He loosened his grip slightly but still held her in his embrace, his fingertips tracing light, deliberate circles on her smooth lower back. The touch sent a tingling sensation up her spine.
"Actually, we don't need to be so hostile, do we?" Ye Yin's voice was gentle, persuasive. "Dai Weisi is cornered. He's irritable, paranoid, and suspicious of everyone. Do you really feel safe with a man like that? In his eyes, you're just a useful tool. The moment you lose your value, or he simply finds you annoying... you know what will happen better than I do."
Zhu Zhuyun's eyes flickered. She pursed her lips and said nothing, but the slight tremble in her body revealed her inner turmoil. Ye Yin's words had struck the deepest of her hidden fears. She had seen the changes in Dai Weisi recently. His cruelty and suspicion often made her own heart race with anxiety.
"But I," Ye Yin continued, gently lifting her chin to force her to meet his gaze, "can give you far more than he ever could." His eyes were profound as if he could see straight into her soul. "Power? Resources? Or how about... freedom? Think about it. Escaping the suffocating rules of Star Luo, no longer being a pawn in someone else's game, standing at the peak of the continent on your own strength. Wouldn't that be more satisfying than this life of constant scheming, always worrying that you'll fall out of favor?"
He leaned in closer. "Think about your sister, Zhu Zhuqing. Think about what she used to be, and then think about what she is now. That incredible change... I gave that to her. And what I can give her, I can also give to you. You and your sisters wouldn't have to plot against each other anymore. You could all live happily, under my protection."
His voice was like a devil's whisper, dripping with temptation. Zhu Zhuyun's heart began to beat faster against her will. Freedom... power... standing at the peak... The words were intoxicating. After personally experiencing the miraculous effects of the Netherworld Essential Oil, which felt like it could cleanse one's soul and unlock their potential, she found his words dangerously credible.
"You... what do you want?" Her voice was dry, carrying a waver she didn't even notice.
Ye Yin smiled. The fish had taken the bait. "It's simple," he murmured, his voice dropping to an intimate whisper. "What do I want? I want you."
He pulled her into a firm embrace and his lips captured hers. Zhu Zhuyun resisted for a single, instinctive moment before melting into his skillful kiss. This time, there were no interruptions, no one to watch them. Time seemed to stop. His hands moved with a confident grace, and her body trembled, her face flushing crimson. Just as a part of her mind screamed that she should stop him, she realized it was already too late.
After a long moment, Ye Yin, estimating that it was time to meet Zhuqing, finally released her. Their eyes met, and the look in Zhu Zhuyun's had changed completely. At some point, a small jade bottle had appeared between his fingers, the last drops of the Netherworld Essential Oil shimmering inside.
"You've already felt what this can do," he said, watching her eyes instantly fix on the bottle. "And if you perform well, I wouldn't mind giving you a much more... in-depth treatment personally."
His tone was thick with insinuation, and his finger pressed suggestively against her waist. Zhu Zhuyun's body trembled again, her cheeks burning. She wanted to lash out with a sharp retort, but as she stared at the bottle, the words wouldn't come. The temptation to improve her strength was simply too great. And... his damn massage technique...
[Resentment from Zhu Zhuyun +66!]
She was torn. Betraying Dai Weisi was an enormous risk. But accepting Ye Yin's offer... the future was uncertain, yet it held a fatal attraction. In the end, her thirst for power and her growing fear of Dai Weisi won the battle. She took a deep breath, as if it took all of her strength, and spoke, her voice barely a whisper.
"The essential oil... I want more."
It was an agreement. Ye Yin smiled, satisfied. He slipped the small bottle into her hand, his fingers deliberately tickling her palm in the process. "A smart choice," he said. He then released her and stepped back, his calm and composed demeanor returning. "Then I'll look forward to our next 'in-depth exchange,' Miss Zhuyun."
With that, his figure flickered and vanished into the night outside her window, as if he had never been there at all. Zhu Zhuyun was left alone, slumping against the wall. She clutched the cool jade bottle in her hand, her expression shifting, her heart a chaotic storm of shame, humiliation, fear, and a hint of secret, ambitious anticipation. She knew that, from this night on, everything had changed.
[Resentment from Zhu Zhuyun +88!]
Meanwhile, Ye Yin had silently left the courtyard and met up with Zhuqing, who had successfully rescued Zhu Zhuyu and was waiting anxiously at their agreed-upon location.
"Yin Ge, are you alright?" Zhuqing asked immediately, relief washing over her face when she saw him. Beside her, Zhu Zhuyu looked at Ye Yin timidly, her eyes filled with curiosity and gratitude.
"I'm fine. Everything went smoothly," Ye Yin smiled, his gaze shifting to Zhu Zhuyu. "You must be Zhu Zhuyu. This isn't a safe place to talk. Let's go."
The three figures quickly merged into the night, making their way back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School branch. That night, the Zhu family quietly lost an inconspicuous second daughter. And in the heart of their dazzling eldest daughter, a seed of betrayal and desire had been planted. The political waters of Star Luo Imperial City had just been stirred even muddier by Ye Yin.
Back in the secret chamber of the branch, Zhu Zhuyu looked at the unfamiliar surroundings and the extraordinary people with her sister, feeling a little uneasy. But when her gaze landed on Ye Yin, she felt a strange sense of security.
"Second Sister, don't be afraid. You're safe here," Zhuqing comforted her gently, handing her a cup of hot tea. "This is Ye Yin. He's our... captain. He's the one who planned your rescue."
Zhu Zhuyu quickly bowed to Ye Yin. "Thank you, Young Master Ye, for saving me."
Ye Yin lightly supported her arm, smiling gently. "There's no need for that, Miss Zhuyu. You're Zhuqing's sister, which makes you our friend. Please, make yourself at home here. I promise no one will disturb you."
His words seemed to carry a special power that calmed her fears. Zhu Zhuyu's apprehension gradually subsided, and she nodded.
After helping Zhu Zhuyu get settled, everyone's attention returned to the urgent situation at hand.
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