Chapter 119

The filming proceeded smoothly. During this time, aside from the urgent trips back to City X for work, Huo Lingtian spent most of his time by Rong Qing’s side. He watched as the naive girl gradually matured into an eagle, soaring through her own vast sky. A quiet sense of satisfaction and pride filled the man’s heart. Perhaps with his formidable background and the wealth of the Huo family, he could have easily protected her for a lifetime of safety, but the century-old behemoth that was the Huo Corporation needed a mistress who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him to steer its course. Rong Qing had achieved this. She wielded immense influence in the realms of fashion and entertainment, commanding a following of tens of millions. As the golden spokesperson for the Huo Corporation, the products she endorsed saw sales increases exceeding five percent—she had created a miracle, not just in sales, but in the entertainment industry itself. The influence she garnered in such a short time was unparalleled, making her truly worthy of the title "The Number One Person in Entertainment."

Three months had passed since the filming of *God of the Wilderness* began, and it was nearing its conclusion. The crew’s work grew increasingly hectic, but as a lead actress, Rong Qing’s tireless work ethic and minimal need for retakes meant her scenes were all completed ahead of schedule. Huo Lingtian’s presence had already delayed much of his own work; City X could not be left without its leader, and Grandfather Huo had been calling incessantly. Thus, even before the production had officially wrapped, Rong Qing accompanied Huo Lingtian back home.

Unlike her previous clandestine entry into the Huo residence, this time Rong Qing returned as the mistress of the entire estate. All relatives within three generations were gathered to welcome the head of the family and his wife. Rong Qing walked, somewhat dizzily, into the long, grand hall, receiving the reverent gazes of all the younger family members. Inside the inner cabinet, Grandfather Huo sat with several close relatives, his expression pleasant. Upon seeing his precious grandson and granddaughter-in-law, the wrinkles on his face bloomed like a daisy in full sun.

"Qing, come sit, let Grandfather have a look at you." Old Man Huo Zhen held her hands, reluctant to let go, examining her closely. She had lost some weight during her time away, and her previously fair skin had bronzed—she looked healthier, with an added touch of restrained, heroic spirit. Though Huo Zhen knew his granddaughter-in-law must have endured much hardship, the aura she radiated was clearly just like his own cunning grandson’s. Good, very good; only such decisiveness and courage could sustain a family of this magnitude.

Old Man Huo doted on this beautiful granddaughter-in-law to the point of blatant favoritism. He had the younger generation sitting at the table pass the most precious, nutritious delicacies directly into her bowl. Even though the descendants of the Huo family were not lacking in such luxuries, the old man’s clear partiality was enough to make them feel envious.

"Hmph, I’m done." Huo Zhen’s daughter, Huo Zhen, dropped her chopsticks with a sharp *clack*. She could no longer bear it. Before Rong Qing arrived, although the old man was indifferent toward her, he still treated her with the affection one would show an only daughter. But ever since this woman came, she had stolen the vast majority of the old man’s attention. She had never seen him treat anyone this well (aside from that anomaly, Huo Lingtian). Everything in the household was prioritized for Rong Qing. It was as if this outsider had stolen the limelight, as if the rest of the Huo descendants were dead!

The sharp sound startled both Huo Zhen and the family head, Huo Lingtian. If Huo Lingtian had tolerated his aunt in the past, it was only out of respect for the old man. He rarely concerned himself with the affairs of the Huo residence; as long as the petty infighting didn't reach him, he kept the peace. But his past silence did not mean she could run wild over his wife. If some people lacked self-awareness, he didn't mind using unconventional methods to make her realize who the master of this house was. Huo Lingtian frowned, silently issuing an ultimatum to Huo Zhen.

As for the old man, born into a noble lineage and raised with impeccable etiquette, his daughter’s public display of rudeness was a slap in his own face. Huo Zhen’s expression darkened, and he immediately set down his own bowl and chopsticks. "If you are finished, take your dishes away. There are plenty of others who would like to be at this table." His blunt words further humiliated the young socialite. Huo Zhen, furious, grabbed her bag and made to leave.

"If you walk out that door today, you need not come back in the future," Huo Zhen said flatly. He loved his daughter and had always given her every convenience, but there was a line; once crossed, even he could no longer protect her.

Huo Zhen’s departure stalled. The woman, nearing fifty, wore exquisite makeup and a thick layer of white powder, exuding a sense of prestige. If it weren't for her husband’s incompetence, she wouldn't have to endure such humiliation on Huo property.

Suddenly, the jealousy and hatred on her face were replaced by a fawning smile—a perfect 360-degree transformation. She walked over to the old man, offering to massage his shoulders and pour his tea, acting overly affectionate. "Dad, I was wrong just now. I’m apologizing, aren't I?" She placed a freshly brewed cup of tea before him.

Huo Zhen remained unmoved, as steady as a mountain. "You are an elder. Today is a welcome banquet for Qing; you should offer her a formal apology." The old man spoke calmly. Rules were rules; if his prideful daughter couldn't take this step, the head of the house would no longer treat her family with kindness.

The smile on Huo Zhen’s face cracked, and her hand froze. All the younger family members were watching; her own father was forcing her to apologize to that woman in public. She hesitated, and the atmosphere turned tense.

The old man sighed internally. His foolish daughter—things had reached this point, and he could no longer shield her family. Let it be as it must.

"Grandfather, Aunt Huo, let’s just eat. We’re all family, there’s no need for apologies. I’m still young and have much to learn," Rong Qing said, breaking the deadlock. She wasn't trying to excuse Huo Zhen—it wasn't the first time she’d been publicly slighted—but in front of her elders, she had to act the part of a "magnanimous" wife.

Given this exit, Huo Zhen didn't dare to cause more trouble. She sat down in silence, wearing a sour expression.

Though the dinner had its share of turbulence, on the whole, it was a family gathering. After the meal, Huo Lingtian and Rong Qing, exhausted from their travels, retired early to their own courtyard.

In the bathroom, shrouded in mist, a stunning beauty lay semi-nude in a luxurious super-sized tub. Her skin was as pale as snow, her features delicate, and her long, damp hair draped over her bare back. Beads of water clung to her skin, and the hot steam flushed her face, her eyes glazed with a mist that was devastatingly alluring.

On the wall directly opposite the tub hung an ultra-large luxury television, playing a recent film. Soaking in the hot water and washing away her fatigue while watching a movie had become Rong Qing’s new favorite pastime.

*Click.* The bathroom door pushed open from the outside. A man draped in a bathrobe entered, the belt tied loosely. His semi-nude chest was covered in toned, honey-colored muscle—a physique that had caused countless aristocratic ladies to gasp in wonder. Huo Lingtian walked in slowly, holding a bottle of red wine.

"Baby, is it good?" Huo Lingtian sat on the edge of the tub, his honey-toned skin exposed and exuding a masculine allure. He leaned in to whisper by her ear.

"Mm... it's good," Rong Qing replied distractedly. Caught up in a compelling scene of the movie, she nodded like an obedient rabbit, paying no mind to the man’s attempt to seduce her.

The man was displeased. He glided his cold fingertips across her smooth skin, grabbed her chin, and forced her to turn, sealing her complaints with a deep kiss.

"Mmm..." Rong Qing couldn't focus on the kiss; she desperately wanted to see the movie’s climax. Unfortunately, Huo Lingtian’s aggressive kiss swept through her soul, draining her breath. The seductive scent of the man made her limbs turn to jelly, and she could only sink deeper into the kiss. Finally, the foolish rabbit had no choice but to go limp against him, gasping for air, having long forgotten the movie.

*Splash.* Huo Lingtian untied his robe and stepped into the water. He was wearing nothing beneath, revealing his clear intentions. *Pop.* He opened the chilled red wine, and a rich aroma instantly filled the bathroom.

"Baby, want a drink?" He elegantly poured wine into two glasses and handed one to the woman draped over him.

Fine wine and a movie were surely life's greatest pleasures. Rong Qing nodded excitedly, taking a small sip with her pink tongue. The sweet, crisp flavor spread through every limb, and she squinted her eyes, enjoying the moment with the laziness of an aristocratic cat. Huo Lingtian held his glass, recording every bit of her allure in his heart. He didn't even need to drink; he felt intoxicated just watching her. The heat in his body threatened to consume him.

Under Huo Lingtian’s calculated encouragement, Rong Qing unknowingly finished a large glass of wine. The wine he served was of the highest quality and carried a potent kick. As she lay in the tub, she felt her head spinning, and the man before her began to blur.

"Stop moving, I’m dizzy," she said, losing her strength and falling into his arms, her eyes filled with a dazed, enchanting smile.

This was exactly what he had been waiting for. Huo Lingtian tossed the wine glass aside and lifted her from the water with a splash. He wrapped her in a bath towel and carried her toward the bed in the bedroom.

Wine served to heighten the mood, and the already intoxicated Rong Qing was burning with passion. Huo Lingtian felt he could drown in this ultimate pleasure. Like a wolf that could never get enough, he devoured her again and again, leaving nothing behind.

By the early hours of the morning, whatever willpower Rong Qing had left had been cast to the winds, and she was left utterly exhausted by the man’s relentless passion.

Huo Lingtian cleaned her up simply, then took a document from his safe. A cunning smile flashed in his eyes as he pressed his finger to the document to leave a print. With his mission accomplished, he tucked the item away like a treasure.