Chapter 20: A Major Loss

What? Did Lin Zhenting hear that right? He was drugged by him?

Zhao Yan’er, knowing the truth, was just as bewildered. How had the situation flipped so unexpectedly?

Zhao Kai continued his mockery, “You don’t know how potent this medicine is. It’s a great tonic for the body. I was worried it might hurt your pride, so I secretly added it to your wine. Who would have thought you’d misunderstand? Alas, a kind heart mistaken for ill intent.”

He deliberately disgusted him. Lin Zhenting was the one who actually drugged him; it couldn’t possibly be Zhao Kai. Especially since Lin Zhenting had used the guise of helping him, there was no way he would suffer such a loss.

“You’re spouting nonsense! My impotence is because you—”

“Oh—so you really are impotent!” Before he could finish, everyone chimed in together.

Excellent. Zhao Kai had skillfully led him right into the trap, and he was quite satisfied.

Lin Zhenting realized what he had just revealed, his face twisting as if he’d swallowed a fly.

Zhao Kai raised his brows at him. So you want to play tricks in front of me? I’ll have you outclassed at every turn.

Lin Zhenting thought Zhao Kai would bury the incident for Zhao Yan’er’s reputation, but if not, he’d just expose another matter. After all, Lin Zhenting was impotent now; when he became so was irrelevant.

“No, it’s because…I…” Lin Zhenting stammered, unable to say what he meant.

Of course, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Already humiliated by Zhao Kai, he wasn’t foolish enough to admit that Zhao Kai’s kick was the reason for his impotence.

“Master Lin, I understand this is a big blow to you, but sometimes a man must accept his fate,” Zhao Kai said with feigned sympathy.

Lin Zhenting, furious and embarrassed, retorted, “Don’t talk about me! Even if I…am impotent, it was you who took Zhao Yan’er away that night. What happened between you two? Tell us!”

“That night I took Yan’er away so she wouldn’t learn of your impotence. You care about your reputation, didn’t want a second person to know. How could I add insult to injury?” Zhao Kai replied innocently.

Lin Zhenting wished he could die. How was it that everything turned white when it passed through Zhao Kai’s hands?

Zhao Kai gave him no respite, continuing, “Yan’er thought I was up to something suspicious, so she followed me. She saw me put the medicine in your wine, then came out to see what was going on out of curiosity.”

—

Zhao Kai didn’t forget to showcase his impressive acting skills as he spoke, “You know Yan’er doesn’t like you. If she’d stayed, you’d have been finished. Though we’ve had our differences, a man’s dignity is important; I couldn’t be careless.”

His words of generous loyalty won the crowd’s admiration. Seeing Lin Zhenting’s speechless fury, Zhao Kai almost wanted to laugh aloud.

Zhao Yan’er, seeing Zhao Kai defend her so thoroughly, was moved and full of respect. To make the crowd even more convinced, she said, “That night, Zhao Kai and I did nothing at all. I have proof.”

“What proof do you have?”

Zhao Yan’er lifted her sleeve, revealing a mark of vermilion on her fair arm.

Zhao Yan’er was still a virgin!

Lin Fei’er was astonished, then relieved. Nothing happened between them that night—her husband belonged only to her.

Zhao Kai saw Zhao Yan’er use the maiden’s mark to prove her innocence and help him out of a tight spot. He couldn’t help but look at her anew. In truth, Zhao Yan’er was an extraordinary woman—bold, sincere, charming, and innocent. Anyone would find her captivating.

“Thank you,” Zhao Kai said in a voice only she could hear.

Zhao Yan’er blushed slightly. “It’s I who should thank you, Zhao Kai. Thank you for proving my innocence and avenging me.”

“If you want revenge, take as much as you need. I’m here.”

Standing beside her, Zhao Kai’s calm and confident demeanor filled her with faith, as if he were shielding her from the world.

Seeing Lin Zhenting’s petty, jealous expression made her simmer with rage.

“Zhao Kai did everything for you, even seeking medicine for your sake, yet you slander him so shamelessly!”

With that, Zhao Yan’er slapped him, repaying the humiliation of that night.

Lin Zhenting had never been slapped before; his face burned with pain.

Zhao Kai now stepped forward as the nobleman, saying, “Master Lin, why make things worse for yourself? You’ve defamed Yan’er’s reputation. Perhaps you should kneel and apologize?”

First he had to crawl like a bear, now he was being asked to kneel to a woman. Zhao Kai must be doing this on purpose.

Of course, Zhao Kai was. He wanted Lin Zhenting exhausted in body and spirit.

—

“I won’t apologize! Zhao Kai, stop pretending to be righteous. During your time in the Zhao family, can you really say you never coveted their wealth?”

Truthfully, he hadn’t. The gambling houses and cosmetics business in Jinghong County were all his. Why would he covet anything? If he wanted, he could build a commercial empire whenever he pleased; it was only a matter of time.

Lin Zhenting was inexperienced—after several rounds, he still hadn’t grasped the true nature of things.

It wasn’t that he wanted the Zhao family, but rather, the Zhao family wanted him.

“Father favors Zhao Kai. He has no need to covet anything,” Zhao Yan’er spoke up for him.

“Favor?” Lin Zhenting mocked. “I think it’s you who favors him. Miss Zhao, have you liked Zhao Kai for a long time? After he took you away that night, were you disappointed he didn’t claim you?”

Lin Zhenting’s meaning was clear. Others didn’t understand, but Zhao Kai and Zhao Yan’er did.

As a woman, Zhao Yan’er felt embarrassed and couldn’t meet Zhao Kai’s gaze.

“As the saying goes, ‘A beautiful lady draws the attention of worthy gentlemen.’ Naturally, I admire someone like Miss Zhao, but she is not yet engaged nor has she found her match. Even if I appreciate her, I would keep my distance. If someone projects base intentions onto me, I can only say they lack something themselves, and so their thoughts are warped.”

Zhao Kai spoke so plainly, it was hard for the crowd not to understand.

A true man should stand before a woman at critical moments, shielding her from gossip and deliberate ridicule.

Pretending to admit his feelings for Zhao Yan’er was nothing—so long as it stopped Lin Zhenting’s insults, he was willing.

Lin Zhenting was left speechless. Zhao Kai patted him on the shoulder, quietly saying, “Lin Zhenting, try whatever tricks you have left. I have plenty of ways to deal with you.”

He had plenty, while Lin Zhenting was battered and bruised.

Seeing him so pitiful, Zhao Kai took out a bank note. “Miss Cui, please find someone to escort Master Lin home. Also, if he seeks you out again, be patient with him. This bank note is my compensation to you.”

“Master Zhao, how could I not obey your instructions? Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him. At worst, I’ll pretend a needle pricked me.”

Her words sent the crowd into laughter. Zhao Kai couldn’t help but laugh as well—a needle? What an apt description.