When Serena Feng woke up that morning, she found herself wrapped in a man's arms—so startled she nearly jumped out of her skin. But the familiar scent of bamboo told her instantly: it was Nolan Dongling. Serena gave a soft, amused smile and tried to gently slide his hand off her waist, but the moment she moved, Nolan woke up.
"Don't move. I'm sick—I need to rest." Maybe it was just that he’d woken up, but Nolan’s voice was unusually soft and lazy, nothing like his usual cool, measured tone. He sounded almost... spoiled, as if teasing her.
Serena played along, her tone indulgent: "Okay, I won’t move. You go back to sleep, all right?"
"Mm." Nolan was satisfied and buried his head in the curve of Serena’s neck. Soon his breathing grew slow and even—he’d fallen sound asleep again.
Serena blinked, a little stunned, then her eyes softened with a pang of pity: Just how long has it been since he slept well, to nod off again so quickly?
Moved by how exhausted Nolan was, Serena decided to let him sleep as long as he needed. She stayed perfectly still in his arms, and before long, she too drifted off. Outside in the courtyard, the maids and servants were so anxious they stamped their feet, but none dared make a sound or enter to disturb them.
Victor Yun and the two senior doctors had gotten up early, thinking they’d be able to leave today. But by noon, neither Serena nor Nolan Dongling had appeared. The doctors assumed they were busy, but Victor couldn’t help letting his imagination run wild.
Those two... could they really be doing that in broad daylight...?
Ahem, Victor Yun’s thoughts were downright wicked. But honestly, Nolan and Serena were as innocent as lambs—nothing happened. They’d just overslept, plain and simple.
By the time they woke, it was already noon. After getting dressed, Serena and Nolan finally let the servants in to help with washing up. It was the first time Serena had ever slept in her own manor, in Nolan’s arms, until the servants came in. She couldn’t help feeling embarrassed—the more she thought about it, the more she felt like some secret mistress. Nolan, on the other hand, was completely unconcerned; to him, there was nothing improper about it at all.
The Ninth Prince’s Princess Consort formal regalia and his mother-concubine’s Phoenix Empress Hairpin—Ninth Royal Uncle had given all of it to Serena. With that Phoenix Empress Hairpin, her status was even more legitimate than the title of Ninth Prince’s Princess Consort. But Ninth Royal Uncle had forgotten: he’d never actually told Serena any of this, so…
She dashed out as if a demon were chasing her, not even waiting for the maids and servants to greet her.
"What’s wrong with Miss Serena?" the servants wondered, baffled.
Miss Serena is always so mature and steady—even when both Prince Titus and William came for treatment, she never panicked like this.
The servants shook their heads, still puzzled, but when they saw Nolan leave Serena’s room with a smile, they finally understood: Miss Serena was just embarrassed.
Prince Titus had been scolded by Serena and then squeezed by Nolan. Now he was listless, barely responding when Serena entered, cooperating with her exam but only speaking when asked.
Serena thought she’d been too harsh yesterday, but didn’t want to comfort Titus too much and risk him underestimating his condition. So she simply told the servants to take good care of him and call her if anything changed.
If she tried to comfort him now, Serena worried Titus would think his situation wasn’t serious and fall back into old habits. So she said nothing, just reminded the staff to watch him closely and call her if needed.
When Serena returned to the dining hall, Nolan and Victor Yun were already seated, waiting for her. Nolan looked stern, while Victor gave her a playful wink.
Serena couldn’t help feeling Yun was teasing her. Her ears reddened and she quickly turned away, avoiding his eyes.
Nolan ate without glancing at anyone, while Serena kept sneaking looks at him, unable to tell if he was angry. She ate mechanically, tasting nothing.
Thankfully, after the meal, Nolan didn’t linger but went off to find Prince Titus. Serena breathed a sigh of relief and gulped her tea.
Better you than me, Titus—just hang in there.
"What’s wrong?" Victor asked knowingly. Serena shot him a glare and, to distract him, said, "Since you’re here at Feng Manor, I wanted to talk business."
"What business?" Victor retreated slightly, looking wary.
He was afraid Serena would ask about William. Even if he knew a lot, he couldn’t say a word.
Don’t worry, I’m not asking about William or the Walker clan. Since Nolan’s already stepped in, William will be fine, and the Walker family’s troubles aren’t mine to manage.
Good, as long as you know. The Walker clan is very closed to outsiders. As long as it’s not Walker-related, you can ask me anything, and if you need the Young Clan’s help, just say so.
Anyone who knows Victor Yun knows he usually speaks in riddles, but when he’s sincere, he’s direct and never beats around the bush.
You think I only call you when I need help? What do you take me for—a trouble magnet? Serena retorted, then realized she really did attract trouble.
Not at all. Trouble isn’t something you can avoid just by wanting to. Whether you seek it or not, trouble finds you. In this world, no one can stay untouched or rise above it.
Victor’s words—whether meant to comfort Serena or himself—rang true. Both of them were magnets for trouble, whether they wanted it or not...
Serena gave a wry smile, feeling the weight of reality settle on her shoulders. In a world like this, no one gets to stay clean.
The conversation drifted into silence, both lost in their own thoughts about the endless web of trouble surrounding them.
Outside, the sun was bright, but inside Feng Manor, the air felt heavy with secrets and uncertainty.
Serena glanced at Victor, grateful for his support despite everything. "Thanks," she said quietly.
Victor smiled, his expression gentle. "Just remember, if you ever need help, the Young Clan is behind you."
Serena nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. Even in a world full of trouble, allies mattered.
But as she looked out the window, Serena knew that the next storm was always just around the corner.
Trouble, she thought, isn’t something you can run from. You just have to face it head-on.
And in this world, no one—not even her—could stay untouched.
End of Chapter 851.