Chapter 117: Let Go with One Hand, Hold Back with the Other

After they had their fill of food and wine, the two of them still leaned close together, reading quietly, the room heavy with tender emotion.

“Let her go,” Ling Ziheng said, tilting his head to look at the excited little girl, gently stroking her hair.

“Of course. That’s why you absolutely cannot intervene or show up. I still have some things to probe from her,” Lin Zhiwei said firmly, worried that the man beside her would spoil her plan by playing hero.

Ling Ziheng lowered his gaze helplessly. Letting his wife take risks tormented him deeply, but he knew that once this little girl set her mind on uncovering something, she wouldn’t give up. He would let her do as she wished—as long as he was around, at least in China, she would be safe.

“See, this is what I call keeping some cards close to the chest. After all, she’s the reigning star of Bermude. If we crush her outright, Zhou Munian will surely explode. Why not do a favor and pass this hot potato to him? That way, we maintain the current peace,” Lin Zhiwei analyzed with clarity.

“Besides, if the delicate balance in the entertainment industry is broken too quickly, it could lead to endless troubles.”

“My lady, your wisdom shines,” Ling Ziheng admired, looking at his clever little girl with affection, unable to resist planting a kiss on her cheek.

The little girl blushed instantly. “You’re cheating.”

“I learned from you,” Ling Ziheng replied calmly, turning the page.

“What do you think Chu Chuo would do if he knew his first move was going to fizzle out?” Lin Zhiwei’s eyes gleamed with sly satisfaction.

Ling Ziheng’s expression darkened. “I guess he’ll come at us unexpectedly.”

“Unexpectedly?” Lin Zhiwei blinked, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“He’ll come to save you,” Ling Ziheng’s deep eyes shone with killing intent, his low voice cold, revealing Chu Chuo’s covetousness toward his little girl.

“Save me?” Lin Zhiwei doubted the possibility, shaking her head like a rattle.

“Then let’s bet on it,” Ling Ziheng said with a mischievous smile.

“Alright, what’s the wager?”

“A date,” Ling Ziheng said nonchalantly.

Lin Zhiwei’s mouth dropped open; she never expected such a request. Then, propping her chin in her hand, she smiled brightly. “Fine. If I win, you go on a date with me. If you win, I’ll go on a date with you. Deal?”

Ling Ziheng was caught off guard for a moment, then pulled her close, whispering in her ear, “Deal.”

Lin Zhiwei gazed at his handsome, profound profile, her heart fluttering uncontrollably. What to do? The more she looked, the more charming he became. Her beloved truly knew how to win her favor.

“I have a meeting tonight and need to review some documents,” Ling Ziheng said, patting the girl’s soft hair reluctantly as he stood.

“Alright, I’ll go downstairs to play with Mier. You work hard,” Lin Zhiwei said, ready to withdraw, but he caught her in his arms after just a step.

“Don’t go,” Ling Ziheng murmured, burying his head in her neck, his low voice seductive.

“Alright, alright. I won’t disturb you then.”

“You won’t.”

——

In an unnamed territory, a tall, cold figure paced through a vast garden. Rows of tender, blooming black roses shimmered under the sun’s glare, exuding a chilling yet captivating aura. The man watered them carefully, his gaze focused and serious.

“Brother Jiu, should I go to China?” The woman beside him, her wavy hair cascading softly, leaned against the corridor, her tone edged with urgency.

The man didn’t raise his eyes but continued to study the black roses before him. His cold face bore no warmth. This was Lin Qiongjue, the lord of the nameless domain and Lin Zhiwei’s cousin.

The woman with the flowing waves was one of his guardians, Feng Ling.

“No need. It’s not the right time yet,” came the deep, magnetic voice, bringing Feng Ling a measure of reassurance.

“But, Little Linzi—”

“She’ll handle it herself,” the man replied calmly.

“But she’s still a child. Didn’t Nanyu already report? I’m afraid she might remember at any moment,” Feng Ling worried aloud. Though that moment was inevitable, she had watched the child grow and sincerely hoped the current stability could last, letting the little girl live carefree and pursue what she loved.

“That is a path she must walk. No one can walk it for her,” Lin Qiongjue said gently as he caressed the roses, his tone resolute and unwavering.

“Alright, you’re really heartless,” Feng Ling muttered softly. Who could be that cold as a brother?

Lin Qiongjue shot her a glance. She immediately fell silent. “Heartless, huh? Do you have a better idea?”

“I...” Feng Ling was left speechless. “I could...”

“You could stay with her, protect her, care for her, imprison her, and keep her from knowing anything,” Lin Qiongjue interrupted, his tone sharp.

“I...” Feng Ling lowered her head. Indeed, Brother Jiu was right. They had not been able to shield Little Linzi completely when she was younger, let alone now.

“We have our missions, and so does she. For now, the Chinese entertainment industry is the safest place. People there can’t escape to country A.”

“Yes,” Feng Ling agreed. “What about Ling Ziheng? Can we entrust Little Linzi to him?”

Lin Qiongjue frowned slightly. “Again, that’s her choice, and she must bear the consequences.”

Damn, Feng Ling cursed silently. Jiu was truly heartless, utterly merciless.

She rolled her eyes at her superior. There was nothing she could do with Little Xia. He was iron-faced and impartial with everyone else. One day, she would have to complain to Little Xia properly. Since Little Xia cared so much for Little Linzi, he surely wouldn’t stand by idly.

“Thinking of complaining? Do you think my lady would side with me or you?” Lin Qiongjue seemed to see through her thoughts.

You have charm; I won’t compete with you for it. Feng Ling sulked and withdrew without another word.

After Feng Ling left, Lin Qiongjue stood silently, dark currents swirling in his eyes. The little girl would grow up eventually. The memories they could seal away were only temporary. She would have to accept and face them. All he could do was give her a few years of unrestrained happiness.

As for the future, he believed the Lin family’s child would overcome it naturally. After honing herself in China, when she faced her past, she would surely give a satisfactory answer.