The Inconceivable Flame: A Fallen Angel's Disguise

"Oh, so you really are familiar with it?" Xiao Zhiren looked surprised but in reality, he wasn’t. Because it had become a norm for him that she knew everything. "Have you been here before?"

Ru was looking at the huge cruise ship before her as she could hear the sound of seagulls on the shore. There were tight security arrangements done for the banquet. The reason was simple. The top Family clans were assembling for their yearly meeting.

And Xiao Zhiren belonged to the Ji Family which was ranked second, how could he not come? However, it was his first time being here. And he only accepted the invitation because his grandmother insisted way too much.

"Why would this young master come here before? I have nothing to do with High Summit or the clans involved in it." ’Since my family had never been interested in playing the game of politics and power.’ Ru was feeling bitter in her heart as she said, "But I can tell you everything you want to know about the High Summit."

"For instance?" Xiao Zhiren asked curiously as he led her inside the cruise ship after showing his invitation card.

"For instance, there are a total of six clans involved in this High Summit which was originally started when the monarchy was ended. Xiao Clan is the first ranked one. Zhu and Ji follow behind at the second rank since one can’t possibly tell which one is stronger. The rest of the members are; Fan, Wu, Hou, and Gou." Ru spoke in a practiced manner without taking a pause. It was like she was reciting a speech. "Coming together, these clans can rule the whole nation but they keep their power hidden. The purpose of this meeting had always been to create an opportunity for all of them to come together."

Xiao Zhirenwas frowning a bit as he listened to her detailed analysis of this banquet.

"The gathering kicks off with a banquet and then they spend two days on the sea. Using each other’s resources, potential business opportunities, and other things are discussed. Especially, the protection of their family secrets that had managed to keep them standing even after centuries."

"I heard Xia Clan is also involved in the High Summit." Xiao Zhiren stated plainly.

Ru snorted as if that was the real joke. "Blimey! Don’t joke like that, Zhiren! Xia Clan is a martial arts practitioner Family. The High Summit is comprised of Aristocratic blood. Those noble, high and mighty young masters from ancient times. Xia Clan had never taken part in High Summit because they prefer their own solitude and privacy. These events are considered wasteful in that clan."

"How do you know so much about Xia Clan?" His question reminded her how much nonsense she had just spouted without even realizing it. Well, wasn’t it obvious that she’d know Xia Clan better? Especially, considering the fact that she was a part of that clan.

But how was she supposed to say it out loud?

With an awkward laugh, Ru wanted to say something but her gown tangled with her heels and she lost her balance. Xiao Zhiren held her by the arms to support her saying, "Can you please focus on walking? I know you love multitasking but with this dress, I think you can barely either walk or talk. So, choose your priorities wisely."

Ru couldn’t rebut since he was right. It was an effort on her part to walk around with this kind of a dress. It was heavier than anything she had ever worn if one doesn’t consider the weight balls she used to tie around her ankles and wrists to increase her speed. But for her, carrying those balls of 5 kg each was way easier than this dress.

However, this small incident managed to divert Xiao Zhiren’s attention from the earlier question and Ru was thankful for that. She really didn’t think that disclosing her identity of being the eldest young master of Xia Clan was a wise decision. If anything, it’d bring him unnecessary trouble and she didn’t want to burden him at all.

"Did you get hurt?" While Ru was lost in thoughts, she didn’t even realize when Xiao Zhiren had gone on his knee and held her foot to check for injuries.

"You! Let go. We’re in the hallway. There are people watching." Ru tried to squirm her foot out of his grip but he didn’t budge.

"You first tell me if it’s hurt or not?" Xiao Zhiren asked stubbornly and seeing his concerned and anxious look made Ru feel helpless.

"I’m not hurt. Not hurt at all. Now, let go." Ru assured him and heaved a sigh of relief when he finally got up.

"You’re not lying, right?" Xiao Zhiren still wasn’t convinced. He knew how much of an expert she was at hiding her pain. How could he be at ease around her?

Ru held his hand and pressed it with a bit force saying, "I’m not lying. Would you let it go already?"

Xiao Zhiren nodded and this time, held her hand to support her in walking.

"By the way, are we staying for two days?" Ru suddenly asked as a change of topic.

"Yes."

"You didn’t tell me that. And we didn’t bring any luggage as well." Ru looked at him accusingly.

"How can I tire my little chili with such laborious task? So, I already arranged everything." Xiao Zhiren replied sweetly but Ru didn’t look satisfied with his answer.

"Come clean with the truth. Don’t try me." Ru warned threateningly.

Xiao Zhiren had to sigh in defeat as he said, "Fine. I don’t trust your taste in clothes. So, I asked Melody to pack some clothes for you."

"So much for trust, huh! Hmph!" Ru humphed.

During their banter, they had already reached the double door that led to the banquet hall. As it opened, a huge, lavish and extraordinary hall came in view which looked like a part of a Seven-star hotel. But then again, this cruise ship was one of the best. So, facilities were supposed to be the best as well.

However, both Ru and Xiao Zhiren weren’t very interested in noticing their surroundings. Their own bickering was way too enticing and it was enough to make them live in their own cocoon.

Ji Syaoran was holding a glass of champagne in his hand while he looked bored listening to the conversation of the older generation around him. Someone remind him why did he promise his grandmother that he’d accompany her all the time? Oh, right! His grandfather bailed on them at the last minute and he was gonna come on the last day only. Until then, he was the escort for his grandmother.

Ji Syaoran was aimlessly looking around when a scene made his jaw drop and his eyes to open wide. He looked horrified, not stunned. He thought something was wrong with his eyes and he rubbed his eyes but the scene before him didn’t change at all.

Tugging at his grandmother’s sleeve he tried to get her attention but she shooed him saying, "Ran Zi, don’t disturb."

Ji Syaoran, however, didn’t care about her anger at all. He still poked her arm and said, "Gammy! Bro brought a girl."

"What?" The old woman was stunned and then Ji Syaoran tilted her face towards the couple that walked inside the hall laughing with each other without any care for the world around them. "OH MY GOD!" Old Madam Ji was petrified to her spot at this scene.

After their initial moment of shock, both grandmother and grandson shared a look as they spoke simultaneously, "He really brought a girl!"

Their excitement could be seen in their eyes clearly. It was like someone had served them the whole world on a silver platter. And why wouldn’t it be like that? Old Madam Ji’s biggest wish was to see her eldest grandson getting married and today, was the first time she saw him laughing with a woman.

As for Ji Syaoran, his only wish was to see his brother happy. If he could he would even serve his own happiness to Xiao Zhiren. But now that he saw the carefree laughter of his brother, he felt liberated. It was truly a satisfying sight.