Chapter 2 Rules

He Zhiyao finished speaking and went downstairs.

Less than two minutes passed before the sound of a car leaving could be heard outside.

The housekeeper stood at the door for a while before finally pushing it open and entering the bedroom.

Qin Shuang was sitting on the floor, her slightly curled hair draped over her shoulders, making her palm-sized face seem exceptionally delicate. However, her normally lively and black eyes were slightly reddened. One hand was lifted, vigorously rubbing her already somewhat swollen lips as if trying to erase some impurity.

Thinking of Mr. He's recent demeanor, the housekeeper seriously reminded Qin Shuang, "Miss Qin, your parents have signed an agreement with Mr. He, selling you to him. From now on, you'll be living here, so it's best to behave yourself and not upset Mr. He."

After finishing the reminder, the housekeeper solemnly instructed:

"The following words, you'd best remember clearly, so you don't offend Mr. He's taboos."

"Mr. He has a certain level of obsession with cleanliness, so you must be neatly dressed in his presence, and there can't be any stains on your clothes or skin."

"The bathroom's daily necessities and skincare products have been prepared for you, all with scents that Mr. He favors. The maids will update them timely and you don't need to change them."

"Cosmetics are also provided, but you are not to wear makeup in front of Mr. He, you cannot apply foundation, lip color, or perfume—in fact, any scent is not allowed."

"Mr. He only likes sleepwear made of real silk, which has been placed separately in a wardrobe for you. When Mr. He is home, you are only to take sleepwear from that wardrobe."

"If Mr. He stays overnight, you must take a bath for one hour before going to bed."

"Pets are not allowed, and no animal hair can be present in the house."

"Before you learn the rules well and until your behavior satisfies Mr. He, you are not allowed to leave the villa."

Having explained all the rules that needed to be taught, the housekeeper saw that Qin Shuang had no reaction and didn't say much else, preparing to leave.

Upon reaching the door, he suddenly remembered, pointing to the bedside table, "The regular contraceptive pills are in the drawer; remember to take them on time."

Then, he left quietly, closing the door behind him.

Qin Shuang stared at the door for a while and then abruptly stood up, rushed to the door, and twisted the handle forcefully. The door opened with a "snap."

She pulled the door open and stepped out.

To hell with his obsession with cleanliness! What did it have to do with her? And contraceptive pills? Ridiculous! That man was definitely a lunatic! There was no way she could stay here!

But before she could step out, two arms, one from the left and one from the right, barred her way.

Qin Shuang looked instinctively, only to see two tall and burly bodyguards dressed in black standing guard at the door like door gods, blocking her way out.

Qin Shuang looked in disbelief at the housekeeper who had just walked a few steps away and asked in a trembling voice, "What exactly do you want? This is kidnapping..."

The housekeeper turned around, replying respectfully, "Miss Qin, I have already explained your situation very clearly. It's best for you to accept the reality as soon as possible."

He then said to the bodyguards, "Take Miss Qin back."

Before Qin Shuang could say another word, the bodyguard pushed her roughly back into the room, slamming the door shut and locking it.

"Let me out!" Qin Shuang twisted the door handle forcefully, but this time, no matter how much she turned it, the door wouldn't open.

She hit the door unwillingly, but no one responded to her.

Had these people lost their minds? By what right were they holding her captive?

Until her hands turned red from the hitting, still, nobody paid any attention to her.

From noon until now, having gone more than ten hours without a sip of water, she sank to the ground, leaning against the door panel. She thought about everything that had happened that day, those strange things they had said, shook her head, and then, without warning, her tears came crashing down.

What kind of joke was this, selling her?

It was absolutely impossible, it couldn't be... Just last month, her mom had mentioned that they were renovating their house, and by the time she got vacation, her room would have been painted with the rosy color she liked.

Just last weekend they had said that when she came home for the holidays, they would cook her favorite dishes for her.

Although her father was occasionally unsociable and not very expressive of his emotions, every time he came back from working outside, he would bring gifts for her and her brother.

Their family wasn't particularly wealthy, but her parents loved her very much. How could they have sold her?

It was a lie, all a lie!

Qin Shuang's tears fell more fiercely until she couldn't hold on anymore and fell into a deep sleep.

...

The next day, Qin Shuang spent the whole day trying to get the housekeeper to let her out, but the housekeeper completely ignored her. Not a single maid or bodyguard in the house would speak to her or lend her a phone.

After exerting herself the entire day, exhausted, she took a bath and climbed into bed.

She must have been very tired as she quickly fell asleep.

After sleeping for an indeterminate amount of time, she suddenly felt a weight on her body and her lips were blocked by a strange breath, making it hard for her to breathe.

She opened her eyes groggily and saw He Zhiyao's excessively perfect face by the faint yellow night light of the bedroom.

She started struggling in panic.

Her struggling annoyed him, and he reached out to tear her clothes. Qin Shuang let out a scream, reaching out instinctively towards his neck—

He Zhiyao abruptly seized her wrists. On her pale fingertips, several beads of fresh red blood hung.

He Zhiyao's dark gaze was locked tightly on her, her expression of humiliation and fear completely quenched the desire he had felt, leaving only mockery, "Ungrateful, aren't you?"

"I've already spared you once. You'd best behave, don't test my patience."

"If you disappoint me again like this, I'll make sure you understand the consequences!"