Chapter 499: Punishment

“Big sis, didn’t I already admit defeat? You’re the one refusing to let me off.”

Wan Ziyue’s expression shifted again. The anger vanished without a trace, her eyes reddened slightly, and shimmering tears swam in her beautiful pupils, making her look pitiful and stirring compassion.

“I promise I won’t ever do this again. Just let me off this once, okay?”

“Enough. Looks like you still plan to resist. Don’t blame me for being ruthless, then.” Wan Caixuan narrowed her eyes, a hint of malice flickering within. “Lin Xiao, take her and come with me.”

With that, Wan Caixuan took the lead, striding out of the CEO’s office and heading to a smaller office nearby.

“Apologies.”

Lin Xiao said apologetically, then, ignoring Wan Ziyue’s struggles, scooped her up by the waist and followed behind Wan Caixuan with large strides.

The four girls standing by the door showed determination in their eyes and rushed forward in an attempt to stop Lin Xiao, only to be knocked unconscious by a single palm strike each.

These four girls, loyal to Wan Ziyue, didn’t inspire any dislike in Lin Xiao, so he held back, just enough to knock them out without causing harm.

“Let me go, you jerk! Put me down!”

Wan Ziyue struggled desperately in Lin Xiao’s arms, her snow-white legs kicking wildly.

As she flailed, her fists struck randomly at Lin Xiao’s face, but she didn’t know martial arts at all, and her punches were soft and powerless—about as effective as tickling him.

Walking alongside Lin Xiao, Ning Xi finally couldn’t hold back and let out a giggle.

“Miss Yue, save your strength. That kind of trick won’t work on Lin Xiao. He’s a block of stone, completely immune to charm.”

“Seriously, where did Big Sis find this guy?” Wan Ziyue looked at Lin Xiao’s expressionless profile, a strong sense of frustration welling up inside. “A stone man and an iceberg, what a perfect match.”

Hearing Wan Ziyue trying to pair Lin Xiao and Wan Caixuan together, Ning Xi immediately frowned, her pretty face turning cold. “Miss Yue, don’t say nonsense. I was the one who brought Lin Xiao here. He has nothing to do with Miss.”

Sensing a hint of jealousy in Ning Xi’s tone, Wan Ziyue’s eyes lit up, and she seemed to have thought of something. She was about to drive a wedge between Ning Xi and Wan Caixuan.

When Wan Caixuan, walking ahead, suddenly stopped, turned around, and asked, “What are you two whispering about?”

Ning Xi and Wan Ziyue both feared Wan Caixuan somewhat. At her words, they immediately fell silent and dared not say another word.

Wan Caixuan slowed her pace, shortening the distance between herself and Lin Xiao until she was walking about two meters ahead.

From Lin Xiao’s angle, Wan Caixuan’s back was stunning beyond words. The phrase devilish figure might as well have been invented for her.

Lin Xiao only glanced once before shifting his gaze away.

The four of them quickly arrived at the small office. Wan Caixuan pulled out two shoelaces from somewhere and handed them to Lin Xiao.

“Tie her up.”

As she spoke, she gave Lin Xiao a subtle wink.

“All right.”

Lin Xiao took the shoelaces and placed Wan Ziyue onto the executive chair, tying her hands.

The poor girl, faced with a monster like Lin Xiao, had no power to resist and could only allow it to happen.

Wan Ziyue was starting to get genuinely scared. She looked at Wan Caixuan with wide eyes, her voice trembling. “Big sis, you’re not really going to hit me, are you? If you dare hit me, I’ll tell Third Uncle when I get back to the capital.”

“So you’re willing to sign the agreement and transfer your shares of Brilliant Pharmaceuticals to me?” Wan Caixuan asked.

“No way!” Wan Ziyue instantly denied it, closing her eyes with a stubborn expression. “You can beat me all you want. Those shares are worth billions. I’d rather take a beating than give them to you.”

“You asked for this. Don’t blame me later,” Wan Caixuan snorted coldly.

She leaned in and whispered a few words into Lin Xiao’s ear.

Lin Xiao’s expression turned odd. For once, he hesitated. “Isn’t that a bit… much?”

With his calm, unshakable nature, he normally wouldn’t show such an expression. But Wan Caixuan’s suggestion was simply too underhanded and devious.

“What’s the problem? Feeling shy now? Want me to do it myself?” Wan Caixuan gave Lin Xiao a sultry side-eye. “Relax. I’ll take full responsibility for the consequences.”

“Why not let Ning Xi do it?”

“Do what?” Ning Xi leaned over curiously.

“You think either of us could handle her?” Wan Caixuan lowered her voice so Wan Ziyue wouldn’t overhear. “You’re the only man here. If you don’t do it, who will? Just follow my instructions. She’ll surrender in three seconds, tops.”

“Fine.”

Lin Xiao sighed, turning his gaze toward the tightly shut-eyed Wan Ziyue, a trace of pity flickering in his eyes.

“What are you talking about?” Ning Xi asked again, her curiosity growing.

“Manager Ning, be patient. You’ll find out soon,” Wan Caixuan said, a faint smile appearing on her lips. She looked like she was watching a good show.

Lin Xiao stepped up to the executive chair, crouched down, and gently pulled Wan Ziyue’s two shapely legs into his arms. Then he grabbed one of them and removed the high heel from her foot, revealing a delicate, snow-white little foot.

Wan Ziyue’s body jolted. She opened her eyes again and cried out in alarm, “You… you… what are you doing?!”

A sense of impending doom filled her. She tried to pull her leg back, but no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t budge.

Lin Xiao said nothing. He extended a finger and lightly traced the arch of Wan Ziyue’s foot.

Her eyes flew open. As Lin Xiao’s finger moved, she was instantly overcome with unbearable tickling. The sensation was bone-deep and paralyzing. She squirmed involuntarily, laughing uncontrollably, though her laughter was tinged with pain.

“Haha—let me go—you jerk—stop—hahaha!”

“Ah—stop it—I’ll kill your whole family—!”

“Bastard—jerk—scumbag!”

She laughed while cursing.

But in just two seconds, her curses turned into pleas:

“Stop… please stop…”

“I… I’ll sign… I give up…”

Hearing her beg, Lin Xiao immediately stopped. Truthfully, the method had left him feeling extremely awkward.

Those few seconds were more exhausting than a full-on battle. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

The exhaustion wasn’t physical but psychological.

Having to tickle a girl’s foot… was just too much.

After Lin Xiao stopped, Wan Ziyue collapsed into the executive chair, drained of all strength. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes dazed. Though only a few seconds had passed, to her, it had felt like several centuries.