Chapter 94: Psychological Induction

Mu Xi suddenly opened her eyes, her heart skipping a beat—’this is bad!’

Her act of pretending to sleep was discovered!

She was extremely frustrated. 

She shouldn’t have opened her eyes so quickly; now her pretense was completely exposed, only making things more awkward.

What made it worse was that just moments ago she had been enjoying Li Xin’s touch, and now she had been caught in the act—it was truly embarrassing.

Li Xin hadn’t expected Mu Xi to open her eyes so suddenly. 

The confession still lingered in the air, and the atmosphere froze as if it had turned to ice.

She stood awkwardly where she was. 

The impulsive gesture from earlier was caught red-handed by the person herself. 

Shame and panic surged all at once, her gaze flickering nervously, unable to meet Mu Xi’s eyes.

Silence stretched between them, the tension unbearably thick.

Mu Xi’s eyes shifted rapidly—an idea struck her.

She quickly adjusted her expression, a suspicious flush rising to her cheeks, her eyes becoming coy.

Her voice was as soft as a whisper, “Miss Li Xin, you… you’re saying what? That’s impossible. Between the two of us…”

She deliberately left her sentence vague, inviting endless speculation.

Li Xin caught the unspoken meaning behind Mu Xi’s words.

Indeed, as long as Ye Lan existed, an unbridgeable chasm lay between them.

Originally, she had only intended to quietly protect Mu Xi. 

This love was like a vine that couldn’t see the light, growing silently in dark corners.

But Mu Xi’s earlier reaction to feigning sleep, the soft touch from her fingertips, and now this shy demeanor were like a fire that instantly ignited the hidden desire in Li Xin’s heart.

“Miss Mu Xi…” Li Xin’s voice turned hoarse, trembling with a feeling even she hadn’t noticed, “Do you… hate me?”

She mustered her courage and asked the most anxious question in her heart.

If she could get even the slightest response from Mu Xi, even just a little affection, she felt she could give everything for it.

Mu Xi didn’t expect Li Xin to be so direct, her heart trembling slightly.

Hate?

She couldn’t say she hated her. 

In fact, there was even a tiny bit of… fondness?

But now was not the time to think about these things.

She bit her lip, her gaze flickering uneasily. 

“I… my current situation doesn’t allow me to think that much. I only know… I’m very scared.”

“Scared of Ye Lan, scared of the unknown fate, and also scared that Li Xin’s feelings for me might bring even bigger trouble.”

Seeing the unease and vulnerability in Mu Xi’s eyes, a sharp pain stabbed Li Xin’s heart.

She pursed her lips tightly and said firmly, “I understand. The sense of security you want—I will definitely give it to you.”

She didn’t mention Ye Lan’s presence, nor did she promise to take Mu Xi away from the Manor.

But her gaze was utterly serious, as if making a vow.

Mu Xi looked at Li Xin with some suspicion. 

Security?

What did Li Xin mean by that?

Could she really be willing to help her break free from Ye Lan’s control?

Or was this just pretty words Li Xin said to soothe her?

Mu Xi couldn’t easily trust Li Xin. 

After all, Li Xin belonged to Ye Lan. 

Who knew if this was some act staged by Ye Lan and Li Xin together?

A test of her loyalty?

Or simply to toy with her?

Mu Xi decided to maintain her ambiguous attitude; vagueness was the safest approach.

At that moment, a maid walked over with a respectful reminder: “Miss Mu Xi, Teacher Ling Yue is ready. It’s time for your practice.”

The words perfectly interrupted the subtle deadlock between Mu Xi and Li Xin.

Mu Xi silently breathed a sigh of relief. 

She had been worried about how to break the awkwardness, and the maid’s arrival was like a godsend.

She gave the maid a grateful glance, silently awarding her a chicken leg.

Hearing the maid, Li Xin’s sharp gaze softened, resuming her role as a personal bodyguard.

She bent down carefully and gently lifted Mu Xi, as if holding a fragile treasure.

“Miss Mu Xi, I’ll take you to the Practice Room.”

Walking toward the Practice Room on the fifth floor, Li Xin lowered her voice, whispering firmly into Mu Xi’s ear, tinged with an almost imperceptible tremble: “Miss Mu Xi, please trust me. I will protect you.”

More than a promise to Mu Xi, this was a vow to herself.

Being held by Li Xin, Mu Xi could sense the faint cool fragrance coming from her. 

Her thoughts churned.

Protect?

That word, coming from Li Xin’s mouth, felt both ironic and strangely touching.

She deliberately stayed silent, offering no reply.

Trust?

In this perilous Manor, those two words were too extravagant, too dangerous.

She couldn’t yet discern how much of Li Xin’s current sincerity was real, and how much was pretense.

After all, Li Xin was Ye Lan’s person, an unchangeable fact.

Until she confirmed Li Xin’s true intentions, she would never hand over her trust lightly.

Ambiguity and watching closely—that was the safest strategy for now.

Arriving at the door of the Practice Room on the fifth floor, they pushed open the heavy soundproof door, revealing the luxurious space inside.

Ling Yue was already standing in the center of the room, her back to them.

Hearing the door open, Ling Yue slowly turned around, her cold eyes scanning Li Xin with a trace of unyielding distance.

“Li Xin, you’ve escorted Miss Mu Xi here. You’re no longer needed. Please wait in the Rest Room.”

Li Xin’s brows immediately furrowed.

Last time, Ling Yue had sent her away under the pretext of making tea, which left her quite dissatisfied.

Was she trying the same trick again?

Her tone hardened, tinged with suppressed anger. “Teacher Ling Yue, my duty is to protect Miss Mu Xi’s safety. I want to stay.”

Ling Yue seemed to have anticipated Li Xin’s refusal. 

A cold smile curled at her lips, her eyes filled with disdain.

“Li Xin, remember your position. I’m the vocal teacher hired at great expense by Ye Lan, responsible for instructing Miss Mu Xi. Do you really need to question my professionalism? Or do you think your presence contributes anything to Miss Mu Xi’s vocal training?”

She paused, then added with emphasis, “Or do you believe you understand vocal music better than I do?”

Every word bore the weight of authority and contempt for Li Xin’s status.

To Ling Yue, Li Xin was just a bodyguard, while she was a respected teacher. 

The difference between them was like night and day.

Li Xin was left speechless by Ling Yue’s words, her face turning ashen.

She clenched her fists tightly, her nails nearly digging into her skin.

She knew Ling Yue was right. 

In terms of status and position, she couldn’t compare.

But letting her leave so easily was something she simply refused.

Especially seeing Ling Yue’s high-and-mighty attitude, the fire of rage within her blazed fiercely.

Just as the tension reached a breaking point, the usually silent Mu Xi suddenly spoke, her tone soft and tinged with a hint of pleading.

“Li Xin, why don’t you go wait for me in the Rest Room first? When I’m practicing, I want to concentrate more.”

Mu Xi’s voice was quiet but perfectly broke the stalemate.

She seemed to be speaking on Ling Yue’s behalf but was actually giving Li Xin a graceful exit.

After all, she was currently Ye Lan’s pet, the weaker party. 

Her stepping in to ease the tension fit her role perfectly.

Hearing Mu Xi’s words, Li Xin’s heart stirred slightly.