Chapter Sixty-Seven

Such was Ho Ling-tian that she felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. She gently patted his back, awkwardly yet with a magical tenderness, as one might soothe a child to sleep: “Ho Ling-tian, you still have me. I will stay by your side. You won’t be alone anymore, nor will you bear too much.” Because we are one.

“You little fool,” Ho Ling-tian pinched her nose lightly, suppressing the surge of emotion within him. “I am your man. Of course I’ll take care of you, love you, spoil you, and protect you. I won’t let you be bullied, nor will I let you be sad.” Empty promises are powerless, but he had both the confidence and the strength to fulfill every vow he made. Their love had become much more than just romance—it had risen to the level of kinship, binding them together as one.

After eating and resting, they began their attempt to leave the woods.

The northern windbreak forest nestled between mountain and water formed a natural barrier. Beneath the canopy of ancient trees, they supported each other, refusing to part. Rong Qing trudged along in her high heels through the soft earth, sinking with every step. Ho Ling-tian held her waist, sometimes taking advantage of the closeness, making the journey lively with laughter and talk.

After walking for quite some time, the forest ahead slowly began to clear. Yellow earth and sand swept towards them under the force of a dust storm. Like a startled rabbit, Rong Qing quickly hid behind her man. Oh heavens, such wild weather and swirling sand were worlds apart from the tranquil woods. Her skin—oh, it was surely going to be ruined.

Watching Ho Ling-tian laugh so heartily and carelessly, Rong Qing stamped her foot and dashed back into the forest. She hurried to the little stream, discarded her shoes and clothes, and slipped half her body into the cool river.

Under the blazing sun, the water sparkled and shimmered with silver waves. The clear stream soothed her exhaustion, allowing her body and mind to relax completely. Alone in the river, she forgot about the wolf lurking nearby, his eyes glowing green with hunger, watching her every move. As Rong Qing enjoyed the refreshing water and washed her hair, suddenly—

With a splash, the surface of the water broke into waves. Ho Ling-tian, fully clothed, entered the stream like a hungry wolf, heading straight for Rong Qing. Each movement sent splashes everywhere, causing her heart to sink further.

Poor little rabbit, unable to dodge, was swept up into the arms of the big grey wolf, held so tightly there was no room for escape.

His scorching chest pressed against hers, making her shudder and sending sparks flying. “Bathing alone, and you didn’t invite me?” Ho Ling-tian’s words were teasing, his tone roguish, making Rong Qing’s cheeks flush with a rosy blush.

“You… your wounds haven’t healed yet. You can’t bathe,” she protested, thinking she’d found a good excuse.

“Darling, can you bear to leave me alone, filthy and miserable?” Ho Ling-tian’s eyes grew more plaintive, his voice taking on a pleading note.

His breath tickled Rong Qing’s ear, more and more suggestive, and his strong hands pressed her closer still. Something burning hot pressed against her thigh.

“You… you scoundrel,” Rong Qing tried to push him away, but her strength was too feeble, and her resistance seemed more an invitation than rejection.

“Mmm~” Ho Ling-tian captured her sweet lips, kissing her with all his passion and feeling, so fervently that even Rong Qing was overwhelmed and responded instinctively. In this way, they affirmed and depended on each other.

With the water up to their knees, they enacted a fiery scene, kissing passionately beneath the sky, the earth as witness, nature as their matchmaker. Rong Qing’s small hands caressed his muscular body, her heart ever more entranced by his irresistible charm, which only grew with time, mature and dangerously attractive.

Their breaths mingled, lingering in the space between lips and teeth—it wasn’t enough, never enough. He was intoxicated by the lethal allure before him, addicted, unable to quit.

Clothes shed, their naked bodies reflected on the water’s surface as they engaged in the most primal act, the sweet atmosphere igniting the air around them. Skin against skin, ice and fire met as they clung to each other, sweat mingling.

Afterwards, they lay together on the grass, letting blades stain their collars, carefree and unburdened by worldly troubles. Yet such happiness could not last forever.

“I want to own a vast ranch, surrounded by fragrant lavender. Every morning, I could breathe in the scent of flowers, hear the call of nature, and watch the sun rise and fall. Around the ranch, I’d plant rare plants from all over the world. That would be our paradise. Every weekend, we could stay there for a few days, with birds singing and wild boars grunting… haha…” Rong Qing was full of dreams for the future, her silly fantasies making her giggle, and Ho Ling-tian quietly took it all to heart.

As a rush of dark footsteps hurried from deep within the woods, Rong Qing knew their brief wilderness adventure had come to an end. Her small face pouted with reluctance, making Ho Ling-tian feel tenderness.

Yan Dong arrived with a group of subordinates, each equipped with modern weapons and wearing sturdy boots as they moved briskly through the forest. Seeing Ho Ling-tian safe, and his future sister-in-law unharmed, the fatigue and worry that had plagued him for days finally eased.

“Damn it, those useless soldiers still haven’t found Young Master Ho! If it were up to me, I’d have fired them all ages ago—nothing but a bunch of incompetents.” Yan Dong kicked a towering tree in frustration, startling the birds perched above into squawking. “Young Master Ho, you should bring a few more Dragon Squad brothers with you next time—they’re much better than that lot.”

The hidden regular troops in the forest were nearly beside themselves with rage. You’re nothing but bandits! If not for Young Master Ho’s orders to stay out of sight, they would have taken him back on the very first night. There was no need for you to claim credit here. But the family head’s command could not be disobeyed, especially for the grandson of the old general. The soldiers, never having suffered such humiliation before, hid in the shadows, their grudge against Yan Dong now set in stone.

Ho Ling-tian touched his nose guiltily, his face showing a desire to keep the peace and avoid trouble, afraid his beloved might become suspicious. He began to ask about recent family matters with a serious tone.

“The old man still keeps the family under control, but he’s very worried about your safety. He’s given strict orders that your safety must be ensured at all costs. However… there’s been some trouble with Gu Ling-fei’s merchant ships in America—it could get complicated.” Yan Dong scratched his head, reporting only the most important news.

Ho Ling-tian wasn’t too worried about Ling-fei’s ability to handle things, but seeing his little one’s disappointed, unsatisfied expression, his mind wandered. He stroked his chin and, with little enthusiasm, asked Rong Qing, “Qing, do you want to go to Las Vegas?”

As expected, a look of longing appeared on her face. Her life in the entertainment and fashion worlds made her naturally interested in Las Vegas, the city of casinos—not only a hub of luxury commerce, but also a gathering place for stars from around the globe, fashionable, extravagant, and wealthy. Yet the excitement on her face did not last long; her head drooped like a deflated balloon, and she said pitifully, “I still have to attend festivals, make appearances.”

Her negligence had cost the radio station, something her professional ethics could not tolerate. She’d indulged herself these past few days, but it was time to return to work and pursue her path to stardom.

“You needn’t bother with those appearances. They replaced you on the day you were kidnapped. Qing, don’t you want to witness the world’s true international stars, visit a real movie dream factory? Besides, Wang Zhang’s new film, ‘Splendid Years,’ is about to be promoted internationally, entering the global market and premiering simultaneously at home. Don’t you want to be part of that?”

Ho Ling-tian’s words struck a chord. “Splendid Years” entering the international market, no matter the outcome, was the first step towards connecting with the world, her debut as a global superstar. It would be dishonest to say she wasn’t excited, and to gain everyone’s recognition and approval made her even happier.

Without further hesitation, Rong Qing accompanied Ho Ling-tian on a journey to America.

A luxury passenger jet soared from X City towards America’s most famous casino city—Las Vegas. Centered on the gambling industry, Las Vegas is a vast hub for tourism, shopping, and vacations, one of the world’s most renowned resorts. Surrounded by desert, it boasts ten of the largest hotels on earth. Along Las Vegas Boulevard stand models of the Statue of Liberty, desert oases, skyscrapers, and gods’ sculptures, with magnificent casino hotels rising behind them, every building exquisitely crafted, showing off the city’s unparalleled splendor.

Las Vegas is the epitome of prosperity, luxury, and modernity. At night, the dazzling lights, lively streets, and the gathering of stars and beauties add allure and charm to this beautiful city.

They stayed at the most extravagant MGM Grand Hotel. After a day of rest and adjusting to the time difference, Rong Qing grew ever more fascinated with this unfamiliar yet captivating city. She was like a goddess, attracting every visitor with her charm.

If the voluptuous and revealing beauty of Western women is the ultimate allure, then the classical elegance and mature, mysterious charm of Rong Qing, exuding the essence of oriental culture, was even more irresistible and a subject of fascination. Her black ink-wash gown, hair casually pinned up, lips painted a seductive crimson, delicate face and luminous skin made her stand out among all others. In the fashion capital, she instantly captured the city’s attention.

She promoted the beauty and depth of her native culture in her own unique way, challenging preconceptions and changing opinions.

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