Kình Uyên's grip tightened around my wrist. It started as a simple hold, but quickly became so tight that my skin turned red and stung. I gasped softly, my lips pressed together, then I involuntarily let out a small, muffled "ah..." that was lost in the silence.
That sound reached Jiang Yu Chen's ears. His eyes darkened slightly, his voice sharp yet restrained:
"You're hurting her."
Yu Chen immediately released my hand, worried about further injury. But Kình Uyên remained motionless, his icy gaze so profound that no one could guess his thoughts. He held my hand, his large hand like an invisible chain enveloping me.
As soon as Yu Chen let go, I thought Kình Uyên would do the same. No, he only loosened his grip slightly, then his long, slender fingers gently stroked my wrist, both reassuring and… making it impossible for me to release my hand. That caress startled me. I tried to pull my hand away, but his grip was firm; it didn't hurt, but I couldn't break free.
The air was thick with tension. Wu Shen frowned, his voice stern:
"Hey, I'm talking to you. Let go of her."
Jing Yuan remained motionless, only glancing at Wu Shen. For a fleeting moment, that look sent a chill down his spine. Not anger, but emptiness, a soullessness, as if the other person wasn't worth his attention.
I trembled, my voice timid:
"Jing... Jing Yuan... please let go of my hand... I... it hurts so much..."
He looked at me... and decisively let go of my hand.
His deep, dark eyes remained fixed on me, cold and unreadable:
"...If that's what the young master desires."
I lowered my head, rubbing my pale red wrist, annoyed but unsure whether I was angry because of the pain or his indifference. Trying to act normal, I said,
"Okay… I'm going out with Wu Shen for a bit. You stay home."
Without waiting for his reply, I pulled Wu Shen's hand and almost ran away. As the door closed, I glanced outside and saw Jing Yuan standing in the courtyard, his tall figure and piercing gaze making me feel uneasy.
Throughout the journey, no one spoke. The atmosphere in the car was thick; a single word could shatter it.
Finally, Wu Shen spoke, his voice hoarse:
"Are you afraid of him?"
I jumped, forcing a smile:
"No… it's just… I don't understand what he's thinking."
Wu Shen sighed, his gaze softening, his voice gentle:
"I understand. That guy has a problem. It feels like… he's hiding something very dangerous."
I remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Wu Shen's perspective. He reached out and stroked my head, a warm gesture, a complete contrast to Jing Yuan. If Jing Yuan made my heart race with a mixture of fear and excitement, Wu Shen made me feel peaceful and protected.
After a while, the car stopped. Wu Shen got out, opened the door for me, and shielded the car frame with his hand to prevent me from hitting my head. As soon as I got out, he unexpectedly covered my eyes with his hand.
"Huh... what are you doing?" I asked awkwardly.
"Shhh." He chuckled softly, his voice as gentle as the wind. "Don't open your eyes. Just let me lead you."
His hand held mine, leading me along a small cobblestone path. Each step was slow and peaceful, only the sound of the gentle breeze and our breaths could be heard. When he said, "Okay, open your eyes," I obeyed and was stunned.
Before me was a garden bathed in warm yellow light, its trees lush and green. In the middle, a docile white cat sat in a wicker basket. I exclaimed, hugging the cat, burying my face in its soft fur, and smiling brightly.
Wu Shen stood beside me, his eyes gentle:
"Do you like it?"
I happily nodded repeatedly:
"I like it very much!"
He smiled, patted my head, and said softly:
"It's good that you like it."
But somewhere, in the dark house, Jing Yuan sat alone. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, his voice soft yet full of pressure:
"Little one… really not well-behaved… should I punish you…?"