#13640 - Take a gamble

"Miss Jin! I'm sorry, I'm struggling to protect myself right now. Your family's matter will have to wait. I'll help you once I've solved my immediate problem!" Ling Xiao called out softly, his voice tinged with helplessness.

He knew his current situation was like a small boat in a storm, easily capsized. At this perilous moment, entanglement with the Golden Money Gang would only drag him deeper into the mire.

His heart was conflicted. On one hand, he didn't want to disappoint any expectations Jin Ruoxi might have of him; on the other hand, he had to think of his family and friends and couldn't get involved in more trouble.

Upon hearing this, Jin Ruoxi slowly turned around, her gaze lingering on Ling Xiao for a moment before she gently shook her head.

"Ling Xiao, I know you're in a difficult situation. I understand that you can't intervene in the Golden Money Gang's affairs for the time being," she said. Her voice was soft and firm, like a gentle spring breeze blowing through the dangerous Star Plucking Tower.

There was no blame in her eyes, but rather a generosity that encompassed everything. Clearly, she had already prepared for the worst. Even if she had to face the potential difficulties of the Golden Money Gang alone, she wouldn't force Ling Xiao to help.

Ling Xiao couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart. In this chaotic world, where people were treacherous and scheming, having someone who understood and supported him was like seeing a ray of light in the darkness.

However, he was even more aware of his mission and responsibility. His family and friends were waiting for him to return safely. He couldn't forget his original intention because of a moment of gratitude.

His heart felt as if it was being pulled by two forces: the warmth and gratitude Jin Ruoxi brought him, and the responsibility to protect his family and friends.

"If that's the case, then farewell!" Ling Xiao took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. He turned to leave, each step filled with determination. He knew that this farewell might be forever.

His figure appeared lonely and desolate in the dim light, but his eyes remained firm. He couldn't allow himself to become a burden to the Golden Money Gang, nor could he allow his friends and family to be put in danger because of his choices. This was his bottom line.

However, just as he was about to leave, Jin Ruoxi's voice rang out again: "Ling Xiao, are you afraid of implicating me?"

Her tone was questioning and puzzled, her eyes fixed on Ling Xiao's back, as if trying to find an answer in him. She didn't believe Ling Xiao would give up so easily. In her mind, Ling Xiao wasn't someone who would easily back down.

Ling Xiao stopped and looked back at Jin Ruoxi, his eyes revealing a hint of determination and resolution.

"I'm not that great. I just think it's safer to be alone at this time," he said slowly, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth.

"I don't really trust your Golden Money Gang. What's more, if those people knew I was working with you, I'd have another weakness. If they attack the Golden Money Gang, do you think I should help? Alright, goodbye!"

His heart was actually very helpless. Saying these words was like rubbing salt into his own wounds, but he had to do it to protect more people he cared about.

After speaking, Ling Xiao no longer hesitated and soared away. His figure was like a nimble flying bird, darting through the sky above the Star Plucking Tower, quickly disappearing from Jin Ruoxi's sight.

Jin Ruoxi stood there, watching Ling Xiao's departure, her eyes filled with both disappointment and determination. She knew that Ling Xiao's choice was right, the wisest decision in this complicated situation.

She also believed that no matter what the future held, Ling Xiao would protect everything they both cherished in his own way.

Ling Xiao's blatant departure, seemingly ruthless, was actually the best protection for Jin Ruoxi and the Golden Money Gang.

He knew that only by making himself the target of public criticism could he keep his friends and family safe for the time being.

He was willing to endure Jin Ruoxi's possible misunderstanding, willing to bear the infamous reputation of being heartless, and perhaps only those who truly understood him could understand the meaning behind this deep affection and sacrifice.

After Ling Xiao left, the maid remained standing there, her eyes closely following his receding figure until that unruly figure completely disappeared into the horizon.

She sighed softly, her brows furrowed, and turned her worried gaze to Jin Ruoxi beside her, asking in a low voice: "Miss, are we really going to help him? This person is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, indeed a good person, but the current situation of our Golden Money Gang is really not suitable for provoking more enemies."

Jin Ruoxi remained calm, as if all the noise of the outside world had nothing to do with her. She gently raised her hand, her fingertips caressing a blooming flower beside her, her eyes revealing a firmness and wisdom beyond her age.

"Have our people pay attention to those forces in the dark at all times, especially the Demon Tower and the Righteous Qi Hall. They will definitely not let this go," she said calmly, but revealing an unquestionable determination. "If necessary, spare no expense to save Ling Xiao."

The maid was shocked upon hearing this. She knew that the current situation of the Golden Money Gang was already precarious, and getting involved in such a vortex would undoubtedly make things worse.

She advised in a deep voice: "Miss, do you really want to get involved in this vortex? Our Golden Money Gang is already struggling to protect itself. If we make more enemies, I'm afraid…"

However, Jin Ruoxi interrupted her, her eyes flashing with a firm light. "The opportunities in this world are never waited for, but need us to fight for them."

Her voice was soft, but every word was powerful. "I believe in this person. His appearance may be a turning point for our Golden Money Gang. Otherwise, once my father's secret is exposed, the Golden Money Gang will truly fall into eternal doom. Rather than sit and wait for death, it's better to take a gamble. Perhaps, there is still a glimmer of hope!"

After speaking, Jin Ruoxi turned and left, her steps firm and powerful, as if each step was on the hope of the future.

The maid looked at her leaving figure, her heart still filled with worry, but also infected by Jin Ruoxi's firmness, secretly determined to follow the young lady and face the future storms together no matter what.

…

Behind the Righteous Qi Hall, there is an extremely hidden corner, surrounded by dense trees, the surroundings are so quiet that it is a bit oppressive. Ling Bi, Zhang Ruochen, and Bai Yan quietly gathered here.

Ling Bi was originally a person who valued love and righteousness, with a straightforward and decisive personality. She held a gleaming sword in her hand, the sword flashing with a cold light in the faint light shining through the gaps in the leaves.

She was carefully wiping the sword, each stroke full of power, as if pouring all her inner anger and determination into it. (End of this chapter)