On my first day back, I ran into a man in my father's study. My father said he was someone our whole family needed to suck up to, holding enough resources to decide our family's life or death. But I recognized him. When I was studying abroad, I had locked him in my room. And toyed with him for six whole months. 1 On the day after my father's birthday, I timed my return carefully. I knew they didn't want me appearing at the birthday banquet, so I simply stayed away to avoid being a nuisance. An unfamiliar car was parked in the villa's courtyard, a place where vehicles were usually forbidden. Its aggressive parking job had crushed several of my dad's most prized orchids. The inside of the villa was unusually quiet. The maids stood silently at attention, looking like they were preparing for battle. "Do we have a guest?" I asked. "Yes, so Miss, you'd better hurry back to your room," said Mrs. Hughes, the most senior maid. Too lazy to argue about their attitude toward me, I lifted my foot to head upstairs to my room, but was suddenly yanked back by my suitcase. It was Olivia Vance, who had sprung out from nowhere. "Sister, I played a piano piece in front of everyone at Dad's birthday banquet yesterday, and all the maestros present praised me. Good thing you didn't come back, otherwise, what could you have possibly contributed?" She crossed her arms and looked me up and down. "Two years studying abroad, and your taste is still this trashy." "Sister, you're really an embarrassment to the Vance family." I yanked my suitcase back and looked at her coldly: "Are you done?" "No matter what I'm like, it's Vance blood running in my veins. But you, constantly emphasizing those things you can do, is nothing more than making excuses for your own insecurities." I shook her off, picked up my suitcase, and headed upstairs. Just as I was about to step onto the final landing, I heard Olivia's rapid footsteps behind me. She suddenly rushed up, grabbed my arm, and yelled: "Sister! If you're mad at me, just take it out on me! How could you barge in and ruin Dad's business!" "I already explained it to you! It's not that Dad didn't want to see you, he has important business in the study!" The urgency in her voice, the anxiety on her face—the Oscars owed her a golden statue. Funnily enough, amidst the roaring of this runaway Best Actress, my dad's study door happened to open. He took in the entire dispute between Olivia and me. Wearing a formal suit, he glared at me viciously. Then, his face broke into an obsequious smile as he turned toward the man who had just emerged from the study. My dad's furious glare hadn't scared me. However, when I saw the other man, a mixed-race man in a black trench coat, the blood in my veins seemed to freeze. He slowly lifted his eyes, sharp as a falcon's. And locked eyes with me, standing on the spiral staircase. 2 It was during my second year studying abroad in Melbourne that I picked up a man off the street. More accurately, I was forced to pick him up. In the darkness, I couldn't see what kind of injuries he had, I could only feel the cold, hard barrel of a gun pressed against my waist. Lightning split the sky, casting an even sharper, colder light in his eyes. "Shut up and take me to a safe place, now!" I stared at him fixedly, not moving. He didn't know that going out on a stormy night like this, I was originally looking to die. But I still took him back to my place. It wasn't the gun against my waist that scared me, but his face, illuminated for a split second by the lightning. He was truly an unparalleled, exotic beauty. That was my only thought. Having wandered around for so long, I had seen my fair share of top-tier handsome men. But this was the first time I had seen someone with such aggressive, wild sex appeal. The more dangerous, the more captivating. Since I was going to die anyway, why shouldn't I enjoy the eye candy heaven sent me? He was very alert. When I bandaged him, I could feel the tense muscles underneath, like an agile panther ready to spring and attack at any moment. His tan abs were sharply defined. When I placed my hand on them, he opened his eyes almost instantly. Like the alpha wolf in a pack, glinting with ferocity. But he still needed my help, so he temporarily forgave my intrusive touch. "Bandaging is done..." Halfway through my sentence, I remembered he didn't understand Chinese. My spoken English was terrible. After I stuttered out a few words, he finally spoke, unable to bear it any longer: "Speak Chinese." He actually understood Chinese? Without time to ponder, I continued: "Bandaging is done, but there's not enough medicine for the next change. I'll go buy some tomorrow." He gave a slight nod, but didn't put away the gun in his hand: "When you go out tomorrow, don't draw attention." Saying that, he pressed the gun forward threateningly. The next day, while buying medicine, the more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I was clearly the one who saved him, yet I ended up being viciously threatened by him. At the time, I was at the absolute rock bottom of my life, having been abandoned for the third time. The anger rising from my heart, combined with lusting after his looks, made me do the most insane thing I've ever done in my life— I locked up this highly dangerous man. I wanted to tame a wild beast. I find it hard to imagine now why I had so much guts back then. I can only explain it as being fueled by a massive adrenaline rush. So much so that when I mixed a sedative with his wound medicine and applied it to his injuries, my hands didn't even tremble. Otherwise, given his sharpness, my neck would have been snapped right then and there. Perhaps he never imagined that an ordinary international student he bumped into on the street would have the audacity to lock him up. So when he woke up three hours later and saw the chains on his wrists, his first words were: "Who sent you?" And it took him a whole week to accept the fact that I truly wasn't acting on anyone's orders, but was purely insane and lusting after his body. He never expected that after riding the wind and waves, seeing all kinds of schemes, tricks, and monsters, he would end up being sexually assaulted by a little girl in a cramped, poor alleyway. If word got out, he'd be too ashamed to show his face anywhere. I never knew his name. I only saw the letters "Mu" on a bloodstained business card when I changed his clothes. So, I called him "Mu." He never objected to it. That's right, not only did I lock him up, but I also changed his clothes and took the opportunity to grope him. To be honest, on the second day after locking him up, I regretted it. The adrenaline rush was over, leaving me with a massive mess. Everyone has moments when they don't want to live, and then they go crazy. Now the crazy phase was over, I was sober, and there was no crying over spilled milk. I could only bite the bullet and ride out my mistake. If I let him go now, he would definitely kill me; if he escaped later, he would definitely kill me too. Since I was going to die either way, I might as well take some liberties first. After all, dying under a peony flower makes even a ghost flirtatious. Ever since he found out I wasn't an assassin sent by his enemies, his attitude became very subtle. For the first few days, he would darkly remind me that when he got out, he would flay me alive and make me die a thousand deaths. After I gagged him with a cucumber, he visibly wanted to kill me even more. But after realizing I was purely lustful, every time I changed his clothes, he would lean there, eyes narrowed, following my movements, his gaze roaming over me. Like a large carnivore assessing the prey it was about to hunt. Dissatisfied with his gaze, I lifted his tank top and rubbed him all over. I wanted him to know that right now, I was the master of this body. But the moment he moved his leg, I fell onto him in a very undignified posture. I bristled and bit him right on the neck. 3 As you can see, our past interactions were... not exactly friendly. So much so that seeing him again today, my first thought was— Run. Run away fast. That damn Olivia Vance, she just had to grab me at this exact moment. "Sister, are you leaving as soon as you get back? Mom and Dad will be sad." "If you cause trouble, you have to admit your mistakes. Mom and Dad taught me since I was little that as a daughter of the Vance family, you have to take responsibility." After trying to put me down with her fake-sweet act, she turned back to my dad and Mr. Mu: "Mr. Mu, my sister was a bit reckless with her management, but she absolutely didn't mean it. I apologize to you on her behalf." Olivia smiled sweetly, but he didn't even spare her a glance, saying calmly: "Apologize for her?" "Who do you think you are?" I really wanted to live without manners for once, just like Mr. Mu. It feels so good. Olivia choked instantly. My dad smiled apologetically from the side: "My daughter has been living abroad year-round, without anyone to teach her properly. She doesn't understand etiquette and has a cowardly personality. If she offended you, it's my fault for not raising her right." Mr. Mu remained unappreciative: "Yesterday at his birthday banquet, Mr. Vance was introducing his beloved daughter everywhere. When did he suddenly get another daughter?" That one sentence made my dad's old face flush red. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. But before I could hide my grinning teeth, Mr. Mu shifted his gaze to me again: "Cowardly personality?" "Mr. Vance probably knows absolutely nothing about his own daughter." I only just realized that aside from his combat skills, Mr. Mu's verbal sparring was also top-tier. In two minutes, he scolded all three of us. The three of us were completely dominated by him, none daring to speak. Until Mr. Mu dropped his gaze onto me again: "Since you say she offended me, then let her see me out." My dad hurriedly said: "Yes, yes, yes, Chloe, go see him out..." Before he could finish, I interrupted him directly: "I don't understand etiquette, so I won't see you out." Then I grabbed my suitcase and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. Back in my room, I leaned against the door, double-checking that it was locked before letting out a long breath. As tough as I acted just now, that's how guilty I felt inside. Sure enough, people shouldn't do bad things. Even if you do just one, it will come knocking on your door. I originally thought we were separated by mountains and rivers and would never see each other again. I never expected him to suddenly appear at my doorstep and become my dad's company's biggest client. A man with money and power, accustomed to being above everyone else, catching the culprit who kicked him while he was down and locked him up to play with—what would he do? I shuddered just thinking about it. Be alone with him? Even if you lent me ten guts right now, I wouldn't dare. After living in fear for a few days, Mr. Mu still didn't come looking for trouble. I deceptively let my guard down, becoming less vigilant. Tonight, Richard Vance asked me out to eat. The message Mrs. Hughes brought me was that it was a welcome-home dinner. I didn't believe it for a second. Sure enough, as soon as we sat down, my mom, who hadn't shown her face for days, scolded me. "You didn't even come back for your dad's birthday. Are you really that busy?" I moved my chair a bit further away: "But didn't you guys also not want me to appear at the birthday banquet?" My mom choked on my words, turning pale: "Who said that." I didn't reply, just stared at her fixedly until she guiltily averted her gaze. Mom, I'm in my twenties, not a few years old. I've been able to read your emotions and attitudes for a long time. I got lost when I was four and was separated from them for twenty years. When I found them, I was more excited than anyone. They were probably like that at first too. Until they discovered that the university I attended was very ordinary, that I didn't speak several foreign languages, and that I possessed no special talents. My value in their hearts plummeted. Knowing nothing about art exhibitions, unable to play the piano, not recognizing designer brands—this daughter, reunited after twenty years, gradually became the "poor relative" they couldn't present in public. In contrast, Olivia, the adopted daughter they took in for comfort after I went missing, was the perfect high-society lady in their hearts. So they didn't want me appearing too much. It was best if everyone didn't know that the Vance family had a mud-covered sparrow. Olivia, acting like she was giving earnest advice, was actually fanning the flames: "Sister, no matter what, Mom and Dad are our closest blood relatives. You can't ruin Dad's business just because you're holding a grudge." ??? What a massive blame to shoulder. Reminded by Olivia, my mom reprimanded me: "Mr. Mu is our family's biggest client. If you offend him, are we all supposed to starve?" "What kind of nonsense were you spouting at the study door that day? He'll be here in a bit, apologize to him properly." Wait, wait?! He's, coming, here? I abruptly stood up: "Who did you say is coming?" "Mr. Mu?!" I stood up and ran toward the door. At that exact moment, the room door opened, and I almost slammed headfirst into the doorframe. Dodging backward hastily, I lost my center of gravity and fell backward. I was grabbed by the incoming person and yanked close. The person in front of me, like a demon from hell, smiled at me: "Don't be in such a hurry, Chlo-e." He recognized me. 4 The meal was agonizing; I didn't dare lift my head the entire time. I didn't hear a word of the pleasantries between my parents and Mr. Mu, until Mr. Mu suddenly spoke: "Miss Vance looks very much like an old acquaintance of mine." My dad, hearing this, immediately became interested. This was a rare opportunity to bridge the gap. He hurriedly asked: "Is it a friend of yours?" Mr. Mu stared at me, a chilling smile on his face: "No, an enemy." He twisted the thumb ring on his hand, the ruby set in the snake's eye flashing an eerie light: "An enemy whose every bone I'll crush if I ever see her again." With a splat, the food in my hand dropped to the floor. Mr. Mu naturally picked up a fork, got a new piece, and placed it steadily in my bowl: "Just a joke, don't be scared, Miss Vance." My dad immediately smoothed things over: "Mr. Mu is truly humorous." Olivia also chimed in at the right moment: "Mr. Mu, let me pour you some wine." "This is an 18-year-old Triple Cask. I wonder if it suits your taste?" She watched Mr. Mu take a sip and said casually: "Dad said Mr. Mu might prefer the classic Double Cask, but I think the Triple Cask has a smoother texture and a richer finish. The distinct floral aftertaste is also more fitting for your collaboration with my dad this time." Here she goes again. Olivia's favorite thing to do is to show off her extensive knowledge of cigars, art exhibitions, wine, luxury brands, and so on in front of me. Mr. Mu's large hand played with the wine glass, the golden liquid swaying slightly inside: "Mr. Vance's daughter certainly knows her wine." My dad laughed: "Not all of them. My youngest daughter is smart and sensitive, and likes these things. My eldest daughter is dull and completely clueless. It's embarrassing." "What a coincidence," Mr. Mu gently set down the wine glass, a few drops of liquid splashing out: "I am also completely clueless." As soon as he spoke, the father and daughter, who were naturally chatting and laughing just a moment ago, instantly became awkward. My eyes widened slightly. How could he be completely clueless. Back then, he clearly... I looked at him in shock, only to meet his teasing gaze. Is this... deliberately backing me up? Before I could finish being moved, as the banquet was ending, Mr. Mu spoke again: "Mr. Vance, your daughter looks so much like my enemy. I wonder if Mr. Vance would mind lending her to me to vent my anger?" ??? Is that something a human would say? My dad was also stunned for a moment, then braced himself and said: "Mr. Mu is joking again." Mr. Mu laughed "Haha", but his eyes swept over me: "Indeed, Mr. Vance saw right through me." 5 I couldn't stay here any longer. If Richard Vance went back, weighed the pros and cons, and actually sent me over to win Mr. Mu's favor, I'd die even faster. Rather than staying here and being slowly boiled alive by Mr. Mu, waiting for the Sword of Damocles to drop, it was better to run away quickly. Luckily, I had just returned and most of my things hadn't been unpacked, making it easy to pack up. If I can't afford to provoke him, I can at least hide. No matter how many eyes and ears Mr. Mu has, he wouldn't expect me to be so decisive and run away immediately. —Or so I thought. Just as I sneaked out of the villa, that familiar Cadillac stopped right in front of me. The window rolled down, and the person in the back seat took off his sunglasses and smiled at me: "We meet again, Chloe." I turned and ran. Did he think I would surrender without a fight? In his dreams! Until I heard a familiar click-clack sound. The sound of a bullet being chambered. I stopped in my tracks in disbelief. We are in China, and he dares to carry a gun? "Chloe, take one more step, and guess whether I'll shoot your leg or your foot first?" A smart woman knows when to yield. I braced myself and got into the car. I curled up in the back seat, my hands loosely tied by Mr. Mu with a necktie. It was less of a restraint and more of a tease. The streetlights outside the window flashed by rapidly, reflecting on his cold, sharp profile. Those dark brown eyes gleamed in the darkness, looking very much like a beast before a hunt, carrying a hint of danger. What made my eyes burn even more was the gun-shaped lighter he was playing with in his hand. Every time he pressed it, it made a click-clack sound like chambering a round, followed by a flame shooting up. I should have had faith in our motherland's security. How could I fall for this bastard's trick. Facing my indignant glare, he smiled mockingly: "A little handicraft, do you like it?" Like your a##... I cursed inwardly. Mr. Mu suddenly pinched my face: "Yes, exactly that look." "The last time I saw a look of such unyielding defiance, it was that traitor who assassinated me and was caught by me again." "I personally crushed over forty of his bones." I blinked rapidly, trying my best to make my eyes look innocent. The car drove into a luxurious villa, and the iron gates slowly closed behind us with a dull thud. My heartbeat accelerated with that sound, my palms already soaked in cold sweat. I didn't dare show too much fear, I could only keep my head down, trying to look obedient. A wise person submits to circumstances. In this situation, it was best for me to keep my tail tucked between my legs. Besides, I'm a coward by nature anyway. The lighting inside the villa was dim, and my nerves were taut. His jaw rested on my shoulder, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue against my neck. With a click, I felt a cold sensation on my neck. What did he put on me? A steel collar, attached to an iron chain on one side. Compared to the one I put on his wrist back in Melbourne, this one was clearly more degrading and controlling. But soon I realized in horror that this thing wasn't just for restraint. Because it was tightening. Very quickly, I felt like I couldn't breathe. Was he really going to strangle me like this? He lifted a chair with one hand and sat down with his legs spread. Due to the height of the chain, I could only kneel in front of him. His long fingers stroked my cheek: "Chloe, remember what you made me say in Melbourne?"
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