Chapter 39

Ruan Ning's face went pale. She had been standing in the corner, but now she was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, like a lone figure on a stage with a single beam of light trapping her at its center.

She forced herself to stay calm and retorted, "May I ask what you're implying? Without evidence, you can't slander me like this."

With the shooting so blatantly before their eyes, the usually refined and elegant rich could no longer maintain their facade of dignity. Song Shao stepped forward from the crowd to lead the accusations against Ruan Ning.

"Everyone here except you comes from a distinguished family. Do you think we would hire someone to kill our own kind?!"

Ruan Ning's face flushed purple with anger, but she couldn't utter a single word.

She had thought they'd caught her in some wrongdoing, but it turned out to be nothing more than the ingrained classism of these elitists.

The young lords and ladies on the yacht were mostly from old-money families that had been wealthy for generations. From their ancestors' time, they had grown accustomed to privileges that set them above everyone else.

They might occasionally socialize politely with friends of far humbler origins to show face, but the moment their core interests were threatened, the arrogance, superiority, and exclusivity of the aristocracy were laid bare without any pretense.

And that core interest was safety.

The rich lacked nothing—not money, not pleasure, not superiority. They had everything, as long as it was built on a foundation of life and health. But if their lives were threatened, no amount of pleasure could be enjoyed. So they valued their own lives above all else.

They had known since childhood that their blood was noble, that they were a different species from the poor and lowly who scrabbled in the dirt outside. The latter were only fit to gaze up at them from afar, never to appear before them.

But Galiman's gunfire had shattered their illusion. Their paradise was far more fragile than they'd imagined—even the cheapest, most despicable slave from Country B could easily get close to them!

What was worse, that Country B slave had escaped!

The noblest people in the world had been ambushed by the lowborn, nearly killed by his bullets, and then he'd gotten away without any punishment. Just thinking about it was enough to drive them into a thunderous rage. They desperately needed a punching bag to vent their fury at their collapsing worldview.

Song Shao radiated terrifying anger, blocking the light in front of Ruan Ning, casting a prison of shadow around her.

"Why did you collude with rebels to harm us? You actually associated with the lowest Country B slave—you don't deserve to be a citizen of Country A! Traitor!"

Song Shao's words were like a spark, instantly igniting the latent fury in the hearts of those rich heirs. Casting aside decorum, they all chimed in with what was really on their minds.

"There must be more than one killer on this ship. I bet several are still hiding, targeting us!"

"Country B has been causing trouble lately. They must want revenge—capturing us to pressure the Country A government."

"Exactly. We have ministers and chairmen among our families. Capturing us is easier than going to war. They must be after us."

"That's right. They must have bribed quite a few people and carefully planned this assassination. Tell us—how much did they pay you, and how many accomplices do you have?"

Absurd rumors spread through the hall with alarming speed. The rich heirs, who usually couldn't be bothered with anything, suddenly snapped to attention, nervously interrogating Ruan Ning while scanning their surroundings, terrified that another cold shot would strike them from some corner.

Ruan Ning was so angry her heart raced, and she could barely contain herself.

"The culprit hasn't been caught yet. What proof do you have that I colluded with him? Even a court of law would demand evidence before convicting someone. You can't just ruin my reputation with empty accusations."

Ruan Ning was so tense she could barely breathe.

She was like a sheep that had fallen into a pit of venomous snakes and beasts, her fingers clenched so tightly that they drew blood.

As long as she adamantly denied it, no one could convict her without evidence.

Country A was a society governed by law. If she stuck to her innocence, the worst that could happen was being cursed at and vented on by these young lords and ladies—she could endure that. But in exchange, a righteous and brave life would be saved. She felt it was worth it.

Besides, Bu Chen's yacht was so large that every two steps there was a blind spot for the cameras, and it was a dark, moonless night. No matter how loudly the heirs cursed, they knew in their hearts that Galiman was long gone.

"Your very origins are your crime. You must be a remnant of the rebel factions. Guards, arrest her!"

Song Shao shouted loudly.

"Hold on."

Bu Chen, who had been standing behind the crowd watching coldly, suddenly spoke. Everyone looked over in shock.

Bu Chen's deep, unfathomable eyes rested only on Ruan Ning. The coolness of his gaze met hers, and she felt a flush of heat rise to her face.

Ruan Ning knew that when the shooting happened, Bu Chen had been standing in front of her and had witnessed everything. Fooling him wouldn't be easy.

This fox was far more troublesome than the gluttonous heirs on the ship. She silently prepared herself for a courtroom-style confrontation, bracing to face this old fox.

Seeing the most influential person present speak up, Song Shao immediately hunched over and sidled up to him, suggesting, "Brother Chen, this vixen definitely has something dirty behind her. If you can't bear to handle it, just leave it to me. I'll make sure it's dealt with cleanly."

Those around them surged forward to chime in, "Brother Chen, if you arrest her, she'll confess everything. Maybe we can even catch her accomplices. Don't hesitate—give the order!"

Ruan Ning held her breath, her eyelids twitching, trying to glean any trace of his inner thoughts from his expression. But Bu Chen's eyes were naturally lighter than others', like a mirror that reflected others in but offered no answers.

All she could see was a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth, laden with an indefinable meaning. A bead of sweat dripped from her forehead in nervousness.

Bu Chen stood amid the crowd, a throng of rich heirs behind him, like a king commanding the world. Clearly, those behind him also treated him as their leader, waiting anxiously with Ruan Ning for his judgment.

Bu Chen suddenly smiled. "Song Shao, your helicopter is here. Time to go home and rest."