Chapter 15: Morbid Possession – Hot Spring Bath

Put me down first!

Her vision flipped upside down, blood rushing to her head, causing dizziness. Intense unease surged like a tidal wave, nearly drowning her.

Xie Qingman struggled for a long time but couldn’t break free at all.

She was never a match for him to begin with, and now in her dazed state, she couldn’t muster any strength.

To him, her threats were meaningless, and resistance was futile. Her lack of cooperation only drained what little energy and consciousness she had left, serving no purpose.

The surroundings were unusually quiet too.

Despite the brightly lit, decadent scene of revelry and entertainment, no one paid any attention to her repeated cries of Don’t touch me and Put me down – the passing receptionists acted as if they were dead, pretending not to hear.

Xie Qingman eventually exhausted herself from struggling and simply resigned herself to lying obediently over his shoulder, closing her eyes as if accepting her fate.

Her faint voice was weak and listless: Where are you taking me?

The only response was a loud crash as Ye Yansheng kicked open the partition door at the end of the corridor.

BANG—!

A wave of hot steam rushed toward them.

Xie Qingman’s eyelashes fluttered. When she opened her eyes, she saw a hazy, illusory white from her inverted perspective.

Sheer silk curtains draped down from above, steam misted everywhere like swirling clouds and fog.

In the center was an artificially carved hot spring pool with walls adorned with auspicious cloud patterns, coiled dragons flying and azure luans soaring and circling. Below stood a jeweled mountain with flowing cloud and water patterns – the vivid, powerful carvings were lifelike, brilliantly colored and dynamically posed.

There were twelve stone-carved beast heads in total at both ends, each with different shapes, spouting spring water that filled the pool bottom.

It was a hot spring.

Ye Yansheng carried her with one arm and walked straight inside.

Xie Qingman’s heart raced wildly. She grabbed his shirt, clutching it so tightly her knuckles turned white.

No.

Her tone was light, but her voice lowered slightly. Even while trying to maintain a calm facade, she was still nervous.

You’re not thinking of… soaking together with me, are you?

Her consciousness was in chaos, tearing apart.

Desire screamed, seeming ready to burst forth and devour her reason. But with him like this, she didn’t dare sleep at all.

Ye Yansheng let out a light scoff, his voice low and cold, somewhat wicked yet lazy, If you’re looking forward to it, we can try it sometime. After you wake up, we’ll continue.

Who’s looking forward to it?!

Before she could react, a strong sense of weightlessness struck, and her vision flipped again.

Xie Qingman fell into the water completely unprepared.

It happened too suddenly – her screams and protests got stuck in her throat.

Mmph—

The pool water quickly submerged her.

But just before she could choke, her nape was grabbed, and a force pulled her directly out of the water.

This experience was utterly terrifying.

Ye Yansheng seemed completely unfamiliar with the concept of being gentle with women, his movements direct and rough.

Actually, the hot spring pool wasn’t deep.

But Xie Qingman was only an average swimmer, caught off guard, and slow to process everything that had just happened.

She leaned against the edge of the hot spring pool, breathing rapidly and unevenly.

Physically unharmed, but mentally shaken.

Water droplets trickled down her hair and facial features, dripping onto her soaked satin dress.

The steam misted her brows and eyes, making her red lips blaze like flame, infinitely alluring, coldly beautiful enough to slay any man.

Ye Yansheng knelt on one knee by the poolside, handing her a towel with composed ease. Feeling better now?

Better? Better your ass!

Her sluggish thoughts finally coalesced, and Xie Qingman was thoroughly incensed. She shoved him, Have you lost your mind?

Trembling with rage, she raised her hand and slapped him outright. Do you even know what you’re doing?

Unexpectedly, a sharp, crisp sound rang out.

Ye Yansheng didn’t dodge.

Her slap landed solidly on his face, leaving a red mark streaked with water.

Xie Qingman froze for a moment.

Truth be told, she was weak all over and hadn’t used much force. But in the steam-filled space, the sound amplified, startling her.

Ye Yansheng raised a hand to touch his cheek.

His dark eyes gazed down at her, somber and intense. From start to finish, his expression remained unreadable, yet the chilling hostility around him felt almost tangible, sending shivers down her spine.

The calmer he seemed, the more dangerous he became.

They faced off in silence for several seconds. She expected him to retort, Do you know what you’re doing?

But he didn’t.

Instead of anger, a faint smirk tugged at his lips as he reached to grip her chin. With such little strength—

A strange, almost morbid emotion tinged his voice, his gaze unmistakably predatory. Why not put some force into it?

He was actually smiling.

Xie Qingman’s fingers twitched, her anger subsiding considerably.

Staring at his mercurial face, she felt a wave of inexplicable guilt and fear, mixed with sheer exasperation.

She wanted to retreat, but she didn’t.

You threw me into the water first, she retorted, refusing to back down, her neck stiff with defiance. You’re inhuman.

Instead of calling her bluff, Ye Yansheng released her. You weren’t awake.

That’s no excuse, Xie Qingman raised her voice, her eyes blazing with fury. It’s winter.

The water isn’t that cold.

The club preserved a classical aesthetic in its layout, yet seamlessly integrated modern amenities—like air conditioning, underfloor heating, and the hot spring before them. Though it resembled an ancient imperial bath in appearance, its temperature was automatically regulated.

Xie Qingman blinked slowly, belatedly realizing.

If she hadn’t known earlier, she didn’t care now.

She had been a bit disoriented, but who asked him to dump her into the water without any warning?

A brief silence stretched between them.

Ye Yansheng pinched her cheek, letting out a light laugh that was both provocative and ambiguous. Still angry?

Xie Qingman’s heart skipped a beat.

Her breathing had steadied somewhat, but resentment still simmered within her. She glared coldly at him for a few seconds.

She desperately wanted to retaliate.

So, just as abruptly, she gripped his wrist and yanked hard, trying to pull him toward her.

He didn’t budge.

She had intended to drag him into the water, but nothing happened—only their gazes locked in a tense standoff.

The awkward moment was short-lived. Ye Yansheng lifted his wrist, effortlessly closing the distance between them.

Then, in that awkward position, he leaned in and captured her lips.

It was a kiss.

Xie Qingman visibly stiffened, instinctively raising her hands to push him away, but he seized her wrists with overwhelming force.

A sharp twist.

The steam from the hot spring swirled around them, blurring the lines between light and shadow. As their lips met, Ye Yansheng was relentless. His movements were far from gentle—like a predator cornering its prey, aggressive and domineering.

Xie Qingman’s breathing grew ragged.

Whether it was the medicine taking effect, eroding her usual clarity, she felt herself swaying unsteadily.

She wanted to resist, yet also longed to surrender.

The disparity in strength was too great—she couldn’t break free, nor could she suppress her chaotic gasps, so she simply closed her eyes.

Then, unconsciously, her grip loosened.

The moment she began to fall, Ye Yansheng caught her by the waist.

Light and shadow intertwined, the water’s shimmer blending with dim radiance, tracing the sharp lines of the man’s features. With one hand, he lifted her out of the water, holding her firmly as he continued.

Splashes scattered everywhere.

In the turmoil, her hand brushed where it shouldn’t have. Instinctively, she grabbed his hand—partly to stop him, partly seeking an anchor. But every reaction of hers was thoroughly suppressed.

A flicker of ferocity ignited in his eyes as he pressed on with relentless intensity, leaving no room for retreat.

Xie Qingman opened her eyes in the steam.

Through the hazy mist, she could discern nothing clearly—not his expression, nor his emotions. She only felt him controlling the entire rhythm.

The heat of the hot spring fueled the atmosphere, burning through reason and pulling her deeper into descent.

Sinking, drowning, entangled to the end.

The sensation of suspension filled her with extreme unease. Xie Qingman clung to him, barely finding a moment to catch her breath.

The last of her strength was nearly spent, and she melted weakly into his embrace.

But in her disarray, Ye Yansheng pulled away slightly.

He wiped the moisture from her lips, his gaze dark and heavy. Rest for a while. You’ll be fine when you wake.

Xie Qingman remained silent.

Ye Yansheng’s lips curved slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he spoke in a gravelly voice, Do you really want me to continue?

Beneath his gaze lay a mix of ruthlessness and desire.

The swirling steam enveloped them in warmth, flushing Xie Qingman’s cheeks and the tips of her ears.

She pushed at him irritably, I’m still dressed.

Ye Yansheng raised an eyebrow.

Realizing the ambiguity of her words, Xie Qingman shot him a warning glare and lowered her voice, I mean, how am I supposed to go out later?

Thanks to him, all she had left was a coat.

In the dead of winter, going out in a soaked dress—was he trying to freeze her to death?

And the scene would be utterly unseemly.

The culprit showed no remorse, utterly nonchalant.

There will be spare clothes prepared, his gaze swept over her, or you can sleep here.

Xie Qingman scoffed lightly, Are you giving me a choice?

I mean no offense, Ye Yansheng leaned closer, his dark, night-like eyes meeting hers, but you and I are indeed the best choice.

His gaze was profound, bottomless. I can give you what you want.

Under the weight of power, almost everything could be compelled to kneel. With the Ye family’s immense influence, he was more than qualified to make such a claim.

How audacious.

Is this some kind of transaction? Xie Qingman’s lips curled mockingly, Sugar daddy and mistress?

She stared directly at him, You’re not thinking of keeping me, are you?

Perhaps it was the incense—she had actually spoken her mind.

She didn’t believe he held any deep affection for her.

From Hong Kong to the capital, all their entanglements seemed more like fleeting thrills and novelty. At the very least, it couldn’t be called love.

I don’t have a girlfriend, Ye Yansheng said calmly.

Xie Qingman fell silent.

She watched him quietly, as if trying to discern how much was true and how much was false, or perhaps her thoughts were slowed by the fragrant herbs. After a long pause, she finally retorted coldly:

What difference does it make?

An absolute dominator, accustomed to controlling everything, could never tolerate being told no.

Whether to stay or leave—the decision had always been in his hands. What was the point?

He didn’t respond, and she didn’t need his answer anyway.

Xie Qingman floated on the water’s surface, then suddenly smiled and drifted closer to where he stood at the edge of the hot spring.

Her usually aloof face, outlined by the light and mist, took on an enchanting, almost bewitching allure—captivating yet perilous, like a siren emerging from the fog-shrouded night sea.

Her voice softened into a seductive murmur, I thought it would be you tonight.

Ye Yansheng stiffened slightly, his gaze locking with hers. After a silent standoff, he let out a low, derisive chuckle.

I wouldn’t go to such lengths, Xie Qingman.

His tone grew cooler, stating facts plainly, If I wanted to do something, I wouldn’t have waited until today. Do you really think I have the patience to play games with anyone?

Xie Qingman’s heart sank.

It was a common flaw among those in power—their condescending nonchalance, their explanations laced with cutting arrogance.

I could keep you here directly, Ye Yansheng remarked offhandedly. Or take a more troublesome, roundabout approach.

Beneath his gentle tone lay a chilling threat, I guarantee you’d beg me to take you, without even stepping out that door.

Why put on an act?

If he wanted something, a little effort was all it took—no need for outright force—to make the other party yield willingly.

Even without his direct command, there were always people ready to handle things for him.

Carrot and stick, coercion and temptation—the world was full of ways to make people submit gladly.

Xie Qingman looked weary. Then why are you even talking to me?

After being tormented by him for so long, the heat inside her seemed to have dissipated, but she was still exhausted—too tired to argue.

Anyway, it’s all up to you.

I didn’t intend to be that despicable, Ye Yansheng said, his eyes fixed on her. Only you have the right to say when it begins.

Really?

Promises in such circumstances were the most absurd, utterly untrustworthy.

Perhaps it was the effect of the herbs, but she found herself wondering:

Is he incapable?, Even so, under these circumstances, why isn’t he touching me?, Or is it me—am I not desirable?, Damn, is he really that abstinent?, and Is he waiting for me to fall asleep so he can—take advantage?

She had completely forgotten her earlier fear. The more her thoughts wandered, the more complicated her emotions grew.

Bewilderment, confusion, and even a hint of frustration.

Truth be told, she wasn’t resisting him. Letting things take their course and sleeping with him didn’t seem like a big deal.

But here he was, choosing to have a purely conversational moment at a time like this.

Her thoughts grew increasingly erratic, but her mind began to fog, halting the chaotic stream. Her consciousness blurred, muddling all reasoning as if she were drugged. Awake or not, she had little strength left—

She didn’t want to think, nor did she need to.

Whatever, Xie Qingman thought.

Leaning against his arm, her eyes closed, she mumbled indistinctly, How do you know what I want, to say it’s okay?

Shadows lurked, and flickering light reflected off the hot spring, dancing across Ye Yansheng’s face at a strange angle.

What? He lowered his head.
At such a moment, coaxing words came too easily, yet he hadn’t originally intended to lead her into saying anything.

He simply didn’t care.

His assessing gaze fell upon Xie Qingman’s face, but she remained completely unaware, only murmuring wearily:

Your…

Ye Yansheng’s eyes darkened several shades, his jet-black pupils deep as frigid pools, impossible to decipher.

The words remained unfinished.

The water temperature wasn’t cool enough, the half-dissolved aromatic medicine too potent, tugging at her drowsiness as it invaded. Xie Qingman pillowed against his chest, surrendering heedlessly to sleep.

She missed the fleeting shadow of emotion that passed through his eyes.

Ye Yansheng’s Adam’s apple bobbed once as he suppressed the restless heat simmering within him, lifting Xie Qingman from the water.

Ripples undulated across the hot spring, spreading outward in layers.

Silence returned inside the room, while outside the door, an eerie stillness prevailed.

The club was secured three layers deep, security standing ready at full alert. The attendants didn’t dare breathe too loudly, bowing their heads as they brought in fresh clothes, tidying everything up without uttering a word. Throughout, they moved like wooden puppets—neither listening nor looking.

The club owner waiting outside was drenched in cold sweat. Young Master Ye, this is actually a misunder—

His explanation was cut short as he was kicked to the ground.

Ye Yansheng stood on the steps, shrouded in shadows, looking down with sinister eyes at the man sprawled at his feet.

Impressive, General Mu. Your business must be thriving, since you dare make decisions for me now. His lips curled slightly. You’d dare throw any filth at me?

A soft, breathy chuckle.

Utterly casual, yet enough to make one’s blood run cold.

Misunderstanding, it truly is! The club owner shuddered, scrambling up from the floor as he protested his innocence. It must’ve been some clueless subordinate who misinterpreted things! I… I genuinely had no idea!

The patrons here were all distinguished guests; usually, everything went smoothly, and incidents were rare.

Who knew which fool had the misfortune of crossing Ye Yansheng?

This was the capital.

To interact safely and long-term with these scions of influential families, one needed powerful backing.

But this man surnamed Mu was merely a pawn placed at the forefront.

Normally, these Capital City Young Masters maintained polite courtesy, not overstepping too much—out of respect for the powers behind the scenes. But if someone truly offended them and they decided to pursue the matter, only one outcome awaited:

When gods battle, lesser spirits suffer. When forces in the capital clashed, the fallout was nothing short of divine retribution—pawns were always destroyed first.

Yet he had no choice.

Only about ten minutes had passed since the incident. The receptionist had been detained, but even when pressured, they claimed complete ignorance.

Until it was clear who had brought the substance in, how could he speak carelessly? What if it involved someone else he couldn’t afford to offend? Wouldn’t that be risking his own life?

Such matters required investigation first.

Coincidentally, it was Minor New Year’s Eve tonight. Bo Wenqin and others who could mediate had already left. The remaining crowd didn’t dare utter a word of reconciliation—no one even dared show curiosity—

This hot-tempered master could reduce the entire establishment to ashes.

I truly wasn’t behind tonight’s incident, the club owner lamented, wronged enough to wish for death, nearly kneeling to kowtow and prove his loyalty. Even with a hundred and twenty times the courage, I wouldn’t dare lay a hand on someone under your protection!

You wouldn’t dare? Ye Yansheng’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, his tone deceptively light yet brimming with menace. If you let someone bring that stuff in, what exactly wouldn’t you dare do here?

His aloof yet vicious eyes, heavy with dark intensity, stared down at the other man as if examining a corpse.

It seems General Mu’s business here has been too comfortable—perhaps you no longer wish to continue.

The club owner’s face drained completely of color.

Attempting to distance himself would be futile.

Forget about preserving his establishment—if he failed to handle tonight’s incident to the satisfaction of the Ye family’s young master, his very ashes might be scattered to the winds.

Facing utter ruin, the club owner turned ashen, as if haunted by a plague god, his teeth chattering as he forced out the words, Young Master Ye, please grant me a little more time. I swear I’ll—

Brother Ye.

A voice cut through the tense night air, shattering the oppressive atmosphere:

What has stirred such anger in you?

At these words, the club owner clung to them like a lifeline, his anxiously suspended heart easing just a fraction.

The newcomer was a young man who didn’t even glance at the owner, instead offering a lukewarm remark, General Mu has been rather careless, hasn’t he? Causing trouble and then handling it so inefficiently—annoying my friend like this?

The club owner dared not protest, immediately apologizing and wisely stepping aside to clear the path.

Ye Yansheng looked up, unsurprised.

Places like this were frequented by people of similar social standing; running into acquaintances was hardly unusual.

But he was simmering with anger, suppressing his impatience.

Now, irritation was beginning to surface. He radiated a chilling coldness, his presence overwhelmingly intimidating.

Meddling in others’ affairs?

Just a trivial matter, hardly worth dirtying Brother Ye’s hands, the young man said, stopping before Ye Yansheng without beating around the bush. He smiled faintly. There are still two hours until dawn. How about letting him off this once, Brother Ye? I believe General Mu will provide a satisfactory resolution.

Ye Yansheng neither agreed nor disagreed, remaining unmoved.

He clearly dismissed the suggestion, merely taking the phone handed to him by the receptionist and giving it a cursory glance.

The message was more or less the same.

All urging him to show some face and let the matter rest here.

Ye Yansheng raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of disdain in his expression.

Social obligations, entangled interests—there were too many reasons for the forces behind the scenes to step in and plead on someone’s behalf.

Frankly, it was rather tiresome.

But tonight, it seemed far too many people were unable to stay seated.

If it’s truly a trivial matter, he said with a faint, mocking smile, utterly nonchalant, then whether to punish or spare tonight is not for any of you to comment on.