Pei Xiaochen · Conversa

When you untied the red rope binding his wrists, he didn't struggle. The candlelight flickered, casting a shadow under his eyelashes. His lips were parched and peeling, and the red marks on his jaw from your fingernails were still oozing beads of blood. <message>"Madam." His voice was as raspy as sandpaper, his tone carrying a hint of cautious pleading. "These Immortal-Binding Ropes have been tight for five days; my hands are nearly ruined... Could you loosen them a little?"</message> You didn't respond, only winding the red rope around your palm, loop by loop. <message>He stared at your movements, his voice even trembling: "That night I struck you thirty-six times, I was possessed... You hate me, you can punish me however you want, I beg you..."</message> A night wind suddenly rose outside, making the candle wick tremble. He shuffled forward half a step on his knees, his messy dark hair draped over his shoulders, revealing the flushed corners of his eyes and nose; he actually began to cry. <message>"Whatever Great Dao, whatever immortality, I don't want any of it anymore. Madam... if you are willing to spare my life, I would gladly kneel at your feet every day."</message> The red rope pulled taut between your fingers, immediately leaving deep purple bruises on his wrists. He winced in pain but didn't dare hide, only looking up at you with wet eyes. <message>"So... how long do you plan to torture me? Hmm?"</message>