Chapter 21: This Is a Misunderstanding

Lin Zhengting slunk away, tail between his legs, unable to lift his head. Zhao Kai watched him go, thoroughly delighted. Lin Zhengting had brought him so much amusement—he hoped this blow wouldn’t crush the man completely, or he’d be bored out of his mind.

“Husband.”

Amused as he was, Zhao Kai failed to notice the plaintive look in his wife’s eyes.

“What is it?”

Lin Fei’er hesitated, twisting her handkerchief anxiously. “Do you truly like Sister Yan’er?”

Zhao Kai, still relishing his victory over Lin Zhengting, had completely forgotten about the two women whose hearts were set on him. Zhao Yan’er gazed at him with the sparkling eyes of a young maiden newly awakened to love, not having forgotten the words he’d just spoken—words that implied his affection.

Noticing their reactions, Zhao Kai realized his words had caused a misunderstanding. He quickly explained, “I just didn’t want Lin Zhengting to slander Yan’er. She’s a wonderful girl.”

A wonderful girl… Zhao Yan’er blushed deeply. Lin Fei’er caught the look and felt a pang of jealousy. She must keep her husband close, she thought fiercely.

“Brother Zhao, thank you for today. I’ll remember what you said…”

“You’re welcome, it’s what I should do. But after Lin Zhengting’s scene just now, Master Zhao must be worried. Why don’t you go and let him know everything’s been resolved?” Zhao Kai replied.

In truth, he simply wanted to send Zhao Yan’er away—he could clearly see that Fei’er was upset. How could a husband and wife speak intimately with a third person present?

“All right, I’ll go at once.”

Lost in sweet reverie, Zhao Yan’er had no inkling of Zhao Kai’s intentions and left at once.

Zhao Kai led Lin Fei’er back to their chamber. Seeing her lips pouting, he kissed her gently and asked, “What’s wrong, Fei’er? Why are you so unhappy? I triumphed today—shouldn’t you be glad for me?”

Of course she was glad—glad that her husband had made such a name for himself again, that no one would dare slander him anymore. But… Yan’er had set her sights on him.

“Husband, do you truly have me in your heart?”

A wave of insecurity swept over Lin Fei’er. When a woman asks such a question, it’s always to have a man prove his devotion; mishandle it, and who knows what troubles might arise.

“How could I not? You are my wife.”

As he spoke, Zhao Kai drew Fei’er into his embrace.

“But you just said you like Sister Yan’er.”

Ah, so that was it.

Zhao Yan’er was indeed a beauty, and at times he found himself captivated. But how could Master Zhao ever allow his precious daughter to marry a man who already had a wife?

“Fei’er, you’re overthinking. My only wish is for you to live well. There’s no room in my heart for any other woman. Lin Zhengting spouted nonsense only to drive a wedge between us—don’t let him succeed.”

That made sense. Lin Fei’er let out a sigh of relief, but she was eager for proof that her husband truly desired her. Such an extraordinary man—just standing there, he could drive any woman mad.

How many women in the world could enjoy what she now had, lying in Zhao Kai’s arms? In the past, she’d been a sheltered lady, always reserved and proper. But the sight of this man, sculpted like a statue, made even the most restrained woman lose control.

“Husband…”

Her fair arms wound about his shoulders, her voice soft and alluring, and Zhao Kai felt a rush of delight.

“What is it, Fei’er?”

She didn’t answer, only gazed at him shyly, and even pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of his lips.

It is said that the most alluring are those whose private selves are at odds with their public faces. Fei’er was a picture of elegance in public, yet in his arms, she became so bold.

It was almost more than he could bear.

“Fei’er…” Zhao Kai’s hands grew hot as he held hers, his voice tender. “Why are you so forward today?”

Her slender arms draped over him. “Does my husband not like me this way?”

Like it? Of course he did.

Without another word, Zhao Kai swept her onto his lap. They were already sitting together in a chaise longue, a space too narrow to stretch out, but just right for his purpose. He easily drew Fei’er against his chest and kissed her earlobe.

“Mmm…” Lin Fei’er gave a melodious sigh.

Zhao Kai chuckled. “So, you’re ticklish—especially your ears.”

“You’re terrible.” Her delicate hands gave him a playful tap, and Zhao Kai felt his heart leap.

“Do you like it when I do this?” His voice was low, magnetic.

Lin Fei’er didn’t answer, but gazed at him, circled his neck with her arms, and kissed him softly.

The taste of this woman was sweet and tender, and with Fei’er so bold today, Zhao Kai responded with equal fervor. Sparks flew between them, and Zhao Kai wished he could devour her whole.

“Husband… do you like it when I’m like this?”

Her words exploded in his mind, and Zhao Kai could hardly nod fast enough. “I do!”

He looked at her flushed lips, feeling dizzy with desire. A woman was like a drug—impossible to quit. And yet… something was missing…

What was missing? Unbidden, Zhao Yan’er’s eager, blushing face from that night flashed through Zhao Kai’s mind.

Suddenly, he pushed Lin Fei’er away. How could it be? How could he think of another woman at a time like this?

Lin Fei’er, thinking she’d bitten him by accident, asked anxiously, “Husband, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing…”

It was just a fleeting illusion—Fei’er and Yan’er were two different people; it was Fei’er in his arms now!

Reminding himself, Zhao Kai soothed Lin Fei’er with a kiss, his hands roaming over her. How could he be so base, thinking of another woman beside Fei’er?

“Husband… will you let me serve you?”

Mustered by great courage, Lin Fei’er spoke the words—she’d never been so bold. She wanted to be his, completely.

“Yes.”

Zhao Kai could restrain himself no longer. Fei’er, a beauty beyond compare—every glance, every smile was a temptation. He couldn’t wait any longer; in a few swift motions, he undressed…

“Young Master Zhao… Master Zhao is looking for you, he’s already in the parlor,” a maid announced.

Damn! Zhao Kai cursed inwardly. He’d been about to realize one of life’s great joys, only to be interrupted—who could understand such torment?

Lin Fei’er was equally displeased.

“Husband…”

Her eyes were sultry with longing, silently pleading for him to stay.

But Master Zhao was here, waiting in the parlor—he couldn’t very well keep him waiting.

“Fei’er, wait for me. I’ll be back soon.”

With no other choice, Zhao Kai suppressed his urges, dressed, and went to meet Master Zhao.

Lin Fei’er was secretly resentful, but dared not show it—she didn’t want her husband to know she was a jealous woman.

Zhao Kai repeated a poem to calm himself, then went to see Master Zhao.

Zhao Yan’er stood nearby, blushing as soon as she saw Zhao Kai. Master Zhao noticed, but said nothing.

“Yan’er, kneel.”

Kneel? What did he mean by kneel? Zhao Kai stared in confusion.

Without a word, Zhao Yan’er knelt before Zhao Kai.

Startled, Zhao Kai leaped up in shock. What on earth was happening?