“I did, but she said she was traveling.” Traveling? Nonsense! Qi Feng’s expression changed several times. “She’s not telling the truth.”
Si Tu Jin sat up straight. “If she dares not tell you the truth, what chance do the rest of us have?”
Qi Feng gritted his teeth. “Dad! You know I’m most helpless against Feng’er.” Outwardly, he seemed to have the upper hand, but she was cunning and had thoroughly teased him.
Whoever loved more would always be on the lighter side of the balance. Just a slight furrow of Ru Feng’s brow would make him ache to offer her everything.
Si Tu Jin understood the implication, maintaining his smile, “Can’t interrogate Feng’er, so you’re trying to pressure this old man? Too bad her feet are attached to her body, and I don’t know anything!”
“Don’t know!” Qi Feng pulled over a chair and sat down.
“Okay!” Si Tu Jin agreed, knowing he could claim ignorance for questions he wanted to avoid.
Qi Feng then asked about Ru Feng knowing the ancestral home’s address, why Si Tu Qi Feng would notify him after her accident, their discussion with the elders, and a mysterious “three-year agreement” he overheard.
Si Tu Jin sighed, recognizing that a too-smart son complicates matters.
“Feng’er told me not to say anything. You know, when Feng’er says something, I don’t dare disobey.”
This single sentence was enough to shut Qi Feng up. He lowered his eyes, his suspicions confirmed. He then asked, “Feng’er is trying to resolve the backlash of the curse on my body, isn’t she?”
Si Tu Jin was stunned. Qi Feng, seeing his reaction, clenched his fists, “Dad, the reason forbidden spells are forbidden is that they violate the natural laws of life, aging, illness, and death. To resolve its backlash, I can’t imagine the price. I don’t want Feng’er to do something foolish without our knowledge. We all don’t want to lose her again, so you must answer this question: what method has Feng’er found?”
Situ Jin closed his eyes, worried. He sighed, “This, I truly don’t know.”
“Dad, this is no small matter. Are you still going to hide it?” Qi Feng suddenly stood up.
Situ Jin gave a bitter smile, “Feng’er said she hasn’t found a way; perhaps there really is no solution.”
“I’m just afraid she’s hiding something and doing something foolish behind our backs,” Qi Feng replied.
This was a common worry, but given Ru Feng’s stubbornness, if she didn’t want to tell them, they would never find out.
When Qi Feng returned home, Ru Feng was lying on the table drawing jewelry design sketches.
Qiu’s mother knew about her leg injury. During the day, when Dad and her brothers were at work, she would come to keep her company. In the afternoon, Qiu’s mother would return to the shop. Ru Feng had picked up her previous interest, working as a part-time designer under her big brother, so she wouldn’t feel useless.
The afterglow of the sunset softened her silhouette, making her look tender and moving. Qi Feng stood in the doorway, almost mesmerized.
The world was silent; there were only the two of them.
“Second Brother!” she exclaimed, breaking into a smile upon seeing him.
“Mm!”
He responded in a low voice as Qi Feng walked over, stretched out his long arm, and embraced her shoulders, kissing her ear.
Ru Feng leaned back against him, rubbing her face against his.
“Did you miss me?” he asked, his voice low and sexy.
Ru Feng paused, thinking that her second brother, known for his coldness, shouldn’t say such sappy words. But even the hardest, coldest man could become soft.
Her silence displeased him, and Qi Feng gently bit her earlobe, satisfied with her slight tremor.
Ru Feng shrunk her neck, wrapped her arms around his neck, and giggled, “Really missed you, like how you miss bread when you’re hungry.”
Her smile made his heart soften, and he lowered his head, gently touching the tip of her nose.
This must be happiness—holding her in his arms, listening to her carefree words.
But with happiness came unease. Would heaven think his happiness was too complete and take it back? His arms tightened as if he could grasp this warmth that was once out of reach.
“Second Brother, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I’m just happy.”
After a brief silence, she said, “If you’re just happy, can you loosen your grip a bit? You’re almost strangling me!”
Qi Feng was stunned, then laughed self-deprecatingly, relaxing his tightened hold.
“Feng’er, can you promise me something?” Qi Feng crouched in front of her, serious.
Ru Feng reached out to grab him, “Second Brother, whatever you want me to promise, just say it.”
Qi Feng held her small, fragile hands, his gaze shifting to her legs and the pain she bore for him. He closed his eyes and placed a kiss on her knee.
“Second Brother?” Ru Feng’s voice trembled.
Qi Feng opened his eyes, his smile clear and bright, “Feng’er, promise me that from now on, all difficulties, pain, and dangers will be mine. Just live well.”
“If you’re hurt even a little, I’ll be in a thousand times more pain.”
Ru Feng’s eyes were slightly moist. “What are you worried about?”
Pressing her hands to his chest, Qi Feng said softly, “My body can shelter and protect, but I can’t bear even a trace of your sadness. I want you to know this.”
Ru Feng leaned forward, clutching his clothes and burying her face in his neck. “I promise you, I’ll do my best to protect myself.”
Qi Feng smiled, “You can’t get hurt, not even for my sake.”
Ru Feng paused and softly said, “Okay.”
Hearing her response, the weight on Qi Feng’s heart lifted, but new doubts arose.
He pushed Ru Feng away, “Feng’er, since you can promise, the method to resolve the backlash won’t hurt you. So why won’t you tell us?” He had believed Ru Feng remained silent because resolving the backlash would harm her, but now it seemed that wasn’t the case.
Ru Feng laughed, “Second Brother, you’re asking me indirectly, aren’t you?”
Qi Feng patted her head, “Don’t change the subject, speak quickly.”
Ru Feng looked away, “I’m sorry, Second Brother, I didn’t find it.” She looked back at him, “I’ve disappointed you.”
“Silly girl!” He laughed softly, his nerves relaxing. “As long as you’re by my side, even if you have to suffer in flames, I’m more than willing.”
Standing up, he said, “Let’s go, I’ll take you out for a good meal today.”
“Aren’t we waiting for Dad and Big Brother?”
Qi Feng laughed heartily and picked her up, “We’re going on a date. We can’t bring a third wheel.”
After dinner, Qi Feng carried Ru Feng to the shopping mall.
Although Ru Feng loved shopping, she didn’t enjoy being carried, especially by a tall, handsome, and wealthy man. She was acutely aware of the surrounding gazes.
“Second Brother, what exactly are you going to buy?” Ru Feng asked, marveling at his confidence.
“You’ll know soon,” he replied with a slight smile, as someone gasped behind them.
They arrived at a luxuriously decorated jewelry store. Qi Feng set her on the sofa and told the manager, “Bring out the items I ordered.”
Ru Feng blinked, realizing this was a jewelry store under Si Tu’s brand. “Why not ask Big Brother about jewelry? He knows the best styles.”
Qi Feng cast her a displeased look. “This thing, I can’t ask Big Brother about.”
The manager appeared with several assistants, each carrying a box. They lined up in front of her and opened the boxes.
Inside each box sat a ring on black swan velvet, exquisite and elegant.
“Choose the style you like,” Qi Feng said. Ru Feng stared blankly.
