Her thoughts were still stuck on the scene she had just witnessed, her heart a tangled mess.
Li Xin, who had once reached out to help her in her darkest despair, now found pleasure in her humiliation.
What kind of reversal was this?
Was it a change of heart, or the result of Ye Lan’s meticulous planning?
The lights in the corridor flickered, casting long shadows on the walls.
Mu Xi’s steps felt unsteady, her mind chaotic, as if she were wandering in an endless maze.
She glanced up furtively at Ye Lan beside her.
That delicate profile held a faint, almost imperceptible smile, but dangerous light flickered in her eyes.
“What did you do to her?” Mu Xi finally couldn’t hold back her question, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.
Ye Lan didn’t stop walking.
She just tilted her head slightly, a sly look flashing in her phoenix eyes.
“I didn’t do anything,” she replied leisurely.
“I only made her see her own true nature. Some desires, once awakened, can never sleep again.”
Mu Xi’s heart sank, yet she couldn’t argue.
She lowered her gaze, silently following Ye Lan through the dim corridor, each step feeling as if it was crushing the remnants of her hope.
The smell of disinfectant was gradually replaced by another scent—a mixture of sweat and metal.
After turning the last corner, they arrived in front of a spacious room.
Through a wall of one-way glass, everything inside was visible.
It was a gym so luxurious it bordered on extravagant, with various training equipment neatly arranged.
Chrome-plated dumbbells gleamed coldly under the lights on the rack.
The latest treadmills and Elliptical Machines were lined up in a row.
In the corner were all kinds of combat equipment.
Boxing Sandbags, protective gear, training dummies.
Sanda Equipment and kendo gear hung from the wall.
Mu Xi’s gaze quickly locked onto the figure in the center of the room.
That petite form belonged to Little An, who had fallen unconscious after testing poison for her over half a month ago.
At this moment, Little An was fiercely attacking the sandbag with total focus.
Each straight punch packed surprising strength, sweat rolling down her forehead and soaking her close-fitting training clothes.
“Little An… is she alright now?” Mu Xi asked softly, unable to hide her joy and relief.
Ever since that incident, she’d been plagued with insomnia, guilt weighing on her like a heavy stone.
Ye Lan’s lips curved with a faint smile and she said, “Of course. My medical team isn’t just for show. Besides…”
She glanced meaningfully at Mu Xi, “Her value goes far beyond that.”
Unconsciously, Mu Xi pressed her face closer to the glass, amazed to see just how much Little An had changed.
The girl who used to be so frail and empty-eyed now had clearly defined, strong lines.
Muscles were visible on her arms and abdomen, and even faint hints of abs could be seen.
Her movements were no longer timid or awkward, but radiated obvious professionalism.
“I’ve had a coach give her professional training for a while now,” Ye Lan walked up behind Mu Xi, resting both hands lightly on her thin shoulders, “She’s going to be your personal protector. Without enough physical strength and fighting skills, how could she possibly do her job? After all, my little pet is too precious. I can’t let anyone hurt you.”
Mu Xi felt the warmth of Ye Lan’s fingers seep through the thin fabric, making her shiver.
She didn’t know whether to be happy for Little An’s recovery, or worried that she’d been dragged into this tangled mess between her and Ye Lan.
But at this moment, watching Little An train with such dedication, Mu Xi finally felt the weight in her heart ease a little.
“Will she… always stay with me?” Mu Xi asked quietly.
“Of course,” Ye Lan’s tone left no room for doubt.
“She’s the shadow I carefully chose for you.”
Ye Lan’s fingers stroked Mu Xi’s silver hair lightly.
“But now isn’t the time to meet. She needs more training.”
Mu Xi nodded, her gaze still fixed on Little An.
Watching that sweating, focused figure, she felt a strange sense of closeness.
In this gilded cage, perhaps Little An could become her only ally.
But what Mu Xi didn’t know was the calculating glint in Ye Lan’s eyes, or the complex emotion flickering in the looks Little An occasionally shot toward the one-way glass while training.
Ye Lan’s gaze shifted from Little An to Mu Xi, an odd light dancing in her eyes.
“She’s training so hard—don’t you want to reward her?” Ye Lan’s voice was gentle, but carried an irresistible force.
Mu Xi blinked, momentarily stunned.
She looked up, confusion in her eyes and asked, “Can I decide that?”
“Of course you can.” Ye Lan’s fingers brushed Mu Xi’s cheek.
“Little An will be yours in the future—of course it’s up to you to decide whether she gets a reward.”
Mu Xi bit her lip, her eyes wavering.
“But I don’t know what kind of reward… Food? A drink or something?”
A meaningful smile tugged at Ye Lan’s lips.
She leaned in and whispered in Mu Xi’s ear, “Why not give her something to eat?”
Mu Xi nodded lightly, her voice barely above a whisper, “Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”
She thought Ye Lan would have someone prepare some delicate pastries or a nutritious meal.
However, Ye Lan’s next words crashed into Mu Xi like a bolt of lightning.
“Take off your lace panties under your skirt.”
Mu Xi jerked her head up, eyes wide in disbelief.
Even though there was only the two of them in the corridor, shame surged up like a tide, threatening to drown her.
Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, the blush spreading all the way to her ears.
“Y-You… what did you say?” Her voice trembled, barely audible.
Ye Lan’s eyes grew even darker, her light laughter low and seductive.
“You want to give her something to eat, so naturally it has to be something of yours.”
Mu Xi was so shocked she could barely speak, her mind a total blank.
She stammered, “Little An is actually… going to eat my panties?”
“She won’t eat anyone else’s,” Ye Lan’s voice was low and tempting.
“Only yours. Go on.”
Mu Xi stood rooted to the spot, her legs shaking.
Her mind screamed in protest—this was too much, too humiliating.
But her body seemed no longer under her control.
Some strange force compelled her, making it impossible to resist Ye Lan’s command.
She slowly bent over, trembling fingers reaching for the hem of her skirt.
The struggle inside nearly tore her apart, but she knew resistance was futile.
Mu Xi squeezed her eyes shut, clenched her teeth, and quickly pulled off her white lace panties, placing them into Ye Lan’s outstretched palm.
Her face was burning, and there were even tears shimmering at the corners of her eyes.
Ye Lan’s fingertips caressed the fabric, a satisfied smile appearing.
She brought it close to her nose and took a soft, nearly inaudible breath.
“Still warm from being just taken off.” Ye Lan looked at the trembling Mu Xi, eyes sparkling with pleasure.
“Your Guard will love this gift.”
Mu Xi hugged her arms tight, her silver hair falling to hide her blazing cheeks.
She bit her lip, even her fingertips shaking.
Ye Lan paid her no further heed, turning toward a square recess in the one-way glass wall.
It was a transfer window much like those in prisons, usually invisible, but now it slid open a crack.
Little An seemed to have noticed something long ago.
She immediately stopped her training, wiped the sweat from her brow, and walked quickly toward the window.
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