Chapter 2: Clever Tricks Won’t Work

“No!” Mu Xi suddenly turned her head, dodging the cake being brought to her lips.

Ye Lan’s brow furrowed. “What’s wrong? Eat up obediently, or you’ll be in for it.”

Mu Xi turned her head back, deliberately opening her mouth wide but not biting the spoon.

Just as Ye Lan frowned to lecture her, she fiercely bit down on Ye Lan’s finger.

Smack! A loud slap.

“You little vixen, are you looking for death?” Ye Lan was livid.

Mu Xi clutched her face, tears streaming down.

She cried like a pear blossom in the rain, looking so pitiful and wronged, as if she had suffered the greatest injustice.

Ye Lan was instantly flustered, quickly softening her tone, “Don’t cry, I… I didn’t mean it.”

Mu Xi cried even harder, sobbing so much she couldn’t speak.

Ye Lan was at a loss, able to do nothing but continuously coax her.

Seeing Ye Lan’s patience about to run out, Mu Xi sobbed, “I want a hug…”

As if granted amnesty, Ye Lan immediately opened her arms and pulled her into an embrace.

Mu Xi seized the opportunity to reach for Ye Lan’s waist, quietly taking the keys and tucking them into her dress.

The cold metal against her skin made her shiver.

Ye Lan just thought she had been frightened by her and quickly carried her to the bed, “Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.”

Mu Xi snuggled into Ye Lan’s arms, a triumphant smile gracing her lips.

She pretended to still be sobbing, but in reality, she was already planning how to use these keys to escape.

Ye Lan gently stroked Mu Xi’s back, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.

How could she not know what this little girl was up to?

But since the little one wanted to play, she might as well play along.

Mu Xi’s sobs gradually subsided, and she looked up at Ye Lan with her large, tear-filled eyes.

Ye Lan’s heart melted at her pitiful appearance, and she couldn’t help but plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Does it still hurt?” Ye Lan asked softly.

Mu Xi shook her head, then nodded. “A little bit…”

Ye Lan sighed, “It’s all my fault for being too rough. Here, let me see.”

She cupped Mu Xi’s small face, carefully examining the spot where she had struck.

Mu Xi felt a little uneasy under her intense gaze, her cheeks involuntarily blushing.

“You’re blushing,” Ye Lan teased. “Are you captivated by me?”

Mu Xi was instantly incensed, raising her hand to push her away.

But Ye Lan was prepared, grabbing her wrist and pinning her down on the bed.

“Trying to run?” Ye Lan leaned over her. “I think you’re itching for a spanking.”

In her panic, Mu Xi felt a coolness at her waist—the keys had fallen out!

She subconsciously tried to pick them up but was restrained by Ye Lan.

“Looking for this?” Ye Lan dangled the keys in her hand, her smile full of meaning. “You silly little thing, did you really think I was that easy to fool?”

Mu Xi’s eyes widened in shame and anger. “You… you knew all along?”

Ye Lan raised an eyebrow. “If I couldn’t even see through a little trick like this, how would I survive in this world?”

Mu Xi bit her lip, her eyes beginning to redden again.

Seeing this, Ye Lan sighed softly. “Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. I know you want to escape, but have you ever considered whether the outside world is safe or dangerous for you?”

Mu Xi was taken aback, suddenly realizing she had never considered this question.

She looked at Ye Lan blankly, not knowing how to answer.

Ye Lan gently stroked her hair. “Be good and get some rest first. Once you’ve calmed down, we can have a proper talk, okay?”

Mu Xi nodded silently.

Ye Lan got up to leave, not forgetting to tease her one last time before she went. “Next time you want to steal something, remember not to write your little schemes all over your face.”

After the door closed, Mu Xi buried her face in the pillow, feeling both ashamed and annoyed.

‘Next time, I must succeed in escaping. I can’t let this detestable woman toy with me again!’

Lying on the bed, Mu Xi’s mind raced with ideas.

She decided to play the “Sleeping Beauty” card, wrapping herself tightly in the quilt and closing her eyes to feign sleep.

From day to night, Ye Lan entered and left the room several times, and each time she saw Mu Xi sound asleep, she would quietly retreat.

When it was pitch black outside and she estimated it was late at night, Mu Xi stealthily opened her eyes and tiptoed off the bed.

She tried the door, and sure enough, it was unlocked.

‘Since Ye Lan often comes in to check on me, she probably found it troublesome to lock and unlock it so frequently.’

“This woman is really confident,” Mu Xi muttered to herself.

She first created a “human figure” in the bed with pillows, then hid behind the door, holding her breath and waiting for Ye Lan’s return.

Before long, the familiar sound of footsteps approached from a distance.

The door was pushed open, and Ye Lan walked in, saying, “Little one, aren’t you afraid of suffocating?”

Seeing her chance, Mu Xi quickly slipped out of the room.

Barefoot, she ran downstairs, only to freeze in the living room.

The sight before her left her dumbfounded—the huge hall was luxuriously decorated, showcasing the owner’s taste everywhere.

What shocked her even more were the dozen or so women in black suits and sunglasses staring at her menacingly.

“Boss, your little pet has run down!” one of them shouted.

Mu Xi knew this was bad and turned to run back, only to see Ye Lan already standing at the top of the stairs, arms crossed, a meaningful smile on her lips.

“Having fun, little one?”

Mu Xi gave a sheepish smile and obediently walked back upstairs.

Back in the room, Ye Lan took out a pink collar and, without any room for argument, fastened it around Mu Xi’s neck.

“Hey, what are you doing!” Mu Xi struggled.

Ye Lan remained unmoved, locking the other end of the collar to the headboard. “Since you love running around so much, then go ahead and keep running.”

Mu Xi tested her range of movement and found it was only about two meters, which deflated her immediately. “You- you’re bullying me!”

Ye Lan chuckled. “Me, bullying you? Who was it that tried to sneak away just now?”

Mu Xi pouted, deliberately putting on a pitiful act. “I wasn’t trying to sneak away, I- I wanted to give you a surprise~”

Ye Lan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What kind of surprise?”

Mu Xi blinked her large eyes. “I- I wanted to make you dinner.”

Ye Lan couldn’t help but laugh. “With those delicate little hands of yours that have never done a day of housework? Let’s not. I’d rather not burn down the kitchen.”

Mu Xi was instantly incensed. “Who says! I’m actually…”

She stopped herself just in time, nearly forgetting her current identity as a young girl.

Ye Lan looked at her thoughtfully. “You’re actually what?”

Mu Xi quickly changed the subject. “Um… can I take this collar off first? It’s really uncomfortable.”

Ye Lan shook her head with a smile. “No, this is a punishment for naughty children.”

She leaned in and whispered in Mu Xi’s ear, “When you learn to be obedient, I’ll take it off for you.”

Mu Xi couldn’t help but shiver. ‘How can this woman be so terrifying!’

‘This can’t go on. I have to find a way to escape.’

Ye Lan saw through her thoughts and lightly tapped her nose. “Stop thinking about all that nonsense. Be good and stay put. I’ll go get you something to eat.”

After Ye Lan left, Mu Xi slumped onto the bed, punching the pillow in frustration.

This plan had failed. It seemed she would have to carefully consider her next move.

She touched the collar around her neck and couldn’t help but wonder: ‘What does this woman do for a living? Why does she have so many bodyguards?’

‘And why is she keeping me locked up here?’