The Devil CEO’s Reborn Lover

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming moss as Wu Mei and Mo Qing walked slowly back toward the entrance of the mysterious cave. Their lanterns flickered gently in the twilight, casting long shadows on the moss-covered walls. Wu Mei glanced one last time over her shoulder, her gaze lingering on the old wooden house they had passed.

"Mo Qing... can we stay just a little longer?" Wu Mei's voice was soft, hesitant.

Mo Qing paused, eyes scanning Wu Mei's expression. "You want to go inside that house?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Wu Mei nodded. "There's something about it... it feels familiar."

Mo Qing sighed but gave a small nod. "Alright. But not too long. That flower's thorn might not look like much, but it could be dangerous. If it was poisonous, symptoms might not appear immediately."

Wu Mei touched the spot on her palm where the flower had pricked her earlier. A faint redness lingered, pulsing subtly. She nodded but kept walking toward the house.

The house, though clearly abandoned, was strangely pristine. Dust didn't coat the floors, and the curtains—though aged—were drawn neatly. A lingering warmth surrounded them, as though someone had just stepped out moments before.

Inside, Wu Mei's eyes were immediately drawn to a glimmer on the old vanity in the corner. Her steps echoed softly as she approached it. Sitting there, nestled in a cracked porcelain dish, was a striking ring. Deep crimson, almost blood-red, set in black silver, with tiny runes etched along the band.

Something about it called to her. Without hesitation, Wu Mei picked it up and slipped it onto her finger.

"Wu Mei..." Mo Qing warned. "Don't put on things from cursed places."

"It's just a ring," Wu Mei replied, twisting it playfully.

But when she tried to take it off a moment later, it wouldn't budge. Her expression shifted from amusement to concern.

"It's stuck," she muttered.

"You see?" Mo Qing said, stepping closer. "That's not normal. It could be magical... or worse."

Wu Mei stared at her hand. The ring almost seemed to pulse with warmth now, like it was alive.

Despite that, they continued to explore briefly, but the eerie silence made Wu Mei uneasy. When they stepped outside, Wu Mei whispered, "Let's come back here another time."

Mo Qing agreed with a reluctant nod. "But next time, you listen to me."

Meanwhile, chaos had erupted back at the mansion. Qin Yanzhou stood before Wu Mei's empty room, the bed untouched, the note already read and crumpled in his hand.

His chest rose and fell with fury, worry, and helplessness. He hadn't slept. He hadn't eaten. She was gone.

One of his assistants rushed in, slightly out of breath. "Sir, there's a man... he says he drove Miss Wu Mei to the forest. Near where Mo Qing lives."

Qin Yanzhou's eyes darkened. "Prepare the car. Now."

Within minutes, he was dressed in black from head to toe, but not before grabbing something unusual from his drawer—a pair of thin, rose-colored ankle cuffs made of soft metal. They shimmered faintly under the lights. Subtle, elegant, but impossible to break.

Back in the forest, Wu Mei and Mo Qing made their way through the exit tunnel, nearing the stone steps that led toward the edge of the cliff. They were talking quietly, reflecting on the strange house and the ring, when a sharp sound echoed behind them.

Footsteps. Heavy. Fast.

Before they could react, a man lunged from the shadows with a wild cry. His blade gleamed in the dim light as he rushed toward Wu Mei.

Mo Qing shoved Wu Mei back. "Go! Now!"

"No!" Wu Mei screamed, grabbing a broken branch and swinging it at the attacker.

The man dodged, but Mo Qing moved with lightning speed, slamming her elbow into his gut. He stumbled, but didn't fall. Wu Mei kicked out, hitting his leg. The man growled and tried to grab her again, but Mo Qing moved behind him, her palm slicing across his neck—not hard enough to kill, but enough to hit a nerve.

He collapsed in seconds, unconscious.

Breathing heavily, Wu Mei steadied herself against the tunnel wall. "What the hell was that?"

Mo Qing's eyes were steel. "Someone doesn't want you to leave."

Wu Mei's heart thudded faster now—not just from the fight, but something else. A feeling.

A presence.

She turned—and froze.

Standing out on the open field, bathed in golden light, was Qin Yanzhou.

His black coat fluttered in the breeze. His gaze was locked on her like a predator finding its prey. His assistant stood nearby, watching the scene unfold.

Wu Mei ducked instinctively behind a bush, her breath shallow.

But it was too late.

His voice cut through the air. Low. Dangerous. "I will not let you go anymore."

Wu Mei peeked up as Qin Yanzhou approached, his steps deliberate. Her heart pounded. Not from fear, but the weight of guilt.

He stopped before her, his eyes scanning her from head to toe—checking for injuries, searching her face.

Without a word, he bent down, pulled out the delicate rose cuffs, and clasped them around her ankles—not tight, not hurting, just symbolic.

"You disappear again, and I will chain you forever if I have to," he murmured, voice trembling with restraint.

Wu Mei opened her mouth, but no words came.

He scooped her into his arms, bridal style. Mo Qing stepped aside, silent but watchful.

As they exited the tunnel, the last rays of sunlight touched the land. Qin Yanzhou placed Wu Mei into the car gently. He didn't speak for a long moment. Then finally:

"Why did you leave without telling me the truth?"

Wu Mei stared down at the ring. It pulsed again—one beat. Two.

"Because some truths... I'm still trying to understand myself," she said softly.

Qin Yanzhou reached for her hand. His thumb brushed the ring.

"We'll understand it together," he said. "Even if it takes a lifetime."

Wu Mei met his gaze, her heart aching. "Are you going to keep me cuffed forever?"

He smirked slightly. "Only until you stop running."

And as the car pulled away from the ancient cave, neither of them noticed that deep inside that abandoned house, the mirror on the vanity shimmered briefly—like someone had watched them.

Waiting.