Chapter 31: Seizing the Weakness

Zhao Kai felt as if a green hat had been placed on his head. With a dark expression, he strode over to the pair and pulled the woman into his arms in one swift motion.

This protective gesture made Zhou Chengwang raise his brows slightly.

It seemed Zhao Kai truly cared about Lin Fei’er.

“What were you just doing?” Zhao Kai asked.

“Brother Zhao, don’t misunderstand. Your wife slipped a moment ago, and I simply helped her steady herself,” Zhou Chengwang replied.

Lin Fei’er hurried to add, “It’s true, husband.”

Though she was pleased to see her husband jealous on her behalf, her innate sense of propriety compelled her to explain at once.

Worried that his actions might unsettle Fei’er, Zhao Kai quickly said, “I understand. I was just asking, nothing more.”

Just asking? More likely he was anxious about Lin Fei’er.

Zhou Chengwang, who had not planned to put his scheme into action, now felt his interest rekindled.

Zhao Kai seemed afraid of losing Lin Fei’er to another man. Since Zhao Kai had taken his Zhaoyan’er, he would break up Zhao Kai and Lin Fei’er in return!

“Brother Zhao, please don’t misunderstand. I only took the liberty because you were so busy and had no time to escort your wife home. It’s getting late, so I’ll head back first.”

“Wait—”

Zhao Kai called after him. “I won’t be coming back tonight. If those businessmen come for the share contracts, have Yan’er deliver them.”

“Yes,” Zhou Chengwang replied, bowing his head as his gaze flickered.

“Husband, I’m fine. There’s no need to set aside your work for me,” Lin Fei’er said, hoping Zhao Kai would put business first.

“The terms have all been settled. All that’s left is signing; if they make any further demands, Yan’er can handle it. I’ve neglected you these past days—do you blame me?”

Of course Lin Fei’er didn’t blame him, but Zhao Kai still felt guilty and wanted to make it up to her.

He would devote the next few days to her.

Zhou Chengwang hurried back to the gambling house. After briefly explaining the situation to Zhao Yan’er, he deliberately said with a hint of envy, “Brother Zhao is clever and resourceful, but when it comes to his wife, he loses all sense. I think she’s his only weakness.”

Zhao Yan’er’s heart soured at his words, and her hand tightened unconsciously on the share contracts.

“Miss Yan’er, Brother Zhao probably won’t be back tonight. Why don’t we have those businessmen sign the contracts now, and give Brother Zhao a pleasant surprise tomorrow?”

Zhao Yan’er had no interest in such things at the moment. Her tone turned sharp: “You’re really diligent—haven’t been here long, yet you already want to take my brother’s place.”

“Miss Yan’er, you wrong me. I simply want to help, since Brother Zhao is so caught up in love at the moment.”

Zhao Yan’er shoved the share contracts into his arms. “Then I’ll leave it to you. You’ve been with my brother long enough; they know you’re his trusted aide.”

With her mood ruined, Zhao Yan’er tossed the documents to Zhou Chengwang and hurried away.

Looking at the share contracts stamped with Zhao Kai’s personal seal, a smile curled on Zhou Chengwang’s lips.

Zhao Kai had said he wanted to make it up to Lin Fei’er, and he certainly did.

In the spacious bath, Lin Fei’er leaned against the edge with a look of utter relaxation, while a pair of large, well-shaped hands massaged her shoulders with just the right amount of pressure.

“Fei’er, does that feel good?”

“Mmm, it does…”

Zhao Kai worked hard to knead her shoulders and back. Even though the sight of Lin Fei’er in the water stirred his desire, he wanted even more to ease her weariness.

He never forgot those who treated him well. Between husband and wife, one cannot only take; they must show understanding for each other.

Gazing at her husband’s reflection in the water, Lin Fei’er felt as if happiness might overflow her heart.

Where in the world could one find a husband like hers, who would personally tend to her like this?

“Husband, you must be tired. Let me help you…”

Lin Fei’er took his hand, and Zhao Kai slowly stepped into the bath. Never before had they faced each other so openly in such a setting.

Mist rose, painting Lin Fei’er’s cheeks with a rosy glow. Zhao Kai’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he leaned in to kiss her gently.

Lin Fei’er was moved. In the past, she had used various tricks to keep her husband by her side, but from this kiss, she sensed his true affection.

Tonight… Summoning her courage, she said, “Husband, let me truly become yours tonight.”

Zhao Kai’s heart raced, his breath catching in his chest.

Did she realize how irresistible she was to a man in such a moment?

Gazing at Lin Fei’er’s jade-like form, he swallowed hard. “There’s no rush… Let’s wait until you’re truly ready.”

Every time things had come to a head before, Lin Fei’er had stopped things at the last moment. Zhao Kai, worn thin by her hesitance, had come to believe she was afraid and unwilling.

“I am ready,” Lin Fei’er said, her soft arms wrapping around his waist. “Husband, I want to… I truly want to…”

The woman in his arms was impossibly soft. Zhao Kai shook his head to clear his mind. “Fei’er, do you truly mean to never leave me?”

“Of course. You are my husband for life. No matter what happens to you, I’ll always be by your side.”

Hearing this, Zhao Kai tipped up her chin and kissed her deeply. With those words, he was utterly content.

Lin Fei’er melted into his kiss, thinking that at last something momentous was about to happen. But then, Zhao Kai suddenly slapped the surface of the water, sending a great splash flying. Before she could react, she felt herself wrapped in clothes and pulled tight.

“Go!” Zhao Kai barked.

Only then did Lin Fei’er see what had occurred. Several men in black, swords in hand, were attacking Zhao Kai.

Zhao Kai’s brow was furrowed as he faced them one by one.

Though he was a master of free-fighting, he was still at a disadvantage against skilled swordsmen.

The blades were merciless and pressed him at every turn. With nowhere left to dodge, Zhao Kai grabbed a garment, flicked water at the attackers, and flung the clothes at them.

Taking advantage of the opening, he seized Lin Fei’er’s hand and fled at top speed.

Lin Fei’er was already pale with terror. “Husband… who are those people?”

“They’ve come to kill me,” Zhao Kai replied, his voice cold as steel. The secluded west wing where he and Lin Fei’er were hiding was too far from the main residence for the guards to notice anything amiss. The only hope was for Lin Fei’er to run for help.

“Fei’er, go get someone. I’ll hold them off. That way, we’ll both have a chance.”

The attackers were highly skilled—professional killers. The two of them could never outrun them, so he had no choice but to stay and fight.

But Lin Fei’er was too frightened to leave him. “No… I can’t leave you alone. We’ll escape together.”

As a woman, she could not bear to let her husband risk himself for her.

“Don’t be foolish! If you stay, we’ll both die here. Go, now!”

With a furious shout, a sharp sword sliced through the air. Zhao Kai pushed Lin Fei’er aside, dodging just in time.

The assassins were clearly after him alone. As long as Lin Fei’er was not by his side, they paid her no heed.

Lin Fei’er realized this and forced herself to run for help. But she had barely gone a few steps when a stifled cry of pain rang out behind her.

She turned to see Zhao Kai lying on the ground, blood pouring from his body…