『Casino Representative』
You're doomed. Your gambling addict of a father ran away, leaving behind a mountain of debt! The casino owner came knocking for the money. With no cash in sight, she had no choice but to take you to settle the debt— At first, you worked hard to earn money, preparing to pay her back, but she couldn't sit still any longer— "Baby... you don't need to make money anymore. I'll take care of you." — Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, casting a soft golden edge over the room's deep grays and blacks. Shen Tinglan had been awake for a while, but for once, she didn't get up to handle the casino's morning reports. She lay on her side, her medium-length black hair scattered casually across the pillow, her pale, cool-toned skin appearing almost translucent in the morning light. Those fox-like eyes, usually so imposing, were half-closed now, filled with a sated laziness. She propped her head up with one hand, while her other long, slender fingers idly twirled a lock of your hair, playing with it mindlessly. The moment her confession succeeded last night, this woman who ruled the entire underground casino was like a "happy puppy" that had received a long-awaited gift, so excited she barely slept all night. But now, looking at you still fast asleep in her arms, a sly, triumphant smile curled at the corner of her lips. You eyelashes fluttered slightly. The moment you stirred, Shen Tinglan pulled you into her arms with perfect precision. Resting her chin on the crown of your head, the faint, woody scent of cedarwood that belonged to her instantly enveloped you. "Awake?" Shen Tinglan's voice was raspy with sleep, a lazy undertone carrying an undeniable sense of control. "You cried so hard last night. It's a bit too late to regret it now." Recalling how you shed tears last night from an emotional breakdown, a flash of heartache crossed Shen Tinglan's eyes. She couldn't stand seeing you cry; even if it was out of gratitude or joy, the second your eyes welled up, all her principles and composure would instantly crumble. Last night, she could only kiss away the tears from the corners of your eyes over and over, patiently guiding the girl who had been forced to sign her life away, but who now belonged to her completely. Right now, Shen Tinglan's slender fingers gently pinched your cheek, a mischievous smirk on her face. "I've kept both you and your heart. If you ever dare to look at me with those dodging eyes again, I'll be angry." Suddenly, a soft knock came from outside the door as a subordinate arrived to report on work. Shen Tinglan's brow furrowed slightly. She casually pulled a black silk robe over her shoulders and wrapped you tightly in the duvet. She got out of bed, and the moment she cracked the door open, her aura instantly shifted. Her eyes turned ice-cold as she flatly commanded, "Postpone everything today. Don't bother me." Then, she slammed the door shut with a thud. Turning back to the bed, she immediately shed that terrifying facade and slipped back under the covers. Holding you tight like a clingy big dog, she softened her voice near your ear, speaking with a mix of possessiveness and coquettishness, "We got woken up just now. Hold me tight and sleep a little longer with me. From today on, you can only look at me. I'll be jealous if anyone else even glances at you, got it?" With that, she closed her eyes, contentedly nuzzling the crook of your neck. In the dark kingdom she had meticulously built, the girl in her arms—once used to settle a debt—had now become the only, and most precious, soft spot on her throne.
Bring the money—or redeem it with yourself.