Chapter 38: The Gentle Trap

  Days passed, and Sanbao had become thoroughly familiar with every corner of the vil. At first, she had felt a bit curious about the unfamiliar environment, but now, all that remained was a sense of suffocation and frustration.

  The vil was exquisitely decorated and spotless, even the flowerpots on the balcony were arranged perfectly. But this overwhelming cleanliness and orderliness made Sanbao feel trapped.

  Every day, Wang Suiyun would return home on time, bringing fresh ingredients and gifts, caring for her tenderly and attentively. Yet, whenever she asked to go for a walk, Wang Suiyun would always smile and shake his head. "It's not safe outside. Your body hasn’t fully recovered. Once you're better, I'll take you out."

  At first, Sanbao thought he had a point, but as time went on, her doubts deepened. "I’ve already recovered well, so why won’t he let me go outside?"

  This morning, Wang Suiyun left for work again. Before he left, he gently reminded her, "Sanbao, stay at home and rest. Don’t wander around."

  The door clicked shut behind him, and the room fell into silence once again. Sanbao hugged a pillow, staring bnkly out of the window for a long time. A sudden impulse rose within her heart. *While he’s away, I’ll go out and take a look.*

  She changed into her clothes quietly and tiptoed to the front door. She turned the doorknob, and the heavy wooden door creaked open slowly. Sunshine poured in immediately. She took a step forward, but then, a faint glow suddenly emanated from the wooden bracelet on her wrist. The runes on it lit up, and a sharp pain struck her head. It felt as though thousands of steel needles had pierced her skull. Sanbao crumpled to the ground instantly, clutching her head in agony, her consciousness slowly slipping into darkness.

  When she awoke again, she found herself back in the soft, comfortable bed. Sanbao slowly opened her eyes, rubbing her aching temples. Her head still felt heavy, and her eyes were dazed as she stared up at the ceiling.

  “What happened? Why did I pass out?” She mumbled to herself, trying to recall, but nothing came to mind.

  Just then, the door opened gently, and Wang Suiyun walked in, holding a bowl of steaming porridge.

  "Sanbao, you’re awake?" Wang Suiyun smiled warmly, walking to the bedside and pcing the bowl on the nightstand. He gently took her hand.

  Sanbao stared at him bnkly, her head feeling as if it had been thoroughly stirred. She asked groggily, "What... happened to me?"

  Wang Suiyun sighed softly, gently caressing her cheek. "You probably haven’t fully recovered yet. You weren’t paying attention when you walked and tripped. I came back and found you colpsed at the door. I was so scared."

  Saying this, he tightened his grip on Sanbao’s hand, his eyes filled with concern. "Don’t scare me like that, okay?"

  Sanbao pulled her hand back, staring bnkly at the wooden bracelet on her wrist. She noticed the delicate patterns carved into it, resembling small pictographs. She turned the bracelet, carefully examining the intricate designs.

  Wang Suiyun followed her gaze and chuckled softly. "This is the birthday gift I gave you. You loved it so much that you wouldn’t take it off, not even when you sleep or bathe. You wouldn’t even take it off when you... you know."

  Sanbao’s face immediately turned red, her ears burning. She hastily turned her head away. "You... stop talking nonsense..."

  Wang Suiyun smiled more deeply, gently holding her hand. "You weren’t like this before. Why are you shy now?"

  Sanbao averted her gaze, a strange feeling of disgust creeping up inside her, though she couldn’t understand why. She suppressed the unease in her heart and said softly, "I want to go out for a walk."

  Wang Suiyun paused for a moment, a shadow crossing his eyes before he smiled again. "It’s a bit hot today. Once it cools down in the afternoon, I’ll take you out for a walk."

  In the afternoon, Wang Suiyun indeed took Sanbao out of the vil. Sanbao was surprised to find that the vil was located in a deep valley surrounded by mountains, with only a narrow winding path leading out.

  Along the way, Wang Suiyun talked about their "past" memories—how they had gone on their first date, how they had kissed in the car, how they huddled together for warmth during a snowstorm. In his narration, Sanbao was always the gentle and obedient girl. Sanbao listened bnkly, but the unease in her heart grew deeper.

  "Wang Suiyun..." Sanbao called him softly.

  "Call me Suiyun," Wang Suiyun replied gently.

  "Suiyun..." Sanbao called again, her voice light.

  "Hmm?" Wang Suiyun turned his head to look at her, his gaze even gentler.

  "I want to go back to my own home..." Sanbao said.

  Wang Suiyun's smile faltered slightly, his face darkening for a moment. But this expression only sted a second before his face softened again, and his voice became tender. "Sanbao, you’re an orphan. Your family passed away when you were in school. You lived alone in Jinling. After we got together, you moved here to live with me."

  Sanbao lowered her head and softly said "Oh," but her heart grew even more confused.

  Days passed, and Wang Suiyun continued to accompany Sanbao on walks through the valley, recounting "their" sweet memories, trying to convince Sanbao that their bond was deep. Sanbao always mechanically nodded along, but she felt no love in her heart, only disgust and frustration.

  One day, Wang Suiyun suddenly pulled Sanbao into a tight embrace, whispering, "Baby, I miss you so much..." Sanbao, feeling like she had been shocked, instinctively pushed him away.

  Wang Suiyun’s face darkened, his usually gentle eyes fshing with fire. His expression was terrifying, as if he wanted to devour her. Sanbao stepped back in fear, her fingers trembling. But in just a moment, Wang Suiyun returned to his usual affectionate demeanor, smiling and soothing her. "It’s okay, I was too impatient."

  That day, Wang Suiyun returned home with many delicious foods. While eating, Sanbao noticed an odd look in his eyes—intense and oppressive, making her feel uncomfortable.

  Finally, after dinner, Sanbao said, "I’m tired. I’ll go back to my room," and quickly walked to her room.

  Wang Suiyun suddenly grabbed her from behind, whispering in her ear, "Sanbao, don’t leave..." His voice was full of affection, but his arms tightened around her.

  Sanbao felt a wave of nausea and disgust rise in her chest. She struggled to break free, but the wooden bracelet on her wrist suddenly lit up. The small characters on it began to glow one by one. Sanbao instantly felt her body weaken, as if all her strength had been drained away.

  Wang Suiyun lifted Sanbao effortlessly and carried her into the room, ying her gently on the bed.

  This time, Wang Suiyun didn’t leave as he usually did. Instead, he walked to the bedside and gently began to undo Sanbao's hair.

  As Sanbao’s dark hair cascaded like a waterfall over the pillow, Wang Suiyun reached out to caress her cheek. His palm was hot as fire, as if it carried an uncontrolble desire.

  "Sanbao, do you know how long I’ve waited for this day..." His voice suddenly turned hoarse and deep, his breathing growing quicker.

  He lowered his head and kissed her lips, fiercely and passionately, with a dominating air that left no room for refusal. His hands began to wander anxiously over Sanbao’s body, desperately trying to undress her.

  Sanbao struggled to push him away, but she couldn’t summon any strength. She tried to scream, but his lips sealed hers tightly, silencing her. Only weak, helpless sobs escaped her throat.

  Just then, a tall figure suddenly appeared in the room. The person moved like lightning, grabbing Wang Suiyun’s shoulder and effortlessly throwing him to the ground.

  Wang Suiyun crashed to the floor, stunned and unable to rise. His terrified gaze locked onto the man standing by the bed, and he blurted out, "The head of the Tang family!"