Chapter 5: Your Husband Will Protect You

"I'll help you persuade Sister Fei'er, but you have to thank me properly."

"Don't worry, as long as you help us reconcile, I'll be sure to show my gratitude."

Hearing this, Zhao Yan'er gave him a long, searching look before turning to find Lin Fei'er.

Lin Fei'er was still somewhat afraid of Zhao Kai, wary that he might revert to his old ways. But as soon as Zhao Yan'er entered, she began to praise Zhao Kai enthusiastically.

"Fei'er, where did you find such a good husband?"

"Huh?" Lin Fei'er was puzzled.

Just moments ago, Zhao Yan'er still harbored some prejudice against Zhao Kai, but now all her dissatisfaction had vanished, and her words brimmed with admiration. "Zhao Kai is nothing like the rumors. He's a good man."

Lin Fei'er couldn't make sense of it. She knew that Yan'er had always been proud and looked down on most men. Why was she suddenly so complimentary toward her own husband?

Seeing her confusion, Zhao Yan'er recounted how Zhao Kai had just impressed Master Zhao, earning his utmost respect.

"Are you serious?" Lin Fei'er was astonished.

"Of course. Why would I lie to you? Besides, he just asked me to deliver a message for him."

Lin Fei'er hurriedly glanced outside. Zhao Kai was waiting anxiously, and when he sensed her gaze, he offered a reassuring, gentle smile.

Refined and gentle, like warm jade—Lin Fei'er had never seen this side of him. Her heart raced like a startled deer.

"Fei'er," Zhao Kai seized the moment, speaking with sincerity and earnestness. "Come back with me. Earlier, I only deceived Lin Zhenting to teach him a lesson and get his money. You are my wife, and from now on, I swear I will treat you well."

Such a heartfelt confession made Lin Fei'er blush, while Zhao Yan'er cast a look of envy their way.

"Husband..."

At last, Lin Fei'er let go of her worries. Seeing this, Zhao Kai quickly stepped forward and took her hand. Her delicate, boneless fingers were enveloped in his palm, filling Zhao Kai with a sense of fulfillment he had never known.

To win such a gentle wife—what an honor it was.

"What is this?"

Master Zhao, who had wanted to give some advice, entered and was perplexed by the scene before him.

Zhao Kai understood that if not for Master Zhao's kindness, he would not have reunited with Fei'er so soon. He clasped his hands in gratitude. "Master Zhao, thank you for taking in my wife."

"Fei'er is your wife?"

"She is indeed."

Master Zhao's gaze lingered on their entwined hands, then flickered to Zhao Yan'er at the side. He could only sigh in regret.

So be it. It seems the Zhao family simply does not have such good fortune.

---

"Here are the ledgers and records for the casino. Take them and familiarize yourself. If you have questions, just ask Yan'er."

Seeing her husband truly taking over the Zhao family's casino, Lin Fei'er was overjoyed.

Zhao Kai recognized this as his first step into commerce in this ancient world, so he treated it with great seriousness. He even invited Zhao Yan'er to the finest restaurant to discuss important matters.

Zhao Yan'er, wishing to test him, remarked, "Managing the books is a lucrative position. With a little trickery, you could line your pockets quite well."

"No matter how much I could skim, it wouldn't truly be mine. Only what I earn with my own hands counts as real achievement."

These were Zhao Kai's heartfelt words. If he could carve out a career for himself in the modern world, what difference would a change of setting make?

All men harbor ambition, and he was no exception.

Zhao Yan'er was moved, while Lin Fei'er's eyes brimmed with tears. "Husband..."

Zhao Kai patted her hand. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you live a good life."

And Lin Zhenting would pay the price for his actions.

But for Fei'er's sake, he would have to keep the secret of Lin Zhenting's true parentage for now.

"Husband, do you think my brother will cause us more trouble?"

"Don't be afraid. With the Zhao family protecting you, he won't dare do anything," Zhao Yan'er assured her.

Zhao Kai shook his head. "That may not be the case."

Lin Zhenting would hardly ignore such a fat prize as the Zhao family. He had probably already planted spies—otherwise, why had someone been watching them ever since they entered the restaurant?

The servant on the second floor with a mole at the corner of his mouth was one of Lin Zhenting's men. Zhao Kai had seen him before when Lin Zhenting came to make trouble.

"Miss Zhao, you might try calling that man out in Lin Zhenting's name and ask what he's observed. See if he responds."

Half-skeptical, Zhao Yan'er ordered her people to question him. Sure enough, they uncovered one of Lin Zhenting's spies.

"How dare he spy on me!" Zhao Yan'er slammed the table in anger.

Zhao Kai, by contrast, remained calm. "No need for anger, Miss Zhao. Now that we've caught him, why not make an example of him to warn Lin Zhenting?"

There was no better way to eliminate Lin Zhenting's eyes and ears than through Zhao Yan'er.

But Zhao Yan'er hesitated. "I'm not sure that's wise..."

"Why not? If he dares plant spies by your side, he could do the same elsewhere. Why not join forces to root them out?"

"You may not know, Young Master Zhao, but Lin Zhenting is so bold because he has a godfather in the palace."

The Lin family alone was not enough—he even acknowledged a eunuch as his father? Lin Zhenting was certainly resourceful.

---

But throughout history, those who took eunuchs as godfathers rarely met a good end. Wasn't Chang Wei a prime example?

"Don't be afraid, Miss Zhao. His godfather can't protect him forever."

"Why not?"

Zhao Kai scratched the back of his head. He couldn't exactly say eunuchs never live long lives, could he?

"Sigh," Zhao Yan'er sighed. "In any case, though the Zhao family strongly disapproves of Lin Zhenting, we can't afford to offend him lightly."

No wonder Lin Zhenting dared to act so brazenly. But so be it—now that he had met his match, he would have to see whether he had the skills to win.

"Yan'er, I'm sorry. It's all because Father spoiled my brother that he's caused you so much trouble."

Lin Fei'er, who had been listening quietly, felt overcome with guilt.

"It's not your fault. We're sisters, after all," Zhao Yan'er hastened to reassure her.

One gentle, one strong, they understood and cared for one another. Zhao Kai couldn't help but be moved by the depth of their sisterly bond.

"Miss Zhao, Fei'er has suffered a great deal being with me. She is gentle by nature, and if I'm ever not by her side, she could be in danger. I hope you'll look after her for me if I'm not around. I would be deeply grateful."

These words came from the bottom of Zhao Kai's heart. In this strange world, Lin Fei'er was the only person he truly cared about. Until he dealt with Lin Zhenting, he had to ensure Fei'er's safety.

Lin Fei'er's eyes welled with tears. "Husband, as long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything."

Zhao Yan'er silently marveled at what a good man Zhao Kai truly was.

"Don't worry. Fei'er is like a sister to me. With me here, no one will harm her."

Zhao Kai nodded. With the bond between Fei'er and Zhao Yan'er, no matter how much trouble arose between Lin Zhenting and the Zhao family in the future, there would always be room for negotiation, and Fei'er would have a place of refuge.

This, too, was part of his responsibility as her husband.

As the three of them were deep in conversation, a shrill voice interrupted, filled with crude flirtation.

"Oh, look at these two girls—so beautiful they could shame the moon and flowers, outshine fish and geese! Come, keep me company for a while!"

Lin Fei'er and Zhao Yan'er, both of noble birth and extraordinary grace, sitting together were like twin peonies in full bloom, drawing the attention of some unsavory characters.

"Hey, don't bother. They're already spoken for—their husband is right there, Zhao Kai." Someone quickly tried to intervene.