The temptation of freedom was indeed great, but if you lost your life, what use was freedom?
Compared to so-called freedom, Aiwei cherished her life far more.
Aiwei made her decision immediately, recounting to Fuluoxi everything—how Emilia brought her over, what she said to her, and the entirety of the deal Emilia proposed.
As Fuluoxi listened, her brows furrowed deeper and her expression grew colder. When Aiwei finished, Fuluoxi let out a long, deep breath.
“You’ve been good.” Fuluoxi wrapped her arm around Aiwei’s waist, pulling her into her embrace, gently rubbing Aiwei’s head as if finally relaxing.
Aiwei was already used to Fuluoxi’s occasional displays of affection, and sensibly nuzzled against Fuluoxi’s hand.
Just then, she suddenly recalled how she had instinctively dodged when Emilia tried to pat her head.
She thought for a few seconds, then raised her little head, showing off her cute little tiger teeth, smiling with pride and a hint of almost imperceptible shyness, and told Fuluoxi how she had avoided Emilia’s hand.
Just as Aiwei expected, when Fuluoxi heard this, a visible look of approval appeared on her face.
In her heart, Aiwei felt she had discovered another secret weapon for dealing with Fuluoxi.
As long as she was obedient enough, loyal only to Fuluoxi, it would make her happy.
Maybe today’s little cake was a reward from Fuluoxi for her good behavior these past days.
Aiwei sneaked a glance at Fuluoxi, but found she seemed to be deep in thought.
Sensible as always, Aiwei didn’t disturb her, quietly staying in Fuluoxi’s arms, feeling her warmth.
Being held like this, Aiwei couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of security.
Wasn’t she supposed to hate and fear Fuluoxi?
Where was this sense of security coming from?
Aiwei keenly noticed this unfamiliar emotion welling up inside her and cut it off immediately.
How could she possibly develop feelings for someone who only ever mistreated her?
That was absolutely impossible. Even though Fuluoxi had indeed been gentler lately, she was still the same Fuluoxi. Aiwei couldn’t let herself be fooled by appearances.
Aiwei gathered her thoughts, and the smile mixed with shyness faded into indifference where Fuluoxi couldn’t see.
Her pale golden eyes became void of emotion, as if she were a completely different person from a moment ago.
But this change lasted only a second before Aiwei returned to her previous expression, as if nothing had happened.
However, in that brief moment, she had already sorted out her feelings, severing the dependence that had arisen from Fuluoxi’s small kindnesses.
She always became attached to those who treated her well or showed her kindness.
This bad habit needed to be corrected as soon as possible.
Otherwise, such feelings would only harm her one day.
Aiwei remained in Fuluoxi’s arms for a while. Then, Fuluoxi released her and called out to Liya outside the door.
“Prince.” Liya opened the door at just the right time and bowed to Fuluoxi.
“Take her back to the Blood Slave…..”
Fuluoxi paused mid-sentence.
Then she changed her mind.
“From today on, she doesn’t have to live in the Blood Slave Camp anymore.”
“Find her a random room in the castle to stay in.”
“Make it close to my room.”
Liya, who was bowing her head to receive the order, widened her eyes slightly, as if she couldn’t believe what Fuluoxi had just said.
Although she felt sorry for Aiwei, she never dared to suggest to Fuluoxi that Aiwei be moved to a better place.
In the castle, having a room of one’s own was a true luxury.
Usually, only the castle’s housekeeper, head maids like herself, or those close to Fuluoxi among the Vampire Clan enjoyed such privileges.
But Aiwei, a Blood Slave—just a pitiful little thing who had been abused not long ago—suddenly got a room of her own?
Liya was confused and puzzled, but as a proper Blood Servant, she would never question her master’s decisions, no matter how shocked or incredulous she felt.
All she needed to do was obey.
“Understood, Prince.”
Because the room was so close to Fuluoxi’s, Liya didn’t chat with Aiwei. She simply tidied up the room a bit and left.
Aiwei surveyed her new living quarters.
The room was small—though only in comparison to Fuluoxi’s room.
Compared to the Blood Slave Camp, it was still much larger.
Aiwei walked to the bed and stroked the soft bedding, glancing at the bed out of habit.
There were two pillows.
She didn’t know why Liya had left two pillows, but it was just as well—she could hug one while sleeping.
Aiwei sat on the bed, picked up the nearest pillow, leaned against the headboard, and her sky-blue hair fell over her eyes as she blew it away.
Although her living conditions had improved, this was still a form of surveillance—or rather, house arrest—by Fuluoxi.
Uh…
She used to be imprisoned, now it was house arrest. In a way, her treatment had been upgraded.
Aiwei thought to herself.
Her biggest challenge in escaping before had been how to outsmart the ever-watchful Vampire Clan guards at the door.
Now, she had to face Fuluoxi directly.
Her chances of escape seemed slimmer than ever.
But, whatever.
Aiwei hugged her pillow. It was still early, and she didn’t know what to do with herself. Back in the Blood Slave Camp, she could at least chat with others, but now she was truly bored.
She looked up at the magical chandelier above her head, which cast a gentle light, and mimicked how Liya had earlier pulled the cord by her bed.
The room instantly went dark.
Aiwei lay on her side, placed the big pillow in front of her, hugged it with both arms, and trapped it between her legs, making a contented purring sound.
It wasn’t quite as good as the big teddy bear she had at home before, but this pillow was close enough.
And the pillow smelled so nice.
That’s what Aiwei thought.
As time passed, Aiwei’s eyelids grew heavier, fatigue slowly washed over her, and soon her breathing became steady and even.
Not long after Aiwei fell asleep, the door to her room was gently pushed open.
Fuluoxi’s eyes glimmered red in the darkness, silently watching Aiwei’s sleeping back.
She slowly walked over to Aiwei. Her night vision allowed her to see every detail of the room clearly, including Aiwei’s relaxed sleeping face.
Fuluoxi looked oddly at the pillow Aiwei was hugging between her arms and legs.
That pillow—she had slept on it before, but had forgotten it in this room.
She hadn’t expected Liya to pick the exact room she had used before, and even give Aiwei her old pillow.
In the darkness, Fuluoxi stood watching Aiwei for a long time. At last, she turned and left the room.
She gently closed the door, and her figure turned into a flash of red light as she headed toward where Emilia was.