— An Essay on “Sharpening the Tool Before the Job”

Time: 02:15 AM Location: Shen Muchen’s Study Background: Schubert’s Serenade (Volume: 15%) + The rhythmic sound of mechanical keyboard clicks.

Shen Muchen sat behind his massive black walnut desk, blue-light-blocking gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. The ghostly glow of the screen illuminated his cold, severe face. At a glance, one might assume he was reviewing a multi-billion-dollar merger contract vital to the survival of his conglomerate.

However, if one were to zoom in, the browser tabs revealed a different reality:

• Analysis of Acoustic Space and Furniture Vibration Frequencies

• How to Select Skin-Friendly Restraints: A Material Science Report

• Amazon Global: High-End BDSM Furniture & Accessories

Shen Muchen’s brow furrowed slightly. His long, slender fingers swiped across the trackpad, his eyes brimming with a critical chill.

“Tch.” A sneer of dissatisfaction escaped his lips.

The aesthetic of this store, which claimed to be the “No. 1 best-seller in America,” was a disaster. The garish red-and-purple color schemes, the cheap plastic-feeling leather, and the user reviews—comments like “very stimulating, but the springs are a bit noisy”—were all trampling on Shen Muchen’s bottom line.

“Noisy?” Shen Muchen’s eyes went cold. In his world, the only sounds permitted were the gasps and cries of Song Xingran. Any “creaking” from the furniture itself was an unforgivable intrusion of noise.

He decisively closed the page and switched to a German bespoke private-custom site. This time, his expression finally softened.

Below is Shen Muchen’s [To-Buy Shopping List] for tonight and his [Rationale for Selection]:

ITEM 01. Refill Lubricant (Bulk / Medical Grade)

• Specifications: 5L drum x 2 (Water-soluble, colorless/odorless, rinse-free formula)

• Shen’s Internal Monologue: The consumption in the car and the bathroom last time far exceeded expectations. She is like an insatiable little sponge with high absorption. The 200ml bottles on the market are a joke—not even enough for a single “baptism.” It must be medical-grade. She is too delicate inside; I will not permit any chemical fragrances. And it must be “rinse-free” for easy cleanup after… or, better yet, no cleanup, letting her sleep with it inside her.

• Status: [Added to Cart]

ITEM 02. Disposable Waterproof Bed Sheets (Black)

• Specifications: 100 sheets/box

• Shen’s Internal Monologue: Although I have ordered a waterproof mattress, that is only the primary protection. Given her recent tendency to “lose control and spray water,” changing and washing silk sheets every time is a waste of time (even though Old Chen does the washing, I don’t want anyone touching things that carry her scent). Black is best. Water stains show as deep, dark traces on black—the visual effect is exquisite.

• Status: [Added to Cart]

ITEM 03. Custom Ankle Restraint Cuffs

• Material: Italian Nappa leather + Australian Merino wool lining

• Shen’s Internal Monologue: That chair—which still hasn’t arrived—has metal rings. Directly clipping onto them will chafe her ankles. I recall her ankle circumference is 19.5cm; the skin is very thin and turns red with the slightest pressure. A thickened wool lining is mandatory. I want her to cry because she is “controlled,” not because she is “chafed.” Those are two very different things. (Note: Bought a pair of handcuffs as well, just in case. Ties are useful, but professional gear adds a sense of ritual.)

• Status: [Added to Cart]

ITEM 04. Ring Gag (Breath-Training Design)

• Style: Open-ring design

• Shen’s Internal Monologue: A solid ball blocks the mouth. While quiet, I cannot see her tongue, nor can I hear her voice properly. This hollow design is perfect. It forces her mouth to open to the limit, revealing her tongue tip and throat. It restricts her from saying useless things like “begging for mercy” without hindering me from… going in to inspect the depth of her oral cavity. This is also for training her “breath control”—consider it vocal lesson equipment. I can expense it.

• Status: [Added to Cart]

ITEM 05. Knee Protection Pads (Pair)

• Use: Gardening/Kneeling protection

• Shen’s Internal Monologue: Since I am replacing the carpet with micro-cement flooring, the ground will be harder. She likes to kneel (or be pressed into kneeling by me), and it wouldn’t look good if her knees bruised. Even though these are gardening supplies, the functionality is identical.

• Status: [Added to Cart]

[Checkout Process]

Shen Muchen double-checked the cart. The total was equivalent to half a year’s salary for an average office worker. He didn’t blink, choosing to pay via his [VISA Infinite Card].

In the “Delivery Options” field, he saw the option that infuriated him: ⬜ Standard Shipping (5-7 days) ⬜ Expedited Shipping (3 days) ☑️ VIP Exclusive – Same Day Delivery (Additional high shipping fee required)

Shen Muchen checked the last box without hesitation. He had already waited two months for that damn chair; he wouldn’t wait one second longer for these accessories.

Ding-dong. A notification from the bank popped up on his phone.

At the same time, from the bedroom, came the sound of Song Xingran rolling over in her sleep, murmuring: “Mm… Muchen…”

Shen Muchen looked back toward the bedroom. The once cold, hard corners of his mouth softened instantly, even carrying a hint of… excitement for the hunt.

He closed his laptop, took off his glasses, and rubbed his brow.

“Don’t worry, Xingxing,” he whispered into the darkness. “The delivery is arriving soon. When it does, we’ll have plenty of time… to test them out, one by one.”

[Shen’s Observation Log: Shopping Edition]

• Today’s Consumption: [Data Deleted] (Though a bit pricey, it is worth it for the sake of art.)

• Mood Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Shopping really does alleviate anxiety, especially when buying things for her.)

• To-Do List:

  • Remind the management office tomorrow morning: If there is a delivery, have it sent directly to the elevator lobby. Do not allow anyone (including Old Chen) to open it.

  • Think of a reason to explain why there are so many strange leather goods and lubricants in the house…

  • The Excuse: “Professional training equipment for improving lung capacity and limb coordination.” Yes. Perfect.

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