Chapter 54: Chapter 53: Women's selfishness
"No, that's not right. I only love Funina. How can I..." At this point, Lin Anyi could only rely on his feelings for Funina to strengthen his resolve.
Seeing his reaction, Alechino couldn't help but sigh inwardly. However, her sigh wasn't out of disappointment over Lin Anyi's love for Funina.
In truth, Alechino harbored a secret she hadn't revealed.
Lin Anyi was different from the other men in this world. His nature remained male, but he had forgotten too much—this fact included.
Why hadn't she exposed this truth or helped Lin Anyi awaken? It was, of course, out of selfishness.
Alechino believed that other bad women in the world who coveted Lin Anyi harbored the same selfishness.
Now, Lin Anyi naively thought he belonged to Funina alone. But once they succeeded in their pursuits, it wasn't impossible for him to change his mind and belong to them instead.
However, if Lin Anyi's true nature awakened, the balance would shift. Those who once saw themselves as conquerors could become vassals.
And Alechino understood one crucial thing—if that day ever came, even if she was willing to become a vassal, there might not be a place for her.
So, no one dared say anything, fearing they might remind Lin Anyi of his true nature.
"Just keep going like this," Alechino thought. "As long as I keep him by my side, I'll eventually change his mind."
Her heart filled with expectation, Alechino approached Lin Anyi again, her voice softer this time: "Anyi, a lot has happened between us, but I hope you can see my sincerity. Let's put aside the past grievances and start over, okay?"
Lin Anyi's expression was one of extreme conflict. His heart churned with waves of emotion, making it difficult for him to find calm.
As he struggled to find a response to Alechino's words, a voice suddenly came from the door.
Though soft, the voice carried unwavering firmness: "Alechino, let my boyfriend go immediately!"
Although the voice was faint, Lin Anyi could clearly distinguish it. He was surprised to realize it was Funina's voice!
"Funina? Why is she here?"
Lin Anyi's heart tightened. He was touched that Funina would risk her life to save him, but he was also overwhelmed with worry and fear. He knew Alechino's strength far exceeded Funina's. Coming here alone meant she was walking straight into danger!
Funina's bravery was commendable, but it seemed a little naive. She had no real understanding of Alechino's true strength and believed that her courage and sense of justice alone could rescue Lin Anyi.
But what she didn't realize was that Yae Shenzi had been manipulating events behind the scenes, using this opportunity to further her own plans. Upon learning that Alechino had taken Lin Anyi to her private residence, Yae Shenzi deliberately left Funina alone, observing from the shadows.
Of course, Yae Shenzi expected Funina to fail against Alechino. Her strategy was clear: she would step in at the critical moment to rescue Funina and Lin Anyi, gaining their gratitude and trust. With this act of favor, Yae Shenzi hoped to establish a connection with Lin Anyi, making it easier to approach—and eventually capture—him in the future.
But Funina, unaware of these schemes, acted on pure emotion. Anxious to save her boyfriend, she rushed to Alechino's residence alone, ignoring the potential dangers.
Lin Anyi's heart churned like a stormy sea. The knowledge of Funina's arrival left him feeling both grateful and deeply uneasy. He understood the risks Funina was taking, and Alechino's unpredictable nature only heightened his fear for her safety.
Desperately, Lin Anyi looked around, searching for a way to escape while formulating a plan to protect Funina.
Meanwhile, Alechino's expression darkened at the sound of Funina's voice. Her sharp eyes betrayed her irritation, but she quickly masked it. She decided against showing any outward hostility, as she had been working to convince Lin Anyi to start over with her.
Restraining herself, Alechino spoke softly to Lin Anyi: "Be good. Wait for me here. I'll just have a little talk with Miss Funina."
Although her tone was gentle, Lin Anyi could sense the cold edge hidden beneath her words. He knew it was a calculated move to keep him from acting rashly since Funina's safety was now in Alechino's hands.
Alechino left the bedroom, heading toward the entrance. She placed her hand on the door handle and slowly opened it.
Funina stood at the threshold, her eyes resolute despite her visible nervousness. At the sight of Alechino, her body tensed, prepared for the possibility of conflict.
Alechino, ever in control, offered a disarming smile.
"Ms. Funina, your courage is commendable. But since you're here, why not come in and have a seat? Let's talk." Her voice was gentle, yet it carried an undercurrent of calculation.
Funina hesitated at the door, torn between caution and determination. Finally, she stepped across the threshold, knowing full well that she might be walking into a trap. But for Lin Anyi's sake, she was willing to take the risk.
_______________
Seeing Alechino approaching Funina, Lin Anyi's uneasiness surged like a storm. An inexplicable fear quickly spread through him, making him realize the situation was far more serious than he had initially thought.
Her actions were in sharp contrast to the gentle words she had spoken earlier, and it hit Lin Anyi that whatever Alechino meant by "having a good talk" with Funina, it wouldn't be peaceful.
Driven by mounting anxiety, he bolted out of the room, Alechino's earlier words echoing ominously in his mind. He had no idea what to expect, but nothing could have prepared him for what he saw in the living room.
The sight before him made his breath hitch.
Funina was tightly bound with coarse hemp ropes, her body forced to sit on the floor. A cloth strip covered her mouth, muffling her voice into faint whimpers. Her wide, panicked eyes were full of desperation, pleading silently for help.
The moment Funina saw Lin Anyi, her eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, but they also brimmed with urgency and fear. It was as if she wanted to scream to him: Help me! Get me out of this nightmare!
"No..."
Lin Anyi's heart broke at the sight. His fury ignited almost instantly.
"Funina!"
Without thinking, he dashed toward her, his voice ringing with determination.
"Don't be afraid, Funina! I'm here to save you!"
The urgency in his voice filled the air, drowning out any rational thought about what dangers might be lurking.
But just as he reached out to untie her, a shadow streaked across his vision like a burst of flame.
Lin Anyi froze mid-step.
His instincts kicked in, and he stopped abruptly, his body stiffening as realization dawned. His pupils contracted, and his face turned ghostly pale.
"Oh no..."