Chapter 52: Beauty Trap

Zhu Jia felt completely intoxicated. Why else would her head be spinning, her mouth dry, her heart racing? Even the man before her seemed to shimmer with a hazy, golden glow, making her want to look at him again and again—to uncover the secrets hidden beneath his bathrobe.

No, she needed to sober up. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said.

Standing up from the sofa, she headed toward the bathroom. However, her steps wobbled, refusing to cooperate as she stumbled along unsteadily.

Mo Yichen stood at the bathroom door, showing no intention of stepping aside. His gaze was focused on her. “Don’t shower too long after drinking; it’s not safe.”

“Okay…” Zhu Jia averted her eyes, inexplicably unable to meet his deep, enigmatic gaze. It felt as if just one look would let this fox-like man from the forest drain her completely.

Inside the bathroom, Zhu Jia soaked herself in warm water. Her heart was pounding, and her face felt warmer than usual.

Could it really be like Mo Yichen said? That drinking and showering didn’t mix well, causing this rapid heartbeat? She quickly stood up from the tub and dried her body with a towel.

Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, her fair skin was tinged with a pink flush, particularly on her cheeks, which were dyed an even deeper red. Her eyes appeared unusually moist, harboring an unfamiliar emotion.

She dressed in her sleepwear and exited the bathroom, feeling inexplicably tense.

Mo Yichen was sitting by the bed, holding an orange bottle and examining it.

“What’s that?” Zhu Jia approached him.

He placed it on the bed. “A new massage oil from a skincare company—a gift. It’s supposed to help relax the nerves.”

Standing up, he gently brushed a strand of wet hair from her face. “Does your head hurt after the wine?”

“A little…” Zhu Jia murmured, not knowing where to look. Mo Yichen’s neckline was scandalously low—why couldn’t he pull it up a bit?

“This massage oil might help. You should try it later.” Mo Yichen led her to sit in a chair. “First, let’s dry your hair.”

“Uh…” Zhu Jia reached for the hair dryer, but he took it first.

“Let me.” He held the dryer in one hand while running his fingers through her damp hair with the other. The strong airflow quickly dried her hair. Then, Mo Yichen picked up a massage brush, gently smoothing out her strands. The sensation of the bristles lightly grazing her scalp was soothing.

Zhu Jia closed her eyes slightly, enjoying the “head massage.” Just then, Mo Yichen leaned closer and whispered near her ear, “Lie down on the bed.”

His soft, breathy voice sent a shiver through her body. She obediently lay on the bed, turning her head toward the edge as he suggested.

Mo Yichen pulled up a chair and sat by her head, warming the massage oil in his palms. A rich, enticing fragrance filled the air as his thumbs began to press gently against her temples.

Zhu Jia opened her eyes to see his upside-down face above her. His half-lowered eyelids and cool, chaste expression gave him a focused, well-behaved appearance.

But the vibrancy of his lips betrayed him, hinting at an untamed ambition lurking beneath this façade.

Her gaze lingered on his sharp, crimson lips—like ripe fruit inviting a taste. They looked… delicious.

Stop it! Zhu Jia scolded herself, shutting her eyes in frustration. What was she even thinking?

“Does it feel good?” Mo Yichen asked as he massaged her temples and head.

“Mm…” It did feel good—so good that she felt increasingly dizzy.

“Unbutton one of your top buttons and turn over.”

“W-what? Unbutton?” Zhu Jia looked at him skeptically. Mo Yichen replied matter-of-factly, “Yes, I need to massage your neck and shoulders. You’ve been reading with your head down a lot lately.”

“Oh… okay.” Zhu Jia hesitated but figured he was just being considerate.

He’d been so kind and respectful lately; surely he wouldn’t take advantage of her.

After a moment’s hesitation, she unbuttoned one button and turned over, lying on her stomach.

She felt her collar being gently adjusted as her thin black straps were moved aside. Warm hands pressed onto her shoulders, kneading lightly.

His hands moved along her neck, shoulders, and upper back with perfect pressure—not too heavy, not too light. It should’ve been relaxing, yet Zhu Jia found her skin trembling under his touch and her breathing quickening.

The slippery, warming sensation of the massage oil, combined with the rough warmth of his hands, made her feel increasingly flustered.

This… this can’t just be a normal massage, right?

“S-stop,” Zhu Jia stammered. But her voice came out soft, almost seductive. Embarrassed, she bit her lip to stop herself from making more strange sounds.

The hands on her shoulders paused. “Okay,” Mo Yichen replied.

He respectfully pulled her straps back up and adjusted her collar without any unnecessary movements. Then he turned her over, revealing her flushed face, slightly dazed eyes, and sweat-dampened hair sticking to her cheeks.

“Feeling better now?” Mo Yichen asked, his gaze filled with concern.

“Much better…” Zhu Jia murmured breathlessly, turning her face away to avoid his eyes.

Mo Yichen stood and returned the massage oil to its place. After a year of being with her, he knew exactly what she liked.

As he rubbed his fingertips together, savoring the slick sensation, a subtle smirk curved his lips. Like a vampire tasting his first drop of blood, he was confident of his eventual victory.

Patience. He had all the time in the world to lure this little rabbit into his trap, where she’d have no way to escape.

That night, Zhu Jia dreamed of wandering lost in a mountain forest. A beautiful fox spirit offered to guide her out, but instead, he led her to his den.

Despite her initial struggle to flee, his bewitching charms left her dizzy and disoriented. In the end, she stayed willingly and even bore him seven little foxes.

Zhu Jia woke up from her dream drenched in cold sweat. She glanced at the clock—it was only 2 a.m.

Turning her head, she looked at the man sleeping beside her. He slept so quietly, his breathing steady, long lashes casting soft shadows over his face. He looked so peaceful and vulnerable, a stark contrast to the proud and sharp man he was during the day.

Frustrated, Zhu Jia lay back down. What was wrong with her tonight? Ever since she returned to this room, she felt unusually unsettled.

It had to be Mo Yichen’s new body wash, with its sweet and lingering scent filling the air. The fragrance seemed to awaken desires she usually kept buried deep.

After that night, Zhu Jia couldn’t shake the feeling that something between her and Mo Yichen had shifted. It was as if thin, sticky threads had woven between them, tugging at her nerves.

Mo Yichen, on the other hand, began subtly—and sometimes not so subtly—showcasing his charm. His care and affection for her became increasingly open and bold.