His indifference and coldness were written all over his face.
Even with a pitiful woman kneeling at his feet, he showed no hint of compassion. He curled his lips into an amused, bloodthirsty smile, "Begging me for help? That's the biggest joke I've ever heard..."
A joke? She was standing there, a living, breathing person—how could he see her as nothing more than a joke?
Sensing his extreme displeasure, Yun Zhiyi feared he might kick her away. She quickly wrapped her arms around his leg, holding on tightly, hoping to spark just a glimmer of sympathy.
"I'm injured all over, and with the smell of blood on me, wild animals will be drawn here. If you don't save me, I'll be dead before dawn."
"If you save me, I'll…"
Before she could finish, his mocking voice cut in, "What, are you offering yourself as payment?"
As if.
The surrounding bodyguards were stunned, unable to believe that their boss—known for his fastidiousness and detachment—would be interested in a woman as disheveled as her.
But Yun Zhiyi had no other choice. "Yes, I'm willing," she answered without hesitation. "If you let me stay the night, I'll do whatever you ask. I'll make sure you feel it's worth it."
This little thing—small in stature but big in words.
Li Yuye's gaze lingered on her clear, beautiful eyes, then slid down to her pink lips and continued down her frame.
Despite her dirty appearance, she had a fresh and alluring presence, a natural charm that was hard to resist.
"Make it worth my while?" His tone finally held a hint of warmth, and he chuckled, his powerful chest vibrating slightly, sending a shiver through her.
"I'll do my best," Yun Zhiyi whispered, thinking she had found her lifeline, relieved she had convinced him.
Little did she know, she was stepping right into the devil's trap, casting a hook that would ultimately capture his heart.
Without knowing it, she was holding the reins. No matter the distance between them in the future, a slight tug would pull him back to her.
He scoffed, his smile growing even more arrogant. "Make me feel it's worth it? No one's ever dared to say that to my face."
He'd see if she could live up to her words.
"Take her away."
Yun Zhiyi had succeeded.
She was escorted to an SUV and soon after boarded a helicopter.
She had been taken back to Li Yuye's home and offered shelter and protection.
Deep within the forest stood a sprawling estate, backed by mountains and luxury in every detail, ablaze with light.
The European-style castle was surrounded by patrolling bodyguards, and the fountain plaza shimmered in the soft light, the water flowing gracefully.
The bodyguards handed Yun Zhiyi over to a group of maids with strict instructions.
"She's the woman Lord Li found in the forest. Take her to get cleaned up, dressed, and bring her to his room."
The maids glanced at Yun Zhiyi and exchanged astonished looks.
Was this a joke? Lord Li, normally cold and ruthless, was known for never showing mercy, let alone interest in a woman. What had changed?
Looking at Yun Zhiyi, dirty and disheveled as she was, it was clear she had a certain beauty. The maids said nothing more, preparing clothes for her. After her bath, they applied antiseptic to her wounds.
Yun Zhiyi, now dressed in a more revealing dress provided by the maids, followed them to the master bedroom.
A maid opened the door and escorted her in.
"Young master, the woman has been brought to you."
The maids then placed a few items on the bedside table, things meant to aid "those sorts of activities." With that, they left, closing the door behind them.
The spacious bedroom felt cold and confining.
Li Yuye, tall and broad, sat languidly in a chair by the window, as if he had been waiting for her.
Even from a distance, Yun Zhiyi could feel his intense aura. She slowed her steps, drawing closer. "Young Master Li."
Her soft voice reached his ears, and a hint of warmth softened his expression.
"What's your name?"
"Yun Zhiyi."
"Look up at me." His voice was deep and commanding.
Obediently, Yun Zhiyi lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes for the first time.
It was a stunningly handsome face. The dim lighting only heightened his mysterious allure, his mesmerizing, narrow eyes as deep as black holes.
She had once thought her boyfriend, Su Shen, was handsome. But now, she realized he was nothing compared to this man.
Without a doubt, Li Yuye's face and form set the standard.
Yun Zhiyi hadn't expected that after a few years abroad, her stepsister An Yirou would manage to seduce Su Shen, plotting to seize her family's fortune and eventually orchestrate her demise.
In those moments, Su Shen had woven a cage of fake tenderness around her while also plotting to kill her, forcing her to watch him with her stepsister right before they made their move.
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Are you afraid?" he asked, his strong hand gripping her waist, bringing a flush to her cheeks.
"No." She allowed him to pull her close, pressing her into the chair by the window. "It's just that there's nothing to fear anymore."
Yes, she'd worked hard overseas, stayed away from other men, thinking she'd return to marry her true love—only to be shattered by brutal reality.
Now, she had nothing left to lose.
"Brave, aren't you?" His lips brushed her ear, his voice low and raspy.
Then he kissed her, his warmth enveloping her, leaving her breathless. Instinctively, she turned her face to the window, looking out.
"Enjoying the view?"
He chuckled lowly, his possessive gaze roaming over her, amused and relaxed.
"No... I'm admiring you."
Satisfied with her answer, he lifted her from the chair, positioning her closer to the window for a better view.
Outside, the night sparkled with neon, and the castle grounds were breathtaking.
"Isn't the view beautiful?" he murmured from behind her.
But Yun Zhiyi found no beauty in it.
Her face turned pale with fright.
She saw security guards and staff patrolling the fountain plaza below.
She whispered, voice trembling, "Um... Could we maybe…close the curtains first?"
"Feeling shy, hm?" he replied, his laugh low and rough, carrying a surprising hint of indulgence.
"Relax. If anyone dares look this way, I'll make sure they lose their eyes."