Chapter 107: Weak Will

The Red-clad Woman and the Women in Masks were currently enduring inhuman torment.

Li Xin’s methods were ruthless and cruel, each strike landing precisely on their most painful spots, yet skillfully avoiding vital areas, forcing them to linger in excruciating agony—unable to live, unable to die.

The room was thick with the stench of blood, mingled with the scent of powder and perfume, nauseating to the senses.

Mu Xi felt her stomach churn violently, struggling to suppress the urge to vomit.

The screams continued for a long time before gradually ceasing, replaced by suffocating silence and an even stronger metallic scent of blood.

Li Xin opened the door and stepped out, as if she had done nothing more than a trivial task.

Her expression was calm, not even the hem of her clothes stained with a drop of blood.

“Go back to your room.” She glanced at Mu Xi, her tone still cold and harsh, but her eyes softened slightly.

“Don’t come out without my permission.”

“Mm.” Mu Xi obediently nodded.

At this moment, she was filled with gratitude and awe for Li Xin, not daring to show even the slightest hint of rebellion.

She didn’t dare to ask questions or look around, fearful of seeing something she shouldn’t and inviting trouble upon herself.

After taking the elevator back to her room, Mu Xi finally exhaled deeply, her tense nerves slowly relaxing.

Her back was already soaked with cold sweat, an indescribable discomfort lingering.

She collapsed onto the bed, her gaze vacant as she stared at the ceiling, her mind utterly blank.

Everything that had happened today was like a nightmare, filling her with waves of lingering fear.

If not for Li Xin’s timely intervention, she might have truly fallen into the hands of that perverse woman and suffered unimaginable torment.

Her heartbeat still raced, as if a frightened rabbit thumped wildly inside her chest.

The so-called “Guest” identity of the Red Dress Lady pressed heavily on her heart like a boulder.

‘An Old Family? A vast power?’

These words all hinted at lurking dangers.

Li Xin had risked offending such a force for her sake—what consequences might that bring?

The more she thought, the more uneasy she became.

Her fingertips nervously picked at the bedsheet, strands of silver-white hair scattered messily across the pillow.

Her delicate face was etched with worry, and her lively eyes had lost their usual sparkle, shrouded by a shadow.

She knew well the rules of this Manor—Ye Lan’s temper was unpredictable, and those “Guests” were lawless beings beyond control.

Though Li Xin’s punishment of the Red-clad Woman seemed to have saved her, it might actually have been lighting a fire beneath her feet.

Mu Xi wanted to do something for Li Xin but felt utterly powerless.

She was nothing but a captive canary, dependent on the strong—what else could she possibly do?

This helplessness made her feel defeated; her mind remained a blank slate.

Biting her rosy lips, she forced herself to calm down.

At least for now, Li Xin had told her to stay in her room, meaning she was safe—for the moment.

All she could do was obey and not cause trouble.

Gratitude blossomed quietly in her heart.

Behind Li Xin’s cold exterior hid protection and care for her.

This contrast made Mu Xi’s feelings toward Li Xin deepen.

Perhaps, she really could try to trust her.

Night had deepened, but Mu Xi tossed and turned, utterly sleepless.

The room was oppressively silent, with only the sound of her own breathing clear in the stillness.

She got up and drew aside the dark green silk lampshade beside the bed, letting the soft light spill out and chase away some of the darkness.

The door was gently pushed open.

Mu Xi immediately tensed and looked over—it was Ye Lan.

“Master.” Mu Xi got out of bed to greet her, her voice trembling slightly but barely noticeable.

Ye Lan wore a black velvet robe, her skin looking even paler in contrast.

She walked over to the sofa and sat down, motioning for Mu Xi to come closer.

“I had to step out briefly. I heard the banquet went smoothly.” Ye Lan’s voice was low and magnetic, her gaze probing Mu Xi’s face.

“Mm.” Mu Xi nodded obediently, leaning into Ye Lan’s embrace.

The scent of cream and milk filled the room.

“Li Xin told me everything.” Ye Lan gently stroked Mu Xi’s silver hair, her fingertips tracing the smooth skin.

“That woman really has some nerve.”

Mu Xi’s body stiffened slightly before relaxing.

She knew Ye Lan was referring to the Red Dress Lady’s attack on her.

“Will Master handle it well?” Mu Xi looked up, a trace of unease in her eyes.

Under the soft light, her delicate face seemed fragile and pitiful.

“Of course.” Ye Lan’s tone was calm but carried undeniable authority.

“This is my Manor. No outsider gets to run wild here.”

A warm current surged through Mu Xi’s chest.

She knew Ye Lan spoke the truth—Ye Lan was the absolute ruler of this Manor.

“Thank you, Master.” Mu Xi spoke softly, gratitude coloring her words.

“For what?” Ye Lan raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Mu Xi bit her lip, unsure why she felt the need to thank her—perhaps it was for Ye Lan’s protection, or maybe it was the warmth of Ye Lan’s embrace giving her a rare sense of safety.

Driven by some impulse she didn’t understand, Mu Xi lifted her head and kissed Ye Lan’s lips.

The soft touch was tinged with a slight chill.

Ye Lan blinked in surprise, then returned the kiss.

Mu Xi’s kiss was clumsy, tentative—carrying a mixture of longing, dependency, and emotions even she couldn’t name.

Her mind was a chaotic mess; she had no idea what she was doing.

The kiss was brief, but it shifted the atmosphere in the room subtly.

Ye Lan released Mu Xi, her fingertips gently brushing her rosy lips, eyes deep and dark.

“Why the sudden kiss?” Ye Lan’s voice was husky, carrying a barely hidden desire.

Mu Xi’s cheeks flushed as she lowered her head, avoiding Ye Lan’s gaze.

“I… I don’t know.” Mu Xi’s voice was soft and confused.

“I just… suddenly wanted to.”

Even she couldn’t explain it—it was like a drowning person clutching at driftwood, instinctively wanting to draw near, to cling.

After all, Ye Lan was her support in this Manor, an existence she could not afford to offend.

If she had to pinpoint it, Mu Xi’s emotional needs were so intense right now that even if it were Li Xin or Ling Yue instead of Ye Lan, she might have acted the same.

As part of her male soul gradually feminizing, she was developing a reverence for strength.

Ye Lan’s eyes darkened instantly, like an abyssal pool.

The fire in them was fanned into a blaze by the wind, swiftly spreading.

She gripped the back of Mu Xi’s head and deepened the kiss.

No longer a tentative flutter, but an aggressive, possessive claiming—as if she wanted to suck the very air from Mu Xi’s mouth.

Mu Xi was nearly breathless, her body softening.

Instinctively, she clutched at Ye Lan’s robe.

Ye Lan’s breath was commanding and cold, carrying an irresistible force that enveloped her completely.

The air grew thin.

Mu Xi felt her mind light-headed, her body warming subtly.

As their lips and teeth tangled, Ye Lan’s fingertips traced down her spine, leaving trails of fire that ignited desires deep within.

Ye Lan’s kiss drifted downward, her burning lips marking the pale skin of Mu Xi’s neck with wet impressions.

Mu Xi let out a faint whimper, growing weaker by the moment.

“You really are a tormenting little demon.” 

Ye Lan’s voice was low and hoarse, dripping with obvious lust as it whispered in her ear—part lover’s murmur, part ruler’s command.

With a single motion, Ye Lan scooped Mu Xi up and carried her toward the soft, inviting bed.