After returning to the company, Xiao Tianhao immediately threw himself into the demanding work.
He discussed the company's near-term development plans in detail with Huang Shujian, Su Ran, and the others, refined their strategy for expanding into overseas markets, and approved a series of important documents.
After several busy days, all the company's affairs were finally in good order.
With the company's business taken care of, Xiao Tianhao eagerly prepared to return to the world of Tales of Demons and Gods.
Back at the villa, he connected his consciousness to the Profound Space Pearl. Light flashed, and his figure vanished in an instant.
When Xiao Tianhao opened his eyes again, the familiar sight of Glory City greeted him. He had returned to his residence in Glory City.
Looking out the window, he saw bustling streets filled with people coming and going. All manner of strange magical lights flickered, while vendors' cries and people's cheerful chatter reached his ears.
He drew a deep breath, finding the distinctive scent in the air wonderfully familiar.
The first thing Xiao Tianhao did was hurry to the Winged Dragon Family.
His steps were eager, his heart filled with longing for Xiao Ning'er.
After several months apart, his yearning for Xiao Ning'er had only grown stronger.
Before long, he arrived at the gates of the Winged Dragon Family's estate.
The guards recognized him, bowed respectfully, and let him inside.
The moment he entered the courtyard, Xiao Tianhao saw the figure he had dreamed of day and night.
Xiao Ning'er stood in the garden. A gentle breeze brushed past her, stirring her hair and the hem of her pale blue dress, making her look like a blue lotus in full bloom.
Surprise and excitement flashed in Xiao Tianhao's eyes. He strode forward and pulled Xiao Ning'er tightly into his arms.
"Ning'er, I missed you so much." Xiao Tianhao's voice trembled slightly, brimming with longing.
Xiao Ning'er froze for a moment. She had not expected Xiao Tianhao to appear so suddenly.
Then a blush spread across her face. She hugged him back and said softly, "I missed you too. I just didn't expect you to come back so soon."
Before leaving, Xiao Tianhao had told her that he might spend over a month away training.
Because time flowed differently in the two worlds, only a little over ten days had passed for her. Even so, seeing Xiao Tianhao again sent a surge of joy through her heart.
Xiao Tianhao released Xiao Ning'er and cupped her face in both hands. Looking at her, he teased, "It's only been a little over ten days, and you don't miss me anymore? I've been thinking about you every day-when I eat, and even when I sleep."
At his words, Xiao Ning'er's face grew even redder. She glanced at him, quickly lowered her head, and said shyly, "I do."
Seeing Xiao Ning'er's shy expression, Xiao Tianhao felt love surge through his heart.
He slowly leaned closer and whispered into her ear, "Ning'er, I really can't hold back anymore."
As soon as he finished speaking, he cupped Xiao Ning'er's face and gently lifted her chin.
Their eyes met, hers filled with shyness and anticipation.
Xiao Tianhao gazed at her tenderly, then slowly closed his eyes and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss held all the longing and love of the past several months, gentle yet passionate.
Xiao Ning'er froze at first, then slowly closed her eyes too and returned his loving kiss.
A gentle breeze brushed past, and the fragrance of flowers filled the garden as the two lost themselves in that beautiful moment.
Until Xiao Tianhao's hand began to wander, stealthily climbing toward her peaks.
Xiao Ning'er suddenly came to her senses and shoved Xiao Tianhao away.
"You..."
Xiao Tianhao scratched his head with an awkward smile and apologized sheepishly.
"I couldn't help myself... couldn't help myself."
Seeing him like that, Xiao Ning'er could not help bursting into laughter, her smile like a hundred flowers blooming at once.
She had already chosen Xiao Tianhao in her heart; she simply was not ready yet.
Taking Xiao Tianhao's hand, she said, "All right, I know you didn't mean any harm. By the way, my father has been wanting to meet you. Since we have the chance today, I'll take you to see him."
Xiao Tianhao nodded, straightened his clothes, and followed Xiao Ning'er to Xiao Yunfeng's study.
Xiao Yunfeng sat at his desk, looking through documents concerning the family's affairs.
When he saw Xiao Ning'er and Xiao Tianhao enter, he set down the documents and stood with a warm smile.
"Father, this is Xiao Tianhao. He's the one who asked the Alchemist Association to help resolve our family's financial difficulties," Xiao Ning'er introduced him, still holding his hand.
Xiao Yunfeng looked Xiao Tianhao up and down, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes. "So you're Young Master Xiao. I've long heard of you," he said with a smile. "Without your help, our Winged Dragon Family would probably still be struggling in dire straits. We owe you a great debt."
Xiao Tianhao hurriedly bowed. "You flatter me, Uncle. Ning'er and I share a mutual affection, and helping the Winged Dragon Family was well within my power."
Xiao Yunfeng smiled and waved a hand. "Since you're calling me Uncle, I'll call you Tianhao from now on.
"Tianhao, you're truly remarkable. To possess such ability at such a young age-you'll surely become another Legendary Demon Spirit Master after Lord Ye Mo." As he spoke, he looked at Xiao Ning'er with smiling eyes. "My Ning'er certainly has a good eye."
Xiao Ning'er's cheeks flushed at her father's words, and she protested bashfully, "Father, what are you saying?"
Xiao Tianhao smiled. "Uncle, Ning'er is clever, kind, and gracious. I'm fortunate to have met her and grown close to her."
Xiao Yunfeng laughed heartily. "You two can stop singing each other's praises in front of me. Tianhao, what are your plans next?"
Xiao Tianhao considered for a moment before saying, "Uncle, I plan to stay in Glory City for a while, both to spend time with Ning'er and to see whether I can do anything else for the Winged Dragon Family. After all, I doubt the Sacred Family will let this matter rest."
Although he was only at two-star Gold rank, if he unleashed his full strength, he would not fear even someone at the peak of Black Gold rank.
Xiao Yunfeng nodded. "The Sacred Family has been eyeing us like a tiger stalking its prey. We certainly can't let our guard down. Still, with you here, Tianhao, I feel a little more confident."
Beside them, Xiao Ning'er said, "Father, Tianhao is very strong. With him here, the Sacred Family certainly won't dare make a move lightly."
Xiao Yunfeng smiled at Xiao Ning'er. "I know you have great faith in Tianhao, Ning'er. Still, we mustn't be careless. Tianhao, I'll be counting on you to keep Ning'er safe from now on."
Xiao Tianhao said firmly, "Rest assured, Uncle. I'll protect Ning'er and safeguard the Winged Dragon Family."
The three chatted a while longer before Xiao Tianhao and Xiao Ning'er rose to take their leave. After leaving the study, Xiao Ning'er took Xiao Tianhao's hand, and they strolled through the Winged Dragon Family's back garden.
"Tianhao, were you nervous about meeting my father today?" Xiao Ning'er asked, tilting her head as she looked at him.
Xiao Tianhao smiled. "A little at first, but Uncle was very kind. After we'd talked for a while, I wasn't nervous anymore."
Xiao Ning'er leaned gently against his shoulder. "My father really approves of you. Now we can be together openly."
Xiao Tianhao wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Yes. I'll work hard to make you happy. By the way, Ning'er, did you miss me so much these past ten-odd days that you couldn't eat?" He began teasing her again.
Xiao Ning'er lifted her head and rolled her eyes at him. "You're such a smooth talker. Of course not. Still, while you were away, I really did feel as though something was missing."
Xiao Tianhao held Xiao Ning'er tightly and said tenderly, "Ning'er!" They strolled through the garden, enjoying that warm, sweet moment, as though they were the only two people left in the world.
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