I… Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?
At this moment, Xia Mengxi’s mind was as blank as the white ceiling above her.
She couldn’t remember who she was, nor did she know where she was, and she had no idea what she was planning to do.
But just then, the sound of a door handle being turned caught her attention. When she saw who came in after the door opened, memories of what happened before she blacked out flooded her once-empty mind.
At the same time, she regretted recalling the punishment from this afternoon. Now, just seeing Lin Xue’er made her knees go weak, her mind filled with those terrifyingly intense sensations that frightened her so much.
No wonder she felt so dazed upon waking up. Clearly, it was Lin Xue’er’s torment that triggered her self-protection instinct, making her unwilling to recall those unbearable memories!
“You’re awake, Xiao Xi. Perfect timing, I’ve already made dinner. But before we eat, there’s something we need to do…”
Seeing Lin Xue’er walk over, Xia Mengxi, still on the bed, instinctively scooted back. Her reaction was completely caught by Lin Xue’er, who smiled at her and said, “Don’t be afraid, Xiao Xi. I’m not some man-eating tiger, I won’t eat you.”
Even as Lin Xue’er said this, when she got close to Xia Mengxi, she took out a Black Leather Collar from behind her back. This was exactly the same item Lin Xue’er had used to restrain her when she was imprisoned before.
“Mm, it really suits you, Xiao Xi. Come, I’ll take you down to eat.”
Just like that, with Lin Xue’er ‘leading’ her, Xia Mengxi was brought from the room all the way to the Living Room on the first floor.
Faced with the delicious food on the table, Xia Mengxi was expressionless. It wasn’t until she sat down and was fed by Lin Xue’er that she finally managed to shake off the shock of memories that hit her when she woke up.
“Xiao Xi, does the food suit your taste today?”
“Ah! Mm, it’s delicious…”
As she said this, Xia Mengxi didn’t feel much, but after a moment, she suddenly remembered she was supposed to pretend to be obedient to Lin Xue’er. Just like the previous time, she should have flattered her.
But it was already too late. She only realized after finishing her meal. What was the point now?
“This is really bad…”
Looking at Lin Xue’er’s busy figure, Xia Mengxi muttered softly. This time, Lin Xue’er’s methods of discipline were truly beyond what she could endure.
And to think, just this morning, she thought she could hold out for two or three days before pretending to submit. But now, after barely a day—no, not even a whole day—she was already completely broken!
Most obviously, she was in a daze, unable to focus, and her body felt extremely weak. Her condition after being punished was even more terrifying than the negative effects of a frail constitution.
No, she had to do something while she was still somewhat clear-headed. She must get Lin Xue’er to let her go today. Otherwise, if she was punished for another day or two, she… she really felt she’d be ruined just like Lin Xue’er wanted.
What are you saying! Don’t get discouraged! Pull yourself together!
Xia Mengxi suddenly raised both hands, giving her own cheeks a double slap. The sharp pain ignited her suppressed willpower, and in an instant, many of the side effects brought on by Lin Xue’er’s punishment faded away, replaced by newfound confidence and courage.
But… the Lin Xue’er before her was a tough opponent. She was almost at the third stage of her breakdown, totally unreasonable and ignoring her dignity as a person. Did this mean… she had to stop being human to gain Lin Xue’er’s trust?
Damn it! Whatever! Things are urgent now. If she got punished again, she wouldn’t even recognize herself, so even if she had to stop acting like a human, so be it.
Making up her mind, just as Lin Xue’er finished washing the dishes and left the Kitchen, Xia Mengxi, without hesitation, threw herself into Lin Xue’er’s arms. Under Lin Xue’er’s astonished gaze, she wrapped her arms around Lin Xue’er’s neck and kissed her lips.
Lin Xue’er quickly understood Xia Mengxi’s passionate gesture. She didn’t reject her—instead, she hugged Xia Mengxi’s waist, pressed down on the back of her head, and responded aggressively.
Only after a long while, when Lin Xue’er was satisfied, did she let her go. With this deep kiss, Lin Xue’er also noticed changes in Xia Mengxi’s body.
“Looks like your body is much healthier, Xiao Xi. The punishment today was far harsher than this kiss, but you only fainted at the very end. Hmm… seems like we don’t need to go to the Hospital to help you recover.”
Even though Lin Xue’er noticed, she didn’t seem to find it strange—or perhaps she just didn’t show it, or maybe she was deliberately ignoring this detail.
But now wasn’t the time to care about such things. What Xia Mengxi needed was for Lin Xue’er to stop punishing her.
“By the way, Xiao Xi, why are you suddenly acting so clingy and affectionate?”
“I… Xue’er, I’m scared…”
Lin Xue’er tilted her head, a faint smile on her lips. Then, pretending to ask unknowingly, she said, “Scared of what?”
“I’m scared of your punishments.”
It was as if Lin Xue’er had already guessed what Xia Mengxi would say, for her smile didn’t fade but grew even wider. She leaned in close to Xia Mengxi’s ear and whispered, “Then… are you willing to unconditionally obey me from now on?”
“I…”
Xia Mengxi bit her lip, deliberately recalling what she’d endured throughout most of the day. Her face grew pale, and she hurriedly nodded to the person before her.
“I’m willing, I’m willing! So… so please, Xue’er! Please don’t punish me anymore, okay?”
“Hmm…”
Lin Xue’er’s smile faded and was replaced by a troubled look. Seeing this, Xia Mengxi immediately became ‘anxious,’ grabbing tightly onto Lin Xue’er’s sleeve, her tone very meek.
“Xue’er… please…”
At Xia Mengxi’s actions, Lin Xue’er didn’t respond right away. It was several minutes later before she spoke, somewhat reluctantly.
“Although you’ve sincerely agreed to my request, Xiao Xi… I still don’t quite believe you.”
“……”
Honestly, Xia Mengxi really broke down a little in that moment. During the afternoon’s punishment, she’d already experienced Lin Xue’er’s unpredictable behavior once again, so when Lin Xue’er said this, she couldn’t hold back a few tears from slipping down her cheeks.
Lin Xue’er… you really are inhuman!