Chapter 14: **Chapter 14: Ya Fei's Thoughts**
**Chapter 14: Ya Fei's Thoughts**
"Brother Chen Feng, did you come to Wutan City specifically to see your sister this time?"
Ya Fei smiled softly, her enchanting peach-blossom eyes glinting with amusement as she looked at the young man before her.
"Of course, Sister Ya Fei. It's been three years, and you haven't even come back once. You're so heartless," Chen Feng replied, feigning hurt.
"Oh, so this sister of yours still holds a special place in Brother Chen Feng's heart?" Ya Fei teased, covering her mouth with her hand as she chuckled. However, beneath her playful demeanor, a trace of joy flickered in her heart.
"Unlike you, I'm not blessed with extraordinary talent. The family doesn't value me as much as they value you."
The smile on Ya Fei's face faltered slightly. Looking at Chen Feng's handsome face and recalling his status in the family, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Chen Feng had always been a prodigy, hailed as the family's number one genius since childhood. Now, as a direct disciple of Yun Yun, the leader of the Yunlan Sect, his future was bright and limitless.
And what about herself?
Stuck in a small city like Wutan, she had to mingle with strangers daily for the sake of the auction house's success. Born with low cultivation talent and burdened by societal expectations as a woman, she had to work tirelessly to retain even a semblance of control over her destiny.
Forcing her thoughts aside, Ya Fei's delicate face regained its gentle, radiant smile. "Brother Chen Feng," she said softly, "I hear Yun Yun holds you in high regard and that you might soon be named Young Master of the Yunlan Sect. Congratulations are in order."
Though she lived far from the imperial capital, Ya Fei had always kept tabs on Chen Feng's progress. She was well aware of his achievements over the past few years.
"It's not official yet, but my teacher does favor me greatly," Chen Feng replied with a modest smile.
"If you do become the leader of the Yunlan Sect one day, I'll have to rely on you," Ya Fei joked, her tone light yet sincere.
"Don't worry, Sister Ya Fei," Chen Feng said firmly. "As long as I'm here, no one will dare to bully you."
His unwavering gaze and resolute tone made Ya Fei's heart flutter.
"Is that so? And how do you plan to back me up?" Ya Fei asked playfully, a sly smile curving her lips.
"As long as I live, I'll ensure Sister Ya Fei is never wronged," Chen Feng said solemnly.
Ya Fei was deeply moved by his words.
'Brother Chen Feng still holds me dear,' she thought.
Yet, a shadow of doubt clouded her mind. 'But what if I am married off one day? Will he still stand by me?'
Her thoughts turned bitter as she remembered the family's repeated discussions about arranging her marriage. She was treated as little more than a bargaining chip—a tool to secure alliances.
For the past three years, Ya Fei had worked tirelessly in Wutan City to prove her worth. She wanted to show the family that she was more than just a pretty face, yet her efforts often went unnoticed.
The elders, blind to her accomplishments, continued to treat her as a commodity, claiming it was for the "family's benefit."
No!
Ya Fei clenched her fists, determination burning in her heart.
She refused to be a pawn in anyone's game. While she shared Chen Feng's direct lineage within the Mittel family, her lack of cultivation talent meant she would never achieve the strength needed to dictate her fate.
And to make matters worse, her exceptional beauty was more a curse than a blessing. Without power, her allure would only attract trouble. She would either become a plaything for the strong or be married off to someone she didn't love.
Neither outcome is acceptable.
That's why Ya Fei had thrown herself into her work. She had come to Wutan City to escape the family's scrutiny and build her own legacy. She believed that by expanding the Mittel Auction and proving her value, she could secure a place among the family's leaders.
Only then would she control her destiny. Only then could she choose whom to marry.
Her eyes softened as they fell on Chen Feng. 'Brother Chen Feng, since you've come to me this time, I won't let you leave so easily.'
"Brother Chen Feng," she said with a charming smile, "you must be tired from your journey. Rest here for now. Tonight, I'll prepare a feast at my home, and we can catch up properly. It's been three years, after all."
Her peach-blossom eyes sparkled with mischief, making her look even more enchanting.
"Alright," Chen Feng agreed, his mind already racing. 'Tonight might just be my chance to win her over.'
Meanwhile, outside the lounge, Master Gu Ni couldn't contain his curiosity. "Miss Ya Fei," he called, "Master Chen Feng has traveled such a long way. Aren't you going to spend more time catching up with him?"
With a smile, Ya Fei replied, "Brother Chen Feng must be tired. Let him rest. In the meantime, Master Gu Ni, please have someone prepare a table of the best food and wine and deliver it to my courtyard tonight."
Gu Ni chuckled knowingly. "Of course, Miss Ya Fei. I'll arrange for the finest dishes from Yingfeng Tower. We wouldn't dare neglect Master Chen Feng."
Just as Gu Ni was about to leave, Ya Fei stopped him. "Master Gu Ni," she said, "do you have any Ruyi Powder? I'd like to borrow a bottle."
Gu Ni froze, his expression stiff.
"Ruyi Powder?" he echoed, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
This potent aphrodisiac was something Gu Ni had prepared specifically for Chen Feng's use. Over the years, Gu Ni himself had found it quite effective.
"Why, Master Gu Ni, don't you have any on hand?" Ya Fei asked sweetly, her knowing smile making him squirm.
"I... I have some," Gu Ni stammered, retrieving a jade bottle from his ring. "But be careful—it's very strong. Don't use too much."
"Thank you for the reminder, Master." Ya Fei accepted the bottle and walked away, leaving Gu Ni standing there, stunned.
As realization dawned, Gu Ni's eyes widened. Watching Ya Fei's retreating figure, he murmured enviously, "That boy is really lucky…"
(End of Chapter)