The next morning, Ran Weiyi woke up in a state of peace. She didn’t open her eyes immediately; her consciousness returned before her senses did.
The air carried the familiar scent of pine and coldness that belonged to him, along with an almost imperceptible, focused gaze.
This feeling was so familiar that her heartbeat didn’t falter in the slightest.
She opened her eyes and, as expected, Ye Mochen was already dressed neatly and sitting by her bed, quietly watching her.
Morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, outlining a golden edge on his sharply defined profile, softening the cold, distant hardness he usually exuded.
He wore a custom-made dark suit, his hair meticulously combed, as if he were about to preside over an important international meeting the next second, rather than sitting here, watching her sleep.
“Morning,” his magnetic, low voice broke the morning silence.
“Morning,” Ran Weiyi moved the hand he held in his palm and slowly propped herself up with her other hand.
She rubbed her sleepy eyes. “When did you come over?”
“Right after I woke up,” he answered succinctly, his thumb gently stroking the back of her soft hand.
[Doudou: Warning! Lies detected! According to last night’s biometric data, target Ye Mochen’s deep sleep time was only three hours! To see Sister as soon as possible, he forcibly shifted his biological clock forward by two hours. Even capitalists exploit themselves for love!]
Hearing the announcement in her mind, Ran Weiyi almost laughed out loud.
She looked at the serious man before her, and the image of him from yesterday—nuzzling into the crook of her neck like a big cat seeking comfort—vividly resurfaced. The contrast was so stark it made her heart itch.
Ye Mochen reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the warmth of his fingertips fleeting. “I’m taking you out to play today.”
Ran Weiyi froze.
Out?
Where? Outside the estate?
In the original story, the female lead was completely imprisoned in the estate like a caged canary, never even given the chance to step outside the gates.
Ye Mochen’s deep eyes clearly reflected her surprised face. He had obviously seen through her thoughts.
He leaned closer, closing the distance, his fingers pinching her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“What, don’t want to go?”
Seeing her remain silent, Ye Mochen’s eyes darkened slightly.
“I do.”
Ran Weiyi answered immediately. She reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck, and looked up at him. “I’m just a little surprised.”
Her proactive reassurance clearly pleased him. Ye Mochen’s expression visibly softened.
“As long as you don’t think about leaving me.”
“You can go wherever you want.”
It was a conditional indulgence, a key hanging from a golden chain.
She saw the deeply hidden unease in his eyes. He wasn’t granting freedom; he was offering everything he could give in exchange for her “not leaving.”
Chen Caiwen chose to break free from the chain, only to roll in the mud.
But she, Ran Weiyi, chose to hold onto this key.
She smiled, her eyes curving into lovely crescents. “Okay, I won’t leave you.”
She said this promise with genuine sincerity.
Ye Mochen’s body stiffened again, but this time it wasn’t out of vigilance—it was more like a kind of bewilderment. The heavy darkness in his eyes also softened slightly.[Doudou: Affection points +5! Sis, you’re amazing! One move of gentle persuasion, and you’ve tamed the wolf dog into a house pet!]
Ran Weiyi chuckled inwardly.
A house pet? She wasn’t so sure about that.
But she knew this fierce, large animal had already begun learning how to wag its tail for her.
After Ran Weiyi finished freshening up, Ye Mochen opened the door to the walk-in closet that resembled a luxury museum for her.
He followed her inside, not urging her on, just standing quietly to the side. Yet, his gaze never left her figure.
Ran Weiyi’s eyes calmly swept over the dazzling array of exquisite garments. Her fingertips glided over the rows of hangers, finally stopping on one dress. She took it down.
It was a black lace mermaid gown. Holding the dress, she turned to look at Ye Mochen.
Under the bright lights of the closet, the man’s handsome, sharp features were clearly visible. He simply looked at her, his eyes deep and unreadable.
“Can I wear this?” she asked.
Ye Mochen’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He didn’t answer, merely stepping slightly aside to clear the path to the changing area.
A few minutes later, Ran Weiyi emerged.
The air seemed to freeze for an instant.
Ye Mochen’s breath hitched for half a second.
The dress’s cut was extremely form-fitting, hugging every curve perfectly from her delicate collarbone to her slender waist and the graceful line of her hips.
The hem swayed gently with her movement like a blossoming black flower.
The pure black set off her skin like fine mutton-fat jade, smooth and luminous, almost revealing the faint blue veins beneath. The intricate and delicate lace patterns at the neckline and cuffs added a touch of mysterious sensuality without losing an air of nobility.
She stood before him just like that, her expression composed, carrying a hint of inquiry.
[Doudou: Detected male lead’s heart rate instantly spiking to 120! Blood pressure rising! Possessiveness value +5! Sis, you’re playing with fire!]
Ye Mochen’s eyes darkened, a mix of awe and intense possessiveness swirling within them.
He stepped forward, his tall frame casting a shadow over her, bringing an intangible sense of oppression.
He reached out, his fingertip brushing against the exposed skin of her shoulder. The warmth there made his own fingertip feel scorched.
“It’s too revealing.”
He finally spoke, his voice deeper and huskier than usual.
“Is it?”
Ran Weiyi didn’t retreat; instead, she leaned in slightly, tilting her face up to meet his gaze directly. “But I really like it.”
Her eyes were clear and resolute, without a trace of retreat.
Ye Mochen’s jawline was taut, as if he were engaged in an internal war.
He had promised her that as long as she didn’t leave, she could have anything she wanted.
Now, she merely wanted to wear a dress she liked.
If he refused, the trust they had just begun to build would crack.
[Doudou: Oh my god! His cerebral cortex is hyperactive! The ultimate showdown between ‘letting her wear it’ and ‘locking her up so only I can see’ is happening! Sis, victory or defeat hinges on this moment!]
After a long while, Ye Mochen finally relaxed his tense posture. He leaned down, bringing his lips close to her ear, his scorching breath fanning against her earlobe.
“You can wear it.”
He said in a volume only the two of them could hear, “But today, you are not to leave my side for even half a step.”
This was the greatest concession he could make.
Ran Weiyi smiled, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “Alright.”In the underground parking garage of the mall, Ye Mochen personally opened the car door for her and naturally reached out to hold her hand. His palm was dry and warm, his grip neither too tight nor too loose.
Ran Weiyi let him hold her hand obediently, but in her mind, she was thinking that his so-called “not allowed to leave even half a step” was meant literally.