Third… Madam…

Xie Chi immediately understood. She had come with bandits, so these women inevitably felt some apprehension. She picked up her chopsticks and casually took a piece of food in front of her, placing it in her mouth with extreme discomfort, but seeing they still weren’t eating, said, “Please eat.”

Everyone picked up their chopsticks one after another, “Third Madam, what would you like to eat? We’ll bring it in front of you.”

“Yes, yes, you eat first.”

“…”

The aunt across from her, dressed in gold and silver, raised her wine cup, “Third Madam, I toast to you.”

Xie Chi quickly picked up her wine cup and stood up, but the cup was empty. The woman beside her quickly poured wine for her, and Xie Chi thanked her repeatedly.

Next, everyone at the table took turns toasting her.

The hospitality was hard to refuse, but fortunately Xie Chi could hold her liquor.

…

Halfway through the banquet, some strangers came to the Pei house.

A servant ran to the courtyard to inform Pei Lanyan, “Second Young Master, those Japanese people are here again, saying they’ve come to congratulate the old lady on her birthday, and they brought gifts.”

He Feng was happily drinking when he heard those three words, and heavily set down his cup, “Little bastards, they’ve come looking for death.” He reached behind his waist, about to draw his gun, when Pei Lanyan pressed down on him and shook his head.

Four Japanese men had come. The leader wore a black coat and glasses, his small eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled, appearing refined and scholarly. Behind him stood a short attendant in the same coat, and two samurai, each carrying a long sword and a wakizashi, all with stern expressions, lips tightly pressed, surveying the people in the courtyard.

Pei Lanyan understood He Feng’s temperament and feared he would cause trouble, so he held him back and cautioned: “Don’t be impulsive, there are many people here today, restrain your temper.”

He Feng shook him off and walked to the front, “I know.”

Tanaka Hisatomo presented a painting, nodding slightly to Pei Kezhou, “Boss Pei, a small token of appreciation, please accept it. This is by our great Japan’s famous painter Ii—”

Pei Kezhou interrupted him: “Mr. Tanaka is too kind, but Pei is not accepting gifts today.”

Tanaka Hisatomo straightened up with a smile, “Won’t Boss Pei invite me in to sit? This isn’t the Chinese way of hospitality, is it?”

“This is a family banquet, we don’t entertain outsiders. I hope Mr. Tanaka will understand and please return.”

Tanaka Hisatomo looked toward the young man walking over with Pei Lanzhou, “Might this be Young Master He?”

He Feng stepped forward two paces, putting one foot on a long bench, “What are you calling your grandfather for?”

Tanaka Hisatomo chuckled, “I’ve been wanting to meet the Young Master. I’ve visited many times, but your people never let me through. I’m quite troubled. Taking advantage of this auspicious day, I wonder if we could sit down for a few drinks?”

“I’ll drink your mother.” He Feng was already controlling his emotions, not letting himself stomp this bastard’s skull flat, “Want to set your sights on my coal mine? Keep dreaming.”

Pei Kezhou coughed lightly twice, lowering his face to secretly laugh. Tanaka Hisatomo maintained his calm smile, “I’ve long heard that Young Master He has a violent temperament. Seeing you today, it’s truly well-deserved.”

“Don’t learn to speak Chinese, it makes me want to slap you.”

Tanaka Hisatomo saw the knife handle behind He Feng’s waist and suddenly became interested, “I hear Young Master He’s martial skills are excellent. I wonder if you’d be interested in having my subordinate spar with you?”

“Spar?” He Feng sneered, “You’re not worthy of me drawing my blade.”

The samurai on the left showed a fierce look and stepped forward. Tanaka Hisatomo stopped him, said something in Japanese, and the samurai angrily retreated.

Pei Lanyan said: “I’ve already made it clear to you, the coal mine matter is not up for discussion. We don’t cooperate with Japanese, and we won’t sell to you.”

“Why waste words with him.” He Feng put down his leg, his tone impatient, “Today’s a good day, there are ladies and young ladies here, can’t have blood spilled. Get lost right now.”

Tanaka Hisatomo sighed lightly, “Is there really no room for negotiation?”

Pei Kezhou said: “This matter is non-negotiable, please leave.”

Tanaka Hisatomo nodded, “Then I won’t disturb you today, but please accept this painting.”

He placed the painting on the table, but then the old lady came over supported by a maid, “Wait.”

Tanaka Hisatomo turned around and nodded, “Old lady, I wish you longevity and health.”

The old lady picked up the painting and threw it at him, pounding the ground hard with her walking stick, “Bah! We don’t accept things from little Japanese! What evil have you done in Jinan, and you still have the face to come here! You’re all beasts, not human! You still want to plunder our country’s coal mines, what do you want to do? What more do you want to do! Quickly take your things and get out! Don’t dirty my ground and my eyes!”

Seeing the old lady getting emotional, Pei Kezhou quickly supported her, “Don’t let anger harm your health, let your son handle this.” He instructed the maid, “Quickly help the old lady back to her room to rest.”

“Yes.”

“Blood feud! Blood feud!” The old lady was helped away by the maid, “Get out of here right now!”

Tanaka Hisatomo’s attendant bent down to pick up the painting, but Tanaka Hisatomo stopped him and said to everyone in the courtyard: “Farewell.” His gaze fell on Xie Chi standing in the crowd, and he nodded and smiled at her.

Xie Chi looked at him expressionlessly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

He Feng followed his line of sight, suddenly drew his knife and flung it out. The blade tip grazed past Tanaka Hisatomo’s hair and embedded in the wooden pillar behind him.

“Look again and I’ll pop your eyeballs.”

The samurai cursed, eyes wide with fury, drawing his sword to advance. Tanaka Hisatomo scolded him, and the samurai grudgingly held back, stepping back. Tanaka Hisatomo led his men out of the Pei residence.

Pei Kezhou pointed at the painting on the ground and said to the servant: “Throw it out!”

The servant picked up the painting and hurled it outside, landing beside Tanaka Hisatomo’s feet, cursing under his breath, “Get lost.”

Tanaka Hisatomo looked back to see the gate slam shut with a bang.

The samurai gripped his sword tightly, “Tanaka-kun!”

Tanaka Hisatomo loosened his jaw, looked up at the sky, chuckled softly, “Let’s go.”

…

The servant went to the pillar to retrieve He Feng’s knife, using considerable force to pull it out and return it to him.

“Throw it away, it’s unlucky.”

“Right.”

He Feng turned and walked toward Xie Chi, his finger sliding across her face, “Go eat.”

Xie Chi was pushed along by him and asked: “They still want the coal mine.”

“Mm.”

“The Japanese are inhumane, will they retaliate?”

“That’s men’s business, none of your concern.” He Feng sniffed her, “You’ve been drinking, quite a lot too.”

“They were too enthusiastic, constantly toasting me.”

“Who told you to be a bandit’s wife.” He Feng smiled as he brought her back to her seat, “Eat more.”

“Mm.”

The women kept their heads down and eyes lowered, not daring to breathe loudly.

He Feng suddenly said to them: “My wife can’t hold her liquor well, I hope you ladies will be understanding. Let me toast the sisters and aunties.” He picked up Xie Chi’s wine cup.

The whole table immediately stood up in unison.

He Feng drained it in one gulp.

He set down the cup, “Please enjoy yourselves.”

…

Xie Chi didn’t eat her fill at this meal and went for a walk in the back courtyard.

The Pei house was large but the buildings were quite old, with simple facilities. Though they were the richest family in town, they weren’t wasteful at all. Unlike the Xie house, where just the furniture was replaced several times every three years, and the two concubines chased fashions, changing whatever was popular. The courtyard was constantly being rebuilt—sometimes this artificial mountain’s position wasn’t good, sometimes that flower garden was too small. They also kept a whole group of servants and maids. The ancestral foundation was nearly squandered, and the little money Xie Jiaxing made from cloth trading couldn’t keep up with the spending speed of the concubines and their children.

Because of this, Xie Zhaoting didn’t want to live at the Xie house and would take her deep into the mountains for several years at a time. Fortunately, though Xie Jiaxing’s character wasn’t good, he was still filial and never made Grandfather suffer the slightest grievance.

It had been almost four months now, and she had never been away from Grandfather for so long. Looking at this large courtyard, she began missing him again.

All the Pei house servants had gone to the front hall to be busy, and He Feng was still drinking. If she climbed over the wall now, it would be the best chance to leave this place.

She stood before the artificial mountain, unable to take a step. Looking at the surrounding wall, she gripped her clothes tightly and slowly walked toward it.

If she really ran away, would he do as he said and catch her back no matter where she went?

Suddenly, a maid called to her from behind, “Miss.”

Xie Chi actually felt relieved and immediately turned around.

“Miss, is there anything you need help with?”

Xie Chi shook her head, “I’m just walking around.”

“Would Miss like some tea? Or some pastries?”

“No need, thank you.”

An old woman came over calling, “Third Madam.”

“…” Xie Chi really couldn’t get used to this form of address.

The old woman trotted over with small steps, “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Third Master asked me to take you to the guest room to rest. He still needs to drink for a while and said if you’re tired, you should sleep.”

Only then did the maid realize that this person was brought by Young Master He San, and quickly lowered her head.

Xie Chi followed the old woman and entered a guest room.

…

Though He Feng could hold his liquor well, he couldn’t withstand several tables of people taking turns toasting him, and got somewhat drunk. The host’s servants helped him to a guest room to rest, where he napped for a while.

When he woke up, the room was dark. Xie Chi was sitting at the table by the window reading a book, the dim yellow lamp casting golden light on a few strands of her hair.

He Feng didn’t want to disturb her and gently turned over, but the bed still creaked. Xie Chi looked back, saw he was awake, closed the book and got up, poured a cup of tea and brought it over, “Still feeling uncomfortable?”

He Feng stretched lazily, looking at her with squinted eyes and a smile, “Not uncomfortable.”

“Won’t you drink some water?” Xie Chi held the cup, her hand positioned above his right side.

He Feng pillowed both hands under his head, “You feed me.”

“How do you feed water?”

“With your mouth.”

“If you won’t drink it, forget it.” Xie Chi turned to leave, but He Feng quickly gripped her wrist.

“I’ll drink, I’ll drink.” He sat up, took the cup and drained it in one gulp, “Another cup.”

Xie Chi simply brought the teapot over. He Feng was too lazy to use the small teacup and drank directly from the spout, moving too vigorously so that water spilled from his mouth, flowing down his bobbing Adam’s apple into his clothes.

“No one’s competing with you.”

He Feng set down the teapot, casually wiping the water from his mouth with his sleeve, “Did I sleep that long? What time is it?”

“Not long.” Xie Chi took the teapot away, “I was afraid the light would hurt your eyes so I drew the curtains. Do you want to sleep more?”

“I want to sleep with you.”

She set down the teapot, walked to the window and looked back at him, “I’m going to open them.”

“Good.” He Feng lay back down, lazily watching her, beckoning, “Come here.”

Of course Xie Chi wouldn’t go over, and sat at the table to continue reading.

He Feng watched her quietly for quite a while, then threw off the covers and got out of bed, putting his arm around her shoulders, “Come on, let’s go out for a stroll.”

…

He Feng took Xie Chi to the neighboring courtyard. The main gate was locked and there was no one guarding inside.

He Feng climbed onto the wall and tried to pull her up. Xie Chi was unwilling, “I won’t be a thief.”

“You’ll be a thief’s wife. Next month this will be your house. The owner is in Shanghai and will be back in a few days with the deed.”

Xie Chi looked at the long surrounding wall, “This is what you want to buy?”

“Mm.” He Feng reached out his hand to her, “Come on.”

Xie Chi gripped his hand and climbed over with his help.

The courtyard was regularly cleaned and the plants had been trimmed, looking neat and tidy overall. He Feng held her hand as they walked inside, “I came to look once before. This courtyard has been empty for three years, the rooms are all quite new, the pond looks interesting and can raise many fish, and there’s this artificial mountain.” He Feng helped her squeeze through the mountain crevice, “We can sleep here, just thinking about it is exciting.”

Xie Chi pulled her hand away and backed out, “Who wants to live here? I’m going home.”

He Feng laughed and followed, continuing to hold her hand, “Alright, alright, I won’t talk about that. Let’s go see the back.”

Xie Chi let him pull her along.

Walking up the adjacent second-floor stairs, passing through the long corridor, on one side was a white wall with latticed windows, on the other side were long brown wooden chairs. All the room doors were locked. Xie Chi peered inside—the rooms were quite spacious with complete facilities, arranged quite elegantly.

By the back door was planted a small bamboo grove with a few mushrooms growing at the roots.

He Feng casually picked a bamboo leaf and stuck it in her hair, “Satisfied?”

To say she wasn’t satisfied would be a lie. Just moments ago when he held her hand walking across the stone bridge over the pond, she had thought about staying. She didn’t want to deceive him, but also didn’t want to admit it, so remained silent.

He Feng put his arm around her shoulders, “If you’re not satisfied we’ll change to another one, keep changing until you’re satisfied.”

“This house isn’t cheap, and it’s too big.”

“Not big. In the future when you give me a bunch of babies running around everywhere, how would small work?”

Xie Chi felt happy but pretended to push him, “Who’s going to give you babies?”

“You.” He Feng smacked a kiss on her, “I like children, especially like them.”

“I don’t like them.”

“Then we won’t have any.”

Xie Chi glanced at him, “You’d indulge me this much?”

“You’re the most important, you have the final say.”

Xie Chi couldn’t hide her smile, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly, “Then stop being a bandit.”

“Alright.” He Feng was half a head taller than her, bending down to rub her nose with his, “Your man is capable of anything, can support you no matter what I do.”

Xie Chi dodged backward, “Then I’ll consider it.”

He Feng pulled her along lazily, “What’s there to consider? Such a wonderful thing.”

…

After climbing out of the courtyard wall, He Feng took Xie Chi strolling down the street. Passing a jade shop, Xie Chi suddenly pulled him to stop, “Can you lend me some money?” Xie Chi pointed to the shop beside them, “Song Wan is getting married, I want to give her a wedding gift.”

“No lending.”

“…” Xie Chi lowered her face, “Alright then.”

He lifted her chin, “My money is all yours, no need to borrow, spend however you want.”

“No, it has to be lending. I don’t want to owe you anything, including the things you gave me before—I’ll calculate it all and pay you back.”

“How will you pay me back?”

“I’ll… sell paintings.”

“Then I’ll buy your paintings.” He Feng laughed, “You just need to obediently marry me and live with me.”

Xie Chi turned her face away.

“Speaking of gifts, what customs do you have there? What do I need to prepare for proposing?” He Feng followed her turn, “What should I do? I want to meet my father-in-law right now, want to marry you tomorrow.”

“Then go by yourself. I have several sisters waiting to be married, all beautiful as flowers. See if my father will agree.”

“I only want you.”

“Then lend me money.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll lend it to you.” He Feng gave her his money pouch, “Go pick.”

Xie Chi had her eye on four pairs of jade pendant earrings but couldn’t decide, asking He Feng, “Which ones look better?”

“They all look good.”

“Choose one pair.”

He Feng randomly pointed to one pair, but Xie Chi couldn’t bear to part with the other two, “I think these are also nice.”

“Boss, wrap them all up.”

“You don’t need so many.”

“One pair for that little girl, the others for you to wear.”

“I don’t need them, you’ve already bought me a lot.” Xie Chi pointed to a round jade pendant, saying to the boss, “Just this one.”

He Feng said again: “All of them.”

The boss was confused, “Which ones should I wrap?”

“Tsk, how many times do I have to say it?”

The boss hurriedly went to pack them up.

“I have things to wear, don’t waste money.” Xie Chi tugged his sleeve, “Too wasteful.”

He Feng put his left arm around her waist, “Already thinking of saving money for your man before you’re even married.” His right hand brushed her bangs, “Not bad, suitable for marrying home. Just missing a lady boss like you.”

Xie Chi pushed him away, “People are watching.”

“Let them watch.”

“Really not necessary.”

“Stop talking nonsense. I love buying things for you, and I’m not making you pay.”

“…”

He Feng realized his attitude was wrong and immediately coaxed her, “Wear them slowly. Don’t give them away to others when you go back. After all, you’re the future lady boss—it’s good for building relationships.”

“What nonsense. Let’s go.” Xie Chi brushed off his hand and walked out.

The boss happily presented the items, “Please take these.”

“Thanks.” He Feng smiled and turned, chasing after her, pulling her into his arms, “Wife, feeling shy?”

Xie Chi didn’t want to deal with him.

“I just want to spoil you, let me have my way.” He shook her shoulder, “If you feel you owe me, just perform well tonight, call out louder to make me happy.”

“…” Xie Chi shook him off and ran away, “Shameless.”

He Feng laughed and chased after her, “Don’t run, wife.”

…

They strolled around the street all afternoon, opened a couple games at the gambling house, and even took a photo at the photography studio.

The Pei family was still hosting a banquet in the evening and sent someone to invite He Feng back. Xie Chi didn’t want to sit and eat with unfamiliar people, so He Feng didn’t go, taking her to eat Jiangnan cuisine instead. After dinner, they went to see a play, returning late to find a hotel room.

Xie Chi had something on her mind and couldn’t fall asleep. Not daring to toss and turn and wake him, she simply got up and stood on the balcony.

It was very late, all the lights in every house were out, darkness everywhere near and far.

The wind was somewhat cool. Xie Chi shivered, seeming to feel goosebumps rising on her arms. She took a deep breath, the wind rushing into her throat, chilling her through.

“What are you doing?”

Xie Chi was startled, turning her head slightly to look at the person hugging her from behind, “Couldn’t sleep, came out for some air.”

“I thought you’d run away.”

Xie Chi was stunned, “What if I really did run away?”

“I’d break your legs.”

Xie Chi actually laughed.

“Just kidding, I couldn’t bear to. If you can’t sleep, call me. A couple rounds and you’ll sleep well.” He Feng half-closed his eyes, chin resting on her shoulder, hands beginning to wander, “Want to?”

“No.”

“Even if you don’t want to, you have to.” He Feng suddenly lifted her horizontally and walked inside.

Xie Chi didn’t struggle, letting him place her on the bed. He Feng forgot to close the balcony door. Wind blew in, the gauze curtains dancing wildly, and through them you could vaguely see a few unclear stars in the night sky.

“What are you looking at?” He Feng pinched her chin, turning her face toward him, “Look at me.”

…

The hotel bed was unsteady, making creaking sounds. Xie Chi was afraid people outside would hear, so she grabbed his back and endured without making a sound.

He Feng held her neck, looking at her abandoned expression and suddenly asked: “Do you love me?”

Xie Chi turned her face away without answering.

He Feng suddenly stopped moving and twisted her face back, “Do you love me or not?”

“Do you have to ask at this moment?”

“I want to hear it. Do you love me or not?”

“No!”

“I didn’t hear that, say it again.”

Xie Chi ignored him and tried to dodge.

He Feng flipped her over, clasped her hands behind her waist, and thrust to the hilt almost like punishment, “Do you love me or not?”

An uncontrollable sound escaped through her teeth, as if both spirit and body were beyond control, this little life tied to his, unable to care about pride anymore, “Love.”

“Love who?”

“Love you.”

“Who loves me?”

“I love you.”

He Feng was satisfied, bending down to kiss her shoulder, his movements becoming gentle, “I love you too.”

…