Xia Wanzhi’s smile froze mid-air, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Her soft, delicate appearance made one want to bite her hard.
Lu Zhuojin walked over, took her hand, and lowered it… breathing hot, ambiguous air: “Let you go? Do you think that’s possible?”
Xia Wanzhi struggled her hand free from his grip, feeling as if she’d been scalded.
She tried to pull away.
Lu Zhuojin watched her flushed face, took a deep drag from his cigarette, his voice hoarse and magnetic: “I hope you are willing.”
Xia Wanzhi’s face reddened, her eyes flickering with hope—was he going to let her go?
He… would? …Was he a good person after all?
Lu Zhuojin, steady and noble with a touch of aloof sophistication, reached to the side and picked up a pill, tapping it lightly: “Take this.”
Xia Wanzhi was stunned, her eyes widening: “Wh-what is this?”
Lu Zhuojin: “Be good, open your mouth…”
Xia Wanzhi stared at the pill, a stimulant…
Her voice trembled with fear: “N-no… don’t…”
If she really took it, she’d be at his mercy.
Who knew how strong its effects would be—she might lose all control…
Lu Zhuojin narrowed his eyes at her, his smile cold and detached:
“Then, shall I force you?”
“Do you really think you can handle it?”
“It’ll hurt…”
Xia Wanzhi stammered: “Y-you said you wanted me to be willing?”
Lu Zhuojin smiled, a hint of impatience in his eyes: “Exactly. This is the pill that will make you willing.”
“If you’d rather experience being forced, I’m happy to oblige.”
Xia Wanzhi paled: “Forced willingness is still willingness?”
Lu Zhuojin raised an eyebrow, chuckling mockingly: “Of course.”
“How much in this world is truly voluntary?”
“Who wasn’t thrown into this world, born in an instant? Did you ever agree to it?”
“You’re forced to work, forced to take exams, forced to do homework, forced to earn money, forced to grow up and take on responsibilities. Did you ever agree to any of it?”
“Being given the choice to comply passively, asking for your opinion—that’s the greatest respect I can offer you.”
“If you don’t take it… we’ll continue as we are…”
“Then, don’t blame me.”
Lu Zhuojin took another drag of his cigarette, smoke curling around him as he leaned in, kissing her while pinning Xia Wanzhi down.
Before her eyes were his fingers pressing her hand down, knuckles distinct, that hand scorching hot, his breath continuously warming her ear.
Xia Wanzhi tensed, feeling as if she were being watched by a predator. The kiss did not relax her; instead, it filled her with unease.
Lu Zhuojin whispered: “Baby…”
His hand moved to the buttons of her white shirt, undoing them…
Xia Wanzhi struggled, pushing Lu Zhuojin away, gasping for air. Her face was flushed a vivid red, but she trembled slightly. Biting her lip, she said: “The pill… I’ll take it…”
Lu Zhuojin looked at her and smiled, his features strikingly handsome and alluring. He picked up the pill from the table and placed it by her lips: “Don’t be afraid… I’ll be gentle…”
“Open your mouth…”
Lu Zhuojin’s scent became incredibly enticing—the crispness of cedarwood, a faint hint of vanilla from his cigarette, mixed with the scent of his pheromones.
His kisses grew more passionate and teasing, his breath against her face making her yearn for more.
That captivating possessiveness no longer repelled her; instead, she began to like it…
Lu Zhuojin kissed her again, fiercely and overwhelmingly.
Xia Wanzhi’s senses sharpened. Her hands wrapped around Lu Zhuojin’s firm shoulders as his black pajamas slipped off. The muscles of his shoulders felt elastic under her touch, marked by her scratches.
The sharp, tearing sound of a hard plastic bag being ripped apart grated in her ears, startlingly provocative in the steam-filled room.
The faint rustling noises made Xia Wanzhi’s head spin… a flush of heat spread across her face.
The scent of hormones ran wild, filling the room with restless energy.
The punishment Lu Zhuojin had mentioned was also…
…
Xia Wanzhi woke up on Lu Zhuojin’s chest.
Her face flushed, her lips bitten.
Trapped tightly in his embrace, her eyes were level with the firm, smooth lines of his pectoral muscles. Lifting her gaze, she saw his Adam’s apple, marked with bite marks.
The heat radiating from his body rose and fell with each breath, enveloping her.
It made her blush crimson.
Thinking back to the wild intensity of the previous night, she could hardly believe it was her…
This man had broken his word entirely…
Xia Wanzhi quietly slipped out of his arms.
The man on the bed was sound asleep. The soft morning light fell on his face, casting a gentle glow. The definition of his muscles grew even more pronounced, the lines smooth and pleasing to the eye. Scratches from her nails crisscrossed his abs, making her face burn with embarrassment.
She hadn’t expected it to be so intense…
Her dress from yesterday had been torn to shreds and was unwearable.
She picked up the white shirt that Lu Zhuojin had roughly torn off her the night before, bent over, clutched it to her chest, and tiptoed out of the bedroom.
She glanced back at the man she had spent the night with, closed the door, and told herself they would never meet again.
Once outside, she put on the white shirt, buttoned it up, and let the hem sway around her calves.
The bedroom was on the second floor, offering a full view of the living room below.
She descended the marble spiral staircase. The crystal chandelier shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight, exuding elegance and luxury.
Just who was this man…
Never mind, it was better not to know. Knowing too much about someone like him could be dangerous.
The villa was eerily quiet, with no one else around.
She hesitated. She couldn’t just wear the white shirt, but her phone was broken, and she didn’t have a single cent on her.
Yet she absolutely did not want to run into the man upstairs—it would be too awkward.
The night had been so intense that even the slightest memory made her break out in a sweat. She didn’t dare dwell on it.
His wild physique, the fervent kisses, the potency of the drug… it had all swept her away…
Lost in thought, she reached the ground floor and noticed a beautifully wrapped paper bag by the entrance that hadn’t been there the night before.
She walked over and opened it.
Biting her lip, she found inside an apricot-pink embroidered silk dress with layers of rose embroidery on the skirt, stunningly vibrant.
It was beautiful, but… not exactly everyday wear.
The dress was more of a formal gown, making her look like a runaway bride. Still, she had no other choice.
Lace underwear…
And… cash?
There was also a card with a password sticker attached. She had no idea how much was on it.
Was this for her?
Xia Wanzhi glanced upstairs.
Silently, she took off the white shirt, put on the underwear, and slipped into the dress.
One thousand in cash.
She took the money—after all, without a phone, she couldn’t even pay for a taxi.
She placed the card neatly on the nearby table.
She couldn’t take it.
With a soft creak, she opened the door and nearly jumped, almost bumping into it.