The Rescue at Crimson Bloom Hotel

Jiang Yeming sent the hotel location to Fang Lie, keeping his cool and avoiding any rush. Settling into the backseat of the cab, he murmured to the driver, "Take it easy. I'd rather not cross paths with Lan Yueran on the road."

The Crimson Bloom Hotel rose ahead—a sleek, upscale tower glowing under the evening lights. When Jiang arrived, his eyes narrowed at the thick security presence near the private VIP wing. He strode to the reception desk and, with a calm nod, booked a plush suite right across from Jiang Ruifeng's room.

Inside the hotel's private meeting lounge, Lan Yueran sat across from Jiang Ruifeng, puzzled by the over-the-top guards. She stayed quiet, figuring it might just be some flashy business tactic to impress her. With a polite smile, she asked, "So, where are you looking to buy property? And what's it for?"

Jiang Ruifeng leaned back, his eyes glinting. "Let's just say I've waited a long time for this."

Lan Yueran frowned. "For what? What do you mean?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he circled the table, stopping behind her. She started to stand, but his voice dropped—low and eerie. "You'll see soon enough."

Lan Yueran froze. A guard stepped forward, hand ready to grab her. Her heart raced, but before it could worsen—

Bang! Bang!

A sharp knock rattled the corridor.

Outside, Jiang Yeming stood steady at the door. Without a word, he drove a powerful kick into the lock. The door burst open, wood splintering under the force. He stepped in like a gathering storm, eyes icy and sharp.

"Looks like you've been scheming, Jiang Ruifeng," he said, voice low. "But touching my wife? That's where you step over the line."

Jiang Ruifeng's guards lunged for their guns—but they were too late.

In a flash, Fang Lie and three men stormed the hallway. A wild scuffle erupted between Jiang Ruifeng's security and Fang Lie's crew. Jiang Yeming didn't hesitate. He crossed the room in a heartbeat, landing a solid punch on Jiang Ruifeng's jaw, sending him smashing into the glass table behind.

Amid the chaos, Jiang Yeming freed Lan Yueran from her chair, her eyes wide with shock.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded, voice shaky.

Jiang Ruifeng groaned, clutching his side as he struggled up. His voice shook with rage. "You don't get it, do you? I've suffered since I was a kid. I stayed true to the Jiang family. But you—Jiang Yeming—you walked away. And still, your father picks you over me!"

"You think loyalty means hurting people?" Jiang Yeming shot back. "You've lost your path."

Jiang Ruifeng's eyes flared. "He was supposed to hand it all to me! I earned it!"

Jiang Yeming held his gaze, cold and unyielding. "Last warning. Leave Rainmere City. Stay away from my family."

"Fang Lie," he added, not turning. "See that he vanishes."

"Yes, Master," Fang Lie replied.

Lan Yueran blinked. "M-Master?"

Jiang Yeming sighed, glancing at her. "I'll explain later. Let's get out."

He guided her to the luxury suite he'd booked. Inside, he handed her a towel and nodded toward the bathroom. "Take a moment to unwind before we head home."

After a warm shower, Lan Yueran emerged in a hotel robe, her damp hair framing her shoulders, her tired face glowing softly. Jiang Yeming looked up from the window—and quickly turned away, his ears tinged red.

She chuckled at his unease. "So… about today. That man who called you 'Master'—he's Fang Lie, isn't he? The notorious gang leader from Celestine Haven?"

Jiang Yeming avoided her gaze. "Yeah. I hired him tonight after I caught wind of Jiang Ruifeng's trap."

Lan Yueran crossed her arms. "You're different, Jiang Yeming. I don't know what's shifting in you, but… it's like I'm meeting a new man."

"I'm doing what I must," he said gently. "For your safety."

He moved to crash on the couch, but she stopped him. "You paid for this room. Don't sleep there."

After a pause, he joined her on the bed, keeping to the edge with respect.

That night, long after she slept, Jiang Yeming turned to watch her. In the moonlight's soft glow, her peaceful face stirred him, and he whispered to himself:

"Anyone who harms you again… will answer to me."

For the first time in years, sleep came deep and easy.

---

The Next Morning

Jiang Yeming woke feeling lighter than he had in ages. He rose quietly, glanced at Lan Yueran—still asleep—and settled into a chair to gather his thoughts.

She stirred soon after. "Morning," she said with a soft smile.

"Morning. Want to head to work straight away?"

"No, I'd rather go home first," she replied. "I need a breather."

They checked out and rode home in silence. For the first time in a while, Lan Yueran felt… safe beside him.

Stepping inside, Chen Ailin lounged on the couch, eyes glued to the TV.

"Where were you all night?!" she started, gearing up for a lecture.

Lan Yueran raised a hand calmly. "I asked Jiang Yeming to drive me to a business meeting. We stayed at the hotel."

"Oh?" Chen Ailin brightened. "Did you seal the deal?"

"No, it fell through."

Chen Ailin sighed and waved it off. "No matter. Keep your eyes on the prize—you'll nab the next one."

Jiang Yeming slipped into his room. Sitting on the bed's edge, his phone buzzed.

A message from his father, Jiang Tianren.