The tractor pulled into Taohua Village, and Wen-xian told Jiang Chen to wait at Zhang Qiang's house for a while.Coincidentally, Zhang Qiang was also planning to invite Jiang Chen over.
"Jiang Chen, just wait at Zhang Qiang's place. I'll come get you when the time's right," Wen-xian said, throwing him a flirtatious glance—a sultry, soul-stealing wink. Then she picked up her bags and sashayed off, her slender waist swaying and her wide, full hips swaying seductively as she walked toward her home.
Jiang Chen sensed something strange about Wen-xian's behavior but didn't say anything. He watched her enticing figure disappear into the distance, swallowed involuntarily, and walked over to Zhang Qiang's house.
Zhang Qiang's wife had prepared dinner. Jiang Chen and Zhang Qiang drank quite a bit together, their conversation growing more animated with each round.
It wasn't until 9:30 p.m. that Wen-xian finally called. Her voice was soft, shy, and full of sweetness:"Jiang Chen, you can come home now."
Jiang Chen quickly said goodbye to Zhang Qiang and jogged all the way back to Wen-xian's house.
When he pushed open the small gate, he was stunned.He felt like Grandma Liu stepping into the Grand View Garden: the shabby old house was gone, replaced with a scene both warm and beautiful, full of joyful festivity.
Colorful garlands stretched from the window frames to the ceiling, decorated with bright red flowers.The usual dingy curtains were replaced with bright red ones embroidered with golden flowers.A large red "double happiness" character was pasted on the window, flanked by paper cuttings of two carp leaping over the dragon gate.
Two red candles flickered joyfully on the table, as if singing a cheerful tune.The bed was covered with a fresh floral sheet, and the smell of clean new linen filled the room.At the head of the bed, two mandarin duck pillows lay side by side, making Jiang Chen's face flush and his body warm with anticipation.On the round table sat a few dishes and a bottle of red wine. Both glasses had been filled.
Wen-xian sat at the table with her back straight.She wore a fitted apricot-red top that outlined her slender waist. Her eyebrows were carefully shaped, her lips lightly colored, and her cheeks glowed with a mix of shyness and happiness.When Jiang Chen entered, her face turned an even deeper shade of red.
In that moment, Jiang Chen understood—Wen-xian had turned this night into their wedding night.
"Wen-jie, did you decorate this… as our bridal chamber?"Jiang Chen felt a wave of heat rush from his feet to his head. He strode over, stood in front of her, and gently cupped her face in his hands.
Wen-xian didn't resist. She nestled her head against his chest, her body trembling softly.He reached down her shoulder, his hand tracing along her side until it wrapped around her waist, and he sat beside her.
Wen-xian shifted slightly, then snuggled even closer to him, a smile blooming on her face.
"You set this up?" Jiang Chen leaned in and kissed the tip of her brow.
Wen-xian gently took his hand and whispered, "Whether it's a bridal chamber or not, that's up to you. If you say it is, then it is. My body is here for you. If you want me, I'm your bride. If not…"
"If not, what?" Jiang Chen teased with a smile.
"Don't ask."
"I have to. Tell me, what if I don't want you?"
Wen-xian mumbled, "Then I'll kneel by the bed and won't get up until you pull me into it. I'm sticking with you, no matter what."
"Wen-jie…"
What man could resist when a beautiful woman offered herself so openly?
"Husband!" Wen-xian suddenly cried, throwing herself into his arms, rubbing her face against his, "I'm yours now. Hit me, scold me, ride me, use me—whatever you want. I'll do anything for you…"
Jiang Chen's heart surged with emotion.It was like a dream—this beautiful woman had fallen into his lap without a bride price, without a new house.To have such a stunning, sensual wife—what more could a man ask for?
He gently kissed her silky black hair. "No, I don't want you to be my servant. I want you to be my princess. I'll give you the best life in the world."
"Don't say that, hubby. I don't deserve it. I just want to serve you, care for you, love you, and satisfy your needs. I don't care about anything else. I know your parents probably won't accept me. I'm older, divorced, with a child. Honestly, even a man with worse conditions than you might not want me. So I'm prepared: if your parents agree, I'll be your wife. If they don't, I'll be your lover in secret. Even if you marry someone else, I'll still be yours. This body is clean and pure—it belongs to you. Will you take it?"
"I'm more than satisfied to have a wife like you," Jiang Chen said, leaning in for a deep kiss.
They kissed passionately, to the point of breathlessness.
Wen-xian gently pulled away from the kiss. "Let's eat first. After that… I can't hold back much longer. I want you too much…"
"Wen-jie, I already ate at Zhang Qiang's. They say a night of passion is worth a thousand gold coins—who has time to eat now? Let's go to bed."
"Whatever you say. I'm yours. Do with me as you please," Wen-xian murmured, her eyes closing, hands already unbuttoning her shirt one by one.
Jiang Chen saw the pale, smooth skin revealed through her clothes, lowered his head, kissed her deeply, then lifted her up and laid her gently onto the bed.
Spring winds stirred all night.When Jiang Chen woke the next morning, everything felt like a dream.He looked up and saw Wen-xian in her pajamas, cooking breakfast in the kitchen.
Memories of the previous night flooded back, sending a fresh wave of excitement through him.He jumped out of bed, ready to wrap his arms around her—when his phone rang.
It was Zhao Liang.
"Jiang Chen, you got out and didn't even tell me?"
"Zhao-shu, I was planning to come see you these next few days," Jiang Chen replied. He had already decided to bring Wen-xian to visit the Zhao family. After all, Zhao Liang might be a powerful stepping stone in his future.
"Come today," Zhao Liang said. "There's something I need to ask you. Something happened yesterday. People from the antique store Rong Yufang were beaten—some seriously injured. From their descriptions, I'm pretty sure it was you."
"How do you know it was me?"
"They said the guy hit like a monster—one slap could kill. If it wasn't you, who else would have that kind of strength? Anyone else with that power would already be on the national weightlifting team."
Jiang Chen chuckled. "Do the police know?"
"They wouldn't dare report it even if they had the guts. Those people have too many skeletons in their closet. They're terrified of the cops. Jiang Chen, I called mainly to warn you. You haven't just made enemies with Rong Yufang—this might go higher. I heard that Wu Feng, the famous boss from Jiangcheng, was also arrested because of you."
Jiang Chen froze.He had suspected as much. But having it confirmed still caught him off guard.
After a pause, he asked, "If someone has the power to take down Wu Feng, they must be serious players. Looks like the Xu family is going all in."
"I don't think the Xu family has that kind of reach," Zhao Liang replied. "I suspect there's an even deeper background behind this. You need to be extra careful."
Jiang Chen nodded. Zhao Liang had a point.When it came to influence in both legal and underground circles, Wu Feng was stronger than the Xu family.Which meant even bigger fish might be involved.
He didn't say anything for a while.Zhao Liang added, "Don't overthink it—just stay alert. Don't fall into their hands again. No matter what happens, I'll do my best to help you."
"Zhao-shu, I'll head over in a bit."
"Good. I'm at the office. Come directly—I have something important to tell you in person."
Something important?
Jiang Chen thought to himself, I better eat quickly and go meet Zhao Liang.