Chapter 3 Good children don't lie.
1230 Words
When she was a student, Chen Sirong often used a small vibrator to relieve stress during late-night study sessions.
The more psychological pressure she felt, the more frequently she turned to it.
She couldn’t bear the anxiety caused by stress, so she used the vibrator as a way to temporarily escape and shift her focus.
Caesar said, “Good job.”
Chen Sirong’s mind immediately transformed into that of a “good girl.”
She wondered who she wanted to be that “good girl” for, someone who would approve of her and praise her.
She made an excuse to go to the restroom to escape the tension. Standing in front of the mirror, she saw her long, wavy black hair cascading down her back and her slim figure outlined by her lightweight, form-fitting sweater.
Could she become Caesar’s casual lover?
Would he disapprove of office romances?
No, perhaps he wouldn’t even consider her.
He wouldn’t find her worthy.
Negative emotions overwhelmed her, and she felt so weak she wanted to collapse on the floor.
Sara had suggested she see a therapist.
“I’ll consider it,” Chen Sirong replied.
As she left the restroom, her phone vibrated in her hand.
It was a reminder she had set: 8 PM.
She saw James working on his laptop, replying to emails, while Caesar was still on his phone.
There was nothing else she needed to do before the plane arrived in Monaco.
Chen Sirong sat back at her desk, making sure James and Caesar were within her line of sight.
Her phone vibrated again—it was C.
C: Are you free to talk now?
Chen Sirong glanced at Caesar, who was still focused on his phone, and felt a little reassured.
Grace: Yes.
C: I want to confirm— you’re looking for a master, right?
Grace: Yes.
C: Can you tell me why?
Chen Sirong paused. For her, the reason was simple. Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward Caesar.
She needed someone who could tell her to breathe when she couldn’t.
Grace: I want to find a master.
C: That’s not the answer I was asking for.
Grace: I want someone to tell me—Chen Sirong typed the word “breathe” but quickly deleted it.
Grace: I want recognition from my master.
The screen went quiet for a few seconds before C responded.
C: You’re under a lot of pressure, aren’t you?
Chen Sirong was surprised but quickly suppressed her astonishment and asked, “Why do you say that?”
C: This is the second time you haven’t properly answered my question.
Chen Sirong could almost hear his tone. She wasn’t avoiding the question on purpose, but being completely honest at this early stage of getting to know each other wasn’t easy for her.
Self-defense was instinctive.
Grace: I’m sorry, but I’m under a lot of pressure.
C: There’s no need to apologize. We’re just getting to know each other. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not your fault.
Grace: Do you think we’re incompatible?
C: It’s your guard that’s up.
Chen Sirong admitted she had experience with failed masters, so she naturally guarded herself. But he was recommended by Sara.
Grace: Should I have no guard at all?
C: When chatting doesn’t involve personal information, bank accounts, or real photos and videos, you don’t need to be so cautious.
Chen Sirong lowered her head, her lips curling into a silent smile.
Grace: I’m under a lot of pressure, so I want to find a master.
C: I understand. You want someone to take on part of your stress and tell you what to do.
Grace: Yes.
C: What do you expect from him?
Grace: Someone stronger than me.
Chen Sirong replied with just those four words.
The screen went quiet for a moment.
C: You can ask me any questions you want first.
Chen Sirong’s heart began to race. She didn’t know if this meant he felt he met her criteria, but she still hesitated before typing her response.
Grace: Do you have a partner? I don’t play with someone who’s in a relationship. If we were to meet for a session, I’d want a clean bill of health, and I’d provide one too. Lastly, if we meet, I’d like you to provide a criminal background check.
Her heart pounded as she waited for a response. She glanced at Caesar, who was still typing on his phone.
C’s reply came quickly.
C: 1. I don’t have a partner. 2. I don’t do in-person sessions. 3. I’ll send you a clean bill of health.
Reading the last sentence, Chen Sirong let out a soft, involuntary hum.
Her body felt electrified. A few short sentences on the screen could trigger such a strong physical reaction.
But he didn’t accept in-person sessions.
Chen Sirong felt a slight sense of disappointment but also thought that maybe not meeting could preserve the idealization that comes with distance.
After all, not everyone was as handsome as Caesar. If she met someone and found him ugly, she couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t run away.
Her gaze drifted back to Caesar.
She knew her panties were wet.
C: Now I’ll ask you a few questions.
Grace: Okay.C: 1. Do you have a partner? 2. Are you of age? 3. Are you studying or working? 4. Do you live alone or with others?
Chen Sirong mimicked his responses.
Grace: 1. No. 2. Yes. 3. Working. 4. Living with others.
C: Okay. Do you accept video or phone calls during our sessions?
Grace: Yes.
C: Do you accept the use of tools?
Grace: Yes.
Chen Sirong’s mood began to rise with anticipation, but the next message from C brought it crashing down.
C: That’s enough for today. Next time, I want to hear about your stress. You can choose the time.
It felt like the peak of a wave had suddenly subsided.
Chen Sirong checked the time—15 minutes hadn’t passed yet.
Grace: You said 15 minutes, and we still have 3 minutes left.
She sent the message, but there was no immediate response.
Chen Sirong felt like a rapidly melting block of ice, losing all vitality in an instant. He might be upset with her for being so precise.
The words “I’m sorry” were already on her lips when C’s message arrived.
C: My mistake. Since that’s the case, I’ll tell you about something we’ll need later.
Chen Sirong quickly deleted “I’m sorry” and typed, “Go ahead.”
C: Any photos or videos you send me should never show your face. The background should be a plain white wall, and your clothing shouldn’t have any distinctive features.
Grace: Why?
C: You should say “Yes” instead of “Why.”
Grace: I’m sorry, yes.
C:What is the main source of stress? Short answer.
Chen Sirong’s body trembled with a sense of foreboding.
But she couldn’t lie: Her stress came from her new boss.
C: Is your boss with you right now?
Chen Sirong quickly checked the time—it was 8:15 PM, not a typical work hour.
Grace: I’ve already finished work for the day.
Even though C wasn’t there, lying felt like a crime.
Her hands tightened around her phone as she waited for his response.
A slight vibration made her skin crawl.
C: Good kids don’t lie, Grace.
- Writer
