Chapter 14: Surrounded by Beauty

Playing hard to get is the easiest way to stir a man's interest. He longed to see Fei'er blush for him, to watch her eyes light up with pleasure, and so he softly kneaded her earlobe.

A gasp escaped her lips, and her body softened, pressing close to him.

She melted in his embrace like spring water, her graceful brows furrowing slightly, moist lips parted, her eyes glazed as she gazed up at him.

"Fei'er, I like you so much."

Such shyness, such tender hesitation in expressing herself—he wanted nothing more than to cradle her at the very center of his heart.

Of course, Zhao Kai dared not rush things, for fear of startling her. He relished seeing Fei'er embarrassed for his sake.

Men possess great self-control, especially towards the woman they love. He wrapped his arms around Lin Fei'er's slender waist, holding her tightly against him, yet doing nothing further.

Lin Fei'er could feel the heat radiating from her husband, his gaze on her burning with a hunger that made her heart pound in panic. She hurriedly lowered her head.

Zhao Kai adored her reaction, letting out two low chuckles that seemed to vibrate straight into her soul, making her heart flutter like a startled fawn.

"Fei'er, why are you so bashful?"

He loved her shyness, so charming and delicate, awakening his tenderest care. He was all the more attentive to Fei'er's feelings, determined to soothe away her fears.

"Husband... please don't tease me."

"Tease you? I barely have enough time to dote on you, let alone tease you."

Their eyes met, and Zhao Kai gazed at her as if he could never get enough. "Fei'er, you are truly beautiful."

His deep, magnetic voice made Lin Fei'er's heart race. She had never wanted to draw close to a man like this before, but...

"Husband, I feel a little unwell..."

"Unwell? Where does it hurt?"

"My lower abdomen..."

Her lower abdomen? Zhao Kai rose to check, and as his hand brushed over her, his face darkened immediately.

Damn it—her period, of all times. Was fate deliberately set against him?

Zhao Kai sighed and could only give up.

Sensing his sigh, Lin Fei'er felt aggrieved and whispered, "Husband, I'm sorry, it's all my fault..."

"It's not your fault."

Her period was beyond her control; there would be other times. After all, she was his wife—there was no rush.

"Come, let me take you to bathe."

Though the main event was out of the question, ordinary intimacy was not. In the wooden tub, Zhao Kai nearly devoured her whole.

Lin Fei'er was so delicate that her skin was soon marked with faint bruises.

Zhao Kai, feeling guilty, carefully applied bruise ointment to her waist. Such tender care instantly dispelled her lingering insecurity.

Though the night ended without fulfillment, Zhao Kai, at least sated for now, slept soundly and woke the next day in high spirits, radiant and full of life.

As he strolled with Lin Fei'er, he drew the frequent glances of several maids.

Lin Fei'er was displeased—her husband was hers alone.

"Husband, my waist still aches a little. Would you massage it for me?"

Zhao Kai, oblivious to the maids’ longing looks, immediately placed his hand around her slender waist when Fei'er complained of discomfort.

A wave of envious stares swept over them, filling Lin Fei'er with immense satisfaction.

Yes, how could those maids ever be worthy of her husband? They didn't even have the right to try.

But... there was one person who was worthy, and she was walking toward them now.

"Fei'er, are you feeling better?" Zhao Kai asked.

He had no idea that, in that fleeting instant, Lin Fei'er was overcome with jealousy. Feigning continued discomfort, she said, "Still not quite right, husband—a little lower, please..."

A little lower? Very well, he would oblige.

His hand slid down to her hips, giving a gentle squeeze. Lin Fei'er gasped, and Zhao Yan'er, who was striding quickly toward them, faltered in her steps.

"Husband, that hurt..." she protested, both petulant and coquettish, making Zhao Kai’s heart tingle.

"My fault, Fei'er. Does it still hurt?"

His voice unconsciously softened. With such a delicate beauty at his side, how could he not cherish her?

"It doesn't hurt anymore. Husband, you are so considerate."

"As I should be. You are my wife—who else would I cherish?"

Zhao Yan'er could no longer take a single step forward. She bit her lower lip hard.

Was this the Zhao Kai she knew in private? Such gentle concern, even a careful touch—why had she never received such attention? She wanted it too...

"Yan'er, why are you just standing there?" Lin Fei'er called out.

Zhao Yan'er could not even force a smile. Her burning gaze was fixed on Zhao Kai—on his strong, upright figure, his strikingly handsome face.

What? Zhao Kai noticed her staring and was puzzled. Was there something on his face? Why was she looking at him like that?

"Miss Zhao, is something wrong?"

"Oh... nothing, I just didn't sleep well."

Didn’t sleep well? It didn’t look like it.

Lin Fei'er understood perfectly. Her husband was a rare catch—any woman would be moved, especially Zhao Yan'er.

But her husband already belonged to her.

"Fei'er, in a few days I plan to go to the temple to offer prayers. Would you like to come?"

Going to the temple was a good thing; Lin Fei'er agreed at once, thinking she could ask for a charm to keep her husband safe.

"Will you come too, Brother Zhao?" she asked.

Zhao Kai didn't believe in such things. A modern man, he was not superstitious.

"You two go. Fei'er has been feeling stifled these days—accompany her for a walk."

"Alright, but Brother Zhao, take care of yourself... and don't let other women get close to you."

Me? Let someone else get close? Impossible—none of those women catch my eye.

"Fei'er is all I need. No other woman could ever matter to me. Don't worry."

Zhao Kai thought Zhao Yan'er feared he might betray Fei'er, so he made her a promise.

Little did he know his words were like a knife twisting in her heart.

Lin Fei'er was completely content. Claiming she was tired, she returned home with Zhao Kai.

Zhao Yan'er stood there, numb and lost, wishing she had never met Zhao Kai...

The tavern—

Because of Zhao Kai's public humiliation, Lin Zhenting could no longer hold his head up in Jinghong County. Some people, cowed by his influence, dared not mock him openly, but the unruly children called him "the coward" to his face.

Now everyone knew his infamous nickname, and that he'd crawled beneath Zhao Kai’s legs.

Crash—Lin Zhenting smashed his empty wine vessel to the ground.

"Where is everyone?! Bring me more wine!"

Now, he could only numb himself with drink, trying to forget his shame.

"Young Master Lin, you've already had plenty. Perhaps you should settle your tab first?"

The tab?

He slapped the server hard. "You bastard! Afraid I won’t pay? Get over here!"

Because of Zhao Kai, the whole county knew he owed money everywhere. Even this lowly waiter looked down on him now, fearing he wouldn’t pay.

"And the wine?! I asked for the strongest—are you mocking me with this swill?"

A familiar voice drifted down from upstairs. That voice...

Lin Zhenting staggered to his feet and climbed the stairs. In a private room, the alluring and beautiful Miss Zhao, Zhao Yan'er, was drowning her sorrows in wine.

An acquaintance. Stroking his chin, Lin Zhenting thought: This woman always clings to Zhao Kai, making things hard for me. But today, she's fallen right into my hands.

He pulled a vile packet from his breast and emptied it into her wine. Zhao Yan'er, tonight you will have a taste of your own medicine...