There were always plans, always backup plans, but there were always unforeseen changes that no number of backup plans could account for—good or bad, urgent or delayed...
There were always changes.
You might unwittingly step onto a staircase leading straight to the clouds, or, with the slightest lapse in attention, find a desperate abyss suddenly yawning beneath your feet.
To ensure a plan proceeded safely, one had to fully account for countless variables and adapt to accidents at any moment—the identities of the bait were no exception.
Ji Jue and An Ning, one in the open and one in the shadows.
They acted separately, each serving as bait for the other.
In terms of sheer appeal, the wolf hiding in the dark would most likely attack An Ning first. But if any other change occurred, Ji Jue, out in the open, would certainly be the first to suffer.
Once the situation changed, the two of them had to respond at once—support, restraint, cover, and rescue.
But no matter how the plan changed, one thing remained constant.
"...If you determine that the other person is beyond saving, prioritize preserving yourself and retreat immediately!"
Before setting out, Ji Jue raised a finger and warned her sternly. "In other words, once I decide you can't be saved, I'll turn around and leave. Don't expect me to risk my life for you."
"You're awful."
An Ning pinched the corner of his clothes, looking pitiful and on the verge of tears. "Brother Ji Jue, didn't we agree that we were in love, and would live and die together?"
"Keep that kind of dream talk in your dreams."
Ji Jue pushed away the face leaning toward him without the slightest stir of emotion. "Now, get to work."
Even now, An Ning still thought Ji Jue was