Chapter 21: I Am Simply Interested in Widows

Zhou Jingyi emerged from the restroom and glanced at Shen Qinglan.

Shen Qinglan said, “I wasn’t lying. I really saw her. She went into the first private room at the end.”

She even pursed her lips, indicating the direction.

Zhou Jingyi’s gaze remained straight ahead, not so much as a glance at Shen Qinglan. “What does it have to do with me?”

With that, he strode toward the private rooms in the opposite direction from Wen Ni.

Shen Qinglan immediately followed, speaking quickly, “We’re welcoming you tonight, you know. Because of Zhou Mingfan’s passing, we kept postponing it. Now that you finally have time, it’s perfect.”

The two entered the easternmost private room, one not open to the public, available only for those with influence—rare and coveted.

—

Wen Ni walked in, but was stopped.

Through the carved wooden screen, she saw Jiang Shaozhang, arms wrapped around two women, and introduced herself, “I am Wen Ni. Jiang Shaozhang asked me to come find him here. Could you please inform him?”

The two guards exchanged a look; one continued to block her, while the other went inside to announce her arrival.

Wen Ni observed the people within and suddenly realized that all those present were the same ones who had witnessed her break Jiang Shaozhang’s head in the past.

A word surfaced in Wen Ni’s mind: “Vengeful.”

How ironic. She was just like them.

But now that she was the object of their vengeance, Wen Ni felt uneasy.

She pressed her lips together and took a deep breath, watching the lackey bend down to whisper in Jiang Shaozhang’s ear.

Jiang Shaozhang, listening, instinctively lifted his eyes, looking outside.

Wen Ni didn’t know if Jiang Shaozhang saw her; all she could see was him holding a scantily clad beauty, being fed wine, reveling in pleasure.

His lips moved as he said a few words.

The lackey returned promptly, his expression stern. “Our young master says Miss Wen may enter.”

Wen Ni was about to step forward when an arm barred her path.

She frowned in confusion. “Didn’t you just say I could go in? What, do I owe you a messenger’s fee?”

The lackey replied coldly, “Our young master says all women in this private room must wear work attire.”

He reached into the entryway cabinet and handed Wen Ni a set of clothes.

She looked at the complete bunny girl costume, her eyes darkening.

She took it in hand, went straight out, and headed to the restroom.

Jiang Shaozhang watched her leave, then shoved aside the woman in his arms, letting out a cold snort. “A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years.”

The rejected woman sidled up to him again, her generous chest brushing against his arm like a knocking fist.

Jiang Shaozhang pulled her in. A delicate hand pinched a grape, offering it to his lips. He opened his mouth, swallowing the grape and biting down on her finger.

The woman smiled alluringly, full of charm. “Oh, Jiang Shao, who was that woman just now?”

Jiang Shaozhang gritted his teeth. “An enemy.”

The woman was slightly surprised.

Just then, Wen Ni returned, unobstructed, and stood before Jiang Shaozhang.

He tilted his head, leaning back, his brows raised arrogantly as he scrutinized Wen Ni.

For now, Jiang Shaozhang held the upper hand before Wen Ni. Even if his position was lower, his gaze was full of playful disdain.

Bunny girl costumes were all alike: a short plush dress tightly wrapped around Wen Ni’s slender waist, making her look fragile; the hem barely covered her thighs, and her long, straight legs shimmered white under the light.

A pile of fluffy white bunny ears adorned her thick hair, lending her a touch of playfulness.

The woman nestled in Jiang Shaozhang’s arms eyed Wen Ni, a trace of jealousy flickering in her gaze.

Jiang Shaozhang said meaningfully, “Miss Wen is truly adaptable.”

Wen Ni replied, “Can we talk?”

Jiang Shaozhang raised his brows. “Just say it here. I’m afraid Miss Wen might crack my skull again in secret.”

Wen Ni nodded. “Jiang Shao, I know you just want to vent your anger. I’m standing right here—if you want to split my head open, go ahead. If I so much as blink, I concede.”

Jiang Shaozhang retorted, “Who do you think you are? Vent my anger? Ridiculous.”

Wen Ni said, “You acquired the silk from Liji Town, but the Jiang family doesn’t need it. Jiang Shao, why not sell it at a high price—”

She was cut off.

Jiang Shaozhang, full of swagger, declared, “Who says the Jiang family doesn’t need silk? My grandmother is a craftswoman, loves embroidering insoles. I bought the silk just for her. Any problem?”

Wen Ni took a deep breath, smiling. “Jiang Shao, you’re so filial. But really, how much silk does your grandmother need to embroider insoles? Hundreds of pounds?”

Jiang Shaozhang dismissed her, “My grandmother will live to be two hundred. Do you object?”

Then he said, “Sing me a song. Your dry voice puts people to sleep. Chu Chu, sing ‘Conquer’ instead.”

The girl named Chu Chu rose from his arms to select a song.

Wen Ni was left aside, somewhat out of place.

Jiang Shaozhang looked at Wen Ni with smug satisfaction.

Wen Ni, having anticipated all this, walked over, pulled the woman away from Jiang Shaozhang, and sat down herself. “Jiang Shao, you’re magnanimous. Tell me what you want me to do so you’ll let go of the past.”

Jiang Shaozhang sized her up.

Suddenly, he leaned in.

Wen Ni didn’t move.

Their noses nearly touched.

Jiang Shaozhang chuckled, “Why aren’t you dodging?”

Wen Ni said, “Jiang Shao can have any woman he wants. There’s no way you’d be interested in a widow like me—I know my place.”

Jiang Shaozhang’s tone turned mocking, “What if widows are exactly my type? How about you sleep with me, and I consider giving your studio a bit of silk?”

Wen Ni answered, “Jiang Shao’s worth is high—how could you possibly pay for it?”

Jiang Shaozhang’s expression shifted sharply. He grabbed Wen Ni’s chin, grinding his teeth, eyes sharp. “Are you calling me a gigolo?”

Wen Ni lowered her voice so only the two could hear. “Jiang Shaozhang, I won’t act anymore, and you shouldn’t pretend either. You had your butler leak your location to me, set this whole scene in advance, brought all those people here—their seats are exactly the same as last time. Aren’t you just trying to win back your pride?”

“If I really turned and walked away, how would you carry on this performance? We settle our grudges, pay back our debts. Just tell me what you want so you can feel better. I’ll do as you say. I give you face, you give me silk. Deal?”

Jiang Shaozhang shoved Wen Ni away and suddenly stood, his face dark as night.

He called out loudly, “Bring the drinks!”

Four bottles of Martell landed neatly on the coffee table.

Jiang Shaozhang yanked Wen Ni up, gripping her wrist tightly, his gaze black and cold. “Wen Ni, drink them all, or crack your own head open. I’ll sell you that batch of silk at cost and cover all shipping fees.”

Wen Ni asked, “Is it a deal?”

Jiang Shaozhang flung her off.

Wen Ni’s body sprawled across the table.

She rose slowly.

Jiang Shaozhang was already slouched on the sofa. Wen Ni heard him say, “Deal.”

The design of the Martell bottles required both hands to hold.

Without a word, Wen Ni began pouring the liquor into her mouth.

She gulped down huge mouthfuls; what she couldn’t swallow spilled from the corner of her lips, trailing across her chin and down her slender neck.

Jiang Shaozhang stared at her intently.

He rubbed his buzz cut.

Damn.

He could still feel the scar from eighteen stitches.

One bottle down, Wen Ni grabbed the second and continued, without hesitation.

Someone beside Jiang Shaozhang worried aloud, “She could die from this, Jiang Shao. Maybe it’s enough?”

Jiang Shaozhang ignored them.

Wen Ni’s steps were already unsteady. The second bottle hit the table with a crisp sound. “Jiang Shao, third bottle.”

She frowned, staggering.

She reached for the third bottle, but as her fingers touched the cold glass, a broad hand covered the back of hers...