C5 Under the Peony Flower

Luo Youran sensed something was amiss. In this world, only one person could call Xi Muchen "Uncle," and that was Xi Zhenfei, the CEO of the Xi Corporation. Xi Muchen was the illegitimate son of the Xi family, not well-regarded by them. After his father, Xi Zhenyue, passed away, rumors spread that Muchen was a playboy, reckless and unfit to inherit the family business. The man before her was likely sent by Xi Zhenfei to check on Muchen's situation. However, Zhenfei probably didn't realize that Muchen was a master of hiding his true capabilities, a man of considerable skill.

Luo Youran's anger simmered within her, and all she wanted was to escape Muchen's grasp. Before the man could finish speaking, she wrapped an arm around Muchen's waist, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She purred, "Muchen, I'm so hot. I want to go to the bedroom." Her tone was deliberately suggestive, and Muchen played along, grinning like a charming rogue. "Well, if you're that eager, I'll oblige," he said, carrying her upstairs, leaving the man alone in the living room.

As soon as the door closed with a bang, Muchen pinned her against it. He watched her eyes dart around, teasing her by inching closer, aiming a kiss at her cheek. It was as if he was testing her limits. Luo Youran couldn't stand his audacity any longer. She raised her hand and slapped him hard, her black gemstone ring revealing a sharp blade that pressed against his neck.

"Xi Muchen! Listen to me. I agreed to be your bodyguard, not your plaything! If you touch me again, I swear I'll kill you!" Her pent-up fury was ready to explode as she glared at the man before her.

Xi Muchen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his smile gradually turning dark and twisted. No one had ever dared to hit him before!

When Xi Zhenyue passed away, Muchen was just 14. Xi Zhenfei took over the family business, leaving Muchen, an illegitimate child, to be treated like a stray dog in the Xi family. At 14, he was sent abroad, spending eight long years in a foreign land. He secretly trained day and night in martial arts, honing his skills to ensure he wouldn't be easily disposed of by Xi Zhenfei.

From the beginning until now, Xi Muchen had never let anyone threaten him. His smile grew colder and more chilling as he looked at Luo Youran, seemingly calm as he questioned, "Kill me?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly grabbed Luo Youran's arm tightly, his eyes gleaming as he tauntingly said, "Such beauty, I'd rather die under a peony than live without it!"

"What are you doing? Let me go!" Luo Youran tried to kick him, aiming for his sensitive spot, but Muchen was quicker. He pinned her to the bed, his strong legs trapping hers.

"Ah!"

Her hands were pinned above her head, and Muchen's muscular body pressed against her, his hands swiftly removing her dress. Luo Youran was left in just her black underwear, her shapely figure exposed to the air, her fair skin brushing against his.

She struggled frantically, cursing loudly, "Xi Muchen, you beast! Let me go!"

"Beast? Today, I'll show you what a beast really is!" Muchen seemed provoked, his actions becoming more aggressive as he tore away the last of her clothing.

Luo Youran's skin, white as porcelain, flushed a deep pink, her ears burning red. She shouted sharply, "Xi Muchen!" In the next moment, he silenced her with a kiss.

Xi Muchen's large hand roamed freely across her chest, sending electric tingles through her body. Luo Youran's scalp tingled, and she couldn't stop trembling. He hooked an arm around her waist, pulling her softness against his firm chest.

"Ah!" Luo Youran moaned uncontrollably, her body heating up, tingling with sensation. She found herself shamefully lost in his embrace.

Her soft, alluring voice only made Xi Muchen's breathing grow heavier. This maddening woman seemed addictive, shattering his self-control, making him want to pull her even closer.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Sir!" came a deep male voice from outside.

Xi Muchen abruptly stopped, biting down hard on her collarbone. Blood immediately welled up on the delicate skin.

"Ah!" Luo Youran cried out in pain, her mind a haze. But in an instant, she regained her senses, fists clenching as she focused all her energy on attacking the man’s neck. "Xi Muchen, you beast, I’ll kill you!"

Xi Muchen dodged, the sharp blade grazing his neck, leaving a shallow cut that oozed blood. His deep eyes locked onto her flushed, naked form, a seductive smile playing on his lips. In a magnetic voice, he said, "Woman, your body doesn’t seem to want to kill me."

Luo Youran, under his intense gaze, wished she could disappear into the ground.

"Shut up!" she snapped, her eyes blazing as she pulled the blanket around herself.

A thousand obstacles were nothing compared to this infuriating man. Ever since he had kissed her forcefully last time, her body had been reacting in ways she couldn't control.

Muchen looked at the woman on the bed, who resembled a proud fox. She glared at him defiantly, trying hard to mask her unease. Unfortunately, she was the 'Fire Fox,' and he was the illegitimate son of the family. Neither of them had much choice in the matter.

Muchen's face turned icy as he left the room.

Youran watched his cold silhouette, desperate to find the bracelet and free herself from this nightmare. She rummaged through the closet, slipped on a white shirt, and quietly followed him to the study.

"Sir, it's been fifteen years since the master passed away. We have no other options," came a muffled voice from inside, followed by a knock.

"I understand," Muchen replied, his voice low and chilling, followed by footsteps.

Youran gasped, quickly retreating to the staircase.