The faint beeping of medical equipment filled the otherwise silent room. Dr. Jiu had just finished examining Xiao Yu, who now lay still, fast asleep, an IV drip gently feeding into her arm. Her once vibrant face was now pale, her breathing steady but shallow.
Long Shan stood a few feet away, his tall frame rigid, his eyes locked onto her with a mix of concern and relief. His usually unreadable face softened as he spoke quietly to the doctor.
"She'll be fine in a few days," Dr. Jiu said, his voice low and professional. "It's a high-grade fever, probably from stress and exhaustion. Let her rest, and ensure she eats before taking the medication."
Long Shan exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Thank you, Jiu."
Dr. Jiu offered a nod, packing his briefcase. "Call me if anything changes."
As the doctor left, Long Shan moved to her side. He sat on the edge of the bed, adjusting the blanket around her fragile frame with uncharacteristic gentleness. He brushed a damp strand of hair from her forehead, his fingers lingering as if trying to absorb some of her discomfort. For a man feared across the underworld, this quiet tenderness was almost out of character—almost.
---
Meanwhile, across town at Viper's extravagant mansion, chaos roared like a storm.
Xiao Yu's mother was shouting, her voice hoarse and desperate. "I can't believe you did this, Sis! You sold your own niece!"
Yue, crossed her arms, her face defiant despite the guilt flickering in her eyes. "Don't you dare act holier-than-thou. You sold her first. I only did what you started!"
"You're unbelievable!" barked Fang Jing, Xiao Yu's father. "You handed our child to a man we barely know, one whose name alone sends shivers down the spine of seasoned gangsters! What if he's hurting her?"
"I did what I had to!" Yue snapped. "I was drowning in debt, and none of you were coming to my rescue!"
Ai wiped tears from her cheeks, her voice trembling. "What if she never forgives us?"
Viper, seated in his velvet armchair, observed the spectacle with a smirk. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the chair's armrest. "Touching. Really," he said dryly. "But I'm not here to play therapist. I want my bride back."
Jing looked at him, his face blanching. "We still don't have the money…"
Viper stood up slowly, his presence commanding. "Oh, I know. That's why I'm offering an alternative. I'll pay off your debt to Long Shan. In return…" He paused, letting the silence thicken.
Hong Yue's eyes lit up. "Really? You'll cover it?"
"Yes," he said smoothly, "but on one condition. One that involves blood, sweat, and obedience."
---
Back at Long Shan's mansion, time had slowed into a calm lull. He was still by Xiao Yu's side, watching her chest rise and fall, when her eyelids fluttered open.
"Mm…" she groaned softly, blinking in confusion. Her lips were dry, her cheeks flushed with heat.
Long Shan leaned forward, his voice gentle but firm. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Xiao Yu turned her head slightly toward the voice, a faint smile on her face. "Like I got hit by a truck," she whispered.
He smirked. "The fever's breaking. You'll be okay."
A soft knock broke the silence as one of the housemaids stepped in with a tray. "Sir, the food," she said, placing it on the bedside table before disappearing silently.
Long Shan turned to Xiao Yu. "You need to eat and take your meds."
Xiao Yu looked at the food and grimaced. "I don't have the strength…"
He raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to feed you?"
To his surprise, she nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief despite her weakness. He sighed and pulled the tray onto the bed. Spoon by spoon, he fed her, watching as the color slowly returned to her face. She finished almost half the meal before leaning back, satisfied.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"Good. Now for the medication," he said, opening the pack of pills.
But the second she saw them, her face twisted in disgust. "Ugh, no. I can't. They smell like death."
Long Shan frowned. "Don't be stubborn."
She crossed her arms weakly. "I'm not taking them."
"You'll regret it."
"I'll risk it."
Without warning, he grabbed her chin gently but firmly, popped one tablet into her mouth, then took a sip of water—only to lean in and press his lips to hers, passing the water mouth to mouth.
Xiao Yu's eyes widened in shock, her body frozen. When he pulled away, his eyes glittered with amusement.
"Want the rest that way?" he teased.
Face flushed crimson, she snatched the water bottle and quickly took the remaining pills herself, glaring at him. "You're insufferable."
He chuckled and stood. "Take a shower. You smell like sickness."
"I was going to," she muttered, scurrying toward the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Long Shan left the room, his smirk lingering long after.
---
Back at Viper's mansion, silence had returned—tense and heavy.
"You want us to work for you… like your servants?" Fang Jing asked, voice shaking.
"You heard me," Viper replied coolly. "You will clean, cook, serve—whatever I command. Until the debt is fully repaid."
"This is madness!" Ai cried. "We are not slaves!"
"No," Viper said, his voice turning sharp. "You are collateral. Your daughter is mine, and if you want any kind of mercy, you'll start acting like you understand your position."
Yue tried to bargain. "Please, just give us more time."
"You have Twenty seconds to agree," he said.
When they didn't answer, five of his guards closed in, surrounding them like a noose tightening around a neck.
"Ten seconds…"
Desperation cracked through Ai's resolve. "Please!"
"Five…"
Fang Jing dropped to his knees. "We'll do it!" he cried.
Viper's lips curled. "I thought so. Your servitude begins now. Disobey once, and I'll triple the interest."
One of the guards barked, "Move!" as the Fang family stood, shoulders slumped in defeat.
As they were escorted away, Hong Yue whispered bitterly, "What have we done?"