have you.” Bai Ya sighed openly. “Call it quits now. I’ll overlook your past moves. You’ve overreached.”

True, Wang Ming had helped her greatly early on. His skills were solid. Without that, he wouldn’t hold his current post. A bond once existed between them—though it had quietly soured.

Yet he’d never crossed true lines. Bai Ya wouldn’t act on mere suspicion. That wasn’t authority—it was childish tantrum. She’d long outgrown that.

“You remain so blunt.” Wang Ming offered a wry smile, sipping coffee. “But I have my own desires. You’re simply… too brilliant.”

Praise and resignation, wrapped together. Only then did he use honorifics. As he advanced, Bai Ya surged ahead faster—even while managing everything else. At this rate, he’d never catch up.

“People call unattainable desires delusions,” Bai Ya said calmly, eyes closed as if stating fact. “You cannot hold my seat. If you tried, *he* would eliminate you. And even setting aside complications… I could never love anyone.”

Wang Ming kept smiling, shaking his head. “Who can say what the future holds?”

“Perhaps.” Bai Ya cradled her cup, gaze averted—done with the topic.

She understood. But understanding didn’t erase the wound. The world was never fair.

“Leaving again this time?” Wang Ming shifted subjects tactfully. Leaving would’ve been wiser, but he stayed. Like old friends catching up. It had been too long since they spoke plainly. Without Yue Ge’s appearance, he might not rush so. Their rapport could’ve softened.

“Three to four days earliest. No more than a week.” Bai Ya paused. “After I leave, you’ll continue overseeing here.”

“Not replacing me?” Wang Ming stood.

“No need. You’re more competent. My debt ends here. Previous contract void. No objections.” Not a question. A notice.

Wang Ming’s smile edged with mockery. “I’ll relay your exact words to Father.”

How would his greedy, unrestrained father react? Rage, certainly. What’s taken in another’s weakness must be returned.

So be it.

With Bai Ya this clear, how could he not know the assassination was doomed? Yet… he’d anticipated it. That’s why only Mi Lin was sent—not a force. If Mi Lin failed, more bodies meant nothing. This battle was meant to stay silent.

But can a pawn feel no resentment? Even if overlooked now… what about next time?

Those who don’t understand you can never stay. Arrogance scorns explanation; insecurity silences your past… So no one ever truly understands you.

You still don’t grasp the human heart…

“Then I’ll take my leave,” Wang Ming said, expression neutral as if nothing passed between them. “A surface punishment is needed—for appearances.”

“Two-week suspension. All duties revoked during that period.” Bai Ya answered without hesitation.

“Understood. I won’t see you off. Let this be my ‘see you next time.’” Wang Ming waved. Bai Ya’s cycle of returns and departures was no secret, even within the Organization.

Bai Ya gave no reply. She didn’t even turn around.