Chapter 24: A Warm Hand on Her Cool Stomach

Chapter 24: A Warm Hand on Her Cool Stomach

On the ship at night, the lights were sparse, giving people's faces a waxy pallor.

Zhao Lixiang returned from the restroom and stood behind his sister, "Guess who I bumped into on the deck?"

Wang Junyao looked at her son, "Who?"

"Commander Ji's second son, Mom. Remember him?"

Commander Ji, who was killed in the explosion.

Wang Junyao couldn't recall the name right away, "Commander Ji's second son? The one who works at the newspaper? What was his name?"

Zhao Lixiang, "Ji Shutong. All three of his family members are on the ship. I gave him your room number; he might stop by to say hello later."

"What are they going to Hong Kong for?"

"To stay with their eldest brother."

Lin Yufan listened carefully. It turned out Commander Ji's eldest son was the deputy director of the Nationalist Government's Hong Kong office.

Sure enough, before the game ended, voices were heard outside, and Ji Shutong arrived with his wife and sister to pay their respects.

Ji Shutong looked a year or two older than Zhao Lixiang, probably in his mid-twenties. His wife was also from Haicheng, petite and somewhat shy, standing beside him, smiling without a word.

The younger sister, Ji Shuping, was a bit younger than Lin Yufan, beautiful, warm, and outgoing. Seeing Wang Junyao, she smiled and greeted, "Aunt Zhao, it's been a while."

"Oh my, you've grown so much, I wouldn't have recognized you on the street." Wang Junyao didn't remember Ji Shuping's name, just smiled and held her hand, "How are you feeling? Any seasickness?"

"Not bad, we don't get seasick." Ji Shuping looked at Lin Yufan and took the initiative to greet, "This must be Zhi Ao's wife, right?"

"Yes, this is Zhi Ao's new wife." Wang Junyao quickly urged her son, "Li Xiang, make the introductions."

Zhao Lixiang had to introduce them one by one, "This is Uncle Ji's second son, Ji Shutong, and his wife. This is the third young lady, Ji Shuping. On our side, this is my second aunt, my sister-in-law, and my younger sister."

Lin Yufan gracefully extended her hand, "I'm Lin Yufan."

"Hello, sister-in-law. Just call me Shuping."

For someone like Zhao Zhiao, a prominent figure who had rejected many noble ladies, to finally marry a widow from the same clan, the Ji family was very curious, assuming she must be exceptionally beautiful.

Seeing her today, it was indeed true.

Her features, skin, and figure were comparable to movie stars on posters, with an added touch of aloofness.

No wonder the usually picky Zhao Zhiao was captivated by her.

Ji Shuping suggested, "It's fate that we've all gathered on this ship. Why don't we have dinner together tonight?"

Wang Junyao had already prepared to host, she said, "Sure, we've already reserved a table at the restaurant."

As everyone walked out, Wang Junyao spoke to Ji Shuping, "I'm sorry I couldn't attend your father's funeral; our family was celebrating a happy event that day."

Ji Shuping slightly withdrew her smile, "We understand, and Zhi Ao came right after the wedding and helped us solve some troublesome issues. Our whole family is very grateful."

"How is it? Has the murderer been found?"

Ji Shuping shook her head, "Not yet."

Wang Junyao wasn’t sure how to comfort her either.

Ji Shuping smiled and changed the subject: "I wasn’t keen on going to Hong Kong either—I didn’t know a soul there—but my eldest brother insisted, so we didn’t have a choice. It’s great that you’ll be in Hong Kong too. If I can’t find anyone to hang out with, I’ll come find you."

"Oh, that’s perfect! We’re new to the area too, so we can explore together." Wang Junyao wasn’t much of an outings person, but she genuinely liked the girl from the Ji family. Once in Hong Kong, she’d inevitably have to go out for fun, and it wouldn’t hurt to have company.

As they walked, Ji Shuping turned back to talk to Lin Yufan. The girl was naturally outgoing and easy to get along with.

After dinner, they chatted a bit longer, and the two families agreed to disembark together the next day when they arrived in Hong Kong.

*

Lin Yufan had been sleeping fitfully during the voyage.

Even though the ship sailed smoothly, she always felt like she was bobbing and sinking in the sea.

That night, she dreamed again of floating on the sea, with nothing but a plank beneath her. She didn’t dare move, and a giant python was coiled around her, squeezing her so tightly she could barely breathe.

She tried to scream for help, but no sound escaped her lips.

She suddenly realized it was a dream and struggled to open her eyes, but her eyelids felt foreign, completely unresponsive.

Tap tap tap! Tap tap tap tap!

Lin Yufan finally opened her eyes. It was Gui Xiang knocking at the door.

Gui Xiang stepped in as Lin Yufan opened the door: "Miss, we’ll be in Hong Kong in an hour. We’ve already packed up on our end."

Gui Xiang and the other servants were in second class; they’d gotten up at four to pack their things.

Lin Yufan yawned and said, "I had a bad dream."

"What did you dream about?"

"A big snake."

Gui Xiang’s face lit up: "Miss, could you be expecting? The old servants say dreaming of a snake is a sign of pregnancy for a newlywed."

Lin Yufan chuckled, "That’s impossible."

"Why not? It could be true!"

Lin Yufan didn’t argue, just said, "Go ahead and finish packing. I’ll get changed."

After changing, Lin Yufan did a quick makeup, applying some lipstick, thinking about meeting Zhao Zhiao’s concubines later.

She wasn’t trying to compete with the concubines, but she didn’t want to look outdone.

Stepping out of the cabin, the sea air hit her. The fishy smell near the shore was milder than in the open sea, but still unpleasant.

Lin Yufan held her breath for a moment and gazed into the distance.

The sea was veiled in mist, and the outlines of city buildings were just visible on the horizon.

She was home.

After over a month, she was back in Hong Kong, the city she’d left five years ago.

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, first-class passengers disembarked first. Because the Zhao family had tipped, the servants of both the Zhao and Ji families also came down together.

The dock was packed with people. Lin Yufan trailed behind the crowd, scanning the faces of those waiting to meet the ship.

Lin Yufan didn’t spot Zhao Zhiao.

He didn’t show up.

Shen Te wasn’t around either.

She wasn’t too bothered whether Zhao Zhiao showed up or not.

She mainly wanted to find Shen Te, hoping he’d bring up the property transfer when they met.

This was her main focus right now.

She spotted Second Uncle Zhao Yanhui, whom she’d met once before with the Second Branch, and she remembered him.

Could it be that in a past life, he teamed up with outsiders to kill Zhao Zhiao and his brother?

Zhao Yanhui had already come over: “Sister-in-law! Did you have a rough trip?”

Behind him was a beautiful woman in her thirties, all smiles: “Madam, Second Madam, Li Xiang… you’re finally here.”

Wang Junyao, seeing them, smiled warmly: “Yanhui, Yunxin, it’s so kind of you to come meet us this early.”

The beautiful woman was Qi Yunxin, Zhao Zhiao’s cousin’s wife. Rumor had it that Zhao Zhiao’s three concubines didn’t handle things; it was Qi Yunxin who ran the show.

Qi Yunxin smiled: “No trouble at all, it’s our duty.”

Then Qi Yunxin looked at Lin Yufan and asked with a smile: “This must be Zhi Ao’s wife, right?”

No wonder Zhi Ao liked her—she’s a real beauty.

Wang Junyao quickly introduced: “Yes, this is Yufan. Yufan, this is your Second Uncle and your cousin’s wife, Yunxin.”

Lin Yufan greeted them with a smile: “Hello, Second Uncle, Cousin Yunxin, thanks for all the trouble today.”

“Oh, why’s everyone so polite?” After a few pleasantries, Qi Yunxin glanced at Liu Fang, who was holding her daughter.

“Jingxiu’s gotten taller…” She turned to Zhao Yanhui and teased: “Why aren’t you all greeting each other as a family?”

Liu Fang, at her age, was still shy and not great with words around strangers.

Zhao Jingxiu, meanwhile, was sulking—why hadn’t her father called her?

Suddenly in the spotlight, Zhao Yanhui smiled at his daughter, “What, don’t you recognize your dad?”

Zhao Jingxiu gave a little hum before saying, “Dad, did you forget what you promised me?”

“My little princess, who’d dare forget? It’s all ready; I’ll give it to you when we get home.”

Qi Yunxin asked curiously: “What’s that?”

“A watch she’s been wanting.”

Liu Fang then said softly: “See, Dad still spoils you the most.”

Zhao Jingxiu, the only daughter, raised her eyebrows as if to say, who else would he spoil?

Standing to the side, Zhao Lixiang finally spoke up, “Second Uncle, where’s my brother? What’s he so busy with? Why didn’t he come meet us?”

Zhao Lixiang spoke a bit louder, as if making sure Lin Yufan heard.

Zhao Yanhui explained, "Your eldest brother went to Macau yesterday to attend Old Master Li's funeral. The burial is this morning, and they might not return until noon."

Attending another funeral—there have been a lot of deaths lately—Wang Junyao didn’t inquire further.

Lin Yufan secretly observed the legendary Zhao Yanhui.

The men from the Fifth Branch are all quite handsome, and Zhao Yanhui is no exception.

He is not yet forty, but he looks like he’s in his early thirties, tall and upright, wearing glasses, very scholarly.

Aunt Liu Fang standing next to him made them look more like siblings.

Plus, Liu Fang hasn’t rested well these past few days, appearing gaunt and listless. The two of them didn’t seem like a close, comfortable couple at all.

Because of what Jian Suzhen told her, Lin Yufan’s first impression of Zhao Yanhui wasn’t very good.

After all, after the deaths of Zhao Zhi Ao and his brother in the previous life, Zhao Yanhui was one of the actual beneficiaries.

He’s suspicious.

At this moment, Zhao Yanhui saw Ji Shutong and quickly went over to greet him, asking if they had a car coming for them. If not, they could ride together.

Just as they were speaking, the Ji family’s servants arrived to pick them up.

More and more people were disembarking, and standing still would quickly cause a bottleneck. Qi Yunxin got everyone into the cars.

After the two families bid farewell, they each left the dock and headed home in their cars.

This time, the Zhao family sent four cars to pick them up—three sedans and one pickup truck—all packed with people and luggage.

Lin Yufan and Wang Junyao rode in one car. Wang Junyao looked out at the unfamiliar streets with curiosity.

"What are those trees by the road? So tall, with such big leaves."

Lin Yufan: "Those are coconut trees."

"Oh." Wang Junyao watched along the way. As they passed through the busy city center, she saw low-rise buildings all around, with English soda advertisements on the rooftops.

She felt a bit disappointed.

Hong Kong is still nowhere near as developed as Shanghai.

But she had come to depend on her stepson, so she shouldn’t show dissatisfaction with the new place. She sighed and said, "It’s all in English. I can’t understand."

Lin Yufan comforted her: "Those are advertisements. It doesn’t matter if you can’t understand them. Most of the shop signs are in Chinese characters."

"I’m lucky to have you with me." Wang Junyao was glad that her daughter-in-law knew a lot and was easy to get along with.

Wang Junyao wanted to support Lin Yufan, so she said, "When we get home later, make the three concubines kneel and serve you tea."

Lin Yufan: "..."

No need for that.

We are all women; no need to make things difficult for each other.

"They married Zhi Ao first. I came in later. These old rules—let’s avoid them if we can."

Wang Junyao knew that although her daughter-in-law was kind, she wasn’t as unskilled as herself. She had heard from others about Lin Yufan’s struggle with the Second Branch before her remarriage to reclaim her dowry, so she just patted the back of her hand and didn’t insist. "Then let’s do it your way."

*

No. 5 Yunping Mountain Road is located right at the halfway point up the mountainside.

Two separate villas are connected by covered walkways, and the private garden is filled with an abundance of flowers.

The servants of the Zhao family came out to greet them, everyone curious about what the First Madam looked like.

They had assumed that a woman from the countryside, even if attractive, wouldn’t be fashionable enough.

But they were in for a surprise!

When it comes to fashion these days, Haicheng folks still lead the way!

The tailored satin cheongsam, the slightly curled hair that hadn’t lost its shape despite the long journey, the lightly penciled eyebrows, and the vibrant red lips—most importantly, the air of effortless elegance she carried surpassed that of the so-called wealthy ladies of Hong Kong they had seen before.

Perhaps this is the difference between a noblewoman and new money?

Lin Yufan was unaware of the servants' inner gossip. If she had her way, she’d rather be rich and new money than a noblewoman with just a fancy title.

She wasn’t radiating calm elegance at all; she was just tired and a bit weary.

Wang Junyao, standing nearby, noticed the three concubines were missing and couldn’t help but ask Qi Yunxin, "Are they not here?"

Qi Yunxin knew who Wang Junyao was referring to and whispered in reply, "The eldest and the youngest went to Macau with Zhao Zhiao."

"What about the other one?"

"She left early this morning, and no one knows where she went."

Wang Junyao let out a sigh of relief. The last few days on the ship had been exhausting, and she wanted to delay meeting the three concubines.

She’d heard that all three were difficult to handle.

She wondered if the gossip had been exaggerated.

Wang Junyao was never one to fight with such people. She had already been defeated once, losing to a flashy mistress and nearly being thrown out by the heartless Zhao Qinghui.

At her age, all she wanted was a peaceful life.

Lin Yufan’s stance on the concubines was clear: it was best if they kept to themselves, not interfering or causing trouble.

So, she wasn’t scared to meet them—in fact, she was a little curious.

But her first priority upon entering the Zhao family mansion was to find Shen Te.

Of course, she quickly learned that Shen Te had gone to Macau with Zhao Zhiao.

The Zhao family mansion consists of two villas. The front villa is the main house, a three-story European-style mansion with more space, while the back villa is smaller and acts as the guest house.

Zhao Zhiao and his three concubines live in the main residence, while Zhao Yanhui and Zhao Zhiao’s cousin Kang Nian, along with Qi Yunxin’s family, live in the back.

Qi Yunxin had already consulted Zhao Zhiao’s opinion and assigned the rooms.

Wang Junyao and Zhao Lixiang, the mother and son, live on the west side of the second floor, while the middle and east sides of the second floor are reserved for Zhao Zhiao and Lin Yufan.

The three concubines still reside on the third floor.

Lin Yufan’s room is a large suite, connected to a walk-in closet and a living room.

The living room has a second door that opens into Zhao Zhiao’s bedroom.

This works out nicely; everyone has their own space, and they can avoid bothering each other when there's nothing going on.

The entire morning was a whirlwind of packing, and they were almost done by noon.

The whole family had lunch together, and after lunch, they did some more tidying up.

Meanwhile, they got a call from Xi Gu, who had a dentist appointment for a toothache and couldn’t come.

Lin Yufan invited Xi Gu and her family over for dinner the next day.

By around two, they finally got the house in order, and Lin Yufan was so tired her eyelids were drooping. She took a bath and went to sleep.

She slept straight through until evening.

*

Zhao Zhiao and the three concubines came back together around three in the afternoon.

When they arrived, the living room was buzzing, with Wang Junyao, Liu Fang, and Qi Yunxin drinking tea and chatting.

He glanced around, didn’t see Lin Yufan, and simply asked, “Where’s Li Xiang?”

Qi Yunxin smiled and replied, “Li Xiang went to the Ji family to see Ji Shutong.”

Zhao Zhiao didn’t reply, glanced back, and instead of having the concubines call him father, he just said, “Quickly greet the First Madam and Second Madam.”

The three concubines stood there and dutifully paid their respects.

Wang Junyao sized them up; they were all average-looking, not ugly, but nothing special either.

Frankly, looks-wise, these three couldn’t compare to Lin Yufan. She couldn’t help wondering how they ended up as Zhao Zhiao’s concubines.

They must have had something special, which is trickier to handle than just looks.

Qi Yunxin quickly got up and introduced them one by one.

The Second Concubine had a square face, was a bit plump, always spoke with a smile, and was cheerful and good with people. She was the oldest, maybe a year or two older than Zhao Zhiao.

The Third Concubine was slim, with single eyelids, and had a scholarly, slightly aloof air—she was the most attractive of the three.

The Fourth Concubine had a rosy, round face and a bit of charm; she was the most temperamental, and Zhao Zhiao spoiled her—Wang Junyao had heard about this. For a ruby necklace she wanted, Zhao Zhiao once splurged at an auction.

After the introductions, the Second Concubine, who knew the ropes and was socially savvy, asked, “Where’s the First Madam? We haven’t greeted her yet.”

Qi Yunxin said, “She didn’t rest well on the ship, and after arriving home, she spent a long time tidying up. Now she’s taking a nap in her room.”

Hearing that Lin Yufan was napping, Zhao Zhiao didn’t say anything. He still had things to do in the afternoon, so he went out again.

*

The concubines chatted with Wang Junyao for a while, then went upstairs to rest.

The three gathered in a small alcove on the third floor to chat.

The Fourth Concubine harbored the most hostility towards Zhao Zhiao’s new wife. “I can’t kneel down and pour tea for her.”

Unless Zhao Zhiao really slept with her, making her the rightful Fourth Concubine.

The Third Concubine held a cat in her arms and didn’t speak.

The Second Concubine was more humorous. She joked, “My knees are soft; I can kneel. After kneeling, let the First Madam arrange for Zhi Ao to sleep with each of us one night.”

One night each!!!

The Third Concubine, who usually maintains a stern demeanor, was nearly amused by the jest.

Fourth Concubine, known for her fiery temper, couldn't help but blush with girlish thoughts on this topic. Some things are fine to think about, but to say them out loud, she, as a young lady, couldn't do it.

She berated Second Concubine: "You're utterly shameless. Remember your place."

Second Concubine shrugged: "What status? Everyone in Hong Kong knows I, Geng Dongping, am Zhao Zhiao's Second Concubine. Besides, isn't First Madam also a widow who remarried into this family? If she can, why can't I? Once First Madam accepts our tea, under Qing law, we are legitimate concubines."

What a masterstroke!

Fourth Concubine went quiet.

The three concubines exchanged glances, silently sharing an unspoken understanding, and felt a strange sense of anticipation.

It's said that the Zhao family highly values tradition and would surely arrange for the three of them to kowtow and serve tea to the main wife.

They didn't know that while the Zhao family indeed values tradition, the Fifth Branch is an exception.

The senior figure in the Fifth Branch, Wang Junyao, is merely a stepmother. She has never dared to impose on Zhao Zhiao, and even with the newly arrived daughter-in-law, Lin Yufan, she has been courteous, avoiding conflicts.

The only one she dares to reprimand is her son, Zhao Lixiang.

Thus, the Fifth Branch is a place that disregards rules but values real power.

The real power lies with Zhao Zhiao, and although his wife has just arrived, no one in this household would dare to order the mistress around.

Lin Yufan woke up around eight, and only Gui Xiang dared to wake her.

She lifted her sleepy head and asked, "Why didn't you wake me for dinner?"

Gui Xiang smiled, "I called once, but you didn't respond, sleeping so soundly. I couldn't bear to wake you. Shall I have the meal brought up to eat here?"

"That's fine."

The suite's sitting room was spacious, and Lin Yufan was too lazy to dress up and venture out.

Soon, Hong Yu and another maid brought up the food.

Gui Xiang, familiar with Lin Yufan's preferences, chose four or five dishes with a mix of meat and vegetables.

The food here was a world apart from the severely declined Second Branch of the past two years.

Whether abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, or bean sprouts and cabbage, whether expensive or cheap, every dish had to be both delicious and meticulously prepared.

Gui Xiang and Hong Yu, after all, were maids from a prominent family. Though both the Lin family and the Second Branch had fallen on hard times, they were not naive.

Thus, no matter how exquisite and luxurious the daily provisions were, they remained composed, never showing astonishment.

Gui Xiang served Lin Yufan with a mysterious smile, "Miss, can you guess what the three concubines look like?"

Lin Yufan was curious, "What do they look like?"

Gui Xiang thought none were as attractive as Qi Yunxin: "They pale in comparison to you."

Lin Yufan suddenly realized, "That means..."

It suggests Zhao Zhiao is not a womanizer.

She became even more curious, "Do they have any outstanding qualities?" Otherwise, how did they attract Zhao Zhiao?

She had previously wondered about Zhao Zhiao's true identity.

A man who openly kept three concubines couldn’t possibly be a Communist, so he was more likely a supporter who funded the Communists.

For a man with a Nationalist Army background to eventually side with the Communists showed he had great vision.

What could attract him to plain, ordinary women?

Was it their personality, talent, or figure? There had to be something.

Gui Xiang shook her head. "I don’t see anything special about them. One’s short and plump, another’s tall and thin, and the last one... bald! The servants say the Fourth Concubine wears a wig."

This...

Lin Yufan didn’t like criticizing others’ looks or flaws, especially since the three concubines hadn’t done anything to her.

She warned Gui Xiang, "Don’t go spreading that kind of talk around."

"I know, miss. I only told you. I wouldn’t dare say it in front of Hong Yu."

As they were eating, there was a noise at the door. Looking up, they saw Zhao Zhiao returning.

Gui Xiang quickly stood up. "The master is back."

Zhao Zhiao glanced at them, his gaze lingering on his wife’s face, which still looked a little tired.

"Just waking up?"

Lin Yufan looked at her husband, feeling uneasy. Despite their intimate marital relations, they were still strangers to each other.

She forced a small smile, trying to stay composed. "I was sleeping too deeply; they couldn’t wake me."

That meant she was settling in well.

That was a good thing.

Zhao Zhiao didn’t sit down. He glanced at his watch. "I have an engagement tonight. Don’t wait up; go to bed."

It looked like he’d be staying here tonight.

Lin Yufan couldn’t refuse. She simply said politely, "Don’t stay out too late."

Zhao Zhiao’s eyes narrowed slightly. He didn’t speak, but a flicker of emotion stirred in his heart.

True to his word, he didn’t stay out too late.

Lin Yufan had just drifted off when she heard footsteps. She didn’t open her eyes, and soon, warm hands slipped under the blanket, resting on her cool belly.