CHAPTER 141: PLEASE LOVE ME.

This action was like trying to suffocate someone.

Yet the timing was impeccable.

Xu Si’s body was still shaking but gradually growing calm.

Pei Zhen, timing it precisely, released the handkerchief, tossing it aside casually. Then, he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close without pause. As time wore on, he grew bolder, burying his forehead against her pale neck, greedily drawing in the warmth and scent from her hair.

The moon moved past the dark clouds, its light spilling into the room.

It couldn’t illuminate his shadowed eyes, but it revealed his lips, bare and pressed closely against Xu Si’s straight collarbone.

After a long while.

He finally curved his lips into a smile.

A strand of silver hair fell onto his exquisite side profile.

Pei Zhen spoke, his voice cool,

"Let’s stop here for today. Just like this. I, too, feel I’ve been somewhat excessive."

"I don’t want you to hate me, but what can I do? Xu Si, there are always mysteries about you that I can’t fathom. This feeling of losing control truly terrifies me; I’m afraid that one day, for some inexplicable reason, you’ll push me away and flee from me."

The thought of this possibility made him take a long breath. He closed his eyes to compose himself for a few moments. When he opened them again, they were wild and fierce as he gazed at her delicate, fair neck. A sensation both sweet and itchy arose in his heart, and he parted his lips, baring sharp teeth to bite down.

"No, the mere thought feels like death. You *must* be mine. Even if I have to resort to despicable methods like force or deceit, I will keep you by my side. I need to uncover your secrets, to understand you, to know what you’re resisting, to find a way... I beg you, *beg* you to fall in love with me."

All his desire for knowledge stemmed from fear.

He, who usually did as he pleased and wielded immense power, actually experienced moments of fear. If anyone else heard this, they would likely be scared to death.

But he didn’t hide it in the slightest, nor did he ever fabricate flawless excuses to deceive his own heart.

What he wanted, from beginning to end, was Xu Si and Xu Si alone.

That night.

After Xu Si smelled the peculiar fragrance on the handkerchief, her agitation finally subsided. Although the painful nightmares continued, her body ceased its thrashing, and she didn’t injure herself with any violent movements.

One shouldn’t inhale too much of such a scent; it was addictive.

Its soothing effect wouldn’t last until dawn.

Pei Zhen held her for a very long time.

He held her until the sky began to pale with the first light of dawn. Only when he was sure she was about to awaken did he lift her gently and place her into the soft bed.

He didn’t leave immediately.

Instead, he waited, watching until her eyelashes began to flutter.

Only then did he stroll slowly from the bedroom.

The door closed gently behind him, making no sound that could disturb her sleep.

...

Thunder rumbled, but no rain came.

Strong gusts of wind, carrying a wintery chill, howled past. They seeped in through the pristine, dust-free gaps in the windowpanes. Winter had not yet truly set in, but the heating was already on throughout the mansion, warming the entire building for the sole occupant still asleep in a huge, soft bed.

Xu Si was awakened by the crackling of flames.

The fireplace in the lounge area had been lit, casting a faint glow and a gentle warmth. However, with the central heating already suffusing the room, the fireplace served more as a decorative feature.

In cold weather, watching flames often brings a sense of peace.

Xu Si opened her eyes. Lying on her side against the soft pillows, she stared blankly at the dancing flames for a long time, her fingertips absently massaging her temples.

Another sleepless night.

That was her sole realization about the previous night.

The relentless dreams left Xu Si’s hands and feet chilled, as if a hidden corner of her mind emanated a foul, decaying malice. She calculated the hours she’d been asleep; it seemed like a very long time. Yet, the profound fatigue weighing down her body was undeniable—she felt as exhausted as if she hadn’t slept at all.

She seemed to feel an itch.

Her fingers drifted to her smooth neck.

Xu Si’s eyelid twitched.