"That’s right, I’m exactly the type to go back on my word. What are you going to do about it?" The man laughed with a particularly vile sneer.
Just a moment ago, it was he who was emotional, while she was composed. Now the tables had turned; she was the one losing her composure while he felt he held all the winning cards.
A flicker of urgency passed through Lin Xinlan’s eyes, and she said with restrained anger, "You clearly promised me that if I beat the game, you’d let me go out for a few days. Rong Shaoze, staying here all the time will drive me mad. Just let me get some fresh air! Even a dog gets to go for a walk, doesn’t it? And I’m a human being!"
"I just won’t allow you to go out." He raised his eyebrows, his manner more repellent than ever.
"You... don’t be too excessive!" Lin Xinlan clenched her fists, wishing she could punch him to death.
She had been longing to go home for so long, her heart so eager she felt she could sprout wings and fly there.
If he didn’t allow her to leave, she would definitely fight him.
No matter what, she had to get back home.
Her mother and son at home were both vulnerable and needed care. She had to return to check on them, to make sure for herself that they were doing well; only then would she be able to rest assured.
Seeing her growing more anxious only filled Rong Shaoze with greater satisfaction.
His handsome lips curved into a playful smile, and his fingers pinched her chin, gently caressing it. An unusual gleam flashed through his dark eyes.
He parted his lips lightly and proposed an exceedingly outrageous condition.
"Pleasure me. If you can pleasure me, I’ll agree to let you go out and relax for a few days. Moreover, I will cover all the expenses."
Actually, his last sentence was somewhat redundant.
Ever since Lin Xinlan had married him, all her living expenses had come from his pocket.
But that sentence also carried an additional meaning: no matter how much she spent during those four days, he would reimburse her in full.
Lin Xinlan’s pupils slightly constricted as her hands gripped even tighter. Pleasing him would be harder than death itself.
She couldn’t do it, she would rather die!
At that moment, her dignity took precedence; her pride would not allow her to accept his condition.
Pushing his hand away again, she stood up and sneered, "Dream on about me pleasing you! Whether you agree or not, I’m going out to clear my head. You promised me that earlier, and I insist on going out!"
"Why do you insist on going out to clear your mind? What, to meet your first man?" he asked deliberately.
For some inexplicable reason, the thought of Lin Xinlan’s first man had always gnawed at him.
Lin Xinlan scoffed again, "Rest assured, he’s dead. My first man is dead. You’re well aware that it’s necessary for me to get out and clear my mind for a few days, to get away from you for a while. Rong Shaoze, you’re the one who knows best what kind of life I’ve been living lately. If I don’t get some air, I’ll go insane."
The man’s expression darkened slightly; her words had struck a chord with his pride once again.
She was saying that being with him made her feel oppressed and miserable.
Indeed, he knew that she had been having a rough time, but what could he do? He was unable to empathize with her, to understand her feelings.
Nor could he bring himself to be more forgiving or kinder to her.
Touching his chin with his fingers, he let out a cold chuckle and nodded, "OK, let’s see who gives in first. You want to go out so badly? Fine, but let’s see if you can actually make it out the door."
Lin Xinlan pressed her lips together, feeling a deep and overwhelming sense of despair.