They watched as Lu Ting Zhou pounded on the door again, then backed away, seething. The audio was muted until one of the observers toggled a switch.
A click.
Then a mechanical hum, followed by a voice, disembodied, smooth, and amplified, filled the air of the white room.
"Lu Ting Zhou. Song Yaya. Welcome to Phase Two."
Both froze in their actions. Lu Ting Zhou's gaze shot to the nearest camera, while Song Yaya instinctively shrank back frightened.
"We have observed enough to confirm our hypothesis. Blood does not guarantee loyalty. Nor does it secure obedience. Each to their own, hopefully, you survive."
The voice paused, then shifted to a mocking, artificial warmth that was neither promising nor threatening.
"But pain… pain is far more effective. Pain can make anyone obedient; pain can make you lose all rationality..."
Lu Ting Zhou's fists tightly clenched, his eyes murderously gazing into the cameras.
"You want to know why you are here? Because you are not the target. You are just the bait we need, your absence would definitely bring the two of them here..."
Song Yaya's lips parted in horror. If she had known this could happen to her, she could have shown up today. Today has been the most unlucky day for her; she gained nothing but seemed to be losing instead.
"Your little family, Lu Zi Zhen, Lu Wan Ruyi, that man, they are coming for you. And when they do… we will have them right where we want them. Finally, my plans will become fruitful tonight!"
Another voice joined in, colder and sharper with some psychic aura.
"The question is, when they arrive, will you be their salvation… or their downfall?"
The cameras refocused as Lu Ting Zhou stepped forward, staring directly into the lens, defiant and furious. His fists were tightly clenched.
He had never thought he would be the weak person who could be used against his brother and Mother. If they came over, they would definitely fall into a trap these people have already set up for them.
"If you dare touch them," he coldly growled, "I will rip this place apart with my bare hands. I will make sure everything perishes together with my life! I will do absolutely anything..."
A brief, static-laced laugh echoed back laughing at his naivety. He didn't seem to understand the severity of the matter.
"How about you start with killing that woman beside you? What if I tell you, that only one you would have to survive this entire ordeal?" That voice maniacally echoed from the speakers seemingly tainting him.
"I don't need to kill anyone, we each survive and fight for ourselves!" As much as he hated her, he wasn't going to dirty his hands. She wasn't worth it.
"Hehe... Such a wimp!" That voice taunted him as if they were trying to provoke him but Lu Ting Zhou knew better when to react and when not to.
"Song Yaya, if you can kill him, we will set you free!" Another persuasive voice echoed from the speakers.
Song Yaya's breath hitched. Her wide eyes flicked from the ceiling-mounted speakers to Lu Ting Zhou, who wasn't even looking at her.
His expression is oddly calm. He knew what this was and what they were trying to do. It was a test. A trap. A performance they were waiting for them to make a joke of themselves.
How could she fight her own son who she wanted to reunite with? Wasn't that a bit too far-fetched? Unless she was maniacal!
Song Yaya didn't move, her fingers trembling by her sides as she contemplated what to do next. Her lips quivered as she spoke, just a whisper.
"You… You wouldn't let them do that, right? They are bluffing…"