C16 Do You Want to Imprison Me?

Qiao Yiyi paced the room restlessly, like a small creature trapped and unable to escape. The curtains were partially drawn, allowing sunlight to pour in and fill the space with warmth and brightness. The milk-white European-style furniture glistened in the light—a stark contrast to the eerie darkness of the previous night, which now seemed a world away.

The door opened quietly, and Mo Siyu entered, carrying a tray. She caught sight of Yiyi standing motionless in the center of the room and greeted her with a gentle smile, "You're awake!" She bent down to place the tray on a low table, asking, "Did you sleep well last night?"

The aroma of the food drew Yiyi closer. "Is this for me?"

Xiling had it specially prepared for you. It seems you took good care of him last night." Mo Siyu extended her hand with a smile. "Let's properly introduce ourselves. I'm Mo Siyu. If you need anything going forward, feel free to ask me."

The future? Unease flickered through Yiyi's thoughts as she looked at Siyu with a dazed expression.

Siyu guided her to sit down, reassuring her, "Don't be nervous. You're only here for a short time."

"How short?" Yiyi inquired.

"Perhaps a week, maybe less," Siyu replied with a shrug. "It's up to Xiling."

Yiyi's mouth fell open in shock. Was she to be imprisoned? Images of captivity from news stories raced through her mind—dank, cramped spaces, stifling air, heavy chains, and exposed bodies...

"Miss Mo, does Mr. Mo intend to imprison me?" she asked, her voice tinged with fear.

Siyu's smile was soothing. "There's no need to be scared. Xiling may seem cold, but he's got a warm heart. As long as you're compliant, he won't be harsh with you."

"Has he done this to other girls?" Yiyi pressed.

"You're the first," Siyu revealed. "He seems to have taken an interest in you. You should consider it a privilege."

To hell with privilege, Yiyi thought bitterly, though her face showed only concern. "May I speak with Mr. Mo?"

"Certainly," Siyu answered with a smile. "If he agrees to meet with you."

Suddenly, Yiyi remembered Mo Xiling's injuries from the night before and asked hesitantly, "Is Mr. Mo okay?"

"He'll be alright," Mo Siyu assured as she rose to her feet. "You go ahead and eat. I'll come find you later."

"Um... after I eat, may I go outside?" Qiao Yiyi gestured toward the window. "I noticed there's a garden out there..."

Mo Siyu looked surprised. "It's quite sunny outside. Are you sure you want to go out?"

Qiao Yiyi nodded confidently.

"I'll have to check with Xiling. He might object to you getting a tan," Mo Siyu said with a playful smile. "After all, he is a perfectionist."

Qiao Yiyi's desire to step outside was to get her bearings. Regardless, she needed to be ready to make an escape if necessary.

The Mo family's meals were exceptionally tasty. Qiao Yiyi savored every bite, quickly satisfying her hunger. Now, all she could do was wait for Mo Siyu to relay her message to Mo Xiling. A formal conversation with him was essential.

As a member of her school's debate team, Qiao Yiyi was confident in her oratory skills. She hoped that through dialogue, she could discern Mo Xiling's intentions. That way, she could strategize accordingly to either protect herself or find a way out.

Shortly after finishing her meal, Mo Siyu returned, chuckling at the sight of the cleaned plates. "Looks like you had a good appetite."

"Did you pass on my message? Is Mr. Mo willing to meet with me? And am I allowed to go outside?"

"Xiling mentioned that the midday sun is too harsh and could harm your skin, so he's agreed to let you go out in the evening. He's too busy to meet with you today," Mo Siyu explained, pausing briefly before adding, "But I suspect he might visit your room tonight. If you stay awake, you'll have the chance to meet him."