"You know… if not for you, I might still be the Acting Chief Elder—or perhaps destined for something entirely different. Yet, perhaps in the end, the outcome would have been the same."
Xiao Jietian was slightly taken aback. He turned to look at Ya Fei, chose to remain silent, and waited for her to continue.
He removed his Alchemist robe and draped it over Ya Fei, wrapping her gently.
Ya Fei touched the robe on her shoulders, took a deep breath, and went on. "I was born into this large family. With no talent for cultivation, I always knew I might become a pawn in a marriage alliance—forced to accept the family's arrangements, bound for life to someone I could never love."
As she spoke, her eyes flickered with a mix of defiance and helplessness.
"So from the time I understood the world, I decided: if I couldn't have strength, I would seize power. That way, I could break free from the family's plans. But… things rarely go as intended. Often, it felt hopeless. At times, I was utterly powerless."
"Then, in Wutan City, you appeared. With your words, I saw a glimmer of hope. When I first saw your talent and your… striking presence, I did feel drawn to you. Everyone appreciates beauty, after all."
"Back then, I weighed my options: between the Mu family candidate chosen for me… and you. I would rather choose you. At the very least, you appealed to me."
Xiao Jietian listened quietly, sensing the struggles and silent despair in her past.
"In Wutan City, I knew you were captivated by my looks, and I made use of your talent and your limitless potential. Don't think Sister Ya Fei is a fickle woman. I considered it carefully. If I lost this gamble someday… perhaps the only escape would be to leave this world."
Xiao Jietian looked at her, gently taking her slightly cold hands in his. "I understood your thoughts from the beginning. That kind of calculation fits the mindset of a major family. And I told you before—I would help you change your fate."
"It seems I've succeeded, Sister Ya Fei. Now everything is different. You're no longer that trapped soul, forced into a marriage. Because you have me behind you."
Ya Fei gripped his hand tightly, feeling the warmth of his palm. The fear and anxiety in her heart slowly faded.
"Little Brother Xiao Jietian… I think I've truly fallen for you. Maybe it started when you helped me during training, or when you gave me the Youth Preservation Pill, or during your playful, shameless moments… somewhere along the way, real affection began to grow."
"But during the last struggle in the study, when Lei Ou suddenly attacked and death closed in… I realized you had already entered my heart completely. You shielded me without hesitation, giving me a sense of security I'd never known. I've completely fallen in love with you."
"I, your sister, am entirely in your hands now. I don't know if you're willing to accept me."
Ya Fei's eyes shimmered with tenderness, gazing at Xiao Jietian like calm water.
Xiao Jietian smiled softly, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. He lifted his free arm and gently drew her closer, resting his hand on her shoulder.
Ya Fei leaned into his embrace, docile as a kitten.
"Sister Ya Fei, if you choose to be with me… you may have to give up the power you hold now. What would you choose?"
"I pursued power before because I needed it to break free from the family and protect myself. Now that I truly love you, I'm willing to give up everything for you. I'm content to be the woman behind you—just promise you won't abandon me or forget me."
Nestled in his arms, her voice was firm and heartfelt. She looked up at him, a hint of allure in her gaze.
"Alright. I will never abandon you. You must stay by my side forever."
A happy smile touched Xiao Jietian's lips as he looked down gently at Ya Fei.
Ya Fei nodded slightly, the tenderness in her eyes deepening. A heartfelt, happy smile spread across her face.
She released his hand, reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, stood on her toes, and lightly kissed his lips.
Just as she began to pull away, Xiao Jietian cupped the back of her head with one hand and drew her firmly closer with the other.
"You think you can take advantage and just leave? It's not that simple."
He captured her tempting red lips in a deep kiss. Ya Fei resisted only briefly before responding with equal passion.
A long moment later, their lips parted. They leaned forehead to forehead, a dewy sheen still lingering on their mouths.
The two stayed quietly by the river, holding each other, watching the water flow slowly—savoring this moment of peace.
Time flowed day by day, and the bond between Ya Fei and Xiao Jietian deepened. During this period, Ya Fei voluntarily stepped down from her position as auction house manager, retaining only her role as an elder with actual authority.
Miteer Tengshan guessed the reason and agreed without hesitation.
Since Xiao Jietian and Ya Fei were often seen together, most of the Mittel family soon learned that the most beautiful flower of their clan was now spoken for.
Many who had secretly admired Ya Fei were left heartbroken.
Inside Xiao Jietian's room, their lips parted once more. Ya Fei slumped, breathless, into Xiao Jietian's embrace.
"Fei'er… do you want to cultivate?"
Xiao Jietian held her, idly twirling a strand of her loosened hair around his finger.
At first, Ya Fei had been shy about being called "Fei'er" by someone several years her junior. But under Xiao Jietian's persistent—and shameless—use of the name, she had moved from resistance to wholehearted acceptance.
"With my talent, cultivation is pointless. It's enough for me to stay by your side."
Ya Fei gently stroked Xiao Jietian's face, her gaze tender and alluring. "Xiao Jietian… I'm not going back tonight. The moment is too beautiful to waste."
"Are you sure?"
Xiao Jietian touched her smooth cheek, asking seriously.
Ya Fei didn't answer with words. Instead, she responded with action.
In such a situation, if Xiao Jietian could still hold back… he might as well join the Eastern Bureau.
The night was filled with soft murmurs and shared warmth.
The next morning, Xiao Jietian awoke to the glare of sunlight.
He turned to see Ya Fei still asleep beside him. A tender smile touched his lips, and he reached out to gently brush her cheek.
Looking at her peaceful, slightly vulnerable face, he felt a surge of protectiveness. He had restrained himself, treating her with utmost care.
System, you may begin the transfer.
He instructed inwardly, and a soft white light flowed from his hand where it touched her, seeping gently into Ya Fei's body.
"Xiao Jietian… it seems there's a cluster of white light inside me now."
Ya Fei, sensing the change within, sat up and looked at him in confusion.