Chapter 255
Book 23 Chapter 02 - Unfinished Love
Just as he left Feng Fei’s bedroom, he was intercepted by a subordinate who made the following report: Zhang Quan was ambushed outside the Villa, suffering heavy injuries and is barely alive.
Although Xiang Shaolong knows that Xiao Yuetan is behind this incident, he cannot choose not to attend to him. Outside Zhang Quan’s room, he ran into his (Zhang Quan) trusted follower Kun Shan. This scoundrel was enraged: "It must be the doing of Zongsun Long. Lin Zi is a lawless place, full of outrageous hooligans calling the shots."
Xiang Shaolong is secretly glad that they are mistaken, saving him the trouble to mislead them. He questioned in a low voice: "How are his injuries?"
Kun Shan responded: "He received a few punches to his head and face. Now, his eyes are puffy and he can barely see while the corner of his lips is bruised and bleeding. It is upsetting to see him in such a condition."
Completing his answer, he walked away, sighing.
Stepping into the room, Xiang Shaolong was amazed to see Dong Shuzen and two maids tending to Zhang Quan’s wounds.
As per Kun Shan’s description, Zhang Quan’s head is swollen like a pig’s head. It would be impossible for him to face the public in the near future.
This is the vicious strategy employed by Xiao Yuetan, intentionally causing Zhang Quan to lose his usefulness to Lu Buwei, indirectly forcing Lu Buwei to rely on Xiang Shaolong instead.
Sitting by Zhang Quan’s bedside, Dong Shuzen gave Xiang Shaolong a sad look and sighed: "These people are really ruthless. Look! They have beaten a.s.sistant Manager to such a sorry state."
Zhang Quan groaned: "Is it Brother Shen?"
Recalling the fact that this gorgeous Dong Shuzen did spend a few nights with this ruffian, Xiang Shaolong’s heart is br.i.m.m.i.n.g with hatred. He faced Dong Shuzen and demanded in an uncouth manner: "All of you need to leave the room for a while. I need to talk to Brother Zhang."
An annoyed Dong Shuzen frowned with her brows knitted together. After dismissing her two maids, she firmly insisted: "What secrets are there that Shuzen has to be kept in the dark about?"
With much difficulty, Zhang Quan begged: "Second Mistress, please excuse yourself for a short while."
Dong Shuzen was taken aback and left unhappily.
It is now Xiang Shaolong’s turn to take Dong Shuzen’s seat. Lowering his head, he asked in a soft voice: "Brother Zhang, how are you doing?"
His mouth swollen like a pig’s lips, Zhang Quan can only mumble his words vaguely: "My body is fine as they only hit my head, forcing me to tell them why did I visit my employer. Of course I refused to tell them anything. Aye! My biggest loss is the sum of money from my employer, which they robbed! The money is actually meant for you."
This clearly demonstrates the brilliance of Xiao Yuetan’s stratagem. Not only did Zhang Quan fail to come up with the money to bribe Xiang Shaolong, he cannot go back to see Lu Buwei.
Xiang Shaolong probed: "Who did Brother Zhang went to visit?"
Zhang Quan cautioned: "I cannot tell you yet. Aye! I did not antic.i.p.ate Zongsun Long’s involvement. Presently, every one of our Troupe member is placed under close supervision by his cronies."
Xiang Shaolong is not in mood to chat further and stood up, advising: "Brother Zhang, please have a good rest!"
Pulling his sleeve to restrain him, Zhang Quan anxiously beseeched: "No matter what, you must help me. I will definitely get the money for you as soon as possible."
Xiang Shaolong questioned: "What can I do for Brother Zhang?"
Zhang Quan briefed: "Try to become Feng Fei’s confidante and find out what is the relations.h.i.+p between Lord Longyang and herself."
Xiang Shaolong bitterly laughed: "If you were Feng Fei and I am now your confidante, would you tell me your life-changing secrets?"
Zhang Quan replied after much agony: "Feng Fei trusts no one but herself, and that includes Lord Longyang. Moreover, the King of Wei harbours designs on Feng Fei so at the end of the day, she can only rely on you. Do you understand?"
Xiang Shaolong was momentarily shaken before he nodded: "Fine! I shall see what I can do about it. But until I receive my money, Brother Zhang can forget about my collaboration."
Pus.h.i.+ng his hand away, he walked out of the room all by himself.
Dong Shuzen was waiting by the door and saw him leaving the room. Dragging him to a pavilion in the garden, she lamented: "Are you still upset with me?"
Xiang Shaolong denied: "Your lowly servant dare not. No matter how Second Mistress tries to scam me or distrusts me, I, a lowly manager, can only submissively follow your commands."
With a ‘Pu Ci’, Dong Shuzen giggled: "Look at your angry countenance. Shuzen begs your pardon, ok? Aye! I really do not know how to gain your affections. Are you someone who prefer males and not females?"
Xiang Shaolong bitterly laughed: "Is every acquaintance of Lord Longyang considered a gay man?"
Pressing her entire body onto Xiang Shaolong and using her exquisite hands to entangle his neck, Dong Shuzen smiled: "There is no use hiding it. Witnessing his coquettish expression when he stares at you and the excitement in his eyes, I am certain that you are his male lover. Unless you are not his partner, he would not react in such a fas.h.i.+on. Now, Shuzen’s only hope is that besides men, you are also into women."
Xiang Shaolong was stupefied, thinking that he has reached a dead end and he could never redeem himself from this wrongful grievance. Exerting some strength to give her b.u.t.t a playful slap, he helplessly pleaded: "You can continue to evaluate me along those lines. Second Mistress, can you please release me back to my room for a rest?"
Dong Shuzen exaggeratedly cried out in pain and gave him a bear hug. Biting his ear, she hinted: "If you are into other forms of deviant 5ex, Shuzen is willing to play along."
Xiang Shaolong grabbed her aromatic shoulders and pushed her slightly away before declaring in an official tone: "Your lowly servant has to pa.s.s up Second Mistress’s kind intentions. Nonetheless, there is something you still do not comprehend: Even if you and Xiuzhen do not sleep with me, I, Shen Liang, would make suitable arrangements for you two and no one will have to end up as a concubine or mistress of the rich and powerful. If there is any falsehood in my words, may I, Shen Liang, die a horrible death."
Dong Shuzen calmed down and hazily eyed him with suspicion for a while. She softly quizzed: "What is in it for you? Are you aware that one wrong move can result in death and disaster? If Feng Fei gets to know that you are out to spoil her plans, she will be the first to come after you."
Xiang Shaolong swore: "You can label me a fool, an id1ot or whatever you desire but I have committed myself to make this a reality. All I need is your full obedience and I will definitely come to a solution."
Wriggling her body sensually, Dong Shuzen cajoled: "Are we not obedient?"
Xiang Shaolong counselled: "Your obedience has gone overboard and your