Are You Willing to Die in Her Place?

The wind blew in from the window, like a wave of heat slapping against their faces, making not only their bodies hot but also their hearts restless.

Inside the abandoned factory, the people were divided into two opposing camps.

On one side were the “kidnappers,” armed and holding a hostage. On the other side was Fang Zhou, unarmed and forced to surrender all his weapons.

The “kidnappers” loudly questioned Fang Zhou.

“Do you love her now?”

Fang Zhou’s body stiffened for a moment as he looked down at the woman being held hostage.

In his mind, he recalled all the moments they had shared, from the time they first met to their reunion, and up to now.

When they first met, Han Xi and he were trapped in an elevator. She almost had a panic attack due to her claustrophobia.

Later, when he saw her at the company, she was a cold and ruthless boss, seemingly inhuman and unsympathetic to her subordinates. But in reality, everyone in the company respected her and was willing to follow her leadership.

Part of it was due to Han Xi’s abilities, which commanded admiration.

The other part was that she was completely different from how she appeared on the surface. The company didn’t have a grueling 996 work schedule, and subordinates weren’t required to stay in the office all day doing pointless reports. She gave them the freedom to do their work.

During holidays and annual meetings, the human touch she displayed brought the entire company together. Whenever Han Xi wanted to push in a certain direction, everyone would support her.

Fang Zhou quickly understood why Han Xi, despite her young age, had risen to such a high position.

In private, she was also someone who loved life. Most importantly, she didn’t look down on others from a high perch. Instead, she would personally come down, connect with people, and learn about Fang Zhou’s habits and interests.

Han Xi’s charm gradually revealed itself as he got to know her, which is why Fang Zhou slowly fell in love with her.

Even after they parted ways, Fang Zhou still had a deep impression of her.

When they reunited on a show, Han Xi quietly kept an eye on him, always offering help at critical moments.

For example, the investment in his studio, or accompanying him to Southeast Asia now…

These moments combined into a book that flipped quickly before Fang Zhou’s eyes, with every page filled with Han Xi’s feelings for him.

And now, Fang Zhou asked himself, what were his feelings for her?

If, over these past days, he had been passively accepting Han Xi’s kindness, did that also hide his own feelings?

If he had no feelings for Han Xi, no matter how much she did, it would be like trying to catch the moon in water. Perhaps she wouldn’t have had the chance to continue interacting with him at all.

“What’s wrong? Is this question too hard to answer?”

The man seemed to be growing impatient, pressing the sharp knife a bit harder against Han Xi’s face, leaving a red mark that could soon draw blood.

The cold blade against her skin didn’t cause Han Xi’s expression to change at all.

She only focused on Fang Zhou, wanting to know what answer he would give.

In Han Xi’s heart, this was a high-stakes gamble.

If she lost, she would leave in disgrace.

If she won, everything would be meaningful and worthwhile.

“I love her.”

The man’s deep, magnetic voice echoed through the empty factory.

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was firm and gentle, and everyone present could hear it.

“I said, I love her. Did you hear me?”

Fang Zhou’s words seemed directed at the “kidnappers,” but in reality, his eyes were fixed on Han Xi.

This was the first time since their reunion that Fang Zhou had confessed to Han Xi.

It was also the first time he had faced his own feelings and responded to Han Xi’s emotions.

At that moment, every word Fang Zhou spoke fell into Han Xi’s ears like a downpour, each drop nourishing her parched heart, easing the anxiety and unease she had felt for so long.

It was like finding rain after a long drought.

Han Xi blinked and smiled from the bottom of her heart, a smile filled with relief, surprise, and emotion.

She knew she shouldn’t be so excited over just a few words.

But this was the moment she had dreamed of.

Han Xi’s desire for Fang Zhou’s love surpassed her ambition to climb higher in the business world.

Climbing higher in her career might just mean dragging the company along with her, but love—some people would give their heart and soul, and the other person might not even glance at it.

How could she not be excited?

Most importantly, Han Xi could see sincerity and seriousness in Fang Zhou’s eyes. He wasn’t lying.

When Fang Zhou met Han Xi’s gaze, he felt a jolt in his heart, and he couldn’t help but tremble.

At that moment, they were in sync, as if they had returned to the time when they first confessed their feelings to each other.

They were both genuine.

The “kidnapper” noticed that the “client” seemed to have gotten the answer they wanted.

A hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes, but he quickly hid it.

The act had to be convincing; otherwise, if the truth were discovered, it would be disastrous.

He coughed heavily, as if displeased by the two of them exchanging affectionate glances, treating him like air.

“Since you love her, this makes things easier!”

As he spoke, the “kidnapper” stood up from the chair, moving the knife away from Han Xi’s face.

Thank goodness, he didn’t want to actually hurt the client.

The man smiled as he lightly raised his chin, and immediately, someone circled around to stand behind Fang Zhou.

“I have one last question.”

He tapped the small knife in his hand, looking at Fang Zhou.

“Ask away.”

Fang Zhou remained vigilant, keeping an eye on the person behind him, ready to defend against a sudden attack, while also listening to the man’s words.

“My question is simple.”

“Are you willing to die in her place?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Fang Zhou noticed the man behind him making a move.

He turned slightly and saw that the man was trying to kick him.

Fang Zhou cursed inwardly and dodged the kick, but before he could celebrate, someone else kicked him from behind.

His legs buckled, and he fell to his knees. Immediately, someone came over and pressed a knife to his neck.

“Don’t move! Or you’ll lose your life!”

At that moment, both of them were trapped.

One was tied up and confined to a chair.

The other was forced to kneel on the ground, with a knife threatening his neck.

Fang Zhou looked up, glaring at the man.

“What do you mean by this?”

Were they planning to kill both of them?

He had heard that some forces in Southeast Asia treated human life like it was worthless, killing people as easily as cutting grass.

Could it be that today, he and Han Xi were really going to meet their end here?