God's Descent in the Magical City

Chapter 15: Mercy Must Be Discriminatory

A-Lai was deeply unsatisfied and unmoved by Li Xiuqin's pleas. He was determined to uncover the mastermind behind the assassination attempt.

With firm resolve, he stated, "Attempted murder carries a sentence of at least three to ten years in prison according to the law. And anyone who covers up a crime can also face up to three years in prison, detention, or control, with harsher sentences if the situation is severe. You're more educated than I am; you should look up the legal statutes. I hope you turn yourself in, confess everything, including the mastermind behind this, and all the criminal activities you're involved in. Maybe then the law will show you some leniency."

*Smack!*

Li Xiuqin's face twisted in anger as she slapped A-Lai hard across the face.

A-Lai didn't flinch, standing tall and taking the hit.

*Smack!*

She slapped him again, even harder this time.

A-Lai clasped his hands over his abdomen, standing even straighter, smiling slightly.

Seeing this, Li Xiuqin raised her hand for a third strike but hesitated, eventually letting it fall. She thought, *This stubborn brat really wants to cut ties with me. Does he plan to play dirty with me too?* Furious, she shouted:

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Are you really trying to drive me to the edge?"

A-Lai's mouth twitched slightly, his face showing a strange smile. He stared at her without saying a word.

Li Xiuqin recalled the instructions her lover had given her over the phone, emphasizing the importance of keeping A-Lai calm. The thought of the potential consequences made her shiver. She had no choice but to rein in her temper and calm down.

She explained patiently, "A-Lai, if you report this, and they find out that Hu San is the culprit, he'll be in prison for years. But if the media gets wind of it, it'll be all over the news, and everyone in the city will know. Have you considered that?"

Seeing A-Lai remain unmoved, she continued with tears in her eyes, "You must understand how terrifying public opinion can be. This all started because of me, in my villa. I'll be held accountable, too—I could end up in jail. You'll destroy everything I've worked so hard for, ruin that respectable man's life, ruin Li Fang's current job, and destroy her future. How do you think I could survive after that? Could you really be that heartless?"

A-Lai thought to himself, *I'm sincerely trying to save her, but she insists on dodging the truth. I have all the evidence I need,* he hesitated.

Noticing his uncertainty, Li Xiuqin begged, "And after all, you're still alive, aren't you? You didn't lose a single finger. Let's just chalk it up to a freak accident."

"Twisted logic!" A-Lai retorted, "Do you realize the severity of attempted murder?"

Li Xiuqin snapped back, "If you don't agree, I'll kill myself right here in front of you!"

A-Lai looked at her in shock, "Are you trying to blackmail me?"

Li Xiuqin, with unwavering resolve, said, "Unless you promise me!"

...

The two were locked in a stalemate, neither willing to give in.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense.

Li Xiuqin, seeing that A-Lai wasn't budging, became desperate. She walked over to the window, opened it, and leaned on the ledge, staring down at the street several stories below.