The morning mist clung to Jiangcheng like a lover reluctant to part.

Inside Room 1818 of the M Hotel, the aftermath of a passionate night lingered in the air.

Clothes were strewn across the floor, the most conspicuous being a black lace bra hooked over the bedside lamp—tossed there in last night's haste.

Lin Xiaonuan woke to a desperate urge to pee. As she moved, waves of soreness crashed over her, her head pounding like a drum.

"Ah—"

Pain. Every muscle screamed as if she'd been run over by a truck.

Groggily, she staggered toward the bathroom—

THUD!

Her forehead collided with the wall.

The sharp pain jolted her awake. Rubbing her head, she squinted through dazed eyes, taking in her surroundings...

This... wasn't the university dormitory.

This... was a hotel suite?

Terrified, she dove back under the covers, clutching her mouth as her dark, luminous eyes widened in shock.

Her mind raced.

Last night, her boyfriend Lu Yuan's company had a team dinner. He'd insisted she come along.

The colleagues had been friendly, praising them as the perfect couple.

The atmosphere had been merry. She'd sipped some red wine.

Soon, her head spun, her limbs heavy. Seeing Lu Yuan deep in conversation, she'd quietly retreated to the sofa to rest.

But the headache intensified, a fire igniting within her.

"I don't feel well," she'd told Lu Yuan. "Can you take me back to school?"

Lu Yuan frowned. "Xiaonuan, Manager Zhu hasn't arrived yet. I can't leave now..."

Seeing her pale face, he added, "How about this? The company reserved some rooms for employees. Room 1816 is for female staff. I'll take you there to rest."

"Okay."

Fresh out of college, Lu Yuan was eager to impress his boss. Xiaonuan didn't want to make things difficult.

He'd helped her into Room 1816, reminding her before leaving, "Be good. Rest here. I'll take you back to school right after the party."

"Mhm!"

Collapsed on the soft bed, she lacked even the strength to speak, drifting into unconsciousness.

Her canvas tote bag still hung from her shoulder.

...

Time passed.

In a haze, she felt rough hands on her face.

Assuming it was Lu Yuan coming to fetch her, she blinked open her eyes...

Only to see a bloated, balding, wine-scented old man leering at her, his grotesque lips puckered for a kiss.

Horror shot through her. This was the women's rest room—how had he gotten in?

Drunk and lost, obviously.

She tried to scream, to call for help, but her throat was parched, her voice trapped in her chest.

The man closed in. Terrified, she turned her head away, instinctively kicking and flailing to keep him at bay.

Her resistance only amused him.

"Thought the drug would knock you out," he growled. "But you're feisty, huh? I like that."

His hands pinned her arms. She struggled, weakening by the second.

Seeing her falter, he released her, fumbling with his pants.

Her delicate features, slender waist, long legs—

His mouth watered.

"What a rare beauty. And they said she's a virgin. Worth every penny..."

He lunged.

No. She couldn't let this happen.

With a burst of adrenaline, Xiaonuan rolled to the far side of the bed, stumbling toward the door.

"Damn brat, playing games?" the man bellowed, chasing her.

Dizzy and sluggish, she barely reached the doorknob before he yanked her back, tearing at her clothes.

Thankfully, her tote bag—still slung over her shoulder—blocked his grasp. Though her thin shoulder peeked out, her modesty remained intact... for now.

The man's eyes bulged at the sight of her slender frame.

"Fine tits for such a skinny girl..."

He grabbed her waist, hurling her onto the bed.

"Be my mistress," he leered. "I'll give you everything—food, clothes, luxury..."

Clutching her jacket, Xiaonuan backed away.

"Come on, let me touch..."

He advanced, yellow teeth bared.

Must escape.

Survival instinct overrode fear. She grabbed the ashtray from the nightstand and hurled it with her last strength.

Blood sprayed.

The man howled, clutching his head.

Seizing the chance, she fled Room 1816, dragging her limp body down the hall.

She collapsed against the wall, dizziness overwhelming her. Desperate, she pounded on Room 1818's door.

"Help... please..."

The door opened. A tall man appeared.

Without seeing his face, Xiaonuan threw herself into his arms.

"Save... me..."

She lost consciousness.

The man frowned, instinctively pushing her away.

Another gold-digger. He'd seen this act too many times.

But as her face came into view, his breath hitched.

Where have I seen her...?

Her weightless body slipped from his arms. Without thinking, he caught her waist, cradling her.

So light...

Staring down at her, his gaze darkened.

Familiar... but why can't I place her?

Just as he turned to re-enter the room, the drunkard's voice echoed behind him.

"Hey, you—stop right there!"

The man stood in his underwear, a towel pressed to his bleeding head.

His disheveled state told the story. smirk tugged at the corner of the tall man's lips.

Knocked him out cold, huh?

Interesting...