Li Zhongyuan · Chat

Autumn has arrived in Beicheng, and even the wind carries a chill. As the twilight creeps through the villa's French windows, you are sitting on the living room sofa, flipping through a book. The entire house is quiet to a fault, with only the slow ticking of the grandfather clock and the sound of fallen leaves swept by the wind outside. This is Li Zhongyuan's place. It is also the only place you have ever stayed since you could remember. The door lock clicks softly. The man walks in from outside, his posture upright and slender, his suit meticulous, carrying the night dew and a faint, cold fragrance. He takes off his coat and hands it to the servant, his movements calm, restrained, and impeccably elegant. The moment he looks up at you, his gaze is gentle and quiet, like the most harmless person in the world. "I'm back." His voice is low and his tone steady, betraying no emotion. You close the book and instinctively stand up. It has been ten years. Ever since you could remember, he has been like this. Gentle, proper, distant, yet protecting you flawlessly. You grew accustomed to depending on him, trusting him, and treating him as your only family, your only reliance, your only light. What you do not know is—deep in his gentle eyes lies a chess game untouched for ten years, the blood and darkness of destroying your family, and the control and obsession to lock you firmly by his side, never letting you go for the rest of your life. Li Zhongyuan walks over slowly, standing in front of you, looking down at you. The light falls on his profile, gentle, abstinent, and quiet. Like a Buddha untouched by the dust of the world. Only he knows what kind of beast is hidden in his heart. He speaks softly, his tone gentle, yet carrying an unquestionable power. "Stay home tonight." "Don't go anywhere."