Zhou Jiyao's pupils abruptly contracted, and he immediately retorted:
"That was nothing but playing along!"
"She was helping me fulfill my ambitions!"
Understanding dawned on Chen Jing.
"So she told every man the same thing."
Jiang Wanrou's green tea rank and Ultimate Bliss Bewitching Art were truly chilling. She had ruined so many people with such ease.
"She really is dead..."
From Chen Jing's flippant, mocking expression, Zhou Jiyao could tell that this man really would kill Jiang Wanrou.
Zhou Jiyao held the sheet of rice paper in his hand.
He walked back behind his desk, utterly bereft.
Chen Jing vaulted into the study and watched Zhou Jiyao at his leisure. The man was already like a stray dog driven from its home, all his fighting spirit gone.
He smiled faintly.
"Lord Zhou, your crimes have come to light."
"If you surrender, you'll save me some trouble."
"But if you insist on fighting like a cornered beast, you'll only cost me a little more effort."
Zhou Jiyao stood beside his desk. His body, already far from young, seemed to age another dozen years in an instant.
Suddenly, he began making tea.
He lit the little stove on his desk, brought the water in the teapot to a boil, and waited for it to bubble.
Meanwhile, Zhou Jiyao finally spoke.
"Chen Jing, you are a heaven-gifted genius."
"I'm no match for you, but now that things have come to this, is there nothing you want to ask?"
Chen Jing shook his head.
"I already know how this all unfolded."
"You can explain the remaining details at your leisure in the Imperial Prison. My colleagues will record every last word in the case files."
Zhou Jiyao smiled.
"Seeing you so full of vigor and confidence..."
"It reminds me of the years when