Chapter 50: The Fall

Chapter 50 Chapter 49 Fall.

The night was thick as ink.

Wen Yicong stood still, her cheeks burning, her body trembling slightly.

She held the gift box as if holding a flame, her fingertips scalded and shaking.

The few blue items inside the box caught her clear eyes, stirring more shock and panic.

Footsteps sounded.

Mo Shaoshang walked slowly and deliberately to Wen Yicong, stopped.

His tall shadow loomed over her, almost swallowing her.

The next second, slender, cool fingers touched her cheek, brushing away a few strands of hair stuck to her face, gently and softly.

Then they slid slowly from her temple, across her brow, her ear, and finally stopped at her chin, the rough fingertip delicately rubbing the soft flesh there.

Once, then again.

Without warning, every hair on Wen Yicong's body stood on end.

A few seconds later, the finger lightly rubbing her chin moved downward.

He unbuttoned the first button of her nightgown.

'...' Wen Yicong's eyelashes fluttered, her breathing becoming difficult.

That button was at the collar, near the collarbone.

The cold, slender fingers brushed over her delicate skin as if unintentionally, causing a piercing itch.

Then the second button...

Mo Shaoshang's movements were slow, agonizingly slow.

After each button, he would pause for a moment, tracing the newly exposed skin with his eyes, as if performing some mysterious ritual, or admiring a masterpiece.

The third, the fourth.

Finally, all the buttons came undone, the light-colored nightgown lost its last defense, slipped from Wen Yicong's shoulders, and pooled at her feet.

Her face was flushed red, and she instinctively raised her hands to cover herself.

She could clearly feel the man's gaze, full of intense aggression, peeling her apart inch by inch.

Her snow-white bare arms broke out in fine goosebumps, her heart raced, as if it would burst out of her chest at any moment.

A suffocating feeling overwhelmed her, Wen Yicong's whole body felt like it was on fire, burning fiercely.

She couldn't help opening her lips and taking a deep breath.

Nervous, scared, uneasy.

And a faint, shameful yet private curiosity and anticipation...

Wen Yicong clearly felt countless strong and extreme emotions colliding inside her body.

Like demons from the abyss, wantonly pulling at her soul and eroding her heart.

Opposite her, Mo Shaoshang remained silent.

His blue-black eyes stared straight at Wen Yicong.

He liked looking at her.

Unlike his lifeless world, this girl was vivid and lively, like an aurora from another universe.

He liked her smile, her anger, her tearful eyes when he kissed her until the corners of her eyes turned red.

And now, he observed her more carefully, scrutinizing her.

After spending many days with this beautiful Eastern girl, he found that she seemed to prefer light-colored clothes.

Including underwear.

Today her underwear was a light pink, front-clasp style, two thin pieces of cloth wrapping her chest, like a ripe peach, tender, full, plump.

Usually, when she wore clothes, her neck, wrists, and ankles exposed to the air were snow-white and slender, giving the illusion that she was thin.

But in fact, her body was extremely voluptuous.

Fat concentrated on her chest, buttocks, and thighs, and when the clothes came off, there was a pure and seductive fleshiness.

He always marveled that she might be God's most perfect creation.

Her face so pure, her eyes so clear, yet her appearance when immersed in lust was particularly enchanting and seductive.

What else did he like about her?

He liked watching this innocent little face blush, become dazed, intoxicated.

He liked watching her slightly open lips, her tongue trembling lightly, like a broken doll.

He liked watching her cry loudly in front of him, the tide splashing, completely becoming a prisoner of her own desire.

It seemed everything about her fascinated him beyond control.

Now, whether from shyness or fear, the girl's whole body was trembling slightly.

Like a candle flickering in the wind, a lily shrinking in the rain.

Mo Shaoshang looked at the girl before him, his gaze deep, then he slightly raised his fingertip and gently stroked her smooth, rosy left cheek.

Perhaps because he had just come back from outside, his fingers carried the chill of early winter, touching that burning skin, causing her to tremble more violently.

So sensitive.

So obedient.

The light in Mo Shaoshang's eyes darkened further.

He lowered his head, his thin lips close to a soft, rosy earlobe, and said softly: 'Non essere così tesa.

Rilassati, piccolina mia.

(Don't be so nervous, relax, baby.) ti farò stare bene e ti darò un piacere che non hai mai provato prima.

(I will make you feel good and give you pleasure you've never experienced before.)' The man's tone was calm and low, but Wen Yicong could hear the danger surging behind it.

'...' She bit her lip lightly, her porcelain-white slender fingers curling unconsciously.

Then she saw Mo Shaoshang walk around behind her.

She blinked, instinctively wanting to turn around, but the man gently held her chin.

'Relax.' The next second, her vision went dark, and the whole world fell into unknown blackness.

A blue blindfold was placed over her eyes, soft silk wrapping around them, seamless, not letting in a single ray of light.

Wen Yicong's heartbeat became even faster.

Deprived of sight, her other senses instantly became extremely acute.

She could hear her own heartbeat.

She could hear his slight breathing, right behind her, very close.

She could hear the wind outside the window, the faint chirping of insects in the distance, and the sound of her own blood rushing.

A moment later, the man's hand touched the back of her neck again.

With a 'click', the collar was gently fastened.

The leather was cool and soft, against her neck.

A silver bell hung between her collarbones, gently swaying with her breathing, making a faint crisp sound.

Finally, he gently grasped her two slender wrists, pulled them up, raised them above her head, and locked them into the handcuffs lined with soft velvet.

The silver chain swayed, rustling.

Wen Yicong had completely lost the ability to resist.

Everything was pitch black before her eyes, her hands were bound, and a silver bell hung around her neck.

Every time she moved, the silver bell would make a clear sound, reminding her of the extremely dangerous situation she was in.

Wen Yicong's heart rate reached the human limit, her whole body trembling faintly.

What would happen next?

She couldn't guess.

She only knew that she had completely fallen into his control.

Just then, a slight sound came from behind.

The man was taking off his clothes.

The sound of suit fabric rubbing, the sound of a belt unbuckling, then something was casually placed aside, thud, heavy and dull.

Wen Yicong's back was stiff and straight, not daring to move.

Footsteps sounded again.

The clear, cold scent of fir returned to her front.

Although her eyes couldn't see anything, Wen Yicong knew that Mo Shaoshang was looking at her.

His gaze was hot and dark, almost tangible, leaving her nowhere to hide.

A moment later, a hand lifted her chin.

A thin, moist, soft touch pressed against her lips.

He kissed her.

His hands also moved downward.

They slid from Wen Yicong's cheek, along her slender neck, past her collarbone, her heart, and finally stopped at that small clasp.

His fingertip gently flicked.

The feeling of restraint disappeared, and the two heavy masses instantly broke free, swaying, gently shaking.

Wen Yicong frowned slightly, letting out a soft moan, her cheeks spreading with large patches of rosy clouds.

He was the best lover, his warm and rough palm covering her, gently kneading and twisting.

In less than half a minute, her whole body went limp, her legs trembling uncontrollably, and she could only stand with his support.

The bell shook with the movement, jingling, especially clear in the silent bedroom.

'...' Tears seeped from the corners of Wen Yicong's eyes.

I don't know how long passed, but he finally released her lips and kissed the side of her neck.

Dense light kisses traveled down the graceful curve of her neck, lingered over her collarbone, and lightly licked her heart.

The berry was enveloped in hot lips and tongue.

Wen Yicong's mind exploded, her whole body trembled, and she sobbed.

All surrounding sounds disappeared, leaving only the faint sound of sucking.

Wen Yicong was so ashamed she felt she might faint.

She wanted to push him away, but her hands were cuffed.

She wanted to dodge, but her soft waist was trapped by the man's arm.

She had nowhere to escape, like a small animal that had fallen into a tiger's mouth, letting him ignite her inch by inch with his lips and tongue.

I don't know how long passed.

When she thought she might die like this, Mo Shaoshang finally stopped.

But before she could catch her breath, her body suddenly felt light.

He picked her up.

Unable to see, she could only feel herself being carried and then gently laid down on something soft.

It was the bed.

His tall, large body, filled with intense pheromones, pressed down on her.

Hot, heavy, with an irresistible pressure.

Something was building up inside her, accumulating more and more, fuller and fuller.

Wen Yicong bit her lip, enduring desperately, trying to suppress those shameful soft moans.

But at that very moment, this man who was killing her, his thin lips kissed from her waist, across her flat belly, and finally stopped there.

Wen Yicong's whole body tensed, even forgetting to breathe.

A low, hoarse voice poured into her ear, with the last trace of restrained desire.

Then, a cool, light breath sprayed onto her.

'Rosalini...' she finally spoke, her voice soft like melted honey, with a sob, 'Please don't...' The man used his lips and tongue.

At the same time, his large hand locked her struggling legs.

Wen Yicong wanted to say something more, but the next second, all words were stuck in her throat.

Almost instantly, she clutched the sheets beneath her, her whole body taut like a bow, utterly defeated.

The bell jingled, its frequency increasingly out of control.

In a daze, Wen Yicong's mind scattered, she couldn't see anything, couldn't hear anything clearly.

At one point, she sobbed helplessly.

Her cheeks were crimson, tears streaming like rain.

The heartless man showed no mercy, instead becoming more fierce and violent...

Wen Yicong didn't know when she fell asleep.

She only remembered that her whole body was as soft as water, without even the strength to lift a finger.

Her skin was burning all over, especially the places he had kissed, which still retained a tingling afterglow.

She lay on the bed, drowsily falling asleep.

The night was very deep.

Mo Shaoshang sat by the bed, looking down at the girl on the bed.

Moonlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, falling on the girl's back covered with red marks.

Those marks spread from her delicate shoulder blades all the way to the dimples of her lower back, deep and shallow, all imprints left by him.

A moment later, he reached out, his fingertip gently stroking the kiss marks on her back, his movements gentle to the point of being careful.

Then, Mo Shaoshang leaned down, lowered his head.

A devout kiss landed on the girl's back covered with red marks.

He slightly closed his eyes and whispered hoarsely: 'Angelo mio puro, benvenuta nel mio abisso.

(My pure angel, welcome to my abyss.)' * One week later.

Morning sunlight filled the streets and alleys of Jinghai City.

Wen Yicong got up early.

Today was her grandfather's follow-up checkup.

She had asked Mo Shaoshang for leave in advance and made an appointment with Pei Xizhou at the Hospital Complex, preparing to accompany the old man to the hospital for the examination.

At 7:30, she arrived at her grandfather's building on time, helped the old man into a taxi.

At 8:00 sharp, Jinghai City First People's Hospital.

The waiting hall was packed with people, long lines at the registration windows, and crowds around the self-service machines, a hubbub of voices.

Wen Yicong helped her grandfather find a bench to sit on, then took the medical card to sign in at the self-service machine.

Coincidentally, the self-service sign-in machine was right in the hallway outside Examination Room 7.

After scanning the QR code on the medical card, the machine beeped and spat out a slip.

She glanced down to confirm the sign-in was successful.

Amid the noisy chatter, Wen Yicong inadvertently looked up.

Her gaze happened to penetrate the glass of the examination room door and look inside.

The young doctor, in a pure white lab coat, sat at his desk, his features handsome, his demeanor refined.

He was looking down at the medical records in his hand, probably because he was too focused, his handsome brows unconsciously furrowed into a knot, giving him a more serious and cold air than usual.

A woman in her fifties sat opposite him, sighing as she described her condition.

Just then, as if sensing something, the young doctor looked up and glanced toward the door.

Their eyes met unexpectedly in the air.

Wen Yicong was startled for a moment, then curved her lips and gave him a polite smile.

The light in Pei Xizhou's eyes softened a bit, and he nodded faintly in response, then quickly returned his attention to the patient he was seeing. * The morning examinations went fairly smoothly.

There was a long line outside the CT room.

Wen Yicong helped her grandfather wait for nearly an hour before it was finally their turn.

By the time the CT was done, it was already 10:30 in the morning.

The indoor area was crowded and stuffy, so the grandfather and granddaughter decided to walk out of the outpatient building and rest in the outdoor area next to the first inpatient building.

This was a Little Garden, with fresh air, sunlight filtering through the leaves casting dappled shadows.

Several elderly patients in hospital gowns sat on benches sunbathing and chatting, looking leisurely.

Wen Yicong and her grandfather found a bench and sat down, chatting casually.

'Nongnong,' her grandfather patted her hand, 'How are things going at that family?

Are the hosts treating you well?' 'Very well, Grandpa,' Wen Yicong replied with a smile.

'The employer is good to me, and the child is very well-behaved.' 'That's good,' her grandfather nodded contentedly.

'When you're away from home, the most important thing is to be safe.' As they were talking, Wen Yicong's phone suddenly rang.

Wen Yicong glanced at the caller ID and answered: 'Hello, Mom.

Have you arrived?

Grandpa and I are at the Little Garden next to the first inpatient building.

Come over.

Mm-hmm.' A few minutes after hanging up, Shen Yulan arrived hurriedly, carrying her bag.

'Dad,' Shen Yulan said, sweating on her forehead, walking quickly to her grandfather and greeting him.

Then she turned her gaze to her daughter and lowered her voice: 'Have you done the checkup?

What did the doctor say?' 'Just finished, still waiting for the results,' Wen Yicong said.

'The films will be out in an hour, and the report will take 24 hours.' Shen Yulan frowned: 'That long?' 'Dr.

Pei said to come find him as soon as the films are out,' Wen Yicong said.

'He'll take a look for us in advance.' 'That's great,' Shen Yulan's face broke into a smile.

'Dr.

Pei is really good to us.' The family chatted casually in the garden.

Shen Yulan talked about how vegetable prices had gone up again, and how Zhang Auntie's daughter downstairs had found a boyfriend.

Her grandfather listened with a smile, occasionally chiming in.

Wen Yicong sat to the side, occasionally answering her mother, but her mind was wandering.

Almost uncontrollably, she thought back to last night.

She thought of Mo Shaoshang, his breath, his kisses.

And the way she had fallen apart under his lips and tongue...

Blushes crept up her face.

Wen Yicong quickly lowered her eyes, forcing herself to stop the memories.

Around 11:30, she glanced at the time, estimated it was about right, and said with a smile: 'Mom, you stay here with Grandpa.

I'll go get the report.' Shen Yulan nodded: 'Okay.' * The radiology department was also crowded.

Wen Yicong waited in line at the self-service machine for a while before finally getting the CT films.

She carried the CT bag back to the door of Examination Room 7 and knocked.

'Knock, knock.' 'Come in.' Wen Yicong pushed the door open and entered.

Pei Xizhou sat at his desk, looking down at organizing medical records.

When he saw her come in, he looked up and gave a warm smile: 'Are the films out?' 'Yes.' Wen Yicong handed him the films.

Pei Xizhou took the films and carefully examined them against the light box, his brow slightly furrowed, his expression serious, his fingers sliding over the films, checking meticulously.

Wen Yicong stood quietly to the side, waiting.

After a while, Pei Xizhou put down the films and turned to look at her.

'The old man is recovering very well,' he said with a gentle smile.

'Nothing serious.

Just keep up the current state.' Hearing this, a huge weight lifted from Wen Yicong's heart, and she gratefully thanked him: 'Thank you, Dr.

Pei!

I'm really so grateful.' 'You're welcome.

It's my duty.' Confirming that her grandfather's health was good, the task for today's hospital visit was successfully completed.

Wen Yicong considered that Pei Xizhou still had work to do and shouldn't disturb him further, so she prepared to leave.

But just as she turned around, Pei Xizhou suddenly spoke, calling her back.

'Teacher Wen.' '...' Wen Yicong turned back in confusion: 'Hmm?' Pei Xizhou glanced at his watch, smiled at her, and said: 'It's almost lunchtime.

I have twenty minutes for lunch break.

How about I treat you, Auntie, and Grandpa to lunch?' Wen Yicong was taken aback and instinctively declined: 'No, no, Dr.

Pei.

You've already helped us so much.

I can't let you spend more money...' 'Last time at your place,' Pei Xizhou interrupted her, his tone half-teasing, 'I promised Auntie that I would treat her to our hospital cafeteria.

Now that we have a chance, don't refuse, or I'll feel guilty.' Wen Yicong opened her mouth, wanting to say something more.

But seeing the young doctor's sincere and persistent expression, the words of refusal stuck in her throat.

After a moment.

'...Alright then,' she nodded, smiling brightly.

'Thank you.' * The hospital staff cafeteria was in a small building behind the inpatient department.

The environment was much quieter than the main cafeteria outside, and the decor was elegant.

Pei Xizhou ordered steamed sea bass, garlic broccoli, and boiled shrimp, among other signature dishes.

Each dish was soft and palatable, suitable for the elderly.

Her grandfather ate with a big smile, repeatedly praising: 'Mm, delicious!

The chef here is really skilled!' Shen Yulan also praised endlessly: 'Dr.

Pei, your hospital's food is really good, even better than the restaurants outside.' Pei Xizhou smiled: 'I'm glad Auntie and Grandpa like it.

Feel free to come anytime in the future; I'll treat you.' 'That would be too kind,' Shen Yulan said politely, but the smile on her face couldn't be hidden.

After the meal, Wen Yicong prepared to take her mother and grandfather home.

But just as they walked out of the cafeteria, Shen Yulan suddenly seemed to remember something and exclaimed: 'Oh!

By the way, Nongnong,' she turned to her daughter, 'Go to the hospital supermarket and buy me a tube of toothpaste.

We're out at home.' Wen Yicong didn't think much of it and nodded.

Then she paused, blinked suspiciously, and asked: 'Why do we have to buy it at the hospital supermarket?

Mom, did the convenience store near your place close down?' 'Oh, you know I have a bad memory,' Shen Yulan waved her hand.

'What if I forget in a blink?

Go on.

Your grandpa and I will wait for you at the hospital entrance.' 'Okay.' Shen Yulan's mind turned, and she looked at the young doctor beside her, smiling: 'Dr.

Pei, Nongnong isn't familiar with the hospital.

Could you...' Pei Xizhou smiled and picked up: 'I'll accompany Teacher Wen.' 'No, no,' Wen Yicong quickly refused.

'I can find the supermarket myself.

Dr.

Pei, you don't need to accompany me.

You have to work in the afternoon and you're already tired.

Go rest.' 'A walk will help digest,' Pei Xizhou said with a gentle smile.

'Let's go.' Seeing this, Wen Yicong couldn't refuse anymore.

The two walked side by side toward the supermarket.

The hospital supermarket was small but had a good variety.

Wen Yicong quickly found the toothpaste aisle and picked a brand her mother usually used.

Pei Xizhou casually grabbed a few sausages.

Wen Yicong noticed the sausages and thought he hadn't had enough lunch and wanted a snack, not thinking much of it.

After checking out, they left the supermarket.

Just a few steps out, a faint meowing caught Wen Yicong's attention.

'Meow, meow, meow...' She blinked in surprise and followed the sound.

In the corner of a flower bed next to the supermarket, two round kittens were curled up.

One was orange and white, the other tabby, chubby with shiny fur, squatting there looking at passersby with eager eyes.

Wen Yicong's eyes lit up: 'So cute!' As soon as she said that, she saw Pei Xizhou crouch down.

He opened the sausages, broke them into small pieces, and placed them in front of the two kittens.

The kittens immediately came up and started eating.

'Dr.

Pei, feeding the kittens again?' a hospital orderly passing by stopped and said with a smile.

'You're so kind-hearted, coming every day to give them food.

Look, after a year, these two cats come to wait for you every day, and they've gotten a lot rounder.' Pei Xizhou curved his lips, his eyes smiling, looking especially gentle in the sunlight.

Wen Yicong was moved.

She also crouched down and gently stroked the orange kitten's head.

The kittens were busy eating and didn't dodge, obediently letting her pet them.

'Dr.

Pei, do you like animals?' she asked.

'Yes,' Pei Xizhou nodded.

'Quite a lot.' Wen Yicong said with a smile: 'I have a cat at home named Taozi.' Pei Xizhou looked at her sideways.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the girl's face.

Her eyes curved, her lips held a smile, her whole person seemed coated in a soft glow.

So gentle, so beautiful.

Pei Xizhou's gaze lingered on her face for a moment.

'You have a cat?' he raised an eyebrow.

'I didn't see it last time I visited.' 'Oh, that's my own home,' Wen Yicong replied.

'I usually live separately from my parents.' Pei Xizhou nodded slightly: 'Living separately from parents does give you more freedom.' 'Yeah,' Wen Yicong lowered her voice a bit, with a hint of complaint.

'My mom doesn't like animals.

She thinks they shed fur.

If I lived with her, she wouldn't let me have a cat.' Pei Xizhou chuckled.

The two crouched by the flower bed, watching the kittens nibble on the sausages, chatting casually about pets.

After a while, Pei Xizhou suddenly asked Wen Yicong: 'Teacher Wen, have you seen Mo Shaoshang's pet?' Wen Yicong was startled.

The image of that eerie Albino Silver Ring immediately came to mind.

The cold glass box, the pale scales, and the pair of emotionless vertical pupils.

She felt a chill, unconsciously rubbing her arms: 'Yes.' After a brief pause, she muttered an addition: 'More and more people are keeping snakes as pets nowadays.' The smile on Pei Xizhou's lips faded a bit.

'Have you ever heard a saying,' he said calmly, 'that people who keep snakes are usually extremely cold-hearted inside.' Wen Yicong was slightly stunned.

'Snakes basically only eat live prey,' Pei Xizhou continued, his tone calm, as if stating a simple, numb fact.

'Every time they feed, they have to watch a living life die under the snake's constriction.

Ordinary people without strong mental fortitude can't withstand that shock.' Hearing this, Wen Yicong pursed her lips, vaguely feeling that Pei Xizhou had an ulterior meaning.

She pondered for a few seconds, then finally couldn't help asking: 'Dr.

Pei, what exactly are you trying to tell me?' Pei Xizhou looked up at her, his eyes inexplicably showing a hint of coldness: 'Teacher Wen, you are gentle and kind, sincere to others, and easily deceived by the external appearance of things.' Wen Yicong became more confused, her brows furrowing: 'What do you mean?' A meaningful smile curled at the corner of Pei Xizhou's mouth.

'In Mo Shaoshang's Study Room, there is a Safe Deposit Vault, right under the snake box,' he said, looking at her, each word clear and slow.

'If you ever have a chance to see what's inside, you'll understand everything I've said.' '...' Wen Yicong's lips moved, wanting to speak but stopping.

Pei Xizhou had already withdrawn his gaze, looking at the two stray cats eating.

'Sorry, I've said too much,' in the blink of an eye, the young doctor's face returned to its usual clear and gentle demeanor.

He stood up, brushed the crumbs off his hands, and said warmly: 'Let's go back.

Don't keep Grandpa and Auntie waiting too long.' * Coming out of the hospital, Wen Yicong was distracted the whole way.

The taxi drove through the bustling streets, the sunlight outside glaring, hurting her eyes.

She leaned against the seat, watching the rapidly receding street scenes outside the window, her mind repeatedly replaying Pei Xizhou's ambiguous words.

Wen Yicong bit her lip, her fingers unconsciously gripping her phone tightly.

A few minutes later, the taxi stopped in front of the wrought-iron gate of Mo Manor.

Wen Yicong got out, swiped her card, and entered.

The vast Manor House was quiet, sunlight falling on the neatly trimmed lawn, the fountain pool sparkling, everything as usual.

But her heart couldn't calm down.

After greeting a few gardeners, Wen Yicong stepped onto the stairs, her footsteps echoing in the empty stairwell.

Reaching the third floor.

The corridor was empty, extremely quiet.

She walked back to her bedroom door, but her gaze involuntarily swept to the deepest part of the corridor.

The Study Room door was tightly shut.

The dark solid wood door, thick and silent, like the closed eye of a giant beast.

Wen Yicong stood still, her heartbeat suddenly quickening.

Were Pei Xizhou's words true or false?

Was there really a Safe Deposit Vault in that Study Room, hiding the secrets of Mo Shaoshang and even the entire Mo Family?

If Pei Xizhou's words were true, what could the family's unspeakable secret be?

Countless thoughts surged in Wen Yicong's mind, like a tangled ball of twine, winding tighter and tighter, more and more chaotic.

She continued staring at the Study Room door.

If she remembered correctly, Mo Shaoshang had said last night that he would be very busy today and might not return until evening or the next day.

Now the entire third floor was empty.

She would just... take a look.

Just one look.

It shouldn't be discovered.

Thinking this, Wen Yicong took a deep breath, finally gathered her courage, and walked toward that door.

For a moment, the silent corridor was soundless, Wen Yicong could only hear her own heartbeat, thump, thump, faster and faster.

The short distance felt like walking for centuries.

Finally, she reached the Study Room door, stopped, and reached out to grasp the doorknob.

It was ice cold.

'...' Wen Yicong took a deep breath, steeled herself, and pressed down on the doorknob.

'Click.' With a soft sound, the lock opened.

The door was pushed open a crack, Wen Yicong squeezed in sideways, then turned back and gently closed the door.

The curtains in the Study Room were drawn tightly, the space overall very dark.

The air was filled with a mix of book pages and fragrance, along with the intoxicating cold scent of rime that she had become very familiar with.

But at this moment, that scent only made her more nervous.

The vast Study Room was extremely quiet.

Only the ticking of the wall clock.

And a rustling sound, the sound of a soft living creature crawling along a smooth surface.

Wen Yicong's body stiffened, she turned her head to look at the dark area on the left side of the Study Room.

The rustling became clearer.

Wen Yicong swallowed, closed her eyes, and stepped forward.

In the glass box, the Albino Silver Ring was slowly writhing in the darkness, its vertical pupils coldly watching the intruder of its territory.

Wen Yicong took out her phone and turned on the flashlight.

The harsh white light flashed over the glass box, the creature inside seemed angered, suddenly twisting its body, flicking its tongue, and making a sharper hissing sound.

Wen Yicong was startled by the sight, her hand shaking, almost throwing the phone away.

'...' After calming down for a while, she took a deep breath and barely steadied herself.

Forcing herself not to look at Silvio, she half-crouched, her gaze moving downward.

The flashlight beam also moved down, illuminating the bottom of the glass box.

She squinted and looked carefully— There was an area at the bottom that faintly reflected light, different from the surroundings.

It was the luster of metal.

Wen Yicong's heart skipped a beat, she brought the phone closer.

A silver miniature Safe Deposit Vault came into view.

It was embedded in the interlayer between the bottom of the glass box and the cabinet, hidden in such a way that if Pei Xizhou hadn't reminded her today, she might never have noticed it.

Wen Yicong's heart was filled with shock and doubt.

There really was a Safe Deposit Vault here.

Pei Xizhou's words were true.

So what was inside this Safe Deposit Vault...?

She bit her lip and reached out her hand.

But just as her slender fingertip touched the metal knob, a voice suddenly sounded behind her.

'What are you doing,' the man said softly, his voice clear and low, curling with a spine-chilling tenderness, 'Baby?'