She lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyelids, concealing the complex emotions deep within her eyes.
She couldn’t be certain if Li Xin was lying, but Li Xin’s natural demeanor had shaken the doubts that originally lingered in her heart.
Seeing Mu Xi’s expression grow a bit somber, Li Xin’s heart ached even more.
She stepped forward, kneeling on one knee beside the bed, looking up at Mu Xi with a gentle yet resolute tone: “Miss Mu Xi, you don’t have to be afraid. With me here, no one can harm you. The Manor is very safe; what you saw must have been an illusion.”
Her gaze was focused and sincere, as if making the most solemn promise to Mu Xi.
Mu Xi raised her head and met Li Xin’s eyes, which were filled with strength and a protective desire, stirring something deep inside her.
She could feel Li Xin’s care and concern.
This affection was clearly genuine, without a trace of pretense.
A faint, barely noticeable curve tugged at the corner of her lips as she softly said, “Li Xin, thank you. I believe you.”
Hearing Mu Xi’s trust, a flicker of joy flashed in Li Xin’s eyes, as if she had received the most precious reward.
She grasped Mu Xi’s hand resting on the bedside firmly, her voice unwavering: “Miss Mu Xi, I will always protect you. I will never let you suffer any harm.”
Her palm was warm and dry, tightly enclosing Mu Xi’s hand, conveying a reassuring strength.
The atmosphere in the room grew subtly charged, the air seemingly filled with an imperceptible emotion.
***
In the following days, the Practice Room became Mu Xi’s second bedroom.
Due to the urgency of time, and since Li Xin also had to participate in the banquet preparations, there was no longer a need to carry Mu Xi around every day.
Every day, Mu Xi immersed herself in the world of music with Ling Yue, practicing vocal techniques and refining her piano skills.
This near-fanatical effort, like adding fuel to the fire, rapidly nurtured Mu Xi’s musical talent.
In just over a week, her piano skills and singing had improved by leaps and bounds, almost reaching a professional level.
Ling Yue was generous with her praise of Mu Xi’s progress.
On the surface, Mu Xi only nodded calmly, but a faint excitement bubbled quietly in her heart.
She hadn’t expected to achieve such results in such a short time.
This sense of accomplishment eased some of her fear of the banquet.
After another duet session in the Practice Room, the piano music echoed throughout the spacious room, lingering softly.
Mu Xi stood up and gave Ling Yue a slight nod as a farewell.
She should return now and prepare for the banquet tomorrow.
Before leaving the Practice Room, she glanced once more at the Steinway grand piano, her fingertips lingering gently over the black and white keys.
Back in her Bedroom, Li Xin was already waiting.
She stood in front of the wardrobe, holding several boldly designed dresses, carefully scrutinizing them.
Mu Xi’s gaze swept over those revealing garments, a flicker of disgust crossing her mind, though no expression showed on her face.
“Miss Mu Xi, you’re back.” Li Xin heard the movement and immediately turned around, a hint of inquiry on her face.
“Hm.” Mu Xi walked to the bed and sat down, her eyes falling on the dresses in Li Xin’s hands.
“Are the banquet outfits ready?”
“Yes. Master Ye Lan instructed to prepare several sets for you to choose from.”
Li Xin said as she unfolded the dresses one by one in front of Mu Xi.
The dresses were luxurious in material but extremely revealing in design — lace, sheer fabric, deep V-cuts, open backs — almost every piece challenged the boundaries of decency.
Mu Xi casually glanced over them, a cold smile hidden in her heart.
Ye Lan’s so-called “selection” was merely a formality.
What she wanted was never really her choice.
“Li Xin, which one do you think is better?” Mu Xi suddenly asked softly, with a hint of inquiry in her tone.
Li Xin was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Mu Xi to seek her opinion.
She carefully looked over the dresses again, then at Mu Xi, her cheeks flushing slightly, her eyes avoiding direct contact.
“Miss Mu Xi has a great figure; you’d look good in anything… but this white one seems more suitable, it makes you look pure…”
Li Xin was referring to a relatively modest white dress.
Compared to the others, this dress could almost be called “simple.”
A glimmer of amusement flashed in Mu Xi’s eyes.
This was exactly the “pure” compliment she wanted from Li Xin.
“Really? I also think white is nice.”
Mu Xi said as she stood up and walked over to Li Xin, her fingertips lightly brushing the lace edge of the white dress.
“Then let’s go with this one.”
Li Xin seemed relieved, cautiously hanging the white dress properly before picking up the cosmetics nearby and asking if Mu Xi wanted to start trying on makeup now.
“No rush.” Mu Xi’s tone was languid as her gaze settled on Li Xin.
“Li Xin, what do you think of my practice today? Teacher Ling Yue praised how quickly I’m improving.”
Upon hearing Mu Xi mention practice, Li Xin’s eyes softened instantly, her tone carrying a trace of pride.
“Miss Mu Xi has always been diligent. Progress is inevitable. You have great talent and the determination to work hard; you will definitely become the best singer.”
“Really?” Mu Xi’s lips curved slightly as she approached Li Xin, her voice tinged with a playful coquettishness.
“Then do you think I’ll impress the guests at the banquet tomorrow?”
Li Xin looked at Mu Xi’s face so close, her breath slightly catching.
Mu Xi’s delicate features, laced with both expectation and unease, made one want to protect her.
“Of course.” Li Xin’s voice was firm, her gaze steady and earnest.
“Miss Mu Xi is the best; you will surely amaze everyone.”
“Thank you, Li Xin.” Mu Xi spoke softly, her tone as gentle as a lover’s whisper.
She reached out and gently took Li Xin’s hand, her fingertips lightly tracing the palm.
Li Xin shuddered slightly; the warmth from Mu Xi’s touch quickened her heartbeat, coloring her cheeks crimson.
Seeing Li Xin’s shy reaction, Mu Xi’s lips curved into a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.
She stood up, ready to try on the dress.
Li Xin immediately stepped forward, suggesting Mu Xi change in the bathroom.
Mu Xi’s eyes sparkled as she chuckled softly, her fingertips skimming the lace of the white dress with casual ease.
“Going to the bathroom is such a hassle, Li Xin. You’re not an outsider; I can just change here.”
Before the words even finished, Mu Xi had already begun untying the silk robe’s sash.
Her movements were natural and smooth, as if simply removing an ordinary garment, with not a hint of hesitation.
The robe slipped off, revealing the thin silk lingerie beneath, outlining the slender yet fully developed curves of the young woman’s body.
Li Xin’s breath hitched; her previously calm gaze instantly tensed like a drawn bowstring.
Though well-trained and accustomed to bloodshed and violence, she had never been confronted with such temptation at such close range.
Mu Xi’s body was like a meticulously sculpted work of art, every inch of skin exuding a deadly allure.
That sweet, intoxicating fragrance, mingled with Mu Xi’s unique scent, wrapped around Li Xin’s heart like invisible threads, making it impossible to look away.