Chapter 246
Book 22 Chapter 05 - Staying Against His Will
He had barely taken two steps when further up the corridor, a cabin door opened with a ‘Yeeank’ sound. In a graceful, dance-like disposition, Zhu Xiuzhen sashayed out and blocked his path. Her eyes glared at him with annoyance but yet she pleaded, "Is Manager Shen available?"
Xiang Shaolong is not that dumb to take her appearance at face value. The reason is that all these courtesans are well-trained actresses.
Although Dong Shuzen and Zhu Xiuzhen did schemed against him in the past, he did not bear the slightest hatred against them now that he is more informed about the present circ.u.mstances. On the contrary, his sympathies lie with them.
At the end of the day, they are simply fighting for survival in this male dominated society. Though their methods are overbearing, they are left with no other choice.
Most unfortunately, he himself is the number one wanted man by the Eastern States. His own survival is at stake and he could not a.s.sist them even if he wanted to.
His main priority right now is to slip away and not get further involved in this problematic turmoil.
Before he can offer an answer, Zhu Xiuzhen is already pulling his sleeve, dragging him into her bedroom.
Out of a sudden, Xiang Shaolong realized that he is the critical factor in this Song & Dance Troupe internal struggle, the showdown between Team Feng Fei and Team Dong Shuzen.
Regardless of whether it is Feng Fei’s retirement or Dong Shuzen usurping Feng Fei’s position, both ladies will have to collaborate with him and his ‘men’.
In addition, he is their bridge to the outside world.
His present role resembles a manager of an international Superstar in the 21st century or, more accurately, the manager of a girl band.
Without his cooperation, Feng Fei and Dong Shuzen are like toothless, clawless tigresses, unable to achieve anything on their own. This explains why in the past, Zhang Quan and Sa Li are able to sleep with Dong Shuzen and Zhu Xiuzhen.
Unexpectedly, Feng Fei has made used of Zhang Quan and Sa Li’s infighting to destroy Dong Shuzen and Zhu Xiuzhen’s backers, preventing them from gaining the upper hand. She then bestowed this key appointment onto him, Xiang Shaolong.
He finally understood why did Feng Fei allow Zhang Quan to continue serving in the Troup. In fact, it is a very strategic and advantageous decision.
Due to the intimate relations.h.i.+p between Zhang Quan and Dong Shuzen, it is very challenging for Dong Shuzen to openly seduce Xiang Shaolong. The only way out is for the two of them to work together to chase Xiang Shaolong away but that will only force Xiang Shaolong to look for Feng Fei herself for support.
If Dong Shuzen disregards Zhang Quan, the latter may submit to Feng Fei, betraying all her plans and secrets to Feng Fei.
Sa Li is Zhu Xiuzhen’s backer and with him gone, she is now alone and defenceless. She has now chosen to side with Dong Shuzen and has become her p.a.w.n. However, once she finds another backer, it is possible that she will fight with Dong Shuzen once again over the succession plans of the Song & Dance Troupe.
On the side, Feng Fei, Dong Shuzen and Zhu Xiuzhen may be oblivious to the knowledge that Zhang Quan has been bribed by an external party and is harbouring evil intentions.
Presently, Feng Fei has failed to bribe him with Little Ping’er, Dong Shuzen has failed in her beauty trap and Zhang Quan cannot win him over with money, forming a stalemate.
And to think that running away was all that he ever wanted.
As all these complicated thoughts are running through his brain at the speed of light, Zhu Xiuzhen had closed the door, embraced him tightly and buried her delicate face in his bosom. She emotionally questioned, "How can you be so cold towards Xiuzhen (me)?"
Xiang Shaolong can clearly feel her curvaceous body sending him waves of temptations. In his mind, he felt like treating her with tenderness. Despite knowing that she is faking everything, he feels sorry for her.
He did not hug her in return, nor did he push her away. Standing there without any reaction, he plainly advised, "Miss Xiuzhen, there is no need to do this. Just tell me what you need and I will do it for you."
Zhu Xiuzhen raised her striking face and burst out in tears. She heart-wrenchingly cried: "I am so frightened!"
Xiang Shaolong did not expect her to use this tactic. His heart softened: "Miss Xiuzhen!"
Zhu Xiuzhen buried her face on his wider-than-average chest and cried even harder, wetting the front of his s.h.i.+rt.
Xiang Shaolong frantically comforted her, supporting her to her bed and seating her on the bed’s edge. He allowed her to continue hugging his neck and being in his bosom while helping to dry her tears. Eventually, she stopped crying and wailing but she still shudders occasionally (due to the heavy crying).
He is confident that it is a fake show with true feelings.
The feelings are obviously not feelings of love, but feelings of fear about her unknown future.
Zhu Xiuzhen woefully commented, "You should know about Mistress (Feng Fei) intention to disband the Song & Dance Troupe and her plans to use us (courtesans) as gifts to secure her friends.h.i.+p with the rich and famous, allowing herself to leave unscathed."
Xiang Shaolong was thunderstruck, "Are you sure?"
Zhu Xiuzhen a.s.sured, "It is definitely the truth. In the past, there were some sisters in the Troupe who left and got married into a rich family. Their lives took a turn for the worse. There were some who are beaten to death by the first wife and some who became prost.i.tutes of the official brothels after their Lords lost power. Those who are neglected considered themselves lucky to have not suffered a worse fate. Xiuzhen (I) will rather choose to be dead than to live such a meaningless life."
Xiang Shaolong frowned, "Were all of you (courtesans) bought (as a slave or servant) by Mistress (Feng Fei)?"
Zhu Xiuzhen sorrowfully nodded, "She may appear to be treating us with kindness but it is because we are of some usefulness to her, such as supporting her in winning the t.i.tle of the World’s Best Courtesan. In actual fact, she only makes plans for herself and we are just her tools."
Xiang Shaolong can tell that she is getting desperate, causing her to confide her insecurities in him. He laments the detestable status of womenfolk in these ancient times and that he is unable to contribute to her situation. He wondered, "You are telling me all your secrets. Aren’t you concerned that I may betray you to Mistress (Feng Fei)?"
Zhu Xiuzhen bitterly smiled, "I have seen all kinds of men and you are the kind who is full of justice. I have judged you erroneously in the beginning but I will not repeat this mistake. Now, I can only cast aside my pride and beg for your a.s.sistance."
She added, "We are sheltered women who knew nothing except our (Song & Dance) routines. When we leave the Troupe, we will be at a disadvantage and would likely be bullied wherever we go."
Xiang Shaolong proclaimed, "But you have to get married eventually!"
Zhu Xiuzhen raised her head, facing Xiang Shaolong with a tear-stained face. She gently mentioned, "It would be good if we need not get married. All of us (courtesans) have saved our money well and can live the rest of our lives without worrying about food or clothing. Nonetheless, we do require someone to make proper arrangements for us. Now that Sa Li has been dismissed by Mistress (Feng Fei), I