Chapter 113: Nowhere to Quench the Fire of Desire

Xiao Tianci did not believe for a second that the "female tyrannosaur" liked him; there was simply no basis for such a claim. It seemed that having Huo Feng by his side every day had caused Tian Ni to misunderstand. True, in terms of appearance alone, Huo Feng was undeniably a great beauty. But no matter how beautiful someone is, one’s own life comes first!

Although he didn't believe it, the mere thought of it made Xiao Tianci break into a cold sweat. He wiped his brow and explained cautiously, "Honey, this matter must be cleared up. I guarantee that there is absolutely nothing between Huo Feng and me. She couldn't possibly like me, and I certainly couldn't like her. She only follows me because I am collaborating with their Azure Dragon Mercenary Group; she is merely my bodyguard."

Xiao Tianci wanted to say that Huo Feng currently hated his guts, but he couldn't bring up the ridiculous incidents at the casino or that accidental grope. If he mentioned those, the already complicated situation would become even more tangled.

"Oh, is that so? Do you dare say there is truly nothing between you two?"

Looking into Tian Ni’s hazy eyes, Xiao Tianci’s heart skipped a beat. What did that mean? Was she suspicious, or was she... No, that was impossible. There was nothing between him and Huo Feng. Surely Huo Feng wouldn't be stupid enough to tell Tian Ni about those two incidents? It must be a test, or perhaps she just needed his confirmation. Yes, there was nothing between them. That was the truth; what did he have to be afraid of?

"Things? What things? What could there possibly be between her and me! Really, I can guarantee that I have never had a single thought about her." I’m not lying about this—even though Huo Feng is a beauty, I really haven't harbored any such ideas.

Tian Ni suddenly sighed softly. "Then... what about the incident at the Las Vegas casino? Everyone knows about it now."

*Ah...* Xiao Tianci screamed inwardly. How was this possible? How could Tian Ni know about that? It shouldn't be! Even though he had intentionally let the people monitoring him think so to lower their guard, Tian Ni shouldn't have been involved. While such rumors might circulate in high-level circles, ordinary people shouldn't know. It was very strange.

Despite his shock, Xiao Tianci didn't think this proved anything happened between him and Huo Feng; he was just baffled as to how Tian Ni found out. Huo Feng definitely wouldn't have said anything.

Xiao Tianci hurried to explain: "That was just because I was joking around after drinking. Nothing actually happened. In fact, Huo Feng has held a grudge against me ever since, and if it weren't for her brother, she wouldn't even be guarding me. See, honey? That actually proves there’s nothing between us and never could be!"

Tian Ni had heard rumors that the heir to the world’s richest family, the Xiao family, was gambling heavily in Las Vegas and had become involved in a scandalous affair. The versions of the story were numerous, some exaggerated to the extreme. Hearing Xiao Tianci admit to the situation in person, her expression dimmed. "Can you tell me what really happened?"

Seeing her expression, Xiao Tianci felt a pang of heartache. He took her hand and began to recount the events at the casino: the playful teasing, the gambling, the fighting after King Kong transformed, and eventually knocking Huo Feng unconscious. He explained how the Azure Dragon group had tracked him down, and how they had reached an understanding after a confrontation.

After finishing, Xiao Tianci squeezed her hand tightly. "Honey, I know I acted foolishly, but believe me, there is absolutely, positively nothing between Huo Feng and me."

Watching his nervous expression, Tian Ni smiled slightly and nodded. "Mm, I believe you."

Xiao Tianci beamed. "Really? That’s great."

"However..."

"Ah..." Xiao Tianci stared at her, wide-eyed. Why was there a "however"? This pivot surely meant trouble. Panicking, he said, "Honey, please, no more 'howevers.' My heart can't take it." He grabbed her hand and pressed it against his chest. "Feel it, it’s about to jump out."

"Heh..." Tian Ni pulled her hand back and chided, "You didn't use to be such a smooth talker. Tell me, do you do this to other girls too? It seems you’re quite the expert!"

Good heavens, he was being wronged! All these years he had been busy with his career and had only ever held a secret crush on Tian Ni, but saying that out loud sounded so unbelievable.

Xiao Tianci hurriedly cried out in protest, "Honey, I’m innocent! I..."

Tian Ni didn't let him continue. She was a clever woman, and Xiao Tianci didn't understand why she stopped him. Looking at her, she didn't seem angry; she was just gazing at him, almost as if she were admiring him. Was there something on his face?

"I..." Xiao Tianci froze, because as he opened his mouth to try again, Tian Ni leaned in and lightly kissed him. It was as fleeting as a dragonfly skimming the water, but it left Xiao Tianci feeling as happy as a statue.

"If there is no trust between two people, that is not love. I... I like you, and I believe you. As long as you say nothing happened, I believe it. I want you to promise me that no matter what, you won't hide anything from me. Tell me, even if..."

Tian Ni didn't finish her sentence. Xiao Tianci nodded vigorously. "Ni'er, don't worry, I will never hide anything from you..."

"I know you have to leave again soon, but I'm truly happy."

Xiao Tianci had planned to leave after dinner and spending some time alone with her, because the longer he stayed, the more risks he incurred. Perhaps nothing would happen, but if something did, it would be a major disaster. He didn't want to take that risk.

Most importantly, the tasks ahead needed to be started immediately. He hadn't told her he was leaving; he had just shown up. He hadn't expected her to realize he was about to depart.

Xiao Tianci nodded helplessly. "Yes, I was planning to tell you after dinner. There are things I must do." *Damn it,* he thought, *if I were powerful enough, I wouldn't have to fear anyone, and I could take Ni'er with me. Living apart is agonizing.* If only he could have finished their wedding night tonight... *Heh heh...* If not for the mention of Huo Feng, he might have already...

"Honey, don't worry, soon we won't have to live like this. Now... how about..." As he spoke, his hand moved to her waist, and he leaned in, about to...

"Ah..." Tian Ni stood up. "Right, you haven't eaten yet. Aren't you leaving soon? Go get something to eat."

*No way,* he thought, *that’s so cruel.* Xiao Tianci looked up. "But honey, I want to eat..."

Tian Ni had skillfully dodged him, unaware of the look in his eyes. "Eat what? I'll go make it..."

"I want to eat... you..."

Despite their intimate contact earlier, hearing him say it so directly made her face flush. Feeling the heat on her cheeks, she bent down. Xiao Tianci’s heart leaped with joy, and he opened his arms, ready to embrace this grand, solemn, painful, and joyful moment. Tian Ni leaned into his ear and whispered, "Hmph, you! Sort things out first. This is just a probationary period!"

She turned around, looking lighthearted. "Come on down, everyone is waiting. Huo Feng must be... very anxious."

*Thud...* Xiao Tianci flopped backward onto the bed. *Good heavens, what kind of world is this? Just a hair’s breadth away—isn't this torture?*

Huo Feng. It was still Huo Feng's problem. Could she really like him? *Impossible. Absolutely impossible.* It must be those rumors from the casino, combined with her constant presence, that caused the misunderstanding. He had to find a way to fix this.

Downstairs, the group could hear nothing but the sound of the door slamming shut—except for a few with exceptional hearing.

The two of them had gone up and hadn't come back down; how were they supposed to eat? The group sat there, staring at one another, at a loss for what to do.

Huo Feng, however, felt a strange, inexplicable irritation. She didn't know why. She kept sitting down and standing up, not knowing what to do with herself.

Little Gege watched her, not understanding what was wrong with Huo Feng today. It was as if her seat were on fire, and her expression was filled with impatience.

Huo Feng felt an itch in her hands; she would rather be gambling or fighting than sitting here. She glanced toward the upper floor. *What are they doing up there?* She huffed. *Xiao Tianci, that big pervert—he has such a wonderful wife and doesn't know how to cherish her.*

*What are they talking about?* Huo Feng’s heart cried out. *What is wrong with me? Why am I thinking about this?!* She couldn't take it anymore; she would go crazy if she stayed.

"Little Gege, come on, let’s go practice shooting." She reached out to pull Little Gege along.

Little Gege scratched her head, confused. "Brother said there isn't a shooting range in the house."

Huo Feng replied, "If there’s no shooting range, we’ll go hunt birds."

Little Gege looked at the pitch-black night sky outside. She wasn't afraid, but she knew her brother would scold her, so she looked at Huo Feng, feeling very conflicted.

Seeing this, Huo Feng let go. "Fine, if you won't go, I'll go by myself..."

Just as she was about to leave, Tian Ni walked down. Huo Feng stopped and turned to face her. Seeing everyone’s awkwardness, Tian Ni quickly said, "I’m sorry, I’ve kept you waiting, and you haven't even finished your meal."

The Chief Steward, Lin Jian, and King Kong naturally insisted they had eaten enough. Little Gege was smart; even though her sister-in-law had acted that way toward her brother, she knew they were just "playing." They were still very close, and because of Xiao Tianci, she didn't feel like a stranger to Tian Ni anymore, so she nodded along with Lin Jian.

Tian Ni looked at Little Gege and smiled. "Hehe, Little Gege, was the abalone good?"

Little Gege was just a child, and her expression stiffened, but she nodded repeatedly. Tian Ni laughed happily and stepped forward. "Sister-in-law will make it for you again, okay? And don't give it away this time!" Little Gege lowered her head.

At this moment, Xiao Tianci walked down. The food had gone cold, so Tian Ni reheated it. Everything was under her command now, and everyone followed suit, resuming dinner.

There was little conversation, but Huo Feng noticed that Tian Ni and Xiao Tianci kept glancing at her. *What is wrong with them? Why do they keep looking at me?* It made her uncomfortable, and she couldn't sit still. As soon as she finished eating, she ran outside for some air.

Xiao Tianci finished his meal with a muddled head, still unable to think of a solution. *Sigh, what a headache.* He couldn't just go ask Huo Feng directly. Ni'er told him to "sort it out," but what did that even mean? Regardless, he had definitely lost his chance for tonight.

*I should find a way for Huo Feng to leave my side as soon as possible; that should solve the problem.* But today was truly agonizing—he had been so close.

Tian Ni watched the helicopter take off. The powerful downdraft whipped her clothes and hair wildly. Thinking back to the last time, the feeling was completely different. Watching him leave, she felt an empty, aching sensation in her heart.

Although Tian Ni didn't know exactly what Xiao Tianci was doing—and he hadn't had the time to tell her, nor did she ask—she knew that if she did ask, he would tell her. But what good would knowing do? She couldn't help him at all right now.

*I must work hard,* she thought, *so that at least I can help him with something...* The wind had died down. There was no moon, only a few flickering stars...

The truth was, the meal before his departure always left one’s heart feeling taut and uneasy. Everyone had been silent. Xiao Tianci had only said a few words to Tian Ni, mostly reminding her to eat and take care of herself.

The hardest part was the parting. Only after boarding the private jet did Xiao Tianci finally speak, letting out a long breath. Recalling the night—how the fire had been ignited only to be snuffed out—was truly painful. *Wait,* he thought, *how could Ni'er have known about the casino?* He had thought it over carefully: Huo Feng would never have spoken, and the Chief Steward and King Kong were even less likely. And the news had spread as if everyone knew it. *Could it be that someone on the other side leaked it?*

"Chief Steward, go and investigate how the rumors about my gambling with Huo Feng at the casino got out. Damn it, making me suffer... once I find out who it is, hmph..." He didn't care about one more scandal, but tonight, this had caused Tian Ni to misunderstand, which led to... it was unforgivable.