"Dinner is ready, Master Li."
"It's about time, Aunt Ma... I'm starving! So hungry that I might even be willing to eat the person sitting in front of me... Let's eat!"
And so, they sat together in silence, facing each other across a giant dining table.
It was quite a peculiar sight, actually. A lion, the king of beasts, was solemnly waiting for his meal alongside his prey—a little bunny who stared fiercely back at him.
At first, the atmosphere in the dining room was unbearably cold and tense. It felt as though two completely different creatures were engaged in a silent battle.
However, everything gradually changed when the food was served.
TianTian's eyes widened at the sight of the dishes before her.
"Homemade dinner?! This looks more like a five-star restaurant feast! And... wait... these are all my favorite dishes!"
As a true food lover, TianTian simply couldn't resist the temptation of delicious food. To her, good food was far more tempting than money or jewelry.
Without waiting another second, she immediately began filling her mouth with one delicious dish after another, completely ignoring the disapproving gazes of Aunt Ma and the other servants.
Goodness! This girl has certainly never been taught proper table manners!
How could the Master possibly choose someone like her?
But TianTian couldn't care less.
In fact, she was doing it on purpose. Perhaps if she appeared ugly and ill-mannered enough, the beast would finally lose interest in her.
To make her performance even more convincing, she picked up a honey-glazed chicken wing with her bare hand and tore into it without the slightest hesitation. Once she had devoured the meat, she did what she had always done since childhood—sucking every last bit of flavor from the bones and licking her fingers clean.
Mmm... delicious!
What TianTian didn't realize, however, was that the king was thoroughly enjoying the sight of her.
He had grown tired of the countless women around him who always pretended to be elegant, graceful, and ladylike. Unlike them, TianTian's eating habits seemed refreshingly honest and natural.
More surprisingly, this was the first time he had ever felt comfortable sharing a meal with someone.
Usually, he could never let his guard down around other people—not even around his most trusted right-hand man, the Whitefox.
Speaking of the devil...
The Whitefox had just arrived to deliver TianTian's belongings. Dressed in a tight black vest that perfectly showed off his well-built physique, he looked more like a fashion model than a personal assistant.
As he entered the dining room, he couldn't help but find the scene rather amusing.
TianTian was happily enjoying her food, while the king sat opposite her, gazing at her with an unusually pleased expression.
So, the little bunny really has been captured... Has she been tamed already?
he wondered.
"You've arrived..."
The king noticed his presence and immediately put on his usual cold expression.
"Yes, Mr. Li. Everything has been taken care of. I've also prepared some contracts that require your review."
"All right. I'll look at them later."
"I'm afraid they need your attention now. 'He' wants to know about them as soon as possible."
"..."
The king glanced at TianTian and fell into thought.
Although he still wanted to spend more time with her, he couldn't ignore his important responsibilities, especially when they involved Him.
Besides, he couldn't possibly ask TianTian to accompany him to his office. Some of his business matters were far too confidential.
Very well. Besides, she won't be going anywhere tonight.
Meanwhile, TianTian, who was almost finished with her dinner, noticed that the beast had stood up and was now having a serious conversation with the Whitefox.
Oh... so this beast still has to work during dinner? How disappointing. He's ruining the lovely atmosphere!
She shrugged inwardly.
Well, what do I care? But wait... A contract? A CONTRACT!
Her eyes suddenly sparkled.
That's right! Why didn't I think of that earlier? I need to make a legal contract with him! That way, he won't dare touch me again!
She immediately turned her gaze toward the Whitefox and gave him a small smile.
For some reason, a sudden chill ran down his spine.
The king gave Aunt Ma a few instructions that TianTian couldn't hear. Afterward, he left the dining room with the Whitefox and headed upstairs.
TianTian kept watching them until they disappeared into a room that she assumed was his office.
Not long afterward, Aunt Ma noticed that TianTian had finished her meal and asked whether she would like to rest in her room.
'Of course! After everything that happened today, I desperately need a good night's sleep. But before that, I still have something important to do...'
TianTian turned to Aunt Ma and replied politely.
"Please show me the way. And... thank you, Aunt Ma, for preparing the room and dinner. The food was absolutely delicious! I must meet the chef later. I want to get the recipes—or even better, learn how to cook those dishes myself!"
Aunt Ma smiled faintly.
This girl isn't so bad after all. At least she knows how to show gratitude.
"This way, Ms. TianTian."
"Ah..."
TianTian wanted to say something, but Aunt Ma had already started walking. So she obediently followed her.
They walked along the hallway until they reached its end. There, TianTian noticed two rooms with identical single doors.
She had assumed that her room would be the one farther away, but she was mistaken.
Aunt Ma led her into the nearer room, which was right beside another room before the office.
As soon as TianTian stepped inside, she noticed the unfamiliar scent lingering in the air.
The room must have been either newly prepared or rarely used. Perhaps it was a guest room.
The elegant wall decorations and luxurious furnishings gave the room the atmosphere of a five-star hotel. It really did feel like staying in a luxury suite.
Well... I suppose I won't be staying here for long. At least, I hope not.
"I'll arrange for you to meet the chef tomorrow, as you requested. What time would be convenient for you, Ms. TianTian?"
Tomorrow? Does that mean I really have to stay here for the next three months?
"Well, after dinner would be fine... if that wouldn't trouble the chef."
I might as well find myself something to do in the evenings, just in case...
"That won't be a problem, Ms. TianTian."
"Thank you... Ah, Aunt Ma?"
"Yes? Is there anything else, Ms. TianTian?"
"Could you please just call me TianEr? I'm not used to being waited on all the time, and honestly, I feel a little uncomfortable being called Ms. TianTian."
"But... that would be rather impolite."
"Please! It would make me feel much more comfortable. Please, Aunt Ma..."
"Well... if that's what you wish... Ms... Ahem, Tian... Er."
TianTian smiled brightly.
She had already begun to think of Aunt Ma as someone like her own grandmother. Indeed, TianTian had always been easily fond of older people.
"Thank you, Aunt Ma!"
Her smile seemed contagious, for Aunt Ma couldn't help smiling back.
"I knew you had a lovely smile, Aunt Ma! You should smile more often instead of always looking so serious, just like him!"
'What a simple and lovely girl... Now I think I understand why the Master brought her home.'
"Well, I should be going now. I hope you have a good rest, TianEr."
"You too, Aunt Ma!"
After Aunt Ma left, TianTian followed her to the doorway. She watched until the older woman disappeared down the stairs before closing the door.
The moment she was alone, she hurriedly opened her belongings and took out a blank sheet of paper and a pen.
Then, she began writing.
Meanwhile, in the office...
After reviewing the documents brought by the Whitefox, Li WangHu leaned back in his chair behind the desk and looked at his trusted subordinate.
"So... what is His message this time?"
The Whitefox paused.
Every time he had to deliver the message, he needed to choose his words carefully.
"He knows you've brought a little bunny home to play with. As long as you keep your promise to him, he won't interfere with your little bunny."
"..."
The king closed his eyes, silently digesting the message.
"I see. Tell him not to worry. I haven't forgotten my promise, and I will keep it. Now, if there's nothing else, you may leave."
The Whitefox bowed respectfully before leaving the room.
Left alone, the king lit his favorite cigarette and took a slow drag, his mind clearly occupied by troubling thoughts.
The Whitefox had barely reached the staircase when someone suddenly grabbed his arm.
It was the little bunny!
"Mr. Whitefox! I need your help..."
She whispered urgently while pulling him toward her room.
Before dragging him inside, she glanced back toward the office to make sure the king hadn't come out yet.
Mr. Whitefox? Since when did I get that nickname?
The Whitefox was rather puzzled. He hadn't even had the chance to properly introduce himself to this little bunny.
Mr. Whitefox? What made her choose that nickname for me?
He was curious.
"Ms. TianTian, my name is YuFang... not Mr. Whitefox."
TianTian was startled. Only then did she realize that she had been calling him by that nickname in her mind all along.
She suddenly felt embarrassed.
"Oh... I'm sorry! I didn't know your name. But you look like a handsome white fox from the fairy tales I've watched, so..."
Well, at least she recognizes my handsomeness...
The narcissistic Whitefox, naturally, couldn't help feeling pleased.
He smiled to put her at ease.
"That's fine. You can call me Mr. Whitefox if you like. Now, how can I help you, Ms. TianTian?"
His smile was rather charming.
This Whitefox is completely different from that beast! I'm sorry I ever thought you were as cunning as a fox. Perhaps you're actually an angel who can help me escape from here!
But then she remembered her urgent business.
Oh, right! Back to business. I don't have much time!
TianTian immediately handed him the paper she had just written.
YuFang took it with a confused expression and began reading.
Halfway through, he almost burst out laughing. He quickly covered his mouth, managing to suppress his laughter before it became too obvious.
So the little bunny hasn't been tamed by the lion after all! This is interesting. How on earth did she come up with such an idea? I really want to see Li WangHu's reaction to this...
"Well? What do you think? Is it legally valid?" TianTian asked nervously.
"Well... with a few adjustments, I think I can give you some advice, Ms. TianTian. Here... and here..."
YuFang pointed out several parts of the document that needed improvement.
TianTian listened attentively, just like a student listening to her teacher.
Back in the office...
Li WangHu was still deep in thought.
How could he have forgotten that he wasn't truly free?
An invisible chain bound his hands, while a shadow constantly watched him from behind.
So, He already knew about TianTian...
But...
It wasn't that Li WangHu had forgotten his promise when he met TianTian and decided to make her his. He had simply thought that these were two separate matters and that his actions wouldn't interfere with the promise.
After all, he had only wanted TianTian for himself.
He desired her so badly. He wanted her to stay by his side, even if only for a little while.
I want to see her now...
Li WangHu finally stood up and left his office, heading straight toward TianTian's room.
Unfortunately, when TianTian had dragged YuFang inside earlier, she hadn't noticed that the door hadn't closed properly.
So, when Li WangHu approached her room, he was met with an unexpected sight.
TianTian was talking to someone.
A man.
Inside her room!
An unfamiliar wave of anger surged through his chest. He clenched his jaw, trying to control himself as he approached the half-open door.
But before entering, he stopped to listen.
"Thank you, Mr. YuFang. I couldn't have done it without your help..."
What? What help?!
"Are you sure about this, Ms. TianTian? Actually, being Mr. Li's girl isn't such a bad thing. Instead, you'll gain a great deal of fortune by staying with him..."
What exactly is this girl planning?
The king couldn't believe what he was hearing.
His own girl and his most trusted subordinate were secretly planning something behind his back!
Unbelievable!
He couldn't take it anymore.
"BANG!"
He kicked the door open.
Since YuFang was standing directly behind it, the door slammed hard against his back.
"Ouch!"
"Are you all right?!"
TianTian was startled by the sudden noise. When she realized what had happened, she immediately turned toward Li WangHu with an angry expression.
"Why did you do that?! Couldn't you at least knock first?!"
"Mr. Li... I'm fine..."
Seeing the king's terrifying expression, YuFang quickly explained himself.
"Mr. Li, Ms. TianTian was just asking for my advice on how to prepare a contract..."
Li WangHu gave him a cold stare.
"Are you done?"
"Huh? Oh... yes. I'm done here."
"Then go back to the office immediately. I want all the agreement contracts for the next two weeks prepared and on my desk by tomorrow morning!"
'WHAT?! Does that mean I have to work overtime tonight?!'
YuFang nearly groaned.
'Damn it! This jealous king shouldn't be offended. From now on, I need to be much more careful!'
"Yes, Mr. Li..."
He turned toward TianTian with an apologetic expression.
"Ms. TianTian, I'm sorry. I won't be able to help you any further..."
And with that, the Whitefox, a.k.a. YuFang, hurried out of the room, leaving TianTian alone with the beast.
A tense silence filled the room.
TianTian knew perfectly well that the king had deliberately punished YuFang and sent him away.
But what had she done wrong? She had only asked for some help!
What a childish man!
Li WangHu slowly closed the door behind him, making sure there was no chance for her to escape.
He was still furious after seeing another man alone with his girl. But at the same time, he was curious about what she had been planning with YuFang.
And what exactly was that contract he had mentioned?
He slowly approached her.
Instinctively, TianTian took a step backward.
"So... where is the contract?"
"It's..."
"You need help preparing a contract? I can help you. Next time, if you need anything, come directly to me..."
It sounded like a generous offer, but the way he said it made TianTian feel as though she had just received a warning.
She could clearly see the anger in his eyes.
"But as my girl, you dared to stay alone in a room with another man. Tell me... how should I punish you this time?"
TianTian was cornered.
Again.
This time, she found herself backing toward the bed.
As Li WangHu continued approaching, she accidentally stumbled and fell onto the mattress.
He followed her, placing one arm on each side of her body, effectively trapping her beneath him.
His face drew closer.
"So?"
But he wasn't waiting for an answer.
Once again, her lips were stolen.
This time, however, he was far from gentle. He forced his tongue into her mouth, turning the kiss into a deliberate act of domination.
It was rough, deep, and filled with an overwhelming intensity.
"Mmm...! Mmm...!"
TianTian struggled desperately, pushing against his chest in an attempt to free herself.
But her resistance only made him hold her more firmly.
He pushed her down onto the bed, his body hovering over hers. One hand moved through her hair while he continued kissing her, refusing to release her lips.
After a while, Li WangHu finally pulled away.
Both of them paused to catch their breath, staring directly into each other's eyes.
TianTian glared at him furiously. Her eyes were filled with anger and unshed tears, while her cheeks had turned as red as fresh roses.
Beautiful, yet thorny...
That was what came to his mind.
Seeing an opportunity, TianTian suddenly pushed him with all her strength.
Li WangHu was forced backward, giving her enough room to sit up.
She immediately raised her hand, intending to slap him as hard as she could.
But before she could do so, he caught her wrist.
"...!"
"PER-VERT! You broke your promise! What you just did was completely against our agreement!"
Feeling powerless, TianTian could only express her anger through words.
"I didn't break anything. I'm simply punishing my girl. I hope you'll be more careful from now on... because next time, your punishment won't be limited to this."
He finally released her wrist.
What a ridiculous excuse! How can he possibly twist everything to suit himself?!
TianTian screamed inwardly.
"I WANT TO MAKE A LEGAL CONTRACT WITH YOU!"
In her anger, she frantically searched for the document.
Thankfully, it was still lying on the bed, within her reach.
She grabbed it and shoved it toward his face.
Li WangHu frowned before taking the paper from her.
As he read through it, he finally understood.
So this is what YuFang was helping her with...
The main points of the contract were as follows:
1. During the three-month trial period, Li WangHu was strictly prohibited from kissing, having sexual relations with, or engaging in any other intimate or inappropriate physical contact with TianTian without her permission—even as a form of punishment.
2. If Li WangHu violated this agreement, he would have to release TianTian immediately, sever all connections with her, and never threaten or force her to return.
3. In exchange, TianTian agreed to behave properly as his girlfriend, remain in his house throughout the trial period, and accompany him whenever he wished, provided that it did not interfere with her working hours.
4. If TianTian violated the agreement without a reasonable excuse, she would willingly become his servant for the rest of her life.
Li WangHu stared at the document.
This girl still hasn't given up... Well, it's too early for her to surrender. But I have to admit, I'm impressed. She managed to come up with this kind of contract in such a short time.
Damn YuFang! He must have helped her quite a lot.
The king was beginning to feel that the punishment he had given YuFang wasn't nearly enough.
After all, this contract could cost him something he had no intention of losing.
Far away, on the road, YuFang suddenly sneezed inside his car.
"Hachoo!"
He rubbed his nose and shivered.
Why do I suddenly feel so cold?
Back in the room, TianTian held out a pen toward Li WangHu.
"I've already signed it. Now it's your turn!"
She watched him expectantly.
"Or... I'll leave this house right now!"
'If he refuses to sign, then... I don't care anymore! I'll leave this place and free myself from him!'
Her voice was filled with anger, and she genuinely meant every word.
Li WangHu knew she wasn't bluffing.
He couldn't afford to lose her so soon.
With a deep sigh, he finally gave in.
"Fine."
He took the pen and walked toward the small cabinet beside the bed. Leaning over it, he began writing something on the document.
After a moment, he returned the paper to her.
"Here. Satisfied?"
TianTian couldn't believe her eyes.
The beast had actually signed it without putting up much of a fight!
Her anger began to subside.
But only for a moment.
As she carefully examined the document, she noticed something written beneath the original terms.
An additional clause.
When the three-month trial period has ended, TianTian must agree to give herself completely to Li WangHu on the first night of the fourth month.
"...WHAT?!"
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"I don't agree to this! You... you corrupted the contract!"
Li WangHu merely smiled.
"It's perfectly legal. We both signed it, didn't we?"
He approached her and leaned closer, whispering directly into her ear.
"Sleep well for now, little bunny. But I can hardly wait for our night together..."
Then, as if deliberately trying to provoke her, he gently blew against her ear.