The boss impatiently stood up, "So long-winded, like a woman."
Jiang Mian didn't move. Resisting in front of five burly men was akin to overestimating her strength.
"Ready?" the boss asked.
The lanky one took out the clothes, "Always ready."
"Put it on, strike a few sexy poses, and you're done." As he spoke, the man's direct and revealing gaze swept over Jiang Mian's entire body. "Can't say, you little starlet are quite pretty. No wonder someone wanted to ruin you for offending them."
Jiang Mian maintained her composure, extracting key information. Who had she offended? Shen Tingyu? Liang Qiao? Or Luo Fei?
Looking at the sailor suit the man produced, a few thin pieces of fabric that covered nothing and couldn't even be called clothes, Jiang Mian knew this was intended for scandalous photos.
Once these were leaked, the impact of such a scandal on an actress would be catastrophic, leading to utter ruin.
She shrewdly took the clothes and turned her head, attempting to entice them, "Look, you're doing this for money, and I have money too. I'll give you double?"
"How much did she give you? A few hundred thousand? I'll double it."
"We have our rules, don't drag this out," the boss said, his expression displeased. Damn it, if he listened any longer, he might falter.
Seeing the men's expressions soften, Jiang Mian pressed her advantage, "Is two million enough? If not, I can add more."
The others looked at the boss. What did they do this job for, if not for money? This was two million, five times what the employer offered!
This scrutiny made the boss's scalp tingle. "You believe this little lady when she says two million? Don't look at me. Professional ethics must be maintained." He glared fiercely at Jiang Mian, "Hurry up and change, or I'll help you put it on!"
Jiang Mian slowly unbuttoned her clothes. She said all this not to impress these men, but to stall for time. If she didn't return to the company by a certain time, Sister Ning would surely look for her.
"Why so slow? Haven't you eaten?"
The man couldn't wait any longer and stepped forward to grab Jiang Mian's wrist. Jiang Mian dodged him with a swift movement and buttoned her freshly unbuttoned jacket back up in two quick motions.
"Damn it, I knew you wouldn't be this obedient," the boss cursed. "What are you waiting for, you deadbeats! All of you, go!"
"Understood, boss!"
Jiang Mian spun around and ran, hiding behind the dressing table. With a cold face, she warned, "Don't come any closer. If you do, you won't get away unscathed."
The man scoffed, "Run all you want. You can run until your legs break today, and no one will come to save you."
Two subordinates moved in to flank her, blocking Jiang Mian from the front and back.
Jiang Mian pursed her lips, her gaze fell on the makeup on the table. Without hesitation, she grabbed bottles and jars from the table and hurled them at their faces.
"What the hell! You won't accept a toast, so you'll have to drink a forfeit!" His nose stung, and the lanky one repeatedly raised his hands to shield his face.
"Catch her!"
The boss's patience ran out. He walked forward without blinking. Just as the man's large hand was about to grab Jiang Mian, who had nowhere to escape, the next moment, with a "bang," the door burst open.
The sudden commotion made the men turn their heads. Jiang Mian's eyes lit up: "Night Wing!"
Night Wing entered with his arms crossed, slowly surveying the surroundings. He then fixed his gaze on Jiang Mian. "Are you alright? Did they do anything to you?"
"I'm fine, you came at the perfect time." It was wonderful to see Night Wing appear here. Jiang Mian felt a wave of relief.
"Do you take us for ghosts? Flirting in front of us?" The boss was agitated. He had thought this job would be done in half an hour. Now, an unexpected challenger had appeared.
While they were distracted by the newcomers, Night Wing drew their attention. Jiang Mian seized the opportunity, calculated the distance, and dashed to the door in a few steps. She quickly said, "I'll leave them to you. I'm going to find my assistant."
Night Wing chuckled softly. "Does this count as saving my life?"
Jiang Mian replied, "If you say it does, then it does."
Hearing this, Night Wing was in an excellent mood. He tilted his head, "Go on, she's upstairs."
After Jiang Mian left, Night Wing closed the door, gently rubbed his wrist, and the smile on his face faded, replaced by a fierce expression.
"What do you say, want to go all at once?" he drawled lazily, appearing quite at ease.
"Damn, kid, so arrogant?" This dismissive attitude instantly enraged the men.
Seeing Jiang Mian escape, and simultaneously, the men became even more furious. This meant the mission had failed, and their payment was gone.
The man narrowed his eyes. "Silver Snake, San Gou, beat this arrogant punk to death!"
"Yes, boss!"
Night Wing looked relaxed. "It's been a while since I've had a good fight."
...
When Jiang Mian found Li Zhuyi, she was sitting in a chair with her hands tied.
Seeing Jiang Mian approach, the young girl finally couldn't hold back her tears. "Sister Mian, you scared me to death. I was tied up as soon as I came up. Are you alright?"
"It's alright, it's alright," Jiang Mian untied her. "Why didn't Night Wing untie you?"
Li Zhuyi's hands were freed, and she wiped away her tears. "He said he was too lazy and wanted to save you first."
Jiang Mian was momentarily speechless. She grabbed her bag from the table and opened her phone. Sister Ning had indeed called her several times.
She quickly called back.
"Jiang Mian! I contacted Ella's editor-in-chief. They said the magazine covers for the next three months have already been shot. Where are you now?"
This meant they had encountered swindlers.
Jiang Mian took a deep breath. "I'll tell you when I get back. I'm safe now."
She led Li Zhuyi downstairs and found Night Wing.
Night Wing had one foot on the boss, while the remaining men lay on the ground in various states of disarray, groaning.
Seeing her arrive, Night Wing raised an eyebrow, his expression relaxed. "How do you want to handle them?"
Jiang Mian's gaze swept over them, and she calmly said, "If there's trouble, of course, we call the police. They're repeat offenders. If they're locked up, they might reveal a lot."
Night Wing nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say. I'll make the call."
"Why are you here today?"
Night Wing nudged his tongue against his jaw and smiled nonchalantly. "Isn't it normal for me to be here? This building, it's mine."
Jiang Mian eyed him with suspicion. She had always been curious about Night Wing's identity.
"Don't worry, I would never harm you."
Jiang Mian believed this, having met Night Wing so many times.
Night Wing removed his foot. "Alright, you two should go. I'll handle the rest."
After they left, a man slowly emerged, standing a step behind Night Wing.
His voice was filled with displeasure. "Why would you bother with these useless individuals? I could have handled them."
Night Wing flexed his wrists, his voice tinged with amusement. "Do I not fight enough brawls at school? Do I need these few people? Alright, call the police and thoroughly investigate who ordered this."
"If I may say, you've been taking too much care of this woman."
Night Wing sighed softly. "Rounded up, she's family. Of course, I'll take care of her a bit."
The man gathered his courage and asked, "Your subordinate has been following you for so long, and this is the first time I've seen you care so much about someone. If I may be so bold, do you perhaps like her?"
Night Wing readily admitted, "Yes, I like her very much."
A beautiful and intelligent woman, who wouldn't like her?