The bathroom was filled with the soft hiss of steaming water, carrying the faint fragrance of lavender foam. Su Ning let the warmth envelop her body as she sank deeper into the tub.
Droplets clung to her skin like delicate crystals, sliding languidly along the curves of her shoulders and down her arms. She tilted her head back, exposing the line of her throat, and exhaled, releasing tension she hadn't realized she carried.
Yet her mind refused to relax completely.
That man—danger wrapped in human flesh—was still unconscious in her guest room. A stranger, bloodied and cold, his aura enough to unsettle even her. Su Ning replayed the moment his eyes had opened briefly, ruthlessly sharp, pinning her in place as if she were prey. Her wrist had a faint ache where his hand had grabbed her. Even unconscious, his instinct to dominate was terrifying.
She trailed her fingers across the bathwater, breaking its stillness into ripples. "What have I brought into my house…" she whispered.
Her rational mind warned of danger, but a strange tug lingered deep inside her chest. It wasn't trust, nor fear. Something else. Something she didn't want to name.
When the water cooled, she finally rose, the surface sliding reluctantly from her body. She wrapped herself in a thick towel and padded softly across her room. In front of her wardrobe, she hesitated for a long moment before choosing her nightwear.
A silky camisole set in pale moon-white, the top trimmed with lace so fine it almost looked like frost clinging to her skin. The fabric hugged her curves lightly, teasing with what it concealed more than what it revealed. The shorts were loose but short, baring the smooth line of her thighs when she moved. A soft robe of sheer chiffon slipped over her shoulders, its belt tied lazily at her waist, leaving glimpses of her collarbone exposed.
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. A young girl's face, delicate yet sharp with a calm beyond her years. Her eyes, however, carried a quiet storm. She brushed her damp hair back, letting it fall down her back, and smiled faintly.
Downstairs, the kitchen was dimly lit. She poured herself a glass of warm milk, inhaling its simple comfort. The silence of the house pressed on her ears except for the faint sound of her guest's breathing carried from the upstairs hallway. Her sharpened senses never fully rested.
Her computer screen glowed faintly when she returned to her bedroom. She opened files, news archives, and private databases—tracing every scrap of information on Zongsheng Medical Centre. A sprawling network, wealthy beyond comprehension, yet with secrets buried deep beneath the polished surface.
Her concentration was interrupted by the shrill buzz of her phone. Yang Feng's name flashed on the screen. She pressed answer.
"Miss Su," Yang Feng's voice was soft, respectful, almost trembling with eagerness. "The villa documents have been prepared. The property has already been cleaned and arranged as you instructed."
"Good." Su Ning sipped her milk leisurely, though her voice carried unshakable authority. "I'll come tomorrow to pick them up."
"Yes, Miss Su. I'll await your arrival."
She ended the call. A faint smile played at her lips—Yang Feng was useful, efficient, and most importantly, loyal.
After a while, she dialed Mu Fucheng's number. The man's deep voice filled the line, tinged with pleasure at receiving her call.
"Miss Su," he greeted warmly, "I was about to call you myself."
She didn't waste words. "Create an executive position at the hotel. A person I recommend will fill it. His name and details will be sent to you soon."
Mu Fucheng chuckled softly. "For you, I would create ten positions if you asked. Who is it?"
"Chen Anya's father."
There was a pause before Mu Fucheng answered, understanding dawning in his tone. "Ah… this is for your friend."
"Yes." Su Ning's voice softened slightly, though her eyes remained cold. "Have him attend an interview. It doesn't need to be real. It's only so he and his wife won't feel uneasy accepting it."
"Understood. Consider it done."
She thanked him curtly and ended the call.
Her milk was almost gone when her phone rang again—this time with an unfamiliar number. She frowned slightly but answered.
The voice on the other end was cautious, female, around mid-thirties. "Hello, is this… Miss Su?"
"Yes. Who's speaking?"
"This is Zhou Meng," the woman said quickly. "Forgive me for disturbing you so late. I… I'm the Managing director of the Luminous Beauty Spa headquarters in the Capital. We've been awaiting your visit. May I ask when you'll be arriving?"
Su Ning's fingers tapped the glass cup. "I'll stop by the day after tomorrow.
Zhou Meng sounded relieved. "Yes, of course. I'll arrange for a car to pick you up—"
"No need," Su Ning interrupted. "I'll contact you when I get there."
"Yes, Miss Su."
"Right, one more thing," Su Ning added after a pause. "Transfer the head of City F's branch to the Capital. Leave the seat vacant until I say otherwise."
There was a startled intake of breath. "Y-yes! Immediately, Miss Su. Is there… is there anything else?"
"No."
Then the call ended.
She sent one last message—to the director of Zongsheng Medical Centre, Zhao Qi, rescheduling her visit. Business arranged, she finally set her phone aside.
She stood and went to the balcony, the night air was cool against her skin. She looked through her phone, her contact list which only had Anya's contact alone was now filled with the contacts of high officials, people she never dreamed she could have access too.
Su Ning sighed as she sat cross-legged on the mat, closing her eyes. Her breath slowed, steady, as the energy of cultivation stirred within her veins. Shadows seemed to ripple faintly around her figure, echoing the art of her Shadow Ghost Step.
She meditated until the first faint blush of dawn painted the horizon. When she finally opened her eyes, they gleamed with renewed clarity, her body thrumming with fresh power.
The world was shifting. Danger would come sooner than later.
And Su Ning was ready.