Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Plans Discovered
He let out those words, louder than he intended to, and it echoed throughout the courtyard.
Yue Ning froze, eyes wide with surprise. Her heart thudded in her chest, and she gulped softly.
For a long time, neither of them moved. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the weight of the confession between them.
Huo Feng’s eyes widened slightly, as if realizing what he’d just said. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t take it back. He couldn’t—when it was the truth.
"I love you, Yue Ning," he repeated, his voice softer this time, almost a plea.
Yue Ning stood rooted to the spot, unable to breathe, and unable to think.
Her mission, the danger, everything faded away, momentarily forgetting about it. All that remained was the man before her—the man who had just professed his love to her.
Her chest beat rapidly. She bit her lips as her gaze fixated on Huo Feng who had a determined expression.
"Yue Ning," he took a step towards her. "This is the reason I don’t want you to get hurt... my feelings for you."
Yue Ning’s lips parted, but no words came. Her mind went blank.
Then the alert buzzed in her ear.
[Warning: 2 hours, 20 minutes left to the end of the mission.]
The sound jolted her back to reality. She took a slow step back. "You shouldn’t say that," she murmured.
"Why not?" His brows drew together, confused by her words.
"Because this isn’t the time," she said, folding her arms tightly against her chest.
He moved closer. "Then when is the time, Yue Ning? When something happens to you? When it’s too late to say anything at all?"
Her throat tightened. She wanted to shout at him, to tell him this wasn’t about them, but her voice faltered.
"Huo Feng," she managed. "Something’s wrong. I feel Song Kai is planning something big. I don’t know what it is yet, but my instincts say it’s dangerous, and I need to find out what it is."
Huo Feng exhaled. Her words poured cold water all over him. He had just confessed to her, but his feelings weren’t acknowledged. But that didn’t mean he could dismiss her feelings.
Holding her hands, he assured her. "Ning Ning, I didn’t dismiss your thoughts and fears. I’ve been investigating... and I believe I’d be receiving the results of the investigation today."
A trace of joy flashed through Yue Ning’s eyes. "Really?" She asked with uncertainty, and he nodded.
"Yes," he nodded. "Now, will you go in to rest? My heart aches to see you in such a state."
Yue Ning wanted to reject him, but seeing his stern expression, she clamped her mouth shut instantly.
Huo Feng led her in. A few minutes later, they were already passed by Huo Yan’s room, and at that moment, she opened the door immediately, causing them to pause in their steps.
She was stunned, as her lips parted open in shock. "Gege, why are you with Sister-in-law? Wasn’t she meant to be resting?" She inquired, her curiosity reflecting in her eyes.
"Well, your Sister-in-law wanted to sneak out." Huo Feng replied, and Yue Ning coughed awkwardly.
Huo Yan stared at her pointedly. "You promised."
"I am sorry." Yue Ning apologized with pouted lips.
"She still needs bed rest, or she could end up relapsing. I’m taking her to the room," Huo Feng said, and before Huo Yan could reply, they walked away.
When they got to the room, Huo Feng placed her on the bed. He wanted to leave, but that was when he got a call.
His face changed when he saw who was calling, but he was quick to mask his expression. He was aware of how observant Yue Ning was. If she could catch a flaw in his expression, she wouldn’t rest until she found out what it was.
"You should rest. I’ll be in the study," he instructed, and walked out of the room.
As soon as he left, the familiar chime resounded in her mind, and her heart skipped a beat.
[Warning: Two hours left to the end of the mission.]
Her face turned pale. She wanted to rush out of the room, but Huo Feng’s warning and assurance kept her in place.
She could only bite her nails, as she watched the mission slip away from her hands.
Her fever might have subsided, but there wasn’t a doubt that she wasn’t fully recovered. Thus, as soon as she rested her head on the pillow, Yue Ning had no idea when she drifted to sleep.
She also seemed to hear the system’s faint reminder. [Warning: 1 hour 50 minutes to the end of the mission]
Unfortunately for her, she had already fallen into deep sleep so she assumed she heard it.
Meanwhile, in Huo Feng’s study, his phone pressed to his ear, his tone turning sharp instantly.
"Speak. Why did you call?"
"Boss... I think I’ve found out what Huo Mingjie and Song Kai are planning," a nervous voice whispered.
Huo Feng’s eyes darkened, danger flickering in them. He drummed his fingers on the mahogany desk. "Oh? Then tell me."
"They’re planning to frame you."
Huo Feng’s expression hardened as he leaned back in his chair. "Frame me?" he repeated, laughing under his breath. "What are their plans?"
"I—I haven’t learned the details yet. But someone inside the company is working for Mingjie. I just don’t know who." After hesitating for a while, the person spoke carefully.
"I understand," Huo Feng said quietly. "You’ve done well."
He hung up before the man could respond. A cold, humorless laugh escaped his lips, low and dark.
The knock on the door cut through the sound.
"Boss."
Huo Feng looked up. "Ah Si. Did you bring me good news?"
"Yes. The men tapped Huo Mingjie’s phone. We finally know what he and Song Kai are planning."
A slow smirk curved across Huo Feng’s lips. He leaned back, eyes glinting with unmistakable danger.
"Good," he said. "Then let’s play a game."
Ah Si shivered. Huo Feng was furious, and it wouldn’t end well for the enemies.