Chapter 81: Treating Zhi Zhi to a Feast (Two-in-One)

Chapter 81: Treating Zhi Zhi to a Feast (Two-in-One)

"If I recall correctly, this charity gala required an asset investigation prior to admission, right?" Shen Zhixue turned around, looking innocently at Jiang Shuiling: "Now, Miss Jiang, are you suggesting a re-investigation of my assets? Does Miss Jiang's authority surpass that of the Wan family and the military department?"

With this heavy accusation, Jiang Shuiling was instantly flustered. After all, in the empire, even offending the royal family is less severe than offending the Wan family. Although Jiang Shuiling was confused, she could still weigh the consequences.

She could only stubbornly accuse Shen Zhixue: "How can you, Shen Zhixue, come up with ten billion? Isn't that suspicious? And everyone must have seen the entertainment news a few days ago, Shen Zhixue appeared in a hotel covered in marks of intimacy. Jiang Huizhou is disabled, he couldn't possibly leave such marks on Shen Zhixue! How can someone with such a scandalous private life receive a promise from the military department?"

The status of Shen Zhixue and Jiang Huizhou in the empire's upper circles is no secret. Everyone knows they are not short of money, but it's absolutely impossible for them to casually produce ten billion in assets!

"Everyone," a cool, amused voice fell: "Am I late? Has the banquet ended?"

Everyone looked towards the source of the voice at the entrance, where a man as elegant as an orchid stood at the entrance.

Jiang Shuiling was completely stunned.

The person standing at the entrance, that face, she had seen so many times, each time filled with nothing but disgust.

After all, for a bastard who had been brought into the family, and a disabled one at that, no one would feel good upon seeing him.

So when Jiang Huizhou appeared before her eyes, so radiant and composed, she could hardly believe that this was the brother she had always bullied and humiliated at will!

The man stood tall, his face like the most perfect creation of God, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on his high nose bridge, those slightly curved peach blossom eyes that seemed to hold deep affection for everyone, even when not smiling, exuding a touch of spring. His moderately thick orange lips held a hint of a smile, and his smooth, sharp jawline added a youthful charm. His superior height made him stand out like a crane among a flock of chickens.

Wan Chenghan cursed under his breath: "Damn, does this guy look so much like Jiang Huizhou?"

"Is there a possibility," Shen Zhixue gently reminded, "that he is Jiang Huizhou?"

"Impossible, isn't Jiang Huizhou disabled?" Wan Chenghan poked his own eyes with two fingers: "I swear, I've seen him in a wheelchair since childhood! How could he have such long legs!"

Previously, Jiang Huizhou had always been in a wheelchair, and Wan Chenghan had always looked down on him. Now, it seemed Jiang Huizhou was even a bit taller than himself!

No, with all that scheming and heavy burden, shouldn't it have stunted his growth somewhat?

Lu Qingyan also slightly narrowed his pupils. Although it was shameful to think so, the only thought in Lu Qingyan's mind at that moment was this—if Jiang Huizhou were normal, he would have every condition to mark Shen Zhixue.

A strong sense of crisis welled up from the depths of his heart. Lu Qingyan narrowed his eyes, planning to see how this play would unfold.

Jiang Huizhou raised his hand, his slender fingers touching his cheek, his gaze falling on Shen Zhixue.

Seeing Wan Chenghan standing beside him, his already dark eyes grew even darker.

Wan Chenghan involuntarily shivered: "Why does it feel like the temperature just dropped?"

Shen Zhixue forced a laugh: "Right? I feel it too, the empire's weather is really unpredictable."

Jiang Huizhou, however, didn't find it hard to judge. He strode over to Shen Zhixue with his long legs, reached out, and gently pulled Shen Zhixue's wrist: "Something came up, so I was delayed. My wife has endured."

Jiang Shuiling pointed at Jiang Huizhou, her eyes wide with disbelief: "You... you..."

"What, are you surprised to see me?" Jiang Huizhou wrapped his arm around Shen Zhixue's waist, warningly glancing at Wan Chenghan, then turned his gaze back to Jiang Shuiling, once again the wolf in sheep's clothing: "Oh, big sister is so concerned about my private life. After all, these little intimacies between husband and wife are not for outsiders to discuss... The entertainment papers didn't have my wife's photo, yet big sister speaks so confidently, as if she were there at the scene."

"How could I be in such a place!" Jiang Shuiling instinctively retorted: "I just, just happened to pass by!"

"Hmm, what a coincidence, passing by not just the hotel entrance, but also our room." Jiang Huizhou smiled: "If my legs hadn't healed, I might really have been swayed by big sister's vivid description."

Jiang Shuiling swallowed, involuntarily taking a step back: "Your legs..."

Jiang Huizhou chuckled: "Surprised? When Madam Jiang had my legs broken, she didn't expect them to heal, did she?"

Jiang Shuiling felt as if a venomous snake had coiled around her neck, breaking out in a cold sweat, her face pale.

Jiang Huizhou sneered, "My apologies for the scene, everyone. Tonight, just treat it as a bit of entertainment. I only meant to spend a bit to please my wife."

"Impossible!" Jiang Shuiling suddenly spoke up, "Even if your leg isn't disabled, you couldn't possibly have that much money. Your funds are provided by the Jiang family, so this promise still belongs to the Jiang family! Jiang Huizhou, the Jiang family has treated you quite well over the years. Now you pull this trick and even made Dad so angry he's hospitalized. You're showing disloyalty and a lack of filial piety!"

Jiang Huizhou let out a disdainful chuckle, so light that only Shen Zhixue heard it.

"Big sister, you're truly Jiang Yingshan's daughter. Your greed for money over dignity is just like his."

Jiang Shuiling felt a pang of guilt but didn't expect Jiang Huizhou to shut her down so directly, instantly turning red with shame!

Jiang Huizhou said calmly, "You want to verify the assets? Then take your time and check them thoroughly. Madam Wan—"

Qiu Ying, standing on the stage, watched the commotion below and said, "No need, Mr. Jiang—or rather, the assets of Chengfeng Group have already been verified. The income sources are from legal operations. Miss Jiang, do you doubt the military's competence?"

The crowd erupted in shock!

The president of the rapidly rising Chengfeng Group, poised to overtake Jiang Corporation, is actually the obscure second son of the Jiang family?!

The women around quickly turned their admiring gazes to Jiang Huizhou.

Jiang Shuiling bit her lip and forced out, "...No."

Jiang Huizhou laughed, "Then, it seems I'm the winner tonight, wouldn't you agree, Madam Wan?"

Madam Wan said with a cold face, "Of course, the Wan family always values promises. You can make any request to the Wan family at any time, as long as it doesn't violate the empire's laws."

"This promise, I'll bestow upon my wife. Tonight was originally to make her happy." Jiang Huizhou glanced at Shen Zhixue, "The second gift I vowed to you, now, as promised, rests in your hands."

Shen Zhixue's hand was clasped by a cold, firm grip.

Whether it was the banquet lights highlighting Jiang Huizhou's sharp features, making him look exceptionally handsome, or something else, Shen Zhixue's heart raced as she gazed at his profile, softly illuminated by the lights.

How had I never noticed before? Jiang Huizhou... is truly stunning.

Seeing the fleeting admiration in Shen Zhixue's eyes, Jiang Huizhou smiled with satisfaction, shot a subtle, challenging glance at Wan Chenghan nearby. Right before him, he brushed a tender kiss on Shen Zhixue's lips, whispering, "Good Zhi Zhi."

Shen Zhixue suddenly realized, her ears turning red as she turned her head and coughed lightly, "Enough."

Wan Chenghan showed a look of disdain, snorted heavily, and walked away!

"Mr. Wan, why are you leaving?" Jiang Huizhou raised his hand, playing with Shen Zhixue's hair, "Thanks for looking after my wife tonight. How about I treat you to a meal? But my cooking skills are poor. If I cook, you might need to prepare an ambulance first."

Wan Chenghan raised his hand and gave Jiang Huizhou the middle finger.

Shen Zhixue paused, "You were eavesdropping on my phone call again, weren't you?"

"Zhi Zhi, you're really wronging me this time," Jiang Huizhou said, "I just happened to overhear it. But... you're not allowed to cook for him."

Shen Zhixue often found Jiang Huizhou's inexplicable possessiveness strange, "It's just a meal."

Jiang Huizhou hissed lightly, "If you're not afraid of me poisoning it, you can cook anytime."

"..." Shen Zhixue rolled her eyes helplessly.

Jiang Huizhou really could do such a thing!

After the main event, Madam Wan left in a hurry, but the charity banquet was not over. Those who wished to stay could remain until the end of the banquet before leaving.

Such grand banquets are not only social occasions but also essential lessons for businessmen.

Consolidating connections, meeting new people, the hustle and bustle of the world of fame and fortune—everyone was calculating their gains and losses, their mental abacuses clattering loudly.

In the next half hour, Shen Zhixue witnessed what it means to think on one's feet.

Previously, the noble ladies and aristocrats of high society who had looked down on Jiang Huizhou with disdain now swarmed around him.

"Oh, Mr. Jiang, I'm so sorry, it's all my fault for being so careless..."

This was the tenth omega tonight who tried to spill champagne into Jiang Huizhou's arms.

However, none of them succeeded. Jiang Huizhou quickly caught the champagne glass and poured it back!

The lady's face instantly turned sour: "This..."

"Sorry, I accidentally ruined your dress," Jiang Huizhou smiled gently: "Because if I didn't stop you, it would have been my clothes that got ruined."

The lady: "..."

"Though it's not very expensive, it was custom-made for me by my wife," Jiang Huizhou touched the fabric on his body, smiling warmly: "I cherish it very much, truly sorry."

Shen Zhixue: "..."

Oscar really owes you a golden statue.

With Jiang Huizhou saying so, the lady couldn't say much more, only hurriedly muttered a few words and excused herself to change clothes and left.

"Ready to leave?" Shen Zhixue picked up a glass of champagne and drank it, his eyes looking at Jiang Huizhou with a watery gleam.

Feeling good tonight, he drank a bit more, and now his entire face flushed with an enticing pink, even his lips looked more vibrant.

Jiang Huizhou lowered his head, rolled his Adam's apple, and leaned closer to Shen Zhixue: "Feeling jealous?"

Shen Zhixue looked at him inexplicably: "Huh?"

"What a shame," Jiang Huizhou reached out and touched Shen Zhixue's face: "I thought you would be jealous."

Shen Zhixue laughed but said nothing.

Jiang Huizhou sighed and brushed his lips over Shen Zhixue's earlobe: "It's okay, if you're not jealous, let's have something else."

Shen Zhixue's drunken mind was slow to process, and he didn't immediately realize Jiang Huizhou was making a suggestive comment, instead naively asking: "Eat what? I'm so hungry, is there anything good to eat?"

Jiang Huizhou's thumb pressed against Shen Zhixue's lips: "I promise, it will be delicious."

After saying that, he put down his glass and led Shen Zhixue towards the door.

Shen Zhixue really thought Jiang Huizhou was taking him to eat something delicious, and followed him towards the door in a daze.

"Wait," someone called out his name from behind: "Jiang Huizhou."

Jiang Huizhou narrowed his eyes and turned to meet Lu Qingyan's gaze.

Lu Qingyan walked up and took Shen Zhixue's other hand: "He's drunk."

Jiang Huizhou laughed: "What's it to you?"

"Don't exploit his condition, Jiang Huizhou," Lu Qingyan frowned: "I'll take him to the hotel."

"You?" Jiang Huizhou sneered, "Do you think you're so noble, Lu Qingyan? You've been put on a pedestal for so long, do you really think you're a deity? He's mine. What I do is none of your business."

Shen Zhixue drowsily opened his eyes and, upon seeing Lu Qingyan, stumbled and fell into his arms: "...Uh, sorry, sorry, I can't see clearly, um."

Lu Qingyan pulled him close, his face cold as he spoke to Jiang Huizhou: "He doesn't belong to anyone, Jiang Huizhou. Don't force me to look down on you."

Jiang Huizhou chuckled softly, as if he had heard something amusing. After a while, he raised his eyes, the smile quickly fading, revealing a dark, beast-like aggression: "I'll say it again, he's my omega. If you don't understand how to maintain a polite social distance with someone else's partner, I'll teach you a lesson."

"He doesn't like you!" Lu Qingyan said firmly, "Until you mark him, I have every right to pursue him. I told you, he's not yours!"

Jiang Huizhou's voice deepened as he spoke: "Shen Zhixue."

Although Shen Zhixue was drunk and disoriented, his worker's spirit hadn't completely faded. Hearing his boss's voice, he instinctively responded: "Um, yes, I'm here."

"Come here."

Shen Zhixue instinctively moved toward Jiang Huizhou. Lu Qingyan whispered, "Shen Zhixue, snap out of it."

Shen Zhixue shook his head, pushed away from Lu Qingyan's chest, and staggered over to Jiang Huizhou, holding onto his arm to steady himself. He declared solemnly: "Yes, I'm here."

Jiang Huizhou took his wrist, bent down slightly, and whispered, "Between Lu Qingyan and me, who do you choose?"

Lu Qingyan glanced nervously at Shen Zhixue, not expecting Jiang Huizhou to actually ask such a question!

"Tonight, whoever you choose gets to take you home," Jiang Huizhou extended his hand, touching Shen Zhixue's earlobe, coaxing, "Good Zhi Zhi, so, what's your answer to this question?"

This was a question Shen Zhixue was well-prepared for, something the teacher had emphasized in class, even underlined twice.

He immediately straightened up, his face serious as he began to answer, like a child called upon by the teacher in class, earnest and proper: "I choose you, Jiang Huizhou, no doubt about it. Whether it's a single-choice, multiple-choice, or free-response question, my answer is only Jiang Huizhou!"

Lu Qingyan's fist suddenly unclenched, and he stared in disbelief at Shen Zhixue, who was swaying unsteadily beside Jiang Huizhou.

How could this be... Shen Zhixue didn't even hesitate when he gave that answer.

But hadn't he said he didn't like Jiang Huizhou?

...You little liar.

Jiang Huizhou raised an eyebrow and spread his hands: "See, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you, Lu Qingyan. It's just that Zhi Zhi really can't leave me right now."

Lu Qingyan's eyes lowered in defeat, and he said nothing.

Jiang Huizhou took Shen Zhixue's wrist: "Well, let's bid farewell for now, Lu Qingyan."

Shen Zhixue was led out of the banquet. Without the ambiguous atmosphere, the cold wind helped sober him up a bit. All he could think about was food: "Where are we going to eat?"

"You little glutton," Jiang Huizhou tapped his forehead and chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're well-fed."

Shen Zhixue sat quietly in the passenger seat, enjoying a rare moment of peace.

Jiang Huizhou first took Shen Zhixue to a five-star hotel, famous throughout the empire for its cuisine. Some dishes were even reserved exclusively for the royal family and top military brass.

Shen Zhixue was first served a bowl of warm hangover soup by Jiang Huizhou before he could sit up and eat.

Although Shen Zhixue was a decent cook himself, the ingredients here were incredibly fresh and tender, and he thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

"This deep-sea fish must be hard to catch. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful," Shen Zhixue picked up a slice of sashimi as thin as a cicada's wing and dipped it in some sauce: "Jiang Xingliu would love this. What a shame he's not here."

"The military academy has holidays," Jiang Huizhou watched him eat, "You can visit him whenever you like."

"Next time, we can bring Jiang Xingliu and Du Du with us," Shen Zhixue nodded. "But isn't this type of fish exclusively supplied to the royal family and military? How come you can have it too?"

Jiang Huizhou leaned back in his chair and casually said, "With enough money, anything is possible."

"..." Shen Zhixue swallowed his food and gave him a thumbs up.

Shen Zhixue felt completely satisfied after the meal, and there was even a refreshing dessert afterward, which was also delicious.

Jiang Huizhou watched him put down his fork and knife, his fox-like eyes narrowing as he smiled, "All set?"

Shen Zhixue nodded, "Yeah, yeah."

"Got your energy back?"

"Yes, yes."

"Alright, let's go."

"Where to?"

"To eat."

Shen Zhixue paused, "But we just ate."

Jiang Huizhou gave him a deep look.

With his energy replenished, Shen Zhixue quickly caught on, and he immediately realized what Jiang Huizhou meant.

He stared in disbelief and took a step back.

Jiang Huizhou watched him calmly.

Shen Zhixue turned and ran!

He swore he'd rather jump off a building today! Die out there! Never!

Jiang Huizhou called out, "Hey, who dropped this black VIP card?"

"..."

Damn, he's got me!

Shen Zhixue's steps slowed to a crawl.

"It's not like I'm into unlimited credit cards or anything, I just really like the color black," Shen Zhixue quickly snatched the card from Jiang Huizhou's hand, speaking with righteous determination. "Mr. Jiang, VIP member extraordinaire, at your service."

Jiang Huizhou opened the car door, "Hop in."

Shen Zhixue reluctantly climbed into the car, sticking his head out and making a small gesture, "Just this once, go easy on me."

He glanced up and saw the storm in Jiang Huizhou's eyes.

He just ducked his head and muttered, "Alright."

——

When Lu Qingyan got home, he grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat in the dark living room, downing one bottle after another.

After who knows how long, his communicator pinged, letting him know he had an unread email.

Lu Qingyan lifted his hand and opened the email, which displayed an audio file sent by Jiang Huizhou.

He seemed to anticipate what kind of audio it was.

Yet, as if driven by an unseen force, he clicked to receive it. The audio downloaded quickly, starting with a faint, muffled rustling, like the friction of fabric.

The next moment, a voice dripping with desire sounded: "Good Zhi Zhi... just a bit more."

The voice was clearly processed, not the original, but still as clear as if it were speaking right beside his ear.

Another voice followed: "No... it’ll break."

"Zhi Zhi, it's not your first time. Shouldn't you already know if it’ll break or not?"

"Mmm..."

Then came a series of sweet, breathy whimpers.

Jiang Huizhou's fangs bit into Shen Zhixue's neck, the slightly warm gland soft and intoxicatingly fragrant: "Tell me, who do you belong to?"

"Speak, Zhi Zhi, who’s claiming you? Who’s embracing you? Who’s..."

Shen Zhixue collapsed into sobs, trapped and exposed, only able to whimper softly: "Jiang Huizhou... mmm, Jiang Huizhou!"

"Good Zhi Zhi..."

Lu Qingyan clenched his teeth, the beer can crumpled violently in his hand, the sharp edges cutting into his palm, blood dripping from the can onto the floor.

His eyes were bloodshot, his entire body trembling with rage, and he slammed the can down with all his strength!

The can clattered loudly as he roared, his voice hoarse: "Jiang! Hui! Zhou!!!"