Chapter 35: Such Fierce Resolve

She knew Qing Yun harbored ill intentions toward her, but within the confines of this sprawling estate, there was nowhere to run.

“The weather’s lovely today, isn’t it?” Qing Yun said, patting the seat beside her with a disarming smile.

“Come, sit and rest for a while.”

Mu Xi hesitated, her instincts urging caution, but she sat down, keeping a careful distance between them.

“How’s Lin Ke’er treating you?” Qing Yun asked abruptly, her tone light but probing.

Mu Xi faltered, caught off guard.

“She’s… she’s been kind enough.”

Qing Yun’s smile deepened, laced with something unreadable.

“Is that so? I hope she hasn’t crossed any lines.”

A jolt of unease shot through Mu Xi.

Did Qing Yun know something?

She forced a calm facade.

“Sister Ke’er treats me well. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Good to hear.” Qing Yun’s gaze drifted to the horizon, her voice soft yet chilling.

“You know, it’s not just me or Lin Ke’er. Many in this estate want to cherish you, to adore you.”

Mu Xi sat speechless, her mind grappling with the implications.

Why were these women so fixated on her?

Qing Yun continued, her words slow and deliberate.

“But we all know only Boss Ye will claim you in the end. The rest of us? We can only look, perhaps touch, but nothing more.”

A shiver of disgust ran through Mu Xi.

What did they take her for—a plaything?

“Still,” Qing Yun said, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, “a little secret indulgence now and then… that wouldn’t hurt, would it?”

Mu Xi swallowed hard, shaking her head vigorously.

“No, that’s too much.”

Qing Yun shrugged, undeterred, and seized Mu Xi’s hand, pressing it to her chest.

“Don’t be shy. Feel this. I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

Mu Xi froze, her palm meeting soft warmth.

She dared not move, wary of the madness glinting in Qing Yun’s seemingly gentle eyes.

“What, don’t know how to touch?” Qing Yun teased with a light laugh.

“Here, let your big sister show you.”

She guided Mu Xi’s hand, moving it gently across her chest.

Mu Xi’s heart raced, her cheeks burning.

Once a man, she had never imagined touching a woman’s body like this.

The sensation—soft yet resilient—was intoxicating, almost impossible to pull away from.

“How does it feel?” Qing Yun asked, her eyes narrowing with amusement.

“It’s… soft,” Mu Xi stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Qing Yun nodded, pleased.

“Ever wonder why Boss Ye is so fond of you? You’re just as soft as I am.”

A chill ran through Mu Xi.

She tried to pull her hand back, but Qing Yun held it firm.

“Don’t rush off,” Qing Yun murmured, leaning close enough for her warm breath to graze Mu Xi’s ear, sending a tremor through her.

“I haven’t tasted you yet.”

“Tasted?” Mu Xi asked, her voice tight with suspicion.

Qing Yun licked her lips, a predatory glint in her eyes.

“Your lips—they must be sweet. Let me find out, hmm?”

“No!” Mu Xi recoiled, panic rising.

“We’re outside. Someone might see!”

Qing Yun waved off her concern.

“So what? Everyone knows I fancy you. Besides, a little affection between girls is perfectly normal, isn’t it?”

Thinking fast, Mu Xi blurted, “I need to rest. Boss Ye insists I get enough sleep every day.”

Qing Yun’s brow furrowed.

“Is that so? I hadn’t heard.”

She released Mu Xi’s hand, her smile turning cryptic.

“No matter. We have plenty of time.”

Relief flooded Mu Xi as she stood, hastily excusing herself.

But a few steps away, Qing Yun’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Remember, Little Xi, you can never escape this place.”

The words struck Mu Xi like icy water, spurring her to quicken her pace, desperate to flee this perilous encounter.

Yet in this estate, surrounded by predators, where could she possibly go?

Back in her room, Mu Xi curled up on the soft bed, her mind in turmoil.

Qing Yun was different—her gentle facade masked a disturbing fervor.

While Lin Ke’er’s intentions were unsettling, Qing Yun’s dangerous aura was far more terrifying.

Mu Xi had a sinking feeling that Qing Yun would grow bolder, and soon.

She hadn’t expected that premonition to come true so quickly.

As evening fell, her door creaked open.

Mu Xi looked up to see Qing Yun standing in the doorway, a silver tray in hand, her smile deceptively sweet.

The tray bore an exquisite cream cake and fruit tarts, their aroma filling the room.

“Little Xi, time for dinner,” Qing Yun said, her voice soft and melodic.

Mu Xi sat up stiffly, watching as Qing Yun placed the tray on the bedside table.

She ate the desserts slowly, hoping Qing Yun would leave.

But Qing Yun merely watched, her gaze unwavering until Mu Xi finished the last bite.

As a passing maid cleared the tray, Qing Yun closed the door with a soft click and turned to Mu Xi.

“I’ve learned some techniques to make you feel… comfortable. Want to try?”

“No, thank you,” Mu Xi said quickly, her voice trembling.

Qing Yun’s smile vanished, her eyes turning cold.

She turned to the window, her fingers tapping the frame absently.

“From the second floor, a fall could be deadly.”

“I’ll try!” Mu Xi blurted, desperate to appease her.

“Please, go ahead.”

Qing Yun’s smile returned, warm yet menacing.

“Lift your shirt. I’ll start with your stomach.”

Trembling, Mu Xi complied.

Qing Yun produced a small bottle of oil, pouring it into her palm and spreading it across Mu Xi’s smooth abdomen.

Her touch was skilled, the pressure just right, lulling Mu Xi into a fragile calm.

Then, a warm, wet sensation jolted her awake.

Mu Xi’s eyes flew open to find Qing Yun leaning over her, her tongue tracing circles around Mu Xi’s navel.

The unfamiliar sensation was both terrifying and strangely exhilarating.

“Stop!” Mu Xi shoved her away.

“This isn’t a massage!”

Qing Yun’s eyes glinted as she licked her lips.

“Not comfortable? This is my special service, just for you.”

“I don’t want it!” Mu Xi shrank back, trying to escape Qing Yun’s grasp.

Qing Yun pressed closer, undeterred.

“Don’t be such a spoilsport. Relax—you’ll come to love it.”

Desperate, Mu Xi aimed a kick at Qing Yun’s face, but her bare foot landed weakly, and Qing Yun caught her ankle with ease.

A dangerous spark flashed in Qing Yun’s eyes.

“Looks like Little Xi needs a little punishment.”

She bit down on Mu Xi’s toes.

“Ah!” Mu Xi yelped, pleading, “It hurts! I’m sorry, I’ll do whatever you want!”

Qing Yun released her, smiling with satisfaction.

“That’s more like it.”

Her hands roamed upward along Mu Xi’s leg, restless and bold.

Mu Xi sat rigid, her mind racing with regret.

She’d walked right into the trap.

Qing Yun seemed to sense her fear, chuckling softly.

“Don’t be scared. I’ll be gentle.”

Mu Xi trembled, and seeing her distress, Qing Yun relented slightly, pressing herself atop Mu Xi.

“Fine, I won’t touch you tonight—but you have to kiss me first.”

“No…” Mu Xi shook her head weakly.

Qing Yun’s gaze turned icy.

“Then don’t blame me.”

Her fingers grazed Mu Xi’s neck, a subtle threat.

“Wait!” Mu Xi grabbed her hand, her voice shaking.

“I’ll… I’ll do it.”

Trembling, she wrapped her arms around Qing Yun’s neck, closed her eyes, and pressed a fleeting kiss to her lips.