64

After a restful sleep, Pei Yujang woke up feeling refreshed and promptly reported her progress from the previous night to her relationship expert. The expert, who had probably stayed up late, replied after some time.

Relationship Expert: "You talked about work? Why that? It's not often I see such an unusual approach."

Pei Yujang had already thought this through and quickly responded:

Pei Yujang: "When I first showed interest in her, she became a bit distant, but later she returned to normal. I think she might suspect that I have ulterior motives, so I need to take things slowly."

"Besides, she's very career-driven. Even though she's an Omega, she hasn't been held back by traditional thinking. She believes that Omegas should also pursue careers. If I can show that we can connect on a professional level and that I fully support her career, doesn't that demonstrate I'm a considerate Beta?"

Recalling the warm attitude Yu Zhiwan showed the previous night, Pei Yujang felt a bit smug.

Yu Zhiwan clearly hadn't expected to talk about work late at night, but although she quickly became too tired to continue, Pei Yujang could tell that her dedication to work had impressed Yu Zhiwan.

The relationship expert was slightly taken aback, needing to pause and get a drink of water before responding:

Relationship Expert: "…I suppose that works. But what progress do you expect tonight? Are you planning to take her on a date and create a romantic atmosphere for just the two of you?"

Initially, the relationship expert had thought Pei Yujang was fairly normal, but it seemed her thought process was quite different from others.

The expert had encountered many people over the years, most of whom were at least at a "silver" or "gold" level when it came to understanding romance. With a bit of guidance, they could reach "diamond." However, Pei Yujang seemed to be at an "iron" level, possibly even "bronze."

While the expert found this a bit frustrating, she knew she couldn't be too harsh. Instead, she gently guided Pei Yujang, encouraging her to create more romantic moments. After all, without them, no woman would fall for her.

Relationship Expert: "So, what did you have in mind for this weekend?"

Pei Yujang was thinking of returning to Xiang City next week and decided to spend this week fully in Wing City. This weekend, she planned to invite Yu Zhiwan out, perhaps to eat and watch a movie, like they used to when they were just friends.

Relationship Expert: "But you already went out for food and movies when you were friends. How will this time be any different?"

The expert's frustration was evident in her response:

Relationship Expert: "You need to think of something different and unique. Don't just stick to the typical food and movie date. Try something that will deepen your connection, like playing a game together. This way, she'll feel that this time is special, not the same old routine. Don't you find doing the same thing over and over boring?"

Pei Yujang thought about it and realized the expert had a point.

Since she wasn't too busy at the moment, she started browsing online and found a highly-rated escape room.

The expert, now feeling like she was teaching a child in kindergarten, made sure to guide Pei Yujang step by step, worrying that if she chose the wrong type of puzzle game, it might backfire. She quickly sent Pei Yujang a message:

Relationship Expert: "Choose one that's highly rated for couples."

Escape room games generally come in several types: mystery, horror, humor, and emotional. Emotional games are usually best for people in a budding relationship, as they often include scenarios that can deepen feelings and create romantic tension.

The expert recommended a few scenarios and even provided a guide on how to select characters without giving spoilers.

Following the expert's advice, Pei Yujang chose a modern-era suspense love story exclusive to the escape room she found. After confirming Yu Zhiwan's availability and getting her consent, Pei Yujang booked the session.

On the weekend, Pei Yujang even took the time to put on makeup.

Her makeup skills had improved to an average level, so she followed an online tutorial for a natural look.

She also made sure to prepare thoroughly, asking the escape room if they had materials in braille. When they said no, she paid extra to have them print one, and the owner happily agreed.

There were only two of them, so Pei Yujang initially invited Zhao Manlin, but Zhao was busy and didn't want to bring her sister along. Pei Yujang decided to join a group with strangers, who all seemed friendly enough.

The game was designed for six players, and Pei Yujang drew the role of "Ying Ying," while Yu Zhiwan got "Luo Yang." The scenario was open-ended, with no predefined couples, allowing for a high degree of freedom. There was even a performance component mid-game.

Pei Yujang diligently followed the guide and heard that "Ying Ying" and "Luo Yang" had many moments of romantic tension. Before the game, she discussed this with the expert, who reviewed the guide and praised her choice:

Relationship Expert: "Good pick."

Pei Yujang: "Hehe."

As the game master announced the start, everyone turned off and silenced their phones, putting them away. Pei Yujang and Yu Zhiwan sat close together. It was Pei Yujang's first time in an escape room, and the immersive experience intrigued her. The game master's clear and gentle voice slowly drew her into a world from decades ago.

The story took place sixty years ago in Flower City. Ying Ying was a courtesan, and Luo Yang, a young lady disguised as a man, came to "take care" of Ying Ying's business. They met in a brothel, initially having no interaction until Luo Yang's brother went missing, and Luo Yang began to suspect Ying Ying.

Ying Ying was one of the last people to see Luo Yang's brother, who had allegedly entered her room for a rendezvous and never returned. But beneath the surface, the brothel was rife with hidden dangers. Across the land, warlords had divided the country, and Flower City, despite its appearance of tranquility amidst the chaos, was a chessboard for various factions.

Luo Yang received information that Ying Ying was working for the Changping army, secretly passing information while appearing defenseless. Luo Yang's family was the Changping army's mortal enemy, and her brother had not sought out Ying Ying for pleasure but rather to uncover secrets.

However, what was hidden in Ying Ying's room? Why had the brothel's top courtesan's room become a trap from which there was no return? The brothel couldn't provide a satisfactory explanation, leaving everyone puzzled.

After a round of intense debate, Pei Yujang lost and was taken to a small dark room by the game master. During the free discussion time, Yu Zhiwan conversed with the others and decided to have a private talk with Ying Ying.

This escape room prided itself on an authentic, immersive experience, and Pei Yujang was genuinely locked in a dark room. With her consent, her hands and feet were even tied.

When Yu Zhiwan entered, she saw a woman kneeling on the floor, her hands bound and raised high.

Pei Yujang had a curvaceous figure, and as it was spring, she wasn't wearing many layers. After entering the room, she had casually removed her coat, leaving only a white shirt that accentuated her curves in the dim light.

Yu Zhiwan slowly approached.

In the small, dark space, Pei Yujang's subtle white tea fragrance lingered. Her silhouette was faint, but she knelt with a straight back, her posture still elegant.

Her dark hair fell over her face, and as Yu Zhiwan approached, her breath brushed against Pei Yujang's delicate neck, making it tickle slightly.

Pei Yujang felt a bit uneasy and leaned back.

She had never experienced anything like this before, shifting from curiosity to nervousness, and then to slight embarrassment as the Omega drew closer. In the confined space, she could even faintly smell the Omega's scent.

Yu Zhiwan moved closer, and since she was sitting in a wheelchair, she was slightly higher than Pei Yujang, who was kneeling with a straight back. The usual dynamic between them had shifted, requiring Yu Zhiwan to bend down a little to "look" at Pei Yujang.

Of course, in Pei Yujang's view, Yu Zhiwan was still "blind," unable to see her current disheveled yet alluring state.

As they neared each other, their breaths intertwined, heightening the tension in the dark room. Yu Zhiwan, resting her hands on the wheelchair, spoke slowly, as if fully immersed in her role:

"Did you hide my brother?"

She leaned in a bit more but accidentally stepped on the "rope" binding Pei Yujang. In the story, the hemp rope was replaced with soft ribbons to prevent injuries, which only added to the captured woman's sensual allure.

Yu Zhiwan's throat felt dry as she slightly furrowed her delicate brows, casually brushing aside the ribbon that had draped over her.

"This rope is really in the way."

Pei Yujang couldn't help but laugh:

"Can't you untie it while we talk?"

Although it didn't hurt, the ribbon was indeed uncomfortable. Pei Yujang twisted a bit, leaning forward to get closer to Yu Zhiwan, guiding the "blind" woman to her location in the dark.

She whispered:

"Untie me."

But Yu Zhiwan sternly refused.

"You're my enemy. I can't untie you."

Then, as if to humiliate her, Yu Zhiwan's voice turned harsh in the darkness:

"But since you're so good at seducing men, maybe if you charm me, I might feel generous and let you go?"

Pei Yujang: "?"