C1 The Cold Man

Late at night, under the neon lights of a bustling city, in a narrow alley.

“Damn it, I saw that girl run this way. How did she disappear in the blink of an eye?”

A dozen rough-looking thugs crowded the alley.

“Boss, Miss Shen specifically said to strip that girl...”

“She’s gone, and you want me to strip the air? Hurry up and find her!”

Soon, the rustling sounds faded into the distance.

After a while, a head peeked out from a balcony above the alley, with a pair of bright, mischievous eyes.

“Hmph, catch me? Maybe in your next life.”

Shen Geyao touched her nose, looking smug.

She didn’t rush to leave, knowing those guys might come back for a surprise attack. To be safe, she quietly slipped into a room, planning to stay for a while.

But just as she turned around, she saw through the window that a live-action scene was unfolding inside.

Having just calmed down from her thrilling escape, Shen Geyao was immediately unsettled. Yet her eyes were filled with curiosity.

She widened her big, dark eyes, staring directly at the man and woman on the bed, momentarily forgetting to run.

The man on the bed had sharp features, a face as chiseled as stone, deep star-like eyes, and an extraordinary handsomeness. He exuded a natural aura of authority, regal as a king!

The man's shirt was open, revealing a chiseled chest with a perfectly defined eight-pack. There was an undeniable allure about him. Below, his casual pants were held up by a half-fastened belt with a gold buckle, showcasing his flawless physique to Shen Geyao.

She was certain that even international male models would feel inferior in comparison to this man. As for the alluring woman beneath him, she wore nothing but a completely transparent lace nightgown. Her face was flushed red from lack of oxygen.

The woman, with her neck being squeezed, seemed to notice Shen Geyao, who had 'accidentally' intruded. She opened her mouth and weakly called out, "Help... help..."

What?

Shen Geyao was taken aback, thinking she had interrupted something consensual and was about to make a hasty retreat to avoid disturbing them further.

But that cry for help?

Could it be that this wasn't mutual?

"Damn it!" Shen Geyao's face turned angry, her sense of justice flaring up. Without thinking twice, she clenched her fist and climbed through the window, aiming a punch at the man.

Just then, with a loud bang, the room's door was kicked open, and three men in black suits rushed in.

Shen Geyao's fist hadn't even reached the man on the bed before the three men who stormed in quickly subdued her.

"Ninth Master!" one of the men in black hurried to the bedside, speaking with a mix of fear and respect, "This girl is unbelievably audacious..."

Before she could say anything, the man known as "Ninth Master" suddenly yanked with a powerful hand. The woman on the bed let out a scream as she was flung across the room, landing in the corner.

"Ninth Master, no, please, I was wrong..." The woman, who had been crying for help moments ago, struggled to her feet and knelt in the corner, trembling.

Her face turned ghostly pale, eyes filled with fear. "Ninth Master, I-I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have drugged you. I promise I'll never do it again! Please, just this once, let me go..."

What was going on? Drugging? Begging for mercy?

Shen Geyao was completely taken aback. So this man wasn't some kind of predator; he was the victim?

Just a moment ago, she was ready to play the hero, full of righteous indignation.

But now, the plot twist left her mind reeling. The truth was clear: this woman, dressed provocatively, had failed in her seduction attempt!

Oh no.

Shen Geyao felt like a child caught doing something wrong, her heart pounding.

Was it too late to make a run for it?

She blinked, sneaking a glance at the man sitting on the edge of the bed.

His eyes were bloodshot, breathing erratic and heavy. His broad chest, partially exposed, rose and fell unevenly. It was obvious the effects of the drug hadn't worn off yet.

The tousled bangs fell across his forehead, now damp with a fine layer of cold sweat, giving him a wild and dangerously alluring look. Paired with his impeccably handsome face, he was both fierce and irresistibly enticing.

Shen Geyao couldn't help but swallow nervously. So handsome, really handsome, but those eyes—so terrifying. His deep gaze radiated a chilling intensity.

"I-I just, I thought that..." As the man's icy stare swept over her, Shen Geyao felt her legs go weak, unable to even stammer out an explanation.

"You thought I was a criminal?"

His voice was commanding and bold, far surpassing any professional voice actor's performance. Just hearing him speak was like having honey poured into her ears, drawing her in irresistibly.

Yet, the cold aura he exuded, mixed with the heat from the drugs, was truly frightening.

At that moment, a man in a suit walked to the corner of the room, glancing at the woman kneeling on the ground. "Ninth Master, this woman..."

"Get rid of her."

His concise words carried a lethal intent.

The woman's face turned ashen, nearly fainting from fear. "Ninth Master, please, don't kill me! I was wrong, I truly was! Please, I'm begging you..."

But no one paid attention to her pleas. Three bodyguards seized her arms and dragged her out without a second thought.

Shen Geyao felt a chill run through her body as she looked up at the man who seemed cold to the core. Her heart raced with anxiety. When his icy gaze landed on her again, only one thought remained in her mind: she was doomed.

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