Chapter 44: Chapter 44. Discovered, Danger Approaching_1

He sat in a chair, coughing, appearing gravely ill.

The hall was deathly silent, save for his intermittent coughs, each one striking a nerve with everyone present.

The search party drifting down from the upper floors, approached him with reports: "Number 2, we've completed the search. Can we proceed with the operation now?"

He merely replied, "Keep searching, I'm sure there are still some hiding."

His voice was extremely raspy, carrying a distinctly heavy, decaying aura.

"But we've already finished searching."

"That's because you haven't searched carefully enough," the man referred to as Number 2 coldly smirked through blood-red lips, addressing the hostages on the ground. "Who among you has a familiar face still hidden inside the mall, yet to be found? If so, speak up... I might consider sparing your lives."

As soon as he finished speaking, the maid who had come with Ming Mei shakily raised her hand.