The two black-clad men had already taken seats at the front of the vehicle. As they opened the door, one turned his head sharply toward the back without warning -- just in time to see Ning Yunhuan entangled in Lan Lingyan's arms. The expressionless assassins could no longer suppress their shock, their mouths agape as wide eyes betrayed their astonishment.

Ning Yunhuan faced away from them, aware only that someone had entered the car. But this modified vehicle left not even a single tremor when passengers climbed inside. Instinctively she tried to twist around to look, but Lan Lingyan's grip tightened possessively before she could move more than an inch. From the front seat came a slow mechanical hiss as a transparent partition rose between them.

"I've already apologized," she muttered though no sound reached from behind. Goosebumps prickled down her spine as he held her pressed against his chest, the cold sweat of terror replacing any trace of shyness or excitement. The mere presence of Lan Lingyan could still paralyze her - the haunting memories of their past life were etched too deeply in her soul.

"Yunhuan," he murmured, letting the strands of loose hair from her shoulder slip through his fingers while his eyes lingered on the pallid complexion and anxious expression. "Tell me what I've done to make you so frightened? You can speak freely."

Though Ning Yunhuan possessed a lovely face and an attractive figure, these were not unfamiliar traits in Lan Lingyan's world. But seeing her now - wide-eyed with terror and trembling like autumn leaves caught in a gale - something about the vulnerability triggered a slow shift from his predatory instincts to curiosity. The icy resolve in his gaze began thawing into something more calculating.

"I... I didn't mean any offense," she stammered, scrambling through possible explanations that might save her from this dangerous situation. Her brow furrowed with effort as she mentally cataloged every conceivable escape route.

The sight of her frantic concentration brought a deeper smile to Lan Lingyan's lips. The more she struggled, the more he enjoyed watching. Originally he had only wanted clarification before returning her home - but now his intentions were beginning to change.

"If you're so afraid," he murmured, voice casual yet dangerous as he leaned close to her ear, "how about we make a bargain?" When her face whitened and her body shuddered violently at the implication in his words, his smile widened deliberately. "You accompany me once, and I won't trouble you again."

His "accompany" carried no innocent meaning - but Ning Yunhuan heard what she wanted to hear: "Does this mean... you'll never come after me again? Never cross my path?"

She had constructed these comforting interpretations entirely in her mind. Lan Lingyan didn't confirm or deny, because he rarely made promises even when they suited him. Women who sought closeness with him did so at their own discretion - and right now his attention was caught by the way she watched him with unguarded fear while still managing to reflect his image perfectly in those wide almond-shaped eyes. He found this strange interplay of terror and fascination intriguing, if not yet satisfying.

His silence led her to assume agreement. After all, since arriving in this world two lifetimes ago (or was it three?), she had maintained strict self-discipline. The Ning family's rigid upbringing by Lady Ning - though never openly criticized - certainly appreciated the daughter who didn't attract scandal with reckless behavior. In fact, Ning Yunhuan's chastity could be considered an unexpected advantage in any marital negotiations.

Losing her innocence now would be unpleasant, but if it secured Lan Lingyan's promise to leave her alone permanently (and even allow her to sabotage his novel's heroine without interference), the transaction seemed worthwhile. She feared both fates - becoming a pitiful side character or repeating the disastrous events of her previous life where she had foolishly trusted him before.

Closing her eyes with sudden determination, Ning Yunhuan whispered: "I agree."

This response surprised Lan Lingyan more than it should have. His initial amusement waned as he realized this wasn't the game he'd expected. Still, her beauty was undeniable and his own experience with women had always been limited - perhaps she wouldn't be a complete disappointment.

With that pragmatic assessment, he abandoned any pretense of joking. Watching her anxious expressions made him reconsider his earlier irritation at her quick acceptance of their arrangement.

The vehicle carried them to an estate in the heart of the city. After bathing, Ning Yunhuan sat rigidly on the bed in a borrowed robe, too nervous to examine her surroundings. The room's decor was entirely irrelevant - she'd never return here again once tonight was over.

When Lan Lingyan entered wearing fresh clothes, he found her slumped at the foot of the bed like an obedient child. This docile posture pleased him more than his usual cold demeanor would have allowed.

Ning Yunhuan tensed when he undressed her, the chill of her exposed skin contrasting with the suffocating pressure of his body as it pinned hers to the mattress. She turned her head instinctively, eyes wide with terror and uncertainty.

"Never mind," he muttered, about to rise - but paused at the sight of relief flashing across her face. With a scoff, he repositioned himself over her once more.

From initial resistance to the searing pain of broken innocence, Lan Lingyan's expression gradually shifted from cold indifference to something darker and hotter. His eyes darkened with desire as his body found unexpected pleasure in this conquest. The tightness beneath him was both frustratingly resistant and dangerously alluring - far more intriguing than he had anticipated.