The little girl swallowed but did not immediately raise her hand. Ji Xie "considerately" gave her time to think, standing beside her without rushing her.
Meanwhile, Li Xian leaned toward Guo Yuanmiao. After listening to a few whispered words, he returned to his original position and secretly traced a pattern on Ji Xie's back, out of the little girl's sight.
Ji Xie's back tensed involuntarily. Only after the wandering fingertip withdrew did he slowly relax. At that moment, the little girl raised her arm.
"Let's do it."
She spoke.
The little girl stared fixedly at Ji Xie, seemingly determined to see through his expression, but she could find no clues whatsoever in his smiling face.
"Rock, paper, scissors-"
The outcome was instantly laid bare before everyone: Ji Xie's scissors against the little girl's open palm.
"What a shame. It's over."
Despite his words, Ji Xie's tone held not a hint of regret. Instead, he immediately grabbed the little girl's right hand, which was still suspended in the air.
"Ten fingers, right? Oh, right-you raised the stakes, too. Let me think... let's just cut this hand off at the wrist. Otherwise, it'll be a real hassle."
With her hand caught in his grip, the little girl began struggling frantically, screaming her heart out.
"No-I don't want to!!!"
Yet even with all her strength, she could not pull her hand free of Ji Xie's grip. As she struggled, Li Xian quietly walked over to her and raised the utility knife with a smile.
"Don't worry. This knife is very sharp. It won't hurt."
"You're lying!!"
"I'm not. Look, if you don't believe me."
Before the little girl could react, Li Xian swiftly aimed the tip of the knife at her wrist and sliced down!
Before she even had time to scream, she