"An... assassination?"
"By what?"
"No... I didn't understand. What are you saying? An assassination? Was Juanjuan the target? Why didn't she tell me?"
Scarface shook his head.
"During the three years you were gone, we went through a lot together, including many life-or-death situations. But after this base was gradually established,
a rift began to form between us."
"A rift? What kind of rift?"
"Differences of opinion, differences in perspective. In short, our relationship slowly grew strained..."
"You mean you and...?"
"Some... unpleasant things started happening between Juanjuan and Li Xie. And it wasn't just once or twice."
"You mean... wait, those eight assassination attempts—could they have...?"
"Yes. Li Xie was behind all eight."
Scarface nodded. He thought for a while, hesitated, then continued, "Some time ago, people from that organization came."
"That organization? The True Dragon?"
"Yes, that organization. But it isn't called True Dragon. They call themselves the New Human Organization, and their guiding principle is to create a New World. To do that, they need all kinds of people who've undergone mutations, especially top-tier humans, like... Juanjuan."
"Shit... Their target is Juanjuan?"
"Yes..."
Scarface nodded and took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. I accepted one, lit it, and took a deep drag.
"Then why don't we kill him?"
Scarface shook his head and looked at me.
"You don't understand. Li Xie has an excellent reputation at this base. If we kill him rashly without evidence, it could easily spark a mutiny. Besides, Li Xie isn't alone. He has Liu Yuetong, and the Rakshasa Squad."
"Th-that's impossible. Li Xie... How could Li Xie do something like that?"
"The problem comes down to that New Human Organization I just mentioned. They want Juanjuan and want us to hand her over. In exchange, they've promised to evacuate everyone