The Gu mansion was quiet, almost suspiciously so.
Lin Guo led Chen Yuxi into a private study—far from prying eyes, far from Xinyan's schemes.
"Sit," he said, voice calm, dominant.
Yuxi hesitated, then lowered herself into the leather chair, her mind sharp, alert.
Time to understand him. Time to understand their world.
Lin Guo paced slowly, eyes dark, every step deliberate.
"You handled the banquet well," he said, voice low.
Yuxi tilted her head, almost smirking.
"I didn't do anything. Your fiancée's own plans failed."
He stopped pacing.
His gaze pinned her.
"She tried to drug me again," he said softly, almost casually.
Yuxi's eyes widened slightly.
She tried again? And he… knew?
"Yes," he confirmed. "I knew the moment it touched the wine. Your little system flagged it."
Yuxi blinked, heart racing.
So he noticed my mindreading system too…
Lin Guo stepped closer.
"Which makes you dangerous."
Her pulse spiked.
"And you?" she asked, voice steady. "Are you…?"
He smiled faintly, just enough to make her skin tingle.
"Dangerous too," he replied calmly.
The system in her mind hummed faintly.
High probability: he's testing you, pushing boundaries… and enjoying it.
Yuxi leaned back, crossing her arms.
"Then tell me," she said, eyes sharp, "what are your rules? If I'm to stay… to play this game… what are my limits?"
Lin Guo tilted his head, expression unreadable.
"Limits?" he echoed.
"There are none… except the ones I set."
Her eyes narrowed.
"And I suppose you'll decide those as we go?"
He stepped even closer, close enough for her to feel the heat of him.
"Not decide," he murmured,
"Guide. Protect. Test. And yes… possess."
Her breath hitched.
She hated it. And loved it.
This man… he's impossible.
A faint knock at the door interrupted them.
Xinyan's voice floated in, sweet and dangerous.
"Lin Guo, are you busy?"
Lin Guo's lips curved.
"Busy with something more important," he said quietly.
Yuxi's heart skipped.
She's trying to lure me out… test me… threaten me.
He glanced at her, dark eyes softening just slightly.
"Stay," he murmured.
"No one can touch you here."
Her lips curved in a small, victorious smile.
Not today, Xinyan.
Not ever.
Outside, the world continued, but inside the study…
Mindreading sparks flew