Chapter 4: Obsession
The old man led Liang and Ying Yue through the narrow streets of the village. Lantern light flickered softly, casting long shadows that danced on the wooden walls. The villagers moved quietly, their eyes watching the newcomers with wary curiosity.
Ying Yue's grip on Liang's hand tightened subtly, her eyes flickering with a strange intensity. She kept her gaze fixed on him, as if afraid he might slip away.
Inside a small hut, the old man gestured for them to sit. "This place holds many secrets. But be warned—trust is fragile here."
Liang looked around nervously. "We just want to go home. Can you help us?"
The old man nodded slowly. "There is a way, but it's not simple. To leave, you must understand the one who controls this world."
Ying Yue's cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes remained fixed on Liang. "I am not the problem," she whispered. "He's the one who needs to see me clearly. Only then can we both be free."
Liang looked at her sharply. "Ying Yue, what are you talking about?"
She leaned forward, voice soft but firm. "I've been watching you for so long. I know your fears, your dreams. I want to protect you—more than anyone ever has."
Liang's brow furrowed. "Ying Yue, you're scaring me a little. Please, just tell me what's going on."
She smiled eerily. "I only want to keep you safe. Even if it means I have to do things you wouldn't understand. I'll do anything for you, Liang."
He took a step back, uneasy. "Ying Yue, you're acting strange. I don't want you to get hurt—"
Before he could finish, Ying Yue's expression darkened. Her eyes shimmered with a dangerous gleam. "Hurt? No. I won't let anyone hurt you. Not ever."
She reached out and gently touched his arm, but her grip was too tight. Her voice grew softer, more obsessive. "You're mine. And I won't let anyone take you away. If they try, I'll make sure they regret it."
Liang pulled away, alarmed. "Ying Yue, please. I need to think. You're scaring me."
She tilted her head, her smile becoming more unsettling. "Scared? Good. That means I'm doing my job. I love you, Liang. More than anything. You're everything to me now."
Suddenly, the hut's door creaked open, and the old man stepped inside, frowning. "Lady, calm yourself. You're letting your feelings cloud your judgment."
Ying Yue's eyes flashed with a mixture of affection and madness. "No. I won't calm down. Not until I know I have you forever."
Liang looked between her and the old man, realizing how dangerous she was becoming. "Ying Yue, I need you to listen. Love isn't about obsession or control. It's about trust."
She stepped closer, whispering fiercely. "Trust? I trust only one person—myself. And I trust that I will do whatever it takes to keep you with me. Even if it means breaking everything else."
The old man sighed heavily. "She's lost herself in her obsession. Be careful, Liang. Some love is dangerous."
Liang took a cautious step back. "Ying Yue, I don't want to hurt you, but I need space. Please, let's figure this out—together."
Ying Yue's face twisted with emotion. "You'll regret pushing me away. I won't lose you—not like. You're mine, Liang. Always."
She reached out, her fingers closing around his wrist tightly. Her voice was a low, dangerous whisper. "Remember that. I will do whatever it takes to keep you close. Even if it means hurting anyone who tries to come between us."
Liang's heart pounded as her grip tightened. He realized her love had become an obsession—one that could turn deadly.
The old man looked at Liang with concern. "This is not love. It's possession. Be careful—Ying Yue's feelings are no longer healthy."
Liang looked at her, torn between fear and compassion. "Ying Yue, I care about you, but this isn't right. Please—just let me go for now. We need to find a way out of this mess."
Her eyes softened for a moment, but her expression quickly morphed into a cold smile. "Fine. For now. But I'll be watching. Always. And when the time comes, you'll see. We'll be together. Forever."
As she withdrew her hand, Liang knew that her obsession was only growing stronger. The shadows in her mind stretched long and dark, threatening to swallow everything.
And somewhere deep inside her, a longing twisted into something darker—something that might never be undone.