Chapter 26: Naked Threat

“Eek! P-put me down!”

Lin Xiaoxiao yelped, startled, turning to see Zhou Ting. She flushed with embarrassment.

She was literally lifted off the ground! What kind of monster was he with such strength?!

Zhou Ting raised an eyebrow at her shy expression.
“Thought a thief broke in. Why’re you sneaking around?”

He pressed her against the wall, leaning in close.

Her face flushed unnaturally as his face neared, and she turned away, deflecting, “I-I wasn’t sneaking…”

He chuckled, turning to his room, commanding, “Follow me.”

Her heart skipped, imagining inappropriate scenes, her face burning hotter.

Fine, she’d endure it. This time, she wouldn’t make a sound!

Setting a tough goal, she shuffled toward his room like a turtle.

Zhou Ting’s room was dark-toned, sleekly designed—steady yet grand.

As she entered, he pulled out his phone, set a timer, and sat on the bed.
“Start talking. Five minutes, Lin Xiaoxiao. What’re you hiding from your master?”

Her heart raced with fear and annoyance, muttering, “Not my master…”

He raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. “Oh? Want to bet I can make you call me that right now?”

Seeing his wicked gaze, her body trembled, and she fell silent.

He continued, “Oh, forgot to mention—if you don’t give me a satisfactory answer by the time’s up…”

He opened the bedside drawer. Lin Xiaoxiao glanced inside, her face paling.

Red ropes, a tail, a whip… terrifying items that filled her with dread.

She was on the verge of tears, frantically searching her memories but unable to guess what he wanted.

Zhou Ting glanced at the timer, his voice like a devil’s whisper. “Three minutes.”

Watching her fidget in panic, he felt a strange thrill—cornering his prey was addictive.

Finally, she broke, biting her lip. “W-what do you want to know? I’ll tell you everything, just stop scaring me…”

He thought for a moment. “Your grandma said you’re a man. Care to explain?”

Since the investigation was off, he’d ask directly. No matter how shocking, he could handle it.

Lin Xiaoxiao froze, falling silent.

He chuckled, standing and pulling her into his arms by her waist.

“Mmph…”

His roving hand easily tugged off her chest binder.

“They’re getting bigger,” he teased, nibbling her ear like a wolf toying with a lamb. “Thought of your answer yet?”

Suppressing her body’s reaction, she met his deep gaze, defenseless.
“My… my grandma doesn’t know I’m a woman. My parents didn’t want her to know they raised me as a boy, so they hid it from her…”

Her trembling, soft voice was like a feather, stirring his senses.

His eyes flickered, and he kissed her lips.

She wasn’t sure if he believed her, but she’d stick to this story.

She realized if he knew she’d been a man, he might find her disgusting.

If so…

Her rationality returned. Could admitting it end this arrangement?

Zhou Ting pulled back from her lips, still savoring the moment.

Seeing her dazed, panting allure, he felt smug.

He’d ripened this green fruit himself—a satisfying achievement.

“Fine, I’ll believe you this time. But if I find out you’re lying to your master…”

He leaned in, whispering something in her ear.

Her eyes widened with shock and fear, her body trembling.
“I-I’m not lying…”

He patted her rear, smiling faintly. “Hope so. Also, how long will you keep hiding? This thing’s stunting your growth.”

He pointed at the binder, his tone displeased.

She understood his frustration but couldn’t face wearing women’s clothes publicly yet.
“Can you… give me some time?” she asked earnestly.

He agreed readily. “Sure.”

She blinked, surprised. Was he suddenly reasonable?

Then his domineering side emerged. “Give me a specific number. How long is ‘some time’?”

Her face froze, resentment bubbling. How would she know?

But his unrelenting gaze forced her to raise a finger hesitantly. “A year?”

He smirked, smacking her rear.

“Mmph…” she yelped, about to protest when his voice cut in.

“Lin Xiaoxiao, have I been too lenient, making you think my patience is endless?”

She pouted, feeling wronged.

He spoke again. “Try again. How much time?”

His hand roamed over her pants, a blatant threat.