Chapter 2: The Body Never Lies

Su Lan’s face was flushed crimson, her whole body feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Reason kept warning her not to entertain wicked thoughts, yet her body betrayed her with utter honesty. Her cheek pressed against Lin Li’s chest, and she had no desire to move away.

“Sister-in-law, how are you feeling now? Any better?” Lin Li asked with concern as he carried Su Lan into her room.

Su Lan’s mind was foggy, and it was only when she heard Lin Li’s words that she realized she was now lying on her bed. Her heart leapt in her chest, and she answered quickly, “A little better, but it still hurts…”

“Would you like me to massage it for you?” Lin Li ventured.

“You know how to give massages?” Su Lan asked in surprise.

“To be honest, I used to work at Heaven on Earth Spa. The female therapists there saw my technique and praised me as a genius!” Lin Li grinned, uttering nonsense with the utmost seriousness.

Who couldn’t give a massage, after all? He might not do it perfectly, but at least he couldn’t do any harm. As for the therapists’ praise—well, that much was true. Whether it was for his massage skills or something else, though, was another matter. Still, Lin Li was certain his abilities were much improved now, especially after the recent transformation by the Marrow Cleansing Pill.

“Maybe… you could give it a try?” Su Lan, tempted, spoke almost against her will, her face turning an even deeper red.

“Alright, sister-in-law, lie down,” Lin Li instructed.

“Mm…” Su Lan murmured, then obediently lay flat on the bed.

Lin Li placed his hands on her waist. The moment he touched her, Su Lan’s body went rigid. It had been over ten years since she’d been touched by a man. A strange sensation flooded her—nervousness, shyness—a torrent of emotions tangled in her heart, leaving her too tense to move.

“Sister-in-law, relax…” Lin Li chuckled, noting from his angle that even the tips of her ears were blushing. A rosy haze colored her swan-like neck.

“I’m going to start now. If it hurts, just say so…” Lin Li warned gently.

“Okay,” Su Lan replied in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum.

With a roguish smile, Lin Li slid his hand beneath her clothing, his palm pressing against her soft waist.

“Ah…” Su Lan shivered as if electrified.

“Why did you put your hand inside…” she protested breathlessly.

“It’ll work better this way,” Lin Li whispered, leaning close to her ear.

“Then… just don’t move your hands around,” Su Lan stammered, burying her face in the mattress.

Lin Li grinned, his hands kneading her slender waist. “How’s this, sister-in-law? Not bad, right?” he asked, after kneading twice.

“Mm.” Su Lan’s voice was languid, melting with pleasure. She was clearly enjoying it.

“Sister-in-law, how come you have essential oils here?” Lin Li’s eyes caught sight of the rose oil on the bedside table.

“It’s left over from a spa session. I never used it,” Su Lan replied.

“How about I give you an oil massage?” Lin Li suggested.

“What? You can do that too?” Su Lan was startled.

“Of course. Didn’t I just tell you I worked at Heaven on Earth?”

“Oh… oh…” Su Lan’s cheeks were burning.

She’d had oil massages before and knew the procedure well. With nothing but her underwear on, the idea was mortifying. She shook her head, “Maybe let’s not. This is fine…”

Su Lan was conservative by nature. She’d only ever had these treatments from female therapists. The thought of a man touching her made her tremble. Just imagining it sent a rush of excitement through her—though mostly, she was overwhelmed by shame.

“Sister-in-law, you don’t need to be so reserved with me,” Lin Li said earnestly. “Don’t let it weigh on your mind. Right now, I’m just Therapist Lin. What’s the big deal? Male therapists are common enough. Besides, I’m confident I can fix your waist. You wouldn’t want it to be permanently damaged, would you?”

“Well… you have a point…” Su Lan finally relented, unable to resist Lin Li’s persuasion.

Lying on the bed in just her underwear, Su Lan didn’t even dare open her eyes. She was mortified, her whole body burning with embarrassment. She felt his broad hands gliding over her back, and she seemed to float away.

“We need to apply it to the front as well…”

“Forget it—ah…” Su Lan was about to refuse when Lin Li unceremoniously flipped her over.

Seeing Lin Li’s face draw closer, she swallowed nervously. “Lin Li… what are you doing…”

She could see the heat in his eyes, and her heart fluttered with a mixture of tension, excitement, anticipation, and shyness. Instinct and reason fought for control as she shook her head. “Lin Li, we can’t do this. I’m your—mmph…”

But Lin Li didn’t let her finish. He sealed her lips with his own.

[System prompt: Host has engaged in villainous behavior. Villain points +2000.]

Su Lan’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. How could he do this!

She came to her senses and shoved Lin Li away. “How could you! I’m your sister-in-law!” she said coldly.

“I’m sorry, you’re just too beautiful. I couldn’t help myself…” Lin Li said, pulling her into his arms. “I truly want to help you. As my brother’s confidant, it’s my duty to ease your troubles…”

“What are you talking about…”

“All right, I’ll stop talking. Sister-in-law, I’m coming in…”

[System prompt: Host has committed a major villainous act. Villain points +10000!]

…

Two hours later.

Su Lan dressed herself, covering the bruises on her body. Though she had been utterly lost in the moment just now, clarity had returned.

“You’re a monster, a beast! How could you do this to me?” Su Lan’s voice was hoarse with anger and shame.

Lin Li merely smiled, lighting a cigarette. “Sister-in-law, you’re quick to change sides once you’re dressed. Think about how you acted just now…”

Su Lan’s face flushed.

The storm they’d just weathered seemed to take her to paradise more times than she could count. She felt as though her entire life until now had been wasted. How could a man be so overpowering?

“You… you really are a beast!” Su Lan could only repeat the insult, at a loss for words.

“All right, all right, I’m a beast,” Lin Li said, not bothering to argue. He pulled her into his arms again.

“Don’t touch me…” Su Lan wriggled, but her resistance was feeble.

Lin Li simply smiled.

Ah, women…

“Lin Li! Lin Li!” Just as Lin Li and Su Lan were lingering in their afterglow, a voice suddenly called out from downstairs.