Though he had subtly hinted at the truth behind Su Chen's death in his words, Chu Yi showed no fear of any retaliation from Wu Ji.
First, he had covered his tracks flawlessly—there was not a single trace left behind. After all, something like corpse-dissolving powder was already bordering on the supernatural, far beyond the realm of scientific explanation.
Second, his background alone was enough to deter ten Wu Jis, let alone his formidable personal strength.
After orchestrating this entire series of events, Chu Yi felt a faint weariness settle over him.
He took a shower and was just about to rest when he suddenly noticed something amiss.
Where was An Ran?
Where had she gone?
It was only then that Chu Yi realized he hadn't seen An Ran for the past two days.
"Da Niu," he called out.
"Yes, Young Master?"
Da Niu, who had once served as a mercenary overseas, could go two or three days without sleep. Even now, his slumber was but a light doze, always alert to the outside world.
"Did that skinny girl, An Ran, come back today?" Chu Yi inquired.
Skinny girl?
Could it be the Young Master had developed a new taste?
Da Niu's thoughts drifted in a rather... creative direction.
But the moment he caught the increasingly cold expression on Chu Yi's face, he immediately snapped back and answered quickly,
"No, Young Master. No woman entered the room today."
"No?" Chu Yi waved his hand. "Alright, go back to sleep."
"Understood, Young Master."
Though puzzled, Da Niu obeyed without question and returned to his quarters.
Meanwhile, Chu Yi frowned deeply.
According to the storyline, An Ran should not be in any danger at this point.
She was merely a side character, a device to reveal his darker nature.
Even if Ye Fan encountered her, he shouldn't pay her much mind—after all, he hadn't even won over the main heroine yet. If he couldn't even conquer the protagonist's heart, why would he be enticed by a supporting role?
Unless—
Suddenly, a flash of insight struck Chu Yi.
He recalled now—An Ran's backstory in the novel was particularly tragic. She had an alcoholic, violent father who forced her to drop out of school and work to fund his drinking.
Whenever he drank, he'd fly into a rage, cursing her and smashing everything in sight.
Could it be—
A cold light flickered in Chu Yi's eyes.
The next day, Chu Yi sat silently in the grand hall.
He had already instructed the property staff to send An Ran to clean his room.
Da Niu, watching from the side, was utterly perplexed.
Something was off. The Young Master had changed.
At this hour, Chu Yi was usually snoring away in bed—not sitting solemnly in the living room, doing nothing at all.
Click.
The sound of the front door opening echoed in the air.
"Who's there?"
Da Niu was instantly on alert, ready to shield Chu Yi at a moment's notice.
Chu Yi, seeing Da Niu's overreaction, couldn't help but let out a helpless chuckle.
Was all this really necessary… for a girl?
The door creaked open inch by inch, revealing a frail figure at its threshold.
There she was—An Ran. In one hand she held a rag, in the other a basket, visibly nervous and uneasy.
"Chu Yi…"
Her voice trembled at the sight of him. Panic gripped her. She turned, ready to flee.
But she remembered she had a task—his room had to be cleaned by a set time.
So, she stood still—caught between escape and duty.
"Why didn't you return yesterday?"
Chu Yi approached, his voice calm but firm. "I gave you the key, didn't I?"
"I… I…"
Faced with his oppressive presence, An Ran stammered incoherently, her words tripping over each other.
"Why aren't you answering?"
Chu Yi narrowed his eyes, gaze drifting down her body.
That was when he noticed—her entire figure was wrapped tightly in layers of clothing.
Only her neck was exposed. Even her hands were hidden beneath her sleeves.
It was midmorning. The sun blazed outside, temperatures soaring past thirty-five degrees.
And she was working—dressed like that.
How unbearably hot must she be?
"Let me see what you're hiding in your sleeves."
Intent on confirming his suspicion, Chu Yi stepped forward and grabbed at her cuff.
"No, please, Chu Yi—don't…"
Tears welled in An Ran's eyes as she desperately tried to pull away, retreating from him.
But how could her frail figure possibly resist him?
With just a bit of force, her sleeve slipped upward.
Beneath it—scarred and blood-crusted wounds marred her skin.
"Who did this to you?"
"Who hurt you?"
His expression turned glacial. He stepped closer, looming over her—but this time, he was gentle as he grasped her arm.
"I… I don't know…"
"Please, just don't ask anymore…"
The sunlight illuminated her injuries, and paired with her trembling fear and shame, An Ran broke into sobs.
Chu Yi, seeing her in this state, relented and let go.
But in his heart, he already knew the answer.
From the side, Da Niu watched the scene unfold with a blank expression.
His worldview had been thoroughly upended.
Just a while ago, he thought the Young Master was getting a proper lady for once.
Now, there was another one—a maid at that.
Wearing that uniform… wasn't she clearly a maid?
And a live-in one, no less.
He began to wonder if the injuries were Chu Yi's doing.
Maybe it was some… taste or kink. Was this all a ploy to heighten the thrill?
Da Niu had seen a lot during his mercenary years.
But to think it was happening so close—to his own master?
Perhaps Young Master had his own burdens. After all, he'd been living in hotels for years…
Maybe too much indulgence had taken a toll on his body.
He looked at Chu Yi with a mix of sympathy and disbelief.
Fortunately, he didn't voice these thoughts aloud—or Chu Yi would have dealt with him before dealing with the scum in front of them.
Chu Yi still tried to coax the truth out of An Ran, hoping she'd name the culprit herself.
It would be easier, emotionally, if she did.
But she remained silent, as unyielding as stone.
Just as the tension froze the room—
Bang!
The door was kicked open.
A loud thud echoed as it slammed into the wall, and a crude voice called out,
"An Ran, what are you mumbling about? Get back to work!"
A young man swaggered in—his face pockmarked, his aura vulgar and twisted with lust.
"Who are you?" Chu Yi asked coldly.
The newcomer paled at the sight of strangers.
This house had been uninhabited for months, or so he thought.
He had planned to exploit that.
But now, the owner had returned.
Still, he forced a smile and replied,
"My name is Song Shengrén. I'm a junior manager in the property office."
"I came to remind An Ran that it's time to clean another unit."
He turned toward An Ran.
"Come on, let's go."
This was his only chance this month to get close to her.
But as he reached out, Chu Yi stepped forward, blocking his path.
"She hasn't finished cleaning my room. She's not going anywhere."
Chu Yi smiled politely, eyes glinting with danger.
He could read Song Shengrén like an open book—spiked heart rate, flushed face, arousal.
He wanted to play cards—but with people as his chips.
"Sorry, I'll just take her quickly. She'll come back right after."
Song Shengrén was beginning to lose control.
He had taken a pill before entering—the effects were kicking in.
Last time, he'd used the same trick to assault a kept woman in her twenties.
Today, An Ran was next.
"I'm afraid that won't happen," Chu Yi said flatly.
"She belongs to me. She won't be doing any service work."
"Chu… Chu Yi…"
An Ran looked up through teary eyes, stunned.
You little bastard.
I even offered a compromise—and you still refuse?
Rage flared in Song Shengrén's chest—both emotionally and physically.
"You're seriously not letting her go?"
He stepped closer, glaring.
"I suggest you think again. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your room will have running water or electricity."
"Or that your parking space won't be filled with… fertilizer."
His voice was icy and menacing.
Chu Yi chuckled. "Threats?"
"From a petty manager? Allow me to show you the price of threatening me."
"Da Niu," he called.
"Yes, Young Master."
Da Niu had been waiting for this.
"What are you doing?!"
Song Shengrén shouted in terror as Da Niu approached—towering and muscular.
Within seconds, he was dangling in the air like a rag doll.
"Chu Yi… I'm scared…"
"It's alright."
Chu Yi pulled An Ran into his arms, shielding her from the scene.
"How do you want me to deal with him?" Da Niu asked.
Chu Yi glanced at the squirming man.
"Take him downstairs. Or to a pet shop. Find a female dog—you know what to do."
"Understood, Young Master."
Da Niu's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"You… you can't do this!"
"My father is the senior manager of this property!"
Song Shengrén shrieked, trying to resist.
But the drug had taken over.
His mind clouded, reason gone, he whimpered: "More… I want more…"
Chu Yi watched with utter disdain and signaled Da Niu to drag him away.
A true talent, this one, he thought sarcastically.
Drugged up, trying to force himself on others. What a trash-filled mind.
"Chu… Chu Yi…"
An Ran looked up at him with teary eyes.
Though naïve, she was not stupid.
She understood exactly what Song Shengrén had intended.