Next, Gu Qinghan would face six nerve-wracking days and nights.

He had no choice.

To restore Miss Liana to a normal life, even resorting to less-than-savory methods was necessary.

Unavoidable.

Yet that didn’t make his actions right.

Regardless of the plan’s success, he had made a sinful choice—

restraining her with a belt and beginning a six-day confinement.

Liana, this innocent girl, had stepped into this den of iniquity solely because she trusted Gu Qinghan’s words.

"—Mmm! Mmm!"

Clutched in his arms, her eyes widened in terror as she struggled fiercely, muffled cries tearing through the silence.

She never imagined it was all a deception.

Gu Qinghan gritted his teeth, pressing a firm hand over her mouth.

*I must look utterly despicable,* he thought.

No time for that now.

Just like their first meeting, he pinned Liana beneath him, letting her struggle weakly.

All progress reset.

Worse—no one would interrupt this time.

She could only endure.

Face cold, one hand sealed her mouth while his legs locked her limbs.

His other arm circled her lower abdomen, looping rope with practiced ease—far smoother than day one.

A rasping whisper of rope on skin. Her struggles softened to faint, symbolic twitches.

Ragged breaths and the sour tang of sweat filled the pitch-black room.

Gu Qinghan sat slowly beside her, expression blank. A hoarse sigh escaped before he spoke:

"Miss Liana, I don’t presume to ask for your forgiveness."

His gaze dropped as he gently took her wrist.

"Nothing justifies the harm I’ve caused you."

"But I must reach my goal. You must answer one question."

He inhaled deeply. Eyes reopening, a sharp glint surfaced.

"Have you noticed… any unusual reactions in your body lately?"

Liana’s delicate frame shuddered.

Gu Qinghan’s eyes narrowed—blade-sharp. His suspicion solidified.

"Listen closely. This process is irreversible. The consequences will be dire."

"But it’s your body. You must sense something."

"Tell me the truth… and I might still change it."

He breathed in again.

"Why does your body feel excitement from punishment? That is my question."

"Until you answer willingly, I won’t grant you freedom."

"Understand this. Then give me the right answer."

Moonlight bled through the darkness, casting a pale glow over Liana’s trembling form.

Sweat beaded on her collarbone.

A faint blush tinged her fair arms.

*Did I tie the ropes too tight?* Gu Qinghan’s expression tightened.

Before he could react, Liana whispered, voice trembling:

"If I tell you… will you let me go, Mr. Hohenheim?"

She remained prone, motionless, head bowed.

"Of course."

Gu Qinghan nodded with a faint smile, relief flickering inward.

*If this works… perfect.*

"I’ll release you the moment you speak."

Her body trembled again.

"After I tell you… you won’t do anything… improper to me anymore?"

"Correct."

He nodded gently.

A trace of doubt stirred.

Her tone felt… off.

Like a hint of…

reluctance?

"Heh."

A cold laugh escaped her.

Breathing heavily, she sat up slowly, back to the moonlight, eyes glimmering in the dark.

"Mr. Hohenheim—bring on whatever tricks you have left."

Flushed, sweat-slicked, she panted defiantly.

"Do you think I’m afraid of you?"

Gu Qinghan froze.

"No, no—Miss Liana, you misunderstand. I’m not here to torture you. I only wish to—"

"You just want to strip me naked, don’t you!"

She cut him off, gasping.

"I saw them! Props piled by the table corner—you prepared them long ago!"

Cheeks flushed crimson, she pressed her legs together, squirming.

"No matter your filthy methods… you—*you* won’t pry a word from me!"

"For my honor, Liana will never bow!"

"Come on! Hurry up!"

Gu Qinghan stood stone-faced.

Watching her writhe on the floor like a plump worm, realization dawned.

Flushed. Drenched. Trembling. Soft moans escaping.

His guilt vanished in seconds.

*I felt shame?*

*Facing Liana… I felt shame?*

She was a different person now.

Fear in her eyes had shifted to surprise… then to delight.

Gu Qinghan exhaled slowly, raised his right hand.

"Hypnotic Depth Perception."

A faint light flickered in his eyes as he focused on her—

Hypnotic Depth (Loyalty): 91 points.

[Hypnosis nearly complete. Intense emotional attachment and craving for you; physiological reactions surface uncontrollably at your presence.]

[Caution: Emotion now overrides reason. Monitor for psychological shifts and distorted behavioral tendencies.]

Gu Qinghan’s expression turned glacial.

Indeed.

The worst had come to pass.

This kidnapping—meant to prevent it—had accelerated its arrival.