The Heart's Abyss: Loyalty Has Its Reason

To Jiang Xiaoci, traits, abilities, or even talents were irrelevant.

What kind of personnel or skills could Mike's settlement possibly lack at this stage?Doctors, warriors, officers, administrators—even those with extraordinary abilities were plentiful.

She firmly believed that Mike didn't need another exceptional genius. Whether they gained or lost one would only affect the speed of the settlement's growth.

But loyalty? That was a completely different matter.

Absolute, unwavering loyalty was a resource as rare as it was irreplaceable. It could provide the sanctuary with a bottom line that could never be breached, preventing the worst-case scenarios that might arise in the future.

The chances of such a disaster might be slim, but Jiang Xiaoci considered even the smallest of probabilities.

"From your position," she said softly, her tone calm but resolute, "Lin Yue is the only correct choice."

Her gaze didn't waver as she continued, "She shouldn't just be a B-rank talent. She needs to be stronger—because the stronger she is, the safer you'll be."

Weak loyalty was meaningless. Only the strongest, most unshakable loyalty could guarantee the safety and success of its beneficiary.

"You're right," Mike said after a brief silence, taking a deep breath. "I can't argue with you. You always manage to convince me."

"That's because I always think of what's best for you, sir."

Jiang Xiaoci smiled softly, her tone suddenly light and comforting. "Of course, choosing Li Ya would work too. What I just said was merely my personal perspective... After all, Li Ya's contributions would undoubtedly bring immense advancements to the settlement."

A brilliant researcher like Li Ya could accelerate progress tenfold.

But Mike, now swayed by Jiang Xiaoci's reasoning, shook his head firmly. "Lin Yue really is the only choice."

Jiang Xiaoci had reminded him of a crucial detail he'd long forgotten. As she'd pointed out, from the most rational standpoint, there wasn't a single person in the entire sanctuary who could compare to Lin Yue.

She was the optimal choice—the one person they couldn't afford to overlook, the talent they had to prioritize.

Mike fell into a contemplative silence.

Watching him, Jiang Xiaoci idly twirled her pen, her sharp eyes glinting with thought. Finally, she broke the silence.

"Sir," she said, her voice breaking through his reverie.

"Hmm?" Mike looked up, puzzled. "Is there something else, Xiaoci?"

"I insisted on choosing Lin Yue because..." Jiang Xiaoci placed her pen down, her voice soft yet solemn. "I've thought about betraying you."

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Mike froze, stunned into silence. The revelation struck like a thunderclap.

"Xiaoci, I..." He licked his dry lips, searching for words. "If... If you ever betrayed me, I'd be utterly doomed, wouldn't I?"

The thought alone was terrifying. He couldn't imagine any scenario in which he could outmaneuver Jiang Xiaoci, especially when his trust in her was absolute.

"But... Xiaoci, why? Have I done something wrong?"

"It has nothing to do with you." Jiang Xiaoci shook her head. "Back when you recruited me, I did have such thoughts."

"I realized I was being influenced by the system. The inexplicable fondness I felt toward a stranger like you—it wasn't normal." She paused, her tone steady. "So, I thought about rebelling against it."

Her admission was blunt, yet deliberate.

"I'm telling you this, sir, because I want you to understand the core of my argument for choosing Lin Yue. If I, of all people, have entertained such thoughts, then what about everyone else?"

"The human heart is a deep abyss. No matter what anyone says to you or how loyal they appear, it's all a performance to some extent."

"But Lin Yue... She's different. She's truly and entirely loyal to you."

Jiang Xiaoci's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's all I wanted to say, sir. Now, please, go find Lin Yue."

Mike hesitated, lingering in the wake of her words. "You really thought about it?"

"Mm."

"And now?"

"Now? Not anymore." Jiang Xiaoci's smile turned slightly enigmatic. "Why, sir, you don't look very happy."

"Of course I'm not happy!" Mike snapped, irritation slipping into his tone. "Why don't you want to betray me anymore? Is it because you've decided I'm worth your loyalty now?"

"Hmm... I've always thought you were pretty decent."

"Then when did you suddenly stop wanting to betray me?"

Jiang Xiaoci tilted her head, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she pondered. "I don't remember. I just think... this way is better."

At least now, she had the ability to care for someone—a luxury her previous life had never afforded her.

"Oh, well, I guess I should thank you for your gracious mercy."

Mike's voice was stiff, his emotions a whirlwind of frustration and bewilderment. He knew he should rise above it, respond like the composed leader he aspired to be. But Jiang Xiaoci had hit a nerve, and he couldn't bring himself to utter the kind of smooth, reassuring words a good leader would use to inspire trust.

"Sir, you're welcome," Jiang Xiaoci replied, her tone laced with playful mischief.

"You... Fine! Fine! You do your thing!" Mike barked, cutting the conversation short.

As he ended the call, he muttered to himself, his gaze falling to the teacup in front of him. The dregs swirled at the bottom, remnants of tea Jiang Xiaoci had personally prepared for him.

"If you ever decide to betray me," he murmured bitterly, "at least give me a heads-up so I don't die clueless."

Meanwhile, in her office, Jiang Xiaoci rested her chin on her hand, her slender fingers toying absentmindedly with her pen. A soft laugh escaped her lips.

"That silly man," she mused with a sly smile, "he's so easy to tease."