TAMW CH45

Yuqing had only been unsure whether Zhou Xiao had actually done it before leaving that day.

Ever since Zhou Xiao departed, he still had to get up night after night to relieve himself. Yet on that single morning, there had been no need at all. Yuqing hadn’t wanted to believe it, yet feared he might be falsely accusing the man.

Yuqing knew full well what Zhou Xiao looked like to the outside world: an upright gentleman, a dashing youth of noble bearing whose tie didn’t bear a single crease. How did such a sharp, brilliant man turn into an absolute fool the second he stepped through the door and ducked beneath his long gown?

No matter how astute he was outside, a few casual words from Yuqing were enough to smoke him out.

“What a shameless scoundrel…”

Yuqing’s voice through the receiver was like early spring snowmelt—chilled, yet melting under the warmth into water that brought an effortless smile, carrying an intoxicating tenderness.

Even though his wife was chiding him as a “shameless scoundrel,” Zhou Xiao didn’t find the epithet offensive in the slightest. In his ears, “scoundrel” and “Zezhi” sounded virtually the same.

At the thought of this, he was genuinely overjoyed.

Yuqing could actually scold him.

And scold him so tenderly, at that.

Suddenly, Zhou Xiao felt a fierce pang of jealousy toward the unborn Qingming. Once born, the child would have such a gentle mother all to himself. Yuqing’s bosom was prepared for Qingming, meaning Zhou Xiao was currently usurping the sustenance of an unborn child. Framing it that way left him sour and sulky all over again.

How could Yuqing have guessed that a single passing remark would spark such a cascade of thoughts? On the other end of the line, Zhou Xiao bounced between delight and irritation.

“I didn’t,” Zhou Xiao quickly denied, fearing Yuqing was genuinely displeased. “I was afraid you’d be uncomfortable. The child tormented you so badly that day, and you’d only just fallen asleep—how could I bear to wake you? You’re my wife; how could I not cherish you?”

Listening to him argue his case with such righteous fervor, Yuqing was exasperated to the point of laughing.

“You…!”

Yuqing had spent days trying to puzzle out why he hadn’t needed to get up that morning. The thought had crossed his mind, but he hadn’t dared believe it, yet he kept dreaming about it over these past few nights… Dreaming that Zhou Xiao was kneeling before him with his mouth parted, insisting on…

He had assumed it was merely his own wanton subconscious playing tricks, never expecting it was the truth.

He wasn’t young anymore, but even between husband and wife, such things were rarely heard of. “You are never allowed to do that again. Did you… was it while you held it that I… lost control in my sleep?”

Hearing this, Zhou Xiao saw an immediate opening. Naturally, he climbed right up the trellis.

“You know how much I love burying myself against you. I was afraid you’d soil your trousers and have a miserable time changing upon waking, so I simply lent a hand. Is Qingqing going to blame me for that?”

For a moment, Yuqing couldn’t tell whether he was joking or entirely serious.

“Never again, do you hear me?”

“Why not?” Zhou Xiao’s mouth felt parched just recalling it. “There wasn’t much of a taste. Everything about your scent is so faint; I love it.”

Zhou Xiao had said so before: even the scent of his chest was remarkably light, requiring careful savoring before yielding a trace of sweetness.

“Hush!” Yuqing cast a furtive glance around.

Outside the study stood several waiting servants, all with lowered heads and unchanged expressions. Still, Yuqing felt the prickle of a guilty conscience, terrified that their words might be overheard, and cupped the receiver tightly against his ear.

“Why shouldn’t I say it? I miss you so much, Qingqing. You have no idea how hard these transit permits are to secure. I’ve waited all these days and they’re still not all in order. I can’t come back to see you, and it gets freezing cold at night…”

Zhou Xiao excelled at rambling on, every word drenched in unyielding clinginess.

Yuqing asked, “Can you still make it to Xianxiang Restaurant the day after tomorrow?”

“If you can’t, I’ll have Zhao Fu go in my stead. In my current state…” Yuqing looked down at his prominently rounded belly with a faint, self-deprecating smile. “I truly can’t be seen in public.”

Zhou Xiao felt time was slipping by too fast. “Is it already seven months?”

“Mm…” Yuqing answered softly.

“I wasn’t by your side for the first five months. Looking back now, I feel sick with guilt.”

“I only hope that once Qingming is born, his temper won’t take after yours. Otherwise, he’ll be far too clingy.”

Zhou Xiao gave a low chuckle, slipping straight back into his rogue persona. “Qingqing, are you disdaining me again? Spouses shouldn’t keep words of disdain on their lips; it breaks my heart.”

Yuqing rubbed his temples helplessly. Listening to his sweet, shameless chatter, he found himself utterly defenseless.

What kind of place was France, really? How had it transformed a once timid, fearful boy into such an incorrigible rogue, capable of spouting words that made one blush to the roots of one’s hair?

“Then your heart breaks far too easily.”

“Only for Qingqing.” Zhou Xiao added, “I will definitely be back to accompany you. Don’t let Zhao Fu go in your place.”

He thought to himself: It took so much effort to get that servant out of the way; am I going to let him trail after Yuqing for a lifetime? He wasn’t about to hand such an opportunity over on a silver platter.

Zhou Xiao then asked about the physician’s recent pulse readings.

Doctor Liu came from a legitimate lineage of traditional medicine; though his morals were questionable, his skill was undeniable. Now that Yuqing was in his seventh month, even loose gowns couldn’t hide his belly. Walking for even a short spell left him short of breath, lying flat was impossible, and sleeping on his side for too long left his limbs numb.

Rather than merely missing him, Zhou Xiao was far more consumed by worry for his health. A man bearing a child endured too much, and he had no way of shouldering any of it. A man was at his most useless when rendered entirely powerless before a situation.

He had no right to fault Yuqing’s stubborn devotion. All he could do was stay quietly by his side and banish every trouble from his path.

“Do your feet swell in the mornings?” Zhou Xiao asked.

“The physician said it’s all normal; there’s no need to worry.”

“I’ll be back as early as I can,” Zhou Xiao took a deep breath, “to be with you.”

His tone carried genuine gravity, sounding like a grown man rather than a pouting youth.

Yuqing let out a comforted chuckle. “All right.”

Hearing his voice seemed to settle Yuqing’s heart completely.

Yuqing had been fiercely independent since childhood, rarely leaning on anyone. Even after coming to the Zhou household and gaining a father, he had merely busied himself handling every chore and crisis for him—relying on himself was the only way he knew to feel secure.

Over the years, he had been like rootless duckweed drifting across the water. He had assumed those shifting currents would carry him through endless storms, never expecting to run up against a tree trunk midstream, finding a moment to catch his breath and catching sight of a sun he had never known.

With just a word from Zhou Xiao, Yuqing felt this household was steadily becoming what he had once only imagined.

Before hanging up, Yuqing suddenly shattered the tender mood: “If you dare catch it with your mouth next time, don’t you dare try kissing me again! Only toddlers play with dirt and urine! You can’t even match Qingming’s maturity!”

“Qing—”

Before Zhou Xiao could offer an excuse, the line went dead. When the operator asked if he wished to reconnect, Zhou Xiao merely offered a helpless smile and declined.

If Yuqing hung up in anger, calling right back was pointless; he wouldn’t answer. Truth be told, even if he did pick up, Zhou Xiao would still tell him that he wanted to do it again.

Simply because his Qingqing tasted too sweet.

Xianxiang Restaurant.

The meeting had originally been slated for the previous week, but Zhou Xiao’s absence, coupled with the child’s restless stirring, had forced a week’s delay.

Now, Yuqing was seven months and one week along.

Normally, Xianxiang Restaurant was bustling by evening, but it was eerily desolate these past few days.

Arriving by car, Yuqing asked why there were so few patrons.

Zhao Fu replied, “It’s not just Xianxiang Restaurant; hardly anyone ventures out these days. Bandits are circling the nearby counties, and word is some have already slipped into the city, targeting folks who just withdrew money from the banks. Panic is spreading; it’s been in all the papers.”

“I see…” Yuqing had suffered terrible headaches lately and hadn’t even checked the ledgers. “Which means bank deposits are down.”

“Yes,” Zhao Fu nodded.

“Any word from the military command?”

“Nothing yet. No calling cards have been sent out either, but his car has been seen frequently visiting the Li residence.”

Yuqing’s brow furrowed slightly. “The Li family…”

If the Li family secured the authority over land-escort routes, the port would become the bandits’ prime target. In these turbulent times, opium was a crooked shortcut to fortune for many; without armed force at the docks, smuggling would be impossible to curb.

Yuqing needed both to build good relations with the new military officer and to convince the Chamber of Commerce to willingly yield the resettlement levy. Neither task looked simple.

The new officer was clearly stringing him along, staying away for so long while courting the Li family. The Li clan had produced generations of officials and held powerful patrons in the province; the only reason they hadn’t monopolized Baizhou was that they lacked a legitimate front to launder their money. If they took over the Chamber of Commerce, they would have the perfect vehicle. The Li family was eyeing the presidency as well.

Yuqing drew a deep breath, pulling his brim low as the servants helped him down from the car.

Wrapped in a heavy fox-fur cloak with the hat shielding his face, his dark hair cascading behind him, his pregnant silhouette was completely obscured from view.

Reaching the third-floor private room, the waiter showed them inside. Past the threshold stood a large round table with a brazier burning beside it, a bird of paradise plant nearby, and an ornamental landscape set upon the table. A folding screen stood before the smaller table by the window, dividing the room neatly in two.

Yuqing sat behind the screen, where several plates of pastries were laid out. Unable to drink tea, he had the waiter bring jasmine honey water instead.

Few patrons had arrived; even the ground-floor gallery wasn’t full. Parting the bamboo blinds, he listened to the opera drifting upward—they were still performing Farewell My Concubine.

He had arrived an hour ahead of the appointed time. Calling Zhou Xiao before leaving had yielded no answer; he didn’t know if the man would make it. Knowing how busy he was, Yuqing had brought Zhao Fu along. If Zhou Xiao failed to show, he would have Zhao Fu negotiate in his stead.

News of the Li family’s ties with the military had already spread across Baizhou, and several invited bosses had sent word that they couldn’t attend—a clear signal that they were leaning toward backing the Li family for the presidency.

Yuqing’s slender fingertips traced the rim of his teacup, his porcelain skin catching a drop of jasmine honey water. With his eyes downcast, he looked exceptionally still and serene.

Only by securing the presidency would he have the leverage to negotiate with the new military officer. How many would show up today, and how many he could sway, remained an open question.

Gongs and drums sounded in rhythm from below. Yuqing gazed through the window toward the stage, his eyes fixed on the actors while his thoughts drifted far away.

Suddenly, the waiter’s voice rang out from the corridor: “This way, sir—please, step inside!”

Shielded by the screen, Yuqing couldn’t see the newcomer. He shot Zhao Fu a glance, gesturing for him to look.

Zhao Fu stepped around the screen without making a sound and didn’t return. The door clicked shut, and a shadow stretched across the floorboards, coming to a halt just outside the screen.

Yuqing tilted his head, remaining silent. After a moment, the figure outside gave the screen a light, impatient shake.

Yuqing smiled, raising his cup to sip the honey water. “Zezhi, aren’t you going to show yourself?”

Zhou Xiao’s head poked out from behind the screen, grinning broadly. “How did you know it was me?”

He had intended to wait until Yuqing grew curious, hoping to sweep his wife into his arms the moment he drew near. He hadn’t expected to be seen through so easily.

Zhou Xiao sniffed his sleeve in disbelief—did he carry some telltale scent?

“Aside from you, Zhao Fu wouldn’t leave without a word for anyone else.” As Zhou Xiao crouched beside him, Yuqing tapped his forehead with a finger. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

“How could I break a promise to you?”

“You didn’t answer your telephone this morning.” Yuqing spoke with mild curiosity, though Zhou Xiao caught a faint thread of reproach.

“Because—” Zhou Xiao crouched before him, drawing a single red rose from his sleeve like a magician. “I was looking for this.”

Zhou Xiao had said before: since Yuqing had no favorite flower, he would bring one at every reunion until Yuqing found the one he loved.

Every thorn on the rose had been carefully stripped away, leaving a fresh bloom with a faint, sweet aroma.

The corners of Yuqing’s mouth lifted. Taking the stem, he twirled it lightly in his teacup, then whipped it against Zhou Xiao’s cheek in mock retribution. “And that’s your excuse?”

The stem carried no real force, but the spray of water gave the sharp sting of a lash.

Zhou Xiao shut his eyes instinctively, droplets clinging to his lashes. Getting whipped by Yuqing’s rose brought him instant, perverse satisfaction. Shifting from a crouch to his knees, he wrapped his arms around Yuqing’s waist, resting his head against his thighs. “Pregnancy truly isn’t easy; look how fierce your temper has grown. Don’t go upsetting your health.”

“I didn’t ignore the phone, and I didn’t run away—I truly went searching for the rose,” Zhou Xiao insisted. “It snowed in Liu County yesterday, and I figured it would snow in Baizhou today. I searched specifically for a rose; it’ll look breathtaking against the snow.”

Like a pup seeking praise after endless careful prep, he nuzzled his head gently around Yuqing’s belly.

“Gentle…” Yuqing pushed his head away with a wry smile. “Get up, look at yourself…”

Zhou Xiao had checked the survey data in Liu County. Li Yuanjing had done well; though a bit obtuse, the man possessed strong technical skills and worked diligently. In just half a month, he had secured transit permits for several surrounding towns. Freshly mined coal was already being sold to neighboring districts, bringing in profits that comfortably covered the railway materials.

Who could have guessed that the formidable Vice President Zhou, returning from Liu County, would make his very first order of business burying his face in his wife’s lap to inhale his scent?

Fearing he would soil his gown, Yuqing tried to stop him, but the man slipped right beneath the fabric, claiming Yuqing wore too little—heading out in winter with only a fur cloak would chill his legs, so he needed to warm them up.

Tugging off his slippers, Zhou Xiao lifted both cold feet and pressed them against his own abdomen.

“Hey—”

“There’s a screen here, and no one is outside. What is Madam afraid of?” Zhou Xiao’s voice was low and raspy as he nuzzled intimately between his thighs.

Yuqing’s soles were indeed chilly. With his ankles pinned fast, unable to pull away, he could only reach down to pinch the man’s earlobes. “I have things to brief you on.”

“What things?” Zhou Xiao’s nose brushed against his inner thigh.

“Do you know what to say to those bosses in a moment?” Yuqing tweaked his ear. “You don’t, which is why I must instruct you… Offer benefits, lay out what Qingming Bank can promise them once it secures the port. These are the basics. In business, one talks business; people gather for profit. You understand this.”

“Naturally.” Zhou Xiao’s head traveled upward from his waist, placing a soft kiss against his swollen belly.

Having been apart for nearly half a month, Yuqing knew this wolfish lad would have to be fed full before he could absorb any instruction. Helplessly, Yuqing quietly parted his gown, letting his head climb from his thighs, past his abdomen, and higher.

Zhou Xiao was always clad in a sharp suit, his short hair crisply styled every time he saw Yuqing. Yet a single rub against his chest sent it into disarray.

Even the hair oil carried the scent of jasmine.

Yuqing parted his inner robe. The moment Zhou Xiao pressed his cheek in, a wet slickness coated his skin.

“Padding the gown with an extra layer of cloth—is that supposed to work?” Zhou Xiao bit him with roguish delight. “One press and it all spills over.”

“Madam…”

Yuqing looked down, the small mole beneath his eye shifting with his expression. “Glutton. Hurry up; people are arriving.”

“Guests, this way please—the boss is already inside!” Speak of the devil; the waiter called out from the corridor, and the overlapping chatter of several merchants echoed past the door.

Yet stepping inside, they found no one—only an empty table and a folding screen.

“Didn’t they say the boss had arrived? Where is he?”

“Coming here today is bound to reach the Li family’s ears. That new military officer is no easy target either. The votes in our hands aren’t just for the Chamber presidency; they’re our golden tickets to keeping a foothold in Baizhou!”

“Where is Boss Ruan? Didn’t they say he was here? We’ll sit for a moment and leave, so—”

One of the merchants pulled out a chair and sat down.

Behind the screen, Yuqing drew a sharp breath and pushed at Zhou Xiao’s head.

The man pulled back from his chest and called out toward the room: “Gentlemen, please wait a moment. I’ll be right out.”

The merchants exchanged puzzled glances. The voice was entirely unfamiliar; none of them had heard it before.

With the screen blocking the view, it would be improper to push past it uninvited, so they sat down politely to sip tea, waiting for the remaining guests to arrive.

“Waiter, bring out the refreshments and pour tea for the bosses.”

Xianxiang Restaurant’s pastries and operas were renowned throughout Baizhou; these merchants only visited when serious business was at hand. Before long, several more arrived—not as many as had replied, but seven in total.

“What’s this? Boss Ruan hasn’t shown?”

“The servants outside said Boss Ruan has fallen ill lately and sent someone else to relay his words today.”

“What a joke! This concerns the entire Baizhou port; how can it be left to a proxy? Unacceptable!”

“Where is he? Even if it’s a proxy, we must see his face! The appointed hour has passed; why hasn’t he stepped out?!”

Behind the screen came the crisp clatter of porcelain. Someone was clearly sipping tea inside, drinking with wet, appreciative smacks. It smelled of jasmine tea, carrying the sweetness of honey.

“Coming, gentlemen—no need to fret.” The man inside cleared his throat and pushed the folding screen aside. “Boss Ruan is truly unwell, his voice hoarse and his body exhausted. Still, he is my late father’s adopted son and nominally my elder brother. I have come in his stead; please don’t take offense.”

Zhou Xiao straightened his tie as he stepped out from behind the screen.

The merchants’ eyes widened in shock. “Young Master Zhou?!”

“Ah—we must call him Master Zhou now!”

Who in Baizhou didn’t know that the legitimate heir, Zhou Xiao, was on terrible terms with the adopted son, Ruan Yuqing? Ruan Yuqing had seized the chance while Zhou Xiao was away to sell off the Zhou estate and establish Qingming Bank—a textbook tale of the snake biting the farmer, the cuckoo usurping the nest.

Yet the young master had studied abroad, and news of his railway project in Shencheng had astounded everyone. He had even accepted investment from the Ruan family, clearly aligning himself with them.

And Ruan Yuqing? He was merely an outcast unwanted by the Ruan family. Though gifted in commerce, his standing was fundamentally illegitimate.

How had these two estranged figures joined forces today?

“Qing—ahem, Brother Yuqing entrusted me to negotiate with you all. He may be fond of circuitous tactics, but having lived abroad, I care little for old conventions. In business, I prefer speaking straight.”

Smiling, he moved to take a seat, only to spot a trace of milk staining the lapel of his suit.

“One moment,” Zhou Xiao said, deeming it unpresentable. “Allow me to attend to this.”

He slipped straight back behind the screen.

Behind the partition, Yuqing was still covering his mouth, breathing hard to keep from making a sound.

The alcove behind the screen held a wooden settee where Yuqing sat nestled in the corner. He hadn’t expected Zhou Xiao to turn right back around, and hadn’t even managed to pull his trousers up in time.

Teeth marks dotted his pale, soft thighs, his lower half damp and disheveled, long hair veiling part of his swollen belly. After Zhou Xiao’s feverish kissing and having his soles stepped on, his hands and feet were flushed burning hot.

Yuqing froze, hastily gathering his robes to cover himself.

Zhou Xiao paused for half a second, casually sliding the screen shut behind him. Stepping close, his hands reached out to knead Yuqing’s soft, pale arms. Raising his voice for the room outside, he called:

“Gentlemen, I make no other promises, but I can offer one certainty.”

“I hold the railway, and I will support Brother Yuqing with everything I have…”

“Before I step back out from behind this screen, feel free to confer among yourselves. Those unwilling to stay and support my brother are welcome to take their leave. I stepped out in a hurry just now and didn’t catch who arrived, so there will be no hard feelings.”

As he spoke, he had already lifted Yuqing’s calf.

Yuqing was forced back against the settee, clutching his belly in helpless distress as an intense tickle bloomed across his sole.

This Zhou Xiao…!

He was nuzzling frantically with his nose again!

His teeth nipped at a toe. With his belly so large, having his leg hoisted while lying back left Yuqing utterly trapped, unable to sit up, reduced to pushing fruitlessly against the man’s waist to make him back away.

Yet Zhou Xiao pressed his legs together.

Bending low, Yuqing saw his lips move in a silent murmur:

“Brother¹ Yuqing.”

1. The character used here is 兄長 (Xiong Zhang). ↩︎