Manipulative Harem God

As Chen Yulan ventured downstairs to fetch the water, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. 'Why must he be so demanding?' she pondered with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

Carefully, she filled a glass with water, her movements deliberate, her mind still on Zhang Wei's smug expression.

As she turned to ascend the stairs back, her expression crumbled like a fragile porcelain figurine dropped from a great height, leaving her speechless.

"..."

Frozen in place, she clung to the tray as though it were a lifeline, the silence surrounding her almost deafening.

The handrail that had been her support during her descent was now a distant memory, leaving her feeling helpless and uncertain.

She began her climb, sighing in defeat, extending her weary legs. A stinging sensation coursed through them, making each step an challenging journey back up the stairs.

Her expression constricted, a tangible reflection of the turmoil brewing inside. The haunting memories of his unspeakable assault enveloped her thoughts, darkening her resolve with each step she took.

She remembered the desperation in her voice as she pleaded for mercy, pleas that fell on deaf ears, igniting a fierce determination within her.

Her grip on the tray tightened involuntarily, a physical manifestation of her internal struggle, her knuckles whitening with the force of her grasp.

And then, in an instant, her world tilted.

"Ah!" The sharp, startled cry escaped her lips as her foot found an unexpected slipperiness on the stair beneath her.

Time seemed to slow as she felt her balance betray her, her body instinctively bracing for the inevitable fall.

The tray, once a symbol of her defiance, now seemed to mock her as it, too, began its descent, propelled by her stumbling form.

Boom!

The sound reverberated through the quiet house as Chen Yulan's body made contact with the hard surface of the stairs.

"Agh!" The pain was immediate and sharp, a vocal expression of her distress echoing off the walls.

Splash!

To add insult to injury, the glass of water, once securely held in her grasp, now shattered upon impact.

Water cascaded over her like a cruel, ironic baptism, drenching her clothes and chilling her skin.

The coldness of the water seeped through her garments, mingling with the sharp sting of her fall, creating a discomfort that was both physical and deeply emotional.

Lying there amidst the shards of glass and the spreading puddle, Chen Yulan felt the weight of her situation.

The task that had started as a simple act of service had spiraled into a moment of helplessness and pain, underscored by the chilling embrace of the water.

"..."

Chen Yulan lay sprawled on the cold, unforgiving steps, a shiver running through her body, not solely from the chill of the water soaking her clothes but also from the shock of her fall.

She fought valiantly against the tears that threatened to breach her eyes, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps as she tried to make sense of the pain enveloping her.

It was as if the physical sensation of her fall had temporarily numbed her senses, leaving her in a state of stunned silence, broken only by the rhythmic tapping of her own heartbeat in her ears.

Tap...

Tap...

Above her, the sound of soft, cautious footsteps broke the silence of the night. Yu Lei, moving with a silent grace that belied her urgency, was barefoot, her steps light on the cold floor of the hallway.

Her mind raced with thoughts of intrusion, a protective instinct flaring within her. "Did someone try to attack the husband?" she mused silently, a mix of concern and excitement stirring within her.

The night, so still and quiet moments ago, now seemed charged with potential.

"Hehe... It's my chance to defend him and show how powerful I am!" The thought brought a wide, eager smile to her face.

In the solitude of the night, her enthusiasm felt magnified, her imagination running wild with heroic scenarios.

Yet, as she neared the source of the disturbance, her steps slowed, her anticipation giving way to confusion.

"Hm?"

The scene that greeted her wasn't one of danger or confrontation but rather of misfortune.

There, in the dim light, lay Chen Yulan, not an assailant but a victim of an unfortunate accident on the stairs.

Yu Lei's initial rush of adrenaline faded as quickly as it had arrived, replaced by a wave of concern for Chen Yulan's well-

being.

"Yulan, are you alright...?" Yu Lei's voice softened, her demeanor shifting from one of potential confrontation back to her usual composed self as she approached Chen Yulan.

Chen Yulan lifted her head, managing a strained smile despite the discomfort. "Y-Yes... I just fell..." Her voice was a soft whisper, betraying the effort it took to even utter those words. As she attempted to rise, Yu Lei could see the struggle behind her facade, her face teetering on the brink of tears.

Yu Lei exhaled a heavy sigh, her concern evident. "Did Zhang Wei ask you for something?" She inquired, extending a hand to help Chen Yulan to her feet.

Chen Yulan's lips pressed tightly together, a silent testament to her internal struggle. She glanced down at her drenched dress and the paleness of her toes, her fingers curling into fists. After a moment of silence, she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "..mm.."

Yu Lei shook her head, a mix of frustration and concern flickering in her eyes. 'Is the husband toying with her?' she pondered, well aware of the dual nature of Zhang Wei's character. Despite his amiable appearance, Yu Lei knew all too well the consequences of crossing him.

A shiver ran through her at the thought of Zhang Wei's cruelty, yet an odd thrill chased away the momentary fear. Pushing aside these thoughts, Yu Lei refocused on Chen Yulan. "What did he ask for?" she prompted gently.

"... Water..." Chen Yulan murmured, her gaze still fixed downwards. The simplicity of the request contrasted sharply with the turmoil it had caused, leaving her feeling empty and helpless.