Chapter 47: A Test

Just as he closed his eyes, steeling himself for the fatal blow, the surroundings suddenly lit up, accompanied by a burst of applause.

"The test is over. Congratulations."

What? Zhao Kai was stunned.

Two masked men removed their disguises, revealing themselves as middle-aged men. One bore a solemn, reserved air; the other, approachable and warm. Their features were similar enough to suggest they were brothers.

"Brother Zhao, you must have been startled. Come, sit down and let’s talk," one of the men said, helping him to a seat. Zhao Yan’er and Lin Fei’er were no longer restrained. As Zhao Kai took in the scene before him, clarity dawned.

"You two must be the Master and Second Master of Two Virtues Manor," Zhao Kai said.

The admiration in the man’s eyes was unmistakable. "Brother Zhao, you are astute indeed. Yes, I am the Master of Two Virtues Manor, and this is my younger brother."

Zhao Kai stood and offered a respectful salute. "Greetings to both Masters. May I ask where Zhou Chengwang is? I’d like to teach him a lesson."

He made no effort to hide his irritation; it was obvious Zhou Chengwang was behind all this.

Though the Master appeared stern, he, like his brother, exuded a certain warmth and kindness. "Hahaha… Chengwang told me you are a rare, outstanding man—so remarkable that anyone who meets you is won over. I didn’t believe it, so my brother and I staged this little act."

Zhao Kai was exasperated; this was no way to conduct a test—seizing Yan’er and Fei’er and frightening them for no reason.

But since everything was fine, Zhao Kai looked at the two women who had thrown themselves into his arms. With one on each side, his heart swelled with contentment.

"Husband, are you alright?" Fei’er asked.

"I’m fine…" he replied.

Yan’er glanced left and right anxiously. Zhao Kai gently stroked her hair. "I’m alright. As long as you two are unharmed, that’s all that matters."

After their recent ordeal, the women’s love for him was more certain than ever. Nothing else mattered; his safety was their only concern.

"Brother, forgive us; circumstances compelled our actions," said the Second Master.

Zhao Kai clasped his hands respectfully. "It’s nothing. The Masters merely wanted to test my character—I understand."

The two Masters nodded approvingly at the young man before them. He was courageous, resolute, and unmoved by wealth or gain—a true dragon among men.

"Brother Zhao, your bravery just now was truly impressive. We at Two Virtues Manor have always appreciated men like you. Our gates will always be open to you," said the Master.

That wouldn’t be necessary, Zhao Kai thought. Though nothing had actually happened, the ordeal had left him drenched in cold sweat. The terror of nearly losing his beloveds was not something he wished to experience again.

As if sensing his lingering fear, the Master explained, "Brother, I won’t hide it from you. I was indeed curious about you. I’m Chengwang’s uncle. Since his return, he’s changed significantly. He told me all about his experiences, and spoke of you with unending admiration, calling you a rare talent. My curiosity was piqued; I thought there couldn’t possibly be such a person in the world, so I wanted to test you. And as it turns out, you truly are extraordinary."

"You flatter me…"

"It’s no exaggeration," said the Second Master. "My brother is right—there are few nowadays who would choose love over riches. Moreover, you were willing to sacrifice your life for those you care about. I admire you. Chengwang is lucky to have met you!"

This Second Master was Zhou Chengwang’s father, and his straightforward manner was exactly like his son’s.

Since the two bore no malice, Zhao Kai relaxed. "I merely did what was right. Masters, Fei’er and Yan’er have been frightened; may I take them to rest for a while?"

"Of course, Brother Zhao. Make yourself at home here."

To treat the fabulously wealthy Two Virtues Manor as his own home—wasn’t that a bit shameless? But right now, he simply wanted a moment alone with Fei’er and Yan’er.

Having stepped so close to death’s door, Zhao Kai understood his heart completely. No matter if it was Fei’er or Yan’er, he could not bear to lose either.

The two exquisite beauties gazed at him with tender affection. Zhao Kai’s heart softened; he held them both, breathing in their delicate fragrance, feeling the happiness of a man who had survived calamity.

He kissed their foreheads gently. "I’m so grateful you’re both still by my side."

Yan’er’s nose tingled with emotion. "Brother, thank heaven this was only a test. As long as you’re safe, nothing else matters."

Fei’er echoed her, "If anything ever happened to you, Husband, I wouldn’t want to go on living—I’d follow you even in death."

One was willing to sacrifice for him, the other to live and die by his side. He had no regrets.

"Fei’er, Yan’er," he said, taking their hands in his, "you are both wonderful women. I love you both. I don’t want to part with either of you. I know it’s selfish, but after what just happened, I understand that losing either of you would devastate me."

He could not bear to let down the two women who loved him so completely, nor could he bear to see either of them leave.

His embrace was wide enough for two. Though he had only one heart, he could divide it equally between them.

"You each hold a place in my heart that no one else can replace. I’ve never tried to measure who is more important. To me, one is water, the other is air; without either, I couldn’t survive."

He spoke the truth. He wished he could cherish them both above all else—one was his moonlit muse, the other the cinnabar mark on his soul.

Looking at this deeply affectionate and handsome man, Zhao Yan’er finally understood her place in his heart.

Lin Fei’er, too, was enlightened. No matter who else stood by his side, she would always be his only one.

Without air, one dies; without water, one withers all the same. As long as she could stay by her husband’s side, and as long as his love for her remained, nothing else was needed.

"Yan’er, I’m sorry," Fei’er said, "I understand now. Your feelings for our husband are as deep as mine, and he treasures you just as much. I don’t want to make him suffer; the more people who love him, the happier he’ll be."

Yan’er’s willingness to sacrifice herself had deeply moved Fei’er. She and Yan’er would not be rivals. If they could serve their husband together, she would accept it.

Zhao Kai caressed Fei’er’s delicate hands. Without her long-standing thoughtfulness and understanding, how could he be this fortunate?

"Yan’er, stay with me. I need you."

Finally hearing these words, Zhao Yan’er wept with joy. To remain openly by Zhao Kai’s side was her greatest wish.

"Brother, I love you."

"And I love you," he replied.

He lowered his head and kissed Yan’er’s lips. Their breaths mingled, his heart overflowing with happiness.

Fei’er’s eyes shone with tears. Zhao Kai released Yan’er and pressed his forehead to Fei’er’s. "Fei’er, thank you."

"Husband, it was I who failed to understand, causing you needless trouble for so long."

He embraced her. "No, having you by my side is my greatest blessing."