Chapter 12: A Vision Beyond This World

“Hey, wait a moment…”

Just as the veil was almost lifted, Zhao Kai put it back down again. Lin Zhenting was nearly beside himself with rage, and the crowd all glared at Zhao Kai in annoyance.

Zhao Kai suppressed a laugh; who could outplay him when it came to manipulating a customer’s curiosity?

“Young Master Lin, if I win, what do you plan to do?” he asked.

“Whatever you want,” Lin Zhenting replied impatiently, eager to see the result.

“Very well. With so many people as witnesses, Young Master Lin, you’d better keep your word,” Zhao Kai declared.

As soon as he finished speaking, he whipped away the veil in one swift motion. A delicate and beautiful young woman was revealed, making everyone widen their eyes in astonishment.

Was this really Miss Zhou?

Not only had all her pimples vanished, but her complexion was a whole shade fairer—she seemed like an entirely different person.

Miss Zhou batted her eyes sweetly and said, “Young Master Zhao, your rouge and powder are truly remarkable. In such a short time, my face is flawless.”

Lin Zhenting was dumbstruck, as were the others. After a moment’s stunned silence, everyone rushed forward, crowding around Zhao Kai.

“Young Master Zhao, how did you do it? Look, can you remove this mole on my chin?”

“And me! I’m so dark, can you make me fairer?”

Surrounded by eager customers, Zhao Kai basked in the thrill of a successful entrepreneur.

“Of course, of course. As long as you buy this Zhao family concealer, any flaw can be fixed.”

“I want one—take my money, quickly!”

“Me too…”

The crowd’s excitement was even more intense than before, spurred by Miss Zhou’s transformation.

Miss Zhou, holding a mirror, examined herself from every angle, utterly delighted.

“Miss Zhou, remember our agreement; when you return, you must help me spread the word,” Zhao Kai reminded her, stepping closer.

“You needn’t worry, Young Master Zhao. You’ve given me a complete makeover, like a whole new person. How could I not help you? Lin Zhenting’s rouge is dreadful—yours is far superior.”

She then let her gaze linger over Zhao Kai appraisingly. She’d thought his reputation was mere luck, but now she saw his true ability.

She leaned gently against him. “Young Master Zhao, you’ve done me such a favor—how should I thank you?”

Zhao Kai was well aware of her meaning. Though Miss Zhou was indeed attractive after her makeover, she was still far from matching Fei’er’s beauty.

Besides, he was not a man easily swayed by just any woman.

“Miss Zhou, a deposit will suffice. I promise the hundred sets of perfume and lipstick you ordered will be delivered on time.”

He evaded her advance politely. Miss Zhou pouted, “Young Master Zhao, you’re so heartless! I admire you so much—perhaps you and I could…”

Her hands began to wander, and Zhao Kai nearly pushed her away. Did she really think he was the kind of man to be so easily tempted?

“Miss Zhou, I already have Fei’er. Please mind your behavior.”

Miss Zhou persisted, “So what if you have a wife? You’ve been with other women before…”

Zhao Kai’s patience was at its limit. Fine, since she refused to back down, he would show no mercy.

Just as he raised his hand to push her away, a woman in red suddenly appeared before him.

“Shameless in broad daylight—aren’t you embarrassed?” she snapped.

Zhao Kai stared at Zhao Yan’er, momentarily stunned. When had Yan’er become so bold?

Miss Zhou hadn’t expected Zhao Yan’er to intervene, much less to insult her so directly. Flushed with anger and humiliation, she retorted, “What business is it of yours if I flirt with Young Master Zhao?”

“Flirt? Look at yourself—do you really think Zhao Kai would be interested in you? Go crawl back to your doghouse.”

Zhao Yan’er’s words were sharp as blades. In just a few exchanges, Miss Zhou was utterly defeated and left, her face burning with shame.

“What a piece of work, daring to set her sights on Zhao Kai,” Zhao Yan’er muttered. Dressed in a red gown, she looked even more charming, her expressive eyes filled with spirited indignation—Zhao Kai found her more intriguing than ever.

Still, not just anyone could handle Yan’er.

Feeling his gaze, Zhao Yan’er flushed and lowered her eyes. “Zhao Kai, forgive me if I made a scene. I just acted in the heat of the moment…”

“No need to apologize. Without your help, I might not have managed,” he replied.

She looked at him, captivated by his gentle manner. Even when pestered by a woman, he was reluctant to be harsh.

“Zhao Kai, your clothes were rumpled by that woman. Let me smooth them out for you.”

Before he could consent, her hand was already on his chest. The man was well built, and his subtle masculine scent made her heart flutter.

Zhao Kai watched her—so fierce a moment ago, now acting like a shy young lady at his side. The feeling was hard to describe.

Could it be… she has feelings for me?

He shook his head. Perhaps he was mistaken.

Lin Zhenting, witnessing Zhao Yan’er’s attentions toward Zhao Kai, grew increasingly jealous. It was one thing for him to have married Lin Fei’er, but now even Zhao Yan’er seemed taken by him. Had Zhao Kai’s ancestors blessed him with endless luck?

“Hey, Zhao Kai.”

Ah, he’d almost forgotten about Lin Zhenting, who must be eager to see him falter.

“Young Master Lin, are you here to admit defeat? There’s no need. Everyone knows who won and who lost. You don’t need to say it out loud.”

Lin Zhenting nearly ground his teeth to dust.

“Name your price.”

“What?” Zhao Kai wondered if he’d misheard.

“Give me a price for the formulas of your products.”

How bold. Where did Lin Zhenting get such confidence?

“The formulas are negotiable, but two of the ingredients are priceless.”

“Priceless? Tell me, I’d like to see what makes them so valuable.”

Zhao Kai took Zhao Yan’er’s hands in his. “Naturally, the true treasures are Miss Zhao and Fei’er’s designs—the packaging for the perfumes and lipsticks is all their handiwork. Can you buy that?”

Zhao Yan’er’s cheeks flamed. Did he really call her a priceless treasure? Did this mean she and Fei’er held equal value in his heart?

Lin Zhenting’s face turned an ugly shade. It seemed both of Jinghong County’s beauties had been won over by Zhao Kai.

What had Zhao Kai done to deserve such fortune?

“If I recall, Young Master Lin, you haven’t even paid your last debt. Shouldn’t you settle that first? Besides, you said earlier that if you lost, you’d do whatever I wanted—does that still stand?”

Of course not!

“Hey everyone, Young Master Lin is about to perform the Bear Crawls Through the Tunnel act! Come and see!” Zhao Kai called out, making sure Lin Zhenting couldn’t go back on his word.

Once you’ve agreed, there’s no backing out.

As the crowd gathered, Lin Zhenting found himself in an impossible situation.

Zhao Kai leaned nonchalantly against a large tree, one long leg stretched out over the stone path, arms folded, watching Lin Zhenting.

“Bear Crawls Through the Tunnel—ready?”

Lin Zhenting stared at him in disbelief. “Zhao Kai, you dare make me…”

Zhao Kai feigned innocence. “Young Master Lin, you agreed. What, are you going back on your word?”

Lin Zhenting’s pride was worthless—if he dared to resist, he’d only suffer greater humiliation.

After all, when bored, people needed a bit of fun.