Feng Xuansu stood frozen in place. Beads of cold sweat slowly gathered along her snow-white forehead as her heart pounded. She knew her sister Feng Raoâs temper all too wellâbeing stared at by a strange man was enough to make her explode.
And now Wang Haoran had gone beyond that.
It mightâve been an accident, but Feng Rao wasnât someone who gave second chances just because something was unintentional.
Anyone else in her position would be furious, too, let alone someone as proud and sharp-tempered as her sister.
Thinking this through, Feng Xuansu quietly moved closer, already bracing herself to protect Wang Haoran at all costs if Feng Rao lost it.
Beside her, Yun Xuan and Yu Ning exchanged a glance, silently reaching the same conclusion. They stepped forward slightly, prepared to act if needed.
Unlike the others, Wang Haoran didnât look tense at all. In fact, he looked like he was enjoying himself. Because from his perspective, the expressions on everyone in this family were just too amusing.
No one noticed the real twistâFeng Rao was the most flustered person in the room.
And the reason was painfully simple.
She once told Wang Haoran she was single and unattached.
But now, with both Yan Feipeng and Yan Yuntian right there in front of him, what else could she feel but panic? If Wang Haoran learned the truth, what would he think of her?
Would he believe she played with his feelings, lied straight to his face, and cut her off forever?
Even though anxiety gripped her heart, she still held onto a shred of hope.
She gave him a subtle glance and gently shook her head, silently begging him not to expose their relationship.
After all, she warned him beforeâdonât mention anything about them when others are around.
Wang Haoran caught her message and helped her to her feet. His hand lingered a bit longer than necessary. Before pulling away, he gave her a deliberate squeeze.
Firm. Soft. Full of life.
As expected of a woman who practiced martial cultivation, her body was incredible. Time seemed to move more slowly for her than for ordinary women. Even at thirty-six, she looked no less stunning than any girl in her twenties.
And the most unforgettable partâjust one hand wasnât enough to hold it.
Among all the women Wang Haoran had ever seen, perhaps only Mu Zhao Zhao could compare to her.
âReally sorry about that. I didnât do it on purpose,â he said, voice calm and slightly apologetic.
Feng Xuansu stepped up in an instant, placing herself protectively in front of him. She might not be strong enough to fight her sister, but if it came down to it, sheâd rather die than let anything happen to her man.
Yun Xuan and Yu Ning also moved quietly into place, ready to jump in.
What none of them expected was Feng Raoâs reaction.
âItâs fine,â she said lightly, not even frowning.
All three women froze for a moment, confused and stunned. Feng Xuansu was the first to react, afraid that her sister might suddenly change her mind.
Without hesitation, she reached for Wang Haoranâs hand, intending to pull him out of there as fast as possible.
Feng Rao noticed and quietly stepped aside, letting them pass. Her heart was tense, her hands trembling slightly. She just hoped Wang Haoran would leave quickly before anyone started asking questions.
But just as they were turning to leaveâ
âYou think you can just touch my wife and walk away? Stop right there!â
Yan Feipengâs angry roar echoed through the room. He marched forward and blocked their way.
Feng Raoâs face turned dark. Her fists clenched so tight, her nails almost dug into her palms.
Wang Haoran raised an eyebrow and turned to her, his expression pained. âYour wife?â he asked, voice low and filled with disbelief.
Feng Raoâs gaze faltered, her face full of guilt. She didnât dare meet his eyes.
No one else could make sense of the silent exchange between them, but the tension was thick enough to choke on.
âBrother-in-law, my sister already said she doesnât blame him. What more do you want?â Feng Xuansu asked coldly.
âHe touched her. Iâll take one of his hands!â Yan Feipeng growled.
âNoâtake both!â Yan Yuntian added, eyes burning with hatred.
âIf you want to hurt him, then youâll have to go through me first.â Feng Xuansuâs tone was firm, her body shielding Wang Haoran completely.
âThey outnumber you. You canât protect me alone,â Wang Haoran said quietly, stepping out from behind her.
Everyone watched as he walked straight toward Feng Rao again and calmly stretched out his hand.
âIf you want it, here it is,â he said softly. âDo it.â
Feng Raoâs heart ached. From the look in his eyes, she thought he mustâve already guessed everything. Her lie was laid bare. She wanted to hug him, to explain, to beg for his forgivenessâbut now wasnât the time.
âMother, what are you waiting for?! He touched you. You shouldâve killed him already. Cut his hand off!â Yan Yuntian shouted.
âLet me do it!â Yan Feipeng said, stepping up with a murderous look.
âShut up! All of you!â Feng Raoâs voice suddenly snapped like a whip.
Both father and son froze in confusion, unsure of what just happened. They turned to her, eyes wide in disbelief.
Knowing she couldnât afford to lose control, Feng Rao forced her tone calm again. âHeâs Xuansuâs friend. That makes him one of us. Itâs not a big deal. I donât see what youâre getting so worked up about.â
Yan Feipeng and Yan Yuntian exchanged stunned glances. That was it?
After what happened, this was just ânot a big deal?â
Even if Feng Xuansu begged on her knees, this was too soft a punishment.
âThank you, sister. Iâll never forget your kindness,â Feng Xuansu quickly said.
âYouâre being too polite,â Feng Rao replied with a faint smile, though her eyes quietly drifted toward Wang Haoran, hoping her gaze could say what her words couldnât.
But he didnât look at her.
He didnât come here to flirt or take advantage. He came here for something else entirely.
Yan Feipeng might be angry, but he was a side character. His emotions didnât give rewards.
Wang Haoran needed someone bigger.
He walked over to the hospital bed, leaned down, and whispered something into Yan Yuntianâs earâjust loud enough for him alone to hear.
Yan Yuntian froze. His expression darkened. He twisted in bed, trying to get up and attack, but pain shot through his body the moment he moved.
âAHHH!â
He screamed in agony, nearly blacking out.
ăDing! Host successfully destabilized Yan Yuntianâs mindset. Gained 1500 villain points. Yan Yuntianâs protagonist halo -75. Hostâs villain halo +75!ă
Wang Haoran calmly stepped back, returning to Feng Xuansuâs side, perfectly satisfied with his work.
âWhat did you say to him?!â Yan Feipeng barked, walking over and glaring at him.
âI just told him to take care of his health,â Wang Haoran replied with a straight face.
âFather⊠he⊠he saidâŠâ Yan Yuntianâs jaw clenched. He wanted to say it, to expose the insult, but the words caught in his throat.
âWhat did he say?!â Yan Feipeng pressed again.
Yan Yuntianâs face twisted in shame. He leaned in close and whispered into his fatherâs ear.
A moment later, Yan Feipengâs face turned green.