Chapter 78: The Hidden Needle

The two remaining men stood frozen, disbelief written all over their faces. 

A girl who seemed so delicate had not only managed to free herself from the handcuffs but had also sent them sprawling to the floor. How could they possibly swallow their pride after this? Who would dare to continue in this line of work, having been bested by someone who looked as harmless as she did?

But pride was a powerful motivator, and they quickly recovered, lunging at Gu Yicing together. She knew she couldn't let her guard down. As one of them lunged forward, she rolled swiftly to the side, narrowly escaping his grasp. However, the handcuffs snagged at her ankles, sending sharp jolts of pain shooting through her legs.

"Ugh!" she winced, her brows furrowing in pain. Her feet were larger than her hands, and she couldn't force them free from the cuffs.

Determined not to let this continue, she attempted a different tactic. "How much did they pay you? I'll double it if you just let me go. Let's put an end to this nonsense," she proposed, her voice steady despite the pain.

"Ha! After what you've done to us, you think we'd just let you off the hook? No way! You're gonna pay for this, you filthy whore! Isn't it about time that drug kicked in? Don't you feel hot? We can help you cool down!" One of the men sneered as he reached for the hem of her dress.

Gu Yicing reacted instinctively, swinging her fist toward him. He managed to dodge just in time, but not before tearing a chunk of her skirt away, exposing her smooth thigh.

"Bastard! You're asking for it!" she hissed, anger boiling inside her.

On her wrist, a watch engraved with intricate patterns caught the light. With a swift motion, she pressed a hidden button twice. From the side of the watch, a slender steel needle shot out, glinting ominously in the dim light. 

"Ever wanted to try my special little needle?" she said, her voice dripping with malice. "It's coated with a poison I've meticulously crafted. Just a prick, and the toxin will seep into your bloodstream. It won't kill you, but it'll bring you to your knees. If you're lucky, you might not even lose a limb—but don't count on it. You could end up with festering wounds." 

As she spoke, the men gulped, uncertainty creeping into their expressions. Did they dare to trust her? 

"Don't try to scare me, you little brat! You think a kid like you could whip up something so deadly? Spare me the theatrics!" one of them scoffed, trying to mask his fear as he advanced toward her again.

As he reached for her wrist, Gu Yicing flashed a devious smile, twisting the situation in her favor. With a quick, decisive movement, she plunged the needle into his arm. 

Instantly, a wave of shock washed over him. He stumbled back, withdrawing the needle and flinging it to the ground. 

Within moments, he collapsed, his body convulsing as waves of pain coursed through him. Eventually, he lay still, unconscious. 

Gu Yicing squatted beside him, a cruel grin on her face. "Didn't listen to a child's warning, and now look at you. What's next? You still want to come at me? I've got plenty more where that came from—one for each of you!" 

The remaining men exchanged glances, fear etched on their faces as they realized she was dead serious. "We can let you go, but you have to help our brother!" one pleaded, desperation seeping into his voice.

"Fine. Come here and unlock these cuffs," Gu Yicing replied, gesturing toward her restrained ankles. 

The handcuffs had left angry red marks on her delicate skin, and she needed them off—fast. 

One of the men cautiously approached, keys trembling in his hands. As he unlocked the cuffs, it felt as though she had burst free from a cage. She leapt off the bed, adrenaline surging through her.

But the moment was short-lived. Gu Yicing's senses heightened, and she could feel the effects of the drug coursing through her body, intensifying. It was as if a wild beast was awakening inside her, clawing to break free.

Damn it! The drug was getting stronger!

"Quick, where's the antidote?" The man grabbed her wrist, his grip tightening in a desperate attempt to keep her from escaping. They were in this for the money; they couldn't afford to lose their lives over this job.

"Let go!" Gu Yicing snapped, clenching her teeth. With a sudden pull, she yanked his arm and executed a shoulder throw, sending him crashing to the ground.

Without hesitation, she leaped forward, her hands around his throat, applying pressure as she rained down punches onto his abdomen.

"Antidote? Where the hell do you think I'll find an antidote? Anyone who dares to cross me will pay dearly for their actions!" she hissed, each word filled with righteous fury.

The tide of the battle had turned, and Gu Yicing was no longer a victim. She was reclaiming her strength, her dignity, and her life. This time, she would not be the one to suffer. No one would take advantage of her again.