They had considered closing the door when the sounds began, but no one dared approach. Survival instinct told them that if they dared to interrupt, they were as good as dead.

This proved true; before leaving, they faintly heard Ye Li trying to soothe Niu Shurui.

After everything quieted down, one of the maids couldn't help but whisper, “Do you think Young Master Ye will blame us…?”

“Probably not… He seems cold, but as long as we don’t bother him, he never pays us any mind…”

“This time is different. Have you ever seen Young Master Ye like this? If you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, would you believe it?”

“Haven't we been sending medicine in these past few days? Why doesn't it seem to be having any effect?”

“Haven’t you heard? When Young Master Ye was a child—”

The conversation abruptly stopped. At the end of the hallway, a man in a black suit stood silently, his figure cast in shadow by the bright lights. All the house staff lowered their heads. The butler’s voice cut through the silence, “If this happens again, pack your things and leave.”

The staff nodded in agreement and hurried away.

The butler remained, knowing secrets rarely stayed buried. Over twenty years ago, everyone who knew had been dealt with, but somehow, someone had let something slip. It seemed another round of damage control was necessary.

As he turned to leave, he noticed one maid still standing there. He recognized her; due to Ye Li's reclusive nature, the household staff rarely changed. New hires only came when someone retired. She was a recent addition, young, with freckles, seemingly simple and straightforward. 

She was efficient and quick, though a bit timid. Of the group, she was the only one who hadn’t participated in the gossip. Perhaps she wasn't uninterested, but simply afraid. Regardless, the butler had a favorable impression of her. “Is something the matter?” he asked.

The maid kept her head down, her voice soft but clear, “Should we prepare ointment for Dr. Shu? She sounded… in pain.”

The butler frowned, surprised by her question.

***

Seeing the pink mucus, Ye Li froze, his limbs turning icy. He threw the showerhead aside and gripped Niu Shurui’s waist, trying to pull himself out. The movement elicited a pained gasp from her.

The base of his p3nis was stained with the pink mucus, a shade darker than what was around her entrance.

Panic seized Ye Li. He bent down, cradling Niu Shurui’s head, showering her face with frightened kisses. It was unclear whether he was comforting himself or her. His voice trembled, "Niuniu… Niuniu… I'm sorry. Bear with me, I'll pull out now."

Niu Shurui was numb from the repeated intrusions. The pause, however, allowed the pain to return, making the next movement excruciating. Ye Li, in his concern, withdrew slowly, amplifying the sensation. She could feel a tearing as he pulled away.

Niu Shurui’s body trembled involuntarily. “Faster…” she rasped.

Niu Shurui hadn’t cried, but Ye Li had, his expression more anguished than hers.

He hesitated for a moment before pulling out completely. The sight of a few streaks of blood on his p3nis made him shudder uncontrollably. Even the simple act of wrapping Niu Shurui in a towel took an eternity.

There was no continued bleeding. Unsure whether this was good or bad, Ye Li placed Niu Shurui on the bed and ran out.

***

The butler was still debating the ointment. Before, he would have dismissed the idea. Ye Li’s personality was rigid. He allowed no one into his room, to touch his belongings. Everything in the villa had to remain in its designated place. No new items were permitted without his express consent. 

He had a photographic memory and noticed the slightest change. If anything was amiss, he'd discard it like a threatened animal protecting its territory, regardless of intent. Everyone in the Ye household knew this. While the pay was generous, life was monotonous, a twenty-year-long Groundhog Day.