"Do you know, if it weren't for your appearance, I might still be the Acting Supervisory Elder, or perhaps my destiny would have taken an entirely different path. But in the end, there might have only been one outcome."
Xiao Tian was slightly stunned. He turned to look at Ya Fei and chose to remain silent, waiting for her to continue.
He took off his alchemist robe and gently draped it over Ya Fei's shoulders, wrapping her up warmly.
Ya Fei touched the robe covering her body, took a deep breath, and continued:
"Since the day I was born into this family, I knew that because I lacked talent for cultivation, I would eventually become a sacrifice for the family's marriage alliances. The final result would be accepting the family's arrangements, marrying someone I didn't like, and living the rest of my life under their control."
As she spoke, a trace of unwillingness and helplessness flashed in her eyes.
"So, from the moment I became sensible, I decided that since I couldn't possess strength, I would seize power instead. That way, I could escape the family's manipulation. Unfortunately, things rarely go as planned. Many times, I felt powerless and even fell into despair."
"But in Wutan City, because of your sudden appearance and your words, I saw a glimmer of hope. When I first saw your astonishing talent and outstanding appearance, I indeed developed a very good impression of you. After all, everyone appreciates beauty."
"At that time, I was already thinking that between the Mu Family's chosen marriage candidate and you, I would rather choose you. At least you matched my aesthetic tastes."
Xiao Tian listened quietly. He could clearly feel the hardships Ya Fei had endured in the past and the despair she felt when her resistance proved futile.
"When we were in Wutan City, I knew very well that you coveted my beauty, and I, in turn, wanted to make use of your talent and limitless future potential. Don't think that Big Sister is some promiscuous woman—I considered everything very carefully. If I had lost the bet in the end, perhaps the only choice left for me would have been to leave this world in sorrow."
Xiao Tian looked at Ya Fei tenderly. He gently took her slightly cold hands and said softly, "I knew your thoughts from the very beginning. Only that kind of mindset would fit the logic of a large family like yours. And as I said before, I would help you change your destiny."
"But it seems I have succeeded. Big Sister Ya Fei, things are different now. You are no longer that pitiful person constrained by the family and forced into a political marriage, because you have me standing behind you."
Ya Fei held Xiao Tian's hand tightly. Feeling the warmth of his palm, the fear and anxiety in her heart gradually melted away.
"Xiao Tian… Little Brother, I think I have truly fallen for you," she said, her voice soft. "Perhaps it was because of your help during your previous training, or maybe it was the Youth Preservation Pill you gave me. Or perhaps it started when you were acting shamelessly… I already began to like you a little."
"But during the conflict in the study last time, when Lei Ou suddenly attacked me and death was staring me in the face, I realized you had completely entered my heart. When you stepped in front of me without hesitation, I felt an unprecedented sense of security. At that moment, I completely fell for you."
"Big Sister has completely fallen for you. I don't know if you are willing to accept this Big Sister of yours."
Tenderness flickered in Ya Fei's eyes as she looked at Xiao Tian with a gaze as gentle as water.
Xiao Tian smiled softly, his eyes filled with love and affection. He stretched out his free hand and gently wrapped it around Ya Fei's shoulders.
Ya Fei snuggled into his arms like a gentle little kitten.
"Big Sister Ya Fei, if you choose to be with me, you may need to give up the power you currently hold. How would you choose?"
"I sought power before only because I needed it to escape the family and protect myself," Ya Fei replied without hesitation. "Now that I have truly fallen in love with you, I am willing to abandon everything for you. I am willing to be the little woman behind you, as long as you never abandon or forget me."
She snuggled deeper into Xiao Tian's arms, her voice solemn and firm as she bared her heart. A trace of allure shone in her eyes as she looked at him.
"Good. I will never abandon you. You must stay by my side forever," Xiao Tian said, a happy smile curling at the corners of his mouth as he gazed tenderly at the woman in his arms.
Ya Fei nodded slightly. The tenderness in her eyes grew even deeper, and a joyful smile bloomed from the bottom of her heart.
She released Xiao Tian's hand, wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a light peck on the lips.
Just as Ya Fei tried to pull away, Xiao Tian pressed her head gently with one hand and pulled her body closer with the other.
"You want to leave after taking advantage of me? It's not that simple."
Xiao Tian kissed her alluring vermilion lips directly. Ya Fei struggled symbolically for a moment before responding passionately.
After a long while, their lips finally parted. The two pressed their foreheads together, their lips still glistening with moisture.
They simply snuggled quietly by the river, watching the water flow leisurely, savoring this rare and pleasant moment.
As the days passed, the relationship between Xiao Tian and Ya Fei grew deeper and more intimate. During this time, Ya Fei directly gave up her management position at the auction house, retaining only a powerful Elder position with real authority.
Miteer Tengshan seemed to have guessed something and agreed without objection.
Because Xiao Tian and Ya Fei were often seen together, most members of the Mitel Family knew that their family's most beautiful flower now had an owner.
Many people who had secretly admired Ya Fei felt heartbroken and devastated.
…
Inside Xiao Tian's room, their lips finally separated. Ya Fei went limp in Xiao Tian's arms, breathing heavily.
"Fei'er, do you want to cultivate?" Xiao Tian asked while holding her, his fingers gently twirling her loose strands of hair.
Being called "Fei'er" by someone several years younger than her made Ya Fei feel extremely shy at first. However, under Xiao Tian's persistent and shameless use of the nickname, she had gone from initial resistance to complete acceptance.
"With my talent, no matter how much I cultivate, it would be useless," Ya Fei replied softly. "As long as I can stay by your side, that's enough for me."
She tenderly stroked Xiao Tian's face and looked at him with alluring eyes. "Xiao Tian, I'm not going back tonight. On such a beautiful night… let's not waste it."
"Are you sure?" Xiao Tian asked seriously as he caressed her smooth cheek.
Ya Fei did not answer with words. Instead, she proved her choice with actions.
In this situation, if Xiao Tian could still hold back, he might as well join the Eastern Depot.
…
The night was filled with singing and passionate exercise.
Early the next morning, Xiao Tian was awakened by the blinding sunlight streaming through the window.
He turned his head and looked at Ya Fei, who was still sound asleep beside him. A gentle expression appeared on his face as he reached out to softly stroke her cheek.
Looking at the weak and slightly fearful expression still lingering on her face, he felt that he had already been very restrained and cherishing toward her.
Xiao Tian took out a pill and fed it to her. Ya Fei instinctively swallowed it.
"Xiao Tian… it seems like a ball of white light has appeared inside my body."
Feeling the abnormality within her, Ya Fei sat up in confusion and asked Xiao Tian.