Chapter 251
Book 22 Chapter 10 - Surrounded By Women
Tingsong Villa employs a courtyard design: The front area is used for miscellaneous activities and the rear area is used for living quarters. All courtyards are symmetrical in design. Walking in from the main door, one will pa.s.s by a small square, followed by a sitting room, the main hall and a rear living room. The rooms on the left and right are used for various purposes, such as a study room, a playroom, etc.
Beyond that is a huge garden and a ‘Sanjing’ styled residence. The residence is a cl.u.s.ter of eight courtyards, clearly allocated to different people based on their status and importance. Another well-decorated garden filled with various plants and trees surrounds the residence.
Feng Fei’s block in right in the centre of the eight courtyards, with a backdrop of fake mountains, fountains, ponds, bushes, trees and even potted plants. It is a view to die for.
It happened to stop snowing as Xiang Shaolong is leaving the main block. Behind the clouds, the moon is showing half its face. As the golden yellow rays s.h.i.+ne down on the silvery white garden, it creates a soothing effect, allowing Xiang Shaolong to relax his tense sensations.
It will be heaven on earth if he is able to spend the night with Feng Fei in the upper floor of the main block.
Pondering on this thought, Xiang Shaolong had a shock as he stopped at the edge of the garden. If they proceeded with several more encounters in a similar fas.h.i.+on, he will eventually succ.u.mb to temptation and have a 5exual relations.h.i.+p with Feng Fei.
Letting his eyes take in the exotic and therapeutic garden sightings, he becomes even more aware of the cloak and dagger politics and evil darkness at work.
As he was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with emotions, a glib and sweet voice sounded out behind him: "Why is Manager Shen standing there for such a long time?"
Xiang Shaolong turned around. Like an angel appearing in the night, this beauty gracefully sashayed to him. Just one step away before the two bodies collide, she halted her advance and raised her delicate and exquisite face, looking at him meaningfully, awaiting his reply.
He obviously could not tell her what he is truly thinking. He spluttered: "I am immersing myself in the wonderful landscaping of the garden. Whoever designed this garden must be a top horticulturist, being able to blend man-made structures and Mother Nature into one body, creating infinite possibilities in such a limited s.p.a.ce."
In the same instant, he detected a quick flas.h.i.+ng of candle light from Feng Fei’s room on the upper floor. He deduced that there is someone who moved to the window before hiding at a side, blocking the candlelight and causing the alleged flas.h.i.+ng of the candlelight. Needless to say, she is eavesdropping on their conversation.
Hearing his description, Zhu Xiuzhen became intoxicated in his words. She praised: "That is an excellent description by Manager Shen. I know nature can represent certain moods and feelings. For example, a banana tree reminds me of the falling raining, a fruit tree reminds me of the autumn harvest; a wall reminds me of a row of bamboo. But never did I think of nature as thoroughly and as penetrating as Manager Shen."
Xiang Shaolong smiled: "Why hasn’t Miss Xiuzhen retired for the night?"
Pulling the corner of his s.h.i.+rt, Zhu Xiuzhen walked him to the side of a pond far away from the main block before whispering: "Sa Li came to see me today."
Xiang Shaolong frowned: "Why wasn’t I aware of it?"
Zhu Xiuzhen explained: "Gu Ming let him in secretly through the back door. Xiuzhen (I) and him were lovers before. I cannot harden my heart to not see him."
In his mind, Xiang Shaolong can recall the venomous look in Sa Li’s eyes as he was being dismissed. He questioned in a deep voice: "What did he say?"
Zhu Xiuzhen sighed: "I should not be telling you this but he sounded so serious there is no way I can hide it from you. He swore he would hack you and Zhang Quan to pieces. Judging from his tone, I am sure he has someone backing him up."
As Xiang Shaolong thought of Gu Ming, Fu Yan and the rest of the gang who used to follow Sa Li’s leaders.h.i.+p, he can feel his own fighting spirit soaring. If he does not make the first move to rid the troupe of these internal spies, in the future, a careless move could see him at a disadvantage and sustaining heavy losses.
He icily quizzed: "Did you try to find out who are his backers?"
Zhu Xiuzhen was stunned: "He is not willing to reveal his employer. Ai. Can you please give him a way out? He is a man who has lost everything."
Xiang Shaolong frankly state: "If you are dumb enough, he will still get to own you and your riches. The fact that he is working with a powerful mastermind clearly shows that he is just making use of you."
Guilt-ridden, Zhu Xiuzhen lowered her head.
Patting her shoulder, Xiang Shaolong comforted: "Please go back to bed; I will take care of this matter. In the future, do not ever meet him alone and do come to me if you have any problems."
Tugging the corner of his sleeve, Zhu Xiuzhen offered: "Will you allow me to accompany you tonight? You are now the hero of the Troupe."
Stretching out his hand, Xiang Shaolong pinched her cheek, laughing: "I am dead tired and had several frightening encounters today. All I want to do is to lie down and have a good rest. I will have to defer Miss’s generous offer!"
Catching up to his departing figure, Zhu Xiuzhen charmingly suggested: "I am an expert ma.s.seuse. Shall I serve you a round of ma.s.sage? I guarantee you will fall asleep before you know it."
Xiang Shaolong is highly aroused but he remembered Feng Fei has activated his flames of pa.s.sion earlier. If he allows himself to be further 5exually aggravated by Zhu Xiuzhen’s ma.s.sage, the small fire can burn down an entire forest. He would lose control and violate his own commandment. Thinking about this, he reached out his hand and embrace her towards himself, giving her a light peck on her lips, gently professing: "With such a fine female specimen on my bed, how can I remain unmoved and how can I fall asleep easily?"
Zhu Xiuzhen breathed heavily: "You do not love me. That is why you do not allow me to serve you."
Trying his best to pacify and kiss her, Xiang Shaolong finally slipped away after much difficulty. Before he reached his room, he was intercepted by Zhang Quan and was dragged into his room. Zhang Quan probed: "How did you persuade Zongsun Long to release our men? Did you promise him certain benefits?"
He certainly could not be as open with Zhang Quan as compared to Feng Fei. Pretending to break out in cold sweat, Xiang Shaolong whispered: "Fortunately, the Chancellor of Chu, Li Yuan, is at the scene. He knows I represent Mistress (Feng Fei) and put in a good word for me. Zongsun Long is afraid of offending him and agreed to release our men as a result."
Zhang Quan frowned: "Do you think Li Yuan has designs on Mistress too? Today’s troubles are all because you did not consult me regarding human resource management. Do not make the same mistake in the future."
While he agreed with Zhang Quan on this point, he was glad to make the mistake. Otherwise, he would not know the extent of Li Yuan’s friends.h.i.+p. Inspired, he enquired: "Do you know who Sa Li’s employer is?"
Zhang Quan apparently did not know about Sa Li’s secret meeting with Zhu Xiuzhen and was astounded at this comment. He implored: "What happened?"
Xiang Shaolong mumbled jumbled: "Mistress (Feng Fei) told me someone has seen Sa Li loitering around."
After a short contemplation, Zhang Quan shook his head: "I am not very sure. Sa Li is a citizen of Zhao and he could be working for someone influential in Zhao."
Xiang Shaolong found this information to be greatly helpful. He bade his farewell and returned to his own room.
Stepping into his room, a vague fragrance entered his nostrils.
Xiang Shaolong is afraid of being poisoned by sleep-inducing incense or something related and instantly held his breath. When he was about to light his lamp, Dong Shuzen’s gentle voice can be heard from his bed: "I do not want the lights on."
Xiang Shaolong can feel a big headache approaching. Earlier tonight, he had been 5exually tempted first by Feng Fei, followed by Zhu Xiuzhen. He can feel his willpower decreasing with each new