"You women know nothing—true love exists only between men. You're nothing more than a vessel for bearing children."
Gu Lili cursed inwardly: What utter nonsense... absolute lunacy.
She had half a mind to punch Long Yubei on the spot. It was bad enough fending off female admirers—now even men were trying to steal him from her?
"Then why not abduct him directly? Why come after me instead? Since you're so good at hostage games, wouldn't it be more effective to use the same tactic on him?"
"I don't wish to harm him or his family."
A wry smile tugged at Gu Lili's lips. "And yet, I am his family."
"You're merely an outsider."
Gu Lili knew she couldn't afford to provoke him. If she angered him now, he might truly kill her—and that was a price too steep.
The rivalry between lovers—no matter the gender—was always fierce.
Even if he was a man.
"I'm hungry. Could you at least give me something to eat?"
"Hmph. Answer my question first. Why did he marry you after knowing you for such a short time?"
Gu Lili replied calmly, "As you said yourself—he wanted a child. So he married me to bear an heir for the Long family."
The man seemed genuinely pleased. "I knew it. And how many times have you slept with him?"
"Just a few."
"You're not lying to me?"
"Of course not. I'm already in your hands—there's no point in playing tough. I might as well tell the truth." She added quickly, "Now can you give me something to eat and drink? I'm starving."
He turned and left. Shortly after, a servant arrived, bringing food and drink. Though the cage was opened, her limbs were too weak for escape.
As the servant slid the tray in, she asked, "What if I need to use the restroom?"
"Just call out—someone will escort you."
"Understood."
If her instincts were right, this man had no immediate intent to kill her. So she began eating, focused solely on replenishing her strength.
After the meal, she "accidentally" dropped the bowl, shattering it. Quietly, she tucked two sharp fragments into her waistband, though they dug uncomfortably into her skin.
She lay there for hours, her strength gradually returning.
When she felt slightly stronger, Gu Lili called out that she needed to use the restroom.
Two tall guards came down and dragged her to the bathroom.
After they closed the stall door behind her, she waited in silence for two full minutes. Then, as she opened the door to strike—cold steel pressed against her temple.
A gun.
She had been outmaneuvered again.
Without a word, she retreated into the cage and lay down.
Gu Lili had been independent her entire life. She never relied on others—not even now, caged and powerless. Her mind never stopped calculating, never ceased its quiet defiance.
She remained awake until exhaustion forced her to sleep, even then her senses half-alert. So when the basement door creaked open again, she woke instantly.
Footsteps echoed—heavy and quick.
Through narrowed eyes, she saw him. Though masked, his seething rage poured from every movement.
Behind him followed a squad of tall men in black, powerful and silent.
"Open the cage. String her up."
"Yes, Master."
Gu Lili was yanked out and quickly hoisted into the air, her arms stretched cruelly overhead.
The man took a whip from his subordinate and stepped closer. A chilling aura radiated from him.
He lashed her with force, each stroke accompanied by a venomous curse. "You want me to release you? Never! If he has the guts, let him come find you himself. I'll beat you to death first!"
Agony seared through her body, sharp and overwhelming. Gu Lili clenched her teeth, trembling uncontrollably with every brutal strike.
In that moment, she swore—
This man would pay for everything. Twice over.