Chapter 97: The Facade
Ye Tianlin's expression remained meticulously calm, his eyes filled with an unsettling tenderness as he faced Gu Lingzi.
"What's wrong?" His voice was smooth, yet his gaze carried an almost imperceptible sharpness.
"Hmmph, Brother Tianlin, you've always been so cold to me. Just thinking about it makes me sad!" Gu Lingzi pouted, her chin lifting slightly in a display of spoiled defiance.
"Still upset with me?" Tianlin's lips curled into a seemingly affectionate smile. He dismissed the attendants with a wave, his long fingers gently tilting Lingzi's chin so she had no choice but to meet his eyes.
"Hmph!"
"I was wrong before, I admit it. Can you forgive me?" His tone was laced with what seemed like genuine remorse, his gaze deep enough to drown in.
"Hmph!" Lingzi snorted again, but her resolve was visibly wavering.
"Here, let me make it up to you. I've had something special prepared for you—just a little token of my apology." Tianlin slipped an arm around her waist, his hand lingering in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.
Lingzi hesitated before finally allowing herself to be led to the couch. Though she perched with a sulky air, her body betrayed her satisfaction.
Tianlin handed her a plate of pastries. "Try these."
Lingzi remained still, clearly intending to maintain her show of indignation.
A flicker of irritation crossed Tianlin's face, but he quickly masked it. He picked up a delicate piece of pastry and brought it to her lips. "Come now, at least taste it. For me?"
Reluctantly, Lingzi opened her mouth and bit into the pastry. The corners of her lips lifted slightly as the sweetness melted on her tongue.
"That's a good girl," Tianlin praised with an indulgent smile, lifting another piece toward her.
"No more. I don't want to get fat," she protested coyly, shaking her head.
"Fat? Here, perhaps?" His gaze flicked momentarily downward, making Lingzi's face flush crimson.
"You're terrible!" she exclaimed, swatting at him playfully.
"Fine, no more pastries then." He handed her a glass of water, carefully prepared beforehand. "But at least drink this. Water won't make you fat."
Unaware of the trap laced within, Lingzi eagerly took the glass and drank most of it under Tianlin's watchful gaze.
Moments later, a haze of heat coursed through Lingzi's body. Her skin flushed, and her breathing quickened. She clung to Tianlin, her usual coquettish demeanor replaced by an unrestrained desperation.
Tianlin smirked, a cold gleam in his eyes. "Let's make this memorable," he murmured, leading her upstairs.
Inside the bedroom, Lingzi eagerly tugged at him, but he stopped her with a firm grip on her wrists. "Let's try something new," he said, holding up a thick black blindfold.
Lingzi hesitated. "Why?"
"It's how I prefer my first encounters," Tianlin said smoothly. "But if you're not comfortable…" He made a show of pulling away.
"No, wait!" Lingzi grabbed his arm. "I'll do whatever you like."
"Good girl." He tied the blindfold over her eyes, making sure it was snug. "Lie down," he commanded.
Lingzi obeyed without question, stretching out across the bed. Tianlin watched her for a moment, then turned toward the shadows of the room. A door opened, and a figure stepped inside—a muscular young man, handpicked for this moment.
Without a backward glance, Tianlin walked out, pausing only to throw one final barb. "Enjoy your gift, Lingzi. It's one you'll never forget."
He closed the door softly behind him and turned to the figure lurking in the hallway. "Show yourself," he said coldly.
The shadow shifted, revealing Hua Lin. Her face was pale, her hands twisting nervously. "Tianlin…"
"What were you doing, spying again?" His tone was venomous.
"No, I—" Hua Lin stammered, unable to meet his eyes.
"Don't bother lying," Tianlin sneered. "Bring up the footage from the camera in my room."
Hua Lin's face drained of color. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't make me repeat myself." His voice was dangerously low.
Realizing she had no choice, Hua Lin led him to her secret room—a concealed space filled with monitors displaying live feeds from cameras around the mansion. On one screen, the sordid scene unfolding in Tianlin's room was playing in vivid detail.
Hua Lin gasped. "How could they… in your room?"
"You have no right to act shocked," Tianlin retorted. "You've been watching me for years. Don't think I don't know."
Hua Lin attempted to justify herself. "I only did it to protect you…"
"Spare me your excuses. Keep the cameras. Record everything. I'll decide when and how to use it."
Hua Lin froze, her heart sinking. "Tianlin, what are you planning?"
He didn't answer, his gaze locked on the screen. "Make sure the recording is perfect. I want every angle. You're good at that, aren't you?"
Tianlin's departure left Hua Lin trembling. For the first time, she realized just how calculating he had become—and how dangerous his mind truly was.