Chapter 18: Fragrance, Orders, and the Looming Threat

Alex tried to explain, "I was just going to take a shower, just like you said."

She longed for some rest before she could start thinking about the mission. However, it seemed that she wouldn't even be given the chance to rest for a single night. Alex knew she had to survive the night first before she could even consider the mission.

Upon hearing Alex's response, the man raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes. He stated, "Who said anything about going anywhere? There is a bathroom right there. Go and be out within 10 minutes, and a maid will be there to make sure you don't play any tricks."

Despite feeling sleepy, tired, and thirsty, Alex had no choice but to comply with the orders. She entered the bathroom and filled the tub with water. As she looked around, she noticed a bottle of bubble foam and decided to add it to the water. Before she could put it back, she thought about what Tang Fei had said about a maid joining her shortly. Not wanting to be watched by someone else, even if it was another girl, she added more bubble foam to the water.

Alex removed her clothes and placed them within reach, along with a towel. She then entered the tub, making sure her body couldn't be seen from outside. Just as she settled in, the door opened. Alex turned her head towards the door, finding a maid standing there. She vaguely remembered the name being Cindy or Sandy, but it didn't matter much to her.

Alex felt a sense of relief because she knew that Cindy, or Sandy, was here because of the fragrance emitted by the token. It seemed to be connected to the little boy. With her mind clearer in the relaxing bath, she began to understand what the boy was trying to convey.

It occurred to her that the fragrance might have made the boy feel relaxed or sleepy, as he appeared to suffer from a lack of sleep. He might be sick or suffering from insomnia. Lost in her thoughts, Alex noticed that Cindy, or Sandy, was looking at her strangely, as if she were a dead person or about to die.

Alex tilted her head towards Cindy, asking politely, "Cindy, would you mind turning to the side so I can shower?"

The maid glared at her for a moment before correcting her, "It's Sandy, not Cindy. And Selena, I thought you were a good girl, but it seems you're just like those who want to climb up the ladder. Just be careful, because the Tangs aren't what people think. If you survive until tomorrow, you might get closer to the truth."

After delivering her warning, Sandy looked at Alex with pity-filled eyes before turning to the side. Alex got up and entered the shower area, closing the glass door behind her.

From inside the shower, Alex could see the blurred figure of Sandy outside. She pondered whether Sandy might be a nice person and not as mean as she seemed. However, Alex could only let out a sigh as she realized that Blackie, the voice in her mind, seemed quieter than usual.

Curiosity piqued, she asked directly, "Why do you seem quieter than usual?"

Blackie's response confirmed her suspicions. In this mission, Blackie was not allowed to interfere with her choices much, as it might have prevented her from going out in an unfamiliar place to fetch water. Blackie also mentioned that unless it was urgent, he might not reply anymore. Alex bid farewell to her internal companion, realizing that she might have to rely solely on her own judgment.

As she relaxed in the shower, she heard Sandy's voice. "Selena, it's been 9 minutes. You should start getting dressed unless you want to walk around naked later."

Alex noticed that Sandy was holding a towel and her clothes, waiting for her to take them. She turned off the shower and reached out for the towel and her clothes.

Putting on the white shirt and tying it once again, Alex stepped out of the bathroom. Sandy gave her a small smile of encouragement before returning to her usual stern expression. Alex returned the smile and proceeded outside, where she found the kid and Tang Fei sitting on the sofa, seemingly waiting for her.

Sandy approached, head bowed respectfully, and stood before them, not daring to look Tang Fei in the eye.

"Go," Tang Fei commanded, and Sandy promptly left the room, closing the door behind her.

Now, only Alex, Tang Fei, and the kid remained in the room. Both the child and Tang Fei fixed their gaze on Alex. She watched as Tang Fei stood up and approached her.

"So, Selena, let's see if you will survive tonight or not," he said with a smile. However, his smile sent shivers down Alex's spine. She knew that Tang Fei must have acquired all the information about her in just 10 minutes, which was impressively fast.

Tang Fei moved closer to her, but he could still detect the fragrance emanating from her. Although he felt surprised, he didn't let it show on his face. Observing that Tang Fei didn't order someone to harm her, the child understood that the fragrance was still present. He stood up and walked towards Alex, pointing at himself and then at her, saying, "Tang Hei. Sleep me or die."

Alex's eye twitched at the realization that now even a small child had the authority to order her around, with death as the consequence for disobedience.