Chapter 14: Bloody Poison.

“Auntie Ling…”

“Call me Sister!”

Lu Zhao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. “Sister Ling… no, Auntie Ling, if you want to rest, wouldn’t the bed be better? There’s plenty of space by Ling Cang.”

“No way. Sister thinks you’re much comfier. I’m resting right here.”

Hearing Lu Zhao stubbornly refuse to call her Sister, Ling Chenxi pouted and shot him a playful glare but didn’t press further.

This woman knew exactly how to get under his skin.

That look nearly sank him.

If he didn’t know she was Ling Cang’s mother, he’d probably have called her Sister—Good Sister, even.

In this world of domineering women, Ling Chenxi was like an anomaly, just like him.

Gentle and charming with a touch of playfulness, yet utterly natural, as if this was truly her.

From her, Lu Zhao felt a long-lost sense of masculine dignity.

He even thought he could take the lead!

Ling Chenxi “slipped,” falling onto Lu Zhao and smoothly settling onto his lap.

She was about his height, and thankfully, the chair was big enough for both.

Her legs, clad in white silk stockings, curled up, making her already full thighs look even rounder, as if they’d burst the fabric.

Her arms, in long black silk gloves, wrapped tightly around his neck, her body pressed close.

The softness of her chest confirmed she wasn’t just visually ample but genuinely so—large and plush.

Worse, she wouldn’t stay still. The friction of her stockings against her thighs sent waves of delicate sensations, driving him wild.

“You’re not being honest, little brother.”

Sensing a noticeable change, Ling Chenxi’s cheeks flushed, her hot breath grazing his ear, turning its tip red.

Lu Zhao forced himself to look up at her, avoiding the sight of her not being as composed as she seemed.

She’d never been this close to a man. The contact and warmth made her tingle from head to toe, inside and out.

Only years of practiced expression control kept her from blushing fully, though her eyes were misty, cheeks faintly pink.

She worried he’d hear her heart pounding like a drum.

Ling Chenxi and Yan Ruyue were cut from the same cloth, just with different approaches.

Yan Ruyue was direct; she was subtle.

Seeing Lu Zhao like this, how could she resist?

“Little brother, want to do something fun with Sister? I promise it won’t hurt.”

Her hand began unbuttoning his shirt, revealing his toned chest.

Men ogle attractive women; here, women don’t just stare at fit men—some might corner them in dark alleys.

If it was just a tease, Lu Zhao could handle it. But going all the way? No chance.

He already felt guilty toward Yan Qingxin—he couldn’t add another layer of betrayal.

“Auntie Ling, don’t…”

As he reached to push her away, she swiftly pinned his hands above his head.

“?” Do all you women have a thing for this position?!

Illusion—all of it was an illusion! Gentle and charming? Nonsense. She still wants me beneath her!

Her lustful eyes seemed to read his thoughts. “Don’t move, little brother. Let Sister have her fun, then you can be on top, okay?”

Lu Zhao’s mouth twitched. Gee, how generous of you.

People compromise. Yan Ruyue never grasped that, always hitting pain points.

Ling Chenxi was different—she’d start with an outrageous demand, then scale back when refused.

That stolen deal? Same tactic. Less profit, but worth it to see Yan Ruyue fume.

Now, too. Did she think her interest in Lu Zhao went unnoticed?

Your greatest enemy knows you best.

Yan Ruyue, stopped in her rage by a man? Unbelievable, yet it happened. The implication was clear.

Ling Chenxi didn’t want to burn bridges—that wasn’t her style.

Stealing a man Yan Ruyue wanted? Double the joy.

The thought alone thrilled her to the core.

Lu Zhao’s shirt was fully undone, his chiseled pecs and abs making her swallow hard.

Her gloved fingers traced his skin, the slight itch making him gasp.

His reaction fueled her interest. Her touch grew firmer, leaving long red marks on his body.

“Hiss…” The itch turned to mild pain, making him inhale sharply.

Ling Chenxi’s eyes lost all reason. She wanted to see this man beneath her—would he be even cuter, more captivating?

Then Lu Zhao noticed blood trickling down her arm.

“Hey, hey! Auntie Ling, your arm’s bleeding! Stop… you didn’t treat the wound?”

Panting, she glanced at it, a dangerous smile forming. “It’s treated, but maybe your presence got my blood excited. Want a taste?”

“Huh?”

Taste…? Mmph?!

He’d thought Yan Ruyue was wild, but this woman was next-level.

Ling Chenxi licked the blood from her arm, then, under Lu Zhao’s shocked gaze, kissed him.

Stunned, he forgot to close his mouth, letting her tongue deliver the blood.

His mouth filled with her subtle fragrance and the sweet, metallic tang.

Her hazy eyes gleamed with satisfaction, relishing marking him with her taste.

The kiss lasted—seconds, maybe minutes.

When she released him, Lu Zhao, dizzy, slumped against her shoulder.

Is her blood… poisoned?

With his last shred of clarity, he muttered, “Sister… Ling, Ling Cang’s right there, you…”

Her words snuffed out his reason.

“Then let’s move. I booked the next room already.”

Of course you did.