Bai Zhi walked in gracefully, dressed in a pale lavender silk robe cinched at her narrow waist. Her hair was pulled into a sleek low bun, accentuating her delicate jawline. She carried a porcelain bowl, fragrant steam curling into the stale air.
"Yueyao," Bai Zhi cooed sweetly, her voice dripping with false concern, "You didn't eat anything last night. You need to keep your strength up."
Yueyao didn't move. She didn't even blink.
Bai Zhi's lips curled into a faint smile as she crouched down in front of her, close enough for her sweet floral perfume to suffocate Yueyao's senses.
She placed the bowl on the floor and reached out to tuck a stray strand of Yueyao's tangled hair behind her ear.
"Look at you… so pitiful." Her tone was soft, but her dark eyes glittered with sadistic amusement.
Yueyao flinched at her touch, recoiling against the wall. Bai Zhi let out a soft, mocking sigh as her fingers traced the fading bruises on Yueyao's cheek.
