Yun Qingxue’s heart was filled with a myriad of complex emotions, yet she couldn’t let them show…
“Very well, I agree!” Finally, Cang Yan’s magnetic and teasing voice reached Yun Qingxue’s ears.
“Then I thank the Beast King,” Yun Qingxue replied with a faint smile.
Cang Yan’s agreement didn’t ease the weight in her heart; instead, it only added to the suffocating pressure. Deep within, an irrepressible desire to grow stronger surged uncontrollably.
“Qingxue, if you ever fall in love with me, you’re welcome to come find me anytime to annul today’s agreement!” Cang Yan added with a laugh.
Yun Qingxue sneered inwardly but maintained a calm expression. “Then I’ll thank the Beast King in advance!”
“No need for thanks,” Cang Yan replied, his deep blue eyes unreadable. “This condition I’ve agreed to. Do you have any other requests, Qingxue? If so, state them now, and we can discuss them.”
Yun Qingxue pondered briefly, recalling how Xiao Yao had hesitated earlier when she asked to go out for a stroll. “Staying cooped up in this room is rather stifling…”
“After breakfast, let these two maids accompany you for a walk to ease your boredom. How does that sound?” Cang Yan cut in before she could finish.
Xiao Yao had already reported Yun Qingxue’s request to him, so he had already granted permission before she even spoke. In his domain, did anyone truly believe they could escape? As the king of his kind, if he lacked even this much confidence or the ability to keep someone under watch, it would be laughable!
“Then I thank the Beast King again,” Yun Qingxue nodded in acknowledgment.
“Qingxue, there’s no need to be so formal,” Cang Yan smiled, adopting an amiable demeanor. “Do you have any other requests?”
“Not for now,” Yun Qingxue knew when to stop pushing.
Cang Yan chuckled and rose from his chair, his expression softening into something almost doting. “In that case, whenever you think of anything else, feel free to come to me directly—or have the palace maids relay your wishes.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Beast King.”
Cang Yan gazed intently at her. “I’ve said it before, Qingxue—no need for such formality with me.”
He dropped the royal “I,” clearly trying to bridge the distance between them. “From now on, just call me by my name—Cang Yan. Or even just ‘Yan’ if you prefer.”
“Alright,” Yun Qingxue smiled faintly, agreeing outwardly but inwardly reluctant. Calling him Cang Yan was tolerable, but the intimate “Yan”? Absolutely not.
“Your Majesty,” Xiao Ling’s voice sounded from outside the door.
“What is it?” Cang Yan’s smile vanished, his tone indifferent.
Xiao Ling replied cautiously, “Your Majesty, word has come from the Beast Spirit Hall. There’s an urgent matter requiring your decision.”
“Understood,” Cang Yan answered coldly before turning back to Yun Qingxue, his expression softening once more. “I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. If you need anything, just instruct the maids.”
“Take care,” Yun Qingxue smiled faintly. Now that their discussion was over, she couldn’t wait for him to leave, sparing them both the need to keep up this charade.
As Cang Yan strode toward the door, he deliberately paused and glanced back at her, his doting gaze returning. “Another day, I’ll personally show you around the Beast King’s Palace. How does that sound?”
“No need to trouble yourself!” Yun Qingxue’s smile had long faded, her irritation mounting.
This Beast King was clearly doing it on purpose. If he was leaving, why not just go? Did he have to make her skin crawl one last time?
“Haha, strolling under the moonlight with a beauty is one of life’s greatest joys—hardly a trouble. It’s settled then!” Cang Yan laughed before finally departing.
Once he was gone, Yun Qingxue rolled her eyes, her chest tight with frustration.
“Miss, breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat now?” Xiao Ling and Xiao Yao entered together, bowing respectfully.
“Mm,” Yun Qingxue responded curtly, her gaze lingering on Xiao Yao with mixed emotions. This girl was Cang Yan’s eyes and ears—a walking surveillance device reporting her every move to him. The thought alone made her blood boil!
But anger aside, she understood the saying: *When under someone else’s roof, you have no choice but to lower your head.*
After forcing down a lavish but tasteless breakfast, Yun Qingxue once again requested to go out. This time, Xiao Yao agreed readily, flanking her alongside Xiao Ling as they left the palace.
Sunlight poured from the heavens, illuminating the world. Yun Qingxue tilted her face upward, taking a deep breath, the oppressive weight in her chest easing slightly. When she had faced Chen Qing, she had prepared herself for death—never expecting to survive by sheer luck.
The saying went, *A living dog is better than a dead lion.* But she was sick of these narrow escapes, sick of watching those dearest to her die while she stood helpless.
Since fate refused to let her die, Yun Qingxue swore to the heavens she would live—and live well! The road ahead was treacherous, but even if every step brought agony, she would keep moving forward.
Her clear eyes swept over the Beast King’s Palace, its grandeur bordering on arrogance under the sun. This palace would not become her cage! One day, Yun Qingxue would escape—not just escape, but rise step by step into a force to be reckoned with!
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