Chapter 13

As they were finally finishing up their meal, Yao Ling's facial expression slowly started to change as if she was keeping something from the rest of the group.

"What's wrong? If you wanted something different you should have spoken up." Peng Zedong told her as she placed her hand on her sister's shoulder.

"Actually Peng Zedong, can we talk for a moment, you know just the two of us?" Yao Ling asked her while turning her head towards the security guards who were sitting right beside the two girls.

"Alright everyone, you heard her. Please increase the distance between you and us but do not make things too obvious." Peng Zedong quickly gave her order as they stood up and nodded in agreement before shuffling over in different directions, but still close enough to protect them if needed.

"Peng Zedong, I have a confession to make, which is also why I wanted to spend the day with you today. I have kept something from you and as your trusted sister, I feel terrible about this." Yao Ling told her before continuing.

"Not long ago, my grandfather told me all about who Zheng Qigang was and the background he came from. I didn't think much of it, until the letter your father sent to us came in and I was updated once again."

"This entire idea of you having an arranged marriage with him, was actually my family's idea and your father quickly accepted it even before everything could be explained to him."

"You see, the reason no one really knew the Zheng family and what they actually represented, is because they are the rulers of the sixth and last continent in this world, also known as the Dark Continent."

"Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that a single family would be able to rule an entire continent with no resistance, however, the Zheng family had accomplished this over recent years and this made every other continent's government scared."

"Therefore, not just the Iron Continent, but everyone else quickly headed towards the Dark Continent in order to set up their own agreements with them. Unfortunately, the Zheng family declined everyone but was still willing to speak to all of the visitors who showed up individually."

"Now with all of this being said, I am unsure what role Zheng Qigang plays in all of this, or if he even is affiliated with the Zheng family's main bloodline. All I know is that our Yao family was asked to assist him and so since his destination was Flower Continent, we of course also asked your Peng family for their cooperation as well."

"If I was able to make my way here before this news reached you, please understand that I would have. My grandfather understands how much I care about you which is why when I heard all of this for myself, I was put under house arrest all of this time." Yao Ling explained to Peng Zedong.

Hearing all of this, Peng Zedong's expression changed from being confused and sympathetic to Yao Ling, and turned into rage and disappointment. However, only she knew who to direct her anger about this towards.

"So earlier, when you asked me about this new fiance of mine, it was to poke your nose into my business to figure out how much I knew so that you wouldn't feel as guilty?" Peng Zedong responded, before continuing.

"Do not worry Yao Ling, I am not angry at you, but my father definitely has some explaining to do. I just hope that you can understand my point of view, being the one forced to marry this man who I haven't even been able to meet yet!"

"My father told me that this Zheng Qigang is an extremely busy businessman and even my assistant told me that it would take a while to even have a conversation with him. To think that everyone down to my personal assistant was lying to me." Peng Zedong couldn't help but to tell Yao Ling with a sorrowful tone.

"It is possible that your father did tell your assistant the truth, but you were practically raised by her, right? There is no way she would keep such a secret from you!" Yao Ling cut in trying to ease Peng Zedong's pain.

"You don't need to convince me of anything. All the gifts my father has given to me were always materialistic and not once has he told me some of the answers I wanted most from him. This shouldn't have surprised me, but thank you Yao Ling for letting me know all of this." Peng Zedong told her.

"Actually Peng Zedong, if you could keep this information to yourself for now, it would also help me out as well. My grandfather probably knows more than anyone that I would tell you no matter what. But back home, my father told me that this must all be kept secret, even from you." Yao Ling said as a shadow appeared behind them without their notice.