Chapter 26: Forced Into a Room

The girl pouted in frustration. “Husband, why didn’t you let me finish my sentence?”

Xie Zhi sighed helplessly, his messy bangs falling across his forehead, enhancing his striking good looks.

“Jiaojiao, actually, Qin Fang’s words, though harsh, hold some truth. Hongyan hasn’t exactly been a model daughter, while Qin Fang has taken on a lot of responsibility. Parents are human too, and humans are inherently selfish. Nobody gives endlessly without expecting anything in return.”

Jiaojiao gently patted Xie Zhi’s palm, her tone a bit sulky. “I know, but I just feel sorry for Hongyan. She’s in jail now and has even lost her parents.”

Xie Zhi took her hand and started walking in the direction of the Qin family home. When they had rushed out earlier, they had left some items for Third Brother there. The two of them trailed behind the three people ahead, watching Qin Fang with her fawning, ingratiating demeanor.

Jiaojiao suddenly asked, “Husband, does your love also have an expiration date?”

“It would be a lie to say it doesn’t. But if you ever dared to leave me, I’d find a place to lock you up so no one could ever take you away from me.”

Xie Zhi’s words were accompanied by an intense, unyielding gaze, his brown eyes darkening with a possessive and almost sick obsession as he stared straight at Jiaojiao.

Qin Fang turned her head and glanced at Jiaojiao with a seemingly innocent smile, radiating sweetness and simplicity.

Looping her arm around her aunt’s affectionately, Qin Fang pouted. “Auntie, this Comrade Xu is really pretty. If only we could introduce her to Brother Yuan Ling.”

Aunt Qin’s expression froze for a moment. “That Comrade Xu already has someone by her side. Why would we introduce her to anyone?”

“Auntie, no matter how good Comrade Xie is, he’s just a rural farmer, dependent on the heavens for a living. How could he compare to Brother Yuan Ling? Besides, Brother Yuan Ling’s parents work in government offices, and he’s just as handsome as Comrade Xie, if not more so.”

Hearing this, Aunt Qin’s mind began to turn, and she nodded with a smile. “As a way to thank Comrade Xu for her help, perhaps we could consider it.”

Qin Fang’s smile deepened, and she whispered something quietly into her aunt’s ear.

Jiaojiao stroked her arms, suddenly feeling a chill run down her spine. “Husband, why do I feel so cold all of a sudden?”

Xie Zhi clasped her hand tightly, drawing her close to him. When no one was looking, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “Don’t worry, Jiaojiao. I’m here.”

…

Father Qin rubbed his sore back, his face reflecting genuine discomfort. He sighed and said, “Xie Zhi, Uncle’s back isn’t holding up. Could you help me move some things? They’re just by the front gate.”

Xie Zhi glanced at Jiaojiao, nodded, and followed him.

Aunt Qin, her yellowed eyes flickering, gave Qin Fang a look and forced a smile. “Jiaojiao, let’s head upstairs first.”

Jiaojiao nodded, casting a worried glance in Xie Zhi’s direction before following them. She had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right, clutching her small purse tightly and shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

Qin Fang walked up the stairs alongside Jiaojiao, their steps matching. She smiled and said, “You’re really pretty.”

“If it weren’t for Hongyan being such an obstacle, I’d honestly think you’re not bad. But since you’ve helped Hongyan so much, I wouldn’t mind asking you for another favor.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Fang suddenly turned and shoved Jiaojiao forcefully into a door. The door wasn’t properly closed, and Jiaojiao stumbled and fell to the ground. “What are you doing?”

Jiaojiao, having twisted her wrist in the fall, winced in pain. She was delicate and couldn’t handle much discomfort. Propping herself up with her arm, she glared at Qin Fang, who stood smugly by the doorway. “Are you insane?”

But the woman ignored her, her eyes scanning the room. “Yuan Ling, are you in here?”

“What are you yelling about outside?” came an impatient voice.

Moments later, a young man stepped out from an inner room, dressed in a white shirt and jeans. He had an arrogant, strikingly handsome face, casually brushing back his messy hair with a flick of his hand, exuding an air of wild confidence. “What are you doing? Why did you bring someone to my place?”

“She’s yours now. Sleep with her, and she’ll be yours forever,” Qin Fang said calmly, her clear eyes betraying no emotion.

Jiaojiao’s delicate brows furrowed deeply. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, her voice rising in shock. “What nonsense are you talking about?” She struggled to her feet, attempting to leave.

But Qin Fang, quick to react, shoved her again, causing Jiaojiao to fall backward. Her head nearly hit the sharp corner of a table.

Yuan Ling’s expression froze, and he stepped forward quickly, catching the girl mid-fall and holding her tightly. The moment he touched her, her soft, fragrant presence overwhelmed him. He stiffened, the scent filling his senses, and he found himself unable to let go.

Qin Fang sneered disdainfully, her face full of mockery. “See? No one can resist her. She’s already got a fiancé, so you’d better act fast and make her yours. Otherwise…”

Before she could finish, the door slammed shut with a loud bang, echoing through the corridor. Fortunately, most of the residents were out at work, or there would have been a commotion.

“Let me go! Let me go!” Jiaojiao screamed, struggling with all her might. Her arms flailed against Yuan Ling, but her strength was no match for his. It was like fighting a mountain.

Fearing her cries would attract attention, Yuan Ling covered her mouth forcefully. His arrogant grin widened as his dark eyes shone with twisted desire. “You smell amazing. Did you use perfume?”

“I love perfume too. Want me to give you a bottle? I heard you have a fiancé. No wonder you’re dressed so conservatively. Why don’t you marry me instead? I’ll take you to the capital one day to shop in department stores with elevators. Do you know what an elevator is?”

As he rambled on, his handsome face contorted with a deranged intensity. He leaned down, planting a burning kiss at the corner of her tear-filled eye, his gaze full of obsessive desire.

Jiaojiao’s eyes widened in horror as tears streamed down her face. Her vision blurred, and all she could see was a hazy silhouette. She couldn’t believe she was in such a situation. Desperately, she kicked and thrashed, but all she could manage were muffled whimpers of “mmmph.”

Inside, her mind screamed, Xie Zhi, Xie Zhi, save me! Please, save me!

Seeing her continued resistance, Yuan Ling’s sharp, dark eyes filled with warning and menace. His voice was sticky with perverse obsession. “Why are you yelling? Are you thinking about someone else?”

Stuffing a handkerchief into her mouth, Yuan Ling carried Jiaojiao effortlessly into his room. In a time when most families shared cramped spaces, he somehow had a room to himself.

He threw her heavily onto the bed. Though the mattress was soft, the impact left her seeing stars.

Yuan Ling stood over her, his eyes nearly brimming with ecstasy as he took in the sight. Normally, he found his room cold and uninviting, but now, with the girl lying on his bed, everything felt so perfectly right.

His outward arrogance and good looks masked a twisted personality—cruel, violent, and steeped in psychopathy.