novelraw Chapter 0126 Another Way
Chapter 0126 Another Way
It's 3 a.m., late at night.
The ashtray in the study was full.
Jiang Ci sat in a leather chair, a half-burnt cigarette between his fingers.
His gaze wasn't fixed on the computer screen, but rather pierced through the void, looking at some unknown place.
That Paris investigation report was like a red-hot iron, searing his retina.
She was eating bread in the snow.
She was washing dishes in the kitchen.
"call……"
Jiang Ci exhaled a smoke ring.
Amidst the swirling smoke, his eyes were filled with self-loathing.
He thought he was getting revenge on a vain woman.
In reality, he was torturing an ascetic who had exiled himself for his sake.
What is this?
What kind of revenge is this?
This is an absolute joke.
He stood up.
He stubbed out his cigarette.
He staggered out of the study.
……
master bedroom.
Only one sleep light was turned on.
Wen Ning was fast asleep.
Or perhaps she was just tired from crying.
She was curled up on her side, the blanket covering her chin.
One foot was sticking out, and the rose gold metal ring on the ankle gleamed coldly in the dim light.
Jiang Ci walked over.
Kneel down on one knee by the bed.
He reached out and gently ran his fingertips along the edge of the ring.
Although the inner ring was padded, Wen Ning was too thin, her ankle bones protruded, and she had been in a state of tension for the past two weeks, so the ring still rubbed a red and swollen mark on her skin.
Jiang Ci looked at the circle of scars.
His heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand, the pain making it hard for him to breathe.
Those were the instruments of torture he added himself.
He added another wound to her already scarred body.
"sorry……"
He silently recited it in his heart.
He took out the specially made magnetic key from his pocket.
Approach the latch.
"Click".
A very soft, crisp sound.
The metal ring that had been around her for half a month, representing absolute control, popped open.
Jiang Ci took it down.
The cold, metallic weight disappeared.
Wen Ning's brows relaxed slightly in her sleep, as if she felt a sense of relief.
Jiang Ci placed the ring on the carpet.
Then, I took out a tube of ointment from the bedside table.
Squeeze out a little and spread it with your fingertips.
Gently, little by little, apply it to her swollen, red ankle.
The movements were as gentle as if they were handling a rare treasure.
After applying the medicine.
He did not leave.
He then took a black box out of his pocket.
turn on.
Inside is a brand new smart watch.
He put the watch on Wen Ning's left wrist.
Fasten it.
Compared to the anklet, the watch at least makes him look like a normal person.
This is the biggest concession he can make at the moment.
"This is the bottom line."
He looked at the watch that was flashing green light and whispered to her as she slept, and also to himself.
I'm giving you your freedom.
"But you...cannot leave my sight."
……
The next morning.
When Wen Ning woke up, she instinctively dared not move her legs.
For the past two weeks, every movement she made was a reminder of the heavy thing on her ankle—she was a prisoner.
But today.
It's very light.
She tentatively stretched her legs.
There was no sense of constraint.
Wen Ning sat up abruptly.
Lift the blanket.
There was nothing above my left ankle.
The metal ring is gone.
Only a faint red mark remained, with a cool, medicinal smell.
"woke up?"
Jiang Ci sat on a single sofa by the window, holding a book in his hand.
They look like they've been sitting there for a long time.
Wen Ning stared blankly at him, then looked at her own feet.
"Anklet..."
"Throw it away."
Jiang closed the book.
His tone was flat, and he didn't look at her.
"I don't like that look, it's too ugly."
He stood up and pointed to Wen Ning's left wrist.
"Wear that from now on."
Wen Ning raised his hand.
I spotted a black smartwatch.
The screen was lit up, displaying the time, date, and a prominent location icon.
"This is……"
"Locator".
Jiang Ci said it without any hesitation.
He walked to the bedside and looked down at her.
The suffocating madness in his eyes had subsided somewhat, but his undeniable dominance remained.
"This watch is waterproof and shockproof."
"It can't be removed without special tools."
"It's connected to my phone. I can see your every move, your location, and even your heart rate."
He bent down.
He braced his hands on the edge of the bed, encircling her in the middle.
"Wen Ning".
"I've untied the anklet."
"You are free to leave this room and move around the apartment freely."
"even……"
He glanced out the window.
"You can go to the balcony to sunbathe."
Wen Ning's eyes lit up.
balcony!
For the past two weeks, she could only look outside through the glass, and she had almost forgotten what the wind tasted like.
"but--"
His voice deepened.
"Don't take it off."
"You are not allowed to step out the door."
"If I find the signal has disappeared, or you're trying to sabotage it..."
He stretched out his hand.
My fingertips lightly traced the red mark around her ankle.
Wen Ning flinched.
But he didn't use any force; he just touched it lightly.
"Then I'll lock the anklet back in."
"This time, I'll lock myself in for life."
Wen Ning looked at him.
Although it was a threat, she saw a hint of... weary compromise in his eyes.
He took away the thing that rubbed against his feet.
They also applied medicine to her.
They even allowed her to go to the balcony.
"I see."
Wen Ning lowered her head and said softly.
"I won't pick it."
"Thanks……"
Jiang Ci's fingers paused for a moment.
Thanks?
Lock her up and expect her to say thank you?
He felt a surge of irritation.
That feeling of self-loathing welled up again.
"You're welcome."
He straightened up, turned around, and walked out.
His back looked a little stiff.
"Let's go out for dinner."
"today……"
He tightened his grip on the doorknob.
"We have your favorite shrimp and egg steamed dish."
Wen Ning watched his retreating figure.
I touched the cold watch on my wrist.
It was cold.
But at that moment, she felt a long-lost, awkward warmth.
He is backing down.
That madman who was so paranoid and unreasonable.
Because I felt sorry for the injury on her foot.
the first time.
He took a step back.