"You can absolutely stand up and say it."
Chen Jinzhao's strength was failing, and he feared he might collapse within the Ji family compound, thus triggering further complications.
Dai Yin choked back a sob, "I want to kneel and say it because I am a wicked woman, and I wish to repent for my actions in this way."
"Then speak, I am listening," Chen Jinzhao relented.
Dai Yin hesitated, words catching in her throat.
Only when Chen Jinzhao grew impatient did she summon her courage and say, "Actually, Dai Yin died long ago. The one alive now is Number Nine from the Divine Kingdom Research Institute."
*Buzz!*
Chen Jinzhao's head throbbed.
He abruptly lowered his gaze to Dai Yin—or rather, to Number Nine from the Divine Kingdom Research Institute.
"You're not joking with me?" Chen Jinzhao's gaze turned frigid, a chill emanating from him, making Dai Yin feel immense pressure. She pushed through it, "Of course it's true. Dai Yin died long ago, by my own hand."
Chen Jinzhao couldn't comprehend why Number Nine would do such a thing.
Number Nine told a story that diverged completely from what Ji Bo'an had recounted.
Initially, Dai Yin, driven by vanity, had posed as a gentle and virtuous woman to catch Ji Bo'an's eye. At that time, Number Nine was tasked with monitoring Ji Bo'an and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
However, through their interactions, Number Nine was drawn to Ji Bo'an's kindness and integrity, and fell in love with him.
Of course.
Number Nine also knew that her status made it difficult to be worthy of such an excellent man as Ji Bo'an.
Simultaneously, the Divine Kingdom Research Institute had their eyes on Dai Yin. But when this Dai Yin heard she was to betray Ji Bo'an, she agreed without a second thought, even revealing some of the Ji family's secrets to the institute, allowing them to infiltrate the family swiftly.
By controlling Dai Yin, they effectively controlled Ji Bo'an.
Seeing Dai Yin gradually leading Ji Bo'an down a path of no return, Number Nine could no longer restrain herself. She proposed to replace the malevolent Dai Yin, thereby gaining better control over Ji Bo'an. The Divine Kingdom Research Institute approved this proposal.
From that moment on, the real Dai Yin was dead, and the one living was Divine Kingdom Number Nine.
"You could keep this secret until your death, and he would never know," Chen Jinzhao said with a complex tone. The direction of this story had far surpassed his expectations.
He now understood why Dai Yin had woken up so quickly after being knocked unconscious by Ji Bo'an; she was not Dai Yin at all, but the powerful Divine Kingdom Number Nine.
Number Nine wept and shook her head, "I heard everything you just said, especially how Bo'an has endured humiliation all these years for Dai Yin, even sacrificing his conscience. I truly feel remorseless."
"But I don't have the courage to confess to him. I want to ask you to help me tell Ji Bo'an."
"I love him dearly, and I don't wish to deceive him."
Chen Jinzhao sighed.
What is love in this world, that it drives men to their death for it?
"Ji Bo'an has managed to maintain his rationality all these years, and I suppose you played a part in that?" Chen Jinzhao ventured. Number Nine didn't answer directly, wiping away tears. "I couldn't bear to see him become a bad person. I hope he will always remain the gentle scholar in my heart."
"I understand," Chen Jinzhao said.
"You should get up now. Frankly, I think it doesn't matter whether you tell Ji Bo'an or not. The one he loves is you; Dai Yin is merely a substitute. However, I suggest you don't reveal the truth to him just yet. Wait until he has recovered."
"Oh, right."
"Do you know the location of the Divine Kingdom Research Institute's base?"
Number Nine pondered for a moment before nodding, "I do. It should be the place Bo'an mentioned, below Niutou Mountain. Once, when I wanted to memorize the location, I deliberately avoided their method of incapacitating me. Even with my eyes covered, I could find my way."
Chen Jinzhao had obtained valuable information, so he said to Number Nine, "It's best that you have chosen to abandon the darkness and embrace the light. Leave the rest to me."
Number Nine hesitated for a moment longer, then said, "Elder Chen, I believe I can act as a double agent, working with you from the inside to uproot the Divine Kingdom Research Institute's base. This is the most meaningful thing I can do for Bo'an. Please grant me this request."
"We'll see. I need to rest," Chen Jinzhao said, pressing his hand to his forehead.
His body was becoming increasingly unresponsive, leaving him with an unprecedented sense of powerlessness, and an urgent need to close his eyes and rest.
Seeing this, Number Nine said no more.
Chen Jinzhao, supporting his swaying body, walked out of the Ji family compound. He continuously bit his tongue to stimulate his nerves, determined not to collapse there. Who knew if Number Nine might suddenly turncoat?
One should not harbor ill intentions, but one must be wary.
As soon as he stepped out of the Ji family compound, Chen Jinzhao saw a graceful figure holding an umbrella in the midst of the heavy snow. The accumulated snow had almost crushed her umbrella, and judging by its depth, she had been standing there for over an hour.
Upon seeing Chen Jinzhao emerge from the Ji family compound, Tao Qiyue immediately hurried forward, supporting him. "Jinzhao, how are you feeling now?"
"Why are you here?" Chen Jinzhao deflected the question.
"Didn't I tell you to wait for my news and not act rashly?"
Tao Qiyue could see Chen Jinzhao was in a poor state and felt immense worry. She choked back a sob, "I can't stop worrying about you. I want to help you in any way I can. Don't say anything more. I'm taking you to the hospital right now. You must hold on!"
Chen Jinzhao's eyelids felt incredibly heavy, almost too weak to lift.
Before his eyelids completely closed, he managed to force a smile. "Qiyue, last night you asked if I liked you. I thought about it all day today. Actually, I do like you a lot. I like your innocence and kindness."
"If I don't make it, please forget me."
Tao Qiyue quickly replied, "No, you won't. You'll be alright. You have to believe in yourself!"
Chen Jinzhao's eyelids finally closed, and he could no longer hear Tao Qiyue's cries.
Tao Qiyue almost couldn't support Chen Jinzhao. She recalled the night they had their car accident. She quickly threw the umbrella aside, murmuring, "You always protected us. Now it's my turn to guard you."
She would protect Chen Jinzhao in the same way he had protected her.
Just as you love this world, this world will love you back in the same way.
Number Nine, also worried about Chen Jinzhao, emerged from the Ji family compound intending to help. However, Tao Qiyue didn't trust anyone from the Ji family and refused Number Nine's assistance. On the way to the hospital with Chen Jinzhao, she contacted Man Xiong and informed him of Chen Jinzhao's condition.
Half an hour later.
Man Xiong rushed to the hospital and happened to see Tao Qiyue standing by the operating room door, speaking with a doctor. He walked forward and asked, "Doctor, how is my brother?"
The doctor shook his head.
This action caused their hearts to sink.
"Doctor, what is my brother's condition? Please tell us!"