Mechanical and numb.
An embarrassing curve.
The undone buttons on her chest were open, revealing snow-white skin and that soft curve.
She slowly raised her hand and buttoned them back up one by one, her movements mechanical.
Mu Xi stood still, her body still trembling slightly. The morning light fell on her but brought no warmth, like needles stabbing her nerves. The tips of her fingers touched the skin under her clothes, that warm, soft sensation making it hard for her to breathe.
Ye Lan looked at her silent, enduring expression, a meaningful curve appearing on her lips.
‘She knows what Mu Xi is thinking. Hatred, murderous intent—she knows it all.’
‘But this is exactly what she wants. Only extreme hatred can breed extreme submission. Or extreme love.’
Ye Lan turned and walked toward the door.
“Don’t forget your identity.”
She stopped at the door and said without turning around.
“You are my gift, the key to pleasing Nan Qiao.”
The metal door closed behind her with a dull sound.
In the room, Mu Xi was alone again.
She raised her hand and gently pressed it against her chest, feeling the unfamiliar rise and fall and the faint ache inside.
She walked to the table, picked up the water glass, and downed the remaining cold water in one gulp.
The cold liquid slid down her throat, clearing her chaotic thoughts a little.
Several hours later, the heavy metal door rumbled lowly and slowly opened inward.
Ye Lan stepped aside, revealing Nan Qiao behind her.
Nan Qiao stepped into the Silent Language Building, carrying a scorching aura like a desert sun.
Her sharp, lively eyes swept the room. The reinforced concrete walls, the reinforced tables and chairs—everything exuded a pragmatic coldness and hardness, clashing with her own fiery nature. The air had a cool scent of disinfectant and metal mixed together, but it hid vigilance.
Nan Qiao crossed her arms, her tone carrying a hint of teasing, but deep in her eyes she still stood straight, her arrogant and domineering aura not diminished by her injuries. She scrutinized Ye Lan, whose wounds were not yet healed and were wrapped in bandages.
Ye Lan ignored her mockery and walked straight to the center of the living room. Mu Xi stood there quietly.
She wore a simple gray long-sleeved top and dark pants, with traces of gauze visible on her arms and legs.
Her eyelashes were lowered, casting small shadows on her face, hiding all emotions.
Nan Qiao’s gaze fell on Mu Xi, openly showing interest and scrutiny.
‘Ye Lan’s precious treasure, the apple of her eye.’
‘Last time they met, she didn’t have a chance to look closely. Now seeing her, she was indeed exquisitely beautiful, but her delicate and pale appearance made Nan Qiao frown slightly.’
“Is this the gift you mentioned?” Nan Qiao’s voice rose with inquiry.
“Appearances can be deceiving sometimes.” Ye Lan walked to Mu Xi’s side and casually placed a hand on Mu Xi’s shoulder.
Mu Xi’s body stiffened almost imperceptibly, then relaxed, leaning obediently against Ye Lan as if they were truly inseparable lovers.
Ye Lan felt the slight tremor under her hand, and a meaningful smile curled on her lips.
She turned to Nan Qiao, her voice calm but with a strange mesmerizing power. “Little Xi’s value is far beyond your imagination. Her body is special. The fluids she produces can accelerate wound healing, even bring the dying back to life. For healthy people, it can strengthen the physique.”
Ye Lan paused, as if choosing words. “Believe it or not.”
Nan Qiao raised an eyebrow, her smile fading a little, becoming more serious. “Oh? Such a wonder?”
She stepped forward two paces, observing Mu Xi more closely. “Sounds like some legendary elixir.”
“I brought you here today to make a deal.” Ye Lan said flatly.
“Let’s hear it.” Nan Qiao said with interest.
“I want absolute command of all armed forces from the West District to the North District of Stone City, and half of the energy and supplies in your warehouse for the next three months.” Ye Lan’s voice was clear and cold, each word striking Nan Qiao’s heart. “In exchange, Mu Xi stays with you. At the same time, I will take my people and leave Stone City, never setting foot in your territory again.”
The smile completely disappeared from Nan Qiao’s face.
She stared at Ye Lan, as if trying to read something from those deep, narrow eyes.
“Ye Lan, are you selling your beloved treasure to me?” Her tone was full of suspicion. “Trade her for military power and resources? How does that sound reliable?”
“Nothing unreliable about it.”
Ye Lan lowered her eyes to look at Mu Xi in her arms, her fingertips lightly brushing Mu Xi’s cheek with a sickly tenderness. “Circumstances are stronger than people. You know I need power now. As for Little Xi, following me will only bring her suffering. Staying in Stone City under your care, Head of Nan Family, is better than wandering with me.”
Mu Xi’s body trembled slightly, her head down, making her expression unreadable.
Nan Qiao was silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons.
The conditions Ye Lan proposed were extremely tempting. A woman with magical abilities in exchange for some military power and resources, plus getting rid of Ye Lan as a potential threat—it seemed like a good deal no matter how you looked at it.
But she didn’t believe Ye Lan would give up Mu Xi so easily.
‘There must be a trick.’
“Words are not enough.” Nan Qiao finally spoke, her voice regaining some cheerfulness but with decisive firmness. “You talk so beautifully, but I need to see for myself and taste it to confirm the authenticity of this ‘elixir.’ Who knows if you’ve tampered with it.”
She paused, her gaze falling on Mu Xi’s chest. “Besides, I don’t trust the cup you prepared.”
Ye Lan’s face darkened with anger. “She is my woman. Letting you touch her directly is an insult to me!”
“Nan Qiao, you know what Little Xi means to me.” Her voice was somewhat strained.
Mu Xi cooperatively raised her head, her face showing humiliation and indignation, her eyes slightly reddened, looking at Ye Lan with dependence and grievance.
“Ha!” Nan Qiao seemed to have heard a joke. “Ye Lan, Ye Lan, why are you pretending to be innocent with me? Don’t you just want to raise the price? What do you want? As long as I, Nan Qiao, can afford it, I won’t haggle!”
She waved her hand, acting like a wealthy big shot. “Speak, what else do you want?”
Ye Lan seemed choked by Nan Qiao’s generosity, then a glint of greed flashed in her eyes, just in time for Nan Qiao to catch.
“Alright, since the Head of Nan Family is so straightforward,” Ye Lan’s voice lowered, with some calculation, “besides the military power and supplies just mentioned, I also want two percent of Stone City’s monthly tax revenue for one year.”
Nan Qiao’s brow furrowed even tighter.
‘Two percent of tax revenue? That’s no small amount.’
She looked at Mu Xi again, that delicate pale face, that pitiful appearance. If she really was as miraculous as Ye Lan said… The scales in Nan Qiao’s heart began to tip. She needed more strength to consolidate her position and counter the threats outside the city. Ye Lan leaving, taking away some hidden dangers, and leaving behind a potential ‘elixir’ seemed worth it.
“One year is too long. Six months.” Nan Qiao bargained.
“Ten months.” Ye Lan did not give an inch.
“Eight months! No more!” Nan Qiao gritted her teeth. “Deal?”
“Deal.” Ye Lan finally relented, a hint of a “triumphant” smile on her face.
She turned sideways, making way, and commanded Mu Xi, “Little Xi, satisfy the Head of Nan Family’s request.”