Gu Nian looked like a deer caught in headlights. Sweat formed on his brow as he turned to Fu Jian again, desperate now.
"Please," he hissed under his breath. "Just say sorry. Just one word. I can't afford to lose this job!"
Fu Jian stared at him, completely unmoved.
"Then maybe you should have thought of that before dragging me into your mess."
Gu Nian's expression darkened.
"Why are you being so selfish? Can't you just swallow your pride for once?!"
Fu Jian's jaw tightened.
"You call this pride? I call it self-respect. You're the one trying to serve me up as a peace offering. I'm not your tool, Gu Nian."
Gu Nian reached out suddenly, fingers curling around Fu Jian's wrist—not hard, but firm. "Don't be so difficult. Just say it—just say it, and we can walk away."
Fu Jian yanked his arm back. "Let go."