"She is weak," the physician said, packing his tools. "Her body needs food and rest."
Rui's gaze lingered on Rong Xi. Even in sleep she looked strained. Pale. Fragile. Her brows knit together as if she were still fighting something in her dreams. Her lips parted slightly. Nightmares.
He knew the signs.
Leef escorted the physician out.
Shen remained.
Rui stepped forward—then stopped. Shen was still there. One glance was enough. Shen bowed and left the room without a word. Silence returned.
Rui approached the bed with measured steps. His intention was simple—adjust the blanket and leave.
Yet when he leaned forward, something unexpected happened.
Instead of merely fixing the blanket, he found himself gathering Rong Xi carefully into his arms.
The motion felt so natural that he didn't question it. Her body fit against his as if it belonged there. Warm. Soft. Real.
Her warmth seeped through the silk layers between them. His lips brushed lightly against her ear as he whispered: "You're safe now."
The words left his mouth before he realized what he had done. Rui froze. What… am I doing?
This violated every rule he had followed his entire life. Proper distance. Proper conduct. Proper restraint. And yet the line had already been crossed. He had not even noticed the moment it happened.
From the first time he saw her, something had felt… familiar. Right.
The instinct to protect her came as naturally as breathing.
Without thinking, he inhaled. The scent surprised him. Earthy. Warm. And faintly sweet. Not the artificial floral perfumes noblewomen favored. Not delicate herbal oils. She smelled… real.
His grip tightened slightly. Before he noticed, his face had drifted closer to the curve of her neck. Breathing her in. As if it were the most natural thing in the world. A small movement from her jolted him back to awareness.
Rui stiffened. What am I doing? This was completely inappropriate.
Carefully—very carefully—he laid her back onto the bed. He adjusted the blanket with meticulous precision. Then stepped back. Two steps.
Hands clasped behind his back. The proper posture for attending an unconscious noble lady. Distant. Respectful. Controlled. Then something struck him. The way she had looked at him earlier.
When their eyes met. Hatred. Pure, unmistakable hatred. The memory unsettled him. Why?
He had seen fear before. Suspicion. Distrust.
But hatred like that—he had only seen it in mortal enemies. And she was his betrothed.
Without realizing it, Rui stepped forward again. His hand lifted slowly. Hovering just above her cheek. He stopped himself before touching her.
His heart beat faster. A rare loss of control. Warmth spread through his body. Unfamiliar. Unwelcome.
Panic flickered beneath his calm exterior. He had never reacted this way to anyone. Years of martial training had given him absolute control. Breath. Pulse. Emotion. Even body temperature.
He inhaled slowly. Drawing on his discipline. Trying to disperse the sensation. For the first time—his training failed him. The arousal remained.
Rui stepped back again. Hands clasped behind his back. Distance restored. Just as he steadied himself—her hand moved.
Even in sleep. Her fingers caught the edge of his sleeve. His breath caught. Before he could think, his hand closed around hers. Another breach of protocol.
She squeezed his hand gently. Then relaxed. Her expression softened. Peaceful. Without realizing when it happened— Rui found himself sitting beside her.
Still holding her hand. He tried to meditate. But it was impossible. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind drifted. Unfocused. Restless.
His master's face appeared in his thoughts.
Three years ago. At the height of Rui's adolescence, Master Wu had decided it was time. Time to "make him a man." In the most brutal way possible. Master Wu locked him inside a private room at a brothel.
Every hour, four naked women entered. Soft voices. Gentle touches. Bodies offered to him. Rui had not seen temptation.
He saw a test. A test of discipline. So instead of indulging—he used the techniques his master had taught him. Redirecting his energy. Suppressing desire. Mastering his body.
On the third day, Master Wu grew frustrated. Two couples were sent in. Performing directly in front of him. As if Rui had somehow misunderstood the assignment.
By the fifth day, Master Wu left. Half proud. Half annoyed.
Later he returned from spying on Rong Xi. He looked at Rui. Shook his head. "One of the rarest beauties… what a waste." Then he patted Rui's shoulder. As if something were wrong with Rong Xi. Rui had asked what he meant. Master Wu never answered.
At the time, Rui assumed his master simply found Rong Xi disappointing. Just another predictable noble daughter. Now he knew that assumption was wrong. Rong Xi was anything but ordinary. He wished he could ask his master now.
But Master Wu had disappeared two and a half years ago. Gone without warning. Leaving only a note. Rui was now the acting head of Optics Group. No explanation. No farewell. Just gone.
Rui returned to the present with a start. Rong Xi had pulled his hand beneath her cheek. Her skin was warm against his palm. Improper. He should withdraw immediately. He knew that. And yet—he did not move.
The sun was setting. If she slept longer, she would miss dinner. He had to wake her. Reluctantly, Rui patted her shoulder. No response. He tried again. Slightly firmer. Instead of waking—she clung tighter to his hand. Her cheek nuzzled his palm.
Her brows knitted slightly. Then slowly—her eyes opened. Confusion filled them. She looked around the room. Then her gaze landed on him. Hatred exploded across her face. She jerked upright. Pulling away violently. Rui immediately stepped back. Proper posture restored.
"Young Miss, you fainted and—"
A knock interrupted him.
Rong Xi stood. Her legs failed her. She stumbled. Rui caught her instantly.bHis arms wrapped around her waist. Too close. Far too intimate.
The door opened.
Shen and Leef entered. Leef's lips curled into a knowing smirk. Shen remained perfectly neutral.
"I apologize for the interruption," Leef said casually.
Rui barely heard him. A sharp crack filled the room. Rong Xi's palm struck his cheek.