Chapter 22: Entrusting You

Zhao Yan’er was usually domineering and willful; since the day Zhao Kai had met her, he had never seen her lower her head to anyone. Yet now, she knelt obediently before him—what could this mean? Surely she wasn’t about to kowtow in gratitude?

“Yan’er, bow.”

As Zhao Yan’er pressed her forehead to the floor, Zhao Kai’s eyelid twitched. There was really no need for this—he had only lent a helping hand; such formality was unnecessary.

“Yan’er, please rise. Our relationship is so close, why act so distant?”

He helped her up, and Yan’er complied without protest. Old Master Zhao watched them, his expression enigmatic.

His daughter had been spoiled by him, careless of consequences in all she did. For years, he had pondered what sort of husband could protect her. Yet after searching for so long, not one suitable match had appeared.

Until Zhao Kai. Though he was already married, he was truly a dragon among men—a commercial genius unrivaled in a hundred years. Most importantly, Yan’er genuinely liked him; she would bow her head before him, heed his words.

It was a pity Zhao Kai was so oblivious, unaware of Yan’er’s feelings. And since he already had a wife, Old Master Zhao would have to give fate a nudge.

“Old Master Zhao, what is the meaning of this? I only lent a hand; I cannot accept so grand a gesture.”

Zhao Kai dared not let Yan’er kneel again. Old Master Zhao, seeing Zhao Kai’s tenderness toward Yan’er, nodded in satisfaction.

“I asked Yan’er to bow to you not for thanks, but to ensure you will protect her in the future.”

What? With the Zhao family, did Yan’er really need protection?

Old Master Zhao said, “I am getting old, with one foot in the grave. Soon, I will lack the strength to shield Yan’er. The only person I trust is you, so I must entrust her to you.”

Wasn’t this rather hasty? Yan’er was still unmarried—would entrusting her to him affect her prospects?

Reading his thoughts, Old Master Zhao said, “I want Yan’er to acknowledge you as her brother. From now on, we are family. Yan’er, quickly call him brother.”

“Brother.”

“….”

Zhao Kai was at a loss. Gaining a pretty sister had no real downside, but something felt amiss.

“Brother, are you hesitant because you don’t want me as your sister?”

Yan’er’s voice was plaintive, on the verge of tears.

Zhao Kai could not bear to see women cry. “No… I just haven’t gotten used to it yet.”

“If I call you brother a few more times, you’ll get used to it. Brother, brother… how does that feel?”

Strangely enough, those calls of “brother” filled him with joy. A beautiful sister wasn’t bad at all. Very well, he’d accept it.

“From now on, you two will address each other as siblings. That will save you much trouble—at the very least, rumors of you coveting Zhao family assets to get close to Yan’er will cease.”

Indeed, such an address signaled that he had Old Master Zhao’s approval.

“If anything happens to me, you can manage the Zhao family.”

“No, please don’t say that,” Zhao Kai hurriedly replied. “The Zhao family is your creation; it’s not right for me to take over.”

“It is true I built the Zhao family, but the business you’ve done these days is worth twice my lifetime’s assets.”

Zhao Kai smiled modestly. He had merely seized opportunities and understood human nature; it wasn’t as extraordinary as the old master said.

Yet Old Master Zhao’s trust moved him. In his previous world, he had been surrounded by intrigue and distrust. Who would have thought, in this strange land, someone would treat him so sincerely?

Zhao Kai knelt, bowing his head in earnest. “Thank you for your recognition, Old Master Zhao. I will not disappoint you. The Zhao family will always be yours. I will help Yan’er elevate it to new heights.”

Good, Old Master Zhao nodded, satisfied. He liked Zhao Kai’s genuine demeanor.

Yan’er was moved. “Brother, please keep this jade pendant.”

She handed him a piece of pure, translucent jade.

“What is this?”

“My mother gave it to me before she left. I wish to give it to you.”

“Such a precious thing—I cannot accept it.”

He tried to refuse, but Yan’er shook her head. “This is also a token of the Zhao family. Whatever happens in the future, you can use it to command the Zhao family. Please keep it.”

Unable to refuse, Zhao Kai took it.

He had no idea this pendant was meant by Yan’er’s mother to be given to her future husband.

Unwittingly, he had sold himself in this conversation.

From then on, Yan’er began calling him brother. Previously, with Lin Fei’er around, she could not openly approach Zhao Kai or get close. But with Old Master Zhao’s encouragement, Yan’er clung to him constantly.

Whenever someone looked at her strangely, she would call “Brother, brother,” and Zhao Kai would respond.

After several such incidents, everyone knew Old Master Zhao valued Zhao Kai highly—even allowing his only daughter to acknowledge him as her brother.

Zhao Kai felt as though his heart were dipped in honey. Having such a captivating beauty call him “brother” was pure bliss.

But Lin Fei’er was displeased. She could see Yan’er’s true feelings.

One day, Zhao Kai finished his work at the casino and returned home with Yan’er.

Just before entering, Yan’er stumbled over the threshold and nearly fell. Zhao Kai reacted quickly, catching her.

With that touch, Yan’er’s delicate figure fell into his arms. Meeting her gaze, Zhao Kai immediately recalled that fleeting, intimate moment.

Ahem… Zhao Kai shook his head. What was wrong with him? Why did Yan’er provoke such inexplicable reactions?

“Thank you, brother. Are you alright?” Yan’er asked, seeing him dazed.

Her gentle calls softened his heart. What man could resist such a sweet “brother”?

“I’m fine.”

“If you’re fine, that’s good. I seem to have twisted my leg. May I hold your arm for support?”

“Of course.”

Yan’er leaned even closer, deliberately pressing against him in hopes he would notice her.

Zhao Kai’s heart was already in turmoil. Lin Fei’er witnessed the scene.

Back in his chamber, Zhao Kai shook his head—no, he must not entertain such thoughts, he reminded himself.

He raised his eyes and saw the room was shrouded in darkness.

“Fei’er, why haven’t you turned on the light?” he asked.

No answer. Puzzled, Zhao Kai felt his way around the screen, only to be met with a breathtaking sight.

Lin Fei’er stood draped in a sheer red veil, covering what needed to be covered—yet somehow it made her even more alluring.

A gulp—the unmistakable sound of a man swallowing.

Lin Fei’er had never been so bold, yet to win his favor, to ensure her husband’s eyes saw only her, she was willing to be daring.

“Husband, am I beautiful?”

“Beautiful…”

So beautiful he thought he might have a nosebleed.

“Does husband like me this way?”

Like? He loved it—he could die for it.

Zhao Kai unconsciously stepped closer, inhaling her delicate fragrance. His head spun, heart racing—surely, he was in paradise.