Although it felt somewhat disloyal, for some reason, she was more inclined to trust Bai Youwei's judgment than Li Li's analysis.
From their very first meeting, Zhu Shu had noticed something different about Bai Youwei. She had wanted to find an opportunity to get to know her, but Su Man had interrupted several times, preventing a proper introduction.
Having navigated the entertainment industry for so many years, Zhu Shu's ability to maintain a spotless reputation and secure top-tier film, television, and variety show resources stemmed from her keen sense for identifying and aligning herself with powerful figures—it was practically instinctual.
Bai Youwei was the "powerful figure" she had sensed.
Of course, this reliance on others was also Zhu Shu's tragic flaw.
She was well aware of this. It was simply that she had grown accustomed to it over the years. If she were suddenly asked to change her way of life, she would be utterly at a loss.
Just like in this transformed world.
Bai Youwei looked at her silently, her gaze inexplicably sharp.
Zhu Shu understood. It was a vigilance honed over many years, a reflex, like a cat arching its back defensively at the sight of a stranger.
Zhu Shu tried her best to appear sincere.
However, it wasn't very effective.
Bai Youwei remained indifferent, replying expressionlessly, "I'm not speaking because I haven't found the answer yet."
Zhu Shu's heart skipped a beat. "It's not the pearl?"
Bai Youwei lowered her gaze, looking at the damp wooden floor. "…I hope it is, but if you ask for my feeling, fifty percent."
Fifty percent.
Zhu Shu's heart sank.
Fifty percent meant only a half chance of success.
Beside them, Lü Ang cursed under his breath.
He wasn't cursing Bai Youwei.
He was cursing this damned world.
Yan Qingwen and the others erected several large bed boards on the stairs leading to the attic, securing them with furniture.
Learning from the previous encounter, he had upgraded the barricade, even utilizing the rusty axe from the first floor's entrance.
Due to age, the axe head had separated from the handle. He had bound it separately with rope, one end suspended in mid-air, the other tied to a beam. If the fish monster broke through the bed boards, the axe, under the force of gravity, would strike it!
Against such a massive monster, a rusty axe would have minimal impact. Even if it bought them a few extra seconds to escape, they would be lucky.
Everything was ready.
Shen Mo, holding the collected pearls, stood by the second-floor staircase. The others were scattered along the corridor and stairs.
Shen Mo glanced at his companions behind him, then at Bai Youwei at the attic entrance. Finally, his gaze returned to the water's surface.
"Please come in, guest."
There was no sound, perhaps because even the sound of opening the door was swallowed by the water.
The water level began to rise, spreading, submerging the second-floor flooring, engulfing the stairs to the attic.
Everyone retreated.
As the water rose a meter, they retreated a meter. Two meters, they retreated two meters… When they had retreated halfway up the stairs, the second-floor lights flickered a few times and went out.
The interior was dark, with only the light from the attic faintly illuminating their surroundings.
At the same time, a heavy sound came from downstairs, as if something in the water was clumsily ascending…
…Thump!
The creature struck the two large wooden boards Yan Qingwen had placed on the stairs.
The boards teetered precariously but held firm, restrained by the ropes.
The fish monster remained motionless beneath the surface.
Just like the previous time, it seemed to be waiting for something.
The beams of the flashlights shone on the water's surface, revealing only a blurry, dark shadow.
Shen Mo stepped into the water, holding the pearls.
One step…
Another step…
He was now within arm's reach of the monster.
Bai Youwei watched him wade deeper and deeper, her heart rising to her throat. She wanted to call him back, but when she opened her mouth, no sound came out.
Suddenly, with a tremendous splash, the fish monster leaped from the water!