What to Do After Being Transported into a Mature-Themed Novel and Caught in a Storm of Passion - Chapter 101

Xue Zhixiao took a slow sip of the golden liquid from her glass, then glanced toward Wei Wei. With a subtle gesture, she pointed in the direction of the restroom, signaling that she needed to freshen up.

As she moved through the banquet hall, her graceful steps and striking beauty commanded attention. The noble aura surrounding her drew admiring stares from both men and women, their whispers weaving through the air as they speculated about this captivating stranger. A few bold young men attempted to approach her, but Xue Zhixiao had no time for distractions—her instincts told her something more pressing was unfolding.

That person had arrived.

Just as she stepped out of the restroom, a low, familiar voice brushed against her ear. “Zhixiao, long time no see.”

She turned and found Pu Feide standing before her, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo that accentuated his refined demeanor. His gentle smile softened his sharp features.

“Oh. It’s you, Mr. Feide,” she replied, masking her surprise. “Long time no see.”

Pu Feide stepped forward, taking her right hand with practiced elegance. He pressed a light kiss to the back of her fingers, his lips barely grazing her skin. “It’s my honor that the beautiful Zhixiao remembers me.”

“Mr. Feide, you’re too kind,” she said, withdrawing her hand with polite restraint. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“I’m from Country T,” he explained smoothly. “I was delayed by some matters and arrived late to the banquet. But I’m lucky—I met you right away. The trip was worth it.”

His words flowed effortlessly, and Xue Zhixiao found herself engaged in light conversation as they walked. She didn’t realize they had strayed from the banquet hall until the warm, humid air of the hotel’s tropical rainforest enclosure enveloped them. The night outside was moonless, the sky starless, leaving only the flickering glow of scattered lamps to guide their path. The shifting light cast eerie shadows, and an unspoken tension thickened the air.

Pu Feide, initially delighted by their reunion, suddenly stiffened. His grip on her arm tightened as he registered the danger too late.

“She’s my friend,” he growled, his voice laced with suppressed fury. “Let her go.”

His arm curled protectively around Xue Zhixiao, whose body trembled against his. Regret burned in his chest as he counted over a dozen gun barrels trained on them in the dim light. His voice dropped to a whisper above her head, strained with controlled rage.

Before she could process their words, her vision blurred at the edges. Darkness swallowed her consciousness, and she collapsed into Pu Feide’s arms.

When she awoke, the world was dark and cool. Her gown, though wrinkled, still clung to her frame, and her jewelry remained untouched. She had no idea how long she had been lying there.

“I’m sorry, Zhixiao.” Pu Feide’s voice emerged from the shadows, rough with guilt. “I got you into this. I’m sorry.”

She sat up slowly, her eyes adjusting to the gloom as he moved toward her. Confusion knitted her brows as she took in their surroundings. “Where are we?” Her voice wavered slightly. “Are they kidnapping you?”

Memories of the armed men flooded back, and her fingers instinctively clutched at Pu Feide’s sleeve.

“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured, crouching beside her. His eyes were bloodshot, exhaustion lining his face, but his tone remained steady. “They won’t hurt us. They just want me gone for a while.”

He squeezed her hand reassuringly before continuing. “This is likely an abandoned gem mine. I’ve checked—there are basic supplies, the ventilation is good, and there’s no sign of pests. We’ll be safe here. Food and water will be delivered regularly.”

His gaze held hers, deliberately avoiding alarming details as he sought to soothe her. “I’m sorry, Zhixiao. I was careless. I caused you fear and suffering.”

“Stop saying sorry,” she whispered, her fear still present but softening under his calm presence. “I don’t blame you, Mr. Feide. Really.”

Though unease lingered in her eyes, the steadiness of his voice and the warmth of his hand anchored her. Slowly, her grip on his arm loosened, and the tightness in her chest eased. For the first time since waking in this strange place, she felt a fragile sense of safety.