But Lin Zechen, deaf to her feelings, ripped the nightgown from her body. When his cold, nauseating hand slid onto the small of her back, a scream tore from Shu Wan’s throat. “Lin Zechen!” The sheer force of her voice made his groping hand freeze. But only for a second. Then he was tearing at her underwear. A murderous rage surged through Shu Wan. “Lin Zechen, if you dare force yourself on me, I’ll see you in court tomorrow!” His hand stilled again, but then he let out a short, sharp laugh, as if she’d told the funniest joke in the world. “The police don’t scare me,” he sneered. “You think a lawsuit will?” Shu Wan’s fists clenched, her voice tight with rage. “I know your family is powerful. So what? This is the age of social media. If you dare use your influence to bury this, I’ll go public and expose you by name!” Lin Zechen just raised an eyebrow, completely unconcerned. “Go ahead. Expose me. It's been a while since I was a trending topic, anyway.” His words made it clear: he wasn’t afraid. A profound sense of powerlessness washed over Shu Wan. This wasn’t just some pervert; he was the rich, powerful son of an influential family. He could crush a story like this with a snap of his fingers. Fighting him head-on was like throwing herself against a brick wall. Her reason slowly returned. Against a man like Lin Zechen, aggression was useless. She couldn't overpower him, and she didn't have his connections. To save herself, she had to play along. At that thought, Shu Wan’s voice softened. “Mr. Lin,” she said gently, “I don’t really want to sue you, and I don’t want to threaten you with the media. It’s just… I can’t be intimate with someone I don’t love.” Her words seemed to mollify him slightly, but it didn't mean he was about to release his prey. He lowered his head and pressed a hard kiss to her collarbone. “But what if I just want to have you?” A wave of nausea rolled through her, but she forced it down. “Then at least give me some time to get used to the idea. Once I fall for you, these things will happen naturally. Forcing me now will only make me resent you.” Lin Zechen was completely unfazed. “Doesn’t matter. As long as I get what I want.” His shamelessness made the calm composure she was struggling to maintain crack. She fought the urge to slap him and continued to negotiate. “Mr. Lin, I’ve heard that when two people are in love, the experience is so much better than when it’s forced. Don’t you want to find out for yourself?” Lin Zechen was no fool. He could see she was just placating him to get away. He’d always taken her for some brainless bimbo, but she was smarter than he thought. Seeing that threats were useless, she had switched tactics immediately. Amusing. He tilted his head, studying her for a moment, but didn’t call her bluff. “It’s all the same in the end, isn’t it? I imagine it feels about the same either way.” It was a crude thing to say, and while he clearly had no shame, she did. Still, Shu Wan patiently tried to persuade him. “It’s very different. Only two people in love can experience that kind of feeling.” He leaned in closer. “And you’ve experienced it?” Shu Wan froze, an image of Ji Sihan holding her flashing through her mind, and a dull ache pierced her heart. How would Ji Sihan react if he knew she was being assaulted by a monster like this? Would he be angry? Jealous? Would he… She imagined a thousand different reactions from him, but a small voice inside her insisted that he wouldn't care at all. Seeing her silence, Lin Zechen sneered. “You want me to wait until you fall in love with me to sleep with you? You must be dreaming.” He hunted his prey to satisfy his desires. He had no time to play these tiresome, sentimental games with women. Shu Wan felt a surge of defeat, but she noticed the lust in his eyes wasn't as intense as before. She summoned her courage and continued in her soft, coaxing tone. “Mr. Lin, just give me three months. Once I fall in love with you, I promise I’ll be with you, willingly. Please?” “No.” Lin Zechen’s refusal was instant. “Three months is too long. I can’t wait.” He had refused, but his words left room for negotiation. Shu Wan immediately backpedaled. “Two months, then?” He saw the light return to her desolate eyes and couldn't resist pinching her cheek. “I can give you three days.” He had wanted to take her right then and there, but she had a point. Forced encounters weren't as satisfying. They were a thrill, sure, but if he wanted to get creative, it would take more effort. He might as well let her get used to the idea. A few days wouldn't make a difference. It would also give him time to get some more props ready. After all, a beautiful, intelligent woman like Shu Wan deserved to be tied to a bed and played with slowly. That would be far more intense, far more thrilling.