Chapter 17: Ambiguous Relations

Zhao Kai let out a sigh of relief—Yaner was just Yaner, nothing more than a form of address; it made no real difference whether he changed it or not.

But as for what had transpired the previous night...

“It was my fault for being presumptuous last night,” Zhao Kai admitted, his cheeks flushing. “If you wish to scold or punish me, I won’t resist.”

How could Zhao Yaner bring herself to scold or strike him? He had saved her, after all. Unfortunately, she could only pretend it had been a misunderstanding.

“I know your heart belongs to Fei’er, and last night was indeed a moment of confusion... Why don’t we keep this matter a secret between us, never to be spoken of again? What do you think?”

That was precisely what Zhao Kai had in mind. Zhao Yaner was a lady from a distinguished family—how could he possibly ruin her reputation? Keeping last night’s events secret was for the best; it wouldn’t interfere with her prospects for marriage.

Seeing his relief, Zhao Yaner felt a pang of bitterness. Still, this was a first step—now they shared a secret, something that belonged only to them. For her, that was enough.

“But Zhao Kai, did you come looking for me specifically last night?”

That wasn’t the case, Zhao Kai explained. Lord Zhao had grown concerned when Yaner hadn’t returned by nightfall. Her maid had reported that she seemed troubled. Knowing that some people tended to drink when burdened by worries, Zhao Kai had gone to the tavern to search for her. There, he’d seen Lin Zhenting harassing Yaner. Without hesitation, he’d kicked the man aside—and the rest was history.

“Thank you for your trouble,” Yaner said, her heart fluttering at his concern. “From now on, I’ll be sure to stay at home.”

Staying at home was wise; it was best to avoid drinking. Still, there was something about Yaner after a few cups that was... difficult to resist.

Zhao Kai shook his head, casting out those lingering, amorous thoughts.

“Come, let’s go back. We’ve been gone all night; Fei’er and the others must be worried.”

“Yes,” Yaner replied.

Lin Fei’er had indeed spent the whole night in worry. With both Zhao Kai and Yaner missing, she’d felt a growing unease, fearing that something terrible might have happened.

When she saw the two of them return together—Yaner’s cheeks flushed, leaning gently against Zhao Kai, casting him shy, affectionate glances—her heart sank.

Zhao Kai was always the object of attention, standing out in any crowd. How could she not notice Yaner’s admiration for him, especially after the two had spent the night outside together? Who could say what had happened...

“My husband, where did you go?” Lin Fei’er stepped forward, placing herself between them, her tone gentle.

Seeing Fei’er, Zhao Kai felt a pang of guilt. Yet, for Yaner’s sake, he lied, “I spent the night searching for Yaner. I’ve only just found her.”

“That’s right,” Yaner echoed, though her eyes were bright and full of secret joy—hardly the look of someone who’d simply been lost all night.

And Yaner... when had he started calling her so intimately?

“Fei’er, you have dark circles under your eyes. Did you wait up for me all night?”

She didn’t answer, but her silence said it all.

Zhao Kai’s heart ached for her. This foolish girl—if he never returned, would she wait for him a lifetime?

“Fei’er, let me lie with you for a while. You’re already delicate by nature; you can’t go on like this.”

His concern dispelled the gloom in Lin Fei’er’s heart. As long as her husband’s eyes and heart were on her, she was content.

“Wait...” Lord Zhao called out, stopping them.

Zhao Kai turned, anxiety churning within him. Had Lord Zhao sensed something between him and Yaner?

“If not for you, who knows what foolish thing my only daughter might have done,” Lord Zhao said earnestly.

Zhao Kai laughed it off. “You give me too much credit—it was nothing at all.”

But Lord Zhao was no fool. He could see the change in his daughter and catch the way Zhao Kai addressed her.

“I’m getting old. If anything happens to my daughter in the future, I’ll entrust her to you.”

This left Zhao Kai in a dilemma. He’d merely helped search for someone, and now the old man was entrusting his daughter to him? Wasn’t that a bit too casual?

“Father!” Yaner cried in mock annoyance, fleeing to her room without looking back.

What was going on? Did Lord Zhao misunderstand? No—he and Yaner had spent the night together, but they hadn’t crossed that line. Still, he didn’t want this matter to ruin her future.

“Rest assured, Lord Zhao. Your family’s concerns are mine as well. You discovered my talents and gave me a chance; how could I not help?”

His words were smooth, and Lin Fei’er felt a surge of happiness. Lord Zhao could only sigh and shake his head.

Once back in their room, Lin Fei’er couldn’t help but ask, “My husband, what really happened last night? Why didn’t you come home?”

Naturally, Zhao Kai couldn’t tell her the truth. Fortunately, Fei’er wasn’t one for unreasonable fuss. A few vague explanations sufficed.

The events of the previous night felt like a dream. Though he’d tasted a hint of sweetness, he was more curious about what had happened to Lin Zhenting afterward.

He had struck with real force—whether the man was crippled now depended on fate.

Indeed, Lin Zhenting had nearly been ruined. It was as if Zhao Kai possessed supernatural strength; that kick had nearly made him a eunuch for life.

Had it not been for his godfather’s restorative methods, he’d never have regained his manhood. Even so, there were lasting effects—his stamina was gone, and in the process, he felt persistent pain, barely lasting the time it took for a stick of incense to burn.

Once, women had begged for him; now he was the one pleading for them to slow down. The scornful looks in their eyes shattered his pride as a man.

Lin Zhenting’s hatred reached its peak. Zhao Kai’s torment wasn’t just physical and psychological—he longed to see Zhao Kai sent to the palace as a eunuch!

Wasn’t Zhao Kai always surrounded by admiring women? Very well, then—he would see what it meant to gain nothing in the end.

Neither Zhao Kai nor Yaner spoke of what had happened that night, but Lin Zhenting made inquiries. He learned that Zhao Kai had taken Yaner to an inn afterward.

The drug he had administered could only be broken if the woman found satisfaction—otherwise, there was no cure. Zhao Kai could play with women all he liked, but to lay hands on an unmarried lady like Yaner? Especially after they had spent a night together?

Lin Zhenting let out a sinister laugh. Zhao Kai, you’ve ruined me; I’ll see your reputation destroyed as well!

What had once been a casual acquaintance between Zhao Kai and Yaner now bore a subtle change. After that night, Zhao Kai could clearly feel the shyness and ambiguity in Yaner’s gaze.

Sometimes, she would visit the gambling house, finding excuses to linger by his side all day.

Those in the gambling house weren’t blind. Noticing the ambiguous air between the two, their eyes flickered with meaning, and they whispered among themselves.

“Could it be that Brother Zhao has already won over the young lady?”

“I think so.”

“But our young lady is proud and hasn’t settled her marriage yet. It’s unlikely she’d be with Brother Zhao, especially since he’s just been married.”

“What’s the harm? It’s normal for men to have several wives. If Brother Zhao marries the young lady, he’ll become the Zhao family’s son-in-law—the family business will naturally be his. Two birds with one stone.”

“Makes sense. But does Brother Zhao even like the young lady?”

Zhao Kai himself wasn’t sure if he liked Zhao Yaner. Ever since that night, he felt uneasy whenever he saw her. She was Lord Zhao’s only daughter, and surely the old man would find her a fine match. It could never be him, could it?

As for the young lady’s feelings... perhaps it was nothing more than gratitude.