Chapter 147: Mess After Drinks

Very soon, Chang Huan came down the stairs. When he saw Su Jiu, he nodded his head tacitly, before walking towards the counter where the dispute was ongoing.

“Master Huan!”

When the shop assistant behind the counter saw Chang Huan, it was as though he had suddenly encountered his saving grace. He hurriedly walked over from behind the counter.

“What happened?” Chang Huan asked.

That shop assistant immediately recounted the incident from beginning to end.

Chang Huan nodded his head. “I got it, it’s not your fault. You may continue with your work!”

“Yes, thank you, Master Huan!” The little shop assistant nodded his head in succession.

Miss Su scrutinized Chang Huan unhappily, before asking coldly, “Who are you?”

“Greetings to Young Mistress Ji!” Chang Huan’s figure was tall and slender, and his features were handsome. He smiled faintly and said, “I am the manager of this commercial house. There are too many people here, so it’ll complicate things. Shall we continue our discussion in the study room?”

Miss Su’s face was brimming with arrogance. “I don’t care, I want to speak here. Males and females should keep an appropriate distance! Why do I need to follow you to the study?”

Chang Huan furrowed his brows slightly. Originally, he had intended to take a step back to protect the Ji Manor’s image, but he never expected the other party to be so unappreciative.

He decided not to care any longer and said with a smile, “Alright then, since Young Mistress Ji wants to speak here, then this lowly person will clarify matters now. Our commercial house has to follow the rules of our trading company, and all the products that are shelved and sold need to be accounted for in detail. Even if you’re the Young Mistress, you cannot just take things away at whim. Additionally, the Ji Manor only owns half of the trading company, while the other half is owned by our Master Jiu. Hence, the Young Mistress cannot casually remove our items as though it belongs to your family.”

Miss Su widened her eyes. “What did you say? Doesn’t this commercial house belong to our Ji Family?”

Ever since she was kicked out of the Cloud Pavilion by Ji Yuxian that day, she no longer dared to go look for him. After lying low for a few days, she received news that Ji Yuxian had left the manor, and so her mood began to improve.

She started to assert her authority in the Ji Manor and ordered the servants to buy accessories and clothes for her, intending to gain recognition as the current mistress of the Ji Family.

Once she had completely turned over the Ji Manor, Miss Su started to feel bored again. As a result, she decided to visit Madame Su Lin and Su Wenqian. Madame Su Lin told her to spend as much money as she liked since the Ji Manor had plenty. She mentioned that even the most popular Qingyu Commercial House belonged to the Ji Manor, and she had the right to go in and take whatever she wanted.

Miss Su also felt that it was necessary to flaunt the authority of the Ji Manor’s Young Mistress, and so she came here.

However, she did not foresee that the shop assistants of the commercial house would fail to recognize her and embarrass her in front of a crowd.

Chang Huan grinned. “Right, half of the trading company belongs to Master Su Jiu!”

“Who is Master Su Jiu?” Miss Su blinked and questioned.

Chang Huan raised his handsome brows and replied, “This has nothing to do with the Young Mistress. If the Young Mistress likes these few accessories, this lowly one shall take out money from his pocket and buy them for the Young Mistress!”

Many people were encircling them, each pointing at Miss Su and whispering in private. The faint sound of giggles and laughter entered her ears, causing Miss Su to feel increasingly embarrassed. She tried to restore her image by sneering, “Since half of the trading company belongs to our Ji Manor, then out of these accessories, this mistress should be able to take away half!”

Chang Huan fell into silence. “…”

When this lady was robbed by the mountain bandits, did her brain get damaged in the process?

That would explain why she had gotten lost for one year before reaching Shengjing.

Su Jiu stood behind throngs of people and leaned against a pillar. As she watched the observers laugh at Miss Su and jeer at the Ji Manor, she felt a little upset. Just as she was about to ask Chang Huan to send the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor away as soon as possible, the manager from the Ji Manor, whom Chang Huan had been discussing matters with, had summoned Old Yu.

Old Yu was supposed to conduct an audit at one of the banks on the same street that day. When that manager from the Ji Manor stepped out of the commercial house, he bumped into Old Yu at the entrance, and hastily recounted the commotion that the Young Mistress Ji had started at the commercial house. As such, Old Yu had no choice but to follow him in.

Old Yu went up to the third floor, and the first person he saw was Su Jiu. He hurriedly went forward to greet, “Young Mistress!”

Su Jiu giggled. “Old Yu, you got it mixed up! I’m no longer the Young Mistress now.”

Old Yu’s eyes dimmed as he bowed his head in silence.

“Ji Yuxian… He went out?” Su Jiu asked.

“Yes, the business in Jiangnan has encountered some problems. The Eldest Master spent the night rushing there, and he’s already been gone for seven to eight days. He won’t be back for now!”

Su Jiu nodded her head. “The Young Mistress of the Ji Manor is over there. You should go there, Old Yu!”

“Yes!” Old Yu bowed his head respectfully at Su Jiu, before turning in the direction of the crowd.

Once he went over, the crowd automatically paved a way for him.

“Young Mistress, please follow this old servant back to the manor!” Old Yu’s expression was stern as he said in a low voice.

When she saw Old Yu, Miss Su and her maidservant suddenly lost their arrogance and smiled. “Why is Old Yu here?”

Old Yu did not reply to her question and only repeated, “Young Mistress, please follow this old servant back to the manor!”

Miss Su’s expression became awkward. “Housekeeper Yu, no matter what, our Ji Manor still owns half of this trading company. But this Mistress isn’t even allowed to take away a few pieces of accessories. These servants aren’t complying with the rules, and you must teach them well!”

Old Yu knitted his brows and bowed his head. “Young Mistress, businesses have their own rules to follow. If not you, even if the Eldest Master came, he would not be able to casually take things away like this. If something here catches your eye, then you can just ask the servants to make arrangements. If you must pick the items out personally, then you can just take some money from our vault.”

Miss Su’s words were choked up, and her face alternated between red and white. When Lian Zhi realized that Old Yu was furious, she did not dare to say a word, cowering behind Miss Su.

“Fine, let’s head back!” Miss Su harrumphed and pushed her way through the spectators, before flicking her sleeves to leave.

Old Yu followed behind her, and when he looked up, Su Jiu had already left at an undiscerned time.

“Young Mistress Ji, Old Housekeeper Yu, please take care!” Chang Huan stood behind them to send them off.

“We have troubled you, Master Huan!” Old Yu’s expression was solemn.

“No trouble at all!” Chang Huan lifted a brow and smiled.

Old Yu’s brows continued to remain furrowed as he bade Chang Huan goodbye, before heading down the stairs.

The spectators laughed among themselves for a while, and eventually, they dispersed.

Chang Huan went upstairs and saw Su Jiu sitting at the reception area drinking tea.

He parted the curtains and walked in, before taking out a white porcelain jar from a shelf and placing it in front of Su Jiu. He smiled and said, “These melon seeds were imported by one of the managers from Xuzhou, and they are very fragrant and sweet. Boss, have a taste!”

As he said this, he opened the cover and grabbed a handful. He then took out a white dish and placed the melon seeds onto it.

Su Jiu chewed on the melon seeds while asking, “Has Young Mistress Ji left?”

“She’s gone!” Chang Huan chortled, his eyes full of disdain. “No matter what, that Miss Su is still a noblewoman, but how can she cheapen herself to this degree? She even wants to take advantage of her position by taking away things that don’t belong to her. How ridiculous!”

Not only had she drawn ridicule to herself, but she had also completely embarrassed the entire Ji Manor.

Su Jiu scoffed as she raised her brows. “She doesn’t lack these accessories. She’s just here to flaunt her authority!”

Chang Huan sniggered, “What a stupid woman!”

It appeared that all this time, the Young Mistress did not feel secure about her position, and was desperate to tell the world that she was the Mistress of the Ji Manor.

Chang Huan peeled an entire plate of melon seeds and placed it before Su Jiu, who ate them and smiled while nodding her head. “It’s fragrant indeed!”

Chang Huan replied jubilantly, “Then tonight, I shall peel all these melon seeds for you to eat tomorrow, Boss!”

“Okay!” Su Jiu responded absentmindedly.

After sitting for some time, Su Jiu returned to Qiao An’s place.

In the past, she would spend her mornings at Ji Yuxian’s study to read and practice calligraphy, and in the afternoon, she would head to the trading company or the restaurant – Her schedule was always packed. Now, she no longer had to read in the morning, and her entire morning was free time. She suddenly felt idle.

When she left the commercial house, it was already almost noon. Partially melted snow covered the streets as the wheels of the carriage creaked down the path.

Su Jiu reclined in the horse carriage while looking out at the pedestrians outside the window, immensely bored.

Suddenly, she recalled that she had forgotten to buy Xiao Lie’s inkstone. She immediately asked Er Mao to stop the carriage and disembarked alone to wander on the streets. She would buy whatever that caught her eye.

After walking a few steps, she saw a porcelain store ahead of her.

Su Jiu pondered over the idea of buying a porcelain product, before walking towards the porcelain store.

When she stepped inside, she realized that the interior of the store was quite big. There were celadon vases, white porcelain incense burners, fish bowls embellished with gold paintings… There was a huge variety and they had everything you could think of.

The store assistant walked forward and greeted warmly, “Master, what are you looking to buy?”

“A gift for someone! What would be good?” Su Jiu asked.

“Oh, a gift!” The store assistant retrieved a pair of celadon flower vases and added, “Have a look at this, what do you think? Its craftsmanship and glazing are all high grade!”

Just as Su Jiu was about to hold it for a closer look, she heard the furious yells of a girl from the back of the store. “Zheng Changye, the accounts are short of three thousand taels! The accountant said that you were the one who withdrew the money! Was this the case?”

“Yes…” The man replied evasively, before continuing boldly and confidently, “I used it to import the goods!”

“Nonsense! There was no entry in the ledger, what product did you import?” The girl said in a rage.

“I… I…” The man stuttered continuously and could not finish his sentence. Instead, he sniggered, “I’ve helped out at this place for such a long time, what’s wrong with taking a few thousand pieces of your silver? Isn’t that what I deserve?”

“When you withdrew one thousand taels previously, I knew you went to drink with the courtesans. For the sake of your aunt, I did not calculate your debt, but I never expected you to get even worse. This time, you took away three thousand taels. This is not the Zheng Family, it is the Zhao Family! If you want to continue doing this, then hurry up and return!”

“Zhao Shan, you are killing the donkey once it becomes useless. Back when the Zhao Family encountered problems, why didn’t you let me go then? As the saying goes, ‘when you invite a god over to your house, it’ll become difficult to get him to leave’. Even if you want me to go, I won’t!”

The bickering intensified, and the store assistant’s face flushed red as he looked at Su Jiu awkwardly.

Su Jiu found the girl’s voice very familiar, and when she heard the last part, she realized that this was Zhao Shan’s family’s porcelain store.

Her pupils turned and Su Jiu asked indifferently, “How’s the character of that Master, your family’s cousin?”

The store assistant was stunned. “Master, are you familiar with him?”

Su Jiu shook her head. “Don’t know him, but I can be considered a friend of your Miss.”

The store assistant glanced at the rear of the store before whispering, “That Master is an acquaintance of the Miss. This servant will be honest, this cousin from the aunt’s side isn’t that great. After he arrived, he never did any proper work, and besides drinking with courtesans, he also visited those low-grade brothels. Not only does he secretly steal money from our vault, but he also pawns our porcelain products behind our backs.”

Su Jiu frowned and asked, “If that’s the case, why does your accountant still give him money?”

“Ay, all the subordinates here assume that this cousin from the aunt’s side is going to become our son-in-law, so they don’t dare to offend him! If this Master is close to our Miss, then please convince our Miss to drive him out. Otherwise, he will destroy the business that our Old Master has raised sooner or later!” The store assistant said in concern.

Su Jiu faintly nodded her head. When she heard that they had not ceased to bicker in the accounts room at the back, she turned around to leave.

Er Mao was still waiting on the horse carriage. Su Jiu instructed him, “Go and summon Ah Shu from the Bodyguard Agency right now. Tell him that something has happened and Lady Zhao is looking for him!”

“Yes, Master!” Er Mao sounded in acknowledgment, before driving the horse carriage towards the Bodyguard Agency as fast as he could.

Su Jiu returned to the shop and pretended to continue looking through the porcelain products. The sound of a teacup shattering was heard from the rear of the store, and it appeared that the cousin had flown into a rage out of humiliation.

Regardless, this was within the Zhao Family premises, and Zheng Changye could not raise his hands to hurt others. Su Jiu only listened but did not step forward to interfere.

“The Old Master of your family isn’t better yet?” Su Jiu asked.

“Yes, our Old Master got a stroke, and he needs to slowly recuperate. He may not be able to recover!” The store assistant replied.

Su Jiu nodded her head. No wonder Zheng Changye dared to behave without fear, he was just bullying a woman.

As it turned out, he was an alcoholic hoodlum! Poor Zhao Shan!

Su Jiu began to feel protective over that lady.

On the other hand, Er Mao drove the horse carriage at the speed of light, reaching the Bodyguard Agency in no time. After finding Ah Shu, he quickly conveyed the words that Su Jiu wanted him to say.

Zhao Shan was in trouble?

Ah Shu’s brows furrowed, and he subconsciously wanted to rush out. However, he suddenly recalled her hateful glare at him that day and sneered. He had already vowed not to bother with her, so why did he still have to go?

He wasn’t going!

Ah Shu turned around to walk towards the rear courtyard and continued to busy himself with other matters.

Er Mao followed after him and asked, “Master Shu, you’re not going over?”

“Not going!” Ah Shu retorted coldly.

Er Mao did not know what was going on, but he saw that Ah Shu’s complexion was ugly and did not dare to chide him. He could only wait at the side idly.

Ah Shu sharpened weapons with the other bodyguards, but he remained unsettled as he sat there. Engulfed by his worry, he almost ground his hand.

He tossed the weapon aside and suddenly recalled that Su Jiu was the one who instructed Er Mao to come. Su Jiu should also be at the Zhao Family’s porcelain store, and it wasn’t good if something had happened to her.

He could choose not to bother with Zhao Shan, but he could not ignore their Chief!

Right, he was going to look for Su Jiu!

This was not considered caring for Zhao Shan.

Ah Shu felt that this was right and hastily got up. “Drive the carriage and bring me over!”

“Yes!” Er Mao saw that Ah Shu had suddenly changed his mind and instantly broke into a smile, before bringing Ah Shu to the Zhao Family.

On the way there, Ah Shu became jittery and Er Mao increased their speed, completing the journey within the time it would take to burn one incense, as opposed to the half an hour it usually took.

Ah Shu walked through the entrance and immediately shouted when he saw Su Jiu, “Chief!”

Er Mao walked in at this time. The rear of the store was plunged into silence for a moment before the bickering resumed. Zheng Changye seemed to be forcing Zhao Shan into marrying him.

Su Jiu, who was panicking, was immediately filled with joy when she saw Ah Shu walk in. She quirked her brows to signal him to be quiet, before listening to the commotion at the back.

Ah Shu walked two steps closer and heard Zheng Changye clamor.

“Uncle already promised you to me. Even if you don’t want to marry, you have no choice. Tomorrow, I will get Mother to fix a date for our wedding!”

“Zheng Changye, don’t you dare think about that! Roll out of here immediately!”

“Why must I get out? It was Uncle who invited me over, and in the future, this store will belong to me. So don’t even mention a few thousand taels! Even if I take away everything, you can’t do anything!”

“What a grand and unrealistic dream! All this belongs to the Zhao Family, and there’s no place for you to mess around. Get out of here right now!” Zhao Shan scolded and appeared to push Zheng Changye out.

This was followed by the piercing scream of a girl, and she seemed to have collided onto a table. The sound of the teacups clattering onto the ground could be heard.

Ah Shu’s face became frosty as he strode towards the back of the store.

Su Jiu hurried after him, worried that he would lose control and hurt someone in his anger.

Inside the tea room at the back, Zheng Changye was so humiliated that he flew into a rage. He yanked Zhao Shan’s hair and pushed her towards the wall. His teeth were clenched and his expression was grim as he bellowed, “Will you marry me or not? Did you fall for that lad at the Bodyguard Agency? You shameless slut!”

“Forget about my uncle’s properties and assets, it will never fall into the hands of an outsider!”

Many of the assistants working for the Zhao Family were standing outside the door of the room. Their faces were written with alarm, but not a single one dared to step forward.

Ah Shu smashed the door open with a ‘thud’ and went forward to punch the man.

That blow caused Zheng Changye to collapse on the floor. The old scars from Ah Shu’s previous beating were still there, and this time, a new array of colors were added to his face.

Ah Shu went forward without a word and continued to rain more hits down, each strike more powerful than the last.

Zheng Changye could only cover his head with his hands to evade the hits as he wailed tragically.

The assistants from the Zhao Family never got along with him, so they did not interfere with the fight and released their pent-up anger as they watched Ah Shu beat him up.

Su Jiu went over to pull Zhao Shan up. She saw that her complexion was poor, but there wasn’t any serious injury on her body.

“It’s you all?” Tears welled in Zhao Shan’s eyes as she choked with emotion.

“With Ah Shu here, everything will be fine!” Su Jiu comforted her with a smile.

When she heard that, Zhao Shan’s tears immediately fell as she bowed her head and bit her lips.

Zheng Changye had already endured a few of Ah Shu’s powerful punches. His entire being was plagued with intense pain and he was no longer as imposing as before. He knelt on the ground to beg, “Master Shu, please show mercy, show mercy!”

Ah Shu’s face was ashen. He grabbed his collar and lifted him in one smooth motion before tossing him out of the door. “Get lost and get out of the Zhao Family’s premises. If this old one sees you again, I will just beat you to death!”

Zheng Changye’s face was bruised and swollen. His nose was crooked, and his eyes appeared out of place as he cowered. “I won’t dare, I won’t dare!”

“Get lost!” Ah Shu went forward and gave him a powerful kick.

Zheng Changye’s body was already aching in agony. He crawled up and pissed in his pants as he ran out in terror. Just as he was about to exit the store, he stumbled and plonked onto the floor pathetically.

Su Jiu walked over and stomped at the area between his legs. A vicious smile was spread across her exquisite face. “If you dare to interfere with the Zhao Family’s matters again, this Master will cripple you directly!”

Zheng Changye’s face instantly paled, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva in fright before stuttering.

“This… This lowly person…. won’t… dare!”

“Get lost then!” Su Jiu ordered, her feet affixed to the ground.

It was as though Zheng Changye had received an earth-shattering pardon. He climbed up and stumbled away as fast as he could.

The moment Zheng Chengye left, the room was plagued with a strange kind of silence.

Ah Shu’s face remained cold as he strode out. “Chief, let’s head back!”

“Hold on!” Zhao Shan hastily chased after him, her tearful eyes staring earnestly at Ah Shu’s departing silhouette.

Su Jiu smiled faintly. “It looks like Lady Zhao has something to say to you. I shall take my leave first. Have a good talk!”

She patted Ah Shu on his shoulder, before raising her brows at Zhao Shan with a smile. When she walked out, she closed the door behind her and dispersed the spectating store assistants from the Zhao Family.

Outside the porcelain store, Su Jiu boarded the horse carriage and said, “Let’s go!”

Er Mao asked in delight, “Has the matter been resolved?”

He had just seen that Master Zheng run for his life, as though he was being chased by a pack of wolves.

“The rest is up to Ah Shu!” A streak of craftiness flashed by Su Jiu’s eyes as she smiled meaningfully.

“Then Master, where shall we go?” Er Mao asked.

Su Jiu was still holding the porcelain vase meant for Xiao Lie. She replied, “Go home first!”

“Alright, Master, sit tight!” Er Mao raised the riding crop and drove the horse carriage back.

At the rear courtyard of the Zhao Family, the moment Su Jiu had left, the room became quieter and quieter.

Zhao Shan wiped away her tears and articulated slowly, “Regarding the matter last time, the assistants already told me everything when I came back. It was Zheng Changye who said demeaning things about me, so you beat him up. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have blamed you that day!”

Ah Shu’s ashen face became slightly warmer. “No need. I have always been someone who stood up for justice. I didn’t do it to protect you!”

Zhao Shan’s eyes dimmed slightly. She poured a cup of tea and placed it on the tabletop, before asking faintly, “Then why did you come here today?”

“I… ” Ah Shu continued to stare at the door and did not look back at the girl. “I came for my Chief!”

Zhao Shan sat on her chair, nervously nibbling her lips. The space between her charming brows seemed to contain a hint of worry. She stared at Ah Shu’s back and said.

“My father’s condition has not improved, and there are always problems at the store. Could you stay for a while to chat with me?”

Ah Shu straightened his back, and after a pause, he turned back to sit on a chair. He said emotionlessly, “Talk then!”

Zhao Shan lowered her head, and a faint flush gradually appeared on her face. She seemed to be accumulating enough courage before she looked straight at Ah Shu to ask, “Are you that unwilling to marry me? I… I can try my best to become gentler.”

Ah Shu froze, before chuckling. “Aren’t you already going to marry Zheng Changye? You have already slept with him, which means he’ll have to marry you!”

Zhao Shan widened her eyes and sputtered in both frustration and humiliation, “What nonsense are you talking about! Who slept with him?”

Ah Shu was astonished when he heard Zhao Shan’s words, but the depth of his eyes seemed to glimmer and shine. “Naturally it was Zheng Changye who said it. Unless… You guys didn’t?”

“Of course not!” Zhao Shan’s face burned with indignation. “Did you think I was such a loose girl just because I kept chasing you? Let me tell you, I’m already so big and you’re the only…”

The girl paused mid-sentence and angrily flipped her head to the side.

The corner of Ah Shu’s lips unconsciously slipped into a smile. His complexion had already been restored as he said teasingly, “Then you and him…”

“I will not marry him!” Zhao Shan announced resolutely.

Ah Shu laughed softly, and seemed to ask in disdain, “Who asked you whether you’ll marry him or not?”

“You!” Zhao Shan glared at him in frustration.

After a pause, she suppressed her rage and said nonchalantly, “Regardless, I need to thank you for chasing Zheng Changye away today. Tonight… I’ll treat you to a meal!”

“No need!” Ah Shu stood up and prepared to leave.

Zhao Shan grabbed his hand. “Don’t go. I don’t want to owe you anything. Let this round of drinks be my repayment to you.”

Don’t want to owe him?

Ah Shu became colder when he heard that sentence. He turned back at Zhao Shan and replied, “Alright, after today, we don’t owe each other anything!”

Zhao Shan’s pupils trembled and her face paled. She nodded her head faintly. “Alright!”

The days were short during winter, and after all that commotion, the sky was getting dark. Zhao Shan got her servants to serve the dishes in the living area outside her bedroom. She dismissed all her servants so that only the two of them remained.

A spread of scrumptious delicacies filled the table, boasting tantalizing colors and fragrance. At the side, a heating stove had been set up to warm up the wine.

Zhao Shan took her seat and poured a glass of wine for Ah Shu and herself. She looked vaguely at Ah Shu and said joyfully, “This cup of wine is to thank you for saving me today!”

Maybe it was because of the warmth emitted by the lanterns that night, but the girl’s sturdy face appeared much gentler than usual. Her eyes were not considered pretty, but they eluded a sense of comfort and refreshment.

Ah Shu recalled the words they had exchanged a few moments back, and his heart was slightly depressed. He raised his glass to finish his wine.

The girl realized that Ah Shu was not in good spirits, and assumed that he was feeling impatient because he was forced to accompany her for a meal. The corner of her lips curled into a bitter smile as she bowed her head to drink the wine.

When Ah Shu noticed her behavior, he harrumphed coldly. She was rough and uncouth and did not have the same bashfulness and gracefulness as other girls.

It was as though he would feel better if he dwelled on the girl’s flaws.

Zhao Shan poured wine for the two of them. She took a glimpse at him and smiled in a self-deprecating manner. “You don’t have to look at me like that. I know you despise me, but at the very least, we have interacted with each other for a good amount of time. Even if we were ordinary friends, there is no need to hate each other in this way! After all, I will no longer chase after you in the future!”

As the girl said this, she gulped her wine. She refilled the glass herself, and her eyes swept over as she smiled faintly.

“Why don’t you share the reason why you don’t like me? Is it because I’m not as graceful as the ladies at the Drunken Joy Pavilion? Or is it because I’m not pretty enough?”

“No…” Ah Shu furrowed his brows. He had no idea what he was thinking himself.

In the beginning, he truly preferred those gentle and warm girls, the kind whose words were as soft as cotton. When Zhao Shan suddenly appeared, however, it was something that was never within his expectations, or rather, he had never imagined that a girl like her would chase him and propose marriage to him.

Because of its unexpected nature, he had been resistant to the idea.

Furthermore, Zhao Shan did not fit his ideal type.

Irrespective of appearance, truthfully, he had always thought that Zhao Shan was quite beautiful.

He, Ah Shu, had no talents and no good looks. He only had his strength, and even at the Qinglong Bodyguard Agency, he was just an errand runner for the Dragon Conqueror Gang. He had risen with them and gained the recognition of his brothers, who all called him Master Shu.

If they were talking about family background, he was even more mismatched with her.

He had always felt that the two of them were like the catkins of spring and the fruits of the autumn. Nothing could link them together.

During this time, however, when he heard that lad surnamed Zheng had demeaned and bullied her, he was angry on her behalf and even felt a pang in his heart.

This made him confused.

He had no idea what his heart wanted.

Regardless, the two of them would no longer be involved with each other after the day ended. It was good for the connection to disappear as it would reduce his worries.

“Let’s not talk about these things. I have also let you down in certain ways, so let’s just drink together!” Ah Shu valiantly lifted his cup of wine.

“Okay, drink it is!”

Both of them were burdened by their concerns, and only wine could help disperse their sorrows. As such, they drank cup after cup till right before midnight. Even after two entire vats of wine were emptied, they were still left unsatisfied.

After drinking so much, the gap between them seemed to have disappeared. Ah Shu told her all about the Dragon Conqueror Gang’s history and recounted some incidents that happened while making transfers for the Bodyguard Agency, causing Zhao Shan to burst out laughing.

The drunk girl rested her cheeks on her hand. Her cheeks were dyed red, and her eyes were luminous as they stared at him with the utmost admiration. She listened to his stories with curiosity and yearning.

Under the shadow of the lantern glow, the girl appeared more beautiful than usual, and no longer had the same spicy disposition. Her eyes were passionate, just like a lady who was pining after the man who stole her heart.

Ah Shu spaced out as he looked at her with blank, intoxicated eyes.

Zhao Shan had collapsed on the tabletop, and her voice could not help but be slightly muffled as she murmured, “Ah Shu… I want to be the kind of woman that you like. But I’m the only daughter in my family. My mother died early and my father’s health isn’t looking up. If I don’t toughen up, then people would have bullied me. So, no matter how scared and helpless I am, I need to plaster a gallant and bold expression on my face, and only then will they not bully me and my father.”

Ah Shu was stunned, his absentminded eyes betraying his desire to cherish her. Suddenly, he had the urge to stroke the girl’s hair and bring her into his arms to comfort her.

Zhao Shan turned her head over while resting her chin on her hands. She blinked and giggled at him, but her smile contained a hint of sorrow.

“Ah Shu, every time you step forward to help me, it always made me feel like I had someone to rely on. But you don’t like me and don’t want me. In the future, it’ll just be me alone.”

The girl seemed to choke with sobs as she lowered her head pitifully.

“Don’t cry!” With hazy eyes, Ah Shu extended his arms to stroke her face.

“If I’m going to get married in the future, that man will probably be someone like Zheng Changye who only values my Zhao Family’s assets. So, I will not marry anyone in the future! Being alone is quite good as well, don’t you agree?” A smile interrupted Zhao Shan’s stream of tears as she raised her head to look at Ah Shu.

Ah Shu stared at her and he panicked, not knowing what to say to console her.

“I shouldn’t dawdle about all these, let’s just drink!” Zhao Shan sat upright and picked up the wine jar. No matter how long she tilted the jar, not a single drop of wine came out. She shook the jar and chuckled. “It’s empty, let me get more!”

As she said this, she stumbled up and went to get wine.

“I’ll go!” Ah Shu stood up and tugged her wrist.

Zhao Shan flicked her sleeves abruptly. “It’s fine if I go!”

She plucked her wrist out of Ah Shu’s grasp but abruptly lost her strength. Her body lost its balance, and she immediately tumbled towards the ground.

Ah Shu rushed over to hold her, but he too was weakened by his intoxication. He grabbed her wrist and fell over with her, pressing onto the girl’s body.

“Ow!” Zhao Shan yelled in pain.

Ah Shu had fallen onto her body. When he caught a whiff of the faint fragrance on that maiden’s body, he instantly lost all his strength to get up.

Under the dim glow of the lanterns, their eyes met, and their breathing seemed to cease for a moment as the air around them became ambiguous.

With just an inch between them, they stared at each other just like that. They had forgotten where they were, as well as the chasm that existed between them. It was as if they each had the other in their eye and were only waiting for the opposite party to take notice.

After a long time, Zhao Shan nibbled her wine-stained lips and whispered, “Am I that much worse compared to those ladies at the Drunken Joy Pavilion?”

Ah Shu’s mind blanked out completely. His breathing became heavy as he bent his body over to kiss the girl’s lips intensely and haphazardly.

That kiss was inexperienced but passionate. All the feelings that were hidden in the depths of his heart erupted right at that moment, rushing into his brain chaotically and passionately. He ignored all his other thoughts, and only desired to kiss her, and take her.

Zhao Shan’s arms wrapped around his neck as she responded zealously.

The two of them were like dry pieces of firewood being set ablaze; after being drenched in alcohol, the initial spark of fire slowly grew into a raging fire.

Their clothes were torn off indiscriminately, and it was only when they felt the chill on their bodies did they realize that they were already facing each other, naked.

Zhao Shan’s entire face was a charming tint of red. She raised her head and breathed rapidly, and her raspy voice seemed enchanting after all that alcohol as she said, “Ah Shu, carry me to the bed!”

Ah Shu was like a traveler who had trekked a thousand miles – thirsty and at the brink of his endurance. Being forceful was never an option, but that girl’s voice enlightened him right at that moment. He carried Zhao Shan by the waist and walked urgently towards the bed.

She was placed under the bed canopy. The remaining strands of light seemed to dim considerably, and everything progressed logically. The effects of alcohol reached its peak as their consciousness became chaotic and frantic. They did not think over things and proceeded according to their primitive instinct.

The lantern light outside filtered into the room, casting phantom shadows that accentuated the air’s ambiguity.

The winter night had already quietened down. The moonlight was cold, and the wind howled outside. It was only within that room that peach blossoms bloomed and the warmth of spring abounded.

At twilight the next day, the sky was simply a blurry sheet of white. The atmosphere within the house was even more hazy and dim.

Ah Shu woke up abruptly and suffered from a splitting headache after all that alcohol. Just as he was about to get up, he suddenly froze when he saw the girl in his arms. His face instantly paled as he stared fearfully at the two of them embracing each other’s bare bodies.

The air was still filled with the consequences of their lovemaking, and there was no need to take wild guesses at what had happened last night.

Ah Shu slapped himself in annoyance, wishing that he could beat himself to death.

They were unmarried and were not even going out with each other, but they had actually…

The girl’s hair was loose and scattered, and she was in a slumber. Ambiguous red and purple marks were strewn all over her bare shoulders and neck. Ah Shu shut his eyes abruptly and did not dare to look any further. He pulled over the blanket and draped it over the girl’s body, before getting off the bed in a panic. He picked up the clothes on the floor and put them on before sprinting away.

The sky was now gleaming with light, and the morning fog collided onto his face while the cold permeated his bones. The servants in the inner courtyard were not awake yet, and Ah Shu did not dare to exit through the main entrance. Instead, he flipped over the wall and ran away in a fluster.

Inside the room, once the man left, the girl on the bed slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes were filled with sadness as she clutched the brocade blanket tightly in her hands.

She had cheapened herself and used underhanded methods to trick the man into climbing onto her bed. Once he realized what had happened, he was probably going to hate her to death!

He had fled at such breakneck speed, and his expression was so full of fear. As it turned out, he did not hold even a sliver of feeling towards her.

The tears that were welled up in the girl’s eyes tumbled out drop by drop. The bottom of her heart was full of despair and joy at the same time. Since she had already achieved her goal, if he hated her, then he could hate her as much as he wanted!

Regardless, they would no longer have any connections in the future!

Su Jiu got out of bed early in the morning. The moment she opened her door, she jumped in shock, before stepping backward. When she saw Ah Shu kneeling outside her room, she asked in astonishment, “What are you doing?”

Ah Shu lowered his head, his expression brimming with dejection. “Chief, I’ve made a huge mistake!”

“What mistake did you make?”

“I…” Ah Shu’s face was full of shame and regret. He stammered, “I… I slept with Zhao Shan!

Su Jiu sucked in her breath and widened her eyes abruptly.

“I didn’t do it intentionally. Last night we drank too much, I don’t even know how…” Ah Shu knitted his brows tightly.

Su Jiu kicked him on his shoulders and chastised, “You’ve already slept with her, what excuse are you trying to make? Are you still a man? You as*hole, you always drink so much wine! How come I’ve never seen you sleep with another woman after getting drunk?”

After she kicked him, Ah Shu straightened his posture even more and remained transfixed. His entire face was riddled with regret.

“Chief, what should I do?”

Su Jiu kneaded her head as she paced around the room. She had left Ah Shu behind yesterday and had originally intended for them to settle their misunderstandings. Who would have guessed that Ah Shu would lose his chastity?

She had never encountered such a situation, and she had no idea what to do at this point.

The matters between men and women were complicated, and even she was not clear about it herself.

If Ji Yuxian was around, he would help her come up with a solution.

Puh!

After leaving him, she was still unable to let go completely!

Su Jiu took a deep breath and said, “Go back to the Bodyguard Agency first. I will find someone to send a marriage proposal to the Zhao Family as soon as possible. If Zhao Shan is willing to marry you, I will immediately make preparations for your wedding!”

Ah Shu jerked his head up. “M-Marry?”

“You’ve already slept with her. Are you planning to pretend nothing happened and refuse to marry her?” Su Jiu said grudgingly.

Ah Shu frowned, with hesitation written all over his face. “I… I don’t know.”

He did not want to flee from his responsibilities, but this matter had happened way too suddenly, and he was still in a daze.

“Chief, give me two days, I want to consider carefully. Don’t worry, I will take responsibility for what I’ve done! Please agree for my sake!” Ah Shu said with a frown.

When Su Jiu heard this, she almost began to swear. “Take a look at yourself. You’re such a gallant fellow, but why are you behaving like a lady? You need time to accept this even after sleeping with someone?”

“Chief…” Ah Shu pleaded, seemingly on the verge of tears.

When Su Jiu saw his appearance, her heart started to ache. He knew that even though Ah Shu had the build of a man, he had the heart of a woman.

“Forget it! It’s not like I’m forcing you. Go and calm yourself down for two days, and once you’ve considered everything, come and find me again!” Su Jiu said.

“Mm!” Ah Shu agreed and stood up, before turning around to leave.

Su Jiu stared at his departing silhouette and straightened back before chuckling. That silly lad had received the fortune of peach blossoms. Why did it feel like he had been threatened with his life?

She could not help but sigh. Why were all the members of the Dragon Conqueror Gang cursed when it came to the matters between a man and a woman? Hu Dapao was like this, and so was Ah Shu.