Chapter 19 . The Ritual Invitation

The room was still tense after Lin Xiu's shocking revelation. Zhao Rui and Liang Chen stared at the medical report, their minds racing.

Zhao Rui: "So… my sister's surgery was already paid for?"

Liang Chen: "Then why the hell did the hospital still ask for money?"

Lin Xiu leaned against the wall, her expression unreadable. "Because corruption runs deeper than you think."

Zhao Rui clenched his fists. He had risked everything for that money, and now he realized he'd been trapped in a bigger game.

Before they could question her further, a loud knock echoed from the door.

"Photographers, get up," a guard barked. "Shen Wei wants you."

Zhao Rui and Liang Chen exchanged glances.

Liang Chen (whispering): "Do we act normal?"

Zhao Rui: "If by normal, you mean pretend we didn't just learn we're stuck in a horror movie, then sure."

Lin Xiu stepped aside as the guards dragged them out.

Her mysterious smile lingered as she watched them leave.