Chapter 244

“I did not permit you to move.”

As the words fell, that leg was lifted again, stopping in its original position, hooked in place by a hand from the same body.

‘Very good.’

Zhong Ning did nothing else. She behaved quite properly as she helped Xie Shiqing wash her entire body—if a method that left no place untouched could still be called proper.

To her, this was part of the inspection process.

Next, there were still seven days of observation.

But Xie Shiqing’s performance was truly flawless. Whatever Zhong Ning said, she did. If told to raise an arm, she raised it. If told to lower her head, she lowered it. Whether Zhong Ning toyed with the hollow of her waist, held the flesh of her hips, or even pressed a fingertip against the back of her tongue, she did not resist.

She was practically like an oversized doll.

That streak of possessiveness in Zhong Ning’s nature was gradually stirred by such obedience, nearly setting her ablaze.

At night, when they slept, Xie Shiqing lay upon the pillow. With a single tug of Zhong Ning’s hand, she obediently rolled into her arms; with another push, she rolled away on her own.

Haha, this was truly interesting.

Zhong Ning said, ‘Smile.’

Xie Shiqing lifted the corners of her lips.

Zhong Ning said, ‘Sad.’

Xie Shiqing’s brows drooped, her lips curving downward as well.

Zhong Ning said, ‘Angry.’

Xie Shiqing pressed her lips together, her expression tightening.

Zhong Ning watched with delight. Turning over, she pinned Xie Shiqing beneath her, holding her as though cuddling a small dog. ‘Little darling, you really are very well-behaved.’

‘I like that very much. Keep it up.’

The next day, she measured Xie Shiqing’s ankle and bought a pair of platinum anklets, the kind adorned with tiny bells. When she walked, the chime was crisp and clear.

She washed Xie Shiqing’s face, helped her dress, and fed her meals.

In an instant, she discovered the pleasure of keeping a pet.

Unable to resist, she sent feedback to Fu Nanshuang, saying with deep conviction:

【You were right. Keeping a little lover is very enjoyable.】

【Extremely enjoyable, extremely obedient, extremely fun】

Fu Nanshuang replied:

【??? That fast? It’s only been a few days. Who did you find?】

Zhong Ning answered:

【Xie Shiqing. I told her that if she became my lover, I’d return the Xie family to her.】

Fu Nanshuang:

【… Am I drunk?】

Zhong Ning:

【Of course not. When have I ever lied to you?】

She raised her voice. ‘Little darling, turn around.’

Xie Shiqing, who was basking in the sunlight by the window, turned her head and revealed a smile. ‘Did Master call for me?’

Zhong Ning took a photo and sent it to Fu Nanshuang. Satisfied, she said, ‘You’re very obedient. Is there any reward you’d like? After all, I’m someone who is fair with both rewards and punishments. Go on.’

Xie Shiqing cautiously stepped closer, her bare feet sinking into the carpet. The deep gray, long fibers covered the tops of her feet, while the clear ringing of the bells grew sharper with each step.

When she reached the sofa where Zhong Ning sat, she lowered herself directly beside it, resting her chin upon Zhong Ning’s leg. In a gentle voice, she said, ‘For Master to be willing to take me in, I’m already deeply grateful. It should be me thanking Master instead.’

‘Only, there is indeed something I want.’

She bit her lip and said pitifully, ‘I have many medicines that I regularly take, and they’re almost gone. If I can’t continue taking them, I’m afraid it may disturb Master’s mood.’

This time, Zhong Ning was somewhat surprised. She pulled her up and let her sit on her lap. ‘What medicines?’

Xie Shiqing recited a long list of drug names.

Zhong Ning was slightly alarmed.

So many?

‘All of these?’ she could not help asking again.

Xie Shiqing nodded, cautiously brushing against her fingertips. ‘Is that acceptable?’

‘Yes,’ Zhong Ning said. ‘I’ll call the butler. Tell her directly.’

The butler had been hired from abroad at a high salary. Zhong Ning had been unwilling to keep the previous one, so she recruited a new one herself.

‘Michelle, make a note. There are many medicines to purchase.’

Michelle activated the recording function on her phone.

Zhong Ning said, ‘Go on.’

Xie Shiqing spoke clearly, repeating every medication name, even specifying the manufacturer and where each could be bought.

Zhong Ning counted this time—there were more than ten kinds.

She clicked her tongue. ‘You take all of these every day?’

Xie Shiqing nodded.

Her medicine had run out. Their prices were prohibitively expensive, she herself was blind, and the money in her hands was far too little. Even investing in stocks or funds required time.

All the knowledge she had learned was meant for running a company. She had studied musical instruments, but now she had nothing at hand—she could not even make a living performing.

Moreover… there was still the obstacle of her heat cycle.

If not driven to desperation, how could she possibly have come before her own enemy, bowing and scraping, discarding all dignity, fawning like a dog?

Xie Shiqing bit her lip and said softly, ‘I haven’t taken my medicine for two days.’

Zhong Ning added to Michelle, ‘It would be best to buy everything today.’

Michelle acknowledged and left the room.

‘Does not taking them affect you that badly?’ Zhong Ning asked, stroking her cheek, her fingers toying with the thin earlobe.

Xie Shiqing nodded. ‘I… I have Pheromone Imbalance Disorder. I must take medicine to manage it. And for my eyes, I also need medication to prevent further deterioration.’

These were things she could not possibly hide. Since she needed Zhong Ning to buy the medicines, she had to be prepared for her condition to be discovered.

Rather than waiting for Zhong Ning to find out, it was better to confess first. It would also reinforce her current image of meekness and obedience.

Before coming here, Xie Shiqing had already steeled herself. No matter how Zhong Ning humiliated or tormented her, she would endure it, accept it, survive.

Though she rarely went out, she still knew many things. For instance, Zhong Ning had never kept a lover before, nor indulged in casual affairs. She was known to be extremely self-restrained.

In that case, Xie Shiqing did not consider herself at too great a loss.

What else could happen? At worst, it was merely sharing a bed.

Since everything could be turned into a weapon, into something to be used… why could she not use herself as well?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep