Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Mission Complete
"I guess this could be considered a success," Huo Yan gushed, her eyes bright. "But I believe we could do more."
Yue Ning nodded as they began clearing the setup. "You’re right. But we don’t need to do too much anymore."
Confusion flickered across Huo Yan’s face. "What do you mean by that?"
Yue Ning’s lips curved in a serene, knowing smile. "Today’s gathering will spread. Just wait — soon, this garden won’t be able to contain us."
Huo Yan frowned slightly, not quite grasping her meaning. But seeing the quiet confidence in Yue Ning’s smile, she felt reassured.
With the maids’ help, the garden was cleared in no time, the late sunlight casting warm hues across the neatly arranged tables.
Yue Ning was on her way back to her room when she suddenly paused mid-step.
[Mission Progress: 93%]
The system’s voice echoed in her mind, flat and mechanical.
[The host must complete the mission tonight.]
Her lips twitched as she took deep breaths.
"The system doesn’t really know how to give someone a breather." Yue Ning mumbled as she resumed in her steps.
’There are no times for breathers. This isn’t the basic level.’ It replied, countering her words.
Yue Ning rolled her eyes, and stepped into the room. She directly walked to the closet, and picked out the lingerie.
She stared at it for a while before she strode to the bathroom. A few minutes later, she stepped out with a bathrobe covering her.
"He will be in his study," Yue Ning muttered to herself.
She opened the room’s door slightly while checking the hallway. She didn’t want anyone to see her. Seeing that the coast was clear, she silently tiptoed to his study.
When she arrived at the door, she heaved a sigh of relief because she hadn’t bumped into any of the maids.
She stood before the study door, her pulse quickening in quiet rhythm. Through the faint crack, she saw the soft glow of the desk lamp and the silhouette of the man seated behind it.
Huo Feng’s figure was as composed as ever. He had one hand resting on the armrest, and the other turning a page of the document before him. His black shirt sleeves were rolled to his forearms, and his veins faintly visible beneath smooth skin.
Yue Ning drew in a deep breath. "Alright, Yue Ning," she whispered to herself, "just confidence and grace. You can do this."
She lifted her hand and knocked on the door lightly.
"Come in," his low voice responded almost instantly.
Pushing the door open, Yue Ning stepped inside. The light fell over her, and for a fleeting moment, his pen stopped mid-air.
Her robe was loosely tied, the soft satin tracing the outline of her figure without revealing much. Her hair was still slightly damp, and droplets of water glimmered against her neck like scattered pearls.
"Still working?" she asked, walking toward him with slow, deliberate steps.
He leaned back slightly. His gaze was calm, at least on the surface. "Just finishing up a few things. What brings you here this late? Are you done with the gathering?"
Yue Ning paused beside his desk, resting her hand lightly on the polished surface. "Yes, we are done, and can’t a wife visit her husband?"
There was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You usually knock on my door when you need something."
"Then maybe I do," she replied softly, her fingers brushing a stack of papers aside so that their eyes met directly.
For a moment, neither spoke. The silence filled the room—heavy, charged, but not uncomfortable.
Yue Ning reached up and untied the sash of her robe with unhurried grace. The fabric loosened, parting just enough for the faintest glimpse of silk beneath. The light caught the pale gold lace and it shimmered softly.
Huo Feng’s hand paused again, the calm mask on his face cracking ever so slightly.
"I see," he murmured, his tone deepening, "so that’s what you needed."
"Maybe," she said, smiling faintly. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if I could distract you."
He exhaled through his nose, the corner of his lips curving. "You’re succeeding."
Her heart thudded, but her gaze didn’t waver. She leaned a little closer, her voice a whisper filled with teasing "Then tell me... should I stop?"
The question lingered—and for a moment, neither spoke.
He rose from his chair, slow and deliberate, until they stood nearly chest-to-chest. The faint scent of cedar and wine wrapped around her as he reached up, his fingers brushing a damp strand of hair from her cheek.
"Be careful, Ning Ning," he said quietly, eyes locked on hers. "You’re playing a dangerous game."
Yue Ning smiled confidently with a touch of challenge in her tone. "Games are only dangerous if you’re afraid to lose."
[Mission Progress: 98%]
Huo Feng’s jaw tightened. He studied her for a moment longer, then let out a low dark, and restrained "Then I suppose we’ll see who wins."
Yue Ning’s lips curved, and before the air could grow any thicker, she reached up and pressed a feather-light kiss to his collarbone. It was fleeting, deliberate, and filled with teasing. "Goodnight, Mr. Huo." She whispered into his ears.
She turned to leave, her robe swaying behind her, revealing just enough gold lace to haunt him.
[Mission Progress: 100%]
[Reward Unlocked: Skill — Emotional Influence.]
As the door closed behind her, Huo Feng stood motionless, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips.
"She really doesn’t play fair," he muttered, chuckling helplessly as he glanced toward the door again before sinking back into his chair.
For the first time that night, he didn’t read another word.
He collapsed into the chair, breathing heavily. He never realized how much of a temptation Yue Ning truly was.
Silence filled the study—only the sound of his steadying breaths remained.
Then, his phone buzzed, sharp and intrusive against the silence.
He reached for it lazily, but the moment his eyes fell on the screen, his expression darkened.
A single message glowed across the display:
"I suggest you protect your little wife. Who knows? She might end up hurt."
There was no sender, but Huo Feng was aware on who sent the message.
His fingers tightened around the phone until the veins in his hand stood out.
"Song Kai!"
The name tore from his throat, low and dangerous.
The warm tension of the night vanished, and was replaced by a cold, lethal calm.