Chapter Seventy-One: Conflict

Wei Hua, accompanied by three women and their dozen bodyguards, rode in a hotel-arranged car to the renowned Parisian nightclub: the Moulin Rouge. As they approached the entrance, the lively sounds from within greeted them. After entering, Wei Hua and the three women found seats together, while the bodyguards scattered around them, ensuring privacy for their charges. The women ordered light, feminine drinks; Wei Hua chose a beer for himself.

After a while, the women coaxed Wei Hua into the dance floor. Each took turns dancing with him, retreating to their table for drinks when tired, their spirits high throughout. Time slipped into the depths of night. As Wei Hua and Jessie danced, he heard the sounds of a dispute rising from their table’s direction. Among the voices, he recognized Céline’s. Hastily, he drew Jessie back to their seats, where a young French man, flanked by several companions, argued with Céline and the bodyguards.

Wei Hua asked Céline, “My dear, what’s happening? Who are these people?”

“My husband! I don’t know who they are. Mary and I were enjoying ourselves when this man,” Céline gestured at the French youth, “came over and insisted we drink with him. When we refused, he tried to pull us away. Nick and the others intervened, and suddenly more people appeared.” Céline’s Chinese was fluent now; her “husband” sounded especially sweet.

Wei Hua motioned for Nick and the others to sit. Switching to French, he addressed the leading young man, “Who are you? Are you unaware that inviting ladies for drinks requires their consent? Do young men in France no longer understand courtesy?” His words stung, causing many would-be mediators—mostly French themselves—to return to their seats.

The French youth retorted, “Asian boy! Who are you to lecture me about manners? Mind your own business. These women—are they even connected to you?” The young man, sensing he might have been rude and realizing the bodyguards' professional air, suspected their group was not ordinary.

Wei Hua replied, “You’re right, they’re connected to me. This is my wife,” he said, pointing to Céline. “And these two are my lovers,” he continued, indicating Jessie and Mary. “Now tell me, should I mind this affair?” Upon hearing that Céline was Wei Hua’s wife and the other two his lovers, jealousy seized the French youth, making him even more belligerent. He declared loudly, “So what? I, Henri de Rochechouart, never get refused when I invite someone for a drink! Tonight, these three ladies must drink with me, or I’d disgrace the Rochechouart family. If I can’t uphold our name, how could I show my face in Paris? No, these ladies must drink with me!”

Rochechouart family? Wei Hua swiftly sifted through his mental files, soon recalling their history—a genuine French aristocratic house, influential in the country. Wei Hua had no wish for conflict, so he said to the women, “It’s getting late. We should head back.” Their mood dampened by the French youth’s interruption, the women agreed.

But Henri de Rochechouart was unwilling to let them leave, reaching for Mary’s arm. Wei Hua intercepted him, saying, “Monsieur Rochechouart, we came here for pleasure, not trouble. If you continue your discourtesy toward my friends, I won’t be so forgiving.”

“And what if you’re not?” Henri shot back, undeterred. Sensing the tension, Wei Hua’s bodyguards quickly moved to shield the three women. The Rochechouart bodyguards likewise clustered around Henri, and the situation edged toward confrontation. At that moment, another man—clearly a bodyguard—approached Henri, whispered something in his ear.

Henri listened, glanced at Wei Hua, then withdrew with his entourage to a private room. Wei Hua, his companions, and their bodyguards also left the Moulin Rouge. Wei Hua had overheard the bodyguard’s words to Henri: “Young master, Miss Christina told me to let you know—this Chinese man is no ordinary person. Avoid any conflict. The family is already monitoring you strictly; if you cause trouble with him and word reaches them, things will only get worse for you.”

On April 3, 1979, Wei Hua departed Paris, flying to Rome, Italy, and checked into the Ambasciatori Hotel. Their routine was unchanged: first a rest, then a day of frenzied shopping. Only once their desires were sated did Wei Hua and Jessie wed. On April 16, 1979, at the Roman marriage registry, Wei Hua and Jessie officially became husband and wife—his second marriage, with a third yet to come.

The following days were filled with leisure; Wei Hua and the three women explored Italy thoroughly. In early May, Wei Hua decided to take them to the Principality of Monaco, eager to experience the famed casino city. His true motive was to raise funds, but he kept this hidden from the women, offering instead the pretense of a honeymoon—albeit a group honeymoon.

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