Indeed Effective

Being carried away by the crowd, Lin Yu felt less like a man and more like a pig headed for the butcher's block.

At least a pig could wiggle a bit and let out a few squeals before the end.

But he was currently pinned down tight with a silk ribbon tied around his mouth, unable to even cry for help.

It was utterly baffling.

Lin Yu honestly thought there was something wrong with his head.

Why the hell was he empathizing with a pig right now?

As the group hauled him out of the car and toward the familiar villa, his heart sank.

Damn it.

He didn't know if what awaited him was a damp, dark basement or a soft, fragrant bed.

Or maybe... a soft bed inside a damp, dark basement?

Thinking about it, he was actually feeling a little bit of antici—

Antici-your-grandma’s-foot!

No! He couldn't let this continue!

Shit!

It felt like the "Bad Ending" screen was already waving at him from outside the window.

There was no way he was going to end up like the original character—that stereotypical blonde-haired punk destined for a miserable fate!

Spurred by that thought, a sudden burst of adrenaline hit him. He thrashed violently for a moment, then immediately slumped back.

Pathetic.

He couldn't even budge them an inch, no matter how hard he tried.

You bunch of thugs...

With Qing Mo nowhere in sight, Lin Yu couldn't even attempt his "Talk-no-Jutsu."

Left with no choice, Lin Yu had to play the part of the compliant captive as they carried him into the villa.

After a maze of hallways, they finally brought him into a room and lashed him to a plush bed.

He had no idea what Qing Mo’s security detail did for a living before this, but they were far too professional—they even double-checked the restraints to make sure they were secure before heading out.

They certainly didn't seem like the "good guy" type.

The group filed out, showing surprisingly good manners by closing the door behind them.

If only they’d shown that level of courtesy in other areas, it would have been even better.

Now alone in the cavernous room, Lin Yu took the opportunity to try and break free.

Clearly, these guys were pros—way beyond Tang Manman’s level!

After some frantic wiggling, Lin Yu realized he couldn't do anything besides lift his hips slightly or turn his head.

Besides, if he thought about it, even if he managed to slip the knots and get out of the room, how was he supposed to get past the villa's security?

And even if he did make it out, what was to stop Qing Mo from sending another snatch squad tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that?

Realizing the futility, he completely abandoned the idea of a stealthy escape.

It was time for a blunt, open conversation with Qing Mo.

Lin Yu let out a long, deep breath, a flicker of determination lighting up his dark eyes.

If he laid everything out on the table and talked it through, she had to understand, right?

She was a bit of a psycho, sure, but she wasn't completely heartless.

He had saved her life, after all. If he focused on that point, he might actually be able to get through to her!

That thought gave him a much-needed boost of confidence.

While waiting for Qing Mo to arrive on the battlefield, Lin Yu carefully rehearsed his words, running through every possible reaction she might have and how he could best appeal to her emotions.

Time ticked away as he brainstormed.

Finally, a soft sound reached his ears. He instinctively turned his head and saw Qing Mo entering.

Unlike when they’d met by the river, she looked refreshed, as if she’d just showered and changed.

She was wrapped in a loose, thin, coffee-colored trench coat that covered most of her body, leaving only a glimpse of her pale, slender calves as she walked toward him with an elegant gait.

As she drew closer, her pleasant fragrance wafted over him.

"Qing Mo."

Lin Yu took a deep breath and looked her in the eye. He was ready to deploy his ultimate verbal persuasion. "Can we talk?" he asked softly.

"Sure."

Qing Mo sat gracefully on the edge of the bed. Her tone wasn't exactly cheerful, but it lacked its usual icy edge.

Shit!

Lin Yu immediately averted his eyes.

He’d known something felt off the moment she walked in.

Was she really pulling this again?

Except this time, since they were indoors, she’d swapped the heavy coat for a thin, flimsy one?

The sudden flash of skin completely derailed his train of thought. His mind, which had been so focused on his plan, was now a chaotic mess.

All his carefully rehearsed speeches and strategies vanished instantly.

Qing Mo remained composed, acting as if she were doing nothing out of the ordinary. She blinked her eyes—which had shed their coldness for a soft, sultry look—and gazed at him with feigned innocence.

Despite the distraction, Lin Yu tried to persevere. He struggled to suppress his racing heart, trying to keep his voice as steady as possible.

"Qing Mo, please... just listen to what I have to say first," he said earnestly.