Xiang Ning stared at Zhao Youlong. Zhao Youlong stared back, unyielding. A minute passed. 

“Have you made your decision?” 

“Do you think your life is worth just one sweetsop?” Xiang Ning looked at him solemnly. He had just spent fifty seconds determining his next move, and in the last ten seconds, he’d picked the most dangerous—but effective—option. 

“What’d you say? Could you repeat that?” Zhao Youlong gasped, then dramatically put his hand by his ear. 

Thirty Mk. 4 knives flew out of their sheaths, but instead of heading for Zhao Youlong, they orbited around Xiang Ning and Ye Lingling while a Mk. 5 knife flew toward Zhao Youlong. Zhao Youlong...