Mu Xi nestled obediently in her arms, the faint fragrance of her mistress drifting over her, yet her heart felt as cold as frost.
She knew Ye Lan didn’t fully trust her words—or rather, Ye Lan trusted no one at all.
“I understand, Mistress,” Mu Xi replied softly, her tone docile, like a tamed pet curling into submission.
Ye Lan’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as she drew Mu Xi closer, her voice laced with a languid command.
“It’s getting late. Rest now. Tomorrow’s song practice awaits, and don’t forget—the guests will arrive soon.”
“Yes.” Mu Xi nodded meekly, letting Ye Lan’s embrace envelop her, though a silent sigh echoed in her heart.
Ye Lan rose and left the room, leaving Mu Xi alone.
Silence reclaimed the space.
Mu Xi drifted to the window, parting the heavy lace curtains to peer outside.
Beyond the glass stretched a pitch-black forest, its swaying branches like clawed beasts encircling this gilded cage.
Her thoughts turned to Li Xin—her slightly stiff movements, the faint flush at her ears—and a flicker of hope sparked within Mu Xi.
Perhaps Li Xin was the key, the crack in the wall that could lead her out of this manor.
Yet guilt shadowed that hope.
Using someone’s feelings wasn’t her desire, but survival left her no choice.
She could only pray she wouldn’t truly harm Li Xin or drag her into danger.
With a soft sigh, Mu Xi returned to the bed, curling into the plush bedding.
Morning came, and dawn’s light slipped through the lace curtains, casting delicate pink halos across the floor.
Mu Xi stirred, the faint scent of yesterday’s herbal bath lingering on her skin, her body heavy with the weight of a dreamless night.
A maid soon arrived with breakfast—exquisite as always, though today’s spread was different.
Alongside the usual milk and fruit salad sat a whole-grain sandwich, the cloying cakes conspicuously absent.
Mu Xi’s brow arched slightly; Ye Lan had been cutting back on sweets lately, a rare shift.
She ate quickly, then rose to wander the manor’s grounds for some fresh air.
But as she opened her door, a figure in the corridor caught her eye.
Li Xin stood there, clad in her signature black uniform, her posture as rigid as a sentinel oak.
She’d clearly been waiting, and when Mu Xi appeared, her sharp gaze softened, though her face remained a mask of indifference.
With a slight nod, she said, “Good morning, Miss Mu Xi,” her voice tinged with a barely perceptible stiffness.
Mu Xi suppressed a smile.
Li Xin’s knack for saying one thing while meaning another was almost endearing.
Guarding the manor?
More like guarding the corridor, hoping for a glimpse of her.
She slowed her steps, approaching Li Xin with a sweet smile, her voice soft and teasing.
“Morning, Sister Li Xin. Are you standing here just for me?”
Li Xin hadn’t expected Mu Xi to address her so warmly, let alone with such an intimate title.
A faint flush crept up her ears, her eyes flickering with unease before she regained her composure.
“No,” she said coolly, “just routine patrol.”
“Is that so?” Mu Xi stepped closer, her body brushing lightly against Li Xin’s arm, the scent of milk lingering in the air.
She felt Li Xin tense, her breath quickening ever so slightly.
Mu Xi’s lips twitched with amusement, but she played innocent, tilting her head.
“Funny, it feels like you’re always watching me, Sister Li Xin.”
As she spoke, her fingers grazed Li Xin’s hand, seemingly adjusting a stray lock of hair.
The icy touch made Li Xin flinch as if shocked, her composure cracking with a flash of panic, her eyes darting away.
Mu Xi’s certainty grew—Li Xin’s feelings ran deeper than she’d guessed.
Beneath that cold exterior burned a hidden fire, one that could be her ticket to freedom.
“Sister Li Xin,” Mu Xi said, her voice syrupy with a hint of coyness, “will you come with me to the music room today? Just to the door.”
She knew Li Xin would find a way to be near her regardless, her guarded heart betraying itself in those fleeting glances.
But asking outright gave Mu Xi control, paving the way for her plan.
Li Xin’s eyes sparked, like stars flaring in a night sky.
She’d been searching for an excuse to stay close, even if just to watch from afar.
Mu Xi’s invitation was an unexpected gift.
Still, years of discipline held her emotions in check, her face impassive as she replied, “If Miss Mu Xi is heading to the music room, I’ll escort you. It’s my duty.”
Her tone was calm, but a trace of anticipation slipped through, betraying her.
Mu Xi bit back a laugh.
Li Xin’s attempt to play it cool while her heart clearly danced was almost too charming.
She sidled closer, their steps falling in sync down the corridor—pink softness beside stark black, fragility beside strength.
“Sister Li Xin,” Mu Xi said, slowing her pace, her voice carrying a sweet lilt, “what do you do when you’re not patrolling? Anything besides guarding the manor?”
She glanced sidelong, watching Li Xin’s reaction.
The guard seemed unaccustomed to casual chatter, especially with Mu Xi so close.
Her posture stiffened slightly before she answered, “Patrol, train, ensure the manor’s safety.”
Her words were clipped, almost mechanical.
“Oh?” Mu Xi drew out the word, her tone playful.
“You must be so strong, protecting everyone.”
She paused, then added with a knowing edge, “Protecting me, too, right?”
She tilted her head, her wide, glistening eyes locking onto Li Xin’s, a subtle challenge in her gaze.
The word “protect” struck Li Xin like a spark, sending a current through her.
Her heart skipped, her cheeks warming as she forced herself to look away.
“It’s my duty,” she said, her voice unsteady.
Mu Xi’s satisfaction deepened at Li Xin’s flustered response.
She was easier to unsettle than expected.
Deciding to press further, Mu Xi’s tone grew softer, more intimate.
“You know, Sister Li Xin, sometimes I dream of this dark, eerie manor, and it scares me.”
Her voice trembled just enough, a feigned vulnerability.
“If you were always there, I’d feel so much safer…”
Her words trailed off, a delicate hint hanging in the air, brushing against Li Xin’s heart like a feather.