CHAPTER 23: CHAPTER 23: SKILLS SHOWCASE (HUO FENG IS IMPRESSED)

Once the skills were activated, Yue Ning felt refreshed, and her brain was filled with new information.

"Huh? Why does it seem like I have business intelligence?" Yue Ning asked.

The system cleared its throat. ’I wanted to make it up to you.’

Yue Ning played with her hair, satisfied with this skill.

"But what am I supposed to use it to do?" She asked.

’You can help Huo Feng. This will help improve the relationship between both of you,’ the system answered.

Yue Ning crossed her legs, placed her hand on her chin as she pondered on the skill she had just been given.

It wasn’t bad, and the system knew how to make her happy.

"It’s a great skill, but I can’t put it to use yet. As you can see, Huo Feng and I do not have a solid relationship yet." Yue Ning pointed out, and her opinions were quite valid.

’Host, it is up to you to build a good relationship with your husband. I as the system cannot interfere in it. For this matter, I’m sorry to say, but you’re on your own,’ it remarked.

Yue Ning let out a deep breath. She couldn’t argue with the system, because it was right. Building a good relationship with Huo Feng was something only she had to do.

"Let’s think about that later. I want to earn points, so let’s begin reading," Yue Ning chuckled, and went to her room.

Once in her room, Yue Ning picked up a book but found herself staring at the first page without reading. Her thoughts drifted back to Huo Feng.

"Business intelligence, huh--" she murmured, tapping her chin. "If I really used this skill, I could probably understand what goes on in his head a little better, and our relationship might improve."

The thought made her heart skip. She quickly shook her head and flipped the page.

"No, no, I shouldn’t care about what goes on in his head. He’s too cold, too guarded, he is just as the book described," Yue Ning frowned, though a tiny smile tugged at her lips. "But still, if I can use this skill to get closer to him, maybe it won’t be so bad."

The system kept quiet, but Yue Ning could feel its presence, amused.

She closed her book, sighing. "Fine. I’ll admit it. I want him to look at me differently. Not just as some stranger who suddenly became his wife."

’Well, technically, you’re a stranger. Remember that this isn’t your world, and you shouldn’t get too attached,’ the system reminded.

Yue Ning let out a sigh after the system reminded her of this information.

"But that doesn’t mean I won’t complete my task. I won’t let Huo Feng die."

Her fingers tightened around the cover. "If business intelligence can help me, then maybe, just maybe, I’ll figure out the right way to reach him."

With that, she finally started reading, a fierce determination lighting up her eyes.

Yue Ning had barely read two pages when she heard footsteps in the hallway. She peeked out and saw Huo Feng heading toward the study, his tall frame outlined by the dim light.

She went back to sit, looking at the clock which hung on her wall.

"4pm, he’s back early." She muttered to herself.

Her fingers drummed on the book cover. "He’s probably working again. But if I want to improve things between us, I should at least try, right?" She mused to herself.

Before she could change her mind, Yue Ning slipped into the kitchen, prepared a cup of coffee, and carried it to the study. She knocked softly before pushing the door open.

Huo Feng sat behind the desk, coat draped carelessly over the chair, his brows furrowed at the proposal in front of him. He didn’t look up as she walked in.

"I thought you might need this," Yue Ning said, setting the cup beside him.

"Hmm," came the absent reply, his attention still fixed on the papers.

She lingered for a moment, watching him. The tension in his jaw, the slight crease between his brows. He looked less untouchable and more human. Almost vulnerable. It was rare to see him that way.

Yue Ning admired him for a while. As they said, a man looked best when he was serious, and she had to admit that Huo Feng’s appearance was pleasing to the eyes.

Her gaze drifted to the document, and instinctively, her mind began piecing the numbers together.

Without thinking, she leaned closer to him "you’re hesitating because the figures here don’t add up, aren’t you?"

Huo Feng’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing. "What did you just say?" He demanded.

Yue Ning’s lips parted in surprise at her own boldness, but the words kept flowing, and she had no control over it.

She pointed to a section on the page. "This supplier’s estimate is inflated. If you check against last quarter’s market rates, it’s at least fifteen percent higher. The secondary partner would give you better stability, even if the initial investment seems higher."

The room fell into silence. Huo Feng looked at the papers on the table, and he confirmed what she had said.

His gaze locked onto her, not with coldness but with a spark of something she hadn’t seen before—interest. His sharp eyes softened, studying her as though he was meeting her for the first time.

Yue Ning shifted under his stare, suddenly self-conscious. She forced a little smile. "Of course, I might be wrong. I was just passing by." She murmured, unsure if she had said the right thing.

She turned to leave, but his voice was low and firm. "Wait."

Her steps faltered.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him. His tone carried none of the icy distance he usually wore; instead, there was a curious warmth in it, almost reluctant admiration.

Yue Ning hesitated, then lowered herself into the seat.

Huo Feng leaned back, eyes lingering on her face before dropping to the document again. "Tell me more." He was interested in hearing her speak.

And for the first time, Yue Ning felt his gaze wasn’t just on what she said—it was on her.