If I thought Su Qian was domineering, Secretary Lin was a surgical instrument of pure intimidation. Within ten minutes of Su Qian leaving for her shower, Lin had summoned a mobile clothing rack into the bedroom. It was filled with fabrics that looked far too soft, far too colorful, and far too small.
"Stand on the pedestal, Li Yuan," Lin commanded, pointing to a small circular platform in the corner of the dressing room.
"I can dress myself!" I protested, clutching the oversized t-shirt like a shield.
Lin didn't even argue. Вshe simply stepped forward, reached down, and lifted me by the waist. She placed me on the pedestal as if she were positioning a mannequin. Being at eye level with her chest didn't make me feel any more powerful; it only made me realize how easily she could crush me.
"Your current 'outfit' is an insult to this household," Lin said, her gloved fingers moving with terrifying efficiency. She pulled out a tape measure that felt like a cold snake against my skin. "Chest... narrow. Waist... incredibly small. Wingspan... delicate."
She scribbled notes on her tablet while I stood there, shivering. "Why do I need a special wardrobe? I just want some jeans and a hoodie."
Lin stopped and looked at me over the rim of her glasses. A ghost of a smile—a cold, sharp thing—appeared on her lips. "In this city, Li Yuan, a male's status is reflected in the quality of his silk and the intricacy of his embroidery. You are staying with the CEO of the Su Corporation. You will not look like a stray goblin."
She pulled out a set of garments made of pale blue silk, adorned with silver threads. It looked more like a ceremonial robe than actual clothes. Before I could object, she began "assisting" me into the outfit. Her movements were professional, but every time her fingers brushed against my skin or my wings, I felt a jolt of electricity that made my tail curl.
"Stop moving," she hissed. "You're leaking that scent again. It's unprofessional."
"I can't help it! You're making me nervous!"
Once she was done, she turned me toward the floor-to-ceiling mirror. I didn't recognize the person staring back. The silk clung to my frame, making me look fragile, ethereal, and—to my absolute horror—incredibly pretty. The silver embroidery traced the lines of my wings, highlighting them instead of hiding them.
"There," Lin said, standing behind me. Her massive reflection loomed over mine, making me look like a porcelain doll standing in front of a tower. "Now you look like something Su Qian would actually want to keep."
She leaned down, her lips close to my ear. "But remember, little demon. Pretty things are easily broken if they don't follow the rules."