Chapter 19
Yang Jian leisurely cut into his steak, lifting his eyes to glance at her.
"Not to your taste?"
"No, it's not that." Wanda shook her head, took a deep breath, and finally looked up, meeting his gaze directly.
"Jian—no, Mr. Yang. I've thought it through."
"Oh?" Yang Jian set down his knife and fork, looking at her with interest.
"Thought what through?"
Wanda's fingertips lightly gripped the edge of the table.
"Our agreement—or rather, our deal." Her voice was soft but firm.
Yang Jian picked up his wine glass and took a sip, deliberately asking: "What deal?"
Wanda had already made up her mind. She decided not to retreat anymore.
"You saved me from Hydra because you valued my… abilities and my body, right?" She paused, looking straight into Yang Jian's eyes.
"Now, I'm ready."
Her eyelashes trembled slightly. Her eyes held a near-decisive seriousness.
"Just consider it… gratitude."
The dining room fell silent for several seconds. Only the faint crackle of candle flames could be heard.
Yang Jian suddenly laughed.
He set the wine glass down, crossed his hands under his chin, and gazed at her calmly.
"You're wrong."
Wanda froze.
"I did save you because I valued your abilities—or certain things. Yes, chaos magic is very powerful."
His voice was unhurried. "But one thing you got wrong—this isn't a transaction."
Wanda's breathing paused slightly.
She opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, but Yang Jian continued.
"Your magic awakened on its own. The power of the Darkhold was something you tamed yourself."
"I merely gave you a push. That's all." Yang Jian said no more. As an experienced man, he never let himself fall into a passive position.
Sometimes, letting the other person believe it was worth it—even making them take the initiative—was the true art.
Wanda looked at Yang Jian with renewed determination, her tone serious.
"But without you, I would probably have died in Hydra's lab long ago." Her voice trembled slightly.
"Everything I have now is because of you."
"Mr. Yang, what I mean is… I'm willing. For anything."
Yang Jian looked at her, pretended to think for a moment, and said: "Is that all? You're not afraid I'll bring other women back later?"
Wanda shook her head. Painful memories flashed through her mind: "I no longer have family. You've been so good to me. I have no reason to ask for more."
After a pause, Wanda continued: "If I leave here… I'll have no home."
Yang Jian nodded and cut her off.
"I accept. But first, eat." He picked up his knife and fork again, tone leaving no room for argument.
"We'll talk about these things later."
Wanda pressed her lips together, finally nodded, and lowered her head to continue eating the pasta.
The dining table fell quiet again. Only the gentle clink of cutlery on porcelain.
Outside the window, the sound of waves drifted in faintly. The night was deep.
After dinner, Wanda raised her hand lightly.
Scarlet chaos energy flowed over the plates.
Bowls and utensils floated automatically to the sink. Clear water appeared from nowhere, rinsing them spotless.
"This ability is actually very practical." Yang Jian leaned against the kitchen doorframe, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand.
Wanda turned and smiled at him: "Much more convenient than a dishwasher."
Her smile looked especially gentle under the light, red hair cascading over her shoulders.
Yang Jian watched her, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes.
"I'm going to rest." He set the glass down and headed upstairs. "You should sleep early too."
Wanda watched his back disappear around the staircase corner. Her fingers unconsciously twisted together.
She took a deep breath, as if making a final decision.
Master Bedroom Bathroom
Steam filled the air.
Wanda stood under the shower, warm water cascading over her.
She closed her eyes. Her mind replayed every moment of this period.
Yang Jian rescuing her from the Hydra base.
His patience while teaching her to control chaos magic.
The way he protected her without hesitation against Captain Marvel today.
"This isn't a transaction."
She softly repeated Yang Jian's words from dinner, her fingers tracing the now-completely-healed experimental scar on her collarbone.
After showering, she stood in front of the wardrobe, hesitating for a moment before choosing a wine-red silk nightgown.
This dress had been delivered by Bullseye a few days ago on Yang Jian's orders. She had never dared wear it until now.
Standing outside Yang Jian's bedroom door, Wanda's heart pounded so hard it felt like it would leap out of her chest.
She raised her hand, but hesitated just before knocking.
"Come in." Yang Jian's low voice came from inside the room.
The door opened automatically.
Yang Jian reclined on a chaise lounge, an ancient tome in his hand.
He wore only a black silk robe, the collar wide open, exposing his firm chest.
"I have a question about magic I don't understand." Wanda gathered her courage.
Yang Jian closed the book. His gaze lingered on her for a moment: "What question requires asking at midnight?"
Wanda summoned her resolve and stepped into the room. The door closed silently behind her.
She noticed Yang Jian's attire.
"It's about… human energy conduction." She walked up to him. The silk nightgown swayed gently with her steps.
Yang Jian's eyes flashed with understanding, but he maintained his lazy posture: "Be specific."
Wanda bit her lower lip, then suddenly placed her hand on his chest.
She could feel the powerful heartbeat beneath her palm, and the terrifying strength contained in those muscles.
"For example… how to make two different energies perfectly fuse." Her fingers drew slow circles; scarlet chaos magic light flowed at her fingertips.
Yang Jian finally set the book aside. He grabbed her wrist: "Are you sure you want to learn this?"
Wanda looked straight into his eyes and nodded.
In the next second, the world spun.
When she came to her senses, Yang Jian had already lifted her in a bridal carry.
"Then let's start with the most basic lesson." Yang Jian carried her toward the bed.
Wanda wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the increasingly scorching heat between them.
She could sense her chaos magic resonating wonderfully with Yang Jian's energy.
When he placed her on the soft bed, she saw the familiar golden light in his eyes.
"Magic Lesson One." His voice was husky.
"Energy conduction requires…"
Wanda's fingertips glowed with faint scarlet light, intertwining with the golden energy flowing in Yang Jian's eyes.
"Like this?" she asked softly.
"No." He pinned her wrist to the pillow.
"Like this."
Scarlet chaos magic and golden solar energy suddenly intertwined, instantly sweeping through the entire room!
The bed curtains billowed without wind. Tiny sparks of energy collision filled the air.
Wanda's breathing became completely chaotic. The dual assault of magic and sensation made her fingertips tremble.
"Tonight, I'll teach you… true chaos."
The room lights gradually dimmed. Only the scarlet of chaos magic and the gold of solar energy intertwined in the darkness—like the most splendid nebula in the universe.
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