CHAPTER 16: PLEA IGNORED

As Chu Anxin turned to leave, Nuan Nuan desperately grasped her hand. "Anxin, please... help me escape this place. He tortures me relentlessly." Nuan Nuan's voice trembled, her eyes pleading.

Falling to her knees, she kowtowed to Anxin. "Sister, have mercy."

Anxin's expression transformed from surprise to fear, her eyes darting upward. "Sister, are you slandering Ge Chenheng? Mum and I know he treats you well, and dotes on you."

Nuan Nuan's body shuddered as she recognized the approaching footsteps. Chenheng's cold gaze settled upon her.

Anxin swiftly turned, her face now radiant with a sweet smile. "Ge Chenheng, I was just clarifying that you're kind and care for Nuan Nuan."

Chenheng's narrowed eyes seemed to slice through Nuan Nuan. His voice dripped with malice. "Nuan Nuan, follow me."

In the grand living room, Chenheng occupied the chief chair, his authority palpable. "You'll spend the night kneeling in the rain-soaked courtyard."

Si Kong dared to intervene. "Master, what if she freezes?"

Chenheng's gaze turned glacial. "For speaking up, join her."

Si Kong's protest died on his lips. "But, Master—"

Chenheng's roar cut him off. "That's all! Both of you, leave!"

Nuan Nuan hastily scrambled to her feet and fled upstairs. Her slender fingers clenched the edge of her dress as she moved, her eyes downcast.

"Si Kong, I'm sorry... for dragging you into this." Her voice barely above a whisper, her lips bitten to restrain tears.

Si Kong's glance lingered, his expression unreadable. He turned and departed, leaving Nuan Nuan shattered.

Tears streamed down her porcelain face, highlighting the bruises beneath.