Chapter Forty-Four: The Allure of Masculine Beauty

Chu Bing crouched in the bath barrel, her round, alert eyes fixed warily on Li Yuxi.

A faint smile played at the corner of Li Yuxi’s lips, though his gaze was dark and unfathomable. “Tell me, if my third brother were to find out that you and I are bathing together in the same tub right now, what kind of expression do you think he would make?”

Chu Bing was momentarily stunned, her expression turning odd. “What does that have to do with him?”

Her relationship with Li Haoran was nothing more than that of ordinary friends—there was nothing ambiguous between them.

Li Yuxi narrowed his eyes, studying her face closely. She truly didn’t seem to be lying; in fact, it looked as if she had no idea that Li Haoran felt differently about her. Amused, he couldn’t help but curve his lips with a playful smile.

It seemed even his beloved third brother had a time when he stumbled.

Seeing him lost in thought, Chu Bing seized the opportunity to stand and reach for her robe draped over the screen.

But before she could grab it, Li Yuxi suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, his hand circling her waist.

They were so close that they could smell the fragrance on each other’s skin.

“Let me go!” Chu Bing struggled fiercely.

“If you keep squirming, I can’t promise I won’t do something… unexpected.” Li Yuxi pinned her hands, bringing his lips close to her ear, his voice hoarse.

Chu Bing could clearly sense the change in his body, her face draining of color. She froze in terror, not daring to move.

“Li—Li Yuxi, you’d better control yourself! A real man shouldn’t act like a scoundrel…”

Li Yuxi reached out, pinching her chin and forcing her to meet his gaze. “And what exactly is a scoundrel’s deed? Something like this…”

He leaned in, his breath warm against her face. The space between them dwindled; Chu Bing involuntarily held her breath.

Was he about to… kiss her?

Thump, thump, thump.

Chu Bing heard the pounding of her own heart. Never had it raced so strongly as it did in this moment.

Suddenly, Li Yuxi gave a low, mocking laugh and drew back, widening the space between them.

The water in the tub sloshed over the edge with his movement, snapping Chu Bing back to reality.

Her face flushed scarlet, a mix of anger and embarrassment flashing across her features. She retreated several steps until her back pressed against the edge of the tub, finally letting out a breath.

Just a little more, and she’d have fallen under the spell of that damnably handsome man!

Chu Bing thumped her own head, forcing herself to clear her thoughts. She was a prisoner here—how could she let herself be seduced by a man?

The most important thing was to escape!

Without warning, Li Yuxi rose from the tub.

Crystal droplets slid from his shoulders and collarbone, tracing down his chest and further still. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his body was all lean muscle, the faint outline of his abs and the alluring lines below hinting at even more.

Chu Bing clamped a hand over her nose and turned away, squeezing her eyes shut.

She’d almost had a nosebleed.

Utterly mortified, she was on the verge of tears. She’d had no idea a man could be this… irresistible!

A soft chuckle sounded behind her, deepening her embarrassment. She dared not turn around.

Only when she heard him leap from the tub and rustle into his clothes did she finally dare to look, peeking through her fingers as she covered her eyes.

A familiar mask appeared before her.

Startled, Chu Bing slipped, nearly falling over.

Li Yuxi was fully dressed now, wet hair falling loosely behind him, his striking looks undiminished.

He hooked a finger under her chin. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll think you’ve fallen for my good looks.”

Chu Bing jumped up like a startled cat, shaking her head wildly. “Nonsense! How could I possibly like you?!”

Her gaze darted about; though she spoke loudly, her tone lacked conviction.

Li Yuxi’s smile deepened. “Good, then. Be sure you don’t fall for me. Otherwise…”

“The consequences won’t be pleasant.”

His final words were soft—Chu Bing didn’t catch what he said.

He turned away, his wide sleeves drawing a graceful arc as he lounged on a recliner.

A cup of clear sake rested in his pale fingers, his posture leisurely and at ease.

Chu Bing had never encountered a man like this before: not only was he handsome, but every gesture exuded a captivating, effortless charm.

She stared at Li Yuxi, her mind going blank.

Just then, the long-silent system in her mind suddenly spoke: “Friendly reminder, Host: if you fall in love with Li Yuxi, the system will implement humane destruction.”

“What?” Chu Bing snapped back to herself.

The mechanical voice echoed in her mind, “Humane destruction means you will self-terminate.”

So, if she fell for Li Yuxi, she would die?

Shock jolted through Chu Bing, and she instantly sobered. Her life was far more important than any man’s beauty!

She responded without hesitation, “Don’t worry, system. Even if Li Yuxi is the last man in the world, I still won’t fall for him!”

She wasn’t a masochist—why would she like someone who constantly toyed with her?

The system replied, “I hope you keep your word. Don’t let me down.”

Chu Bing ignored the strange flutter in her heart and nodded firmly. “I will keep my promise!”

No way would she fall for an ancient man! She still needed to return to her own world!

Li Yuxi swirled the sake in his cup with a casual elegance, but his eyes never left Chu Bing.

He noticed she had a habit of losing herself in thought—a habit he found most undesirable.

“You want to leave here?” Li Yuxi sipped his wine, set down the cup, and looked at Chu Bing.

Not sure what he meant, Chu Bing watched him warily. “Of course I want to leave! Don’t forget, you brought me here against my will!”

A glint flickered in Li Yuxi’s long, narrow eyes. “I have an idea. If you agree to cooperate with me, I’ll let you go.”

Chu Bing doubted he was so charitable, suspicion written all over her face. “What kind of cooperation?”

“I know you’re skilled in formations. If you agree to teach me what you know, I’ll let you leave,” Li Yuxi said softly.

If she had the strength, Chu Bing would have scratched him hard, just to show him the error of his ways!

He’d already frustrated her to no end, and now he expected her to teach him her skills?

Chu Bing drew a deep breath, forcing a smile. “I agree to cooperate.”

When under the eaves, one must bow one’s head.

If she wanted to escape, she’d have to play along with this man for now.

Once she found a way out, she’d make sure to leave him far behind!