Chapter 94: Luo Xiu's Peculiar Preferences - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 94: Luo Xiu's Peculiar Preferences "Why are you all staring at me?" Luo Xiu was momentarily taken aback by the scrutiny. The girl in the black dress bit her lip and hesitantly stepped back. She approached Luo Xiu, her head lowered, voice barely a whisper. "Why?" "Why what?" Ailin lifted her gaze, her eyes glistening slightly with unshed tears. She clenched her palms, feeling the dampness within. "Why did you save us? Clearly, you weren't like this when we were at the church." Ailin's voice trembled, her eyes holding a deeply concealed wariness as they met Luo Xiu's. "Is this what you call a cage, an act of judgment, and discipline?" She emphasized the words ‘judgment’ and ‘discipline’ in her inquiry. Having witnessed mistreated children in the slums, Ailin was well aware that those who appeared reputable often harbored dark secrets. Having peculiar inclinations was not uncommon. Even as she voiced her suspicion, there was a sliver of unrealistic hope in her heart, though rationality quickly extinguished it. It was likely just a whim from the other party, or perhaps merely calm before a storm. Yes, even a meal before execution was not out of the question. Ailin had always been inclined to assume the worst in people. The bloody truths of the past were evident; they were deemed cursed by birth, destined to burn alive on a cross. Should someone extend a helping hand, they must undoubtedly have ulterior motives. "Ah, that's what you mean." Luo Xiu chuckled. He carefully chose his words, "If you truly want to know why, it's difficult to explain clearly." "But..." He changed his tone, "Just assume I'm idle. After all, it's not a bad thing for you, is it?" "Idle...?" "Yes, any problem with that?" Ailin snorted, shaking her head in disbelief. "What a laughable excuse. Do you even believe it yourself?" A young girl's thoughts were transparent; even knowing she should play along, she couldn't resist a few sarcastic remarks. Meanwhile, Selina, lying on the bed, remained composed. She quietly tugged at her friend's hand, signaling her to maintain her temper. Ailin had more jabs poised but restrained herself upon feeling Selina's subtle gesture. Ailin was not afraid of death. Only Selina could compel her to relent. "Believe it..." To their surprise, the man was not angered by her words but instead rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He chuckled and said, "Whether you believe it or not isn't important. Time will reveal everything." With that, he turned to leave the room. "Since you're both fine, rest up here. I have matters to attend to." Luo Xiu understood that the girls were filled with distrust, perhaps even resentment. Therefore, he intended to give both parties space for gradual progression. He had plenty of time—no need to rush. Indeed, as he voluntarily suggested leaving, Ailin's tense expression visibly eased. However, the next instant, she tensed again. The retreating figure paused momentarily. Without turning back, the man left them with a final remark. "Oh, I never mentioned the word 'discipline.' That was your own assumption." Luo Xiu departed, his footsteps fading into the distance. He courteously shut the door behind him. The room fell silent once more, with only the faint sound of Ailin's and Selina's breathing. Ailin stood motionless for several seconds before turning blankly. She and Selina exchanged looks, seeing confusion and uncertainty mirrored in each other's eyes. Did he truly leave just like that? Without seizing the opportunity to enact any strange rituals? Like tying them up with a thick rope, suspending them, and picking up a dripping, red candle... The notion flashed through Ailin's mind, causing her cheeks to redden. She shook her head vigorously. She patted her chest in relief and climbed into bed, hugging her friend tightly. "Selina, I'm so glad you're okay. When I woke up and didn't find you beside me, I was worried sick..." Her words were heartfelt and sincere. Selina returned the embrace just as earnestly, her brows furrowed with concern. "Ailin, something feels off." Ailin wiped her face and nodded in agreement. "Yes, there's definitely something strange. He's hiding something from us." Selina sighed, turning to gaze at the sunlight streaming through the window, momentarily lost. "Ailin, how long has it been since we've seen the sun like this?" Ailin fell silent at the question. Before this, they had been hiding in the filthy, stinking sewers of the slums to evade demon hunters. Due to a lack of funds and means to earn money, they survived by nibbling on hard, stale bread each day. Even acquiring such meager sustenance required them to be heavily cloaked, constantly vigilant to avoid detection. However, streaking along the river's edge, one would inevitably get wet. Eventually, a mishap a short while ago led them to their current state. No, Selina thought suddenly; if everything could stay as it was now, perhaps it wasn't truly 'falling'... Here, they had warm sunlight and a soft bed beneath them. Not to mention the bandaged wound on her chest... Reflecting on these, Selina grew increasingly bewildered. What did that incredibly handsome man really want? From any perspective, they held no value, certainly not worth the risk and aid he provided. She pondered, glancing at the girl beside her, formulating a vague guess in her heart. Ailin’s emotions had gradually settled, though her eyes remained slightly red. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips rosy, complemented by the faint traces of tears that enhanced her delicately exquisite face. Just as Selina weighed whether to voice her suspicions, Ailin spoke first. She whispered, "Selina, I think there's more to his decision to bring us back." Selina's eyes shifted, "Such as?" Surviving thus far was testament enough to their cunning; they weren’t naïve enough to take his words at face value. Ailin inched closer, murmuring in Selina’s ear, "Perhaps he needs us for some particular experiments or research?" Witches possessed unique constitutions, having been secretly studied by the church a hundred years ago, albeit fruitlessly. Over time, interest in such ventures waned. Then Ailin proposed her second theory. "But what I think is more likely..." The girl hesitated, "Is that he might just have some peculiar hobbies." (End of Chapter)