Deep Waters, My Life Is Worth This Much

Killing for a hidden weapon?

Only Serena could come up with such a reason. The assassin looked at her with contempt, dodging the question: "They say Serena is clever and resourceful. Seeing your disguise, I thought you were someone important, but now it seems you're nothing special."

He even added a flourish to the last two 'nothing specials,' making it clear just how little he thought of Serena.

Uh... Serena's hand trembled on the gun: "Then why do you want to kill me? We have no grudges—what's in it for you? Money? How much are they offering? I'll pay double if you don't kill me."

In Serena's mind, assassins should be like mercenaries—people who kill for money.

"Double the price? Can you afford that? Serena, do you even know how much your life is worth?" The assassin tossed the bullet in his hand, letting it fly up and fall back into his palm. He clenched his fist, miming a killing gesture that sent chills through Serena.

"How much?" Serena asked skeptically. She didn't think her life was worth much—her enemies were powerful enough not to need hired killers to deal with her.

It's a complete waste of money.

"You have no idea how valuable your life is, yet you dare to offer me double. You're truly arrogant. Serena, your portrait is all over the assassin world, and the price for your head is the highest in a hundred years."

"The highest price in a hundred years? Who thinks so highly of me?" Serena's eyes widened—she really couldn't imagine who would spend so much money for her life. Isn't that a waste?