"These are pretty tasty. Why don't you two finish them?" Tang Ze handed the remaining chicken legs and wings to Sun Ting and An Bai, his tone carrying a subtle edge of condescension. He wanted Ye Qingyi to understand one thing: bowing your head and playing cute wouldn't elevate her above the others. Without making any real contributions, she'd always be left with their scraps.
The sound of them chewing on the crispy fried chicken filled the room, fueling Ye Qingyi's longing for a bite. But for now, this was how she had to live—on the sidelines, watching.
"You're still allowed to talk to your fiancé," Tang Ze said softly, his fingers brushing against Ye Qingyi's silky hair with feigned gentleness. "But only when I'm keeping an eye on you."
Ye Qingyi understood exactly what "keeping an eye on you" meant. Still, at least she could see her fiancé. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
"Of course, you could always secretly beg your fiancé to rescue you," Tang Ze added, his lips curling into a sly smile.
"No, I promise I won't," Ye Qingyi replied quickly, shaking her head furiously. Yet deep down, the thought lingered.
Tang Ze leaned closer, his index finger tilting her chin upward while his thumb grazed her soft lips. "It doesn't matter if you do. If he comes for you, I'll cut off his head and carve his skull into a bowl. Every day, you'll eat from it, and perhaps then your thoughts will align more harmoniously with mine."
The image flashed vividly in Ye Qingyi's mind as Tang Ze spoke those chilling words. It wasn't just her; even Sun Ting and An Bai shuddered visibly.
Suddenly, Tang Ze burst into laughter. "Haha, relax! I was just joking. Look how scared you all are. No more teasing—I promise."
Sun Ting and An Bai shot him reproachful glances, but Ye Qingyi felt certain he wasn't joking. She blurted out, "I won't contact him. I'm yours."
Perhaps this was the only way to protect her fiancé and his family.
"I already told you—it was just a joke," Tang Ze said lightly, though there was no mistaking the menace beneath his words. "I'm not trying to break up a happy couple. Don't act like I'm some villain."
Could anyone truly be worse than him?
Ye Qingyi dared not voice her thoughts aloud. Instead, she remained silent, reflecting on the lessons she'd learned during her days with Tang Ze: never ask too many questions, never probe further, and certainly never challenge him. Occasionally, she could inquire—but only in a cloyingly sweet, submissive manner.
"Ting Ting, give her back her phone," Tang Ze instructed.
Sun Ting hesitated before handing over Ye Qingyi's phone. Confusion flickered across Ye Qingyi's face. Wasn't this the very tool used to threaten her?
At that moment, Sun Ting admitted awkwardly, "I pretended to be you earlier today. Sorry about that."
"You… pretended to be me?"
"I just wanted to find out where your fiancé lives. Don't read too much into it."
Instantly, Ye Qingyi's face turned ghostly white.
Tang Ze glared. "Tch, stop frightening her." With that, he pulled Ye Qingyi onto his lap, his grip firm yet possessive.
"If we ever go to Yunhai City, I'll arrange for you to meet him," Tang Ze said casually.
Just as Ye Qingyi opened her mouth to refuse, she caught herself and obediently responded, "But I'm your pet now. Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
"Inappropriate? Do you really not want to see him?"
She didn't dare say no. "I do want to see him."
"What if your fiancé finds out about us? Would he get angry? Beat you?"
Hearing the taunting lilt in Tang Ze's voice, Ye Qingyi whispered softly, "He'll never know."
"You're learning fast," Tang Ze remarked, patting her head approvingly. "Rest well today." As a reward, he tossed her a bag of Lay's cucumber-flavored chips priced at six yuan.
Pulling An Bai closer, Tang Ze lowered his voice. "In a few days, I plan to leave this neighborhood."
All three women looked up at him simultaneously.
Leave? Were they coming along?
"Of course, you're coming with me. Who else would I take my pleasures with?"
With that assurance, the three women exhaled in relief. Without Tang Ze's protection, they were vulnerable—to being snatched away, abused, or traded like commodities.
"But it's getting colder," Sun Ting voiced her concerns. "Rain and snow are deadly. If the wind blows it under our clothes, we'll freeze to death."
Though staying here wasn't ideal, risking the outside world seemed far worse.
However, Sun Ting didn't know Tang Ze's true intentions. Three women weren't enough—they barely scratched the surface. Besides, the neighborhood was almost empty of people to entertain him anymore.
"I've prepared supplies to shield us from the rain and snow," Tang Ze explained smoothly. "And don't worry—I won't force you. You can choose to stay behind. I'm reasonable, after all." He smiled warmly, though the expression sent chills down their spines.
Without hesitation, all three nodded.
Tang Ze pulled out his phone and aimed the camera at himself. "Bai, look cute. Let's take a selfie."
An Bai obediently closed her eyes and stuck out her tongue, looking impossibly adorable.
Click.
On the screen, Tang Ze grinned confidently, while An Bai's flawless face flushed faintly. Her delicate shoulder rested against him, radiating both innocence and allure.
He posted the photo to his social media with a caption:
"She's absolutely perfect."
Most of Tang Ze's contacts were former bosses who had once ordered him around. This post was pure flaunting—a way to rub his newfound power in their faces—and he planned to visit each of them soon.
As expected, the post exploded with comments.
"Tang Ze, you lucky bastard! Who's the beauty by your side? I've got supplies. Want to trade?"
"Damn, Tang Ze, you're showing off now. Send her over!"
"Xiao Tang, listen to your uncle. You can't handle this kind of luxury. Hand her over to me—I've got plenty of resources."
"Brother Tang, I've got supplies too. Let's share, shall we?"
"Boss Tang, we're living worse than dogs, and you're living large. Give us a tip, won't you?"
Reading the envious, jealous replies, Tang Ze's smile widened. Slowly rising to his feet, he glanced at Ye Qingyi, who thought she'd be called over for another photo. She began to stand, only for Tang Ze to walk away without a word.
Left standing there, Ye Qingyi felt utterly humiliated. With her looks, wasn't she worthy of being part of the selfie? Of becoming part of his display of power?