As Feng Ran was about to evade, she found herself under a gaze.
Li Yuncheng walked up to Feng Ran, a sinister smile on his lips, and said, "Feng Ran, were you waiting here for me?"
Feng Ran looked up, her heart startled as she met Li Yuncheng's bewitching, teasing gaze. She felt a bit dazed.
"No. I just felt a bit stifled and came out for some air."
Towards Li Yuncheng, Feng Ran instinctively wanted to distance herself.
Li Yuncheng's gaze seemed to pierce through her, and she was truly afraid. She was worried that he would find out where she obtained her pills, her hands clenched tightly.
Facing Li Yuncheng, Feng Ran was fearful. She was afraid of being seen through.
Feng Ran instinctively tried to pull away, but Li Yuncheng stepped forward, trapping her in his embrace. With a smile in his eyes, he said, "Feng Ran, why the hurry to leave?"
"This Prince still has something to say to you. Are you not here to receive me now?"
"I am generous with my spending."
"Young Master Li, forgive me, I have no time. I already have things to do."
Li Yuncheng didn't believe her at all. He blocked Feng Ran's path, giving her no chance to escape. He brushed his hand against her cheek, a bloodthirsty smile curling his lips. "Feng Ran, be obedient. I'm in a good mood now, so I won't act. But if you anger me, have you thought about the consequences?"
Such threatening words held no sway over Feng Ran. She had experienced too much of this already.
For Feng Ran, it made no difference. But for those around them, their expressions turned quite grim.
They knew what kind of person Li Yuncheng was. He was not someone to be easily offended.
Around them, murmurs began to rise. They were all curses and insults directed at Feng Ran, mostly vicious words.
A single look from Li Yuncheng silenced those who had been accusing Feng Ran.
Feng Ran could have easily ignored their reproaches, but ultimately, she stopped her steps.
"Young Master Li, what exactly do you want?"
Li Yuncheng gave a slight smile. "Feng Ran, as long as you are obedient and 'serve' me, nothing will happen."
"Young Master Li, my status is low and humble. If I were to serve you, I fear I would only tarnish you." Li Yuncheng was too dangerous; she didn't want any entanglement with him.
Among the girls in Chun Manyuan, how many were eyeing Li Yuncheng? If she were to get involved with him, her situation in Chun Manyuan would only become more difficult.
"If even you cannot serve me, then no one here is worthy."
Facing the person who incessantly pestered her, Feng Ran's eyes showed impatience. She glared at the person before her, exuding a terrifying aura, and said coldly, "Young Master Li, who I choose to serve is my own decision. Please, stop bothering me."
"I believe there are plenty of people in Chun Manyuan who wish to serve you, Young Master Li. There is no need for you to pester me."
"Although there are many in Chun Manyuan who wish to serve me, I only want you to serve me."
Feng Ran sighed helplessly, a hint of resignation in her voice. "Li Yuncheng, there are many who want to serve and appease you. There is truly no need for you to fixate on me."
She no longer wanted any contact with Li Yuncheng.
Li Yuncheng smiled, a knowing smile. His hand landed on Feng Ran's waist, and with a smile, he said, "Feng Ran, don't you want to be cured of the poison in your body? Don't you want to live?"
"What if I said I could save your life? As long as you are obedient, I can cure your poison and let you live."
Feng Ran's face was filled with turmoil. She was thinking about survival, something she had always wished for.
It was also something she owed Lan Lan. Her life did not belong to herself; she could not choose to give up so easily.
Xuan Yuanheng had said he would make her live, to suffer humiliation for all eternity.
But her body was already deeply poisoned, and Xuan Yuanheng was helpless.
She desperately wanted to live, not for herself.
Her life no longer belonged to her.
Feng Ran finally nodded, looking at Li Yuncheng, and said with difficulty, "What do I need to do for you to cure my poison?"
These were the words Feng Ran spoke after a long hesitation.
Li Yuncheng's eyes twinkled as he looked at Feng Ran.
"Are you willing to do anything I ask? Even serve me?" Li Yuncheng said with a sinister grin.
Feng Ran's pupils widened, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief as she looked at the person before her.
Although in a place like Chun Manyuan, such words were normal, she still found it hard to accept them.
Just as Feng Ran didn't know how to respond, a smile appeared on her face. "Don't worry, what I said earlier was just a joke."
"Actually, all I need is for you to keep me company and talk about topics that interest me."
"That will be enough."
Li Yuncheng said calmly, his words devoid of any coercion.
Feng Ran stood by, listening quietly to Li Yuncheng's words, the smile disappearing from her face. Her eyes were full of difficulty. After a long moment, she still stepped aside and walked directly towards her room.
Li Yuncheng smiled, a smile that wasn't just on his face but radiated from his eyes.
He had expected Feng Ran to refuse, and even thought he might have to say much more for her to agree.
He had never imagined things would progress so smoothly.
As Feng Ran passed by those people, they cast looks of resentment and anger upon her.
Feng Ran paid no mind to what the people around her were saying or what kind of glances they were giving her.
In the private room.
Feng Ran paced back and forth, saying nothing.
Perhaps, even she didn't know where to start or what to say first.
Feng Ran sensed a burning gaze on her. She finally resigned herself. Biting her lip, she placed her hand on her clothing. This step was inevitable. After all, she was already in this place.
Resign yourself, Feng Ran.
This is your fate.
You can no longer escape.
Feng Ran bit her lip tightly. After a long while, she finally spoke, "Young Master Li, please wait a moment."
Li Yuncheng's gaze flashed, falling on Feng Ran's hands. Her hands were on her clothes, trembling, unable to undo the fastenings for a long time.
"Don't be nervous, I don't bite," Li Yuncheng said, laughing at Feng Ran's appearance, his laughter even a bit loud.