C1 I Don't Want It!(1)

The night was engulfed by a torrential downpour, sweeping across the entire city. Lightning occasionally streaked through the sky, accompanied by the ominous rumble of thunder, creating a truly frightening atmosphere.

A mysterious old mansion stood shrouded in this harsh weather. From within its walls came the chilling cries of a man in agony, echoing through the corridors and sending shivers down the spine.

In the dimly lit hallway, everything appeared hazy and indistinct. Qiao Youyou, in a dazed state, felt herself being supported by two people. In her foggy mind, she vaguely heard two men conversing nearby, though she couldn't be certain.

"Have you confirmed it? Is she really the only suitable candidate?" one man's voice, sounding somewhat aged, asked.

"Yes, she is the only one who meets all the criteria. Only her pure blood can help the leader survive the night," the other man's voice replied, carrying a hint of coldness.

"Dad, does it really have to be this way? Can't I do it instead? Why does it have to be this woman?" a woman's voice interjected, sweet yet laced with dissatisfaction.

"You know very well that your lineage doesn't meet the requirements. The leader has lost his sanity, and you can't calm him. If we don't send this woman in, are you willing to watch the leader die as his veins burst?" the older man's voice carried a faint trace of anger.

The woman muttered defiantly, "She got off easy."

"Take her in..." commanded an older man's voice, filled with authority. As soon as he spoke, Youyou felt herself being dragged into a pitch-black, bone-chilling room.

"I don't want to..."

A terrified scream was drowned out by a sudden clap of thunder. The man's voice, hoarse and menacing, whispered, "You may not want this, but I do..."

In the inky darkness, the sound of a woman's pitiful sobbing echoed. The night grew deeper and more unsettling.

——

"Ah..." With a startled cry, Youyou jolted awake, her eyes meeting the familiar, comforting surroundings of her bedroom. She let out a sigh of relief.

Wiping the cold sweat from her forehead, she wondered why she had such a terrifying nightmare. In the dream, she couldn't make out the man's face, only sensing his chilling, intimidating presence.

What was even more unsettling were the man's eyes, which glowed faintly green in the dark, much like a cat's eyes. No, more accurately, they resembled the eyes of a wolf in the night...

Youyou shook her head with a wry smile, thinking how vivid the dream had been. She mused that she couldn't let Zirui know about it; if he did, his jealousy would surely flare up.

Youyou had a gentle smile on her lips as she turned to look out the window. The sky was a brilliant blue, having been washed clean by the rain all night. A gentle breeze stirred the curtains, carrying the fresh scent of flowers and grass. She stretched lazily, but as soon as she moved, her whole body felt like it was falling apart, every part aching and sore.

She threw off the covers, intending to get up. As soon as her feet touched the ground and she tried to stand, her legs felt weak and powerless. In a rather dramatic fashion, she ended up plopping back down on the edge of the bed. It reminded her of the time back in school when she was punished with a whole night of running.

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