Gu Lili fell silent, saying nothing more until they arrived at Qinyuan Residences. The moment she stepped out of the car, her eyes caught sight of Long Yubei.
He stood motionless, hands buried casually in his pockets, emanating an aura of quiet authority. His gaze, dark and unfathomable, seemed as deep as a still lake.
When his eyes turned toward her, a chill crept up her spine, tightening her scalp with dread.
Her legs felt as if they were cast in lead—every step reluctant, every movement resisting his presence.
Yet, she had no choice but to approach him.
Then, unexpectedly, he smiled.
"What are you smiling at? You look absolutely terrifying," she muttered.
Long Yubei gave a dismissive wave to Tang Qingli, who quickly withdrew from the scene.
"We had an agreement—five nights. First, you broke your promise. Then, you had the audacity to send me spirit money. That's strike two."
He stepped toward her. She instinctively tried to retreat, but his long arms swept around her, pulling her firmly into his embrace.
Seeing the flicker of panic on her delicate face, he lowered his voice and asked, "Tell me—how many nights will it take before I let you go?"
"Ten. Will that suffice?"
"At least you're aware of your position."
With that, he captured her lips without restraint, devouring her with bold hunger in the open courtyard.
Her eyes darted nervously to a passerby in the distance, her cheeks flushing crimson. "Someone's watching…"
"It doesn't matter," he murmured indifferently. No one would dare look their way. Still kissing her, he lifted her easily into his arms and strode toward the living room.
For the antics she had pulled earlier that day, Long Yubei made sure she understood the price.
He tormented her in every conceivable way—changing pace, tone, and method.
Until she lay limp, drained, unable to move a finger.
Only then did he, still energized, scoop her up and carry her to the shower.
…
"For the next ten days, you're to stay here. Don't go anywhere."
"Got it," she replied weakly.
He wrapped himself in a towel, drying his hair as he exited. When Gu Lili came out with her hair blown dry, he was already impeccably dressed in a suit.
"How old are you?" he asked.
"Twenty-three."
He smiled faintly. "I thought you were eighteen. You look so young. Never had a boyfriend before?"
"There was once a fiancé… but the night I slept with you, it was over."
"Why?"
"He found someone else. Didn't like me. Said we weren't right for each other."
Long Yubei said nothing more. "I'm heading to the office. Don't touch my things while I'm gone. The whole house is under surveillance—except the bedroom. Watch yourself."
She nodded.
Watching him leave, Gu Lili collapsed onto the bed, boneless with exhaustion.
Add to that a poor night's sleep, and she drifted into a heavy slumber.
She didn't stir until five in the afternoon.
When she finally woke, it felt as if life had been poured back into her limbs.
She got dressed, freshened up, and headed downstairs.
"Miss Gu, I'm Chef Tai. You must be hungry—what would you like to eat?"
"Anything's fine. I'll leave it to you."
"Very well."
As she was eating, Tang Qingli entered carrying a box. "Miss Gu, these are clothes the Young Master purchased for you."
"For me?" she said quickly. "There's no need—he didn't have to."
"It's his gesture. I'll place them in your room."
"All right."
Gu Lili lowered her head, continuing to eat as she muttered, "I didn't expect him to be this thoughtful. He must've noticed I didn't bring many clothes."
But when she went upstairs to open the box, she was utterly stunned.
An entire trunk filled with lingerie—seductive, revealing, and clearly intended for one purpose.
This pervert. Did he expect her to model them daily for his amusement?
Argh!
A suffocating fury welled up in her chest, begging for release.
The room was warm from the central heating.
Out of sheer curiosity—and perhaps a touch of defiance—she decided to try one on, just to see how it looked.
What she didn't expect… was for him to return the moment she had it on.