To Lyca, the mini-reunion was just like every other reunion in the past. Except this time, she couldn't really sleep because she kept on worrying about Shen Qui. Of course, she regretted overthinking these things.
Her most significant gain for tonight was the fact she knew about Xu Jihan's admirer.
It was already eleven in the evening when Shen Qui and old man Tang finished their games. By now, most of the Tang family members already went home, promising to have another gathering in a few days for Old Man Tang's upcoming birthday.
When Lyca and her parents went home, they decided to take the same route towards the mansion. Two cars left the Tang Mansion only to encounter a few minutes just after they left the village.
The Tang household was located near the Long Family's estate. It was in a village surrounded by trees and tall gates. It was supposed to be secure and was guarded twenty-four seven. However, just as Lyca and her parents left the gates, a van suddenly blocked their way.
It was clearly an ambush.
Lyca and Shen Qui instantly turned alert as their eyes met. Their car was in front of Lyca's parents' car, so they saw everything and immediately noticed the problem.
Both of the cars were bulletproofed, so they are confident that they could survive a few shots as long as they won't use high-caliber firearms.
"Protect father… I will protect mother." Lyca stared at her husband. They are currently in the middle of nowhere, just along the border between Ralia and Long City. This place wasn't really barren as they could still see a few houses nearby, but Lyca was sure none of those people would get involved in this situation. "You know that I love you, right?" she asked before she realized her awkward question. Lyca gave a wry smile before she chuckled. "Don't you dare get any injury." She knew that her parents are both capable. However, she was planning to get out of this situation, suffering nothing. Before the people in the Van could get out, Lyca already jumped out of the car, she was followed by Shen Qui. The two just let their car bumped into the Van that was blocking their way.
It was an action that the people inside didn't expect.
The people inside the Van jumped out, revealing their black clothes and bonnets.
Lyca hissed as her feet landed on the road. She didn't pause as she dashed towards a tree that could cover herself. See? This is why she hated wearing a dress. Lyca examined her dress, making sure that there is no hole or anything.
Priorities.
This dress was still Shen Qui's gift. Though, she is already planning not to wear a dress again.
She looked at the men who stopped her parent's car. Some of them were already walking towards Lyca's way. They must have seen her jumped with her dress.
In the end, Lyca blamed her dress for this misfortune.
"Raise your hand! And show yourself!"
Lyca didn't answer. She and Shen Qui didn't bring lots of bullets. The only weapon that she brought was a small gun that she could fit in her stockings. It had six bullets, and she didn't get any extra bullets.
"Get out of the tree and raise your hand!"
Lyca cursed inwardly. Her dress was white, so it's easier for them to spot her. "Alright! I'm coming out!" She held both of her hands up. "Don't shoot my dress! It's expensive!" Slowly, she walked out of the tree with her hand held up. She then eyed Shen Qui's direction and met his gaze. He wasn't that far away from her, but she could clearly see his reaction because of her internal energy.
"Come over here!" The man's voice was deep, Lyca thought he sounded older. "Don't you dare move your hands, or I will shoot!"
Lyca snorted inwardly. She eyed her parents, who just got out of their car, then she let out a loud sigh. She followed the man's instruction and walked towards her parents, who were also raising their hands. She stood next to her mother while Shen Qui stood next to her father.
"Check the cars! Check for an armor!"
Lyca lowered her gaze. Despite the current danger, her heart wasn't racing, her face relaxed. It was as if she was watching a boring show instead of being here.
Just like Lyca, her parents and Shen Qui were also calm. Not one of them asked questions or inquired anything. They just stood there, hands raised.
"None!"
"We can't find anything!"
"How about weapons?" the man asked.
"None."
The man stared at the four of them, his eyes scrutinizing.
"Boss! Let's kill them! Since we can't find a weapon, let's just kill them!" Someone from the back suggested.
Lyca lifted her head in response. She stared at the man who spoke and memorized his stature. "I have a question." Lyca suddenly said.
"Dead people don't ask questions!"
"Oh," Lyca nodded. She just wanted to ask how they would like to die. But it seems they don't think this question mattered at all. "One more thing!"
"What!?" The man with the deep voice asked, irritated.
"I was just wondering…"
"If you are going to ask who sent us, then you are unlucky! You would never know!" A man with a throaty voice said.
"Oh… no! No!" Lyca shook her head took in a deep breath. Then she held her breath and smiled. "Do you believe in… hell?"
"Boss, the woman was clearly bullshitting us! We can't find any weapons. Let's just kill them!"
"What's that smell?" A person who stood next to Lyca's car asked. "Hey! Do you smell that?"
Everyone inhaled, and some started coughing.
"It's an agent," Lyca said. "Not dangerous to your health… it's from the car." She smiled.
"Everyone, be careful. Cover your noses!" The man with the deep voice said.
Lyca clicked her tongue. "Well… I already said that— "
"You b*tch!"
*BANG!*
The loud sound of a short firearm being fired interrupted Lyca's words. For a few seconds, it was as if the world stopped spinning. Time stopped turning as everyone expected Lyca to fall to the ground. A panicked scream followed the devastating sound.
"What did you do!?"