Chapter 61: Cracks

Su Ling furrowed her brows: "What’s going on outside?"

The leader had already prepared his explanation: "Mr. Qin is a businessman, and sometimes financial matters naturally lead to threats against personal safety." They had been warned beforehand that Su Ling was compassionate, so he added, "You can move freely around the villa grounds. Things will calm down in a few days. It’s not easy for us either. We’ll do our best to protect you. Please understand, Madam."

Su Ling nodded. For someone like Qin Xiao, attracting enemies seemed like a normal occurrence.

"Alright, but there’s one thing..."

The leader immediately tensed up.

"Don’t call me ‘Madam.’ It feels awkward. I’m not Mr. Qin’s wife."

"...Alright, Madam."

Su Ling sighed helplessly. She remembered Qin Xiao mentioning hiring people to teach pottery and gardening. Sure enough, when she went to the yard, both the pottery master and the gardener were there. Su Ling was naturally curious and still had a youthful heart—these things were fun, so she settled down and began learning pottery earnestly.

By evening, she had completed the processes of wheel-throwing and slab forming, but the next steps—painting and firing—would have to wait until later. The sky had darkened, and someone had already prepared dinner for Su Ling.

The person said: "Madam, please eat first. Mr. Qin is still busy and will return later."

Su Ling knew Qin Xiao was busy. Managing Qin Corporation well wasn’t easy. After finishing her meal, with no phone or computer in the villa and no entertainment, she could only take an early bath and go to bed.

She breathed a sigh of relief knowing Qin Xiao wouldn’t be back.

Perhaps summer was approaching—the moonlight through the floor-to-ceiling windows was cool as water, softly illuminating the room and adding a sense of tranquility. Some of her restlessness faded, but she still didn’t dare lock the door. She remembered the consequences of locking it before to avoid intimacy, so she simply closed it and went to sleep.

After leaving the company, Qin Xiao first visited Zuo Yin at his home.

Zuo Yin had been waiting for him. Seeing Qin Xiao stride through the night, his face cold and stern like a demon, Zuo Yin felt an inexplicable urge to sigh.

Qin Xiao sat down in front of him.

"She’s awake."

Zuo Yin quickly gathered himself: "Her memories…"

"There’s a problem. She thinks she’s 19 years old and has lost all memory of this life."

Zuo Yin rubbed his temples: "I knew something would happen. Her subconscious is deeply confused between the two sets of memories. During the hypnosis, she suddenly resisted, as if afraid of others discovering her past. Now there are side effects—she can’t tell which Su Ling she is."

Qin Xiao said: "Her current memories stop at the time before her grandmother passed away, when she first came to me."

Qin Xiao curved his lips into a faint smile, but it carried a chilling edge that made one shiver: "I originally didn’t believe in reincarnation or time travel, but given the mysteries surrounding her, now that she’s spoken of it herself, even you find it unbelievable, don’t you?"

Zuo Yin sighed: "In this vast world, there are things we’ve never heard of. Don’t look at me like that—you know you can’t kill anyone. Zheng Xiaoya hasn’t done anything yet, so don’t act rashly…"

Zuo Yin truly regretted it now. Hypnotizing someone without their knowledge was already morally questionable.

He hadn’t wanted to help in the first place, but with Qin Xiao’s methods, if not him, someone else would have done it. At least by doing it himself, he could ensure… that this bastard didn’t lose control and forcefully implant suggestions to make Su Ling fall in love with him!

At least Zuo Yin could keep an eye on things. However, he hadn’t anticipated that Su Ling would wake up with fragmented memories.

Deep down, Zuo Yin was quite passionate about psychology, and Su Ling’s situation intrigued him: "What’s her current state? Did she hate you at this point in her past life?"

Qin Xiao’s expression shifted slightly.

Thinking of the incredibly obedient girl at home, he no longer wanted to stay here with Zuo Yin.

Qin Xiao got straight to the point: "In this situation, will her memories suddenly return?"

Zuo Yin pondered for a moment: "It’s hard to say. Everyone reacts differently to hypnosis. Su Ling’s case is unprecedented. Perhaps at any moment, she might wake up and her memories could jump to the next phase."

Qin Xiao nodded.

This meant he had to always be prepared for sudden changes. If she suddenly remembered events from a few years later, he couldn’t afford to slip up.

This was a test of intelligence and quick thinking.

Qin Xiao left the house.

The night was a bit chilly, the wind blowing against his face. He closed his eyes briefly, suppressing the complex emotions swirling within him.

He was actually jealous—jealous of the "himself" from her past life. He began to hate that person too, even though they were essentially the same person.

Qin Xiao couldn’t help but hate him.

He hadn’t protected Su Ling well enough, and that alone was unforgivable.

Still, fortunately, the girl now belonged solely to him—everything about her was his.

His dark eyes sharp, he started the car and headed back to the villa.

When he returned, it was already late. The moon, once bright, had climbed high into the sky, hanging aloft.

He was cloaked in coldness, and even the moon seemed to hide half its face in fear.

The group of guards outside had changed shifts. Seeing him return, they all bowed in unison.

When Qin Xiao opened the villa door, a small warm yellow light was left on in the living room. He curved his lips faintly, feeling satisfied. Whether or not she was willing, this tenderness was enough to make one yearn for more.

Afraid of waking Su Ling, Qin Xiao took a shower in the downstairs bathroom before heading upstairs.

He walked lightly, but when he lay down beside her, she woke up startled. It seemed she hadn’t been sleeping soundly—her voice was still muffled, soft and sleepy: "Mr. Qin, you’re back?"

He kissed her forehead: "Did I wake you? Go back to sleep."

She was indeed very sleepy, trying to muster her energy, but soon succumbed to drowsiness and fell asleep again.

But he couldn’t sleep.

This was their first night together. She didn’t resist, obedient as she was—but it was because of habits formed by "another" man. As he thought about it, the corners of his eyes turned crimson.

How ironic. He envied these memories, yet he fully relied on them to keep her docile by his side now.

Qin Xiao sat up and took her foot adorned with the anklet into his palm.

The moonlight illuminated the room clearly.

The delicate foot in his hand was exquisitely beautiful, her toes smooth and cute, lying softly in his palm. The redness in the corners of his eyes deepened as he gently stroked from her ankle to her toes, utterly captivated by every inch of her.

He leaned down, and the moonlight faded.

The room filled with an intimate atmosphere.

Su Ling, woken again, felt pain in her foot and squirmed to pull it back: "Mr. Qin, what are you doing?"

In fact, her memory of the anklet was unclear. Qin Xiao, unsure of the timeline, had put it on while she was still hypnotized and hadn’t woken up. But in her past life at this point, Su Ling hadn’t yet known about his foot fetish.

Having woken her, Qin Xiao soothed her in a low, hoarse voice: "Sorry."

It was May, and Su Ling hadn’t turned on the air conditioning. She broke out in a light sweat. In the dim light, she felt a flicker of fear at Qin Xiao’s current gaze.

He was still wearing his shirt, with the top three buttons undone, exuding a wild, unrestrained aura.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, overtaken by the pleasure of desire, and guided her delicate foot to a certain part of him: "Help me, hmm?"

Su Ling froze for a moment, her face turning beet red as she felt what was beneath her foot.

She was almost on the verge of tears from embarrassment: "Mr. Qin, I want to sleep."

He shamelessly coaxed her: "Just step on it, be good, and I’ll let you sleep soon, alright?"

Su Ling vaguely sensed his strange fetish. Before she could process her surprise, Qin Xiao’s sweet nothings left her blushing furiously.

Qin Xiao didn’t dare touch her directly—just a bit of stroking and rubbing. Compared to the cold-hearted man from her past life, he now knew how to restrain himself.

He didn’t force her; he just coaxed her and shamelessly begged.

Su Ling, caught between confusion and embarrassment, eventually gave in under his persistence and helped him with some shameful acts.

________________________________________

When she woke up the next morning, she felt completely off.

Qin Xiao’s hand rested on her waist, and she was lying on his arm, nestled against his chest.

Even in sleep, his sharpness remained. His chiseled features weren’t those of the popular pretty-boy type but rather strikingly stern.

She could feel the hard, defined muscles of Qin Xiao’s bare chest.

For a moment, Su Ling stared blankly at the ceiling, blinking her eyes.

She was a bit dazed, her head aching slightly.

But her body didn’t hurt—aside from her foot feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Qin Xiao woke up and saw her face. His gaze turned sharp for a moment before softening. Her cheeks were pink and plump, and he couldn’t resist placing a gentle kiss on them.

He truly loved her beyond measure.

So much.

Qin Xiao’s heart was brimming with tenderness, but her next words caused his gaze to freeze momentarily.

Eyes lowered in shame, she said: "Qin Xiao, please stop helping my uncle."

Qin Xiao’s pupils contracted sharply. Just last night, he had discussed with Zuo Yin about her memory being chaotic—it was possible she might regain some memories at any moment, or perhaps remember everything.

But he hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. Just one day, and her memories had already advanced further. Yesterday, she still called him "Mr. Qin," but today she addressed him familiarly as "Qin Xiao." The change in how she addressed him alone indicated a shift.

His mind raced. It seemed Su Ling now remembered "him" helping her uncle pay off debts.

The upside was that during this period, Su Ling wouldn’t insist on seeing her grandmother. The downside was that many things he hadn’t prepared for were now coming into play.

He smoothed her hair: "It’s fine."

Su Ling felt a tinge of sadness, her自卑hidden in her eyes: "Don’t help Uncle anymore. I’m grateful you didn’t let him go to jail. Let him fend for himself from now on."

He suddenly understood why his past self kept helping Su Ling’s uncle—it was out of fear that she would leave. The more leverage he had, the more she would stay by his side.

The despicable nature of capitalists.

He chuckled softly, but at this moment, he understood what Su Ling wanted.

He gave her dignity, kneeling on one knee in front of her to put on her socks and shoes, modifying his words smoothly: "Alright, if you say not to help, then I won’t. Let him fend for himself."

She pulled her foot back, looking at him with a mix of shyness and confusion, unable to comprehend how he could kneel so easily before her. But since Qin Xiao didn’t attempt to control her, she relaxed a little and revealed a light, cheerful smile.

Qin Xiao said: "In half a year, I’ll let you return to acting, alright? You don’t need to worry about your uncle—they’ll be fine. I’ll make sure he walks the right path."

This little fool was stunned for a moment, then her eyes curved into a smile.

He chuckled softly and leaned closer to her: "Am I good to you?"

She nodded sincerely, with a hint of shyness: "Yes."

"Can I really act?"

"Mm, just wait half a year."

She looked so happy. At this point, her relationship with Qin Xiao had softened somewhat. Overjoyed, she impulsively planted a quick, light kiss on his cheek, like a dragonfly skimming the water.

"Thank you, Qin Xiao."

His dark eyes gazed deeply at her, melted by this touch of soft sweetness.

Looking into her eyes, Qin Xiao realized he was done for.

He was addicted to this kind of interaction.

In just two short days, he was ready to give her his heart to preserve this fleeting tenderness.

The more he craved, the more afraid he became of losing her.

However, when Su Ling mentioned her uncle, he suddenly recalled something—her uncle’s gambling debts were orchestrated by her hidden father.

Because the Ni family owed money, Su Ling would come to him for help, thereby staying by his side and strengthening their bond.

That "father" of hers was dangerous—he could harm his own flesh and blood without hesitation, not fearing even the death of Ni Liguo. Realizing this, Qin Xiao knew he had to find the man quickly.

She sat obediently in front of him, still happily thinking about acting.

This Qin Xiao hadn’t lied to her—once he dealt with those people, he would still let her return to acting. After all, nothing mattered more than her happiness.

They ate breakfast together, and Qin Xiao still had to leave.

Today was Saturday, and he wanted to spend time with her, but the people and situations threatening Su Ling loomed over him like a guillotine, ready to fall at any moment.

Qin Xiao was addicted to the feeling of possessing her and unwilling to risk losing her. Thus, his methods grew increasingly aggressive as he sought to swiftly acquire the Qin Corporation shares held by Wen Xian.

He held her hand, and Su Ling, in a good mood, accompanied him to the car for work.

Outside the villa’s small garden, flowers were just beginning to bloom, dewdrops from the morning still clinging to the leaves, creating a misty, ethereal beauty.

But she suddenly stopped, looking at the garden with confusion.

Qin Xiao’s heart sank, but his expression remained calm as he asked: "What’s wrong?"

Su Ling said: "That... wasn’t there originally roses? Why are they back to what they were?"

Qin Xiao had once planted a field of roses with his own hands to please her.

But now, the garden was filled with neatly trimmed plants tended by the gardener.

Qin Xiao lied effortlessly: "I thought you’d get tired of them, so I changed them. Do you like anything else? I’ll plant it tonight when I return."

Su Ling looked at him, puzzled: "It’s fine. Go ahead and take care of your work."

His heart plummeted like ice.

This was the lie—a lie that required countless others to cover it up.

But even if it was just to keep her by his side a little longer, he would spare no expense.

So that night, after finishing his work and returning, he had clusters of roses delivered.

The pink and white flowers bloomed vibrantly.

He rolled up his sleeves. Under the setting sun, she emerged from the doorway, her eyes watching him quietly.

Qin Xiao smiled: "Will you like these roses?"

She nodded and walked over, crouching beside him.

Qin Xiao frowned almost imperceptibly: "Just watch—I don’t want you to hurt your hands on the thorns."

Under the warm red glow of the setting sun, her eyes carried a hint of intimacy: "It’s fine. I’ll help you."

He lowered his gaze and chuckled softly: "Alright."

But when it came to actually planting them, he didn’t allow her to touch anything. In the end, the entire cluster of roses was planted solely by him.

He admitted his darkness—he didn’t want to plant the roses from her memories again.

He was Qin Xiao, the man who could truly possess her in this life. He wanted her memories to ultimately belong entirely to him. That memory, he would relive with her.

He placed his heart beneath her feet. If only she would glance at it, she would see that even though his roots were steeped in black sin, that wildly beating heart was sincere and fervent.

He wasn’t a good person. In his twenty-eight years, he had committed countless misdeeds, and even this moment of warmth stemmed from his baseness and possessiveness.

Yet now, watching the girl watering the rose bushes,

his palms bore many fine scratches.

But he suddenly felt that he deeply loved this world, brimming with tenderness.