Yuchuge heard a strange voice from her bedroom. She turned toward the sound and saw, beyond the balcony, a warm gaze fixed on her under the cold moonlight.

She recognized those eyes. Back at the exhibition, when everyone had been watching her mother boast about their glorious lineage, only that gaze had cut through the crowd to land on her.

What kind of person would notice her existence? Numbly, Yuchuge rose from bed. Her half-undone robe slipped to the carpet, unnoticed. Drawn by that tender gaze, she walked barefoot onto the balcony. The moon-chilled tiles met her soles, but the girl moved like a puppet, feeling nothing of her own.

As the last cloud parted, moonlight spilled along Yuchuge’s line of sight. There, perched on a thick tree branch outside the balcony, sat a girl.

Mu Yue Ran leaned against the trunk, head tilted as she watched Yuchuge. One leg dangled freely, swaying in the night breeze. Seeing Yuchuge within arm’s reach, she smiled softly. "Hello there, doll-like lady."

Yuchuge didn’t react. No one had ever told her how. She simply stared at Mu Yue Ran, her gem-bright eyes reflecting the other girl’s silhouette.

Unfazed by the silence, Mu Yue Ran plucked the ointment from Yuchuge’s hand and beckoned. "Come here. Applying this alone is tricky, isn’t it?"

*Was she supposed to treat her wounds?* Yuchuge had almost forgotten. But Mu Yue Ran had spoken—so she obeyed. Turning, she sat on the balcony railing.

Gently, Mu Yue Ran gathered Yuchuge’s silver hair, cascading to her waist. The girl’s small, pale back lay exposed. Any lingering tenderness in Mu Yue Ran’s heart vanished at the sight of the massive bruise marring that slender waist. Fury flared. "Damn them," she hissed.

*Damn... what? Her?*

The words echoed old memories—her mother, father, the entire House of Yu had called her that. She should obey. She’d been taught never to think for herself. Only to follow orders.

The wind brushed Yuchuge’s cheek, whispering: *The cliff is behind you. What are you waiting for?* A memory flashed—her favorite doll, thrown by her mother from this very balcony. Viewed from above, its delicate form had shattered into lifeless fragments.

*Would she break like that too?*

As the thought settled, Yuchuge leaned back slowly. Balance slipped. She surrendered to the earth’s embrace—only to be caught mid-fall by warmer arms, brimming with care.

The branch swayed gently under their combined weight. Leaves rained down like tears, brushing Yuchuge’s cheeks. Mu Yue Ran plucked a bold leaf from her face and tapped her nose with it. The small nose twitched slightly, making Yuchuge’s upturned eyes blink.

"Not obedient at all," Mu Yue Ran chided, her voice holding no blame, only concern. "You must cherish yourself. Understand?"

A new command. Yuchuge lowered her head meekly. She made no move to stand. Conveniently, Mu Yue Ran showed no sign of letting go.

They sat on the branch, watching the estate below. Maids rushed tirelessly between guests. Madam Yu and Mr. Yu chatted animatedly with Li Feng. Everyone was busy tonight.

Yet Yuchuge—the guest of honor, the one who should command all eyes—nestled quietly in Mu Yue Ran’s arms like a cherished doll.

If the House of Yu hadn’t been so distracted by their guests, if Madam Yu and Mr. Yu hadn’t been so absorbed in business with Li Feng, Mu Yue Ran might never have reached Yuchuge’s room so easily.

They’d all overlooked her. In this vast estate, only Mu Yue Ran had truly seen the girl.

"Aren’t you curious who I am? Or why I’m here?" Mu Yue Ran murmured into Yuchuge’s ear. But the girl remained expressionless, as if nothing mattered. Mu Yue Ran understood—it wasn’t refusal. Years of twisted upbringing had stolen parts of her humanity.

Her "doll-like lady" wasn’t just a joke.

But it didn’t matter. If Yuchuge couldn’t grasp words, Mu Yue Ran would make her understand through touch.

"I’m a kidnapper," she whispered. "A very, very bad one. Here specially to take you away."

"Will you resist?"

Mu Yue Ran’s arms tightened, a faint threat in her hold. Yet the closeness sparked something unfamiliar in Yuchuge—a voice screaming inside her head: *More. I need more of this warmth.*

*A kidnapper?*

She should be afraid. But why did this feel... warm? Comforting?

As if she didn’t mind being taken at all.

Suddenly, a bird burst from the darkness. Wings spread wide, it soared past Yuchuge’s face toward the starry sky. Against the glittering stars, it cried freely—no cage could ever hold it.

Yuchuge watched. Then, her arm lifted. Small fingers gripped Mu Yue Ran’s sleeve. She turned her head, stiff lips parting with effort before a whisper escaped: "Please... take me away, Miss Kidnapper."

"Received."

Joy lit Mu Yue Ran’s face—surprised Yuchuge had voiced a wish. She pulled out a pink sack, already prepared, and opened it wide. Obediently, Yuchuge crawled inside. To ease her discomfort, Mu Yue Ran had lined the sack with cotton and added air holes.

Slung the sack over her shoulder, Mu Yue Ran stood on the branch and took a deep breath.

*First time doing something like this...*

*Thrilling!*