Chapter 26: Crying is also a time.

Ling Chenxi, panting heavily, curled up by the bed.
It wasn’t just Lu Zhao who was overwhelmed—she was trembling from the unfamiliar sensation.

At the end, she’d even been tempted to hug Yan Qingxin in front of her.

But her last shred of reason stopped her from such a suicidal act.

The sudden light stung her eyes.
When they adjusted, she saw Lu Zhao standing before her.

His bloodshot eyes showed he was seething with anger.

And it wasn’t just his eyes—another part of him clearly revealed his heightened emotions.

Ling Chenxi’s lips curved into a seductive smile, her peach-blossom eyes locked on him.

Slowly, she moved her voluptuous, fair body closer to his legs, looking up at the man she desired.

This submissive, almost fawning posture was a first for her, deeply unfamiliar, but necessary now.

Unlike Yan Ruyue, Ling Chenxi could bend when needed.
Being stubborn in this situation would backfire.

Though they hadn’t interacted much, she could tell Lu Zhao preferred softness over force.
And… in relationships, he always wanted to take the lead.

Was that so hard? She’d just give him what he wanted.

Clinging to his legs, she pressed her upper body against them.

“Little brother, are you mad? It’s my fault, I couldn’t help myself.
Please… forgive your big sister this once, okay? Whatever you want, I’ll do it. Isn’t that enough?”

Her gentle voice carried a hint of pitiful softness.

Ling Chenxi didn’t fully understand Lu Zhao.
Normally, he might soften to such a plea, but this wasn’t a normal situation.

A cruel smile tugged at his lips.
“Oh? That’s what you said, Sister Ling. Don’t go back on your word.”

Hearing that nickname, Ling Chenxi relaxed slightly, thinking he’d only make some humiliating demands she could grit her teeth through.

But seeing his expression, she realized she’d miscalculated—badly.

She’d always been the hunter, relentlessly pursuing Lu Zhao to claim him completely.

Now, by her own actions, she’d handed over control.
With their roles reversed, she saw the truth.

Beneath that handsome, sunny face wasn’t a kind soul.
His seemingly frail body caged a ferocious beast.

Bound hand and foot, spread-eagled on the bed, Ling Chenxi panicked.
She didn’t know what Lu Zhao planned to do.

She’d always thought she’d be the one in control.
Now, with the roles flipped and the situation out of her grasp, she felt deeply uneasy.

Lu Zhao didn’t know why the hotel had ropes, but they were convenient.

Tonight, he had to teach this woman a lesson she’d never forget, or she’d keep coming back to pester him.

One Yan Ruyue was hard enough to deal with.
Another one at her level—or worse—would be the death of him.

“Sister Ling, what’s wrong? You don’t look so good. Scared? If you’re scared, we can stop here, and I’ll pretend you never said those words,” Lu Zhao mocked.

Ling Chenxi wasn’t scared, just unaccustomed.
But at this point, she couldn’t back down, no matter what.

Her face held its usual comforting, gentle smile.
“Of course I’m not scared. I just don’t know what you’re planning, little brother. Can you tell your sister? You’re making me all tingly.”

As she spoke, she writhed, her full figure swaying, making Lu Zhao’s eyelids twitch.

He’d guessed her size before, and now, seeing it so clearly, it was indeed impressive.

Lu Zhao sat beside her, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand, then slowly trailing down her neck to her curves.

He gripped hard, the sudden mix of pain and numbness making Ling Chenxi’s brows furrow, her lips pursing slightly.

“Sorry, did I hurt you, Sister? I’ll be gentler.”

He said gentler, but his grip didn’t ease.

After a while, he let go, leaving a clear red mark.

Lu Zhao’s gaze fell on the long coat tossed aside.
“By the way, Sister Ling, you came wearing just this? Got some kind of fetish?”

Ling Chenxi bit her lip and looked away.
Of course, she didn’t have that kind of hobby.

She’d booked a room next door—two steps away—so why wear much?
But she couldn’t tell Lu Zhao that.

“Heh, still stubborn. I like stubborn people. Hope every part of you is this stubborn.”

Ling Chenxi froze, not immediately grasping what he meant by “every part.”

But she understood soon enough.

Without warning, the same sensation from the hospital hit her again.

This time, it was more direct, more intense.

“Mm…”

Ling Chenxi wanted this feeling, but not in such a humiliating way.

“Sister Ling, why aren’t you making noise? What, afraid you’ll wake the neighbors?”

“Ridiculous. You weren’t like this earlier. Didn’t you say it was thrilling? Huh?! Answer me!”

Lu Zhao slapped her hard, leaving another deep red mark on her pale skin.

“Ah…”

Ling Chenxi couldn’t hold back a soft moan.

“There we go. That’s right. Let it out, and it won’t hurt. It’ll feel good, don’t you think?”

One hand kneaded roughly, the other explored.

Two opposing sensations collided in her mind, leaving her unsure how to react.

“Mm~”

Her consciousness scattered under the chaotic feelings, her clenched jaw loosening as she let out her voice.

But after her first sound, both sensations stopped, replaced by a swelling in her mouth she couldn’t swallow or spit out.

“Sister Ling, isn’t this what you wanted? Here, take it all.”

Regaining clarity, Ling Chenxi glared at Lu Zhao.
Bound hand and foot, she could only writhe uselessly to ease the discomfort.

Time dragged on, and Lu Zhao showed no sign of stopping.

Her breathing strained, Ling Chenxi’s consciousness blurred again.

Lu Zhao, backlit by the lamp, loomed over her like a nightmare.

‘What kind of person did I provoke?’

Her eyes slowly closed, a tear of humiliation sliding from the corner.

Lu Zhao paused, but quickly sneered, “Crying? C在上 doesn’t stop the clock.”

Devastated by his merciless words, Ling Chenxi passed out completely.

*

Two in the morning.

Lu Zhao untied the ropes and wiped the lingering tear from her eye.

He wasn’t a monster.
His anger had faded when she cried and fainted, and he hadn’t done anything more.

“Sigh…”

He shook his head helplessly.
“Hope you’ve learned your lesson this time.”

Covering her with the blanket and dressing, Lu Zhao planned to step out to cool off.

Grabbing the door handle, he suddenly thought of something and said without turning, “I’ll be back soon. I don’t want to see anyone in this room.”

He wasn’t sure if she was awake, but just in case.

The door clicked shut.

On the bed, the woman curled up tightly.
In the quiet room, only soft sobs could be heard.