CHAPTER 166: CHAPTER 166: TWO MISSIONS AT ONCE.

The first streaks of sunlight pushed through the curtains, painting the room in a golden hue.

Yue Ning stirred, stretching lazily, only to realize she was held firmly in someone’s embrace. Her eyes fluttered open, and her gaze immediately fell on Huo Feng. His strong arms wrapped around her, steady and protective.

A soft smile tugged at her lips as she traced his face. From his thick brows, long lashes, sharp nose, full lips. "Why do you get to have such long lashes?" she murmured, complaint and envy evident in her voice.

[Mission Alert: Save your Mom]

[Mission Alert: Increase closeness with Huo Feng]

[Reward: Will be given at the end of the mission]

[Time Frame: Before today ends]

She frowned slightly, biting her lips. "Two missions at once? That’s... a lot." She murmured under her breath.

’Host,’ the system murmured softly in her mind, ’this world’s balance has shifted. You must complete your daily missions to grow stronger. Failure may cost you your life... in this world and your original world.’

Yue Ning’s heart raced. She recalled what had happened when she was in the hospital. The nurse who claimed to be the author’s best friend. It seemed like everything was spiralling out of control and danger seemed to be close.

But the uncertainty about her mother gnawed t her. She didn’t know what danger awaited, only that she had to act.

Huo Feng’s lips tilted into a smirk, and his eyes flashed open, amusement dancing in them. "And here I thought you only noticed my strong arms."

Yue Ning froze, snapping out of her thoughts before her gaze drifted to him.

"I thought you were asleep." She murmured, averting her gaze from him.

"I was, but your deep admiration of my features woke me up." His voice carried a faint teasing.

Her cheeks warmed, heart fluttering. Yue Ning leaned her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

In the quiet warmth, her mind flickered to the sudden alert that had appeared in her mind.

The thought unsettled her, but Huo Feng’s warmth anchored her, calming her worried mind. .

Huo Feng’s deep voice cut through her thoughts. "Admiring me again?" His chest shifted as he adjusted, teasing her.

"You caught me," she replied, with a low voice. "Did you enjoy it?"

His lips curved, eyes softening. "Maybe I did... maybe I didn’t."

They stayed like that for a while, savoring the quiet intimacy, until the growl of Yue Ning’s stomach broke the spell.

"I think breakfast is calling," she said, laughing softly.

Huo Feng groaned slightly, planting a kiss on the top of her head. "Fine... but only because I don’t want you to get hungry."

---------------------

By the time they reached the dining hall, Huo Yan was already seated, pouring juice with an exaggerated sigh. Her eyes widened at the sight of her brother holding Yue Ning’s hand across the table.

"Oh... so we’re holding hands now?" she asked, groaning loudly while placing her hands on her forehead.

Yue Ning flushed, gently squeezing Huo Feng’s hand. "Good morning, YanYan."

Huo Yan leaned back, feigning offense. "Good morning? More like... good grief. Can you two not do this in front of everyone?"

Huo Feng merely smirked, tugging Yue Ning’s hand slightly. "Why not? Everyone deserves to see perfection."

Huo Yan groaned, covering her face with her hand. "I am surrounded by these two lovebirds... why, why me?"

Yue Ning laughed, stealing a glance at Huo Feng. He returned it with a teasing grin, letting her squeeze his hand just a little tighter.

Amid the morning chatter, Yue Ning’s thoughts drifted back to the mission alert about her mom. She didn’t know what threat awaited, only that she had to be vigilant.

But for now, she let herself enjoy the warmth of the sunlight, the comfort of Huo Feng’s presence, and the playful teasing of Huo Yan.

The day had only just begun, and already, the balance of life and danger seemed to shimmer just out of reach.

--------------------

"Baby, why did you want us to meet today? Not that I’m complaining, I’d love to spend time with you, but it’s quite sudden."

Lu Ting sat across from Yue Ning at the cozy café, her eyes curious and soft.

"I just wanted to spend time with you," Yue Ning said, smiling gently, leaning forward. "Can’t I?"

Lu Ting’s smile deepened. "Of course, you can. Honestly... I’ve been waiting for days like this. To just be with you."

Yue Ning’s heart warmed, but a tension lingered beneath it. She didn’t know what danger might reach her mother, only that she had to be there today, to stay close and protect her.

After their coffee, they wandered through a nearby park. Yue Ning laughed softly when Lu Ting tried to challenge her to a playful race toward a fountain.

They ran clumsily, tripping over small roots and laughing at themselves, each stumble a small, new memory forming between them.

"Careful!" Yue Ning said, steadying her mother as she nearly slipped. Lu Ting grinned. "You’re already so grown-up. I should be protecting you."

"You’re already doing that," Yue Ning teased lightly, squeezing her hand.

They stopped at a small food stand, sharing soft pastries and teasing each other over whose bite was bigger.

The warmth of the afternoon, the laughter, the sunlight on her mother’s face—it all felt fragile, a fleeting joy Yue Ning wanted to cling to. She wanted to spend quality time with her.

But as they walked, Yue Ning sensed a shift—a subtle prickling at the back of her neck, a shadow moving oddly among the park trees.

She brushed it off for Lu Ting’s sake, keeping her gaze bright and carefree, but her mind spun with the thought: something is coming. Something which she didn’t know yet.

Lu Ting noticed Yue Ning’s quiet pause and tilted her head. "What is it? You look distracted."

"Nothing," Yue Ning said softly, forcing a laugh. "Just... enjoying the day too much, maybe."

Still, Yue Ning’s pulse quickened. Even in these tender new moments, her protective instincts wouldn’t rest. She had to be ready, had to watch over her mother, even if she didn’t yet know what threat awaited them.

The laughter, the sunshine, the feeling of hand in hand—they were small treasures, yet all the more precious because Yue Ning knew the peace was temporary.