Chapter Twenty-One: The Golden Lion Emerges

A huge lion’s head peeked out from the stairway.

Reflected in its cold, ruthless golden eyes was the delicate figure of a small female not far away.

So fragrant, so fragrant, so fragrant!

The golden lion gazed obsessively at Yulan’s retreating silhouette.

Silently, it extended its tongue to lick its lips.

Its head swiveled left and right, nose greedily inhaling the sweet scent in the air.

It was this beautiful female; ever since she appeared in the room, the sweetness in the air had grown more intense.

The rich aroma eased the torment that constantly plagued the lion’s mind.

At this moment, surrounded by the sweet fragrance, Yulan appeared in the lion’s mind—devoid of intelligence and memory—as a pretty, soft little cake.

Just smelling her scent could ease the pain. What would happen if it actually ate her?

The powerful golden lion opened its mouth slightly; those sharp teeth, capable of tearing prey apart with ease, glinted ominously in the air.

“Finally found you.”

“Click!”

After struggling to find the light switch, Yulan successfully turned on the light and turned around, only to be met by this terrifying sight.

Her eyes widened instantly, her heart leapt into her throat.

“L-Lion!”

How could there be a lion inside the villa?

But there was no time to wonder now.

At the stairway stood a towering golden lion three to four meters tall, its body slightly lowered, forelegs bent, its back rippling like a mountain range, breathing heavily and deeply.

This was the sign of an impending attack.

If she didn’t run now, she would soon become the lion’s meal.

Though she knew never to turn her back to such large predators—it would only ignite their hunting instincts—Yulan could no longer care about such things.

“Ah!” she screamed.

Turning around, she dashed wildly toward the door.

But no human speed could surpass that of a large beast.

Especially one standing at the top of the food chain as the king of beasts.

Just as Yulan was about to reach the door, the lion’s massive paw slammed down, shutting the villa’s door with a sharp “snap.”

Seemingly displeased by her escape attempt, the golden beast turned its head and let out a deep, resonant roar directed at Yulan.

Its sharp teeth gleamed coldly in the air.

Yulan fell backward onto the floor, terrified.

Her petite frame looked even smaller now.

The golden lion walked toward her with graceful, measured steps.

So fragrant, so fragrant.

The golden eyes of the lion were filled with obsession.

Yulan was utterly frightened.

At this moment, the distance between her and the lion was so close that she could clearly see the flowing fur by its temples.

The towering lion, looking down at Yulan seated on the floor, radiated the fierce and potent aura of a top predator reigning supreme in the food chain.

Yulan’s face paled with fear.

She pressed her hands behind her, letting out soft, trembling whimpers.

“No, don’t come closer.”

“Wuwu, don’t eat me, I’m not tasty.”

Tears slipped like tiny pearls from the corners of her eyes.

Her trembling eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings shaken in a storm.

Her eyes and nose reddened from crying.

She looked pitiful yet endearing.

For some reason, seeing Yulan cry stirred an unfamiliar pang of what might be called pity in the lion’s otherwise emotionless heart.

It did not like seeing her cry.

The golden lion lowered its massive head slightly, attempting to comfort her.

Its enormous lion’s head loomed before Yulan’s face.

She could even feel the hot breath from its nose warming her cheeks.

Am I going to be eaten?

So soon.

Yulan felt tears welling again.

But afraid that crying might anger the lion and cause it to swallow her whole, she trembled, not daring to utter a sound.

So frightened, she held her breath, barely daring to breathe.

Her terrified demeanor displeased the lion immensely.

It felt that this was not how things should be.

It recalled that when a silver wolf had approached Yulan before, she had not acted like this.

Inside a large iron cage, Yulan had been in the same posture, but with a faint smile on her face as she looked toward the silver wolf, causing the wolf to leap about like a dog within the cage.

Hmm? What iron cage?

The golden lion’s eyes flickered with confusion, memories flashing rapidly through its mind before dissolving into nothingness.

No matter.

The lion shook its head vigorously, sending its elegant, flowing mane swaying through the air.

A few strands brushed against Yulan’s face, causing her to gasp in fear.

“Hmph!”

The lion emitted a disgruntled snort.

Lowering its massive head ever closer, Yulan could feel the scorching heat emanating from its body.

I’m about to be eaten!

Yulan squeezed her eyes shut tightly, her trembling eyelashes fluttering.

She wished the lion would hurry and end it with one swift bite.

The next moment, the lion’s huge mouth opened wide with a loud whoosh.

Yulan’s face was filled with tension and dread.

But instead of biting down, the lion carefully retracted those teeth—sharp enough to easily sever a prey’s neck—as if afraid of hurting the beautiful female before it.

At the same time, its burning tongue gently licked Yulan’s face.

So fragrant, so fragrant, so fragrant.

Though a king atop the food chain, the lion showed no dignity or decorum.

Like a lovestruck fool.

Its scorching tongue traced every inch of her smooth forehead, the moist and reddened corners of her eyes, and the elegant curve of her nose.

Not a single spot was missed.

After licking her, it tilted its head, easing its strength.

The lion pressed its massive head close to Yulan, as if seeking intimacy.

It even made a curious, questioning sound.

It wanted a hug.

Why won’t she hug it?

“Roar?”

Yulan’s whole body nearly sank into the lion’s dense, clean fur.

The lion’s head rubbed against her ear, nuzzling like a giant housecat.

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