Chapter 18: Don't Beg Him to Stop While Crying

He clung to me like an octopus, his grip astonishingly strong, making it impossible for me to break free. His arms were like two thick iron chains, locking me in place tightly.

Suppressing the nausea rising in my chest, I grit my teeth and demanded, "Let me go!"

A sinister smile curled at the corner of his mouth—a devilish grin in my eyes. He leaned close to my ear, whispering in a voice only I could hear, "You look quite tempting dressed like that today."

"Get away from me!" I pushed him with all my might, but his arms were like iron pincers, unmoving. My strength was insignificant against his.

Suddenly, he reached out and squeezed my neck with a harsh grip. His fingers were like cold steel tongs, and I instantly found it difficult to breathe. My face flushed crimson, and I gasped painfully, a raspy “hiss” escaping my throat.

My hands clenched tightly around his wrist, trying to pry his fingers apart. My nails dug deeply into his skin, but all efforts were in vain—his hand was as hard as steel.

Tears welled up in my eyes, uncontrollably streaming down my cheeks. I kicked wildly like a trapped beast desperate to break free, but his strength was overwhelming. I was like a caged bird, powerless to escape his grasp.

"Cough… cough…" My throat felt as if scorched by raging flames, each breath stabbing with unbearable pain. I could barely force out hoarse, broken coughs.

"Beg me. Beg, and I might let you catch your breath," Qiyu Zhou said, his eyes gleaming with twisted pleasure, as if savoring a cruel game he controlled.

I struggled desperately, my hands gripping his like iron clamps until my fingers turned white, nails digging painfully into his skin. I summoned every ounce of strength to break free from his demonic grip.

"Please… please…" I finally whispered, my voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz on a summer night, yet Qiyu Zhou caught the faintest sound.

He seemed utterly satisfied with my submission, a cold sneer curling his lips, full of mockery and disdain.

Slowly, he released his hold on my neck, his movement hesitant, as if savoring the moment of my painful relief.

I gasped in deep breaths, each accompanied by violent coughing fits that brought tears and snot uncontrollably streaming down my face. I was a mess—hair disheveled, clinging to my face, my eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

Finally managing to quiet the coughing, I trembled as I wiped away the tears and mucus from my face.

Qiyu Zhou, however, appeared indifferent. He calmly adjusted his clothes and tie with elegant coldness, his gaze icy as ancient frozen ice. He glanced at me briefly, then swiftly averted his eyes.

The plane quickly broke through the clouds and soared into the sky. I leaned weakly against the window, my eyes vacant as I stared at the cotton-candy clouds outside. My heart was a tangle of mixed emotions, a chaotic mess impossible to unravel.

After disembarking, Qiyu Zhou strode ahead with long, purposeful steps.

I dragged my heavy suitcase slowly behind him, my footsteps sluggish.

As expected, he reserved the executive suite—his intentions clear without words.

Once inside, Qiyu Zhou entered the master bedroom.

I shrugged and began silently unpacking, mentally planning my next move.

Just as I finished, footsteps sounded above me.

I looked up to see Qiyu Zhou dressed in a black shirt, buttons carelessly undone to reveal a sculpted chest. His muscles were faintly visible; the contours of his abs clearly defined beneath the fabric. A black leather belt cinched his waist, accentuating his powerful physique, radiating a lethal masculine allure.

Before I could react, he handed me a thick stack of documents. "By the way, there’s a social event tomorrow night. You’ll accompany me. Memorize these materials thoroughly."

I couldn’t quite grasp his intention, but nodded and took the papers, settling onto the sofa to study them carefully.

Page after page, I read intently, my eyes fixed on every word as my fingers traced the paper.

It was an invitation to an international jewelry gala, attended by industry titans.

"This project is very important to me. Mr. Li prefers tea. Just use your skills to handle it," Qiyu Zhou said before turning toward the bathroom.

So that’s what he meant by repaying favors.

Well, I wasn’t about to miss this opportunity.

I barely had time to lie down before Qiyu Zhou emerged from the bathroom.

He wore nothing but a towel, water droplets tracing the contours of his perfect body. His wet hair clung to his forehead, exuding a powerful virile aura. His eight-pack abs were especially enticing under the light, igniting a restless yearning.

Qiyu Zhou approached me slowly, each step radiating an invisible pressure.

He stopped before me, lowering his head to meet my gaze, eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

"How about it? Helping you with the project isn’t enough to repay my debt?" I teased with a smile.

He bent down, his long fingers gently gripping my chin with a tender yet unyielding force.

Instinctively, I tilted my head back, trying to evade his “assault.”

"Of course not."

His breath brushed against my ear, carrying a dangerous edge as he drew closer.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning in lightly, forcing a sweet smile and feigning innocence. "Are you hungry?"

He arched an eyebrow, his tone both flippant and provocative. "What do you think?"

"How about some late-night snacks?"

Qiyu Zhou snorted, wrapping one arm around my waist and pulling me close, while his other hand traced slowly along my back. His fingers lingered at my collarbone, the cold touch sending a shiver down my spine.

"Heh, do you take me for a child?"

Qiyu Zhou looked at me with a devilish grin, his eyes brimming with haughty arrogance.

I grinned suddenly. "Looks like you’re really hungry. Jin Siqi’s little tricks can’t satisfy you, huh?"

"Shut your mouth!" Qiyu Zhou glared, his eyes blazing with fury. "Don’t you dare say a word against Siqi!"

"Protecting your own, huh? Loving her so much, yet craving my body..."

His weight pressed down on me, heavy and suffocating.

His eyes narrowed to slits, cold enough to freeze ice, and in a sinister tone he said, "Qinxin, tonight don’t cry or beg me to stop."