Wife Doting Addiction：My Abducted Tsundere Husband - Chapter 101: The Painting by Young Master Ji

Chapter 101: The Painting by Young Master Ji

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Jin Mi, her face drawn, returned to the manor that evening while Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu were about to have dinner.

Earlier in the day, Madame Geng had coaxed her into eating before announcing the good news–Ji Yuxian had agreed to let her come back to Ji Manor. Jin Mi laughed and cried with excitement and wanted to go right away, but Madame Geng advised her to wait.

Concerned about her gaunt, haggard appearance, Jin Feng and Madame Geng persuaded her to take a bath and rest up so she could look her very best. Only then did Jin Feng lead her back to the manor.

Upon entering the hall, Jin Mi immediately bowed to the floor. She looked up and saw that Mo Yu was about to clean Su Jiu’s hands with a basin of water. With a glint in her eye, she ran over, took the basin from Mo Yu’s hands, and respectfully kneeled with one knee in front of Su Jiu, submissively holding the basin with both hands.

Su Jiu, unwilling to accept her kneeling, was about to tell her to get up when Ji Yuxian reached out and rolled up her sleeves and said with a smile, “It’s time to wash your hands for dinner, my lady!”

Jin Mi kneeled without moving while holding onto the basin.

Su Jiu understood Ji Yuxian’s intention and stretched out her arms to wash up. Jin Mi then got up and retreated politely.

Afterward, Mo Yu handed a handkerchief for Su Jiu to wipe her hands before they began eating.

After dinner, it was still Jin Mi who handed over the mouthwash with both hands to Su Jiu. She then waited patiently beside her with a spitoon.

She showed not a trace of hatred or contempt throughout the meal as if she was a changed person. But was she?

Su Jiu raised her brows skeptically: Jin Mi had either changed her ways or was putting on an act in front of Ji Yuxian.

Of course, everything would be fine as long as Jin Mi didn’t provoke her. If she did, Su Jiu didn’t care if she was under Ji Yuxian’s care or if she was nanny’s daughter–she would have to go.

The news of Su Jiu residing in Cloud Pavilion spread quickly within the manor, resulting in waves of disturbances and unease among its residences.

The Second Mistress leaned on the couch and frowned as she heard the news. “I didn’t expect this lady from the Su family to be so clever and capable.”

Even Madame Xie, who was downright arrogant, had been oppressed by Su Jiu several times and could only stay within her Lotus Pavilion obediently. On top of that, Ji Yuxian doted on and pampered her lavishly. She was quite different from the sickly, weak woman they met when she first arrived in Shengjing City.

Maidservant Yuan’er massaged Second Mistress’s legs as she said with a lighthearted laugh, “We can only say that this lady from the Su family has hidden her abilities very well.”

Her gaze darkening, the Second Mistress said subtly, “We have all underestimated Bai Jingrou’s daughter.”

“What does Second Mistress intend to do?”

“Let’s wait and see. I’ll not let her stay if she poses a disadvantage to us.”

Yuan’er agreed. “In my opinion, Madame Xie will not leave things at that after being overthrown by her multiple times.”

The Second Mistress cackled schemingly.

No wonder Madame Xie was furious.

After being chased out by Ji Yuxian the night before and becoming a joke within the manor, Su Yuejiu moved to Cloud Pavilion the next day, a blatant insult and humiliation to her.

What witchcraft did that tramp Su Yuejiu possess that hypnotized Ji Yuxian?

Xie Ying’s anxiety flared up so much that sores had developed in her mouth, and she had lost her appetite for dinner.

Shaoyao entered with a bowl of sweet soup made of snow pear and set it down on the table as she said carefully, “Second Young Mistress, please have some soup to appease your anger.”

Xie Ying closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair. She opened her eyes slightly and shut them quickly after glancing at the bowl of soup.

“Why not invite Third Young Mistress over and ask her for some ideas?” Shaoyao said softly.

“She’s just a puppet–a useless person. What ideas can she possibly offer?” Xie Ying retorted frostily, overcome with frustration.

Shaoyao lowered her gaze and thought of an idea. She said in a low voice, “I have heard the servants in Perched Phoenix Pavilion talking about Young Mistress’s fondness for alcohol. They noticed her breath reeking of alcohol several times.”

“So what?” said Xie Ying.

“Why don’t we find a way to get her drunk, so she embarrasses herself in front of the Eldest Young Master,” Shaoyao suggested.

Xie Ying snorted, shaking her head, “So what if she gets embarrassed? Would that alone make Young Master detest her?”

Seething with hatred for Su Jiu, Xie Ying intended to let her receive her full retribution rather than mere embarrassment.

Shaoyao kept quiet.

Xie Ying waited until Shaoyao left the room before hatching a scheme on her own: She was determined to rid of all future troubles if she were to take action.

The opening of Qinglong Bodyguard Agency created quite a stir in Shengjing City not because it was bustling with noise and activities, but because all the guests were famous and highly respected in the city.

Ji Yuxian was the first to arrive.

The status of Ji Manor, which was comparable to that of nobility in Shengjing City, was bound to create a sensation wherever Ji Yuxian appeared.

The Nangong siblings were the next to arrive.

Although they kept a low profile, their presence shocked those who recognized them. General Nangong, who had been at war and was based in the outskirts almost all year round, lived in seclusion and seldom associated with other officials even when he was in the city. It was surprising to see him mingling with the civilians and making his presence felt at the opening.

Along with the Nangong siblings, Young Royal Highness Liang took part in the festivities along with a few other famous and wealthy personages. They did not fail to attract the attention of the other attendees.

Another guest also made his appearance. Everyone could tell that he was no ordinary folk judging from his charisma, even though he was not well known. There was continuous speculation about his identity, as people noticed that Young Royal Highness Liang and Nangong Shu behaved respectfully toward him.

Su Jiu was elated. She did not expect to see the Nangong siblings and Xiao Rui mingling with the other guests. She ordered a drinking feast in the agency so that all of them could drink to their hearts’ content.

The agency filled with the sound of the firecrackers. Numerous business owners came to the banquet and offered their congratulations upon being aware of the opening. Cao Datou and Ah Shu also rushed back from Chongzhou City and were busy attending to the guests together with Dapao and Qiao An. All were euphoric and excited about their new business venture.

Everyone cheered in joy when Ji Yuxian declared that the Qinglong Bodyguard Agency would henceforth escort all cargo and goods belonging to the Ji businesses.

Su Jiu seized upon the opportunity to promise everyone that Qinglong Bodyguard Agency stood by two principles. The first principle was that the cargo would reach its destination within the committed time frame; otherwise, all costs would be refunded. The second principle was to ensure the safe arrival of the cargo and its escorts; otherwise, the agency would compensate three times the damage caused even if it was just a loss of a coin or a small piece of cargo.

Furthermore, all sales cinched today would enjoy a fifty percent discount since it was their first day of business.

Two essential customer concerns were punctuality and security. With Su Jiu’s assurances, coupled with Ji Manor’s he support and trust, to say nothing of the enormous discounts offered, several merchants were enticed to retain their services on the spot.

Qiao An was ecstatic as orders poured in, a palpable sign that their bodyguard agency was a go. They were officially opened for business.

Su Jiu arranged for an arena in front of the agency for the bodyguards to compete against one another in martial arts. Even though they were sparring, they stopped short of injuring each other: the exhibition’s purpose was to earn the trust of any prospective customers.

The former mountain bandits appeared energetic and high-spirited as they dressed uniformly in black shirts and shorts and geared up with wrist guards and headbands. The spectators cheered with conviction and increased their faith in the agency as they observed the extraordinary fitness and agility of the bodyguards.

Watching from below the area, Nangong Bi beamed with excitement. She resisted the temptation to join in the sparring as she hugged Su Jiu’s arm and commented enthusiastically, “Who thought of this, Su Jiu? This is brilliant!”

Qinglong Bodyguard Agency’s reputation began to build as more spectators gathered and acknowledged the well-trained bodyguards during their sparring.

Su Jiu raised her brows in glee as she stole a glance at a particular silhouette that was lean and charismatic. She pursed her lips into a smile and said, “Of course I did!”

She wasn’t wrong in a way: It was her idea; Ji Yuxian had helped to improve it.

“You’re splendid, Su Jiu! Your restaurant became popular shortly after you arrived in Shengjing City, and now you’ve successfully opened a bodyguard agency.” Nangong Bi looked at Su Jiu as her eyes sparkled in admiration.

Su Jiu laughed heartily, “Lady Nangong, you flatter me.”

Nangong Bi pouted in displeasure. “Don’t call me Lady Nangong when we already know each other so well. Call me Bi’er.”

Xiao Lie sat by the side and chuckled when he saw Nangong Bi’s admiration for Su Jiu. He pulled her by her wrist to the seat next to him and said with concern, “You didn’t manage to have a drink, being busy for the entire day. Sit down and relax.”

He passed Su Jiu his cup of tea.

Su Jiu took a sip, as she was very hungry and thirsty after hustling the entire morning.

Ji Yuxian looked over from afar, frowned, and thought for a moment before calling Qiao An over to whisper a few things in his ear.

Qiao An nodded in realization and looked at Su Jiu with a knowing smile as she sat with Xiao Lie and the others.

Nangong Bi quickly refilled Su Jiu’s empty cup after she finished her wine before turning around and saying to Nangong Shu, “Brother, go tell Father on my behalf that I’d like to make a living outside just like Su Jiu.”

Nangong Shu raised his brows in disbelief as he bellowed, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

“I am serious. You were praising Su Jiu as well back home. Why can’t I achieve what Su Jiu did?” Nangong Bi yelled as her eyebrows knitted together.

Nangong Shu’s face flushed slightly upon hearing his sister’s words, as he was worried that Su Jiu might have misunderstood that he was talking about her behind her back. He explained, “Please forgive me, Young Master Su. I only mentioned to Bi’er once about you being young and promising.”

Su Jiu took no offense but pursed her lips in delight, “You don’t have to be so courteous with me, Brother Nangong!”

Xiao Lie smiled as he gazed at the young woman’s delicate profile. He looked up at Nangong Bi and said, “Miss Nangong didn’t need to make a living because your father and brother have protected you well, but you can learn from Su Jiu and hone your skills whenever you are free.”

Nangong Bi jumped in joy upon hearing Xiao Lie’s words. “Is that true? Can I be a bodyguard too?”

Su Jiu raised her brows as she realized that her bodyguard agency would be genuinely famous if one of their bodyguards were the lady from the General Nangong Manor.

Nangong Shu saw that Su Jiu was in speechless amazement and said while looking at his sister, “Young Master Xiao meant that the agency lacked a lackey to feed the horse.”

Nangong Bi just glared at him.

Su Jiu was tickled pink by the siblings’ interaction and burst out laughing; Xiao Lie couldn’t disguise his amusement either.

Qiao An walked over as they joked around. “Ninth Master Su, there’re some issues that require your attention.”

Su Jiu got up and said to the three of them apologetically, “Please forgive me if I have been too occupied today to take good care of everyone. I’ll make it up to everyone next time.”

Xiao Lie had a tender expression on his face as he said, “It’s all right. You go ahead.”

Nangong Bi also waved her hands as she thoughtfully said, “There’s no need for all that courtesy since we are all friends; we’ll help ourselves to the food and drinks.”

Su Jiu nodded with gratefulness and turned around to leave with Qiao An.

Qiao An led Su Jiu to Ji Yuxian and bowed as he retreated.

Su Jiu was baffled as she looked at Ji Yuxian, “You were looking for me?”

The man reached for her hand and led her to sit beside him as he smiled at her alluringly. “It’s unfair of my lady to neglect me when I’m also your customer.”

Su Jiu looked at him with slight exasperation. “I have to take good care of them, as it is only right to treat our guests politely.”

Her words meant, why is he complaining about being neglected when he is one of their people?

Ji Yuxian was instantaneously cheered up by her words. He continued to hold her hand even though his mood was lightened. “I will not complain, but I will get jealous. My lady should be accompanying me, especially since I’m also considered one of your main customers.”

Su Jiu shook her head and laughed while she poured him some wine. “Then, I shall show some respect for my big customer, Eldest Young Master Ji.”

Ji Yuxian rested his arm on the back of Su Jiu’s chair and leaned forward, his face got dangerously close to her as he said scandalously in a deep voice, “I want to be fed by my lady.”

Su Jiu’s face turned crimson, and she immediately recalled the scene of Ji Yuxian pouring her wine last night. Her heart skipped a beat as she said in mocked anger, “How can we do that in front of everyone when you said it was an act only done between the husband and wife?”

When he saw her serious expression, Ji Yuxian almost burst out laughing. A glint appeared in his eyes as he whispered provocatively and emitted warm breaths of hot air onto her ears, “Then you shall feed me tonight back home.”

Su Jiu looked at him out of the corner of her eyes and nodded lightly.

The man’s beautiful eyes lit up with joy immediately, and he decided to stop teasing her. He sat upright and squeezed her hand under the table.

A few tables apart from them, Xiao Lie casually glanced at Ji Yuxian, sitting together with Su Jiu and slowly frowned.

An exquisitely dressed man stood watching them from a far corner of the room. Another man dressed as a housekeeper followed behind him.

“Isn’t this just opening day? Do we know if they can even survive in Shengjing City? This venture may end up being nothing more than a joke at the end of the day!” this gentleman ridiculed.

The other man, who appeared to be in this thirties with light brows and small eyes, looked menacing and said coldly, “Many business owners have come to Shengjing City. It looks like Ji Manor is also a big customer of Qinglong Bodyguard Agency. We should be more careful.”

“Yes, Master Feng is right. But how can our Zhengyuan Bodyguard Agency compare to a young rascal when we’re a time-honored name in Shengjing City,” the housekeeper sneered in disdain.

Feng Yuntian’s eyes gleamed as he said flatly, “We shall observe further; it will be better to get rid of them early if they become a threat to us.”

“Yes, Master Feng is right.”

With that, the bodyguard agency opened by the Dragon Conqueror Gang was officially opened. Their competitors felt envious as they saw a large number of sales they were able to obtain on their very first day of business.

Su Jiu stayed in Ji Yuxian’s study in the mornings to practice her reading and calligraphy and only went to the bodyguard agency in the afternoons. The bodyguards were deployed in batches to various parts of the Daliang Country.

The bodyguard agency was mainly managed by Ah Shu, Hu Dapao, Cao Datou, and several of Cao Datou’s men. Qiao An maintained his position as the two restaurants’ shopkeeper.

The men under Qingfeng Gang had all arrived in the city. The agency handpicked a few of them to be trained as bodyguards while the rest trained to become the crew of their ships.

Ji Yuxian had hired a specialist to conduct training for the ship crew according to the strict requirements of a marine soldier. The ships were also being modified expeditiously to match their attack-and-defense system capabilities to those of the warships.

Everything was falling into place.

By year’s end, Ji Manor buzzed with activity as the servants arranged for new clothes and jewelry to be tailored to their masters. They bought festival goods and decorated their respective pavilions. It was a busy but joyous affair.

Among the hustle and bustle, Su Jiu became increasingly carefree as restaurant operations went smoothly under Qiao An’s able management. He was already preparing to open a third branch on the busiest street of Shengjing City right after the new year.

The bodyguard agency went through an initial phase of chaos because of inexperience and voluminous sales on their first day of business. But in due time, the agency found its footing.

One afternoon, Su Jiu and Chang Huan arrived at the agency. The bodyguards were busy loading their cargo and rushing for deployment. Still, they paused upon seeing the two of them, greeting respectfully, “Ninth Master!”

Su Jiu smiled lightly. “It’s been hard on you guys.”

The men gave a goofy smile and resumed their tasks after seeing Su Jiu entering the agency.

Within the main hall, Ah Shu and Hu Dapao could be seen arguing as Ah Shu’s loud voice traveled across the room. “Go tell him we will not accept his business and that he should get lost.”

“What happened?” Su Jiu strode into the main hall.

“Chief!” Ah Shu and Hu Dapao turned around and immediately dialed down their anger.

Hu Dapao took a big step forward and said, “The Chen Trading Company located on Zhuque Street wanted to transport a batch of leather goods to Yunze, but they asked the chief of our agency to escort the goods personally before they are willing to seal the deal.”

The Chen Trading Company had several business dealings in the Daliang Country, including the sale of tea leaves, leather goods, and wooden materials, etc. It could potentially become a significant customer of the agency if they could get the deal, and they need not be worried about not having sales once spring started.

Even though Ji Manor had sealed the deal to transport its cargo, it could not entirely depend on this business dealing as half of Ji Manor’s goods were already carried by their ships and piers.

“I’ll tell them we’re unable to do business with them and that they should consider their power and capacity before requesting for our chief to escort their goods personally,” Ah Shu proclaimed as he was about to leave the hall.

“Wait!” Su Jiu stopped him abruptly and smiled. “It’s just an escorting trip; why can’t we accept their business?”

“Chief!”

“Boss!”

Hu Dapao, Chang Huan, and the rest of the people were stunned for a moment and frowned at her.

“Boss, the journey is too tough, as you’ll be exposed to wind and rain. You mustn’t accept the request.” Chang Huan was the first to voice his objection.

“Chang Huan’ right. On top of that, you’ll be unable to rush back for the new year, which is in another ten days. The journey to Yunze takes at least seven,” Ah Shu demurred.

Hu Dapao thought about it for a brief moment and said, “I will talk to their shopkeeper and suggest for myself to escort their cargo; instead, they can choose to accept it or not.”

Su Jiu sat on a red wooden chair in the main hall and said slowly as she sipped on her tea, “This is not as serious as you thought. The journey to escort the cargo may be tough, but we all suffered in the past when we starved for days, no? Besides, why am I unable to make the trip when you guys could? Are you saying I’m useless since I’m leading a comfortable and privileged life?”

Ah Shu giggled, “Chief is amazing. She can now speak in bombastic words.”

Su Jiu gave him a side-eye and scolded, “Get lost!”

Hu Dapao nodded in agreement, “This is fine with me; I’ll follow along if the chief is going!”

“I’ll follow along too,” Chang Huan added immediately and then frowned. “I’m just afraid that Ji Yuxian won’t allow it.”

After all, Su Jiu was the Young Mistress of Ji Manor. It wasn’t reasonable for her to leave for so many days and be absent in the manor during the new year.

Su Jiu only remembered about Ji Yuxian after Chang Huan mentioned him. It was true: he would not relent easily.

“I’ll go talk to him. It shouldn’t be a problem,” Su Jiu said and looked up at Ah Shu. “Go tell the shopkeeper of Chen Trading Company that we will accept their request.”

“Sure thing, right away,”

Su Jiu stayed in the agency for an entire afternoon to discuss the deployment of the bodyguards and transportation route for the escort mission. She only went back to the manor when it got dark.

The night lights were already on by the time Su Jiu and Chang Huan arrived back at the Ji Manor. Su Jiu told Chang Huan to return to the Perched Phoenix Pavilion. At the same time, she went looking for Ji Yuxian to tell him about her escort mission.

Ji Yuxian was nowhere to be found when she entered the study. Mo Yu served her tea as she explained, “The Eldest Young Master left the manor in the afternoon and is yet to be back.”

Su Jiu nodded in acknowledgment. “Tell him I will be waiting for him in the study when he returns.”

“Surely.” Mo Yu bowed and left the room.

There were many ledgers placed on the table, and several were scattered around in a disorderly manner. Ji Yuxian had left in a hurry and did not have time to tidy up.

Su Jiu put the ledgers back in their place and continued to read the books that she failed to finish in the morning. Ji Yuxian was still not home when the night fell.

Su Jiu got bored as she waited, so she got up and stood in front of the bookshelf as she intended to pick out some simple opera excerpts to read.

Su Jiu found a few of the books too complicated and returned them to the shelves as she browsed through them. Her gaze fell on some ancient scrolls on the shelf, and she proceeded to extract a thin, yellow booklet from the middle of the scrolls.

The booklet had a light yellow colored cover with a few blossoms drawn on its upper-left corner. It was titled “Appreciation of the Flowers and Fragrance” (referring to ancient Chinese pornography).

The booklet, so elegant and straightforward, managed to pique Su Jiu’s interest. She flipped through it casually and realized it had many illustrations. With much delight, she took the book and sat behind the table to study it in detail.

The short stories were comprehensive. Su Jiu felt as if she had entered a whole new league as the illustrations portrayed different sexual intercourse positions in exaggerated detail. Close-up drawings of the peoples’ faces showed the characters being lascivious and lost in ecstasy.

Su Jiu was extremely shocked at its content, and she blushed from shame as her heart pounded excessively.

She seemed to have comprehended what she did not understand previously.

Su Jiu felt increasingly embarrassed to be looking at the illustrations. Yet, she could not resist browsing through the entire booklet until somebody’s greeting sounded outside the door, and a man entered the room. Su Jiu got startled and panicked as she slammed the booklet shut and shoved it underneath one of the ledgers.

Ji Yuxian was wearing a light purple robe with silver-lined sleeves as he removed his fur coat. He walked over slowly with a tender smile on his face as he looked wistfully at Su Jiu seated behind the desk.

He continued walking behind her back and wrapped his arms around her waist as he curled his lips into a charming smile, “Have you been waiting for me? Have you eaten yet?”

The man’s body remained warm as he had just returned from the outdoors. Su Jiu felt her body stiffen as he pressed tightly onto her back, and the sweltering heat continued to transmit from the man’s body to hers.

“What’s wrong, why is your face so red!” Ji Yuxian pinched Su Jiu’s cheeks lightly with his elegant long fingers and smiled.

Su Jiu winced and replied, “Maybe, maybe the weather’s too warm!”

She had been sleeping on the same bed with this man every single night. Still, she had never felt the sensation of his masculinity so distinctively as compared to this very moment.

She inevitably thought about the acts displayed on the illustrations and blushed even more.

Ji Yuxian looked at her in doubt when he caught wind of something from the corner of his eyes. He noticed the eye-catching blossoms drawn on the edge of the booklet as the corner of its light yellow cover got revealed from underneath one of the ledgers.

His heart jolted, turning numbed and feeble. He lowered his gaze with a smile. With his arms circling the young woman, he reached out for some paper, brush, and ink. He lowered his head and mumbled into the young woman’s ear softly, “Should I teach my lady to paint?”

Su Jiu raised her brows, “Paint?”

“Yes!” Ji Yuxian answered lightly and put the brush in her hand. He held her hand as the tip of the brush landed on the paper’s surface.

He used a few strokes, and a bed appeared in the drawing, followed by the window, the moonlight… and a man and a woman on the couch with their clothes retreated halfway while their limbs entangled.

Su Jiu turned around and looked at him abruptly.

Ji Yuxian lowered his head and planted a kiss on her lips, “Focus on the drawing!”

He placed the finished artwork by the side as he said, and continued working on the second piece of drawing.

The next drawing portrayed the same bed, the same window, and the same characters who were about to do the undescriptive act. This time around, all their clothes were removed and thrown on the floor, while they proceeded to the next step of their action.

The man finished the second drawing and continued with the third, fourth, and fifth…

Upon finishing all the artwork, the man compiled the drawings into the stack, with the first drawing right underneath and the last drawing on top. As he flipped through the stacked drawings as if it was a book, the illustrations appeared to have come alive, with the man’s and woman’s movements becoming vivid and lifelike.

Undressing, behaving intimately, bodies integrating, coming apart, and integrating again… it was the most primitive way of expressing love ever since the ancient times.

The exciting thing was that the two characters’ expressions transformed as their act developed, from bashfulness to being aroused, and then gradually to becoming lost in desire and ecstasy.

Su Jiu felt a burning sensation emitting from a particular location within her body and spreading through the rest of her body to her limbs. Her chest felt weak and troubled as her breath quickened as if she was about to reach a specific limit and come to an abrupt end.

Pang!

Su Jiu slammed her hand on the drawings and turned around all of a sudden. She looked up straight at the man as her delicate eyes revealed annoyance and a hint of embarrassment. It was as if the spring waters had begun to flow, while the sun had started to shine brightly, and blossom flowers started to bloom beautifully.

Ji Yuxian gazed at her flushed cheeks as his almond eyes glazed over with sensuality and tenderness. He felt his throat tighten as he held onto the young woman’s chin and lowered his head to kiss her.

The man held onto her slender waist tightly as he kissed her gently, his half-shut eyes seemingly sparkling and enchanting. His tender kisses turned aggressive as he increased his strength as if attempting to devour the young woman whole.

Su Jiu shut her eyes tightly as she held firmly onto the man’s shirt at his chest, she gradually felt a sense of fear and uncertainly amidst the man’s passionate kisses.

Both of them had behaved intimately numerous times. This time around, it seemed like they were behaving similarly, and yet it felt different at the same time. Her heart pounded excessively as if something was going to break through from its cage, plant its roots deep down into her heart and never leave again.

As her body felt weak and feeble, Su Jiu opened her eyes and stared into the man’s enigmatic gaze. The atmosphere seemed to have frozen as both of them looked at each other as if for eternity.

The lights flickered as it shone on the young woman’s flushed face and bright eyes, portraying her raw and amateurish desire. Ji Yuxian felt his heart quiver and could not stop kissing her. His passionate kisses landed on her slightly swollen lips and traveled down south, making their way to her delicate jawline and slender neck before heading to the back of her ear. His breath turned rapid.

“Are you curious about the acts on the paintings? Shall we try them out?” the man’s grave and hoarse voice exuded sexiness as he tempted her.

Su Jiu burrowed her head into the man’s chest as she clenched her fists. Her nails cut into her palms, and the sharp pain finally brought her to her senses.

“Do we turn into real husband and wife once we’ve tried them out?” Su Jiu asked softly.

Her intuition told her that both of them would become an intimate couple and never be apart once they committed the act on those drawings. However, she was not the real Su Yuejiu and would have to leave the Ji Manor someday. Ji Yuxian had three concubines and would be marrying an actual wife in the future. She would revert to her identity as the Ninth Master Su.

Ji Yuxian held up the young woman’s chin and looked at her, wistfully, “Don’t tell me you are still thinking of leaving?”

“I’m not Su Yuejiu!” Su Jiu emphasized this fact again.

Ji Yuxian’s brows knitted slightly as his mesmerizing, thin lips broke into a smile, “Does that matter? You were my wife ever since we completed the traditional wedding ceremony.”

The windows flew open all of a sudden, and a gust of cold wind entered the room, successfully dispersing the air of passion and lust lingering within the moment before. The candlelight flickered, and the place turned into a shade of gloom.

Su Jiu’s flush on her face faded gradually as she looked up at Ji Yuxian and asked, “Do you want a mountain bandit as your wife? Did you forget about your original intention of letting me stay in the Ji Manor?”

Stunned, Ji Yuxian lay there, his gaze turning dark.

“Ji Yuxian, we will stick to our plan. In exchange for your help in establishing my businesses in Shengjing City, I will do my best to fulfill your requests. We are still partners,” the young woman backed off from the man’s embrace as her eyes sparkled with clarity.

Ji Yuxian subconsciously held onto Su Jiu’s hand as he felt a sense of emptiness. He smiled and said, ” We will take it slow. At least you are still my lady as of this moment. We never know if you will be begging me to marry you in the future.”

Su Jiu chuckled and raised her brows, “We shall see.”

The chill air swept across Su Jiu’s face as she recalled her motive of talking to Ji Yuxian and said hurriedly, “I have to make a trip tomorrow!”

“Where are you going?” Ji Yuxian raised a brow.

“I am escorting cargos to Yunze,” Su Jiu replied.

Ji Yuxian frowned immediately. “You are escorting? Are there no more bodyguards in the agency?”

“It’s not that. It’s because the shopkeeper of the Chen Trading Company requested that I escort the cargo personally before they would agree to let us handle their goods. I agreed as I did not want to lose this client,” Su Jiu explained.

“No way, I will not agree!” Ji Yuxian rejected her request directly.

“Why?” Su Jiu glared at him.

“The trip to Yunze is at least ten days. Do you think you can disappear for such a long period as the Young Mistress of Ji Manor?” The man glanced at her while he cleared away the brush and ink on his desk.

“But, I have already agreed to it.”

“You shall not go even if you have agreed. Change to somebody else to escort the cargo, or reject the order. I will pass you another batch of goods that requires shipping!” Ji Yuxian implored with a slight smile, the tone of his voice going from gentle yet firm.

“No!” Su Jiu refused. “There’s no point for me to ship your batch of goods as I am not just trying to earn from a single escorting trip. I intend to sign the deal with the Chen Trading Company and have a big client under my belt.”

Ji Yuxian turned around and looked at her. “No matter what, you are not allowed to go!”

Su Jiu glared at him furiously as the sense of affection accumulated within her heart evaporated.

“Ji Yuxian. Can you be reasonable?”

“No!”

“Then what if I insist on going?”

The previous loving atmosphere instantaneously turned tense with their confrontation.

“You can go!” Ji Yuxian showed displeasure as he said snarkily, “If you do, you will lose all business dealings with Ji Manor from today on. You choose which client is more important to you!”

“You!” Su Jiu gritted her teeth as she stared at him with anguish. She unclenched her fists after a moment and turned around to leave the room.

She strode off quickly under the influence of anger, slammed the door shut with a loud pang, and left Cloud Pavilion without looking back.

The man sat on a carved wooden chair as he rested his forehead on his hand. He had upset the girl again. Should he be consoled by the fact that she did not hit him?

He curled his lips into a slight smile as his gaze displayed helplessness along with a hint of tenderness.

There was knocking on the door. Old Housekeeper Yu entered. He bowed and greeted before saying, “The Young Mistress seemed to have left angrily just now.”

“Yes, I know.” Ji Yuxian nodded as he turned to look outside the half-opened windows. The sky filled with dark clouds signaling the approach of a snowstorm.

“Let the kitchen staff simmer some soup that can help in clearing heat within the body, and prepare several snacks that the Young Mistress wants. Serve them to the Perched Phoenix Pavilion tonight,” the man ordered flatly.

“Of course. I will take care of this.” Old Housekeeper Yu acknowledged the command and retreated.

It started snowing at night; indeed, the window panes opened and shut as strong gusts of wind flew. The bamboo sticks swayed and danced wildly in the wind, causing disturbance and chaos in one’s mind.

The room was warm, but Su Jiu felt restless as she lay on her bed, realizing how uncomfortable it was.

Deep in her heart, she criticized herself for being contrived like Ji Yuxian as she had not failed to sleep well back in the days when she could only sleep on concrete bricks and bamboo mats.

She was not sleeping well because of that jerk; it had nothing to do with the bed!

Why wasn’t she allowed to go on the escort mission?

Since he was the patriarch of Ji Manor, who would have dared to question him further even if she were to disappear for a year?

Excuses, they were excuses!

Su Jiu tossed and turned as she imagined things in her mind and did not realize when she fell asleep.

The sky had already turned bright when she woke, and the wind had stopped, although the snow was still falling. The servants in the courtyard were clearing the snow on the path, and their faintly audible sounds served as a huge contrast to the silence in her room.

It was already seven-thirty in the morning, but Su Jiu did not appear to be in a hurry. She washed and dressed up, ate her breakfast leisurely, then went out with Chang Huan.

The crowd was sparse on the streets as the snow fell slowly. The wheels of the horse carriage made creaking sounds on the snow-filled paths, and they scattered snow all over as they trotted by.

The carriage arrived at the agency, and Ah Shu was about to send his men to go collect the cargo at the Chen Trading Company.

Su Jiu called for Ah Shu and told him flatly, “Go tell Chan Trading Company personally that I will not be able to make it for the trip Ask them if they will agree if we deploy our highly ranked bodyguards to escort their goods instead and give them a 20% discount on the rates.”

Ah Shu exclaimed in surprise, “Chief is not going?”

Su Jiu nodded slightly without any facial expression, “I can’t go.”

Ah Shu did not ask further, for he guessed it probably had something to do with Ji Yuxian. “Sure, I can escort the cargos with Dapao as well. We’ll not make this shipment if they don’t agree with this arrangement!”

“Talk nicely when you arrive at the Chen Trading Company. We are now legitimate businessmen, not mountain bandits,” Su Jiu urged once more.

“Don’t worry! We have been in Shengjing City for some time and definitely cannot behave as we used to.” Ah Shu laughed and went out into the snowstorm.

Ah Shu returned two hours later while Su Jiu was browsing through the ledgers in a heated room next to the hall. Judging from his glum expression, she could tell that the deal fell through.

Ah Shu sat on the chair, picked up a cup of tea, and gulped a few mouthfuls before slamming the cup heavily back down on the table, chiding heatedly, “To hell with them! They were arrogant just because they had money. I shall not bother with them anymore.”

Chang Huan sat straddled on a chair, looking comfortable as he looked sideways at Ah Shu and asked, “What happened? Did you get snubbed again? In my opinion, we should just forgo this deal and instead enjoy the new year.”

Su Jiu raised her brows and looked over. “What happened?”

“I tried my best to persuade their shopkeeper, but he just would not relent to our request. He intended to have our chief escort their goods as it was their first time dealing with us and would only continue to engage our services if the escort went well this time around. I think they are trying to push their luck.”

Ah Shu rambled on heatedly.

“Did you get into a fight over there?” Su Jiu teased.

It was highly likely for Ah Shu to use his fists based on his temperament.

“No!” Ah Shu broke into a smile. “I did as what chief told and did not dare to lose my temper easily. I understand the rationale that friendly relations should still exist between suppliers and clients, even if we fail to clinch a deal.”

Su Jiu laughed lightly. “Not bad. You have improved!”

“Of course, we are decent and respectable people now,” Ah Shu said with a laugh.

She took a deep breath and put down the ledger as she got up and said, “Give me four hours; wait for my news!”

She decided to look for Ji Yuxian one more time.

It was no big deal.

All she had to do was to soothe him!

A great man should be able to take temporary setbacks and know when to yield.

With a glint in her eyes, Su Jiu called upon Chang Huan and turned around to leave.

They first arrived at Ji Manor, but Old Housekeeper Yu informed that Ji Yuxian had already left and headed to the Yiyue Teahouse on Dongyu Street.

Su Jiu thus ordered Chang Huan to rush the carriage there.

The snowfall had diminished, and tiny speckles of snow were now floating down from the sky, which appeared misty and white.

The teahouse was exceptionally quiet in the snow. The server was holding a teapot as he noticed the carriage from Robes Square stopping right in front of the teahouse. He had the others roll out the red carpet from the entrance to the horse carriage and stood by the side respectfully. A young maidservant held up an umbrella as she supported Lan Zhihui down from the carriage. He went forward and fawned, “Lady Lan is here!”

Lan Zhihui was dressed in an elegant robe made of intertwined silk and satin, and a thick cloak made from white squirrel fur with gold threads. Her long black hair was held up in a bun and accessorized with emerald flowers. She was elegant even though she was dressed luxuriously, as she strolled across the thick and dense red carpet toward the teahouse.

“I was wondering about the Eldest Young Master arriving at our teahouse early in the morning. Now I realize he was waiting for Lady Lan. Please head upstairs!” the server said with utmost flattery and a face full of smiles.

The maidservant grinned as she handed him several silver pieces and teased, “You have a glib tongue!”

“I have said too much.” The server accepted the silver pieces cheerfully and pretended to slap himself on the face.

A light smile appeared on Lan Zhihui’s ravishing face, and she looked graceful and demure without putting forth too much effort. The ends of her dress gently swayed as she lightly stepped up the stairs in her embroidered shoes sewn with orchid flowers.

The server watched Lan Zhihui go up the stairs before turning around to retrieve the red carpet. He looked up and frowned immediately with a yell, “Don’t step on it!”

He trotted over and said while staring coldly at the guests with a judgmental look, “Is this red carpet for you to step on? What kind of person is this? You have no manners at all!”

Su Jiu took a look at the red carpet below her feet and asked, “Isn’t this red carpet for people to step on since it’s rolled out?”

The server raised his brows and laughed, “It’s indeed for people to step on, but not just anyone can step on it. This was prepared for our master and Lady Lan Zhihui; others are not special enough to use it.”

Su Jiu wore a light-grey long robe, and her hair was casually gathered in a bun on top of her head with a purple ribbon that Ji Yuxian frequently tied for her. She did look too simple and plain to be from a wealthy family.

Moreover, the carriage they used daily was of the most ordinary kind, not as noble as the one from Robes Square.

The server continued to talk as he stepped toward Su Jiu and noticed that the snow on her shoes had landed on the red carpet. His expression changed immediately as he reached out to push Su Jiu while ranting, “Go away, quickly go away, the red carpet is all dirty now!”

His arm had yet to touch Su Jiu when he was flung out abruptly, with his head landing and almost fully submerging into a pile of snow on the street.

Chang Huan gave him a cold, hard stare before following behind Su Jiu as she strode haughtily into the teahouse.