However, I played my trump card. “I interviewed Ruan Xiuwen today about the archaeological project. Apparently, there’s been a new development.”
She quieted down at that. “Today’s developments could directly affect the entire archaeological study, with many new clues emerging. That was the first thing he told me when we met today,” I continued. As expected, Su Ying started to fidget, showing signs of unease.
However, I didn’t continue. After about twenty seconds of silence, Su Ying couldn’t hold back anymore.
“What’s the development? Go on!”
“I can tell you, but there’s a condition.”
Su Ying hesitated, biting her nails, yet her extraordinary interest and curiosity in the archaeological project led her to compromise. “Fine, but let me be clear, if you fail, it’s not on me. You still have to tell me what you know.”
“No problem.”
“Truth be told, my family has already tried several hypnotists, some with doctorates in psychology, and none of them worked. Just so you know, you can’t back out. And you don’t have much time, just one hour. If time runs out, it counts as a failure.”
“I understand. I won’t back out.”
Lu Yun and I exchanged a glance, and she stood up, approaching Su Ying. “An hour is more than enough.”
Su Ying indeed had experience with hypnotists; she positioned herself facing Lu Yun but turned her face away, avoiding eye contact, and played with her hair.
“Miss Su Ying, how can I help you if you’re not cooperating? Please look at me.”
“That’s up to your skill. I agreed to let you try, but not to let you manipulate me.”
Lu Yun laughed, which I knew was a sign she was about to perform her magic. She walked over to the aquarium, reached out, and astonishingly, her hand went straight through the glass into the water. It looked so incredible yet so natural. I was stunned, doubting my own eyes. Su Ying, like me, was immediately captivated, staring with unblinking eyes. I realized Lu Yun had successfully breached Su Ying’s mental defenses.
