With a soft and warm figure pressing into his chest, Wang Haoranâs mind wandered wildly. Still, he kept himself rigid and didnât dare make a move.
Feng Rao cried for a bit, her body trembling slightly. Then she suddenly seemed to realize something was missing at her waist. Without saying a word, she grabbed both his hands and placed them around her waist herself.
Wang Haoran gave an inward sigh. There really was nothing he could do about this woman.
After a long moment, Feng Rao finally stopped sobbing and quietly stepped back from his arms.
Wang Haoran glanced at the corners of her eyes but didnât see a single tear. What he did catch, however, was a quiet and slightly resentful look in her gaze.
He instantly understood. This woman was blaming him for being too unromantic. After throwing herself into his embrace, he hadnât responded at all.
"Come walk with me?" Feng Raoâs voice softened as she asked.
Wang Haoran was about to say he had things to do, but before the words even left his mouth, she already took his hand and was pulling him along.
Qingling Mountain was still as beautiful as ever. They strolled along the base of the mountain, enjoying the scenery. But with Feng Rao deliberately guiding the path, they soon arrived at a quiet, deserted spot.
Wang Haoran had a bad feeling right away.
Before he could process it fully, his lips were suddenly seized in a kiss.
She clearly wasnât giving him a chance to resist, and truthfully, he didnât really want to anymore. Since there was no winning against her, he might as well give in.
Just when things were heating up, Feng Rao stopped, calmly sat down beside a small stream with him, leaned her head on his shoulder, and quietly admired the tranquil view.
Wang Haoran blinked, a bit puzzled. He didnât understand why she suddenly pulled back and stopped advancing on him.
Then he heard her whisper, "Itâs that time of the month."
His mood took a nosedive.
He wasnât originally in that kind of mindset, but once he let go and gave in to temptation, of course, desire had started creeping in.
And now she drops this on him.
Naturally, his mood soured a bit.
"Youâre upset?" Feng Rao glanced at him from the corner of her eye and caught his sulking expression.
"Not at all," Wang Haoran smiled faintly.
From his original intention, he didnât actually mind. He was just reacting out of habit, thatâs all.
Feng Rao didnât overthink it either. But when she looked down, her eyes flicked across an obvious reaction from Wang Haoran.
"This stream really is nice and clear," he hurriedly changed the subject, clearly embarrassed as he tried to lighten the mood.
Feng Raoâs lips curled slightly with a mix of guilt and amusement. She seemed to think of something.
Later that afternoon, Wang Haoran drove Feng Rao back from Qingling Mountain, planning to drop her off at the mansion.
She sat in the passenger seat with her head lowered slightly, cheeks flushed, and said nothing the whole way. Her usual cold, domineering air had completely vanished.
While driving, Wang Haoran glanced over at her and noticed something. Feng Rao must have felt his gaze because she turned to meet his eyes.
He subtly pointed to the corner of his own mouth as a hint.
Feng Rao blinked, touched her lips, and realized what he meant. Her face turned bright red. She quickly grabbed a tissue from the console and wiped the corner of her mouth clean.
A short while later, they arrived at the mansion.
Feng Rao opened the door and stepped out, but before leaving, she leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Youâre the first and the only one whoâs ever had that privilege."
Then she stepped back, her expression returning to that usual aloof pride, like a noble queen descending her throne.
Wang Haoran watched her walk through the gate, a smile tugging at his lips.
No wonder she was so clumsy about it.
He started the car and headed back toward the villa at Qingling University.
At the same time, in Tianhui Clinic, something unexpected happened in Ma Hongshengâs hospital room.
A stranger arrived and did something that shocked the clinicâs staff.
Ma Hongsheng, who had been unconscious for a long time, actually woke up.
Cheng Rui had been working at the company when she got the call. She dropped everything and rushed to the clinic at top speed.
At first, she thought it must be a mistake. But the moment she saw Ma Hongsheng sitting upright at the head of the bed, she couldnât deny it anymore.
"Youâre awake, Hongsheng!"
Cheng Ruiâs mental strength had always been exceptional. She quickly slipped into her role and displayed just the right emotions. Tears streamed down her face, glistening as they fell.
Ma Hongshengâs heart melted completely. He felt like he must have accumulated several lifetimesâ worth of blessings to deserve a woman as devoted and loyal as Cheng Rui.
After she cried her fill, Cheng Rui wiped away her tears and looked toward a man sitting calmly in the chair nearby.
He was a stranger to her.
"Master, Iâm sorry for the awkwardness," Ma Hongshengâs face reddened as he spoke to the man, then introduced him to Cheng Rui, "This is my master. His name is Qin Fan."
Cheng Rui was a little stunned.
Qin Fan didnât look impressive at all. He was maybe around thirty, clearly younger than Ma Hongsheng. She never expected this ordinary-looking man to be Ma Hongshengâs master.
"Nice to meet you, Master," Cheng Rui quickly composed herself and politely greeted him.
Qin Fan nodded lightly in response, but his gaze briefly wandered across her figure.
She was young, gorgeous, and had a stunning figure. Quite the visual treat.
He silently admired her for a moment, but as soon as he reminded himself that this woman was Ma Hongshengâs wife, he pulled his thoughts back and looked away.
Yes, she was beautifulâbut she was his discipleâs woman.
Qin Fan might be a little lecherous at heart, but he wasnât the kind of man whoâd go after his own discipleâs wife.
Besides, there were beautiful women everywhere. With his abilities, if he really wanted to win someone over, itâd be effortless.
"Master, is the poison in my body completely cleared?" Ma Hongsheng still felt a bit sluggish and asked nervously.
Qin Fan responded calmly, "Youâve been poisoned for a long time. The toxin has seeped deep into your organs. Iâve removed about seventy percent for now. The rest will need to be purged slowly. It should take about two months before your body is fully clean."
Ma Hongsheng breathed a sigh of relief.
Two months wasnât a long time. He could manage that easily.
"Thank you, Master," he said respectfully.
"What kind of enemies have you made to end up poisoned like this?" Qin Fan asked casually.
Ma Hongsheng gave a helpless shake of the head. "My only rivals are the ones Iâve met in business. I donât know exactly who wouldâve done this."
"Iâll be staying in Qingling for a while," Qin Fan offered. "If I get the chance, Iâll look into it for you."
He was testing the waters, curious to see how Ma Hongsheng would respond.
Ma Hongshengâs eyes lit up. "That would be incredible, Master." He then turned to Cheng Rui and said, "Get five hundred million in cash ready. Put it on a card and give it to my master."
Qin Fan had been living in the mountains for years. He probably didnât have any money on him. Ma Hongsheng wasnât someone to miss a cueâof course, he had to show his appreciation.
When Qin Fan heard this, he was overjoyed inside, but outwardly, he waved his hand and said, "That wonât do. I canât accept your money."
"Master, this is just a small token of gratitude from your disciple. If you donât take it, Iâll feel terrible," Ma Hongsheng insisted sincerely.
"Well, if you put it that wayâŠ" Qin Fan finally agreed, with a look of reluctant acceptance.