As twilight painted Wu Tan City in golden hues, Xiao Ranyu made his way through the bustling streets, hood drawn low.
His destination?
The towering silhouette of the Miteer Auction House.
His expression was unreadable, but the occasional twitch in his brow betrayed one thought echoing in his head:
> That Ya Fei… almost got me killed. And she had the audacity to smile while doing it.
He passed through the lobby like a shadow. None of the staff dared stop him—by now, every employee had been instructed:
> "If Young Master Ranyu shows up, just smile and step aside."
Up the stairs, down the familiar hallway. He stopped at her door and knocked once.
> "Come in~"
That melodious, teasing voice came instantly—like she'd been waiting.
The door creaked open.
Ya Fei reclined behind a carved sandalwood desk, dressed in a flowing crimson silk gown that shimmered with charm inscriptions. The slit on her dress rode high along her thigh, and the neckline dipped low enough to make any man's heart skip.
She sat up the moment she saw him, her eyes curving into crescents.
> "Finally came to see me, my little Ranyu?"
Xiao Ranyu stepped in and shut the door, giving her a look so flat it was nearly deadpan.
> "Came to say goodbye. And maybe wring your neck."
Ya Fei laughed, crossing her legs slowly, eyes twinkling.
> "What? Did Xun'er find out already?"
Ranyu's eyes narrowed.
> "You told her."
She covered her mouth, feigning innocence.
> "Oops. I might've mentioned the kiss. Just a little~"
> "A little?! I nearly died, woman! She almost summoned a firestorm in the courtyard!"
Ya Fei giggled, clearly unrepentant.
> "You survived, didn't you? And to calm her down… all you had to do was kiss her. If not once, then twice."
Xiao Ranyu groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
> "You really are a vixen."
She stood and walked toward him with a sway in her hips, her finger trailing up his chest with expert precision.
> "And yet here you are. Couldn't leave without seeing me one last time?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he reached into his clothes and pulled out a simple silver ring with a small green gem embedded in it. He slipped it onto her finger without asking.
> "This ring contains pills. Up to Tier-4 level. Use them when training.I made these"
Ya Fei blinked, stunned.
> "You… made this for me?"
He gave her a lopsided smile and stepped back.
> "Train hard. Your body and technique are top-tier now. Don't waste it."
She looked at the ring, then back at him.
> "Even if I miss you?"
> "Yes."
She pouted.
Then leaned forward, her breath teasing his ear.
> "Next time, you come find me. And maybe I'll give you a reward."
Ranyu smirked, voice low .
> "It's a promise."
Then he paused… narrowed his eyes slightly… and added with a casual, deadly grin:
> "And don't call me little. When the time comes... I'll show you exactly whether I'm 'little' or not."
Ya Fei's eyes widened slightly—and a deep blush exploded across her cheeks. She swatted at his chest.
> "Y-You bad man!"
But before she could retreat, he suddenly moved.
One swift step forward.
He grabbed her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.
Her body stiffened in surprise.
> "Wha—"
But before she could finish, he kissed her.
Not a teasing peck like before—a real kiss. Bold. Deep. One hand sneakily slipping around to squeeze her soft rear and slapping it, making her jolt.
She tried to protest with a muffled sound but quickly melted into it.
After a long moment, their lips finally parted—Ya Fei breathless, face flushed crimson, her chest heaving against him.
> "That's punishment," he said, smirking. "For gossiping."
She was still dizzy from the kiss when he turned to leave.
But just before stepping out the door, he looked back one last time.
> "Oh, and Ya Fei?"
> "Mn…?"
> "Next time you gossip… at least wait until I'm out of the city."
She giggled again, dazed but glowing.
He added softly over his shoulder:
> "Also—cultivate hard this year. Once you break through, go to Jia Nan Academy ahead of me with Xiao Xun'er. I'll return in five years. After that… I'll come find you both."
Ya Fei blinked, caught off guard by the seriousness in his tone.
> "You're… serious?"
> "Dead serious."
Ya Fei stared at the ring. Then at the door.
A real smile—warm and heartfelt—curved her lips.
> "Then I'll wait for you."
Xiao Ranyu gave a final nod… and disappeared into the golden haze of dusk.
Ya Fei touched her lips and rear softly.
Still tingling.
Still blushing.
Then she looked at the door and whispered, as if to the shadows he left behind:
> "And for the tattle part…"
> "No promises, my little Ranyu."
---
Xiao clan
In a secluded corner of the Xiao Clan estate, the courtyard bloomed with fragrant spiritual herbs and delicate flowers. Moonlight cascaded gently over white stone paths, and a soft breeze played with the hem of a young girl's dress.
Xiao Xun'er sat on the stone bench, arms folded under her chest, expression unreadable.
The flowers she had been watering earlier now stood forgotten—because the moment she sensed his aura leaving the city, her world quieted.
> "He's really gone..."
Her voice was no louder than a whisper.
Yet, the emotion packed within was enough to still the wind.
She leaned back against the tree behind her, golden eyes turned toward the sky
Flashback – Few hours ago
Ya Fei had come, practically glowing with pride and joy, cheeks tinged red, eyes sparkling.
Xun'er had been calm.
At first.
Until—
> "...then he just leaned down and kissed me And slapped me in the rear!"(Xian Ranyus reminder thrown aside)
Clatter!
The ladle in Xun'er's hand hit the stone tiles.
She blinked.
> "K-Kiss? Ranyu… kissed you again?This time even slapped your rear?"
> "Yes~"
Ya Fei spun around, hugging herself like a schoolgirl in love.
Back to Present
> "Ranyu… you really are shameless."
Her whisper sounded more like a sulk.
She imagined him kissing Ya Fei, bold and confident as always. She pictured that red fox looking smug afterward. She could practically hear her bragging already.
Her lips twitched.
> "Hmph."
Then she stood.
Dusted her dress.
Walked back into her room—and opened the jade box on her table.
Inside were dozens of cultivation scrolls, high-tier pills, and training manuals her father had sent in secret.
> "You're going to Jia Nan Academy, Ranyu… and so am I."
She looked toward the
moon, eyes burning with something deeper than jealousy.
Resolve.
> "Next time I see you, I'll be even stronger. Not just for myself—but so I can stand beside you... proudly."
A pause.
Then she muttered with a pout:
> "...and when I see you again, I'm definitely getting my kiss and slap."