Anning’s pov

With a small smile on my face, I finally stopped in front of Wanqing’s chambers.

My heart pounded against my ribs and my chest rose and fell unevenly. I was absolutely sure I had given it my all.

Why? Because I had run through these halls without thinking about anything. A few maids still moved around the corridor, but it didn’t lessen my pace in the slightest.

I didn’t want Wanqing to think I had just been boasting of how fast I could run. I didn’t want to let my guard down.

I was hunched over in front of the door, taking in deep breaths. I was just one inch away from collapsing but that didn’t stop me from feeling satisfaction over beating Wanqing.

No matter how fast Wanqing was, there was no way I would lose. Not with the head start she had given me.

Unless she had cheated, which seemed impossible.

A glimmer of amusement passed through me at the thought. I took in a deep breath, stood upright and then brushed my hair out of my face.

What the hell was I even doing?

Why the heck do I need to make a bet with Wanqing just so I could make my own choices?

A voice in my head answered that question without restraint, ’Because you are a slave’

"Seriously... Anning," I muttered under my breath, unable to understand why I had just done this.

Reaching for the panel of the door, I chuckled softly at this whole saga.

But oh well. This would be one enjoyable way of escaping her grasp and maybe wounding that ego of hers.

And not to forget, this was also a way for me to exercise.

Because after this, I might be able to fall asleep without actually thinking about Wanqing.

I really hoped it would work out.

Just as I slid the door open, my entire body went stiff.

My eyes slowly widened as I saw the figure standing a few feet in front of me, looking utterly pleased.

"I won."

Wanqing said. Her voice sounded so different that it had me jolting slightly as the traitorous organ in my chest leapt and pounded in anticipation.

I hurriedly pulled myself together, trying to suppress the sudden wave of longing that had been stared by her velvety voice.

A gasp escaped my lips as I took another step into the room.

Wait!! This couldn’t be possible.

My hand beside my body curled into fists as I looked up at her. My eyes widened so much that I believed they would pop out of their sockets if such a thing was possible.

"Don’t go silent on me, tiger." Wanqing muttered, taking a step closer to me.

The intensity of the shock I had just felt broke, and I snapped back to reality. My lips dropped open for a few seconds before I pressed it close.

This couldn’t be possible. How had she managed to...?

What in God’s name is this?!

That annoying dimple appeared on her cheek as she crossed the space between us, her gaze fixed on my cheeks.

"I must say, I’m really impressed. You truly are a fast runner." Wanqing commented in a low, sultry voice.

"You witch." I whispered under my breath, staring up at her as she came to stand right in front of me.

She bent slightly, her lips brushing close to my ear as she whispered, "It’s just too bad, because no matter how fast you run. I’d still catch you."

I unconsciously took a step away from her, only for my back to hit the door behind me. I couldn’t help but feel betrayed and upset at the sudden turn of events.

If she knew she was going to win, why had I even agreed to this whole bet?

"How? This is cheating." I said, biting on my lower lip.

I still couldn’t believe it. In fact, I didn’t want to.

I’ve worked in every single part of this residence for the past nine months. Lanzhin had already shown me everywhere, she never mentioned anything about secret passages.

If those even existed. I was absolutely confident Wanqing just did this to have me in her clutches once more.

But, there was no way Wanqing had used a secret passage, right?

So, how? I thought she was just some sit at home heiress who just followed the words of her parents. I never took her as someone who could do things like this.

Tilting her head to the side, Wanqing didn’t wait for me to finish my question as she responded, "I have my ways. Tiger. "

"What ways? Tell me?" I pressed.

Because I couldn’t just let this go so easily. Wanqing took a step closer to me, bracing her hands on either side of me as she leaned in.

The innocence she had in her eyes faded. All that remained was that blank look from earlier I absolutely hated seeing. I mean, it made her look terrifying.

"Secret passages, Tiger. Under this building." She said, her answer coming out flat and direct.

A heavy silence settled between us. I closed my eyes and let out several long sighs.

I had suspected the existence of those things, but why would the Gu family have them. No, why would people here have them?

I lifted my gaze back to her, expecting to see her usual look of indifference or blankness in her expression.

Instead, I found her staring down at me with that weird look again. I bit the inside of my lip, wondering why she was staring at me like that.

I mean...I don’t look like food, right?

Well, since Lanzhin hadn’t shown me the passages. It seemed as though my status as a slave wouldn’t allow her so that...What a shame!

But even with secret passages, cheating was cheating. That was the only explanation on how she had managed to catch me.

But God...there goes my chance to make her leave me alone. To at least get my mind in order.

What was I supposed to do now?!l