Ye Chen smiled faintly, yet there was a teasing sparkle in his eyes. "I'd never forget you, Ya Fei. Though you've always been overshadowed by talent and family favor, in my eyes, you've always mattered."
Ya Fei's smile softened, but a tinge of wistfulness crept in. She could not help but glance at Ye Chen, the family prodigy, and feel a hint of envy.
From childhood, Ye Chen had always excelled, admired and nurtured by the Mittel family. Now, having become the direct disciple of the Yunlan Sect's sect master, his future was bound to be remarkable.
And her?
She had remained here in this modest Wutan City, struggling daily to manage the auction house and gain recognition. She had been born with mediocre cultivation talent, and without relentless effort, her path in life seemed uncertain.
She shook her head, a gentle, spring-like smile returning to her features. Her eyes fixed on Ye Chen as she spoke softly, "I've heard that in recent years, you've earned Yun Yun's favor and may soon be appointed a junior sect master. Congratulations, little brother."
Though she resided in Wutan City, Ya Fei had kept track of the capital's events and knew enough about Ye Chen's progress in Yunlan Sect to comment confidently.
"It's not confirmed yet," Ye Chen replied with a slight smile, nodding politely. "But yes… my teacher has always treated me well."
Ya Fei's eyes sparkled with admiration. "If one day you do become the sect master, little brother, I'll surely be relying on you quite a bit." Her tone was playful, but there was an underlying sincerity.
"Don't worry, Ya Fei," Ye Chen said firmly, locking his gaze on her. "As long as I live, no one will ever dare trouble you."
Hearing this, a subtle blush rose to Ya Fei's cheeks. Deep down, she felt a warmth, realizing that she still held a place in Ye Chen's heart.
Yet, there was a persistent worry gnawing at her. If little brother marries in the future, will he still stand by me? she wondered.
The memories of her family's constant pressure weighed on her. The elders seemed eager to treat her as nothing more than a bargaining chip. Three years of dedication here, working tirelessly to grow the Wutan City auction house, were all in preparation to prove her worth—yet the family still saw only the possibility of an arranged marriage.
No. Absolutely not.
The thought of returning home only to be treated as property, married off to someone she did not love, filled Ya Fei with a stubborn resolve. She had to seize control of her destiny.
Though she, like Ye Chen, was a legitimate Mittel family descendant, her innate cultivation talent was low. Her future as a powerful figure was limited. And yet, the heavens had granted her unparalleled beauty.
She knew that without strength, her looks could easily become a curse. To the wrong people, her beauty was a tool for exploitation. She could either become a plaything for the powerful or a pawn in the family's political marriages—both futures unacceptable.
Thus, she worked tirelessly to elevate her standing within the family, knowing that only by gaining influence could she choose her own path.
For this reason, she had come to the remote Wutan City, hiding from the prying eyes of her family. She believed that by expanding the Mittel Auction House and demonstrating her value, she would earn the family's recognition. One day, she would stand among the family's leaders, fully in control of her fate.
Even if she were to marry, she would marry someone she truly loved.
Ya Fei brushed her hair from her forehead, her gaze locking onto Ye Chen. This time, little brother, you came straight to me. I won't let you leave easily.
"Ye Chen, you must be exhausted from traveling all the way here. Rest for a while. Tonight, I'll prepare food and wine at my residence. It's been three years since we last met—we'll finally have a proper reunion."
Her eyes curved like the crescent moon, mischievous and seductive, hinting at her intentions without a word.
"All right," Ye Chen nodded, a calculating thought forming in his mind. Tonight might be the perfect opportunity.....
a little wine, a little warmth… perhaps I can finally get closer.
The notion of testing boundaries danced in his mind, yet he remained aware of her feelings and his own cautious restraint.
Later, as Ya Fei emerged from the small resting room, Guni's eyes twinkled with curiosity and mischief. "Miss Ya Fei, Ye Chen traveled so far....don't you plan to chat a bit?"
"He must rest," Ya Fei replied with a gentle smile. "He's come all the way from the capital; let him recover." Then, turning to Guni, she added,
"Please arrange the finest wine and dishes for tonight. Send them to my residence."
Guni's expression remained unreadable, though he secretly grinned at the thought. So the two of them will spend the evening together…
"Yes, I'll make the arrangements immediately. A guest who traveled so far should not be neglected," Guni said politely, hiding his excitement.
As he turned to leave, Ya Fei's voice stopped him. "Guni… do you happen to have a bottle of the Ruyi Elixir? May I borrow one?"
Guni froze, his face momentarily awkward. Ruyi Elixir? That… is a top-grade aphrodisiac. I had intended it for Ye Chen…
"Of course," he stammered, quickly retrieving a jade vial from his pendant and handing it to her. "But be careful—the potency is extremely strong. Don't overuse it."
"Thank you for your advice, Master Guni," Ya Fei said gracefully, tucking the vial into her robes before departing.
Guni's brows furrowed in curiosity. Why would she need this? It's meant for men… Then, realization struck, and he watched her retreating figure, a tinge of envy flashing in his eyes.
That boy… he truly is fortunate.