CHAPTER 162: CHAPTER 162: INVITATION

While the He family was reflecting on Madam He’s arrest, Yue Ning had finally been discharged.

The ride back was quiet and comforting. Huo Feng’s gaze alternated between Yue Ning and the road.

"Careful. If you keep staring at me, something might happen." Yue Ning teased, her voice light and soft.

Huo Feng chuckled. "I just want to know if you’re okay now. That was a ghastly accident."

"I am fine." Yue Ning breathed out. "Didn’t you hear what the doctor said before I was discharged?"

Huo Feng’s jaw tightened. That was what he was worried about—the ability to heal quickly. He turned to stare at her, and his eyes narrowed.

He didn’t know why he felt that she was hiding something from him. He knew he shouldn’t doubt her but there was this nagging feeling that tugged at the deepest part of his heart.

Huo Villa

Huo Feng held Yue Ning by the waist as they made their way into the villa.

"Welcome home, Mistress!"

The maids greeted simultaneously.

Huo Yan was slowly walking down the stairs, and her eyes softened instantly. She rushed to Yue Ning’s side, and her face was filled with immense relief.

"I am so glad you are home already." Huo Yan breathed out, leading her to take a seat.

"Sister-in-law, you have no idea how terrified I was when I saw you laying in blood." Huo Yan shivered, her face pale as she recalled the horrible incident.

Yue Ning patted her hands. "But I am fine now. Even the doctor cleared me."

Huo Yan smiled. "I am just glad you’re okay. Only if we could find out who tried to kill you." She tightened her fists. "I promise... I won’t let him go." Rage flashed through her eyes and instead of looking menacing, she looked cute.

Yue Ning burst out laughing seeing her expression. "You are so cute." She commented amidst laughter.

Huo Yan pouted her lips before turning to her brother who was quiet.

"Gege, is there something on your mind. You’re unusually quiet." She thought for a second before adding. "Although you’re usually silent, today seems different."

Huo Feng shook his head, but his gaze lingered on Yue Ning whose smile remained on her lips.

’Host...’ the system called carefully.

"What is wrong?" Yue Ning asked mentally.

’Huo Feng... Host, I feel he is suspecting you.’

Yue Ning’s eyes narrowed, but a smile remained on her lips. "Why do you think so?"

’Any reasonable person would. Your healing rate is off the chart.’

Yue Ning fell into reflection. The system was right. It was only normal for someone to suspect her. If she were in Huo Feng’s shoes, she would suspect herself as well.

’Host, if he gets to find out, what will you say—the truth or would you lie?’ The system asked, and its tone was unusually... soft and almost humane.

Yue Ning didn’t answer. And this was because she didn’t have any answer. What would she do if she was caught in such a situation?

Her thoughts were broken by the voice of a maid.

"Young Master, this was sent earlier today." The maid informed him loudly, stretching forth her hand to hand him an envelope.

A crease formed on Huo Feng’s brows, but nevertheless, he still received it. The maid bowed slightly, before walking away.

Yue Ning asked curiously. "What is that?"

Huo Feng shrugged, and opened the envelope. In it, was a champagne-colored invitation. His eyes scanned the content and with each word he read, his brows arched.

"It is an invitation to Song Kai’s and Xu Yuelan’s wedding." He said simply.

"Are they that nice to invite us?" Yue Ning questioned.

"Obviously not. But we will be attending. I want to see what they’re planning."

Huo Yan’s eyes darted between the both of them. She didn’t understand the exchange between both of them. But she did hear ’wedding’ and she would be attending.

Yue Ning and Huo Feng exchanged glances, and the same question flashed through their eyes. What were Song Kai and Xu Yuelan planning?

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room, Song Kai adjusted his cufflinks, his expression unreadable as he leaned back in the plush chair.

Across from him, Xu Yuelan sipped her tea delicately, eyes sharp and calculating. The room was quiet, but the tension between them was palpable.

"I’ve invited Huo Feng and Yue Ning, my cousin" Xu Yuelan informed him casually, her voice smooth, almost disinterested. "I want them there. It’s important for them to be there."

Song Kai’s lips twitched into a faint smile. "Oh? And why is that exactly?"

She placed her cup down, fingers brushing the rim. "Because seeing us together will remind Huo Feng of what he lost."

Her gaze flicked to him, cold and assessing. "Don’t get any ideas, Song Kai. I don’t trust you. I’m only doing this for my goal."

He raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Not trusting me? That’s a first. I’m offended." His tone was playful, but the edge in his eyes was sharp. He was thinking about her carefully chosen words, and weighing her intentions.

Xu Yuelan’s lips curved faintly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I don’t need to like you. I only need results. That’s all that matters."

Song Kai’s expression didn’t falter. He knew she was wary, but it didn’t change the fact that she was eager to play her part in his plan. A tool, useful for now. And yet, there was always the question of how far she would go to cover her own tracks.

"I understand," he said smoothly. "And of course, we’ll make sure the wedding goes perfectly."

"Yes," Xu Yuelan agreed, eyes narrowing slightly. "Everything must look flawless. We cannot afford mistakes, or anyone could see through our plans."

He studied her carefully. Her ambition was clear, her desire for Huo Feng tangible. But she was cautious, measuring every word, every glance. She would not reveal her true intentions—even to him. But it didn’t matter. She was only a pawn in his hands.

Song Kai leaned back, letting the tension settle. "Then it’s settled," he said. "We’ll proceed, and everything will unfold exactly as you want."

Xu Yuelan tilted her head slightly, a faint, self-satisfied smile on her lips. "Good. Remember, Song Kai, appearances matter. No mistakes. And if anyone gets in my way, I will handle it myself."

Song Kai’s eyes flickered, a subtle smirk forming. She thought she was in control, but little did she know, the real game had only just begun.