Upon hearing this, a surge of intense displeasure welled up in Nangong Yehen's chest. Damn it, he had actually been hoping she wouldn't be afraid.
He grabbed her wrist, and Chu Lingzhi felt a sharp pain as the gun clattered to the ground. She stared at him in shock. "Nangong Yehen, what are you doing?"
He yanked her hard, pulling her roughly into his embrace. Crashing against his firm chest, the impact made her wince. Couldn't this man be a little gentler?
"Nangong Yehen, have you lost your mind?" Chu Lingzhi looked up, glaring at him with displeasure. Nangong Yehen smirked wickedly. Yes, he had lost his mind. He leaned down and kissed her fiercely.
"Mmm..." She struggled, but he wouldn't allow it. His arms locked around her tightly, pressing her flush against his body.
This move of his was wilder and more urgent than before. Like a conqueror determined to claim her territory, even in death.
Startled by his actions, Chu Lingzhi's eyes flew wide open as she stared at the handsome face so close to hers. His deep eyes were like an ancient pool, fathomless and dark. She couldn't tell what he was thinking or why he was treating her this way.
Her struggles were futile, and she finally gave up. After what felt like an eternity, when her mind had gone blank, he finally let her go.
He cupped her small face in both hands, lowered his head, and warned her with a glare. "Chu Lingzhi, whether you're afraid or not, I'm going to keep you tied to me, by my side, for a lifetime. If you ever think of leaving me, I won't forgive you. Got it?"
Chu Lingzhi swallowed hard, her cheeks flushed to a deep crimson. Seeing her so pitifully alluring, Nangong Yehen felt an odd urge to cherish her tenderly.
He wanted to clench his fists, but since his hands were holding her face, his fingers tightened, pressing into her cheeks. Feeling the ache in her cheekbones, Chu Lingzhi looked at him helplessly. "Why don't you just break my cheekbones outright? Slowly pressing down like this is torture for me." She felt like her cheekbones were about to snap under his grip—such a brute.
"..." Nangong Yehen raised an eyebrow, momentarily confused by her words. When he realized what she meant, he quickly pulled his hands back. He pursed his lips and stared at her coldly. "Did you hear what I said?"
"I heard you. I've never thought about leaving Nangong Manor." Chu Lingzhi rolled her eyes, thoroughly disdainful of him. With good food and lodging here, plus servants attending to her, why would she ever think of leaving?
The last part of her statement instantly lifted Nangong Yehen's mood. "Good, as long as you haven't thought of leaving." He reached out and gently stroked her hair, smiling. "Soft hair, I like it. Keep it long for me from now on—don't cut it." With that, he whistled and walked away.
"..." Chu Lingzhi stood there, stunned. Had he just smiled? Was she seeing things?
The way he smiled—was it really that damn handsome? The whole world seemed to dim, leaving only his radiance blooming. And why had he gently touched her hair? And asked her to keep it long for him?
Chu Lingzhi turned around, watching the distant, graceful figure. Suddenly, it felt like the whole world had gone dark, with only his silhouette glowing. As if, when she was lost, he used his own light to guide her way...
The bodyguards and Huo Luan, seeing Nangong Yehen's radiant smile, all froze as if they'd spotted an alien. Was this whistling man really their boss? Was this the ruthless, merciless City King?