Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Confession
The next morning, Yue Ning woke up with a fright. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and her forehead was covered in sweat.
[Warning: Five hours left to the end of the mission.]
Yue Ning’s mind raced, and she tried to regulate her breathing.
Suddenly, the door creaked open and Huo Yan walked in
"Sister-in-law, you are finally awake." She walked to her side, and placed her hand on her forehead. "Great, you’re not burning up anymore." She heaved a sigh of relief.
Yue Ning touched her forehead, and her shoulders relaxed.
"How do you feel?" Huo Yan asked, a trace concern flashing in her eyes.
"Much better now. And it is all thanks to your brother." Yue Ning answered with a smile.
Huo Yan’s lips quirked, and she whispered. "Honestly, Sister-in-law, that was the first time I’ve seen my brother so meticulous in his care."
"This side of him naturally comes out when he is with you," Huo Yan raised her eyes teasingly at Yue Ning who coughed to cover up her awkwardness.
"I should freshen up..." Yue Ning scrambled out of the bed, and rushed into the bathroom.
Huo Yan’s laughter followed, and Yue Ning’s face burned even though she was in the bathroom.
After a while, Yue Ning stepped out, and she found Huo Yan seated on the sofa, a novel in her hands.
"This is a classic," she commented when she sensed Yue Ning’s presence in the room.
"You are very correct."
"Jiejie," Huo Yan started. "Will you still host the gathering today? Two ladies called to inquire about your health, and also asked if you’ll host it when you’ve recovered. They seemed genuine."
Yue Ning paused in her actions. She naturally didn’t forget about it—but she had more important matters to take care of. The mission was more important.
"We will naturally host it. But..." She drew out softly. "I have something to take care of today..."
Huo Yan’s brows furrowed as she watched Yue Ning walk to the closet. She shot up to her feet instantly, and strode to her.
"Are you heading somewhere?" She asked.
"Hmm." Yue Ning answered absentmindedly, her focus on what dress she could put on.
Huo Yan panicked. "You can’t go out. Brother said you aren’t allowed to step out of this villa or do any hard work till you are fully recovered."
Yue Ning froze, and turned to look at Huo Yan. "But I am fine." She remarked, enunciating each word firmly.
"Sister-in-law... please don’t make it difficult for me." She went to the door, blocking her from leaving. "Gege has specifically instructed that you don’t leave the house."
Yue Ning’s brows creased, irritation seeping into her chest. She looked at Huo Yan’s determined expression, and she exhaled.
Time was ticking, and she needed to find out what the hidden danger was. But she didn’t have the opportunity to do so.
"Fine, I won’t go anywhere." She gave in, and picked casual wear.
Huo Yan let out a sigh of relief seeing her relent. "Thank you Sister-in-law. If you need something, I’ll be in my room."
Yue Ning nodded. Seeing that she wouldn’t be leaving the house, Huo Yan exited the room.
Yue Ning exhaled, and fell to the bed.
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Yue Ning sat on the bed after Huo Yan left, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She had tried reading, walking around, even pretending to rest—but every time she closed her eyes, the system’s voice echoed in her mind.
[Time remaining: Three hours.]
Her heart thumped painfully. Time was ticking, and here she was; seated, doing nothing.
She rose to her feet and walked to the window. Outside, the garden basked in the quiet afternoon light, peaceful and deceiving. It felt too calm, too normal. It was the kind of silence that came before a storm.
Her fingers curled tightly around the window frame. The danger was imminent, she could feel it.
She glanced at the clock again. Fifteen minutes had passed already. It felt like time was passed by quickly. Time was an enemy against her.
[Two hours, forty-five minutes remaining.]
Yue Ning bit her lip. She couldn’t just sit and wait for disaster to strike. If she failed now, all her efforts, all her chances could go to waste.
Without a word, she crossed to the closet and changed into a simple outfit: jeans, a white shirt, and a cap. Nothing flashy, nothing that would draw attention.
Her movements were quiet, steady and deliberate. She slipped into her sneakers and tiptoed to the door.
The hallway was empty. Most of the maids were busy downstairs, and Huo Yan was in her bedroom having an online class.
This was perfect, she thought to herself.
Her pulse quickened as she moved along the corridor, each step calculated and silent. When she reached the back entrance, she hesitated.
If Huo Feng finds out, he’ll be furious. But she couldn’t wait while danger lurked.
Her hand tightened on the doorknob. She remembered his words from the night before; "No matter what the danger might be, I’d never let any harm come near you or Huo Yan."
A pang of guilt struck her chest. But she couldn’t stay still, not when she might still have a chance to prevent that very danger they were both worried about.
She pushed the door open and slipped out.
The sun was warm on her skin, but an inexplicable chill ran through her veins.
"Where do you think you’re going?"
The cold voice made her freeze in place. Her heart dropped, and slowly, she turned around.
Huo Feng stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable. The afternoon sunlight outlined his tall frame, casting a shadow that stretched toward her feet.
"F-Feng-ge..." she stammered. She thought he went to the office. Why was he back so soon?
"Didn’t I tell you to rest?" His voice was calm, the kind that hinted at a storm brewing underneath.
"I’m fine now." She tried to sound composed, but her voice trembled. "I just wanted to take a walk—"
"Don’t lie to me, Yue Ning." He cut her off harshly.
Her lips parted in shock, while she tried to remain composed.
"I told you to stay inside for your safety," he continued, walking closer with slow steps. "Do you think I said that for fun?"
She took a step back instinctively, but he was already in front of her, his eyes dark and burning with undisguised fury.
"Why do you keep doing things like this?" His voice finally cracked, a mix of anger and anguish sounding through it. "Why do you keep putting yourself in danger? Do you want me to lose my mind?!"
Yue Ning’s chest rose and fell rapidly. His words stung, not because of the scolding, but because she could feel the raw emotion behind them.
She looked up, meeting his fierce gaze with trembling eyes. "Why do you care so much?" she whispered, almost defensively.
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
Huo Feng stared at her—the woman who had turned his composed life upside down, who made him feel things he thought he’d buried long ago.
His throat worked as if the words were fighting their way out. And then, finally—
"Because I love you!"