Zhou Yun'an stood deep in the dark alley, his fingertips gently stroking the bamboo ribs of his folding fan. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the eaves, casting dappled shadows on his face.
Xiao Cheng gripped the hilt of his sword, his brow furrowed: "Master, Wang Xiuxiu is just a woman, why go to such lengths? Just tie her up!"
Zhou Yun'an chuckled softly, a rare hint of interest flashing in his eyes: "Forced love is never sweet."
He looked up into the distance, his voice so soft it was almost a soliloquy, "What I want is for her to come to me herself."
Xiao Cheng was puzzled, but dared not ask any further questions.
---
On the other side, Wang Xiuxiu clenched the antidote in her hand, her fingertips trembling slightly.
The antidote is real, but it only lasts for three days.
Wang Xiuxiu closed her eyes.
---
That night, Wang Xiuxiu went alone to the agreed location—an abandoned house on the outskirts of the city.
Zhou Yun'an was already waiting in the courtyard. Seeing her arrive alone, his smile deepened: "I knew you'd come back."
Wang Xiuxiu looked at him coldly: "I've already tested the antidote; it's only enough for three days. I want the rest."
Zhou Yun'an walked slowly closer, lightly lifting her chin with his folding fan: "What's the rush? Since you're here, why not have a drink with me?"
Wang Xiuxiu turned her head to avoid the attack, then took out a dagger from her sleeve: "Zhou Yun'an, I'm not here to play games with you. Either hand over all the antidotes, or—"
She applied slight pressure, the blade leaving a red mark on her snow-white skin. "Even if I die here, you won't succeed."
Zhou Yun'an's gaze darkened, and his smile vanished: "Are you threatening me?"
Wang Xiuxiu refused to budge an inch.
After a brief standoff, Zhou Yun'an suddenly chuckled: "Good, very good."
He took a porcelain bottle from his robes and tossed it to her, saying, "Take this all the antidote."
Wang Xiuxiu took it, quickly checked it, and put it away, but did not put the dagger down.
Zhou Yun'an raised an eyebrow: "What, you're still not at ease?"
Wang Xiuxiu said calmly, "I want to see Yu Nian take the antidote with my own eyes and make sure he's alright before I fulfill my promise."
Zhou Yun'an narrowed his eyes, then suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist with such force that he almost crushed her bones.
Wang Xiuxiu cried out in pain, and the dagger clattered to the ground.
He leaned close to her ear, his voice low and menacing: "Wang Xiuxiu, do you think I'd give you a chance to back out?"
Wang Xiuxiu looked up at him directly, her eyes showing no fear: "The capital is now under full martial law. I have a thousand ways to take you down with me."
He paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Well said!"
However, before he could speak again, Xiao Cheng rushed over, his face grim: "Master, the antidote...it's been stolen!"
Zhou Yun'an's eyes narrowed as he looked at Wang Xiuxiu: "Did you do this?"
Wang Xiuxiu said calmly, "An exchange was originally intended. If you are a person of your word, then you can't blame me for being wary."
Zhou Yun looked at her quietly for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "You really are the one who understands me best."
Wang Xiuxiu remained noncommittal, simply picking up the porcelain bottle in her hand and asking calmly, "Does this contain the real antidote?"
“Of course not.” Zhou Yun’an’s eyes even held a hint of admiration: “Wang Xiuxiu, I’m really growing to like you more and more.”
Wang Xiuxiu coldly turned her face away: "Enough nonsense, what do you want me to do?"
Zhou Yun'an gently waved his folding fan, his smile deepening: "No rush, we have plenty of time... take your time."
A night breeze swept by, and the shadows of the trees swayed gently.
Two people were standing outside Wang Xiuxiu's house.
Xiao Cheng stood to the side, his brows furrowed, clearly puzzled by his master's attitude.
He had followed Zhou Yun'an for many years and knew that Zhou was always ruthless and decisive in his actions, and never engaged in pointless maneuvering.
But this time, he actually let Wang Xiuxiu take the antidote, and even... seemed to enjoy it?
"Master, are we just going to let this go after she's played us for fools?" Xiao Cheng couldn't help but ask.
Zhou Yun'an tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his smile undiminished: "Xiao Cheng, do you know that the hardest thing to tame in this world is not a wild horse, but a clever person?"
Xiao Cheng remained silent.
“If Wang Xiuxiu were to surrender obediently, it would be rather boring.” Zhou Yun’an chuckled, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. “The more she guards up and schemes, the more it proves that she is worth my effort.”
Xiao Cheng was still puzzled: "But if we keep her by our side now, what if she continues to oppose us..."
"Go against her?" Zhou Yun'an chuckled. "She won't, at least not before Lu Jingze returns to the capital."
Why?
“Because she knows better than anyone that the young master’s life is always in my hands.” Zhou Yun’an’s tone was leisurely, but it revealed an undeniable coldness. “Today, she was able to take the antidote by working together from the inside and outside because I allowed her to take it. If I really wanted to force her to bow down, she wouldn’t have had even the slightest chance.”
Xiao Cheng was shocked and finally understood—his master had not made a mistake, but had done it intentionally.
What he wanted was never temporary coercion, but rather for Wang Xiuxiu to weigh the pros and cons and choose to walk into his trap herself.
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