Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Leaving Aili’s room, Jiang Yao descended the stairs and ran into Jerry, who had been out of sight for days.

“Young Master Jerry,” Jiang Yao greeted with a smile, “Good evening. Dinner will be ready in about an hour.”

Jerry, looking mysterious as if he had just returned from outside, declared, “I’m not hungry. I’m going to bed.”

“Were you at the casino?” Jiang Yao suddenly asked.

Jerry froze, then quickly closed the distance between them. “I wasn’t!”

Jiang Yao softly countered, “You’re not very good at lying. Your eyes blink too fast when you speak.”

Jerry snapped, “Don’t use your tricks on me! I’m not interested in you!”

Jiang Yao raised an eyebrow, looking perfectly at ease. “Don’t misunderstand. I’d never have designs on a sixteen-year-old.”

“I’m seventeen!” Jerry detested being called a child. “And in Spain, sixteen is the age of consent!”

Jiang Yao turned his head slightly, covering his mouth as he chuckled.

His profile was strikingly handsome—a full forehead, refined brows, a high nose bridge, and rosy lips. Moreover, Jiang Yao possessed remarkable eyes: aloof and dignified when unsmiling, yet dazzling like stars when he laughed.

Jerry had to admit, this butler truly had a way with people.

Jerry mumbled, “…How did you know I went to the casino?”

“Christmas just passed. Mr. Shen, Master Dero, Madam Zhou, and the other elders of the Zhou family must have transferred money to you.”

“You’ve been leaving early and returning late. As far as I know, only casinos operate all night, outside of Sir’s surveillance, and can offer you lodging.”

“Given your past record… Hmm!” Jiang Yao’s analysis clearly infuriated Jerry, who clapped a hand over his mouth and shook a fist in front of him.

“Don’t tell anyone!” Jerry warned.

Jiang Yao effortlessly removed Jerry’s hand; the boy’s grip was like a kitten’s to him. “Why are you so obsessed with casinos? Are you that short on money, or are Master Dero and Madam Zhou?”

Jerry’s smug expression instantly crumbled. His face turned gloomy, and after glancing around warily, he punched Jiang Yao hard in the stomach!

“Hiss…” Jiang Yao doubled over, clutching his abdomen after taking a heavy blow.

Jerry hissed, “Stick your nose in my business again, and I’ll kill you! Go ahead and test whether Uncle Shen cares more about his own nephew or you! My aunt is his beloved elder sister!”

*Thump! Thump! Thump!*

The teenager vanished up the stairs after delivering his threat.

Jiang Yao straightened up, rubbing his stomach and touching his nose as he muttered in the direction Jerry had left, “Dumb kid. As if you could hide anything from Shen Mo.”

-

It was Aili’s first time attending a family dinner with Shen Mo present. For the occasion, she wore a halter-neck gown with a shawl, her figure graceful and her demeanor exuding the generous confidence of a Western woman.

During her week at the Shen residence, she had done her utmost to embody the perfect lady, winning over countless people.

Western dishes had been served all week, and tonight was no exception—since Aili claimed to have lived long-term in America, the meals were tailored to her preferences.

However, Jiang Yao still added one Chinese dish to every meal when Shen Mo was home. Today, it was scrambled eggs with tomatoes.

*System*: “Is the appearance frequency of this egg dish a bit high?”

Jiang Yao: “It’s simple.”

When the dishes were served, Aili was chatting with Shen Mo. Shen Mo spoke little, occasionally responding, while the rest of the time, Aunt Zhou kept the conversation flowing.

Aili lifted a finger, pointing at the dish Jiang Yao had brought. “What is this?”

“Tomato and eggs stir-fry,” Jiang Yao replied with a smile.

Aili was surprised, her eyebrows raised in confusion. “Eggs?”

“Aren’t eggs supposed to be boiled in water for three minutes, then lifted out, placed in an egg cup, cracked open, and eaten with bread?” Aili’s gaze followed the portion of tomato and eggs stir-fry served onto her plate. “Hmm?”

*How silly…* Fu Xiaoen silently scoffed, then glanced around the table—everyone was smiling warmly at Aili.

Even Jiang Yao was being uncharacteristically gentle.

Jiang Yao: “You can try it first.”

Aili scooped up a spoonful of the tomato and eggs stir-fry, took a bite, and then looked at Jiang Yao with bright eyes. “Delicious!”

Jiang Yao’s eyes curved into crescents. “It’s my honor, Miss Aili.”

“…”

A strong wave of displeasure emanated. Jiang Yao glanced at Shen Mo, who was eating silently, then took the plate Aili had pushed toward him. Under her shy, hopeful smile, he gave her the last portion of tomato and eggs stir-fry.

*Now he was even more annoyed.* The sound of cutlery clinking lightly echoed as Shen Mo frowned, picked up his wine glass, and took a deep drink.

Fu Xiaoen: “Young Master Ian loves this dish too.”

The implication was clear—why give the last portion to Aili?

A pang of bitterness—that was Fu Xiaoen’s mood. Shen Mo rarely felt this way, and it was a bit unexpected. After a moment’s thought, he turned to little Ian. “Master Ian still drinks milk at night, right?”

“Humph!” Little Ian grumbled unhappily. He didn’t like Jiang Yao, but after spending so much time with him, he was at least familiar. Now, what he disliked even more was Aili. “Demon!”

Aili almost choked.

Jenny was startled. “Master Ian…”

“Up!” Ever since Ian learned to speak, he had become even more demanding. He stretched his arms toward Fu Xiaoen, who lifted him from the child’s seat. “Then I’ll take Master Ian back to rest.”

“Wait.” Aunt Zhou suddenly spoke up.

Fu Xiaoen paused mid-step.

Aunt Zhou set down her fork and knife. “Ian, Miss Aili is your father’s girlfriend. You’re three years old now, not a baby. Please mind your manners.”

Ian had always scored full marks in etiquette lessons—a skill he had mastered since he was two. This was the first time he had been reprimanded for bad manners.

“You’re right,” Shen Mo finally spoke. “Ian, I’ll have Butler Jiang rearrange your etiquette lessons.”

Fu Xiaoen’s eyes reddened with anger. *“Why?! Shen Mo, you’re just a stepfather! It’s obvious Ian isn’t your real son! Picking on him over an outsider!”*

Aunt Zhou was stunned—she hadn’t expected her words to cause such a strong reaction. “This… uh, actually…”

“Yes, sir.” Jiang Yao clasped his hands in front of him and gave a slight bow in acknowledgment. His eyes met Shen Mo’s, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.

Jiang Yao gave a knowing smile.

“This would be the perfect time to bring in a royal etiquette tutor,” Jiang Yao bowed even deeper, suggesting in a voice loud enough for all to hear, right by Shen Mo’s ear, “But this matter might require Miss Aili’s assistance.”

Aili had crafted her identity as a distant relative of the queen, with her surname being Mountbatten. Surely, finding someone who had served in the queen’s presence to teach etiquette shouldn’t pose much of a problem.

*“Clever,”* Shen Mo thought to himself.

Then, turning to Aili, he added, “I’ll cover all related expenses.”

Aili: “…”

Aunt Zhou grew anxious: “But Aili, she—”

“Of course, no problem at all!” Aili’s mouth twitched into a strained smile. “I’ll call home shortly. It won’t be too troublesome.”

Aunt Zhou’s expression relaxed, beaming with pride that Aili could arrange for someone from the royal household to teach. “Anyone who works for the queen must be exceptional. Ian, quickly thank Miss Aili.”

Fu Xiaoen took a step back, scowling discontentedly at everyone. From his perspective, this was clearly everyone using a three-year-old child as a means to curry favor with royalty.

Ian: “I—”

“What does this have to do with Ian? He’s only three! Not some tool for your social climbing!” Fu Xiaoen scooped Ian up and stormed off, his back stiff with outrage.

*“Others might be excused, but Jiang Yao, you’re bullying Ian too? This is too much!”*

Jiang Yao sighed. Only after they left did he smile again and say, “Since it’s such a rare opportunity, why not have Master Jesse and Master Jerry sit in on the lessons as well?”

Aunt Zhou, who had been sipping soup, coughed at this. “What? This—”

Shen Mo put his foot down: “Jerry has already driven away three tutors. If he’s still unsatisfied this time, I’ll consider sending him to a public school and abandoning elite education.”

Jerry’s private tutors had never lasted more than a week. Aunt Zhou always smoothed things over, blaming the tutors or Jiang Yao for poor hiring choices.

This time, under Aili’s name, securing someone who worked for the queen would make it harder for Jerry to throw another fit.

In fact, a tantrum would be even better—a golden opportunity to put Jerry in his place! Jiang Yao’s smile deepened. Moreover, in Aunt Zhou’s eyes, depriving Jerry of elite education and relegating him to a life of ordinary happiness would likely be the most unbearable outcome!

Old Master Dero finally spoke: “Jesse! Where is Jesse?”

Jiang Yao, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, added fuel to the fire: “He only just went to bed at dawn and probably hasn’t woken yet. Master Dero, let Master Jesse rest. Once the tutor arrives, he might not get another good night’s sleep…”

Aunt Zhou’s composure finally cracked. She and Dero both rose from the table and stormed upstairs: “Jerry!”

Before long, the howls of a sixteen-year-old echoed throughout the mansion.

Jiang Yao watched the upstairs drama unfold with a smirk, catching Shen Mo’s amused gaze from the corner of his eye.

*“A clever little scheme. And we coordinated quite well.”*

*“A bit sly, like a fox.”*

The percentage above Shen Mo’s head flickered and settled at 52%. Jiang Yao smirked to himself. That stubborn Mr. Shen probably just wanted to yank him into a crushing hug, kiss him fiercely, and personally commend their perfect coordination himself, didn’t he?

Jiang Yao’s mood improved considerably—that is, until he noticed Aili’s barely concealed resentment. As he picked up the wine bottle to refill Shen Mo’s glass, Shen Mo’s mood suddenly darkened!

His wrist was suddenly grabbed—with a vise-like grip that made Jerry’s seem feeble!

Jiang Yao knew his wrist would be black and blue by morning!

*“Where did that love bite on your neck come from?”*

*“You wretched thing, you really can’t behave for even a moment!”*

Jiang Yao: “…”

Jiang Yao glanced at Aili, who was staring worriedly at her plate, unaware of the tension at the table.

“Sir?” Jiang Yao mouthed silently, glancing at Aili as a reminder to Shen Mo—your girlfriend is still here, is this really appropriate?

Shen Mo glared at his neck, abruptly stood up, and yanked Jiang Yao upstairs!

“Miss Aili! Wait… Sir…”

Aili looked up, stunned, watching the two disappear.

-

Jiang Yao was kicked in the back, sending him crashing to the floor. Before he could get up, his hips were crushed under a foot, the weight making it impossible to straighten.

“Do I have to tie you to me for you to behave?”

Jiang Yao: “I…”

Jiang Yao’s mouth was covered. Compared to the madness in Shen Mo’s heart, his lips were surprisingly soft, though inexperienced.

It was their first kiss. Shen Mo struggled to control the frenzy inside him, the only force exerted being his hand cradling the back of Jiang Yao’s head—tightening uncontrollably before his scant reason softened it again.

*“You filthy slut, you whore. How many times have you used this position to please other men? Why can’t you even pretend a little? Must you show off the marks other men left on you?”*

*“Disgusting, disgusting…”*

His tongue lightly traced Jiang Yao’s palate, feather-light, setting off an unbearable tingling that made Jiang Yao tremble.

Shen Mo lost control, gripping the back of his head, deepening the kiss with raw force—dominating and rough.

*“You make me sick. No matter how many times, no matter how much I respect your talent, nothing can mask the revulsion I feel knowing others have had you!”*

“Mmm… Ah… Shen…”

*“Can’t you quit?”*

Shen Mo tore off Jiang Yao’s tie, his hands roaming down his arms.

*“Do I have to break you in, mark you as mine, fill you up… before you’ll…”*

He kissed, caressed, needed, tangled, restrained… His body ached, desperate for release.

“Shen Mo!”

Jiang Yao resisted, succumbed, melted… stealing a few touches of Shen Mo’s back muscles.

…

Only when his tongue went numb and his lips parched did Jiang Yao finally push Shen Mo away.

*Bang!*

The sound of something heavy crashing echoed through the study. The mirror-like floor faintly reflected Shen Mo’s twisted expression as he collapsed onto it.

The counter above his head locked at 100%.

It had skyrocketed the moment they entered. Desire had robbed him of control—he hadn’t realized how far he’d gone, ripping Jiang Yao’s vest and shirt to shreds, hogtied his wrists and ankles with the tie.

This position made Jiang Yao look as pitiful as livestock headed for slaughter—completely humiliating.

The percentage above Shen Mo’s head fluctuated slowly, between 99% and 100%. Shen Mo was puzzled. He had instinctively felt the atmosphere between them was decent just moments ago, and Jiang Yao’s soft moans couldn’t have been his imagination.

So why had he been shoved away violently, only to be met with Jiang Yao’s expression full of hurt, anger and shame?

His physical reaction didn’t lie. Shen Mo looked at Jiang Yao, certain he wasn’t the only one affected. “You…”

Jiang Yao gasped, accusing, “…You’re insane! Were you just trying to force yourself on me?”

Shen Mo: “……………………”

The number above his head dropped sharply—faster than a crashing stock!

*“He’s insane?!”*

Jiang Yao said, “I’m not the crazy one here, sir.”

This was the first time Shen Mo had faced such a situation. He had been to social functions before and encountered people who came on to him only to then turn around and accuse him of misconduct for money. But he had never laid a hand on anyone—his conscience was clean.

But Jiang Yao was different. He had fantasized countless times about taking him by force.

Shen Mo’s voice was hoarse. “I’m sorry…”

“What’s an apology worth?” Jiang Yao frowned. “Get me loose.”

Shen Mo: “……”

Shen Mo hadn’t realized he had bound Jiang Yao like this. His anger was replaced by embarrassment, but as he worked on the knots, he lost control once more, his body betraying him.

*“This could work.”*

*“Helpless, unable to resist. Lock him away, let no one see him. Have my way with him. From this angle, I could grip his hips from behind…”*

“You’re tightening it even more,” Jiang Yao reminded him.

For the first time, Shen Mo flushed. “Sorry.”

Two minutes later.

Jiang Yao held his completely crumpled tie and stood opposite Shen Mo.

Shen Mo wondered uncertainly. *“…Should I take responsibility for him? If I do, will he promise to belong only to me from now on?”*

*“No, why should I stoop for a servant?”*

A dull pain pulsed in his chest. Shen Mo pressed a hand over it, his anger threatening to reignite.

“Sir, you have a fiancée,” Jiang Yao doused the moment in cold water.

Shen Mo lifted his gaze. “So?”

In Shen Mo’s mind, a man of his standing was entitled to as many women—or men—as he pleased. He didn’t understand why Jiang Yao suddenly brought this up.

Loyalty was something expected of his partner, not him. If not for his own emotional pickiness and his plans to pass the family business to Ian, he would likely have many children by now.

Jiang Yao finally understood. *No wonder. This man is moving ahead with marriage while still entangled with me. So this is what he thinks?*

“Do you love me?” Jiang Yao asked abruptly.

Shen Mo: “Impossible. But you must—”

“So I must let only you touch me?” Shen Mo heard the venom in Jiang Yao’s tone. “Sir, what exactly is our relationship?”

Shen Mo frowned. “I can give you a lot of money.”

Jiang Yao almost laughed but caught himself.

“You’re arrogant and paranoid,” Jiang Yao said with a bitter smile. “I’ve said all I need to. I only hope that one day, you’ll apologize to me.”

He straightened out the crumpled tie and retied it, trying to make himself presentable. “But since you’re about to get engaged, I suppose that day will never come.”

Shen Mo: “You want me to have only you? Jiang Yao? Aili was born into royalty. Even if she holds no title and will never be queen, she can facilitate my business expansion in the UK! You want me to give her up?”

*“Dream on.”*

Jiang Yao glanced back at Shen Mo. His face was gentle, his eyes a light amber. In the sunlight, they turned cold and indifferent, like a handful of fine desert sand.

Blown away by the wind, impossible to grasp. Once lost, he would vanish into the vast dunes, scattered beyond recovery.

Shen Mo’s heart skipped a beat, as if something had been carved out. Panic rose like a tide, creeping up from his feet, slowly swallowing him. He couldn’t move, as if awaiting his demise.

Jiang Yao gave a soft laugh. “You misunderstand, sir. I’m just a regular butler. How could I dare?”

--

Jiang Yao returned to his room and pushed open the door to find Simon waiting inside. Simon was shocked by his disheveled appearance. “Who did this to you?”

Jiang Yao rolled up his sleeve, revealing the bruises on his wrist. He rubbed them lightly, tears falling down. “Mr. Shen.”

Simon was stunned, his lips parting wordlessly.

“I’ll change,” Jiang Yao said before retreating into his room.

Simon clenched his fists and punched the couch angrily! He touched the strap of his watch—made from Jiang Yao’s worn leather bracelet—worn on his left wrist, closest to his heart.

If possible, he would help Jiang Yao escape this place.

-

Jiang Yao turned on the faucet, letting the water cover his conversation.

Aili: “How’s your backside, darling?”

Jiang Yao: “It’s taken the abuse well.”

“Hahahaha!” Aili burst into laughter. “You’re not mad I didn’t stop him, are you?”

Jiang Yao stripped off his clothes and examined his bruised body in the mirror. While calculating how much compensation he could claim from the system, he replied, “As the fiancée involved, feigning ignorance was your best move, wasn’t it? Otherwise, seeing your future husband flirting with another man, a lady of royal birth should’ve ended things politely long ago.”

“I’m relieved you understand, sweetheart. I was afraid you’d cut me off.” Aili sat at her vanity, applying her makeup. “About that etiquette teacher you asked me to find—where am I supposed to look? Do you even intend to cooperate? Are you helping Shen Mo or me?”

Jiang Yao: “No rush. I already have someone in mind.”

Aili: “You actually know someone? Are their credentials verifiable? You—”

“Yes. Use your royal connections to contact a man named John.” Jiang Yao changed clothes and pulled open a drawer, retrieving a resume.

It belonged to the middle-aged man he had met outside the Shen residence when he first arrived in G-country—the one who had been rejected. He still remembered the man boasting about having served Her Majesty the Queen!

What a coincidence.

Destiny had made them colleagues.

Aili: “You’ve done me a huge favor. Only John’s identity can hold up under scrutiny. I can guarantee an engagement with Shen Mo within two months! How can I repay you?”

Jiang Yao: “Shen Mo will pay John a hefty salary. That money’s mine.”

Aili teased: “You seem even more desperate for money than I am. Sweetheart, for a hundred million, can I have you? You’re irresistible!”

“I’ll be on top,” Jiang Yao said.

Aili: “…”

“Miss Aili, I need you to cooperate with me in playing along in a few acts.”