The next morning, Mu Xi stirred from the exhaustion of the previous night, her body heavy with lingering fatigue.
The space beside her was empty, Ye Lan’s presence already gone.
She rubbed her aching waist and slowly sat up, the soft sheets slipping against her skin.
“Miss, it’s time to rise,” a maid announced, gliding into the room with a bundle of clothes in her arms.
The garment was a delicate white lace dress, its hem adorned with soft pink bows, the collar and cuffs edged with intricate embroidery.
“Another one of these dresses,” Mu Xi muttered, her lips twisting into a faint pout.
Still, she let the maid dress her without protest.
Once clothed, Mu Xi settled before the vanity, where the maid began combing her long, silver-white hair with gentle strokes.
“Miss, today’s breakfast includes strawberry mousse cake, matcha macarons, and caramel pudding,” the maid said brightly.
“More sweets?” Mu Xi sighed, her voice tinged with resignation.
“I’m practically turning into a sugar cube.”
“The Master insists these are specially prepared for you, Miss.”
Soon, an elegant tray arrived, bearing the promised delicacies.
The strawberry mousse shimmered with a dusting of white coconut flakes, the vibrant green macarons cradled sweet cream, and the caramel pudding gleamed like polished amber.
“If this keeps up, I’ll end up with diabetes,” Mu Xi grumbled as she took a bite, wincing at the cloying sweetness.
“Even my teeth are starting to ache.”
“Miss, you recall what happened last time the Master overheard you say that, don’t you?” the maid cautioned softly.
Mu Xi shivered at the memory and quickly fell silent, focusing on her breakfast.
As saccharine as it was, she had to admit the desserts were exquisite.
After breakfast, Mu Xi lounged listlessly on a cushioned seat by the window.
The pink-hued room was so quiet that the only sound was the steady ticking of the clock.
“I hope I can come up with a good plan today,” she whispered, her fingers absently twisting the hem of her dress.
By noon, Mu Xi was dozing lightly on the cushion when the door swung open.
Ye Lan strode in, clad in sleek black leather, her high-heeled boots clicking against the floor.
“Master, you’re back early today,” Mu Xi said, rubbing her eyes as she sat up.
“There wasn’t much to do at the gold mine,” Ye Lan replied, crossing the room to stand before her.
Her hand reached out, fingertips brushing Mu Xi’s cheek.
“I keep wondering why you’re always trying to escape.”
Mu Xi’s body stiffened slightly.
“Am I not doing enough to make you content here?” Ye Lan’s voice was soft, almost tender.
Her fingers trailed down Mu Xi’s neck.
“I’ll make sure you grow to love this place… and me.”
“You’ve been more than kind, Master,” Mu Xi said, forcing a small, awkward smile.
Ye Lan clapped her hands, and several maids entered, carrying wooden buckets filled with faintly fragrant water.
“What’s this?” Mu Xi asked, her curiosity piqued.
“A potion to aid your development,” Ye Lan said, her gaze lingering on Mu Xi’s flat chest.
“You’re at the age for growth, yet there’s been no change here.”
“I… I think I’m fine as I am,” Mu Xi said, shrinking back slightly.
“No, it’s not enough,” Ye Lan said, shaking her head.
“I want you to be perfect.”
Mu Xi eyed the steaming buckets, her heart sinking.
Trapped in a man’s soul, the last thing she wanted was “development.”
But in Ye Lan’s presence, she could only feign enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Master, for thinking of me,” she said, her voice tight.
“Good girl,” Ye Lan said, patting her head with satisfaction.
“Soak for an hour each day, and you’ll see results soon.”
Mu Xi met Ye Lan’s expectant gaze and nodded reluctantly.
Reasoning with Ye Lan was futile; compliance was her only option for now.
Once she found a way to escape, none of this—development or otherwise—would matter.
Ye Lan leaned against the edge of the tub, her fingers lazily stirring the water.
“The bath alone isn’t enough. You’ll need massages as well.”
“M-massages?” Mu Xi’s voice wavered as she shrank back further.
“Yes, proper kneading,” Ye Lan said, her hand gesturing over Mu Xi’s chest through the steam.
“It’ll help with your growth. And we’ll add some evening exercises to stimulate it further.”
Mu Xi nodded quickly.
“You’re right, Master,” she said, while inwardly groaning.
‘What kind of nonsense is this?’
“And this bath will benefit you… down there, too,” Ye Lan continued, her fingers brushing Mu Xi’s thigh.
“It’ll keep things soft and pink.”
Mu Xi’s eyes brightened at the thought.
If that part of her changed, maybe Ye Lan would lose interest and let her go.
As if reading her mind, Ye Lan’s lips curved into a cold smile.
“Don’t get any clever ideas. If you dare make yourself less appealing, I’ll personally send you to the underworld.”
Mu Xi shuddered, shaking her head vigorously.
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Master! I adore you.”
“Good,” Ye Lan said, patting her head again.
“After your bath, I’ll take you to the garden.”
Mu Xi suppressed an eye-roll.
More playing the part of the perfect pet.
When would this end?
After the bath, Mu Xi felt limp, her body soft as Ye Lan gently dried her with a towel.
Water droplets slid from her silver hair, pooling on the floor in tiny puddles.
“Master, I can manage myself,” Mu Xi murmured.
“Don’t move,” Ye Lan said, her touch tender yet firm.
“You’re my treasure. I take care of what’s mine.”
Mu Xi stood obediently as Ye Lan dressed her in a gauzy pink skirt, its airy fabric making her look even more delicate.
“Come, let’s walk in the garden,” Ye Lan said, taking her hand.
The garden greeted them with a wave of floral sweetness.
Mu Xi inhaled deeply, her mood lifting slightly at the sight of vibrant blossoms.
“Master, what are those flowers? They’re beautiful,” she said, pointing to a cluster of purple blooms.
“Violets, planted just for you,” Ye Lan replied, tucking one behind Mu Xi’s ear.
“They suit you.”
Mu Xi touched the flower, inwardly scoffing.
‘This woman knows how to play her part.’
They strolled along a cobblestone path, the fountain’s spray catching the sunlight in a rainbow shimmer.
Mu Xi’s eyes darted to the high walls encircling the garden, her mind calculating escape routes.
“What are you looking at?” Ye Lan asked suddenly.
“N-nothing,” Mu Xi stammered, snapping her gaze back.
“The flowers are just so lovely.”
“Are they?” Ye Lan said, pinching her cheek lightly.
“Let’s sit in the pavilion.”
In the white pavilion, a small table held an array of delicate pastries.
Mu Xi’s stomach churned at the sight of more sweets.
“Try this tiramisu. It’s freshly made,” Ye Lan said, spooning a bite to Mu Xi’s lips.
“Thank you, Master,” Mu Xi said, opening her mouth while inwardly wailing.
‘More sugar. I’m doomed to become a candy statue.’
“Good girl,” Ye Lan said, patting her head.
“We’ll come to the garden every day from now on.”
Mu Xi forced a smile, her thoughts racing: ‘I need to escape before I’m either drowned in sweets or suffocated by this pet routine.’
Gazing at the fountain, an idea sparked.
“Master, could I learn to sing?” Mu Xi asked, widening her eyes with feigned innocence.
“I want to sing beautiful songs for you.”
Ye Lan raised an eyebrow.
“Singing?”
“Yes! A canary should sing, shouldn’t it?” Mu Xi said, blinking earnestly.
“You’ve cared for me so well. I want to repay you with something special.”
“You’re a clever one,” Ye Lan said, pinching her cheek again.
“But this sudden interest in singing… you’re not plotting something, are you?”
“Of course not!” Mu Xi said, shaking her head vehemently.
“I just want to make you happy with my songs.”
Ye Lan studied her thoughtfully.
“What kind of teacher would you want?”
“Someone from outside,” Mu Xi said, adopting a guileless tone.
“I’ve heard there are amazing vocal teachers out there.”
“Outside teachers?” Ye Lan’s smile turned icy.
“Are you hoping one of them will help you slip away?”