Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 32: Reassurance in the Night

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over the Li estate. All was quiet, the servants long since retired for the evening. Li Tian moved silently through the dark corridors, heading towards Xu Fang's chamber. This had become a nightly routine—a secret rendezvous where the two could indulge in their growing affection.

Tonight, as he pushed open the door, Xu Fang was already waiting. Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and she wore a soft, silken robe, a hint of tension in her posture. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was something in her eyes that Li Tian hadn't noticed before—concern.

He approached her with his usual confidence, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. But tonight, there was no immediate reciprocation. Xu Fang placed her hands gently on his chest, stopping him.

"Tian," she began softly, her eyes searching his, "I've been thinking... about Zheng Wei."

Li Tian raised an eyebrow, amused. "What about her?"

Xu Fang's lips pressed together, her hands tightening slightly against him. "Do you like her? She's your fiancée now, after all. A young, beautiful girl from a powerful family... surely you must find her attractive?"

Li Tian chuckled, leaning in, his breath warm against her neck. "Are you jealous, Xu Fang?"

Xu Fang pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing, but the jealousy was clear in her gaze. "You didn't answer my question. Do you like her?"

Li Tian could see the concern bubbling beneath her composed exterior. For all her confidence, Xu Fang had never been in this situation—sharing a man she had grown attached to. He leaned back slightly, taking her chin in his hand as he looked into her eyes.

"You know, jealousy doesn't suit you, Xu Fang," he teased lightly. "But... to answer your question, yes, she's beautiful, and yes, I'll marry her one day. But," he continued, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, "that doesn't mean I love you any less."

Xu Fang's gaze softened but remained uncertain. "How can I believe that, Tian? You'll have her and many others, won't you? How can I be sure I won't just become one of many to you, forgotten?"

Li Tian sighed and pulled her into a closer embrace, resting his forehead against hers. "Listen to me, Xu Fang. There will be many women in my life, that's true. Women like you, beautiful, captivating, and deserving of attention. But I'm not a fool who takes without giving. I will love all of you equally. I won't neglect you. You'll always have a special place by my side."

He tilted her chin up so she would meet his eyes again. "You were with me before all of this, before the tournament, before Zheng Wei. That's something I'll never forget."

Xu Fang's lips trembled slightly, the tension slowly melting away from her body as she leaned into his chest. "But what if I want more than just a place? What if I want all of you?"

Li Tian replied with a smirk, "Greedy"

Xu Fang looked up, her eyes narrowing playfully, though the hint of seriousness lingered. "Am I being greedy? Or just honest about what I desire?"

Li Tian chuckled softly, his hand still cradling her face. "Wanting all of me is a tall order, you know. I'm not exactly a simple man to have."

Her expression softened as she considered his words. "Maybe that's why I'm drawn to you. You're complicated, and it makes me want to understand you even more."

He smiled, appreciating her honesty. "But you have to know, Xu Fang, that my life will be filled with many distractions, with ambitions that will pull me in different directions. I won't be able to dedicate myself fully to anyone, not even you. But I can promise to always make time for you."

Xu Fang's brow furrowed slightly as she absorbed his words. "Time is nice, but it's not the same as being yours completely. How do I fit into a life like that?"

Li Tian's thumb stroked her cheek as he searched for the right words. "You fit in by being yourself. I don't want you to change. I want the Xu Fang who has strength, who isn't afraid to voice her desires, even if they're complicated."

"Strength?" she echoed, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "That's a flattering way to put it."

"Flattery aside, it's the truth," he replied, his gaze unwavering. "You've been strong enough to face this situation with me, and that counts for something. But you also need to accept that this won't be an easy road."

"Accepting is one thing," she said, her voice taking on a playful edge. "But I can't help but want to challenge the norms. I want you to know that I won't be a passive participant in your life."

Li Tian laughed, delighted by her spirit. "I wouldn't want it any other way. If you're going to share me with others, you might as well fight for your place. But remember, you'll have to share me with a few other strong-willed women."

"Then let the games begin," Xu Fang said, her eyes sparkling with determination. "If you want me to compete for your affection, I will. Just don't underestimate me."

He leaned down, capturing her lips in another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As their kiss lingered, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in their shared moment. The uncertainties and complexities of their relationship hung in the air, but for now, they were together, and that was enough.